DETROIT - The Empire struck back. Toyota unveiled its 2010 Toyota Prius at Detroit's North American International Auto Show and it's roomier, more efficient, loaded with more technology, and it's even faster to 60 mph. The first Prius that breaks 10 seconds in the 0-60 mph derby goes on sale late this spring and Toyota estimates Americans will buy 180,000 Priuses in the first full calendar year vs. 160,000 for the outgoing model. Here's why Nissan, Honda, Ford, and GM may have their hands full after making up ground in the past year as the old, second-generation Prius stayed too long on the market. Highlights of the third-generation Toyota Prius include:

Engine, Drivetrain

The Hybrid Syergy Drive (Toyota's term) drivetrain is more efficient and more powerful. Toyota Division GM Bob Carter says the powertrain is 90% newly developed and the new model will get a combined (city and highway) 50 mpg vs. 46 mpg combined for the aging current generation Prius. It uses a new, larger 1.8-liter gasoline engine that, because it's bigger and brawnier, runs at lower rpm's on the highway. In other words, Carter says, a bigger engine actually saves fuel. Hybrid components (battery inverter, electric motor, generator) are smaller and lighter. The water pump is electric; there are no engine-driven belts. The air conditioning system is fully electric, an industry first; again, no belts.

The gas engine delivers 98 hp; add the electric motor and the new Prius generates 134 hp. Acceleration improves from the "mid-ten-second range" to 9.8 seconds. Carter says, "This is in response to customer expectations for better every-day performance."

New Cockpit

The redesigned cockpit moves some of the driver information bells and whistles - energy flow, mpg - from the center stack LCD to an eyebrow row of gauges just below the windshield. That means Toyota can now sell Priuses without LCD displays and still offer drivers the kind of info that is either a) useful, b) useful in impressing your friend with how cool the car and you are, or c) both. The shifter knob moves from the dashboard, an unconventional but useful location, to the console; possibly that will lead to less newbie confusion over whether the car is in gear when you come to a stop, since the shifter knob popped back to neutral after being engaged. The photo shows the non-navigation system Toyota Prius.

More Room Inside in Back

Back seat room improves by moving the roof peak backwards by four inches, substantially improving headroom. The Prius was never cramped in back and now it will be comfortable for four adults for longer trips.

Solar Panel Roof, Other Bells & Whistles

A solar panel sunroof is an option. It doesn't power the Prius. But it does power vent fans that cool the interior on hot summer days, so there's less drain on the air conditioner as you start off. It will be paired with a remote air conditioning system, apparently meaning you can turn it on as you approach the car so it's cooler, if not icy cold, when you hop inside. Other technology options include: