New Prius set for Detroit – “Surprises” possible
Moving forward one baby step at a time.
Seriously, surprise us for once
Toyota. Pretty reliable cars. Prius. Boring. I think that pretty much sums up the general opinion of Toyota for the last decade.
Now comes word that a new Prius, “an all-new model,” is headed to the Detroit Auto Show. Yes, it’s probably the larger Alpha Prius. No, it won’t be any major surprise.
But, what if we’re just being set up?
Earlier today I read a few reports about the debut of a new Prius derivative, but all seemed to believe that it’s the MPV Prius, or Alpha Prius, that Toyota has been hinting at these last couple of weeks. Since it’s not coming to LA, this news instantly bored me.
Then I read AutoWeek’s coverage, and at least I became a little intrigued.
Now don’t get too excited. This is Toyota. Nonetheless, “a few other surprises” in addition to some new hybrids, the plug-in Prius, the electric RAV 4, 3 new EVs and a commercial fuel cell vehicle for 2015 are in the works.
“A few other surprises?”
Somehow, I’m pretty sure Toyota will disappoint, and these new “surprises” won’t be very surprising. Surprise just isn’t in Toyota’s DNA. They’re the tortoise, not the hare. Sure, they might win the race, but they do it in the most uninteresting fashion.
Nevertheless, a little Toyota surprise would be refreshing, especially after the last year of recall scandals.
For instance, debut the Prius plug-in hybrid at the LA Auto Show followed by sales immediately thereafter. Or, debut the Prius Alpha in Detroit, but before, offer up a lithium-powered Yaris-hybrid at the LA Show priced under $18,000 and set to go on sale in January 2011.
Such moves would totally fricken surprise me. Oh, crap. Another LA Auto Show with nothing interesting from Toyota. Hey, maybe they can show off another $100,000 luxury hybrid!!!! Can’t wait.
