In 1997, Toyota turned a new leaf in the history of motoring when it presented the world with the first Prius. Coming of age later, the fourth generation of the pioneer of hybrid technology, which is designed on a completely new modular platform New Global Architecture (TNGA), is with us. And just as the original model surprised us with its appearance, the new Prius also surprises us with its appearance. Appropriate for the years.
A new one Toyota Prius is for Toyota, which annually sells the most cars in the world, probably the most important vehicle, but not so much for hybrid technology and the continuation of this story, as for the sake of it TNGA modular platform, which will be the basis for its future models and the cutting of production costs (the new Prius will share parts and engines with future models). This gave them more artistic freedom when it comes to shape, as they could make new hybrid drive system.
The new Prius, which measures in length 4.55 meters, with a height of 1.49 m and a width of 1.77 meters, is strongly based on the fuel cell model Miraia and it has a much sportier look than its predecessor (year 2009), but it also boasts with an improved electric motor to the lithium-ion battery. This will be slightly smaller, but the Prius ”4” will have an additional drive unit for the rear wheels, ti electric four-wheel drive but it will be "operative" up to speed 50 km/h. His partner will 1.8 liter petrol V4 engine, but in total it should be able to 110 kW powers. He will be in charge of delivering it on bikes CVT gearbox. Initially, buyers will be offered a classic hybrid, which is expected to get a plug-in sibling next year (plug-in) hybrid (its battery range will between 48 and 56 km).
Engineers have improved the driving characteristics of the new Prius, it has a new platform center of gravity set the bar lower (this brings better stability and handling) and reduced the weight of the vehicle, the steering mechanism is better, and consumption should also "decline" by 15 percent (on 3 liters of fuel per 100 km).
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Even the interior didn't take it without "scratches", because it did travel cabin brand new and even more generous to passengers. In addition to the above, the Prius should have just 40% thermal efficiency of the engine, which is a new record among gasoline engines, but it will also be quieter and more even. At the expense of a smaller hybrid battery and a new rear suspension, it has increased space in the trunk, and they also stocked the safety equipment package better "Toyota Safety Sense", which according to the new radar cruise control, while the collision detection system is richer for pedestrian detection.
More information:
toyota.com