The new of the Toyota Prius built in Japan, at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, offered a new modular battery pack design and more power for better acceleration. The design of the new battery was both more powerfull and smaller, with typical Toyota Corp. reliability. Not like the first generation of Toyota Prius, the second generation of Toyota Prius smaller battery pack allowed the rear seat to fold forward, so the cargo handling more flexible. The largest Toyota market, United State, would have demanded more performance compare than the original car offered. The second generation of Toyota Prius deliver the performance needed baseline gasoline engine with an output increase from 58 horsepower to 70 horsepower. The result of the electric motor also increased slightly to 44 horsepower with 258 lbs-ft of torque.
The third generation of the Toyota Prius was introduced in 2003. It was the first hybrid cars with all new of Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. Power from the electric motor and gasoline engine to increase enough to cut the 0-60 mph acceleration time by almost 2.5 seconds. The result is a super-mileage sedan with a high-performance car is equivalent to a traditional 4-cylinder mid-size vehicle.
The latest generation features a 1.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder gasoline engine with VVT-i that produces 76 horsepower and 82 lbs-ft of torque. The gasoline engine is joined by a 67 horsepower permanent magnet AC motor that delivers 295 lbs-ft of torque between 0-1200 rpm. A sealed 201 volt nickel-metal hydride battery provides the power. Estimated fuel economy with EPA ratings system in 2007 is the best in the business, with a 60 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the freeway. They adjust to 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway numbers with the 2008 EPA test procedures.
Prius owners make more than a statement with the latest generation of cars as well. The new design, has increased significantly over the original Prius and rather strange-looking, remain distinctive even four years after its debut. Its profile of Jetsons-like futuristic and aerodynamic with high-tech appeal. It’s no secret that a different profile push many buyers to choose the Prius, because other people know that they are testing positive environment in a flash car. The interior is roomy and comfortable car, although some unique design elements to take some acclimation.
Success with the Toyota Prius have been encouraged to apply to its Hybrid Synergy Drive on other popular platforms including the Toyota Highlander SUV, the mainstream Toyota Camry sedan, and a various of models including the Lexus RX, GS, and LS channels. As a result, Toyota’s hybrid 1000000 submitted in June of 2007, with more than half (541 210) was submitted in the US. Toyota is on track to sell more than one million hybrids quarter in 2007 alone.
Ten years after being introduced, the Toyota Prius still leads in many respects. It has dropped the Prius GT concept and established a land speed record at Bonneville with a specially prepared Prius. What’s next? Maybe a plug-in Hybrid Prius that gets more than 100+ mpg combined. Toyota now has started a PHEV or plug-in hybrid vehicles development program and test samples Toyota Prius PHEVs on the agile American highway. And, just maybe … there might be consolidation of the hybrid Toyota Prius to the all brand new? We do not know. Apparently, there’s just no stopping this innovative vehicle.
If you are enjoy read this article, you may be also interested in reading: Ferrari Hybrid, 2010 Toyota Prius, BMW X6, Fuel Economy Standards, Audi Q7, Prius Minivan, The Interior of Prius, Honda CR-Z Hybrid, Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars, Infinity M35, 2010 FIFA WorldCup, The Most Popular Hybrid Cars, and Lithium Ion Battery.