Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has introduced a third-generation Prius in Japan. The new Prius combines advanced environmental performance with improved driving pleasure. Its Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) has been more than 90% designed anew and synergizes with advanced aerodynamic performances. The new Prius comes with four driving modes to match the requirements of specific driving environments, as well as with a solar-powered ventilation system and other dynamic features.
Like its predecessors, the new Prius remains worthy of its name, Latin for to go before, by being equipped with the new in Toyota hybrid and other environmentally friendly technology. This synergy combines with other advances to achieve a fuel efficiency of 38.0km/l2, while providing driving performance on par with that offered by a vehicle with a larger 2.4-liter engine.
Since becoming the mass-produced hybrid vehicle in 1997, the Prius has been sold in more than 40 countries and regions around the world, with cumulative sales having exceeded 1.25 million units as of March 31, 2009. The third-generation Prius will be released in stages in more than 80 countries and regions, as part of an effort to further popularize hybrid vehicles worldwide.
Vehicle Outline:
Advanced hybrid performance:
The engine and transaxle boast higher efficiency while the motor, inverter and other units are smaller, lighter and more efficient. The THS II has been more-than-90% redesigned and includes a 1.8-liter engine, a motor and a reduction gear. Synergetic effects generated between the hybrid system and the vehicle as a whole, including its aerodynamic performances (with a coefficient of drag value of 0.25), achieve a fuel efficiency of 38.0km/l2, and deliver driving performance equivalent to that of a 2.4-liter engine. (Under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism JC08 test cycle, the new Prius has a fuel efficiency of 32.6km/l.).
Higher engine efficiency:
The adoption of a newly developed 1.8-liter gasoline engine reduces engine rpm during high-speed driving and raises fuel efficiency at high speeds. The ample output and torque contribute to comfortable cruising.
Toyota’s electric-powered water pump that draws its energy from the battery reduces friction loss through precise control of the coolant water flow rate and an electrically operated drive belt.
A high-expansion-ratio engine results in substantially less piston-pumping loss and internal friction, while cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) and roller rocker arms raise combustion efficiency.
An exhaust heat recovery system uses exhaust heat, which in the past was discarded, for the interior heater and for warming up the engine.
Key units made smaller and lighter:
The transaxle is smaller and lighter with a compact, high-speed motor that achieves increased output, and a reduction gear that increases torque.
The power control unit uses a boost converter to raise system voltage to a maximum of 650V, but is substantially smaller and lighter thanks to a redesign of the cooling system.
The hybrid battery features high-output, nickel-metal hydride cells and features smaller cooling intake/exhaust ducts and fans.
For eco-minded operation, an Eco-Drive Mode puts emphasis on fuel efficiency, while an Eco-Drive Monitor on the central instrument panel supports environmentally considerate driving. The monitor can display: 1) the Hybrid System Indicator, which shows status of accelerator and energy regeneration, 2) one-minute or five-minute fuel efficiency rates, 3) a fuel efficiency history that shows average fuel efficiency and maximum fuel efficiency for the past five trips, and 4) real-time energy consumption. The monitor can also be linked to a navigation system (on vehicles with a hard-disc-drive navigation system and the Prius Super Live Sound System) to display on the navigation system screen the degree of environmentally considerate driving and driving tips.
A Power Mode allows more agile driving, while optimization of the platform achieves smooth steering, cruising stability, a smooth ride and superior straight-driving stability at high speeds.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Drive Mode uses just the motor for extremely quiet cruising, while effective placement of sound-absorbing materials and vibration-controlling materials on the high-rigidity body achieve outstanding quietness.
Design pursues both function and beauty:
Comprehensive aero-management based on aerodynamic theory has been used to further evolve the Prius’ characteristic triangular silhouette, contributing to achieve aerodynamic performances with a coefficient drag value of 0.25.
Aero-corner shape of front and rear bumpers accentuates sides of corners, while longer rear spoiler enhances aerodynamic performance.
Front pillars moved forward 25mm and placed at oblique angle and roof peak moved back to improve rear-seat roominess and create dynamic proportions, while character lines extending from front to rear create refined feel and improve aerodynamic performance by helping reduce drag.
Both 17-inch and 15-inch aluminum wheels contribute to better aerodynamic performance.
The front and rear emblems and the headlight extensions are Hybrid Synergy Blue, the color that has come to symbolize Toyota’s hybrid vehicles.
The interior emphasizes human sensibilities and features an advanced cockpit with improved visibility and operability as well as a high-quality feel that exudes human warmth.
Clear distinction made between Display Zone, which displays information, and the Command Zone, which is for operations.
Center cluster and console have been integrated and shift-by-wire technology adopted to allow placement of shifter knob in easiest operating position.
Wide instrument panel features surface pattern based on leaf veins to create ecological image.
Equipment ahead of the times:
The Touch Tracer Display features touch controls for the audio system, air conditioning and Eco-Drive Monitor, and is located near the driver’s fingers on the steering wheel, with the display of these operations located on the centrally positioned instrument panel.
Toyota’s first solar-ventilation system uses power generated by solar panels installed on the moon roof to ventilate the vehicle interior. The remote air conditioning system can be operated from outside the vehicle using a switch on the Smart Key.
The Intelligent Parking Assist System has a pre-support function that instructs the driver how to position the vehicle for it to be assisted into a parking space.
The LED headlights feature reduced power-consumption low beams, and a pop-up headlight cleaner located on the lower portion of the headlights to remove dirt.
The driver’s seat cushion, scuff plates, and other interior components are made of Ecological Plastic, a material that reduces environmental impact.
Evolved basic performance:
Slimmer front seatbacks and other adjustments create a roomier interior space. A smaller hybrid battery and its optimized placement result in a cargo area that is approximately 30 liters larger than that in the second-generation Prius.
An available new Pre-crash Safety System (millimeter-wave radar type) and standard Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control (S-VSC), six Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags and an Active Headrest for the driver and front passenger seat pursue safety performance at the highest level.
The Global Outstanding Assessment body construction has been further developed to create an advanced collision-safety structure by incorporating the concept of omni-directional compatibility.
Improvements in the body structure also reduce the likelihood of pedestrian head injuries to achieve one of the highest levels of injury prevention.
All vehicles in the series meet the new 2015 Japanese fuel efficiency standards set out under the Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy and emissions have also been reduced with levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism approval system for low-emission vehicles, which is currently the strictest standard in Japan for emissions, thus qualifying for incentives under the Japanese government’s taxation system for environmentally friendly vehicles.