The original hybrid car, the Prius, evolves further.
CAR / NEWS
April 22, 2015

The original hybrid car, the Prius, evolves further.



The Original Hybrid Car, Prius, Evolves Further


Toyota Motor Corporation has exhibited the new Prius at the North American International Auto Show held in Detroit, USA.


Text by Giraffe




Balancing Environmental Performance and Driving Enjoyment



The Toyota Prius, launched in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid passenger car, is widely known globally as a popular model with cumulative sales exceeding 1.2 million units.

The new Prius exhibited this time is the third-generation model, developed to achieve an even higher level of both "overwhelming environmental performance" and "driving enjoyment" that surpasses its predecessor.

The system features the "THS II" hybrid system, which combines a newly developed 1.8-liter gasoline engine with a motor and reduction gear, with over 90% of its components being new. Coupled with high aerodynamic performance achieved through repeated wind tunnel experiments on the body, underfloor, tire houses, and even wheel shapes, the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle has been improved. This enables world-leading fuel efficiency and power performance comparable to a 2.4-liter vehicle. According to Toyota's internal tests, the 0-96 km/h acceleration time is 9.8 seconds, an improvement of over one second compared to the current model.







Regarding exterior changes, the body size is a notable point. With dimensions of 4460mm in length, 1745mm in width, and 1490mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2700mm, the new model is 15mm longer and 20mm wider than the current model. The height and wheelbase remain the same.

The design maintains a strong conceptual continuity, recognizable as a Prius at first glance. The front fascia has undergone significant changes, with LED headlights and a distinctive grille creating a sportier and more dynamic impression. The taillights have also been enlarged and now feature LEDs.

The new Prius achieves innovative evolution through the proactive adoption of advanced, feature-rich equipment such as the "Solar Ventilation System," "Remote Air Conditioning System," and "Touch Tracer Display."

The launch of the new Prius is scheduled for mid-May this year. It will be rolled out sequentially to various countries and regions worldwide, starting with Japan.