1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Toyota Reveals All-New Prius

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Danny, Jan 12, 2009.

  1. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2003
    7,093
    2,100
    1,174
    Location:
    Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Here is the official Toyota press release. Photos and video coming! Toyota Reveals All-New Prius All Photos in Priuschat Gallery Full PDF All Photos at Toyota Newsroom DETROIT, January 12, 2009 --- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 50-mile-per gallon rated third-generation Prius hybrid vehicle today at the 2009 North American International Auto show. Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than one million owners worldwide for more than 10 years. The midsize third-generation 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel. An Eco-Icon The first-generation Prius entered the market in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid. The name Prius, “to go before” in Latin, became symbolic of a car that was launched even before environmental awareness had become a mainstream social issue. From the beginning, Toyota’s full-hybrid system was developed in-house and has become a driving force behind advanced vehicle technology. The company’s exclusive Hybrid Synergy Drive System was introduced in 2004 on the second-generation Prius. Since then, more than 670,000 have been sold in the U.S. In designing the new, third-generation Prius, Toyota engineers combined a careful refinement of existing systems with an aggressive measure of new technology necessary for the future of automobiles. Fuel Economy and Environmental Performance The new Prius will be built using processes that reduce pollution in every stage of vehicle life, from production and driving, through to disposal. The third-generation Prius extends its record of continuous improvement in fuel economy. The first-generation Prius, which was rated 41 EPA combined mpg, was replaced by the current model, which is EPA rated at 46 mpg, combined city/highway. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency was increased to an estimated 50 miles per gallon for the new Prius. A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine will power the new Prius. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the larger engine actually helps improve highway mileage. By making more torque, the new engine can run at lower average rpm on the highway. When operating at lower rpm, the new engine uses less fuel. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds. Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine’s efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance. A multi-information display panel that monitors fuel and energy consumption is standard. It provides feedback on the Prius’ efficiency using three different displays to help the driver acquire economical driving habits. Unlike most other hybrid vehicles available, Prius has been a “full” hybrid since introduction. This allows it to run on engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. The system blends the best of parallel hybrid and series hybrid designs to achieve the ability to operate on the electric mode alone, and to charge the batteries while the car is running. The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Prius is 90 percent newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models. * The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20 percent compared to the previous model. * The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight. * Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20 percent lighter. * A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration. The new Prius will offer three alternative driving modes. EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve their best mileage. Cutting Edge Styling In designing the new Prius, aerodynamic performance was an important factor. The goal was to create a beautiful silhouette, while not compromising function. Designers preserved the dynamic triangle form of the current model--instantly recognizable as a Prius--but made alterations to the overall profile, pillar position and angle. The front pillar, extended forward, helps refine the performance-focusing, shaped form. The overall height of the Prius is the same, but the roof profile is altered by moving the top of the roof 3.9 inches to the rear. This emphasizes the wedge shape, and also allows for enhanced rear headroom and improved aerodynamics. The design of the new Prius’ front and rear corners are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the glazed geometric shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance. Dimensionally, the new Prius has the same wheelbase as the current generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward. World’s Lowest Cd The new Prius received more wind tunnel hours of testing than any other Toyota in history, resulting in the cleanest aerodynamic profile of any mass-produced vehicle in the world. By focusing on the shape of the body, underfloor, wheelhouse liner and shape of the wheels, the designers of the new Prius were able to reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model. The airflow under the car was studied extensively. Engineers made changes to the shape of the fender liner, front surface of the underfloor, and added a fin at the rear floor cover to increase linear stability. Advanced Equipment For a New Era An available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a new ventilation system. This solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning. The remote air-conditioning system is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone and that can be remotely operated, so the driver can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car. Reducing the vehicle’s power consumption, available LED (light emitting diode) lamps are used for low beams and also in the tail and stop lamps. Air conditioning, a major energy drain, has been re-engineered to increase efficiency and cool-down performance. In addition, an exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved performance. It also heats up the passenger cabin more efficiently. Enhanced Vehicle Performance The next-generation Prius is built on a new platform, which enables 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 stabilizer 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. Weight was saved through use of aluminum in the hood, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. To meet customer expectations for everyday performance, zero-to-60 acceleration has been improved to 9.8 seconds, more than a second faster, in internal testing. Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping, has been installed in various locations to reduce road noise. Functional Interior Is Bigger on the Inside Proving that small changes add up to big gains, the cargo area of the new Prius was expanded 0.4 inches in length and 2.2 inches in width by using a new and an improved layout of the battery cooling unit. Rear seat legroom is enhanced by a new space-saving contoured front-seat design. Viewed from the cockpit, the center cluster smoothly flows from the instrument panel to the console. Handy storage space has been added under the shift lever by taking advantage of the shift-by-wire system. Simple, fin-type air vents are consistent with the cabin’s efficient appearance. Judicious use of silver accents adds a finished, technical feel. Touch sensors on the steering wheel switches are 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 ECO indicator on the Multi-Informational Display (MID) provides driver feedback for lower fuel consumption. In pursuit of developing various advanced technologies aimed at realizing sustainable mobility, Toyota will use plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in the 2010 Prius. The newly-developed plastics, known as “ecological plastic,” will be used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during a product lifecycle (from manufacturing to disposal) than plastic made solely from petroleum; it also helps reduce petroleum use. Safety Enhancements The new Prius was designed to comply with class-top level collision safety performance in each global region of sale, and to accommodate increasingly strict safety requirements in the future. In addition to advanced driver and front passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags front and rear side curtain airbags, driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags and driver’s knee airbag are standard equipment. Active headrests are used in both front seats to reduce the possibility of whiplash in a collision. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are included with Toyota’s standard Star Safety System. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using advanced millimeter wave radar, is an available option. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable. Next-generation Intelligent Parking Assist features simplified settings to help guide the car into parking spaces. A backup monitor, which provides a view of rear obstacles when reverse is engaged, is available with an optional voice-activated navigation system. Safety Connect, Toyota’s first safety and security service, includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and an SOS call button. Safety Connect will be available a few months after launch. The development of the Prius has required applications for over 1,000 patents filed across the world, of which 292 are U.S. applications. Pricing for the 2010 Prius will be announced shortly before it goes on sale late spring. 2010 PRUIS PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS POWERTRAIN 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.
     
