Prius – Page 2 – Automobiles Review

2015 Toyota Prius V Hybrid: With Great Comfort Comes and Great Performance

2015 Toyota Prius V Hybrid seven-seater comes with fresh looks, more comfort and improved performance. There are two models in the lineup, that will bring incredible safety features and hi-tech gadgets like the Lane Departure Alert and the upgraded Pre-Crash Safety System. Furthermore the Prius V Hybrid will demonstrate and wonderful stability with the adjusted suspension system and damping force. But let’s check out what else the model has to offer.

Exterior

The exterior updates of the Prius V shows some elegance and confidence, thanks to Toyota’s latest design concept trends. The vehicle comes with revised front-end features like redesigned upper-grille, more prominent Toyota badge and vertical LED running laps. In fact, the slim headlapms give that distinctive and sharp appearance, that everyone would love, while the gloss black lower grille adopts the well-known Toyota signature trapezoidal shape.

On the other hand, the rear of the vehicle comes with wonderful lamp design and wonderful license-plate trim, redesigned bumper and integrated diffuser.

Furthermore, both the Prius V and Prius V i-Tech include seven airbags, stability and traction control, climate-control air conditioning, rear camera, heads-up display, 16-inch alloy wheel, hill-start assist control, electric vehicle mode and touch-tracer steering-wheel controls

Drivetrain System

Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain comes with a 1.8-Liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a speicla 60kW electric motor, that together with the petrol powerplant produces a total of 100 kW. Furthermore, the power of both motors is blended with a special transmission, that helps for the fuel economy, which is incredible: 4.4 liters/100 km (62 miles) and CO2 emissions of 101g/km

Interior

The interior of the latest Prius is greatly redesigned and refreshed and now comes with fluorescent display centre console, multimedia-information display, new steering wheel and seat trims. Some of the visual upgrades include chrome-plated doors, dark silver finish and the slim-line vents of the center console come with chrome finish for even more sophisticated appearance.

And there is also a special “eco-judge” system, that helps the driver to achieve the optimal performance-economics ratio. How cool is that?

Source: Toyota

June 15, 2015

New Year, New Technology Equipment for Toyota Prius+

Fresh look, top-level technological advancements, improved safety and quality is what the 2015 Toyota Prius+ is offering now. The car manufacturer, Toyota, took the wraps off the refined Prius+ at the Paris motor show and with the wraps any doubts related to the standards of the car also fell off . The restyled seven-seat hybrid depicted a new model line-up, Excel Plus, which joined the established Icon and Excel models.

All versions are equipped with LED headlamps, new LED rear light clusters and an edgier front-end treatment. The entry level Icon model receives the latest Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with touchscreen, Bluetooth, DAB digital radio and reversing camera, as well as a tyre pressure warning system. The interior is redisigned too. There is an altered center console, dark trim finish and perfected seat fabrics. A color TFT screen has been added to the upper instrument panel too.

Moreover, the Toyota Touch 2 with Go system is available on Excel and Excel Plus models. It contributes to the technological comfort of the cars with navigation and connectivity functions, including access to live traffic information. In addition, there is also a touchscreen, Bluetooth, DAB digital radio, reversing camera, and a tyre pressure warning system. Toyota’s Pre-Crash Safety system is included too and it helps the driver avoid a collision or reduces the consequences if an impact actually occurs.

Parking becomes easier than ever thanks to the integrate Toyota Intelligent Parking Assist. It scans free parking spaces and provides automatic steering which directs the Prius+ when if finds an available parking spot.

Prius+ retains its highly efficient hybrid powertrain, which produces combined cycle performance figures of 68.9mpg and (road tax-exempt) 96g/km when fitted with 16-inch wheels and 64.2mpg and 101g/km with 17-inch wheels.

The arrival of the new 2015 Prius+ is also marked by the addition of two new metallic paint options: Sienna Bronze and Galaxy Black.

Source: Toyota

December 3, 2014

Toyota Prius+ Updated for MY 2015

Toyota Prius+ is a seven-seat hybrid MPV which now has been refreshed for the 2015 model year. It can show off with new styling, equipment features and color choices. The front-end of the car has been redesigned and now includes a new upper grille and a more prominent Toyota badge that extends the forward line of the bonnet. One can not pass the new LED headlights, too, with their slim profile and contrasting black and chrome plating.

In addition, the lower grille is now in trapezoid shape, while the new gloss black metallic exterior paint finish further highlights the presence of the car. The bumper corners have been given extra emphasis in a flowing form that extends from the headlights to the new air intakes and LED daytime running lights.

