Toyota Prius Coupe is coming to combat CR-Z! (来年1月のオートサロンで公開されるのはホンダCR-Z対抗のプリウスクーペ！)

Back in March, it was reported by Auto Express (earlier post) that Toyota is developing an exciting performance hybrid which would rival Honda’s upcoming CR-Z.

Japanese Best Car magazine is now claiming that Toyota is indeed developing such a model, based on Prius, which will be shown at next year's Auto Salon. Pininfarina and Italdesign Giugiaro are among the design studios considered for developing the design.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Text in Japanese

トヨタは宣伝部を解体し、新マーケティング会社を設立。その会社が手がけるクルマの第1弾がプリウスをベースとしたニューモデルという情報を独占入手。そのクルマがここで紹介するプリウスクーペで、イタリアンデザインをまとっての登場となる。イタリアのカロッツェリアが手がけたデザインというだけでもクルマ好きの食指が動くはずの注目モデルだ。ピニンファリーナ、イタルデザインなどが考えられるが、これまでのトヨタ車とは一線を画すモデルであることは間違いない。CR-Zは東京モーターショーで市販モデルを公開し、来年2月に発表されるが、発表のタイミング的にはCR-Zの対抗馬と考えるのが妥当。心の底から楽しみなプリウスクーペの情報が読めるのはBC9月26日号だけ！
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Best Car magzine

Toyota developing a rival for Honda’s upcoming CR-Z?

The MR2 is making a comeback, Auto Express can reveal. Toyota is developing an exciting performance hybrid which would revive the much loved sports car and rival Honda’s upcoming CR-Z.

It’s set to swap its predecessor’s roadster shape for that of a compact coupé. Under the skin will be a rear-wheel-drive chassis, a paddleshift gearbox and a specially developed version of the Prius’s hybrid powertrain.

The new model will boast an amazing blend of performance, economy and low emissions, all wrapped up in a stunning body. It would be a fitting successor to the MR2, which ceased production in 2007.

Speaking exclusively to Auto Express at the Geneva Motor Show, Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto said: “We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car.

“We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000), as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius’s, with greater responsiveness.”

These artist’s impressions give you an idea of how it will look. At the front it mixes cues from Toyota’s FT-HS sports car concept with a deep lower air intake, while the side has a kick up on the door towards the roof. At the rear are lights from the FT-HS and a neat diffuser-style lower bumper.

The key challenge for Toyota will be developing a powertrain that’s sporty to drive. It will have to improve the rate at which the batteries charge and discharge, for razor-sharp responses.

If the company gets it right, the car could do 0-60mph in seven seconds, yet return 60mpg and emit less than 100g/km of CO2. A new MR2 would be a desirable addition to the range, but Toyota is concentrating more on family hybrids at the moment, with 10 being launched over the next 12 months.

Source: Auto Express

Speculation about future Prius Coupe

Motortrend has published the article below, claiming that Toyota is currently working on a Prius Coupe. Toyota though, via Toyota Open Road blog, has already stated that no decision about a Prius brand has been made, no product has been identified, and there certainly has been no timetable established for the rollout of such a brand (read the full article here). Toyota might be working on a hybrid coupe car in order to compete with the upcoming Honda CR-Z, but it seems that it will not be related to Prius.

Article from Motortrend:

"Toyota is developing a range of Priuses that will include a small pickup based on the 2008 A-BAT concept and a sporty, 2+2 coupe to compete with Honda's upcoming CRZ hybrid coupe. The Prius coupe will have a lower roofline than that of the all-new 2010 Prius hatchback sedan launching this year and will share its powertrain.

The 2010 Prius sedan's battery technology is carried over from the 2004-2009 model, but its 1.5-liter engine may get a small bump in displacement or power output with no penalty in fuel economy. Since the 2+2 coupe will be significantly lighter than the hatchback sedan, having the same powertrain means it will be quicker and faster. Think 1984 Honda CRX with a standard Civic four-cylinder.

We still can't say whether the A-BAT pickup, expected as a production truck no earlier than calendar 2010, will be badged a Toyota or a Scion. Management has decided to return Scion to its original mission of offering only one generation of each model, which would limit the A-BAT's lifespan. A small hybrid pickup would go far in improving Toyota's Corporate Average Fuel Economy for trucks, so you can expect it would be around for more than one product lifecycle."

Source: Motortrend