Detroit NAIAS 2009: 2010 Toyota Prius debuts with 50 mpg and solar panels

Toyota has taken the covers off of the 2010 Toyota Prius at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The third-generation Prius gets new styling better mileage and enhanced performance. Toyota says that the 50 mpg third-generation Prius is now roomier with more standard and optional features including a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Park Assist and steering wheel touch controls.

Power comes from a 1.8L 4-cylinder unit that makes a total of 98-hp - total horsepower with Toyota hybrid system has been increased to 134-hp.

The 2010 Toyota Prius comes with an optional sliding glass moonroof with solar panels located over the rear seating area. The solar powered system is used to power the air circulation fan - not requiring help from the engine. The features prevents the interior temperature from rising when the vehicle is parked - reducing the load when use air-conditioning.

Pricing for the new 2010 Toyota Prius will be announced before it goes on sale later this spring.

2010 Toyota Prius:

Toyota Reveals All-New Prius
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.

Toyota FT-EV at Detroit

The iQ has upped its game! An all-electric version of the city car was revealed at Detroit, called the FT-EV concept. Featuring an all-new electric drive train, the range is limited to around 50-miles.  
Following the announcement this year of Toyota’s first operating loss in 71 years, the FT-EV is likely to see production in 2012, and kick-start a move towards an entire range of zero emissions vehicles.
But it’s not just electric cars that are occupying Toyota’s engineers. Starting with the all-new Prius unveiled this week, the Japanese manufacturer intends to sell a million hybrids a year after 2010 and introduce up to 10 new fuel-efficient models over the next few years.

2010 Toyota Camry - Auto Shows

Toyota sneaks the new Camry into the Detroit Auto Show.

Usually, redesigns and facelifts of cars as significant as the hot-selling Toyota Camry are accompanied by a commensurate amount of fanfare. So we were surprised when, right about the time that we were walking by the Toyota booth, a chirp of our Blackberries brought us the press release announcing that the facelifted 2010 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid mid-sized sedans were appearing at the 2009 NAIAS in Detroit.

We’d have hardly noticed if they hadn’t told us—the headlamps are slightly larger, the grilles on the gas and hybrid models go their own way, and taillamps become primarily LED. Wheels are also new, but overall, the resemblance to the Corolla is downright uncanny. Let’s hear it for brand consistency!

Toyota iQ-based FT-EV battery-electric concept headed for NAIAS

Toyota FT-EV Concept

Media days for the Detroit Auto Show begin in the morning, but a steady flow of information continues to pour forth from the automakers... some of it through embargo leaks, and some of it by design. Falling into the latter category is word from Toyota that the automaker will show a battery electric concept vehicle dubbed FT-EV.
Based on the iQ urban runabout, the diminutive city car will take to the stage alongside the 2010 Prius and the Lexus HS250h. According to the Japanese automaker, a production urban vehicle based on the concept is in the cards by 2012, and as many as ten different gas-electrics will be available from the company by "early 2010s." In the meantime, Toyota plans to roll out some 500 plug-in Prius hatchbacks worldwide, with 150 of those earmarked for U.S. fleet clients. Lease-only deliveries of these lithium-ion vehicles will begin late this year. Hit the jump for Toyota's official press release.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Toyota FT-EV Concept

Official Euro Honda Insight Hybrid Fuel Economy Numbers Leak: Less Fuel-Efficient Than Toyota Prius

According to leaked info in Honda's official magazine in Belgium, the European 2009 Honda Insight is less fuel-efficient than the current Toyota Prius — but may only be about 1 MPG less.

Information leaked in Honda's official magazine in Belgium and published late yesterday on Carscoop indicate on the European cycle, the 2009 Toyota Prius (the current model) is officially rated at a combined 54.7 MPG average; the 2009 Insight only manages 53.5 MPG in the same test. Lets do some quick math: In the euro cycle, which is more optimistic than American EPA tests, the Insight is 1.9% less efficient than the current Prius. Using the Prius’s official 46 MPG EPA figure to determine a US EPA cycle projection, we can calculate that the Insight would, all thing being equal, manage 45 MPG. 1 less than the Prius. It should be noted, however, that these EPA numbers are estimates only and not official.

The Insight uses the same 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as the Civic Hybrid, here delivering 88 HP from the engine and a total of 95 HP combined. The gas engine produces 90 lb-ft of torque while the electric motor makes 76 Lb-Ft.

