Toyota published a mysterious teaser on its Japanese Instagram and Facebook profiles, showing stylized portions of a new model accompanied by the phrase “Hybrid Reborn”. The electrified model that might be the next-gen Prius will debut on November 16.
The teaser shows the headlight of the unnamed vehicle bearing a close resemblance to the design language of the fully electric bZ range. We can also see the rear quarter panels featuring a Porsche Taycan-style window graphic.
Read: Toyota Says The Prius Is An Icon, Next Generation To Retain Hybrid Powertrain
The Facebook post also has a link to a dedicated page on Toyota’s Japanese website, revealing the silhouette of the new model. The five-door fastback bodystyle looks like an evolution of the Toyota Prius with a swooping roofline.
All four generations of the Prius featured a design that was focused on aerodynamics, since low drag improves efficiency. The new model also retains the pronounced rear shoulders of the outgoing Prius albeit with softer lines and cleaner surfacing.
It has been almost a year since we last heard reports about the future of the Toyota Prius, but judging from the six-year model cycles of the past four generations, it is about time for the debut of the fifth generation. The automaker has confirmed it will retain its hybrid nature while hinting at “a new direction” which might have to do with a crossover stance.
The new Prius will be allegedly based on the new E3 platform combining parts from the GA-C that underpins the Corolla and the electric bZ architecture. It has been reported that besides the conventional hybrid combining a gasoline engine and an electric motor, the Prius could also get a hydrogen-electric variant, although this won’t be available at launch.
We will learn more about Toyota’s upcoming hybrid next week. In the meantime, we will keep our eyes wide open for more revealing teasers.
