Toyota

Toyota has stated that they will be producing a lithium ion powered plug-in Prius – which will be planned for 2010. However, those of you who were getting excited to see some spectacular cars coming out will be disappointed due to the statements that they released today.

Toyota Advanced Technology manager Bill Reinert spoke in Washington yesterday at a plug-in conference and said that real-world driving conditions will make 100 mpg unattainable for many drivers. While plugging in more powerful batteries will give drivers a full battery and greater EV range, hard acceleration could limit electric-only driving to well under 40 miles.

Toyota is making plans to produce lithium-ion batteries for their new high-mileage hybrid cars. They are working on finishing production of the new hybrid batteries next year. They are trying to stay above the competition. Most automakers are trying to push out more hybrid cars in order to help consumers who are suffering from the rising gas prices.

They will be moving into full-scale production of lithium-ion batteries in 2010. Toyota said it would also step up efforts to development a next-generation battery that can outperform lithium-ion batteries.

Spy shots have revealed pictures of the new RWD Subaru/Toyota coupe all decked out in camouflage and body panels that look similar to the current Legacy. It also has a pair of Recaro buckets that inside and trunk that is much smaller than usual. This is definitely a much better sedan than what we are used to seeing.

Toyota created the 1280×480 LCD panel mounted right above the steering wheel in the dash calling it the ‘Night View’. It is used to improve the safety of driving at night through the use of night vision and is one of the few gadgets that we think is actually worth having.

Toyota has gone a step further by adding human recognition to the Crown hybrid. The technology currently only works when the vehicle is being driven between 15-60km/h, or about 10-40 miles per hour. Certain conditions, like rain, can also sometimes force the system to shut down.