2010 Toyota Prius - All-New Third Generation Raises the Bar for Hybrid Vehicles - Again
 2010 Toyota Pruis |
2010 Toyota Prius -50 MPG with Additional Horsepower, New
and Innovative Technology, Improved Aerodynamics, More Head and
Legroom
YOUNTVILLE, Calif. (March 2, 2009) -- When it launches
this spring, the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius will once again set new
standards for innovative hybrid design and technology, raising its level of
convenience features and performance to new heights, including a combined
EPA estimated fuel efficiency rating of 50 miles-per-gallon.
Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has
delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than 1.2
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.
“The Prius has evolved with our customers
over the past 10 years and is now more things to more people,” said
Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.
“It’s environmental, innovative, and practical. It’s an
everyday car for everyday use, and when it goes on sale a few months from
now, we believe that its new features will appeal to returning owners,
while at the same time attract buyers who are looking for innovative
technology with a hybrid powertrain.”
An
Eco-Icon
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 almost entirely 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 700,000 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.
During the development of the Prius, more than 1,000
applications for patents were filed worldwide.
Improved Fuel Economy, Power 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 miles per gallon (mpg),
combined city/highway. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency
was increased to an EPA estimated city/highway mpg rating of 51 in the
city, 48 on the highway and a combined 50 mpg for the new Prius.
A
larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine
will produce 98 horsepower at 5,200 rpm in the new Prius. Together with its
electric motor the hybrid system in the new Prius will generate a combined
net horsepower of 134, an improvement of 24 horsepower over the previous
generation.
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 an uncompromised
“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.
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The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20 percent compared to the previous model.
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The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight.
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Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20 percent lighter.
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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 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 drivers achieve their best mileage.
The new Prius will be
certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and an Advanced
Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in California, as well
as those states adopting California emission standards. The AT-PZEV
certification requires the SULEV exhaust standard linked with the ability
to meet a zero-fuel-evaporative standard, a 150,000-mile durability
demonstration, extended emissions system warranty, and technology deemed by
the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to advance future fuel cell
vehicles. In the rest of the country, Prius will be certified as Tier 2,
Bin 3. The new Prius will produce over 70 percent fewer smog-forming
emissions than the average new vehicle.
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.
One of the World’s Lowest Cd
The new
Prius received more wind tunnel hours of testing than any other Toyota in
history, resulting in one of the cleanest aerodynamic profiles 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 new Prius also offers a remote
air-conditioning system. It is the first system in the world to function on
battery-power alone, and allows remote operation so the driver can adjust
the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.
LEDs (light emitting diodes), optional in low beam
headlamps and standard in tail and stop lamps, help reduce the
vehicle’s power consumption. 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.
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.
A new Touch Tracer Display features touch sensors
on the steering wheel switches that 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. Touch
Tracer is the first display 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.
A 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.
New Model
Strategy
Prius will come in one grade with four
different standard equipment packages named II, III, IV and V, each with
varying levels of exterior and interior features, allowing buyers to choose
the Prius that will best fit their needs (see a complete list of standard
features for each model in the attached specification documents).
Option
Packages
In addition to its array of standard equipment
an impressive list of comfort and convenience features are offered in these
three simplified option packages:
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A Navigation Package available on Prius models III, IV, and V, includes a voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with a JBL AM/FM/four-CD changer with integrated XM satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth® wireless technology, eight speakers and a backup camera.
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A Solar Roof Package, available in Prius models III and IV, includes all contents in the Navigation Package, a power tilt/slide moonroof with a solar powered ventilation system and a remote air conditioning system.
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An Advanced Technology Package, available in Prius model V, includes all contents in the Navigation Package; a Pre-Collision System; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Lane Keep Assist (LKA); and IPA.
Color and
Trim
Prius will be available in seven exterior colors
including Blizzard Pearl, Sandy Beach Metallic, Blue Ribbon Metallic,
Winter Gray Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Barcelona Red Metallic and
Black. They will be mated to three interior colors that include Misty Gray,
Dark Gray and Bisque. All three interior colors will be available in both
fabric and leather.
Peace of Mind Warranty Protection
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty
applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.
Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and
against corrosion with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related
components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid
control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight
years/100,000 miles. In applicable states (including Calif., Mass., N.Y,
N.J., Vt., Conn., Maine, N.M., and R.I.) hybrid-related component coverage
is 15 years/150,000 miles with the exception of the hybrid battery which is
warranted for 10 years/ 150,000 miles.
Pricing for the 2010 Prius
will be announced shortly before it goes on sale in late spring.