The next generation Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle has been unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit and features an optional roof mounted solar panel that powers an interior recirculation system while the car is parked, to help lower interior temperatures and reduce the load on the air conditioning thus improving the car's fuel efficiency.
Powered by a larger and more powerful 100 kW 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine, the third generation Toyota Prius is the most fuel efficient yet and consumes just 50 MPG (US EPA test schedule). This is achieved via a combination of innovative technologies including the aforementioned solar panel and new engine plus a coefficient of drag (Cd) value of just 0.25.
Other advanced equipment on the new Prius includes a remote air-conditioning system which is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone and can also be remotely operated so the driver can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car. Power-saving LED (light emitting diode) lamps are used for low beams and also in the tail and stop lamps.
Built on an all-new platform, the third generation Prius boasts improved handling stability, quieter operation, and collision safety. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear intermediate beam design, as before, but handling stability is advanced by improving the stabiliser layout, higher caster angle and tuning the bushing characteristics. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.
Generous weight-saving has been achieved through use of aluminum in the bonnet, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. The new Prius is also quicker from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) with a time of 9.8 seconds, more than a second faster than its predecessor.
Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping, has been installed in various locations to reduce road noise.
The new Prius features a futuristic cabin with improved cargo space, a smooth-flowing centre stack and touch sensors on the steering wheel switches which have been designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road. When the driver touches the audio or info switch located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. This system, called Touch Tracer, is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel.
The third generation Toyota Prius goes on sale late spring in the US. Australian deliveries are expected to begin shortly afterwards.
1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i
Engine horsepower: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Engine torque: 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Electric motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Electric motor power output: 80 hp/153 lb-ft torque
Hybrid system net horsepower: 134 hp
Emission rating: SULEV (with AT-PZEV)
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Drive System: Front-wheel-drive
Hybrid battery pack: Nickel-metal hydride
Estimated fuel economy: 50 mpg (combined)*
DIMENSIONS (inches)Overall Length: 175.6
Overall Width: 68.7
Overall Height: 58.7
Wheelbase: 106.3
Ground clearance: 5.5
Coefficient of Drag: 0.25
Wheels: 15-inch alloy wheels
17-inch alloy wheels (optional)
Tire Size: 15-inch: 195/65R15
17-inch: 215/45R17 (optional)
Seating Capacity: 5
EPA class rating: Midsize
* Preliminary figure based on Toyota’s internal testing. Actual mileage will vary.
[Source: Toyota]
Subaru North America has today confirmed details from the earlier 'leaked memo' that the 2009 Impreza WRX will receive a hefty power boost, plus a re-tuned suspension and minor styling tweaks in anticipation of the arrival of Mitsubishi's Lancer Ralliart Sportback.
New front upper strut mounts adopted from the STI, stiffer springs (26.5 N/mm to 38 N/mm (f); 24 N/mm to 34 N/mm (r)), larger stabiliser bars and re-tuned suspension dampers have significantly improved handling response and sharper, more precise turn-in.
Subaru has also announced the introduction of a new Impreza 2.5GT model for 2009, powered by a 165 kW (224 hp) turbocharged inter-cooled horizontally opposed engine mated to a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT.
