Toyota iQ: heading to a showroom near you

[Bluebear]

After Honda's recent announcement of three new hybrids it became clear that Toyota wasn't going to let one of its arch rivals outgreen it on its own turf. In that spirit, the automaker struck back with its own pledge of two more hybrid models, which will mark the onset of Toyota's Lithium-Ion saga.

According to Technoride, the two vehicles will be allotted to the Toyota and Lexus brands respectively, and will add to the third generation Prius, due out next year. While little is known of the Lexus, the car maker's head of r&d Masatami Takimoto emphasized that the new Toyota hybrid will not be just another iteration of the Prius. "It's a totally new car," he said, adding that it will be larger and will likely get a Li-ion pack in 2010.

In addition to new hybrids, the production version of Toyota's iQ microcar is expected to hit showrooms later this year as well. Edmunds says that the iQ will offer "seating for four in a body just under than 10 feet long. By comparison, the two-seater 2008 Smart Fortwo is 8 feet 8 inches long and the four-seater 2008 Mini Cooper is 11 feet 8 inches long."

http://www.goodcleantech.com/2008/06/toyota_promises_more_hybrids_n.php

[eppur_se_muova]

1. Your link takes me to a grey screen -- something wrong?

:shrug:

Or just try links in this OP :)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=115&topic_id=139148&mesg_id=139148

[OmahaBlueDog]

2. Questions

1. Has anyone seen mileage estimates on the iQ?
2. Do the models come standard or are they optional?

[weezy2736]

3. Why do people like box-cars?

I don't understand the fascination, what's so "neat-looking" about it? Granted, the MPG would be an overriding concern for me, but I don't see anything attractive in these cars at all.