Just thinking out loud, with Toyota now pushing more of the hybrid systems will we see this in the Prado one day? I think its in the realm of possibilities to say its going in the petrol, but what about the diesel.

I am not sure how these system will go in a river crossing or when pounded on corrugations, but Toyota may well go down this path instead of developing a V6 diesel. Unless they need to build a V6 to make future emission targets.

The benefits in the new Camry aren`t too bad, 25% fuel saving, better insulation to reduce electric motor noise, but also heavier.
Power figures aren`t easy to relate to, but its appears that the petrol engine in the hybrids is less powerful and more efficient, but with the boost from the electric motor it outdoes the higher tuned 2.5ltr petrol engine.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/163215/2...brid-released/
Individually the 2.5-litre petrol engine produces 118kW and 213Nm of torque, in addition to the 105kW and 270Nm of torque provided by the electric motor.

As far as a hybrid for the petrol V6 goes, its already in other Toyota petrol cars. The Kluger/Highlander in the US for example
with the 2GR-FXE V6, it offers a 45kw boost.

If they get a 25% boost in economy, they can reduce the size of the second fuel tank and weight wise there may not be too much difference between the hybrid and none hybrid.

There could be some interesting positives out of electric motors when its comes to four wheel driving, slow instant torque, etc. Might make diff locks front and rear diffs irrelevant. Also going downhill the braking and control could be much superior, I expect that there will be some energy recovery system as well.