A new family of hybrids built under a Prius sub-brand is expected for Toyota’s next-generation of petrol-electric vehicles, but with the global debut of the first of these cars not due until mid next year solid details are hard to come by. The latest word indicates that Toyota is building a second dedicated hybrid model - meaning it will have no standard-engine counterpart - to offer a larger, more luxurious platform for the brand’s customers.

Lexus is also expected to debut a full-hybrid model when the next generation of Toyota’s vehicles debuts in Japan next year. The new Lexus is expected to be simply a re-badged version of the new Toyota model and both cars are expected to share styling elements with the third-generation Prius due around the same time. It will also possibly include features shown in the Hybrid X concept (pictured), first shown at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.

Bigger engines, more space and better equipment
Although the Lexus will clearly be the more luxurious of the two, both of the new hybrids from Toyota’s design works are expected to grow in size and power in relation to the current Prius. While the next-generation of the car that fanned the flames of the hybrid movement is expected to grow slightly in displacement to 1.6-litres, the new large hybrid will get a powerplant sized between 2.0 and 2.5-litres.

Increased room will offer better comfort and accommodation for larger individuals and families, while the larger engine will provide the power necessary to move the extra weight and bulk of the new car.

The car is also being planned for high-volume output. Currently the company’s Fukuoka plant is tasked with the construction of SUVs like the Toyota Kluger and Lexus RX, but with shifting consumer demand, the company is looking to replace some of that production with hybrids. Between the Toyota and Lexus versions of the car, as many as 100,000 units per year could be sold.

Next-generation Prius range to spawn three variants
One new car in the Prius range is expected to arrive in each of the next three years, starting in 2009. Known so far only by their code names of ‘A, B and C’, the three new models will add range and depth to the Prius name. Advanced features like solar panels and possibly plug-in recharging are also expected for the next generation of Toyota hybrids.

A small hatch and an estate-like model are expected to join the ‘B’ model, which is tipped as a larger and more powerful Prius - essentially the new dedicated model discussed above. With these new additions Toyota is targeting the remaining segments of the market that might be interested in hybrid technology but for whatever reason prefer alternate body styles and sizes.

Whether Lexus is also considering importing either of these cars into its lineup is unknown, though it is unlikely considering their expected smaller size and economy-oriented image.

One thing that Toyota has made clear is that it intends to keep the instant recognisability of the Prius through future generations, meaning the single, continuous arch from the front of the car to the rather bluff rear overhang is a likely design characteristic for future use. Keeping a major architectural cue allows a great deal of flexibility in the details while allowing a clear brand image to remain.

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