Toyota Prius 2016 release date soon? Alleged photos reveal features, specs

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The Toyota Prius is one of the eco-friendly cars sold to the public since 2000. For a hybrid car, it has produced a number of loyal followers, making a name and establishing itself in the motoring industry. However, due to the rampant competitors like Chevrolet's Volt and Tesla's Model S, Toyota needs to amp up its Prius model to maintain its visibility to the eco-minded clients.

And it looks like car enthusiasts will not be sorry as leaked photos of the Toyota Prius 2016 prototype have surfaced, showing a better looking, sportier model.

PHOTO: This Might be the 2016 Toyota #Prius. Thoughts? https://t.co/bl49lHJtV0

— Al Boe (@AlBoeNEWS) July 3, 2015

Car and Driver reports that part of the uncovered spy photos reveal that the new Prius will probably have a longer wheelbase, slightly wider, and may have transitioned from the brand's TNGA modular architecture. The extra length may add the sporty look of a sedan but the rear-window wiper and hatchback design will still remain.

Possible features are rumored to be:

• Bigger LED taillights but a more contoured LED headlamps with triangular LED running lights in front
• Highly improved materials with a large Qi wireless charging pad for mobile devices
• A more open-feel cockpit layout
• Lithium-ion pack batteries where the base model will probably carry nickel-metal-hydride batteries
• Four-cylinder engine, more than likely to be 1.8L
• CVT transmission
• 134 to 150 horse power total system output

Green Car Reports writes that the new Prius will boast a 10-percent increase in efficiency than the 2015 Prius and an EPA combined fuel savings rating of up to 55 mpg. There are also rumors buzzing that the Prius new powertrain will be an updated version of the Hybrid Synergy Drive.

There are speculations from fans that another possibility is the all-wheel drive, which will be a first for the model. Furthermore, a few exciting rumors that surrounds the release of the new Prius includes the launch of the Plug-in Hybrid, although it won't be a reality until 2016.

Although it is certain that the Toyota Prius 2016 will not debut until fall of this year, there are speculations that Germany's Frankfurt Motor Show may be the first to test drive the latest model, Vine Report states. But Car and Driver rebuts that the official debut may be at the 2015 Los Angeles auto show which will be happening this November.

There is no official news yet as to how much the new Prius will retail at but if it maintains its pricing, fans may be looking at a range between $23,000 to $25,000, which is reasonable for what the Prius has to offer.