Electric motors have mad torque, they need to be paired with larger engines capable of taking on more power. If it was the current prius electric motor paired with the corolla motor the range of aftermarket applications would be larger and help marketing to teens.

The current prius electric motors makes 285 ft lbs/tq. Another plus is the addition of a single gear transmission taking away from the slips between gears.

Many mechanics will not work on hybrid cars, and this will also change over time helping the movement.

I read a review in car and driver and they said the prius was a dream to drive through the curves. The lack of power was a large downfall to its performance but I would imagine it would make a nice autox car with that electric motor being the only one to drive it around most of the track.

Another fun fact: most HEV vehicles get better gas mileage on city than highway.