These shots of the 2010 Toyota Prius have jumped the gun on its launch by just a few hours. Although we've got nothing official as far as data goes, the Priuschatters have assembled a bit of likely data regarding the newest Smugmobile:

- similar to the power of 2.4l engine - 164 hp?
- 1.2 mil Priuses sold so far
- better mpg than before
- solar ventilation for interior, built into the moon roof
- remote air conditioning activation even when car is off (world first)
- by mid may it should be sold everywhere
- 90% all new hybrid system
- highest fuel efficiency of any sedan
- LED headlights
- hybrid info screen at the combination meter
- S-VSC (small modifications of steering wheel angle done by the VSC)
- precrash (and radar distance control?)

We're going to let this little beauty in the gallery just rest on your palate as it sinks in and delivers all of the robust flavor it has to offer. Tell us what you think about it below in the comments - If you don't have a commenter account yet, drop Petey an email and he'll fix you up, stat.

[Embargo break via NetCarShow]

Here's the first official video of the 2010 Toyota Prius set to debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month. It features none other than the Blue Man Group. Oh joy, this should be fun.

[via YouTube]

At The Front

One: The most obvious change from generation to generation is at the front, and the first sign that this is something new comes from the headlights. The previous generation said "aerodynamic" while the new, feathered lights say "sporty" more than anything.
Two: The new grille is also far more aggressive, shifting the logo into the middle with a pointed, almost F1-esque nose crease.
Three: Like the 2009 Toyota Matrix, the new Prius' nose features a lower front airdam with a dual-foglight package.
Four: Compared to the previous generation, the cab appears slightly further forward. It is hard to say if this is just an illusion created by the lower placement of the mirror and angle of the beltline or an actual change. Either way, the effect is to create a more forward leaning stance.
FIve: The little crease at the edge of the bumper could be an aerodynamic touch or purely aesthetic.

Mid Section

One: The line running along the center of the doors in the previous generation has been moved down further along the wheel wells, which makes the new Prius look tall-and-squat as opposed to long-and-lean. This appears to be an answer to the charge that the previous generation looked like a wedge or a jellybean.
Two: As mentioned, the beltline is raked towards the A-pillar, giving it a runner's stance.
Three: The rocker panels are now larger and more enhanced, appearing to flare a bit at the rear wheel well.
Four: The blacked-out B-pillar look has been transferred from generation to generation and the overall shape of the greenhouse hasn't been significantly altered.
FIve: The slab-slided Prius is no more. The doors angle further in towards the greenhouse with a line that carries from the front quarter panel back toward the shoulders.

Rear

One: We're waiting for a better picture of the rear, but in the meantime it appears the larger presence of the rocker panels has created a line that moves around the rear of the car that's picked up the sheet metal. The purpose of the black wings along the edge of the previous model was primarily aerodynamic and it looks better with body-matching paint.
Two: Though there is a new look for the shoulders, with new definition, the car retains a similar, if slightly less angled, C-Pillar.
Three: More fanny? Hard to say, but it looks like there is more junk in that trunk.
Four: Wheel design for the Prius has always been of the "appliance" variety. These sporty, flared five-spokes clearly point to a new direction.
FIve: The gas tank now appears to be on the other side — just kidding. These are opposite sides of the car.

NextAutos whispers that the next-gen 2010 Toyota Prius could be part of

"a whole family of Prius models. That means that we also will see a station wagon and maybe even a convertible with the Prius badge."

Is it the 2010 Toyota Prius? Maybe. All we know is it looks to be either a test vehicle for the next-gen Prius or the worst application of after-market Prius accessories we've ever seen. Unfortunately we're not expecting solar panels until the 2011 Prius, so that doesn't help us. Nor do we see any Chinese-made "Made In The USA" stickers — of course that won't be slapped on the side either until 2011, so there's really nothing we can see to distinguish this Prius from the 2009 Toyota Prius in front of it. Well, except for the heavy white tape and plastic. Although we shouldn't complain about this Prius' looks. At least it's not killing anyone. (Hat tip to Cord!) [Mr. Ben @ Flickr]