Since the launch of the second-generation Prius in the fall of 2003,
extraordinary demand for Prius has far outstripped supply. To help meet this
heavy demand Toyota will increase worldwide Prius production by 50 percent from
10 thousand vehicles per month to 15 thousand per month for 2005.
The first Toyota Prius was the world's first mass-produced gas-electric hybrid
vehicle when introduced in 1997 (2000 in the U.S. market). It has since become
the best-selling hybrid vehicle in the U.S. and the world. U.S. market sales
have steadily increased from 5,600 in its first year on the market to nearly
25,000 in 2003 and are on track to exceed 45,000 in 2004.
The new Prius was the first Toyota product to employ Hybrid Synergy Drive, the
company's third-generation gas-electric hybrid powertrain technology. The new
system produces more power from both the gasoline engine and the electric motor,
giving the Prius acceleration comparable to a four-cylinder, automatic
transmission midsize car. The Prius can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in about
10 seconds.
Hybrid Synergy Drive yields exceptional fuel efficiency in the Prius, with an
estimated EPA rating of 60 mpg in city driving, 51 mpg on the highway and 55 mpg
in combined driving. The seemingly "reversed" city/highway figures reflect the
unique powertrain that's optimized for maximum efficiency in the kind of
slow-and-go driving that most urban commuters experience.
Prius not only provides the best fuel efficiency ratings of any midsize vehicle
sold in America, but returns even higher combined mileage rating than any
compact sedan sold in America.
The Prius (the name comes from the Latin "to go before") was named "North
American Car of The Year" for 2004 and claimed the top honors in the "2004
International Engine of the Year" competition. In addition, several major
publications recognized the significance of the Prius, with Motor Trend Magazine
naming it "Car of The Year," and Car & Driver Magazine including Prius on its
"10 Best Cars" list. Ward's Auto World named Prius on its "Ten Best Engines"
list.
Toyota Prius: Dramatic Design with Outstanding Utility
The second-generation Prius rides on a midsize platform, with a wheelbase nearly
six inches longer than the previous model. The 106.3-inch wheelbase provides
generous interior room, plus a smooth ride. The five-door liftback design not
only looks like nothing else on the road, it is also one of the most aerodynamic
production vehicles in America. Its super-low 0.26 coefficient of drag (Cd)
helps to minimize interior noise and enhance fuel mileage.
With its striking "monoform" design, the boldly styled Prius provides enough
passenger and cargo space to be classified as a midsize car: 96.2 cubic feet of
passenger room compared to 101.7 cubic feet for the Toyota Camry. The rear seat
in Prius provides a generous 38.6 inches of legroom.
Rear cargo room measures 16.1 cubic feet, nearly as much as the Camry trunk
capacity. The liftback design, combined with the standard 60/40 split fold-down
rear seatbacks, gives the Prius outstanding cargo capacity and flexibility. ...Toyota Prius: Page 2
