Toyota is changing things up wildly for the Prius. The 2016 Prius is an all-new car, on an all-new platform, and it’s the biggest visual change the car has seen since the second-generation model debuted way back in 2003. It borrows a lot from the unique and interesting shapes found on the Mirai hydrogen car, and the overall look is far more dramatic and interesting than anything these in the entire Toyota product line. I am not sure I would call pretty, it certainly is interesting.
Underneath that new bodywork you will find Toyota’s New Global Architecture that will underpin a large portion of their upcoming cars. (It’s similar in nature to the idea behind Volkswagen’s new MQB platform.) The use of this new platform will help cut weight and complexity in the Prius and other models to improve efficiency, and the new platform is also far more rigid making it safer while simultaneously enhancing handling.
Gallery: 2016 Toyota Prius
As an added side bonus, the new platform will help keep costs lowers, so Toyota can add more equipment and features without dramatically increasing pricing.
Currently Toyota is staying quiet on the all-important drivetrain details, but they are claiming that the new Prius should be ten-percent more fuel efficient than the current model. Expect the driveline to be nothing more than a slightly modified version of the current 1.8l and electric motor setup, but we are always ready to be surprised.
As always, keep it locked here on AutoTalk.com and we will be sure to update you guys with more details when we can get them.