At the back of the car one can see a new combination lamp design with “light guides” as well as red inner lenses. The new licence plate trim and bumper now feature an integrated diffuser. There are two body colors new for the palette: Dark Sherry metallic and Attitude Black mica.

Modifications have been done inside, staring with the dark silver metallic finish for the driver’s switchgear and the air conditioning dial control and a chrome finish for the door handles. In the center console one finds two chrome-trimmed, slim-line air vents and a new 4.2-inch colour TFT information screen. The latter displays important vehicle information.

As a standard, the 2015 Prius+ comes equipped with Toyota’s Touch 2 multimedia system, which includes touchscreen control, Bluetooth and reversing camera. This system can be upgaded – Toyota Touch 2 with Go, in order to deliver additional satellite navigation, live traffic information, expanded range of connected services, text-to-speech function and 3D city modelling with landmark graphics.

Furthermore, other standard equipment features include electric seat adjustment, a front centre armrest and Intelligent Park Assist. In terms of safety, Toyota has provided emergency brake signal as a no cost option.

Prius+ also comes with improved ride and handling, reduced noise intrusion in the cabin and the hybrid powertrain has been upgraded to comply with Euro6 emissions standards. More details, specifications and pricing to be announced close to sale date.

Source: Toyota

October 9, 2014

2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

The 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid continue into the new year with some updates and changes. The Toyota Prius shape is well established after 12 years and its instantly recognizable. The five-door hatchback has a vertical tale and a smooth front with minimum. Its size allows four to five people to fit in along with their luggage.

The cabin looks incredible. The two-level dashboard layout now looks dated-through the interior design appearing futuristic, compared to its launch in 2009. With interior surfaces clad entirely in hard plastics, of various textures and patterns. The first thing to catch you eye is a console that sweeps down from the top dashboard. There are additional features that include:

Heated seats
Bluetooth Connectivity
SiriusXM Radio
Digital Audio Output
Steering wheel controls and automatic climate control
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Navigation system and Cruise control

Toyota made sure they made this car as safe as possible with curtain head airbags, side airbags, brake assist, traction, anti-lock brakes and stability control passenger airbags etc. While its striking visually, in practice the storage space under it is largely invisible and hard to reach. Four adults will fit comfortably, with some efforts put in, five adults can also fit in and the EPA defines the Prius as a mid-size car based on interior volume. The 2015 Toyota Prius power train remains unchanged, with total output of 134 hp(99 kW) from the 1.8-liter four cylinder engine and a pair of electric motor generators. They provide electric torque to supplement torque from the engine, recharge the battery during regenerative braking or engine overrun and can power the car solely on electricity at speeds up to 30 mph (48 km/h).

Toyota has more experienced building hybrids than any other maker, and its blending of regenerative braking with the conventional friction brakes is outstanding. But if you need more than leisurely performance, 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) is just under 10 sec you will quickly hear the engine revering up to high speeds.

Source: Toyota

September 29, 2014

Toyota Adds Persona Special Edition To Prius Range

2015 Toyota Prius Persona Special Edition is a limited edition version of the best-selling hybrid in United States, brought to the next level. This elegant vehicle is tailored with exclusive exterior and interior touches, which make it truly one-of-a-kind. It has this eye-catching exterior and adds several changes to the equipment to create a visually distinctive car. Precisely, this car is based on the Prius Three Special Edition, and will be available exclusively in two exterior paint finishes: Absolutely Red and Blizzard Pearl. The former dye is offered for the first time on Prius.

In addition, it runs on 17-inch alloy wheels which include a premium dark metallic finish. The special edition also comes equipped with premium heated power mirrors with turn signal indicators. At the rear there will be a badge “Persona Series”, which will help differentiate the model.

Inside, the Persona is trimmed in black SofTex with gray stitching. The same treatment has been implemented to the steering wheel. However, it includes a dark chrome bezel that complements car’s dark chrome shift knob ring and door grips.

To the luxurious feel of the Persona Series adds the blue driver and front-passenger foot area illumination. 2015 Prius Persona Series Special Edition will begin arriving in dealerships in September and will be priced at $26,985 USD.

Source: Toyota

July 31, 2014

Toyota Prius Plug-in Sets Nürburgring Record For Fuel Economy [VIDEO]

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has set a different kind of record on the Nürburgring race track. So far the achievements on the track were all about miles per hour, not miles per gallon. Toyota has just turned this tradition on its head when it took its Prius Plug-in hybrid to the famous track. It showed not only how fast the car goes, but also how little fuel it utilizes on a single lap. Behind the wheel of the car was the motoring journalist and Japanese car expert Joe Clifford. He drove an upgraded Prius with the addition of TRD parts. They are styling rather than performance elements which enhance car’s visual stance.

