Toyota announced that it is currently conducting tests on a new technology that could make hybrids and other vehicles with electric powertrains even more efficient. A trial, which will take one year, will be conducted in Japan and will rate the performance of new power semi-conductors that work with silicon carbide (SiC) material. They will be fitted to a Camry hybrid prototype and a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus.
These conductors can be seen in hybrids and other EVs, and are found in the power control units that govern the motor. They manage the exact use of electricity and send the power from the battery to the motors when the car is being driven. Of course, they also recharge the battery during braking or deceleration.
At the moment, the conductors used account for 20 per cent of a vehicle’s electrical losses. And this is the reason that made Toyota take the decision to increase the efficiency of the complete powertrain. This will happen via the development of high-quality SiC type conductors create less resistance when electricity flows through them.
The tests will be conducted on Camry hybrid prototype and a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus. Toyota has installed SiC power semiconductors, meaning transistors and diodes, in the PCU’s internal voltage step-up converter and the inverter that controls the motor. It will gather all the needed information, including PCU voltage and current, and driving speeds, patterns, and weather conditions.
Toyota will compare the new data to the previous one, collected from the conductors currently in use, and then will assess the level of efficiency achieved. The Camry road test will take place in Toyota City and will last more than a year. They will begin in early February.
The new 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Trifecta got its unique name because it has such an exclusive motoring trifecta: combining Power, Economy and Value in one car! The new model has to offer even more equipment and enhanced styling, aerodynamics, interior space, safety, ride comfort, handling and luggage space. And can you believe that although the vehicle has so many significant advances, the starting price for the entry-level Camry H has been lowered to $34,990.
Value has also been improved for high-grade Camry HL at $41,490.
Furthermore, Camry Hybrid debuts a highly revised version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. In other words this means that it includes 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a high-torque electric motor. Furthermore, the system’s combined output has been lifted to 151kW (from 140kW) with power varied between the petrol engine and electric motor, or combined as needed. In addition, the new 2.5-litre engine uses the Atkinson cycle to achieve optimum efficiency while producing more power and torque than the previous engine. All this results in city fuel consumption of jus 5.7 litres/100km. On the other hand, while driving on the highway, the fuel consumption drops to 4.9 litres/100km. All in all, the combined fuel economy is 5.2 litres/100km. Another important fact is that the carbon-dioxide emissions have been cut to 121 grams/km from 142 grams/km. No second thought that the 2012 Camry Hybrid has better fuel economy and lower emissions than many small cars. Moreover, the vehicle uses one-third less fuel on the combined cycle than the already efficient petrol Camry.
In addition, the new model has improvements in the exterior and the interior: exclusive exterior and interior designs and badges differentiate the Camry Hybrid from other Camry models, for instance. Additionally, an exclusive radiator grille with a chrome upper section and a “hybrid blue” Toyota badge is flanked by headlights with blue-accented extensions. Wheen looked at the back, the rear design expresses a solid stance including the hybrid blue Toyota badge and, for the HL grade, a bootlid spoiler and chrome garnish. What about the interior? Inside of the coupe, there can be seem refined touches such as soft-touch padding, quality stitching and a three-dial Optitron instrument panel with chrome-accented outer rings and metallic-blue meter gradations. Not to mention, the hybrid-exclusive brushed silver inserts, which ornament the upper console panels, door-switch bases and gear selector.
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Trifecta
In the car s also featured, a comprehensive safety package, which includes stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and a reversing camera with the image displayed on a 6.1-inch touch-screen. In addition, there are also included seven airbags with the addition of a driver’s knee airbag plus seatbelt indicators for all five occupants. What is more, Camry Hybrid can offer quieter engine. Next, the proven nickel-metal hydride battery, located in the boot behind the rear seats, now has improved air cooling.
2012 Camry Hybrid is unique as well, because of the technology which improve the fuel consumption it features. It incorporates several measures to improve fuel economy and lower emissions, in particular the new EV (electric vehicle) drive mode. This mode may allow the driver to operate the car on the electric motor alone for up to 2km at lower speeds. Furthermore, the electric water pump, a roller-rocker type valvetrain and a variable-output oil pump boost economy by helping to reduce internal friction. Next, comes the water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation system, which helps to ensure low emissions at all vehicle speeds and helps improve fuel efficiency. The optimized aerodynamics and the lighter body contribute to the better performance and fuel economy while lower rolling resistance tyres also boost fuel efficiency. Another important feature concerning fuel consumption and CO2 emissions is the ECO drive mode which optimizes throttle response and air-conditioning output to prioritize maximum fuel economy. In addition, there is featured as well a hybrid-exclusive instrument cluster, which has features that help the driver to operate the car as economically as possible. For example, the instantaneous fuel economy is shown with LEDs (light-emitting diodes) around the outside of the average fuel-economy gauge. Applying the brake converts the motor to a generator that captures the kinetic energy from the wheels, storing it in the hybrid battery pack. At last, the new hill-start assist control helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting off on an incline when the brake pedal is released.
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Trifecta is offered in two variants: Camry H and Camry HL.
The 2010 Camry is on display for the first time today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). As the best-selling passenger car in America for seven years running and 11 of the past 12 years, Camry continues to redefine standards for comfort and performance. (more…)
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it will display the Toyota FT-EV concept on opening Media Day at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), confirming its plan to launch an urban commuter battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by 2012. (more…)
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today highlighted the versatility of its Hybrid Synergy Drive® system by showing a compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid concept vehicle at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. (more…)
Toyota announced that it is currently conducting tests on a new technology that could make hybrids and other vehicles with electric powertrains even more efficient. A trial, which will take one year, will be conducted in Japan and will rate the performance of new power semi-conductors that work with silicon carbide (SiC) material. They will be fitted to a Camry hybrid prototype and a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus.
The 2010 Camry is on display for the first time today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). As the best-selling passenger car in America for seven years running and 11 of the past 12 years, Camry continues to redefine standards for comfort and performance. 
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it will display the Toyota FT-EV concept on opening Media Day at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), confirming its plan to launch an urban commuter battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by 2012. 