One of the most-awaited models that car enthusiasts hope to see out in the market soon is the next iteration of the Toyota Prius. According to reports, aside from the model appearing soon, the new Prius will also feature better specs than its predecessor. 

Not much have been confirmed about the improved design for the new Prius. However, based on speculations online, coupled with purported spy shots of the vehicle when it was spotted as being tested on the road, the 2016 Toyota Prius will be sportier and more streamlined than ever, and will feature rounded front, a higher-than-normal tail and vertical Kamm back that gives good aerodynamics, and a low wheel base and smaller tires. 

Performance-wise, Toyota has already declared that one of the key changes for the new Prius is a better engine, giving the vehicle as much as 38 percent thermal efficiency under certain running conditions. In addition, the 2016 Prius is fuel-efficient, saving as much as 10 percent for a high EPA and a fuel efficiency rating of 55 miles per gallon. 

Meanwhile, not much is confirmed about the specific release dates of the new Prius. Originally, the hybrid version is supposed to be unveiled and rolled out by spring this year. Setbacks on the launch bumped the supposed release date for the new vehicle. 

Reports suggest that the hybrid variant may be unveiled during the fall season, first at the Tokyo Motor Show next month, and at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. After the official unveiling, the hybrid version will begin production by December. Meanwhile, since adding the energy-saving features is part of the vehicle's two-motor hybrid system, the upgrades are expected to be part of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Having the engine of the expected plug-in hybrid version could mean that rollout for the version will occur sometime next year.