The Belgian Insight will be offered in two trim levels. Standard on both is ABS, Stability Control, a full compliment of airbags, climate control and a CD radio. The up spec model adds Bluetooth, parking assist, cruise control, fog lights, heated front seats and rain sensors.

Expect more details at next week’s Detroit Auto Show, or before then, if another European division of Honda decides it wants in on the embargo break action.

[via Carscoop]

Blue Man Group checks out the 2010 Toyota Prius

While Toyota won’t unveil the 2010 Toyota Prius until next month at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, it has released a little commercial/teaser joining forces with the Blue Man Group.

Not much to say here other than it’ll be pretty interesting to see who gains more traction after the show next month - the 2009 Honda Insight or the 2010 Toyota Prius.

2010 Toyota Prius:

2010 Toyota Prius Teasers Show Engine Bay For First Time

The exhausting and inconsequential teaser series surrounding the 2010 Toyota Prius continues and now we get to see something that matters — the Hybrid Synergy Drive nestled snugly in its engine bay.

Along with the engine bay shot we get a peek at such hugely exciting bits as the headlight at night, a closeup of the door handle, and the Toyota badge. We can't tell if the badge is lit up or just has a printed blue effect behind it, but if Toyota keeps this kind of excitement up, we probably won't make it to the Detroit Auto Show unveil. [Carscoop]

Toyota To Unveil Small Electric Car Concept At Detroit [Detroit Auto Show]

According to the WSJ, Toyota plans to unveil a "small battery electric-car concept" at next month's Detroit Auto Show alongside the new Prius. Is this a GEM or GEM Peapod competitor or something more?

With the race on to get away from icky gasoline, Toyota has announced in addition to unveiling the production version of the new Toyota Prius, it will display an electric "city car" based on a new compact model we're not supposed to know is the Toyota iQ. So it's not quite as small as a GEM electric — or even the GEM Peapod concept — but rather one step above it. Apparently, the car will slot into the space of a limited range, but affordable, electric with a possible price point around the $20,000 range. [WSJ]

Toyota EV Teaser Image Previews New Exhausting Marketing Campaign [Detroit Auto Show]

Earlier today, we heard about a Toyota EV Concept set to debut at next month's Detroit Auto Show. Now we get the first image in what we assume will be an agonizing teaser campaign.

The pocket-sized all-electric city car will be showing its stuff at the Detroit Auto Show and if history is our guide, Toyota will be dribbling out closeup images of inconsequential parts of the car all the way up to the reveal, just like the new Prius. After carefully doling out images for a few weeks, they'll accidentally spill images of the whole car all over the internet, then they'll keep putting out teaser images like nothing happened. I love what you do for me, Toyota! [KickingTires]

Toyota FT-EV Concept - Auto Shows

Toyota to debut some sort of electric something in Detroit.

Toyota announced today its intention to debut an all-new electric-vehicle concept at January’s Detroit auto show. The vehicle will be called the FT-EV, and the single image released shows only the badge, affixed to a translucent, amber­-colored surface. As to the vehicle’s actual identity, FT is simply Toyota shorthand for ‘future,’ so the FT-EV could be anything, really.

To wit, Toyota showed the FT-HS sports-car concept—HS for Hybrid Sports—at the 2007 Detroit auto show. The FT prefix was also applied to the FT-SX concept, which eventually morphed into the production Venza crossover, as well as the FTX concept, which became the current Tundra pickup.

Toyota’s Watanabe not coming to the 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Toyota’s President Katsuaki Watanabe, a regular at the North American International Auto Show will not be attending the show next month in Detroit. Toyota did not comment on Watanabe’s immediate change of plans.

Toyota’s presence at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show will be very significant. The company plans on unveiling the next-generation Toyota Prius Hybrid as well as a dedicated hybrid model for its luxury Lexus brand.

We’re guessing Watanabe doesn’t want answer questions about the Japanese automakers health.

2010 Toyota Prius:

Source: Detroit News

Toyota to debut battery electric vehicle concept in Detroit

Besides showing us the next-generation 2010 Toyota Prius and a new dedicated hybrid for the Lexus brand, Toyota announced today that it will debut a battery electric-vehicle concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit Next month.

Toyota has released no details or images of the electric-vehicle concept so we’re not sure whether it will be a plug-in version of the Prius.

That’s all the info we have right now but we’ll bring you more details next month from Detroit.