In dry conditions he managed to achieve 698 mpg, and completed his lap in 20 minutes and 59 seconds. This figure is exceptional, because it outstrips car’s official combined cycle figure of 134mpg. If we can measure the used fuel for this sprint in table spoons, than it would be just less than five.

This record was made possible due to the utilization of the technology that is development of Toyota’s full hybrid system. It matches a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a compact, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Battery’s performance and outstanding energy density offer the opportunity to drive the car further and at higher speeds on electric power alone.

Prius Plug-in’s achievement is another addition to Toyota’s history of success at Nürburgring. Moreover, the latest test affects directly to what customers might experience with their own Prius. The story of the challenge can be viewed in the video below:

httpv://youtu.be/c3_G5a54USI

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Toyota

July 16, 2014

Toyota Makes Next Steps In Hybrid Power

Toyota is undertaking significant developments in the laboratory and on the race track. The aim – to make next steps in the evolution of hybrid power, which will be utilized in hybrid vehicles such as Prius and Camry. The company is targeting improvements in performance and fuel efficiency. The first step has been already made with the announcement of new generation of computer chips that have the potential to boost the fuel efficiency by 10 per cent. At the same time they also significantly reduce the size of the crucial power control unit (PCU).

Toyota Racing division which is positioned in Germany focuses on practicing the hybrid know-how. This is made via its participation in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) sports-car racing, and will also be implemented in next month’s Le Mans 24-hour classic.

The hybrid technology of the all-wheel-drive TS040 Hybrid race car, harvests more braking energy that can be stored and utilized under acceleration. This of course results in additional power boost. If we compare the new hybrid with last year’s race car, the maximum power of the TS040 Hybrid has been improved more than 18 per cent. In addition, the fuel consumption has been cut by 25 per cent.

TS040 Hybrid made two victories in the two WEC races held this year. This also serves as a real-life test bench for Toyota’s latest hybrid concepts. The knowledge gained from the motorsport program and Toyota’s on-going research and development has already been utilized to enhance the company’s hybrid road cars. Since the launch of the first Prius in 1997, more than six million cars were sold around the globe.

The latest laboratory achievement of Toyota’s includes new silicon carbide computer chips (power semi-conductors) that are more efficient than today’s chips made from silicon alone. They were designed to be used in the PCU of hybrid vehicles, thus enabling the company to improve fuel efficiency by up to 10 per cent while also reducing PCU size by up to 80 per cent.

Precisely, the silicon carbide chips will undergo on-road testing in Japan within a year. They reduce the amount of current lost as heat, and switch the current flow on and off more efficiently. The result is the reduced size of the coil and capacitor, which account for approximately 40 per cent of the size of the PCU.

PCU in hybrid vehicles delivers electric power from the battery to the motor in order to control vehicle’s speed. It also sends electricity generated through deceleration to the battery for storage. Nearly 20 per cent of the total power loss in hybrid vehicles is associated with the power semiconductors alone. This shows a need for an improvement of the semi-conductor in order to improve efficiency.

Source: Toyota

June 2, 2014

2014 Toyota Prius – US Price $29,990

Toyota US has announced the pricing of the new 2014 Prius Facelift, which is available for less than $30,000. The base model Plug-in Hybrid starts from just $29,990, while the top-of-range Plug-in Hybrid Advanced costs $39,525.

The 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid is well-equipped (similar to a Prius Three), but adds these appealing features:

Heated cloth front seats – a unique standard feature available only on Prius Plug-in
Remote Climate – a feature that allows customers to activate their A/C remotely (standard on Prius Plug-in, available on Prius Three)
Ability to drive extended distances in EV Mode, helping to increase fuel efficiency
Unique 10-spoke alloy wheels
1 additional year of Roadside Assistance through ToyotaCare, for a total of 3 year

The Prius Plug-in Advanced will still offer popular features including:

Premium HDD Navigation with Entune^® App Suite (including Plug-in Hybrid Applications) and JBL
SofTex-trimmed heated front seats
8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support
Head-Up Display
Safety Connect

Grade	Engine/ Trans.	Highlight Features	13MY MSRP	14MY MSRP	MSRP $ Change	MSRP % Change
Plug-in Hybrid	1.8-liter HSD/ E-CVT	Display Audio with Navigation, Entune App Suite and backup camera; USB/Aux and Bluetooth; unique 15” alloy wheels, Smart Key System on 3 doors and Push Button Start; heated front seats; Remote Climate; HSD blue accent headlights and exclusive Plug-in Hybrid badging; additional year of Roadside Assistance through ToyotaCare	$32,000	$29,990*	-$2,010	-6.3%
Plug-in Hybrid Advanced	1.8-liter HSD/ E-CVT	Prius Plug-in Hybrid plus: Premium HDD Navigation with Entune App Suite (including Plug-in Hybrid Applications) and JBL, SofTex-trimmed heated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, Head-Up Display, Safety Connect	$39,525	$34,905*	-$4,620	-11.7%

