You might think it odd we bothered to find that out since the first two Prius generations were hardly vehicles meriting anything approaching spirited driving. But this third generation vehicle, fitted with a larger 1.8-liter engine producing a net 134 HP is actually pretty fun to drive, at least when equipped with the optional 17-inch wheels.

Those wheels bring with them a quicker steering rack, firmer dampers and less efficiency-oriented tires. The result is a car that drives less like a rolling tub of Jello and more like you think a mid-size hatchback that hits 60 MPH in 9.8 seconds equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission should. In fact, it's good enough we spent the majority of a day driving it on twisty Northern California roads, overtaking many, supposedly faster vehicles, and generally enjoyed harming the environment. In a Prius.

Driving up to Sonoma from San Francisco in a second generation Prius - the one that's currently on sale - during a terrible thunderstorm, the experience couldn't have been more different. As someone who's spent years carefully honing his driving skills, my feeling of safety in a vehicle is in direct proportion to the amount of control I have over it. The second gen Prius delivers virtually nothing in the way of feel from either the steering or brakes, yaws like a ship in corners, is ridiculously slow and is generally the antithesis of what I look for. In pitch black driving rain and high winds I constantly felt out of control, which for a control freak is not a good feeling. I was more scared driving that old Prius than I would have been riding a motorcycle in the same conditions.

Of course, the new Prius comes stock with 15-inch wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, slow steering and lots of body roll, but its still a marked improvement over previous generations. I'd put it on par with the smaller, cheaper and less fuel-efficient 2010 Honda Insight that I drove late last year.

Part of the Prius's driving success comes from its new three-setting drive mode selector. Drivers can choose Eco Mode, which slows down response from the throttle; Power Mode, which speeds up that response; and Normal Mode, which sits somewhere between the two. We quickly got fed up with the poor response in Eco Mode and spent the day in Power, enjoying the transmission's increased willingness to move the revs into the power band when the throttle was planted.

As you'd expect, it's not all positives for the driving experience. When equipped with 17-inch wheels, the body control and steering are on par with most European mid-size hatches, but the transmission's ability to quickly turn throttle input into acceleration is somewhat lacking. This is most apparent when transitioning from maintenance to wide-open throttle mid-corner, somewhat spoiling the driver's ability to fully exploit the Prius's chassis. Also calling and end to the fun is an over eager stability control system that can't be fully defeated. But the fact that we're complaining about artificial limitations placed on the outright ability of a car that's historically been utterly boring, if not completely lacking in driving dynamics of any sort, is probably the best compliment we can give it.

The Prius is also a nicer place to spend time, with more room in the rear seat for big boys and girls, nicer materials and a lot of fancy tech features that are fun to use. Foremost of those is the Touch Tracer Display, which replicates inputs on the steering wheel mounted controls in the in-dash display. It sounds silly, but provides useful feedback for systems that can normally be distracting to use on the move. Unfortunately, there are also downsides to the revised interior. Foremost on our list of things we don't like are the heated seat switches, which have bizarrely been located down by the driver's feet. We predict a class action lawsuit filed by completely detestable human beings who couldn't figure out that they probably shouldn't attempt to operate these controls on the move within the year.

While the Prius uses a similarly functional economy gauge to the Honda Insight and Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota's falls behind both in usefulness and far behind Ford's in looks. Toyota knows that Prius buyers are big tech fans, offering a variety of options like the solar sunroof, Lane Keep Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and automatic parallel parking systems to try and give them something to spend money on, but we think a more useful and better looking economy meter, like Ford's, would go much further in meeting the desires of those buyers.

When we showed Toyota our wobbly shot of the Prius's gauges at 102 MPH, they expressed disappointment that we hadn't maxed the car out to its 112 MPH top speed and not at all worried about our instantaneous MPG figure. We tried pretty hard to get that figure as low as possible for that shot (running the battery down as low as possible, then flooring the gas pedal), but for the rest of the day, even while driving quickly on back roads, we averaged between 40 and 70 MPG. Most buyers driving like normal people can expect to regularly exceed the 51 MPG city/48 highway EPA figure, while devoted hypermilers will see figures in the mid-70 MPG range.

While the new Prius remains far from the top of our Best Driving Cars list, it's also now far from the bottom, where it used to reside. Not only is it the most fuel-efficient vehicle for sale in America, but it combines that newfound efficiency with the dynamics, space and experience of a normal car. While we wouldn't buy one, we'd now be pretty happy if we got a Prius as a rental car or had to buy one for our more eco-minded significant others. We'd just make sure it was one with 17-inch wheels.

