What's the we hear? The online community Priuschat.com is buzzing with news that the third generation Toyota Prius is set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2009. The new Prius is expected to have features resembling those of Toyota's Hybrid-X concept car that was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007. The new Prius will be bigger and more powerful than the current model, but will have 13 per cent improved fuel-efficiency and lower emissions.

After the second generation Prius was introduced in New York in April 2003 it was available for purchase in the U.S. six months later. Potential buyers are keeping their fingers crossed that this means the new Prius could be available as soon as July 2009.

Now what is that other noise? Could it be Leonardo DiCaprio and Ed Begley Jr. jostling for position at the front of waiting list? Stay tuned.

» Priuschat.com