Source: Toyota

October 10, 2013

Clint Bowyer Toyota Prius – lower than a Sprint Cup car

Toyota will reveal a custom Clint Bowyer Prius at the 2012 SEMA. Bowyer, whose Prius was modified under his direction by RKM Performance Center in Mooresville, N.C., believes that taking the high technology for which the Prius is already famous to extremes will pave the way to victory.

“When you think of a hot rod, you don’t think of a Prius,” Bowyer said. “A young, sophisticated global thinker meets a connected, socially conscious traveler – that’s the theme of the Tekked-Out Prius.”

It comes with a nice hi-tech version featuring a 17” custom touch screen with built-in Windows 7 computer, two ASUS 12” tablets, and a side-view camera system that replaces the factory mirrors. A staggering 45 feet of fiber optic lighting and a thumping 16-speaker JBL audio system with two amplifiers and six crossovers brighten the mood inside of the sinister-looking black-on-black Prius.

The special edition Prius also has a 16-speaker audio system from JBL with six crossovers and two amplifiers, while the interior has received custom leather and suede upholstery, electric blue stitching accents and imported German carpet.

The final vehicle builds will be unveiled during a press conference at the Toyota display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas on Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. local time. Fans will be able to tune in live to watch the entire press conference on the Toyota Racing Facebook page or LiveStream.com/Toyota and see the winner announced in real time.

Source: Toyota

October 22, 2012

Wald Sports Line Toyota Prius

We don’t know what to think. Wald, from Japan, have been working on a Toyota Prius Mk3 in order to turn it to a “Sports Line”. Yes, what you are looking at here is essentially an aerodynamic kit…for a Prius.

That confuses us because the whole concept of a Toyota Prius is to be sensible. Performance is not necessary snesible. Maybe then, it’s for the sake of aesthetics. But who buys a Prius and hopes to stick out from the crowd? Whatever the reason, you get a newfront bumper, side skirts, a rear apron that includes a diffuser all of which is predominantly made from fiber-reinforced plastic. Also the exhaust tips are redesigned and chromed. Handy aero covers on the side windows help prevent air messing up your hair when cruising along.

Then further down beneath the shell, Wald have thrown in a sports suspension which lowers the car within a hair’s distance from the ground. Included also are large alloy wheels that have low profile performance tires wrapped around them (again with the performance confusion).

Source: Wald

July 6, 2012

2012 Toyota Prius v – spacious and efficient

2012 Toyota Prius v is the next model to join the Prius family. It comes to offer spaciousness, economy and excellent performance.

If you wonder what the “v” behind the Prius stands for, well it stands for “versatility”. This is because this Toyota model is the first one to offer the flexibility and roominess of seven seats combined with a hybrid powertrain.

What differs the Prius v from a standard Prius model is that it is longer, wider and taller and has an extended wheelbase. This is what makes possible for the vehicle to accommodate adults in all three rows. The latter were successfully added to the car, because its design now saves space from the highly compact, space-saving lithium-ion battery pack, which is placed under the centre console between the front seats.

In particular, the new car’s seven-seat format includes three independent sliding, reclining and split-folding second-row seats and a 50:50 split-folding third tier. This ensures large range of seating and cargo-carrying combinations.

Moreover, Prius v comes equipped with array of advanced features including a 6.1-inch display-screen audio system, automatic air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, energy monitor, head-up display, keyless entry and ignition, daytime-sensing headlamps, electric power steering, cruise control and daytime running lamps.

The interior equipment of the car includes multi-information display, four-spoke premium steering wheel with Touch Tracer sensitive controls for audio, air-conditioning temperature and trip display, and a tilt/telescopic-adjustable column.

In terms of safety and security, the future customers will be delighted to hear that this model has seven airbags, a reversing camera, hill-start assist, stability and traction control, and anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard.

More importantly, Prius v includes the latest and best generation of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain. It uses 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a powerful 60kW (82 hp) electric motor for a combined system output of 100kW (136 hp).

The Prius v 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle 2ZR-FXE engine delivers alone 73kW (99 hp) of power at 5200rpm and 142Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque at 4000rpm. On the other hand the vehicle’s 650V electric drive motor has 60kW of power and 207Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. This results as already mentioned in combined maximum power of 100kW (136 hp).

