Full Hybrid Auris Concept Ready for Market...Could be Priced Lower then Prius

Since introducing the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system on the Prius, Toyota has been promising to expand the technology to other platforms. The first vehicle in the sights for the next generation HSD powerplant is the upcoming Auris.

The idea behind including the HDS system on the Auris is to offer a full hybrid system on a high production mainstream model. According to Toyota, a full hybrid system is one that can run on either the gasoline engine alone, the battery/electric system alone, or run parallel to each other.

The company is planning on using the Auris as a test bed for the next generation HSD system before expanding it to the rest of their line-up. While the specific range ratings and fuel economy have yet to be revealed, many are estimating Prius-like returns.

Toyota has also not said if the hybrid Auris will be borrowing the plug-in setup planned for the 2010 Prius.

More information, including pricing, is expected to be released during the Frankfurt Motor show set to start in 2 weeks.

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