  2. Tech_Guy

    Tech_Guy Class Clown

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2007
    868
    123
    0
    Location:
    Silicon Valley, CA --- Land of Fruits & Nuts
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    19,891
    1,191
    9
    Location:
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
  4. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2008
    2,760
    320
    3
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Awesome! Thank you so much for posting all of this. :)

    After all that reading, it sounds like the new Prius is quite a piece of work! It's awesome how they were able to make the transaxle, inverter, and motor 20% lighter, yet stronger, and awesome how they determined (probably through experimentation) that an electric water pump was more efficient (uses energy from regen braking instead of additional fuel. smart! especially in the city, but I wonder about the highway), and a 90% new HSD that boosts est. EPA to 50mpg! Now THAT'S what a car in 2009 should be like! Plus "the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel" and "Toyota will use plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in the 2010 Prius. The newly-developed plastics, known as "ecological plastic." Talk about "extra credit." Sounds like Car of the Year!

    Do you have any "amateur photos" of the new Prius?

    .
     
  5. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2003
    5,339
    917
    251
    Location:
    Surprise, AZ (Phoenix)
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
  6. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2004
    15,140
    611
    0
    Location:
    South Puget Sound, WA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    Persona
    the excitement is growing, a few hours to go!! . will definitely see a flood of vids and pics here, there are 40 PC'ers and all of them have cameras of one sort or another
     
  7. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

    Joined:
    May 21, 2007
    6,038
    707
    0
    Location:
    Tumwater, WA USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I know I plan to take lots of photos :D

    This is a wonderful party! :p
     
  8. flareak

    flareak Fleet Captain

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2004
    1,016
    20
    0
    Location:
    St Louis, MO
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    0-60 at 9.8 seconds is supposed to be over 1 sec faster than the previous gen? Wait wait wait.. So my Prius now only goes 0-60 10.8 sec or more..

    I'm quite disappointed.. 134hp.

    I was hoping for an 8 sec or less 0-60. Even if this Prius has a lot of nice technological features, these all come at a price!!

    Looking at a base Prius.. is it all that much of an improvement from before? Suspension still looks like its weak, disc brakes on all four are nice, but should have been that way from the start..

    I am a sad panda :(
     
  9. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2007
    2,605
    140
    0
    Location:
    PDX
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    I suspect a lot of people are disappointed today. Normally 50 mpg would be good especially considering that the 3G is bigger and more powerful. However, when the media and priuschat have been throwing around numbers like 60 mpg then "only" 50 mpg is disappointing.

    If I believed the hype I would have been disappointed too.
     
  10. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2003
    5,339
    917
    251
    Location:
    Surprise, AZ (Phoenix)
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    Whenever we have rumors and speculate w/o merit on possible features, we're bound to be disappointed when the release comes out. However I can say that I'm very excited about the plethora of new features, proof that once again, the Prius is the test bed for other Toyota vehicles (solar panel roof). However, it seems this time around we're getting some Lexus originated hand-me-downs or shared technolgies as well (adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, EPS, lane keep assist, etc.), which isn't all bad.

    As for mileage, the numbers tossed around could be city figures, etc. Only once the EPA completes it's test cycle will we know for certain what to expect in the real world. Given the significant blow (good for the consumer, bad for auto makers) that the EPA dealt w/ it's revised testing methods (read - lower claimed MPG), getting back to 50mpg combined is significant.

