Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius
 | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota Motor Corporation |
|---|---|
| Production | 1997–present |
| Class | Hybrid car |
| Layout | FF layout |
The Toyota Prius (pronounced /ˈpriːəs/) is a full hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. It first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than 40 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America.[1] As a top seller in the US market, the U.S. Toyota Prius made up more than half of the 1.2 million Prius sold worldwide by early 2009.[2][3]
The Prius is the most fuel efficient gas car currently sold in the U.S. according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.[4] The EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) also rate the Prius as among the cleanest vehicles sold in the United States based on non-CO2 toxic emissions.[5] The UK Department for Transport reported the latest Prius is the second least CO2-emitting vehicle on sale in the UK with 89 g/km.[6]
[edit] 1997-2001 (model NHW10)
 | |
| Production | 1997–2001 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Takaoka, later Motomachi, Japan[7] |
| Class | Compact car |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Engine(s) | Toyota Hybrid System Gasoline: 1.5 L 1NZ-FXE DOHC I4 13.5:1 compression 43 kW (58 hp) @ 4000 rpm 102 N·m (75 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm Electric: 288 V motor 30 kW (40 hp) @ 940 rpm 305 N·m (225 lb·ft) @ 0 rpm |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 mm (100.4 in) |
| Length | 4,275 mm (168.3 in) |
| Width | 1,694 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,491 mm (58.7 in) |
The first Prius, model NHW10, went on sale in December 1997.[8] It was sold only in Japan, though it has been imported privately to the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.[9] Many of these cars are now being exported as second-hand vehicles to New Zealand and other countries.[10]
[edit] 2001–2003 (model NHW11)
 | |
| Production | 2000–2003 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Toyota City (Motomachi), Japan[11] |
| Class | Compact car |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Engine(s) | Toyota Hybrid System Gasoline: 1.5 L 1NZ-FXE DOHC I4 VVT-i 13.0:1 compression 52 kW (70 hp) @ 4500 rpm 110 N·m (82 lb·ft) @ 4200 rpm Electric: 273.6 V motor 33 kW (44 hp) @ 1040 rpm 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @ 0 rpm SULEV |
| Transmission(s) | 1-speed planetary gear |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 mm (100.4 in) |
| Length | 4,308 mm (169.6 in) |
| Width | 1,694 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,463 mm (57.6 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,254.2 kg (2,765 lb) |
The 2001–2003 Prius for the United States market was powered by a 1.5-liter 4 cylinder[11] gasoline engine, a permanent magnet AC electric motor, and a 274-volt nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack. The gasoline engine developed 70 hp (52 kW) and 82 ft·lbf (111 N·m) of torque. The electric motor generated a maximum of 44 hp (33 kW) and 258 ft·lbf (350 N·m) of torque. Japanese versions were faster but less powerful.[12]
The engine and motor power were increased over the previous model. Air conditioning and a continuously variable transmission were standard equipment.[13]
In the United States, the NHW11 was the first Prius to be sold. The Prius was marketed between the smaller Echo and the larger Corolla. The published retail price of the car was US$19,995.[14] The California Air Resources Board (CARB) classified the car as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).[15]
European sales began in September 2000.[16]
The official launch of the Prius in Australia occurred in 2001 after the Sydney Motor Show,[17] although sales were slow until the NHW20 model arrived.
