There's a lot more green car competition for Toyota than there was 10 years ago. Can the Prius handle it?

As 2011 is on the horizon, almost every car maker has its own line of hybrid variants. With others selling their hybrids for thousands less, how will Toyota fair?

Prius has the name and reputation - it is well known as the first and best hybrid out there. Even after that braking issue in the press, Toyota remains a favorite of car buyers, and the sale figures prove it.

2011's upcoming hybrid, along with a full electric plug-in version, has a number of great new additions. These include a moon roof equipped with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA), and steering wheel touch controls.

The first-generation Prius was rated 41 EPA mpg, and the second-generation model raised that figure to 46 mpg. The 2010 model marks another significant improvement to 50 miles per gallon (combined city/highway). A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine powers the car.

An electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation system help boost efficiency. Furthermore, the engine has no belts under the hood, resulting in better fuel economy and less potential maintenance. The air circulator is powered by solar panels and prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked.

The 0 to 60 mph trip takes 9.8 seconds now, an improvement of over one second. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.

But still, around the bend come the "more affordable" hybrid cars from other auto makers. Toyota might have to step it up even more, outside of moon-roofs and solar panels, to remain in the hybrid game.

Test drive the incoming new Prius cars today at Byers Toyota - 1599 Columbus Pike - Delaware, OH 43015.

source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/toyota-prius.html