In details, the engine uses the Atkinson cycle, which has a higher expansion ratio than a conventional Otto cycle engine. This basically means that it offers improved fuel economy and emissions.

This unique system ensures low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well. It is supported by low weight and strong aerodynamic performance, thus offering class-leading fuel economy of 4.4 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 101g/km.

In addition, at the convenience of the drivers is the 6.1 inch display-audio screen, where they can observe the power flow between the engine, motor generators, battery and wheels on an energy monitor.

Being a true Prius, the “v” one includes three “on-demand” drive modes which increase the capabilities of the full hybrid powertrain. The first one – EV mode, runs alone the electric motor ultra-quietly for up to two kilometers. This of course effects in zero fuel consumption and emissions.

The second Eco mode prioritizes fuel economy by slightly damping throttle response and restricting power consumption from the air-conditioning system. The last one, the Power mode boosts system performance.

2012 Toyota Prius v starting price is $ 35 990.

2012 Toyota Prius v Specifications:

ENGINE
Type	Petrol
Capacity (cc)	1798
Code	2ZR-FXE
Description	Four cylinder Atkinson cycle, DOHC, four valves per cylinder with variable intake valve timing and cooled EGR
Bore x stroke (mm)	80.5 x 88.3
Compression ratio	13.0:1
Max. power	73kW @ 5200rpm
Max. torque	142Nm @ 4000rpm
Fuel system (petrol)	Electronic multipoint fuel injection with Electronic Throttle Control System
Fuel type	95 RON or higher
Fuel tank capacity (L)	45
Fuel economy (L/100km)*	4.4 (Combined)
	4.2 (Urban)
	4.3 (Extra urban)
Carbon dioxide (g/km)*	101 (Combined cycle)
HYBRID SYSTEM
Type	Series/parallel
System output	100kW (Combined)
Electric motor	60kW AC synchronous
Maximum voltage (V)	650
High-voltage battery	Lithium-ion
– Voltage (V)	201.6
TRANSMISSION
Driven wheels	Front
Transmission description	Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT)
Transmission code	P410
Final drive	3.703:1
STEERING
Type	Rack and pinion, Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Turns lock to lock (m)	3.31
Minimum turning radius (m)	5.5 (kerb to kerb)
SUSPENSION
Front	Independent, MacPherson struts, L-arms, coil springs, gas dampers and stabiliser bar
Rear	Semi-independent torsion beam, coil springs, gas dampers
FRICTION BRAKES
Front	296mm x 28mm ventilated discs, with sliding callipers
Rear	290mm x 12mm solid discs
Stability control	Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB), ABS with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Body Control with Torque Demand
WHEELS
Rims	16 x 6.5J aluminium with full size cover
Tyres	P205/60 R16
BODY
Body type	Monocoque 5DR liftback
Length (mm)	4615
Width (mm)	1775
Overall height (mm)	1590
Wheelbase (mm)	2780
Front track (mm)	1540
Rear track (mm)	1545
Coefficient of drag (Cd)	0.29
Running clearance	160mm
WEIGHTS/LOADS
Kerb weight (kg)	1565
Gross vehicle mass (kg)	2115

Source: Toyota

May 22, 2012

2012 Toyota RAV4 EV Revealed

As promised, Toyota have unveiled the RAV4 EV. The event took place at the 26th Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. The hopes are high as some expect it to be no less impressive than the current petrol RAV4 V6 in terms of “driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity. That’s amibtious.

The drivetrain inside it can provide power for 160 km once every charge. After that, you find a 240V/40A charger and “brim it up” fir six hours. Pretty much all the bits underneath have been made by Tesla. It took both companies 22 months to achieve this but eventually, we end up with the “only all-electric SUV on the market”

The torquey electricity powers goes to the front wheels in two manners – Sport and Normal. While on the former, the RAV4 can go from 0 to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in 7 seconds dead while the top speed climbs up to 160 km. A more leisurely way to drive up to the grocer’s can be the Normal mode – 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds and 137 km/h at best.

The maximum output of power has been estimated to be 115kW @ 2,800 rpm. The heavy battery pack buried deep down inside the car benefits the center of gravity while the electric motor purrs in a very serene way. Surrisingly, the RAV4 body is also slippery – a 0.30 drag coefficient is the very best among SUV’s apparently.

In terms of body design, there are some slight deviations from the standard look of the Toyota RAV4. The front bumper, upper and lower grille, side mirrors, rear spoiler and under body shape have all been restyled in favor of aerodynamics. Sales are expected to start somewhere around during the late summer of 2012. Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota in the United States, hopes that:

“…the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,”

We’ll have to see about that.