Ahead of the Detroit Auto Show Toyota released two images of a new hybrid concept that they will unveil.

PRESS RELEASE:

Toyota to Debut Dedicated Hybrid Concept at 2010 North American International Auto Show

TORRANCE, Calif., December 14, 2009 - - Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. will stage the world debut of a new dedicated hybrid concept vehicle during the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The vehicle will be revealed during a news conference held on Monday, January 11th in the Riverview Ballroom at COBO Hall. News conference schedules are being finalized and exact timing will be revealed in the coming weeks.

 

Hybrid IQ?

 

Interesting wheels...

 

I was hoping that this was going to be a compact 4 door Insight competitor. I don't see a market for a 2 door 4 seat supermini hybrid, but I guess we'll see in a few weeks what this is!

 

I'm looking at where the headlight is and how short that hood is....seems very small.

Here is the old IQ concept.

Production

 

definetly something iq based... but then again, they said next yaris will be based on iq tech.

 

I remember hearing that. Maybe all of Toyota's future subcompacts will have the iQ's impossibly short nose? Something like this I suppose...

 

I think it's something larger than a 2 door. I think I can see a pane of glass behind the driver's side door one.

 

Whenever I see the IQ I think of this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMA-CQAFGyU

 

keep in mind that iQ while having , what it looks like small engine bay, can fit all engines that Yaris can - 1.0l petrol, 1.33 petrol and 1.4 D4D diesel engine ;-).

and front driver/passenger space in iQ is bigger than in Corolla... even in the back, i could sit behind passanger, despite what on the outside seems like very small vehicle.

 

I can only imagine the insane mpg that little hybrid will get. I am still tripping out on the fact that the RX400h get 30+ mpg. I can imagine this thing will be in the mid 50 mpg

 

One would hope. I believe that Toyota needs to invest in a small motor for their hybrids (say 1.6 to 2.0L) and pull out all of the stops. Utilize dual valve timing and direct injection. Offset the costs by equipping Yaris, Corolla, Matrix, with them. Offer turbo powered ones for HS, Rav 4, and Camry. The 1.5L and 1.8L engine are not optimal engines for the likes of a Prius.

 

I am not sure what you wrote there, whatsoever. Literally scratching my head (:P).
you think they should use 1.6l to 2.0l instead of 1.5l to 1.8l? What is the difference between them exactly? They should use turbos in hybrids? Valvematic and Direct Injection in atkison cycle engines?

Would you feel better if they stick those stickers on the engine cover ;-).
Because putting turbo in hybrids is ... what exactly is the electric motor than turbo? You want bigger motors? Needs bigger batteries - thats why GS450h is so fast.

As discussed before, they use atkinson cycle because engines in HSD are already optimized to run at certain rpms, which negates positive sides of valvematic and direct injection, and leaves us with cost and complexity.

Who cares what is written on the engine cover anyway, both 1.8 HSD in Prius and 3.5l in RX are class leading engines. They are probably going to be expanding them up and down, but there is no big cost difference between 1.6l and 1.8l and 2.0l engine, cost and technology is in the HSD system.

 

its called a prius!

 

I wouldn't call the 1.8L class leading, which is why I think that a suitable replacement is in order. I didn't say that they should use turbos in hybrids. However, you assert that the electric motor can be compared to a turbo (which is accurate) however current battery technology greatly limits the practical amount of power from a hybrid vs. a turbo. I've never heard of the atkinson cycle eliminating the need for DI or valvematic and I'm no novice when it comes to cars. Where you got the idea from is beyond me, but perhaps you should write to Lexus and BMW and tell them that they are doing it wrong.