It also seems the rumor of asymmetric headlights can be put to bed even though the first set of unofficial images showed such a thing. Oh well, still looks smiley even though it'll no longer be winking at us. It's going to be a long slog to the Detroit Auto Show next January where the Prius is set to be revealed. [PriusChat]

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.

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]

The new Toyota Prius was caught this morning driving again through the streets of San Francisco. We've seen the 2011 Toyota Prius testing in SF before, but never with such camera phone graininess. See if you can glean anything from this new shot. We know we can't.

(Thanks Nick!)

Those waiting to see the 2010 Toyota Prius sans camouflage shall wait no longer now that Toyota has dropped their first official teaser shot of the next-gen Prius at Prius Chat. What is it, exactly? You're most likely looking at the new logo as displayed on the start-up screen for the new Prius. OMG! WTF! SO EXCITING! The logo is clearly tougher than the previous generation's look, perhaps readying itself for war with the fuel-sipping challengers on the horizon. Unofficial but revealing spy photos of the next generation Prius below.

(Thanks to Danny for the tip) [Prius Chat]

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Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Since credits could reach as high as $7,500 for light-duty vehicles, the potential impact of the legislation is significant; however, if Toyota brings in a competitive product for less money than the Volt would cost, even with tax breaks figured in, we'd imagine the impact on their bottom line would be minimal. Knowing Toyota, that's exactly what they plan to do, but we certainly can't blame them for whining about a "level playing field." The domestics have been doing it for years. [Detroit News]

This isn't merely idle talk. Toyota successfully created the Scion brand as an alternative to its larger brand. Additionally, Toyota's North American Sales Chief Jim Lentz told Reuters that "there is a definite desire for us to [create a Prius brand]" and that new dealerships were being constructed with space for the eco-brand. This could mean smaller hybrids, sportier hybrids and possibly even small truck hybrids. This isn't the first time we've mentioned this possibility, and Toyota has denied it in the past, but this new statement seems to point towards a company at least floating test balloons relating to the idea. [Reuters via Automobile]

Maybe. Unlike the VW Golf Twin Drive and Hybrid Diesel Golf, the BlueMotion is actually destined for production. Currently a “concept,” VW intends to offer a BlueMotion Golf for sale in Europe “around mid-2009.” We’re going to assume VW will give the Golf the misjudged Rabbit name when US sales begin some time next year, and while we don’t expect to see a Rabbit pee version sold here, the entry level 2.0-liter TDI still manages to return 52 MPG (US) in the European combined cycle. Expect it to deliver combined fuel economy figures in the low to mid 40s when certified here.

99 G/KM, 74 MPG: GOLF BLUEMOTION CONCEPT SETS NEW BENCHMARKS

Volkswagen has today unveiled the remarkable Golf BlueMotion concept vehicle, a car capable of achieving a combined 74.3 mpg while emitting just 99 g/km of CO2. This matches the economy of the Polo BlueMotion, itself among the most efficient vehicles currently on sale.

The BlueMotion label was first attributed to the Polo in 2006 and represents the most efficient model in each of Volkswagen’s passenger car ranges. Since the Polo made its debut, BlueMotion versions of the Golf Mk V, Golf Estate, Golf Plus, Jetta, Touran, Passat, Passat Estate and Sharan have been launched.

The new Golf BlueMotion concept is powered by a highly-efficient and refined 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine developing 105 PS and 184 lbs ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. Despite the focus on economy the Golf BlueMotion concept can reach 62 mph from rest in a respectable 11.3 seconds before going on to a top speed of 117 mph.

As with all BlueMotion models the Golf BlueMotion adopts a series of changes to drivetrain and aerodynamics in order to maximise the vehicle’s efficiency. A set of low rolling resistance tyres are joined by optimised aerodynamics and revised ratios in the five speed gearbox. The resulting combination of changes works to reduce loading on the engine to drive up economy and reduce emissions.

