Toyota’s versatile petrol-electric hybrid system will find its way from the Prius into new models as part of the corporation’s plans to have a hybrid in every range by 2020.
Toyota will produce one million hybrid drivetrains this year, to be used in its Prius and Auris HSD models. It is reluctant to develop a new system for future hybrids, given the proven reliability and cost advantages of its 1.8-litre petrol engine/electric motor/nickel-metal hydride batteries system.
See pics of the Toyota FT-Ch concept
Toyota’s powertrain guru, Gerald Killman, confirmed the company would be launching more hybrids and its current hybrid system could lend itself to sporty driving characteristics.
“Our hybrid technology is adaptable,” he claimed. “There is flexibility in the application of our hybrid system; we don’t want to develop a new one when we can give ours more character.”
Toyota has long been rumoured to be developing a sporty hybrid to rival the Honda CR-Z. The FT-CH concept from the Detroit show in January previewed how such a car might look.
Asked whether new hybrids would also take the Prius name to make a family of cars, Killman said, “That’s for the marketing department to decide.”
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Re: Toyota plans 'sporty' hybrids
If the Auris will be better thant the Insight, costumers will tell, not fleet sales, company sales and fan boys...
against Diesels, Hybrids don`t have any chance, period.
Bratislava, Slovakia is the first place in Continental Europe to have a full hybrid production line, actually them produce 2 (two) models there, incidentlly, one of them is assembly is finished in Leipzig, Germany.
soon, Toyota will be remembered for had been the first to come to market with a modern Hybrid.
all other carmakers are catching up faster and with more consistency, anyway the others don`t need to waste time with floor mats.
Re: Toyota plans 'sporty' hybrids
The Auris will never be as economical as a Prius as its body is not as aerodynamically optimised. It does offer a normal body shape which appeals to many and adds very well proven hybrid running gear from the Prius which means it is streets ahead of the Honda Insight for technology and actual mpg, at a price that can match the honda and undercut the Prius by several grand.
Don't knock the Auris HSD until you give it whirl, and against a diesel Focus or Golf its a bargain. Plus its made in the UK so it makes the UK the first country in Europe and possibly anywhere outside of Japan to have a full hybrid production line.
Re: Toyota plans 'sporty' hybrids
Why can't they go with the idea Porsche have? Have the hybrid power for a HUGE load of accelaration every now and then. Now that would be a sporty Toyota.