Toyota to bring concept plug-in hybrid and 2012 Prius c to NAIAS

Ah, a few more teaser pictures before Christmas.

The NS4 plug-in hybrid concept is coming to Detroit.

Toyota announced today that it will bring the NS4 plug-in hybrid concept to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.

The debut will be along with the production version of the 2012 Prius c hybrid — which is the tiny hybrid out of the trio in the new Prius family.

Toyota is remaining tight lipped on any details for the NS4 — though one should expect much better electric only drive on this plug in as it will likely have exotic lightweight materials and imaginary batteries. (Though it’s great to dream.)

However, the Prius c is the real deal. It’s sharp and if Americans can admit

The 2012 Prius c

that coupes are OK, it’ll be a great selling vehicle with fuel economy well above 50 mpg and the most exterior style out of any Prius.

Expanding the the Prius brand was a smart move by Toyota, as many consumers equate the word Prius to mean hybrid. Better yet, the Prius lineup have no gas-only counterpart for people to compare them to and that helps these hybrids.

The biggest problem the Prius c faces when it arrives are the relatively low gas prices. When people think gas is cheap, they don’t buy hybrids and they don’t by subcompact cars. Well, a few people do, but it’s usually a Versa.

 

Scott Burgess
Scott Burgess is the auto critic for The Detroit News. A Michigan native, he returned to Detroit in 2005, when he began working at The News as the assistant auto editor. He has been writing about cars since 2006, when he became The News' auto critic. His reviews appear every Thursday. Prior to working in Detroit, Scott was the Middle East Bureau Chief for Stars and Stripes. He has also been a reporter and editor in Elmira, New York, and Boca Raton, Florida. Scott holds a BA in communications from UCLA. Prior to college, Scott was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Scott has garnered numerous awards for his work, ranging from a Wheel Award for his reviews from the Automotive Press Association to the runner up for the Distinguished Service to the First Amendment from the Scripps Howard Foundation. Scott can also be seen on many media outlets, where his expertise on the auto industry and the vehicles people drive are discussed. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @autocritic.

Join the Conversation

The Detroit News aims to provide a forum that fosters smart, civil discussions on the news and events that we cover. The News will not condone personal attacks, off topic posts or brutish language on our site. If you find a comment that you believe violates these standards, please click the "X" in the upper right corner of the post to report it.

Related Posts in Uncategorized on Overdrive