Toyota launches Prius in Japan
19 May 2009|3,846 views
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New on the Prius is the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II), which Toyota says "has been more-than-90-percent designed anew" and synergises with one of the best aerodynamic performances in the world.
This synergy combines with other advances to achieve a fuel efficiency of 38.0 km/l, while providing driving performance on par with typical 2.4-litre engines. Power from its engine is rated at 98 hp and 142 Nm of torque, while its electric motor provides 82 hp and 207 Nm of torque.
The new Prius comes with four driving modes to match the requirements of specific driving environments, as well as with a solar-powered ventilation system and other dynamic features.
Since its debut in 1997, more than 1.25 million units have been sold, as of March 31, 2009. The third-generation Prius will be released in stages in more than 80 countries and regions, as part of an effort to further popularise hybrid vehicles worldwide.
Toyota is targeting to sell 10,000 units monthly in Japan alone.
Advanced hybrid performance
The engine and transaxle boast higher efficiency while the motor, inverter and other units are smaller, lighter and more efficient. The THS II has been more-than-90-percent redesigned and includes a 1.8-litre engine, a motor and a reduction gear.
Synergetic effects generated between the hybrid system and the vehicle as a whole, including its one-of-the-best-in-the-world aerodynamic performances (with a coefficient of drag value of 0.25), achieve a world-best fuel efficiency of 38.0 km/l, and deliver driving performance equivalent to that of a 2.4-litre engine. (Under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism JC08 test cycle, the new Prius has a fuel efficiency of 32.6km/l.)
Higher engine efficiency
The adoption of a newly developed 1.8-litre gasoline engine reduces engine rpm during high-speed driving and raises fuel efficiency at high speeds. The ample output and torque contribute to comfortable cruising.
TMC's first electric-powered water pump that draws its energy from the battery reduces friction loss through precise control of the coolant water flow rate and an electrically operated drive belt.
A high-expansion-ratio engine results in substantially less piston-pumping loss and internal friction, while cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) and roller rocker arms raise combustion efficiency.
An exhaust heat recovery system uses exhaust heat, which in the past was discarded, for the interior heater and for warming up the engine.
Key units made smaller and lighter
The transaxle is smaller and lighter with a compact, high-speed motor that achieves increased output, and a reduction gear that increases torque.
The power control unit uses a boost converter to raise system voltage to a maximum of 650V, but is substantially smaller and lighter thanks to a redesign of the cooling system.
The hybrid battery features high-output, nickel-metal hydride cells and features smaller cooling intake/exhaust ducts and fans.
A Power Mode allows more agile driving, while optimisation of the platform achieves smooth steering, cruising stability, a smooth ride and superior straight-driving stability at high speeds.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Drive Mode uses just the motor for extremely quiet cruising, while effective placement of sound-absorbing materials and vibration-controlling materials on the high-rigidity body achieve outstanding quietness.
Equipment ahead of the times
The world's first Touch Tracer Display features touch controls for the audio system, air conditioning and Eco-Drive Monitor, and is located near the driver's fingers on the steering wheel, with the display of these operations located on the centrally positioned instrument panel.
TMC's first solar-ventilation system uses power generated by solar panels installed on the moon roof to ventilate the vehicle interior. The world's first remote air conditioning system can be operated from outside the vehicle using a switch on the Smart Key.
The Intelligent Parking Assist System has a pre-support function that instructs the driver how to position the vehicle for it to be assisted into a parking space.
The LED headlights feature reduced power-consumption low beams, and a pop-up headlight cleaner located on the lower portion of the headlights to remove dirt.
The driver's seat cushion, scuff plates, and other interior components are made of Ecological Plastic, a material that reduces environmental impact.
Evolved basic performance
Slimmer front seatbacks and other adjustments create a roomier interior space. A smaller hybrid battery and its optimized placement result in a cargo area that is approximately 30 liters larger than that in the second-generation Prius.
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New on the Prius is the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II), which Toyota says "has been more-than-90-percent designed anew" and synergises with one of the best aerodynamic performances in the world.
This synergy combines with other advances to achieve a fuel efficiency of 38.0 km/l, while providing driving performance on par with typical 2.4-litre engines. Power from its engine is rated at 98 hp and 142 Nm of torque, while its electric motor provides 82 hp and 207 Nm of torque.
The new Prius comes with four driving modes to match the requirements of specific driving environments, as well as with a solar-powered ventilation system and other dynamic features.
Since its debut in 1997, more than 1.25 million units have been sold, as of March 31, 2009. The third-generation Prius will be released in stages in more than 80 countries and regions, as part of an effort to further popularise hybrid vehicles worldwide.
Toyota is targeting to sell 10,000 units monthly in Japan alone.
Advanced hybrid performance
The engine and transaxle boast higher efficiency while the motor, inverter and other units are smaller, lighter and more efficient. The THS II has been more-than-90-percent redesigned and includes a 1.8-litre engine, a motor and a reduction gear.
Synergetic effects generated between the hybrid system and the vehicle as a whole, including its one-of-the-best-in-the-world aerodynamic performances (with a coefficient of drag value of 0.25), achieve a world-best fuel efficiency of 38.0 km/l, and deliver driving performance equivalent to that of a 2.4-litre engine. (Under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism JC08 test cycle, the new Prius has a fuel efficiency of 32.6km/l.)
Higher engine efficiency
The adoption of a newly developed 1.8-litre gasoline engine reduces engine rpm during high-speed driving and raises fuel efficiency at high speeds. The ample output and torque contribute to comfortable cruising.
TMC's first electric-powered water pump that draws its energy from the battery reduces friction loss through precise control of the coolant water flow rate and an electrically operated drive belt.
A high-expansion-ratio engine results in substantially less piston-pumping loss and internal friction, while cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) and roller rocker arms raise combustion efficiency.
An exhaust heat recovery system uses exhaust heat, which in the past was discarded, for the interior heater and for warming up the engine.
Key units made smaller and lighter
The transaxle is smaller and lighter with a compact, high-speed motor that achieves increased output, and a reduction gear that increases torque.
The power control unit uses a boost converter to raise system voltage to a maximum of 650V, but is substantially smaller and lighter thanks to a redesign of the cooling system.
The hybrid battery features high-output, nickel-metal hydride cells and features smaller cooling intake/exhaust ducts and fans.
A Power Mode allows more agile driving, while optimisation of the platform achieves smooth steering, cruising stability, a smooth ride and superior straight-driving stability at high speeds.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Drive Mode uses just the motor for extremely quiet cruising, while effective placement of sound-absorbing materials and vibration-controlling materials on the high-rigidity body achieve outstanding quietness.
Equipment ahead of the times
The world's first Touch Tracer Display features touch controls for the audio system, air conditioning and Eco-Drive Monitor, and is located near the driver's fingers on the steering wheel, with the display of these operations located on the centrally positioned instrument panel.
TMC's first solar-ventilation system uses power generated by solar panels installed on the moon roof to ventilate the vehicle interior. The world's first remote air conditioning system can be operated from outside the vehicle using a switch on the Smart Key.
The Intelligent Parking Assist System has a pre-support function that instructs the driver how to position the vehicle for it to be assisted into a parking space.
The LED headlights feature reduced power-consumption low beams, and a pop-up headlight cleaner located on the lower portion of the headlights to remove dirt.
The driver's seat cushion, scuff plates, and other interior components are made of Ecological Plastic, a material that reduces environmental impact.
Evolved basic performance
Slimmer front seatbacks and other adjustments create a roomier interior space. A smaller hybrid battery and its optimized placement result in a cargo area that is approximately 30 liters larger than that in the second-generation Prius.
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