Auto News 5

Toyota
At the Detroit auto show in January, we'll see the third generation of the now one-million-plus-selling Prius, which will still use a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. A more expensive version, with a lithium-ion battery pack, arrives a year later, and Toyota already has announced that it will offer solar panels on the car's roof. In 2011, a plug-in model becomes available. Don't look for a big design change for the new Prius, as Toyota is sticking with the peaked roof and hatchback layout, a unique design that broadcasts the driver's green credentials. Another reason to preserve the shape is that the Japanese believe the Prius has Porsche 911-like icon potential.