Toyota To Create Hybrid iQ
You're reading Toyota To Create Hybrid iQ, posted on Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at 11:06 am in News, on BrainBloggers at the Toyota blog. More after the jump.
The U.S. was once full of people who craved the fast and larger cars – but know they are feeling the effects of this decision as the gas prices seem to be at a standstill so close to $4. Now they are begging for more efficient and compact cars that are easy on the wallet and the environment.
Europe has always understood this and is ahead of the game in this department with their hatchbacks, diesels, and micro cars. Once the competition picked up they knew they would have to make a more ‘greener’ car and possibly even smaller (if it was possible) in the form of the Toyota iQ.
The iQ is a small four-seater that is only 1.5 feet longer then the Smart for two. Toyota will be creating a plug-in hybrid version of the little car for those who prefer to save the environment.
Plug-in technology would reportedly be shared with the next generation Prius, save for an engine that goes from 1.0L to a displacement of only 500 cc. Chargeable batteries will enable the iQ to travel 15 miles or more without a drop of CO2-spewing combustion, and the smaller engine would stay stingy when it does come to life.