First up, Toyota will begin sales of the Prius V – a “minivan” sized MPV (Multi-person Vehicle) that is just as much hybrid as its smaller counterpart. The car was originally teased on a billboard outside Las Vegas during last year’s SEMA auto show:

Second, the Honda CR-Z Sports Hybrid competition – Toyota’s Prius C Concept, coming our way in early 2012. This vehicle is a smaller, eco-friendly solution for the urban driver:

Third, coming out in late 2012, is the highly anticipated Plug-in Prius. Already a big get overseas, the all-electric rechargeable Prius will undoubtedly roll in and out of dealership lots with the quickness of a bunny:

Have a look at the official video from Toyota, and let us know what you think:

Back in 1997, Toyota introduced the original Prius, which was the first mass-produced hybrid-electric vehicle. Its 10-year journey took it across the globe, making it one of the best made hybrid cars to date, having supremacy over other hybrid vehicles.

But it was easy when your competition came from one or two other Japanese car makers who couldn’t get the battery systems or vehicle design right at first. But as 2011 comes even closer, every Joe-blow company from Chevy to Honda, Ford and soon even Kia has its own line of hybrid variants. And with others selling their hybrids for thousands less, how can Toyota survive?

It’s a question of reputation, quality and loyalty. Those three items make this a recipe for success. Sure, Prius has come under fire in recent months of supposedly trying to kill one or two of its owners… but hey, maybe that one guy in California deserved to have his wits scared out of him.

Prius has the name – it is well known as the first and best hybrid out there. Toyota, even after all that braking issues stuff, remains a favorite of car buyers, and the sale figures show.

2011′s upcoming hybrid, along with a full electric plug-in version, have a number of fun additions. These include a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA), and steering wheel touch controls.

The first-generation Prius was rated 41 EPA mpg, and the second-generation model pushed that figure to 46 mpg. The 2010 model marks another significant incremental improvement to 50 miles per gallon (combined city/highway). And a larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine powers the car.

An electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation system also boost efficiency. Furthermore, the engine has no belts under the hood, resulting in better fuel economy and less potential maintenance. The new transaxle and inverter are both 20 percent lighter, reducing the car’s overall weight.

The new Prius offers three alternative driving modes. EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve the best possible mileage.

Other energy-saving features include available LED low beams and taillights, a more efficient air conditioning system, and a unique ventilation fan that promises to reduce the need for air conditioning in the first place.

The air circulator — which is powered by solar panels — prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked. This, in turn, makes cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle.

Toyota says it listened to customer feedback, and sharpened handling, reduced road noise, increased interior volume, and improved acceleration. The zero to 60 mph sprint takes 9.8 seconds now — an improvement of over one second. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.

However, around the bend comes Chevy’s Volt, Honda’s $18,500 Insight and Nissan’s Leaf EV. Toyota might have to step up its game even more, outside of moon-roofs and solar panels, to remain in the hybrid game.

Specs: LeftLaneNews

The project is part of a global initiate by the Japanese auto maker, which involves 600 plug-in Prius vehicles sent to the United States, Canada, England and Australia.

Each plug-in Toyota Prius is almost identical to the third generations hybrid car on the roads of America and the UK today. But there is one distinct difference: each is equipped with a 240-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack for power.

According to the press release: The rechargeable battery technology gives Prius Plug-in extended capabilities when it is driven in EV (electric vehicle) mode: capable of running for up to 12.5 miles solely on its electric motor – battery charge and road conditions permitting – at speeds up to 62mph, it can accomplish the great majority of typical urban journeys with zero fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions.

Prius Plug-in’s combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 108.6mpg and 59g/km respectively.

Many of you have checked out the all new Toyota Prius at your local dealership. Some have even taken the Prius hybrid for a test drive. But how about a spin in the upcoming Prius Plug-in? Much like it’s gas-electric twin, Toyota’s Prius Plug-in holds that classic aerodynamic sedan form, made famous by the Japanese auto maker and their best-selling hybrid car.

But two very noticeable exterior traits separate it from the hybrid – Toyota’s Plug-in decals and the charging port. Behind that port door is a J1772 plug, which connects to three separate battery packs: the main hybrid battery and two sub-battery packs – all of which are lithium-ion. Prius Plug-in can be charged using standard American 110V or 220v outlets, requiring 3 hours to 1.5 hours of charge time respectively.

Under it’s hood, Prius Plug-in contains a completely new battery powered, rechargeable all electric engine. This allows for up to 60 miles per hour in full EV mode, with extra power taken from a 1.8L Atkinson engine.

Inside, the Plug-in Prius loses a bit of cargo room due to its three battery packs. But the vehicle still seats up to five passengers comfortably. Extras coming from Toyota include a leak sealant and battery-run air compressor, to be used in the event of a flat tire.

Source: EV World

The PHV’s top speed is only about 60mph right now, although this is up quite a bit from the old Prius Hybrid, which only makes it up to 25 mph when running on battery/electric mode. Toyota will continue to create more powerful batteries to increase speed and duration of power.