Among the battery of fresh hybrids and electrics being shown at this year’s Detroit show—which includes Honda’s all-new Insight—Toyota trots out its new version of the Prius, the hybrid that sort of started it all. This latest Prius marks the third generation of the iconic fuel miser, and it comes armed with magical-sounding 50-mpg combined estimated fuel-economy rating, topping the last car’s 46-mpg mark.
More Power Means More Greener?
A 1.8-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder replaces the 1.5-liter currently on Prius duty. It puts out 98 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque, up from 76 and 82, respectively. Toyota claims the increased torque allows the engine to run at lower rpm on the highway, saving more fuel. An 80-hp electric motor ups the hybrid system’s total output to 134 hp. That’s good for a 0-to-60-mph time of 9.8 seconds, according to Toyota—nearly three seconds quicker than we achieved with the current model.
A host of changes are responsible for the 4-mpg-better fuel-economy number. The water pump has gone electric, banishing the last of the serpentine-driven accessories for a fully beltless engine bay, which should reduce service complexity and parasitic losses. Toyota says it has changed or replaced 90 percent of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which now includes a direct cooling system for the AC/DC inverter that helps reduce the unit’s size and weight. As a system, the inverter, transaxle, and motor are smaller, with weight reduced by a claimed 20 percent. The regenerative-braking system is new and is aimed at recovering more energy. A new exhaust-heat recirculation system—as seen on the latest Lexus RX450h hybrid—warms coolant during cold starts for fewer emissions and allows for quicker cabin heating, as well.
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