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Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
system also contributes to the engine's efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine
is the first Toyota powerplant that requires no accessory drive belts, helping
enhance powertrain efficiency and also potentially reducing maintenance costs.
Prius has been an uncompromised "full" hybrid since its introduction. This
means it can run on the gasoline engine alone, battery alone, or a combination
of both. The Hybrid Synergy Drive was completely re-engineered for the
third-generation Prius, with lighter, more efficient components.
The 2011
Prius offers four driving modes ("Normal," "Power," Eco" and "EV"). The EV Mode
allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if
conditions permit. Power Mode increases sensitivity to throttle input for a
sportier feel; Eco Mode helps drivers achieve the best mileage. 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 adopt economical driving habits.
The 2011
Prius is 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 applying 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 is certified as Tier 2, Bin 3.
Trend-Setting Design
The Prius' design, by itself, came to represent "hybrid" in the eyes of
many. The third-generation Prius preserved that brand recognition while
expanding the role of efficient aerodynamics in overall fuel economy. The
106.3-inch wheelbase is the same as the previous generation, while overall
length is increased by just a half-inch to preserve the car's efficient
packaging. The corners of the new-generation Prius are sharp and sporty. Strong
side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the smooth, geometric
shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted
stance.
The third-generation Prius received more hours of wind tunnel
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 wheel face design, the
designers reduced the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26
for the previous model.
Even with the increased focus on aerodynamic
performance, the design is instantly recognizable as a Prius. The current model
differs from the previous version, however. For example, overall height is the
same for the two, but the new-generation model moved the roof peak four inches
to the rear to enhance rear seat headroom.
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.
The solar powered ventilation system helps reduce the interior air temperature
when parked directly in the sun. Cool-down time is shorter when the driver
returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.
The
2011 Prius also offers a remote air conditioning system. It is the first system
in the world to function on battery-power alone, and it allows remote operation
so the driver can cool the interior temperature for comfort before getting into
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 Dynamic Performance
The third-generation Prius is
built on a new platform that enables improved handling control and quieter
operation. The suspension employs front struts and a rear beam design, like the
previous model, but handling response was made sharper and the ride made
smoother by improving the stabilizer layout and geometry and re-tuning the
bushing characteristics. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard.
Weight was
saved through use of aluminum for the hood, rear hatch, front stabilizer bar and
brake calipers and by using super high-tensile strength steel in the inner
rocker panel, center pillar and roof reinforcement.
Functional
Interior Is Bigger on the Inside
The cargo area of the new Prius was
made slightly larger by using a new layout for the battery cooling unit. A
space-saving contoured front-seat design maximizes rear seat legroom.
Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping
reduces road noise.
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 and judicious use of silver accents add a finished,
technical feel.
The available 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 trip
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 display in the
instrument panel.
In pursuit of new technologies for sustainable
mobility, Toyota uses plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in the
third-generation Prius. Known as "ecological plastic," the new material is used
in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck
trim cover. Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during the production process than
conventional plastic; 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 sales region, and to
accommodate increasingly strict safety requirements in the future. In addition
to a driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, front and rear side
curtain airbags, driver and passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and
driver's knee airbag are standard equipment.
Active headrests are used in
both front seats to help reduce the possibility of whiplash injury in a rear
collision. An Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD),
Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC) and enhanced Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC) make up 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 the available Lane Keep Assist, which
can help the driver stay within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which
retracts the front seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a
crash is unavoidable.
Third-generation Advanced Guidance Parking System
features simplified settings to help guide the car into parking spaces. A backup
camera, 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, emergency assistance button (SOS) and
roadside assistance (1-year trial subscription included).
Simple Model
Strategy
Prius is offered in one model grade with five different
standard equipment packages designated One, Two, Three, Four and Five. Each adds
varying levels of exterior and interior features. Then, on top of those, option
packages include:
- A Navigation Package available on Prius models Three, Four, and Five,
includes a Voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with
integrated backup camera, JBL AM/FM 4-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback
capability, eight speakers, XM Radio with NavTraffic (includes 90-day trial
subscription), auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity, and
hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless
technology. Prius Four and Five also include Safety Connect.
- A Solar Roof Package, available in Prius Three and Four, includes all
contents in the Navigation Package, a power tilt/slide moonroof with a solar
powered ventilation system and a remote air conditioning system.
- An Advanced Technology Package, available in Prius model Five, includes
all contents in the Navigation Package; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; a
Pre-Collision System; Lane Keep Assist, and Advanced Guidance Parking
System.
Toyota Prius: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications