The world’s most successful hybrid has just been improved with a 90% hybrid system redesign, giving 22% more power and a 7% increase in fuel efficiency with a combined cycle of 3.8 L/100 km (74 mpg Imperial, 63mpg US) from 4.1 L/100 km (69 mpg Imperial, 59mpg US).
The Prius has 3 driver selected modes: EV-Drive Mode for almost 1.6 km in electric mode only; Power Mode for sporty driving; and Eco Mode for better economy. The engine is now a 1.8-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine with reduced emissions and better highway and low rpm efficiency, four disc brakes and an aerodynamic new body with a low 0.25 coefficient of drag (Cd) versus 0.26 for the 2009 model. The engine output is 98hp, 105lb-ft of torque with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor putting out 80hp, 153lb-ft of torque, combined total output is 134hp.
There is an electric water pump, new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, 20% lighter trans-axle and a better electrical power inverter. It also uses environmentally-responsible manufacturing methods and materials, such as LED headlights and plant-derived, carbon neutral plastics. These plastics are used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during a product lifecycle (from manufacturing to disposal) than plastic made solely from petroleum; it also helps reduce petroleum use.
More than 1 million drivers have bought the original two versions since 1997. The name Prius means “to go before” in Latin, and is now even more synonymous with environmental awareness than when it was first launched.
The new Prius has a more aerodynamic wedge shape and other strong styling cues on the same wheelbase apart from being 0.6 inch longer. Improvements to air-flow underneath, in the wheelhouse liner and shape of the wheels, helped reduce the coefficient of drag.
A sliding glass moonroof comes with solar panels to power a new ventilation system that uses an air-circulating fan when the car is parked so that the air-conditioning is more effective when used thereby saving energy. Other changes also save electrical energy that is used for extended hybrid driving range.
The power increase and weight reduction has improved the 0-60mph (0-96kph) acceleration time to 9.8 seconds. The interior has had a complete make-over with a myriad of improvements including steering wheel mounted sensor controls for the hybrid system data. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are included in the safety aspects of the design.
An advanced Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using millimeter wave radar, is an option which helps the driver stay safely within the driving lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable. There is also a Next-generation Intelligent Parking Assist to help guide the car into parking spaces.
Despite the economic downturn, the new Prius has all the fixings to be just as popular as the previous models, and perhaps even more so as people become more conscious of the greenhouse gas emissions from their vehicle driving. This new Prius would save a few tons of greenhouse gases compared to a regular non-hybrid compact vehicle.
Visit: http://www.toyota.com
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