Toyota Considering AWD For Next Gen Prius - A Move To Strengthen Snow Belt Sales Or Just Playing Catch Up?

With a new Toyota Prius on the horizon, rumors abound as to what the next-generation of the world's best-selling hybrid will offer.

Some changes are a given: Better fuel efficiency, an improved interior, a revised yet familiar shape.

Others, such as all-wheel drive, looked less likely--but Toyota engineers are still considering this addition, according to Automotive News.

"I think we will possibly do it", said senior managing officer in charge of powertrain development, Koei Saga.

All-wheel drive wouldn't be the car's main drivetrain layout--the next Prius will still be a front-wheel drive car.
 

HughJass - 7/14/2014 3:25:42 PM

+3 Boost

Same here. I was going to say that I didn't realize the competition had a hybrid system that was equal to Toyota's let alone AWD with it.

Perhaps Autospies was implying that Toyota was playing catch up to the Koreans who will release an AWD model once Toyota makes one that they can copy the year after?

MrEE - 7/14/2014 7:48:50 PM

+1 Boost

It reported when the first next gen reports came out that the rear wheels would have a dedicated electric motor and the front wheel drive motor would have the motor/generator. Its the next step to the future motor in the wheel architecture. The bigger news is supercaps and more efficient convertor.

MattDarringer - 7/14/2014 8:13:25 PM

+2 Boost

They should kill Scion and make Prius a "forward thinking" stand-alone brand between Toyota and Lexus.

Benzes1 - 7/15/2014 5:51:01 PM

+1 Boost

Both.