[edit] 2004–2009 (model NHW20)
 | |
| Production | 2004–2009 (North America) 2004–present (Japan, China, Europe) |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Tsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City) Kariya, Aichi, Japan (Fujimatsu) Chengdu, Sichuan, China (Chinese domestic market only) |
| Class | Midsize car |
| Body style(s) | 5-door hatchback |
| Engine(s) | Toyota Hybrid System II Gasoline/Petrol: 1.5 L 1NZ-FXE DOHC I4 VVT-i 57 kW (76 hp) @ 5000 rpm 115 N·m (85 lb·ft) @ 4200 rpm Electric: 500 V 50 kW (67 hp) @ 1200 rpm 400 N·m (295 lb·ft) @ 0 rpm AT-PZEV Hybrid system net horsepower: 110 hp (82 kW) |
| Transmission(s) | 1-speed planetary gear |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,450 mm (175.2 in) |
| Width | 1,725 mm (67.9 in) |
| Height | 1,490 mm (58.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,317 kg (2,900 lb) |
The Prius was completely redesigned into a mid-size liftback which is between the Corolla and the Camry in size, with redistributed mechanical and interior space that significantly increased the rear-seat legroom and luggage room to exceed that of many larger automobiles. The new model is 6 inches (150 mm) longer than the previous version.[18] Its more aerodynamic Kammback body balances length and wind resistance resulting in a drag coefficient ( Cd) of 0.26.[19]
The Prius uses an all-electric A/C compressor for cooling, an industry first.[20] The redesigned Prius also adds an electric power steering system to further minimize engine belt-driven engine accessories. Combined with a smaller and lighter NiMH battery, the NHW20 is more powerful and more efficient than the NHW11.[21] In the U.S., the battery pack of the 2004 Prius is warranted for 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years.[22] The warranty for hybrid components in California and the seven Northeastern states that have adopted the stricter California emission control standards is 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 10 years.
It is classified as a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) and is certified by California Air Resources Board as an "Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle" (AT-PZEV).[23]
Among the Prius's options are Toyota's implementation of a Smart Key System (the feature can be user-deactivated), DVD navigation on the MFD, Vehicle Stability Control and Bluetooth for hands-free calling. A new Intelligent Parking Assist system was available in Japan and Europe since its launch.[24]
Production of the Prius for the Chinese market began in December 2005 by Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor, a joint venture with First Automobile Works.
[edit] Model year changes
The 2006 model introduced some minor cosmetic changes, such as a higher-resolution liquid crystal display, as well as new optional features such as a backup camera, advanced airbags and an upgraded audio system with an auxiliary input. The 2007 Prius adds side curtain airbags standard on all models. A Touring Edition was introduced that includes an elongated larger rear spoiler as well as larger, sharper-pointed 7-spoke 16" alloy wheels with plastic hub cap cover to protect it from scratches when parking against the curb. The Touring Edition also comes with a firmer European-style tuned suspension, standard high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and integrated (non-HID) fog lights.
[edit] Crash testing
NHTSA (United States) crash testing of the 2004 Prius yielded a five star driver and four star passenger rating in the frontal collision test (out of five stars). Side crash results were four out of five stars for both front and rear seats. The car scored four out of five stars in rollover testing.[25]
IIHS crash tests score the Prius "Good" overall in frontal collisions and "Good" overall in side impact collisions in models equipped with side airbags.[26] A "Poor" score is given to models without side airbags.[27] Side curtain and torso airbags became standard on 2007 American models.
In 2004, EuroNCAP tested the Prius. It earned the following ratings: Adult Occupant: Child Occupant: Pedestrian: .[28]
2010– (model ZVW30)
 | |
| Production | 2009-present |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Tsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City) Kariya, Aichi, Japan Chengdu, Sichuan, China (Chinese domestic market only) |
| Class | Midsize car |
| Body style(s) | 5-door hatchback |
| Engine(s) | Toyota Hybrid System Gasoline/Petrol engine: Hybrid system net horsepower: 134 hp |
| Transmission(s) | 1-speed planetary gear |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,460 mm (175.6 in) |
| Width | 1,745 mm (68.7 in) |
| Height | 1,480 mm (58.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1379 kg (3,042 lb) |
Toyota debuted the 2010 Prius at the 2009 North American International Auto Show,[30] and sales began in Japan on May 18, 2009.[31] Its new body design is more aerodynamic with the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.25 Cd. An underbody rear fin helps stabilize the vehicle at higher speeds.
The estimated fuel efficiency rating using the U.S. EPA combined cycle is: 50 mpg-US (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg-imp).[32] This figure surpasses the 1st-generation automatic Honda Insight's EPA estimated fuel economy making the new Prius the most fuel efficient mass produced gasoline powered automatic vehicle sold in the United States.
