Toyota Sienna Hybrid

There are plans to manufacture the Toyota Sienna Hybrid for the US market in 2007. This vehicle is a larger version of the current Toyota Estima Hybrid available in Japan since 2001.

Toyota has been the front-runner in the hybrid technology market with the Prius being in production since 2000 and the Highlander, Camry and Lexus 400h following a few years later.

With the increase of the price of gas and as more and more hybrid vehicles make their way to market, the Sienna Hybrid expects to be the first minivan to be released, giving the consumer more variety to choose from. Minivan operators are interested in the hybrid version however they aren't willing to give up the powertrain size and performance. The Hybrid Minivan will have 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engine. The hybrid engine will be very likely similar to Highlander or Lexus Hybrid SUVs. The engine will deliver 270 hp of power and will come with an acceleration of 0-60 km/hour in 8 seconds.

The Sienna Hybrid gives the consumer the versatility of driving up to 8 people around and having a fuel efficient vehicle for the environmentally conscience.

The one drawback is that it will be a direct competetitor for the gas only Sienna.

External Links

http://www.hybridcars.com/toyota-sienna-minivan-hybrid.html http://www.hybridcenter.org/hybrid-timeline.html