    I'm anxious to see what the highway MPG improvements will be given the claim for the bigger engine is to allow lower cruise RPM.
     
  11. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2008
    2,760
    320
    3
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Can someone explain to me how, if the engine max hp is 98 and the electric motor max hp is 80, how the "net hp" is 134. I'm sure there's something simple that I'm overlooking.
     
  12. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2003
    5,339
    917
    251
    Location:
    Surprise, AZ (Phoenix)
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    Electric motor energy comes from either the gas engine or battery. The battery cannot deliver 80hp worth of electricity. Thus, some of that electricity comes from the engine via MG1 (generator). In that scenario, power isn't multiplied (it has to come from somewhere), and it would appear that the battery can delivery a max of 36hp equivalent (or some inverter capacitance magic adds to that). So in some scenarios, the 98hp peak ICE output may be directed in such a way that 44 of that HP is directed to the electric motor and the balance to the wheels. The battery, if at a good state of charge, could then deliver "up to 36hp" to satisfy the balance.

    I don't want to digress too much though, this has been covered before w/ the 1st and 2nd gen. Hope this makes sense though.
     
  13. pmanza

    pmanza Fernsmom

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2007
    123
    2
    0
    Location:
    Sacramento
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    But no mention if there will be adjustable height seats??? Although I am already wanting that moonroof!
    Fernsmom
     
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,767
    16,014
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Yes but only for the driver's seat.
     
  15. darelldd

    darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2006
    6,057
    388
    0
    Location:
    Northern CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    And for those who care HTMLspinner looks *exactly* like his avatar... I mean exactly. That's what he looks like RIGHT NOW. With the little name tag, the laptop... everything.
     
  16. sorka

    sorka Active Member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2008
    1,004
    194
    0
    Location:
    Merced, CA
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius
    Model:
    Limited
    Incorrect. The answer is far simpler. The electric and gas motors deliver their peak power at different RPMS.
     
  17. miscrms

    miscrms Plug Envious Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2007
    2,076
    523
    5
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    FWIW, I think you are both right. In the current Prius the battery and its inverter channel are only rated for 25kW as I recall, the other 25kW has to come from the ICE through MG1. But, they also do reach their peak power at different rpms too, it will not be a simple 1+1=2.

    Rob
     
  18. Mormegil

    Mormegil Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    255
    15
    0
    Vehicle:
    2014 Chevy Volt
    Nice upgrades. It really doesn't affect me, as I'm sticking with my '07 until at least '14 (last car was 12 years old before retiring it). Maybe I'll get gen 5 - that should be even better.


    That said, it's nice to see a non-aftermarket EV mode in the US version. I don't think the adaptive cruise control will be much use to hyper-milers - as that would change your driving style based on the guy in front of you (if I understand how that works correctly).

    I really don't see the point of the touch thing. I mean, after having the car a few days, you should know where those controls are by memory.

    The HP increase along with slight fuel efficiency is decent. Maybe we'll see these much anticipated higher efficiencies when the Li-ion battery versions come out. They mention the car is good with either. I wonder if you can swap out the NiMH battery later for a Li-ion when available (at the price of course).
     
  19. nameless dude

    nameless dude New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2008
    77
    4
    0
    Location:
    Sydney
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Wow, I like the styling and the interior. This one looks just great!

    I'm also very happy that the interior space is even larger. That'll make travelling long distances more comfortable.

    However, as happy as I am with the improved economy, I'm rather dissapointed with the power and performance. I was expecting at least 150hp enhance my motorway driving experience. And how come torque coming from the motor has been reduced by a whole 142 lb-ft? that's an utter dissapointment.

    Can anyone tell me how a 2G Prius compares with a Camry or a Corolla at high speeds? If the 2G Prius can catch up with a Corolla at motorway speeds then at least the 3G Prius will be better.

    How come they're saying that the 3G Prius's 0-60 time of 9.8 is more than a second faster than the 2G when the 2G already does it in 10.1?

    Lastly, when will the test driving start for car reviewers?
     
  20. redbaron

    redbaron redbaron

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2006
    13
    1
    3
    Location:
    Hershey, PA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius PHV
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I am impressed with the 2010 Prius and look forward to a test drive in April. If I am impressed and the gas price is back to $4 gallon, I should be able to get a decent price for my 2006 Option 8 model and do a deal. :D

    You know that Solar Roof option is going to be really neat even though it does not get that hot in PA. I am curious what a loaded (option ?) Prius will cost.

    Anybody notice the press out of the Car Show indicating that Hybrids are not a good investment at this time. Wonder who is putting that out - non Hybrid manufacturers? :eek:

    I am sold and will have one in spring if gas price cooperates (I never thought I would wish for higher gas prices - lol!) :)

    It appears that Toyota's strategy is to get us Prius owners to upgrade to the 2010 and have our current Prii bought by lst time Hybrid customers.

    Don in PA, 2006 White Option 8