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Toyota plans to go full-bore with third-generation Prius.
When someone tosses around the word “hybrid”, one vehicle typically first comes to mind: the Toyota Prius. The first generation model was introduced in ‘00 as a ’01 model while the second generation model came out in ’03 as an ’04 model.
The original Prius got Americans talking about hybrid vehicles, but it was the second generation model that really set things in motion for Toyota and its aim to equip the bulk of its lineup with hybrid technology. The second generation Prius — classified as a mid-size sedan — manages to achieve EPA ratings of 48 MPG/45 MPG city/highway thanks to its 1.5-liter gasoline engine and its hybrid-electric system.
Toyota is looking to boost the appeal and size of the third generation Prius which is due to be unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle will catch the disease that seems to afflict every new vehicle redesign these days: further increases in exterior dimensions. According to AutoObserver, the next Prius will gain roughly four inches in length and an inch in width.
The larger Prius will also be powered by a new 1.8 liter gasoline engine. Power will increase from 75 HP today to around 100 HP. This will push the combined gasoline engine/Hybrid Synergy Drive combination to 160 HP. The increased displacement should allow the third generation Prius to accelerate faster and should squash any performance complaints leveled against the current model.
As stated in previous DailyTech articles, the third generation Prius will continue using nickel-metal hydride batteries for its initial run. Toyota will switch over to more efficient lithium-ion batteries as soon as performance, safety, and production concerns are ironed out. The use of lithium-ion batteries should also allow for better packing efficiencies and a longer driving range when operating in electric-only mode.
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A Yahoo board meeting Friday authorized talks with both Microsoft and Time Warner (AOL) next week.
According to a New York Times report quoting sources, Yahoo’s board met to evaluate Microsoft’s takeover bid and other alternatives but did not make a formal decision on which option to pursue.
The fence sitting from Yahoo provides some solace to Microsoft after a week where an AOL-Yahoo deal was said to be close at hand.
The Times also quoted a “person briefed on the discussions” between News Corp and Microsoft for the former to join the bid for Yahoo as describing the discussions as being only “conceptual..suggesting that a joint bid was unlikely.”
(source img credit: RedBrick Blog)
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