When the 2010 Toyota Prius officially launches this spring, it will now officially receive a combined EPA estimated fuel efficiency rating of 50 MPG — that's an estimated city/highway mpg rating of 50 in the city, 49 on the highway.This blows away the first-generation Prius, which was rated at an EPA combined 41 MPG. It even blows away the current-generation Prius with its EPA combined 46 MPG combined city/highway. All this despite being bigger, longer and more...horsepower-y. We'll have our drive impression sometime later this month, so you'll have to wait to find out if Toyota's taken this more-efficient Prius from bland to, you know, another, stronger shade of vanilla. Heck, maybe it's even moved up to "cream." You'll have to wait to find out. Full press release from Toyota below:

50 MPG with Additional Horsepower, New and Innovative Technology, Improved Aerodynamics, More Head and Legroom

YOUNTVILLE, Calif. (March 2, 2009) — When it launches this spring, the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius will once again set new standards for innovative hybrid design and technology, raising its level of convenience features and performance to new heights, including a combined EPA estimated fuel efficiency rating of 50 miles-per-gallon.

Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than 1.2 million owners worldwide for more than 10 years.

The midsize third-generation 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.

"The Prius has evolved with our customers over the past 10 years and is now more things to more people," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. "It's environmental, innovative, and practical. It's an everyday car for everyday use, and when it goes on sale a few months from now, we believe that its new features will appeal to returning owners, while at the same time attract buyers who are looking for innovative technology with a hybrid powertrain."

An Eco-Icon

Prius entered the market in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The name Prius, "to go before" in Latin, became symbolic of a car that was launched even before environmental awareness had become a mainstream social issue.

From the beginning, Toyota's full-hybrid system was developed almost entirely in-house and has become a driving force behind advanced vehicle technology. The company's exclusive Hybrid Synergy Drive System was introduced in 2004 on the second-generation Prius. Since then, more than 700,000 have been sold in the U.S.

In designing the new, third-generation Prius, Toyota engineers combined a careful refinement of existing systems with an aggressive measure of new technology necessary for the future of automobiles.

During the development of the Prius, more than 1,000 applications for patents were filed worldwide.

Improved Fuel Economy, Power and Environmental Performance

The new Prius will be built using processes that reduce pollution in every stage of vehicle life, from production and driving, through to disposal.

The third-generation Prius extends its record of continuous improvement in fuel economy. The first-generation Prius, which was rated 41 EPA combined mpg, was replaced by the current model, which is EPA rated at 46 miles per gallon (mpg), combined city/highway. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency was increased to an EPA estimated city/highway mpg rating of 50 in the city, 49 on the highway and a combined 50 mpg for the new Prius.

A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine will produce 98 horsepower at 5,200 rpm in the new Prius. Together with its electric motor the hybrid system in the new Prius will generate a combined net horsepower of 134, an improvement of 24 horsepower over the previous generation.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, the larger engine actually helps improve highway mileage. By making more torque, the new engine can run at lower average rpm on the highway. When operating at lower rpm, the new engine uses less fuel. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds.

Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine's efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance.

A multi-information display panel that monitors fuel and energy consumption is standard. It provides feedback on the Prius' efficiency using three different displays to help the driver acquire economical driving habits.

Unlike most other hybrid vehicles available, Prius has been an uncompromised "full" hybrid since introduction. This allows it to run on engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. The system blends the best of parallel hybrid and series hybrid designs to achieve the ability to operate on the electric mode alone, and to charge the batteries while the car is running.

The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Prius is 90 percent newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models.

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The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20 percent compared to the previous model.
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The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight.
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Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20 percent lighter.
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A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration.

The new Prius will offer three alternative driving modes. EV Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps drivers achieve their best mileage.

The new Prius will be certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in California, as well as those states adopting California emission standards. The AT-PZEV certification requires the SULEV exhaust standard linked with the ability to meet a zero-fuel-evaporative standard, a 150,000-mile durability demonstration, extended emissions system warranty, and technology deemed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to advance future fuel cell vehicles. In the rest of the country, Prius will be certified as Tier 2, Bin 3. The new Prius will produce over 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.

Cutting Edge Styling

In designing the new Prius, aerodynamic performance was an important factor. The goal was to create a beautiful silhouette, while not compromising function. Designers preserved the dynamic triangle form of the

current model—instantly recognizable as a Prius—but made alterations to the overall profile, pillar position and angle. The front pillar, extended forward, helps refine the performance-focusing, shaped form.

The overall height of the Prius is the same, but the roof profile is altered by moving the top of the roof 3.9 inches to the rear. This emphasizes the wedge shape, and also allows for enhanced rear headroom and improved aerodynamics.

The design of the new Prius' front and rear corners are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the glazed geometric shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance.

Dimensionally, the new Prius has the same wheelbase as the current generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward.

One of the World's Lowest Cd

The new Prius received more wind tunnel hours of testing than any other Toyota in history, resulting in one of the cleanest aerodynamic profiles of any mass-produced vehicle in the world. By focusing on the shape of the body, underfloor, wheelhouse liner and shape of the wheels, the designers of the new Prius were able to reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model. The airflow under the car was studied extensively. Engineers made changes to the shape of the fender liner, front surface of the underfloor, and added a fin at the rear floor cover to increase linear stability.

Advanced Equipment For a New Era

An available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a new ventilation system. This solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.