In common with every diesel model in the forthcoming new Golf range the BlueMotion concept is fitted with a diesel particulate filter.

Even in standard non-BlueMotion form, the new Golf sets new economy standards. The entry-level diesel Golf will be powered by a 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail engine capable of achieving 62 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 119 g/km of CO2. This matches the economy of the current Golf BlueMotion model.

The new Golf will go on sale in the UK in January next year; the BlueMotion model will follow around mid 2009.

[VW]

Difference #1: Instead of going with the stylized T, as on the Prius, the new Insight has a very defined H above the grille. This is a difference of 11 letter positions in the alphabet and a sign that Honda is the true Maverick in this race.

Difference #2: The Toyota Prius is very noticeable from the rear because of its squarer clear taillights housing red LED lights. The engineers from Honda have focused on a more angular look for their clear taillights with red LED lights.

Difference #3: Honda stepped out with some fairly trick split five-spoke wheels that look much hotter than the boring seven-spoke Prius design. We're not sure if these will make it from concept to reality.

Difference #4: The Prius has been faulted for its bland nose and utilitarian look, which Honda has countered with a more Honda CRZ-inspired front; it's more dramatic, modern and captivating in its vanilla quasi-Dave look. The design makes the new Insight look like a more expensive car than the Prius.

Difference #5: Toyota engineers love boxes and Honda deviated wildly from this path by introducing a round fuel access cover. That's change you can not only believe in, but it's change that signals the outside-the-box thinking you've come to expect from Honda.

Difference #6: As opposed to headlights that wrap upwards from a sharply curving grille, the Insight's lights curve outward from a sharply curving grille. It's so different — like apples and pears.

Difference #7: One of the features that differentiates the Prius from other cars on the road, visually, is that little window behind the A-pillar and ahead of the mirrors. The low belt-line of both of these cars necessitates such a move but Honda hides it, using a cheater panel aft of the mirror and a supporting strip behind the mirror. It's a smart design change that'll really help separate it from the crowd.

So there you have it — two totally different vehicles. No matter what your eyes tell you.

[Wired]

GM has a two-pronged approach, offering both the 2011 Chevy Volt and 45 MPG Chevy Cruze. Honda is banking on their new Honda hybrid and three others to deliver the green blow. Will it be a hybrid car? An electric car? A diesel car?. There are a lot of options out there, but what, if anything, will finally usurp the Prius as the eco ride with the highest sales? Which automaker will be the Highlander?

The energy plan also calls for an increase fuel economy standards 4% per year, up to $4 billion in retooling tax credits and loan guarantees for domestic auto plants and parts manufacturers to support their manufacture of the new fuel-efficient cars, a mandate for all new vehicles to be flex-fuel vehicles, and a call for America to develop next-generation biofuels and the required infrastructure.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: We're as wary of campaign promises as the next guys, but some of the elements of Obama's proposal make sense. While a plug-in White House fleet is just a nice PR move, significant tax credits that encourage people to take a chance on new technology is good for both consumers and automakers. Additionally, while we don't think any US automaker bailouts are a good idea, providing loan guarantees and retooling tax credits for domestic manufacturers will provide them with needed breathing room as they realign their product mix. Do they deserve that breathing room after gorging themselves on trucks for a decade? Debatable, but to paraphrase: You go to market with the car companies you have, not the car companies you want. [Green Car Congress; Photo Credit: Gizmodo]

No matter how much they claim otherwise, hybrid buyers like to wear their green credentials on their sleeves. That's the beauty of the Prius: It can scream "green" without being covered with badging like the Tahoe Hybrid. It's smugness lies in its subtlety. So how can Honda rip off the Prius design while still producing a unique design? We're not sure, but if the artist's rendering on Hybrid Cars is anything remotely like the finished product, they apparently can't. [HybridCars.com]

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Considering the Honda hybrid will be coming in a whopping $3,000 less than the base Prius and will wear the depreciation-proof Honda badge, we're betting the number one super-best automaker from the land of the rising sun will be redoubling efforts on its 2010 Toyota Prius. Within three years, we'll be looking at volume sales of high-mileage offerings from Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and GM, among others. A crowded market will mean good times for hybrid lovers (and lots of leftover 2010 Camaros for the rest of us). [NextEnergyNews]

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."

