Toyota planning new sporty hybrids
By Andrew C., 26 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
Toyota FT-CH Concept
In line with Toyota's plans to offer a hybrid in each range by 2020, new models will soon get the versatile petrol-electric hybrid system that is seen in the Prius model. This year, Toyota is expected to build one million hybrid drivetrains that will go to its Prius and Auris HSD models. Toyota has proven the reliability and cost advantages of its 1.8-liter petrol engine/electric motor/nickel-metal hydride batteries system and so it is hesitant to create a new system for future hybrids. Toyota plans to launch more hybrids but its current hybrid system already possesses sporty driving features, according to Toyota's powertrain guru, Gerald Killman. He claims that Toyota's hybrid technology is "adaptable" and that instead of developing a new one, it makes more sense to give "more character" to what they currently have. Rumors have been proliferating about Toyota's ongoing development of a sporty hybrid to compete with the Honda CR-Z. The FT-CH Concept, which was shown at the Detroit show last January, is believed to be a preview of how this model is expected to look. On whether these new hybrids would take on the Prius name to form a family of cars, Killman replied that the marketing department has yet to decide on this matter.
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