2012 Toyota Prius MPV on the way

A Prius minivan for the US next year?

What’s the significance of a bigger Prius?

InsideLine has some very recent spy shots of a new Toyota Prius MPV, or Alpha Prius, that seem to suggest that a new Prius isn’t far from production and headed to the US (Earlier Alpha Prius reports have suggested a March launch).

And, considering the new Prius spy shots appear to have been taken in Southern California, might a more refined version be headed to the upcoming LA Auto Show?

Unfortunately, not many new details regarding the Alpha Prius have been provided via these spy shots, except that a new navigation/consul unit seems possible.

Anyway, both a larger and a smaller Prius have been rumored for a few years already, so it seems about time for such a launch, especially since Toyota has announced the addition of several new hybrids in the next few years.

Ultimately, can’t wait to try to sit in the extra, third row of seating – will an average adult fit? Likewise, looking forward to hearing more about the lithium-ion battery pack that is supposed to help power this Prius.