The official UK fuel efficiency data for the Prius T3 is: Urban 72.4 mpg-imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg-US), Extra Urban 76.4 mpg-imp (3.70 L/100 km; 63.6 mpg-US), Combined 72.4 mpg-imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg-US).[33]
The 1.8-liter gasoline/petrol engine (previously 1.5-liters) generates 98 hp and with the added power of the electric motor total horsepower is 134 hp (previously 110 hp). The larger engine's displacement allows for increased torque reducing engine speeds (RPM) which in turn increases fuel economy at highway speeds. With an electric water pump, the Prius engine is the first production engine that requires no accessory belts which also further improves fuel economy.[34] Also, the battery pack is smaller and more efficient, as are the electric motors and other components of the hybrid powertrain.[35] Toyota estimates the new inverter, motor and transaxle are 20 percent lighter. Disc brakes replace the previous rear drum brakes.
For the Prius, Toyota used a new range of plant-derived ecological bioplastics made from the cellulose in wood or grass instead of petroleum. The two principal crops are kenaf (a member of the hibiscus family and related to cotton and okra) and ramie, commonly known as China grass and one of the strongest natural fibres, similar to flax in absorbency and density. Toyota says this is a particularly timely breakthrough for plant-based eco-plastics because 2009 is the United Nations’ International Year of Natural Fibres, which covers kenaf and ramie.[36]
Toyota filed over one thousand patents during the development of the latest Prius. Toyota's global goal is to sell about 400,000 units annually by 2010.[37] In May 2009 production was increased to 50,000 units per month or 600,000 annual units to help meet higher than projected demand.[38]
In the US the Prius will have a starting base price (MSRP) of US$21,750.[39][40] This base model or Prius I will be available in October.[citation needed] The Prius II will have a starting base price of $22,750 and improves the specification with 15-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Stability Control and interior amenities including cruise control, 6-speaker audio, Toyota's keyless entry/ignition Smart Key System and a unique Touch Tracer Display designed to help the driver's eyes stay on the road ahead when using steering wheel mounted climate and audio controls.
Sales of the Prius also started in the Philippines on June 22, 2009, for a SRP of Php 2.2 million (approximately USD 41,800) about half for import duties and other taxes, making it the first hybrid vehicle available in the Philippines.[41] The launching for the Latin American market took place in Costa Rica on July 3, 2009. The Prius will be sold in Costa Rica for USD 41,000 including tariffs and all taxes.[42]
The US Prius will offer three optional packages:
- A Navigation Package which includes a voice-activated touch-screen DVD-based navigation system and an 8-speaker JBL audio system with XM satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, Bluetooth and backup camera. The Prius in Japan is equipped with G-BOOK as of May 18, 2009.[43]
- A Solar Roof Package includes the Navigation Package and adds a power tilt/slide moonroof along with a solar powered ventilation system which uses an electric fan to help keep the vehicle cooler when parked under the sun by venting the interior's heated air with the outdoors. The solar roof was originally intended to assist in charging the vehicle's battery, but the system was configured to only power ventilation when it was found that the battery-charging configuration created electromagnetic interference that affected the radio.[44] A new remote air-conditioning feature allows the driver to activate the air conditioner prior to entering the vehicle.
- An Advanced Technology Package includes the Navigation Package while adding a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Parking Assist.
Other options include Safety Connect, while LED headlamps come standard on the Prius V trim.[45]
Plug-in version
According to Toyota, a Prius plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powered by lithium-ion batteries will become available for fleet buyers beginning in late 2009.[46] Nikkei news reported that Toyota will start mass producing the plug-in hybrid for regular consumers in 2012, and the estimated price will be ~USD48,000.[47]
Different points:
- Electric FR layout (normal: FF layout)
- Series hybrid (normal: series-parallel hybrid)
- Lithium-ion battery (normal: nickel-hydrogen battery)
Comparison of models
| Feature | Model code | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHW10 | NHW11 | NHW20 | ZVW30 | ||
| Body style | 4-door Sedan |
4-door
| |||