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Our "snap" guess is yes. Given that Toyota has long been upfront about its goal of building a million hybrids a year by 2010, we have to give the company the benefit of the doubt on its supplier chain. Remember, the Toyota Manufacturing Process (TMP) actually started the concept of lean manufacturing and just-in-time supply. To that end, the company is building its own battery facility, reducing exposure in that most critical of hybrid components. And with plans to make room for more Priuses at a Japanese factory and to build them in the US at a new plant in Mississippi, Toyota appears to be taking steps to alleviate pent-up Prius demand.

So, half a million Priuses a year? Despite the mere thought bringing blood flowing out of our uber-enthusiast ears, we have to give Toyota credit for ratcheting supply up when demand exceeds it on this product, as opposed to being forced to ratchet supply down when demand drops like a rock. That's always been the problem our poor, poor US automakers have had — always trying to wring every sale out of a product in an attempt to meet and beat the U.S. financial markets quarterly expectations. Now our only question is — how will the world cope with so much new smug? [Automotive News, Sub. Req.]

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]

Toyota to build Prius in U.S., Highlander to Indiana; all Tundra to Texas
07/10/2008

July 10, 2008 - Erlanger, KY - Toyota is responding to changes in consumer demand and improving the production efficiency and stability of its North American operations by adjusting production mix at three plants. The changes include the addition of the Prius hybrid sedan to its North American lineup.

The changes are as follows:
- Prius will be built at a plant under construction in Blue Springs, Miss. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2010. Prius, which will join the Kentucky-built Camry Hybrid as the second Toyota hybrid built in North America, enables Toyota to better respond to increased consumer demand for hybrid vehicles.

- The Highlander mid-size SUV, originally scheduled to be built in Mississippi, will now be manufactured in Princeton, Ind., beginning in Fall 2009.

- Production of the Tundra full-size pick-up truck, currently built in Indiana and Texas, will be consolidated at the San Antonio plant in Spring 2009.
In addition, Toyota will temporarily suspend Tundra and Sequoia production beginning August 8 due to the declining overall market for full size trucks and SUVs. Production is scheduled to resume in early November. Team members at both facilities, as well as the Huntsville, Ala. plant that builds Tundra and Sequoia engines, will continue to be provided work.

"The truck market continues to worsen, so unfortunately we must temporarily suspend production. But this good news about production mix demonstrates our long-term commitment to our North American operations and to our team members, supplier partners, and communities where our plants are located," said Jim Wiseman, vice president/external affairs for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA). "By using this downturn as an opportunity to develop team members and improve our operations, we hope to emerge even stronger."

Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and currently operates 13 manufacturing plants. In addition, new plants are under construction in Ontario and Mississippi. Toyota directly employs over 43,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $21 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $30 billion per year. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com.

"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."

The tweak? Not putting enough gas in his Toyota Prius, according to our man Paul, who captured this hilarious spectacle in Silicon Valley's ritzy Los Gatos neighborhood. Even better, this occurred next to a Jazz/Wine festival where Lexus was showing off some of their own hybrid vehicles. In the end, it took eight people to move the battery-laden ride. Perhaps Toyota's green advertising is too convincing, or maybe a new walk-to-charge system is being tested.

We sort of actually admire what Toyota is trying to do here, and we don't disagree with some of their suggestions. But the whole exercise reeks of marketing. The thing is, in this age where "going green" is the flavor of the day, they're marketing better than the competition.

