Spy photos of what appears to be the long-anticipated minivan version of the Toyota Prius have surfaced. The hybrid minivan, rumored to be the Prius Alpha, was spotted in California following a new Lexus CT200h with its logos covered. From the picture, it can be clearly seen that the minivan appears to be having a Prius-like front fascia. It is also evident that the windshield, front window line and tail lamps of the minivan are similar in design to that of the Prius.

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Toyota may be a tad on the low side after its relentless string of technical issues which has seen so many Toyota commuters being recalled, but the Prius has been one ray of hope that has never let the moniker down. Toyota is now thinking of further embarking upon the Prius success and the news is that a Prius Minivan may be released in 201. The Prius derivative will come with three rows of seats that will help the commuter accommodate a maximum of seven passengers. What is great is that it will again be a green commuter that will be based on the Li-on battery technology. This will help to improve fuel economy and the excess weight will also not be an issue.

Nissan has gone ahead and released the first teaser image of the Redesigned Nissan Quest which is slated to hit the US market early next year. The Japanese will be more familiar with the Quest as it is based on the El Grand van. Nissan describes Quest as the perfect vehicle for buyers needing the size, safety, functionality and comfort that a minivan has to offer, without sacrificing style or driving pleasure.

The new Nissan Quest will be powered by a 3.7-liter VQ V6 engine capable of rendering up to 300hp and while the FWD will be standard, there might be an AWD variant that will be optional.

Participants at this year’s Los Angeles Motor Show, the folks from Toyota have taken time to introduce their all-new, third-generation Sienna minivan model. Coming with an improved interior, which although has seats for 8 people exudes lavishness from every little corner, the 2011 Toyota Sienna also appeals with its worked out exterior. Performance wise the new Toyota Sienna runs either on the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 187 hp or the 3.5-liter V6 that makes 266 hp, both mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which help the stylish van to achieve a 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the V6 or 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the other model.

“The all-new Sienna is an example of Toyota’s commitment to lead the marketplace as it anticipates consumers’ needs and changes in lifestyle,” said Bob Carter, Toyota’s US vice president and general manager. And that’s about right if we’re to consider that there’s cruise control, AC, electric windows, a four-speaker CD stereo system, power door locks, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution vehicle stability control (VSC), and traction control. Of course there’s also a Sienna XLE version that brings leather upholstery, a moonroof, keyless entry, and heated front seats for richer customers.

The 2011 Toyota Sienna is expected in dealerships next year in February!