Detroit Auto Show 2011: Prius turned into a brand with new models

Prius PHV, Prius, Prius c, Prius v (from upper LHC clockwise)

Prius is no longer a car, but a brand, as Toyota unveiled a set of Priuses at the Detroit Auto Show 2011 on Monday. All told, four models shared the spotlight, the traditional hybrid; a plug-in version of the hybrid expected in 2012; the Prius v, and the Prius c, where c is for city and the car targets singles and young couples with a more compact model.

The Prius v answers the call of those who wanted a version with larger carrying capacity. With a shape similar to the Toyota Matrix, the v has 60 percent more cargo room than the standard Prius. The EPA is going to classify the v as a midsize station wagon, but Toyota says that does not do the car justice.

Power is provided by the same 1.8 liter gasoline engine driving the regular Prius (along with the electric motor). Toyota's estimates for the v are 40MPG overall, which won't get it into California's HOV lanes, but is better than others in its class. The car is expected to arrive in late summer.

Meanwhile, the Prius c is designed to be a fun car for the young set, smaller than a standard Prius, and with the highest mileage of any non-plug-in hybrid. The c is expected to debut sometime around this month in 2012.

The plug-in Prius is expected in 1H2012 on the East and West Coasts, and additional markets the following year. The car will charge in 3 hours on a standard 110v outlet, and in half the time with a 220v outlet (like for your clothes dryer). The PHV, as they are calling it, has a range of 13 miles on battery power alone.