The next generation of the flagship Toyota hybrid, the Prius, hasn’t yet been unveiled. However, there is quite a bit of speculation about what that new vehicle will look like, as well as what kinds of design changes may be coming.
The new Prius hybrid is expected to have a significant amount of redesign. The new Toyota hybrid will have a more modern look on the inside, for example. The center upright console is expected to be replaced with a bridge-like design, that will flow from the dashboard toward the center storage bin, located between the front seats. In addition, it is thought there will be a new storage compartment under the center console.
The gearshifter will also move to the center console, and will resemble a manual gearshifter.
It is expected that the large screen on the dash, which shows a diagram of the hybrid motor and lets drivers know when they’re getting better fuel economy, is expected to stay. The screen will move from the dash to the center console.
The new Prius should arrive some time in the United States in 2009.
Beyond this new vehicle, however, more changes are coming. For example, it is expected that a plugin hybrid version of the Prius may be released within the next few years, taking Toyota fuel economy to a whole new level.
