2012 Prius-Based Hybrid Sports Coupe Early Details

Speculation continue on the Prius-based hybrid sports coupe designed by Toyota, this time with some unconfirmed specifications of the car. According to the guys over at 7tune.com, the future model, which will compete with Honda's CR-Z, will be based on the Prius platform, thus featuring numerous parts currently offered on Toyota's flagship hybrid product. The car will have its length reduced by 100mm, the aforementioned source noted.

Obviously, there's a lot to talk about the engine to power the hybrid sports coupe. Because it is based on the Prius platform, the new model will get its engine too, so the 1.8-liter powerplant with Hybrid Synergy Drive will likely make it onto the sports coupe.. But engineers will apply several tweaks to get more power, with maximum output to reach 136 PS, 37 PS over the current standard power.

Bigger power translates into increased fuel consumption. However, it will remain one of the greenest sports cars on the market.

A 2-door architecture is very likely, first because it will be a coupe and secondly because it is intended to compete with Honda's CR-Z. As for the interior, the aforementioned source writes that it will most likely rely on the same interior as the Prius. The exterior on the other hand will be entirely different, boasting a more sporty and aggressive stance on the road compared to the one of the Prius.

The coupe is likely to go on sale in mid-2010, with prices likely to be a bit over the Prius'.