The new Prius also offers a remote air-conditioning system. It is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone, and allows remote operation so the driver can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.

LEDs (light emitting diodes), optional in low beam headlamps and standard in tail and stop lamps, help reduce the vehicle's power consumption. Air conditioning, a major energy drain, has been re-engineered to increase efficiency and cool-down performance. In addition, an exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved performance. It also heats up the passenger cabin more efficiently.

Enhanced Vehicle Performance

The next-generation Prius is built on a new platform, which enables improved handling stability, quieter operation, and collision safety. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear intermediate beam design, as before, but handling stability is advanced by improving the stabilizer layout, higher caster angle and tuning the bushing characteristics. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.

Weight was saved through use of aluminum in the hood, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. To meet customer expectations for everyday performance, zero-to-60 acceleration has been improved to 9.8 seconds.

Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping, has been installed in various locations to reduce road noise.

Functional Interior Is Bigger on the Inside

Proving that small changes add up to big gains, the cargo area of the new Prius was expanded 0.4 inches in length and 2.2 inches in width by using a new and an improved layout of the battery cooling unit.

Rear seat legroom is enhanced by a new space-saving contoured front-seat design.

Viewed from the cockpit, the center cluster smoothly flows from the instrument panel to the console. Handy storage space has been added under the shift lever by taking advantage of the shift-by-wire system. Simple, fin-type air vents are consistent with the cabin's efficient appearance. Judicious use of silver accents adds a finished, technical feel.

A new Touch Tracer Display features touch sensors on the steering wheel switches that are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road. When the driver touches the audio or info switch located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. Touch Tracer is the first display system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel.

The ECO indicator on the Multi-Informational Display (MID) provides driver feedback for lower fuel consumption.

In pursuit of developing various advanced technologies aimed at realizing sustainable mobility, Toyota will use plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in the 2010 Prius. The newly-developed plastics, known as "ecological plastic," will be used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during a product lifecycle (from manufacturing to disposal) than plastic made solely from petroleum; it also helps reduce petroleum use.

Safety Enhancements

The new Prius was designed to comply with class-top level collision safety performance in each global region of sale, and to accommodate increasingly strict safety requirements in the future.

In addition to advanced driver and front passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags and driver's knee airbag are standard equipment.

Active headrests are used in both front seats to reduce the possibility of whiplash in a collision. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are included with Toyota's standard Star Safety System.

A Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using advanced millimeter wave radar, is an available option. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable.

Next-generation Intelligent Parking Assist features simplified settings to help guide the car into parking spaces.

A backup monitor, which provides a view of rear obstacles when reverse is engaged, is available with an optional voice-activated navigation system. Safety Connect, Toyota's first safety and security service, includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and an SOS call button. Safety Connect will be available a few months after launch.

New Model Strategy

Prius will come in one grade with four different standard equipment packages named II, III, IV and V, each with varying levels of exterior and interior features, allowing buyers to choose the Prius that will best fit their needs (see a complete list of standard features for each model in the attached specification documents).

Option Packages

In addition to its array of standard equipment an impressive list of comfort and convenience features are offered in these three simplified option packages:

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A Navigation Package available on Prius models III, IV, and V, includes a voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with a JBL AM/FM/four-CD changer with integrated XM satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth® wireless technology, eight speakers and a backup camera.
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A Solar Roof Package, available in Prius models III and IV, includes all contents in the Navigation Package, a power tilt/slide moonroof with a solar powered ventilation system and a remote air conditioning system.
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An Advanced Technology Package, available in Prius model V, includes all contents in the Navigation Package; a Pre-Collision System; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Lane Keep Assist (LKA); and IPA.

Color and Trim

Prius will be available in seven exterior colors including Blizzard Pearl, Sandy Beach Metallic, Blue Ribbon Metallic, Winter Gray Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Barcelona Red Metallic and Black. They will be mated to three interior colors that include Misty Gray, Dark Gray and Bisque. All three interior colors will be available in both fabric and leather.

Peace of Mind Warranty Protection

Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against corrosion with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. In applicable states (including Calif., Mass., N.Y, N.J., Vt., Conn., Maine, N.M., and R.I.) hybrid-related component coverage is 15 years/150,000 miles with the exception of the hybrid battery which is warranted for 10 years/ 150,000 miles.

Pricing for the 2010 Prius will be announced shortly before it goes on sale in late spring.

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If our sources at Green Hybrid are correct, this is a teaser for the upcoming 2010 Toyota Prius. No, really. Of course, we'd be surprised if anybody actually felt any sensation of anticipation from this photo. Who knew Toyota could release an even worse teaser than the first one? Although this shot does finally confirm speculation at least one part of the vehicle is capable of being opened and closed. Fascinating. We're going to take a nap now.

[via GreenHybrid]

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]

"But solar power is not seen as a viable solution to power cars. Solar panels are expensive due to rising silicon prices and storing energy is difficult, the source said. It was unknown how much the solar panels on the new Prius cars would cost, or how many solar-mounted versions Toyota would build."