Consider it like this: Toyota is promoting conservation strategies in a direct, forthright manner on its corporate blog at the same time Chrysler is offering to subsidize your conspicuous gasoline consumption. This, despite the fact that equivalently-equipped current Toyota Tundra and Dodge Ram pickups get almost identical mileage (16 MPG combined vs. 15 MPG combined — although we hear the new 2009 Dodge Ram supposedly blows those numbers out of the water). But who's going to win the perception game in the era of $4-and-up gas? After all, perception is everything. [Open Road Blog]

If you're looking to get the most bang for your hybrid buck, it's best to avoid the Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry hybrid—the tax credit on the latter two have already been reduced to zero. There's a good number of eligible hybrids, but at the rate people are snatching up these vehicles, don't expect the full tax credit to last. [LA Times]

(Image via XKCD)

Not surprisingly, technologies not readily available in the U.S. didn't fare well on the study. For example, clean diesel engines barely registered a blip, in large part because they're just entering the market. Said Mike Marshall, director of the study: "The mere fact that they'll be in the marketplace is going to raise the awareness level of clean diesel, and I think that will begin to crack some of these wrong perceptions of what diesel is today."

While clean diesel is already chosen by a majority of European buyers, it remains to be seen whether economies of scale allow it to be implemented in the States at a lower price premium than that found on hybrids; new offerings from VW, Mercedes, and even Honda in the next 12 months should provide some insight into diesel pricing strategy. Additionally, as hybrid sales numbers rise, the same economies of scale should allow prices to fall. But, for either to happen, first some folks have to pony up the premium. Chicken, meet egg.
[Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

The moral of the story? Don't disrupt the evolution of hybrids. Sure, everyone wants a plug-in hybrid, and they are definitely on their way. But there's no need to try to disrupt the evolutionary process; it can be dangerous — just ask Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park. [CRN via DailyTech]

After years of Google Street View cameras capturing accidents, boob flashings, gun fights and more, it's kind of nice to see the tables being flipped. This particular camera-bearing Google Street View vehicle was captured receiving what is likely a traffic violation. That, or the cop is one die-hard fan of Google Street View. Wait, should we be blaming Google for that Prius shortage? [Giz]

First off, there was an overall drop in vehicle sales in the United States — that's obviously going to affect sales of the largest fuel-suckers first, but the current economic situation affects anyone looking to buy right now, even in the hybrid marketplace. But the biggest factor isn't the issue of demand, it's supply. Toyota decided to only create about 175,000 Prii a year and is sticking to that number — mostly because their suppliers don't have the ability to quickly add capacity. That means despite the increase in demand, there just aren't any more to buy. The Camry Hybrid's seen a sales drop as well, because of this same supplier issue.

Comically, the biggest winner for the month were Saturn's hybrids — the Vue crossover and Auru sedan. Aura sales were up an astonishing 800%! Obviously since the Vue is a larger vehicle, it only saw a month-to-month increase of 750%. Unfortunately, due to some of their own serious supply issues, like battery leakage problems, 800% only translates to total monthly sales of 36 and 750% only translates to another limp volume number. Again, a supply issue.

Other hybrids also did reasonably well, including a 100.6% month-over-month increase in sales for the Nissan Altima Hybrid and a 3.5% year-over-year increase for the Civic Hybrid. But given that hybrid sales in the US for 2008 total only 155,958 vehicles, minor fluctuations make a big impact on monthly results. Overall, although hybrid sales are up 4.5% compared to the first five months of 2007, if neither Toyota or GM are able to get their supplier issues licked, we're not expecting it to start raining hybrids anytime soon. [WSJ, HybridCars.com]

Congress is currently evaluating a bill that would establish minimum sound levels for all vehicles and potentially make these two Stanford students very, very rich. Or at least the Chinese company that makes a knock-off version for a fifth the price. [NewScientist]

The choice of whether or not to allow the Prius to be assembled in the United States (most of the parts will likely be built in China/Japan) or the choice of production facilities is probably more Toyota's than GM's. More importantly, according to one Toyota spokesperson, they are actually contemplating the decision:

"Nothing has been decided on production of Prius at the joint venture New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., even though Toyota is always seeking ways to build the most appropriate production system."