Toyota plug-in Prius

The Prius, once the pioneer hybrid model in the marketplace, is now facing some serious competition from vehicles such as the plug-in Chevrolet Volt/Opel Ampera and the all-electric Nissan Leaf.

The next Prius which will launch in 2012 will feature high performance lithium-ion batteries that will allow it to travel more than 60 km per liter of gas (1.6 liters/100 km or 141 mpg-US), instead of the current model with its nickel-metal hydride battery which travels 38km per liter (2.6 liters/100 km or 89 mpg-US).

Toyota also wants to expand its hybrid and electric car sales overall with the introduction of the plug-in Prius. Cumulative sales of the Prius since its introduction in 1997 have totaled 2 million units. Toyota now sells about 700,000 hybrid vehicles a year (including other models and those sold under the Lexus brand) but wants to increase that number to 1 million by 2015.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Toyota Prius combines the engine power and electric motor, present in the inception point of hybrid ..

Toyota Prius Reviews

Toyota Prius Pictures: Photo gallery with pictures of the new 2011 Prius car

3rd Generation Toyota Prius

The best-selling car in Japan is about to change as government subsidies on hybrid cars has lead to a drop off in sales of the Toyota Prius.

The 3rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid models

The Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf are enjoying lots of free publicity right now

. Each of their unique approaches to cleaner mobility

Toyota Avalon

Serene, luxurious, but not flashy. It succeeded so well in capturing that market that Buick is re-launching itself as an American performance brand. Toyota Avalon scared them well enough away. Before considering an Avalon, ask, do I enjoy turning corners vigorously? If yes, walk over to the Buick dealer and invest in a LaCrosse. The long and short is that it’ll be more rewarding to drive. If comfort trumps all, keep reading.
A JAPANESE SEDAN FOR THOSE WHO THINK BIGGER IS BETTER

Toyota Avalon The Avalon hasn’t changed its course much in its three generations. It's still mechanically based on a stretched Camry platform, with adequate power and loads of space. The current version, which had some minor updates in 2010, continues with that formula.

At nearly 200-inches long and 73-inches wide, the Avalon provides a big body to stuff people and cargo into, although at 14.4 cu. ft. the trunk isn’t as big as you might expect. Toyota Avalon Should you need space for longer items, however, the 60/40 split-folding rear seat accommodates those needs.

Those dimensions also allow for a large, roomy cabin with stretch-out room for five. The gauges are well organized and clear, and the Avalon has one of Toyota’s more well-laid-out dashboards.

Toyota Prius V gets lithium battery

When the 2012 Toyota Prius V goes on sale this April in Japan, customers will have an option not available to American buyers of the hybrid wagon. To wit, a family-friendlier version with 3rd row seating. The packaging feat is possible thanks to the smaller space needed for the lithium-based battery found in the Japanese upgrade. The same 7-seater configuration will also be made available to Europeans next year and was just revealed in Geneva under the Prius+ moniker.

There is, of course, a price to pay for the improvement and in this case that amount is 650,000 yen ($7,897.98 at today's exchange rates). If you happen to be in Japan and don't wish to shell out three million yen ($36,590) for your Prius maximus or need the extra seating, a cheaper version with the Toyota hybrid's traditional nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery chemistry will be offered for just 2.35 million yen ($28,660). This will also be the variant available in the U.S. this summer.