Detroit 2009: next-gen 2010 Toyota Prius will get 50 mpg
by Sebastian Blanco on Jan 12th 2009 at 1:14PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Toyota Prius
The 2010 Prius debuted today in Detroit and, well, it's a new Prius. But it's also a little bit more in a lot of little ways. First, if all you care about is mileage, the number you need to know is a combined rating of 50 mpg, based on Toyota's own internal testing. That bump in MPGs (up from 46 in the current model) comes from a larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine. That may sound counterintuitive, but Toyota's press release (pasted after the jump) is prepared for that, and says that the higher torque means lower rpm on the highway. And the highway is where hybrids don't exactly shine.
The new Prius has three driving modes: Eco, EV-Drive and Power. The EV Drive isn't anything new – if you have a Japanese Prius. A first for the U.S., the Eco mode allows battery-only operation "at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit." This is still the nickel-metal battery pack, after all. The other modes should be fairly obvious, with Eco providing the best mileage and the Power giving the car a "sportier feel."
When you're not cruising down the road, an optional solar-powered moonroof over the rear seats can keep the hybrid from getting too hot when the car is parked in the sun. The electric fan circulates fresh air into the car before you get in and, if that's not enough coolness for you, a remote starter can turn on the air conditioning. Toyota says this is the world's first A/C that can operate on battery alone. How cool is the sun?
The design team made the redesigned Prius just a little bit slipperier through the air. By moving the B-pillar back a bit and tweaking things here and there (check out the new rear spoiler), the 2010 Prius has a coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25 (the current model has 0.26). There's tons more information after the break.
Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Toyota Prius
Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius
PRESS RELEASE
Toyota Reveals All-New Prius
DETROIT, January 12, 2009 --- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 50-mile-per gallon rated third-generation Prius hybrid vehicle today at the 2009 North American International Auto show.
Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than one million owners worldwide for more than 10 years.
Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than one million owners worldwide for more than 10 years.
The midsize third-generation 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.
An Eco-Icon
The first-generation Prius entered the market in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The name Prius, "to go before" in Latin, became symbolic of a car that was launched even before environmental awareness had become a mainstream social issue.
From the beginning, Toyota's full-hybrid system was developed in-house and has become a driving force behind advanced vehicle technology. The company's exclusive Hybrid Synergy Drive System was introduced in 2004 on the second-generation Prius. Since then, more than 670,000 have been sold in the U.S.
In designing the new, third-generation Prius, Toyota engineers combined a careful refinement of existing systems with an aggressive measure of new technology necessary for the future of automobiles.
Fuel Economy and Environmental Performance
The new Prius will be built using processes that reduce pollution in every stage of vehicle life, from production and driving, through to disposal.
The new Prius will be built using processes that reduce pollution in every stage of vehicle life, from production and driving, through to disposal.
The third-generation Prius extends its record of continuous improvement in fuel economy. The first-generation Prius, which was rated 41 EPA combined mpg, was replaced by the current model, which is EPA rated at 46 mpg, combined city/highway. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency was increased to an estimated 50 miles per gallon for the new Prius.
A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine will power the new Prius. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the larger engine actually helps improve highway mileage. By making more torque, the new engine can run at lower average rpm on the highway. When operating at lower rpm, the new engine uses less fuel. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds.
Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine's efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance.
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 acquire economical driving habits.
Unlike most other hybrid vehicles available, Prius has been a "full" hybrid since introduction. This allows it to run on engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. The system blends the best of parallel hybrid and series hybrid designs to achieve the ability to operate on the electric mode alone, and to charge the batteries while the car is running.
The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Prius is 90 percent newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models.
- The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20 percent compared to the previous model.
- The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight.
- Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20 percent lighter.
- A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration.
The new Prius will offer three alternative driving modes. EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve their best mileage.
Cutting Edge Styling
In designing the new Prius, aerodynamic performance was an important factor. The goal was to create a beautiful silhouette, while not compromising function. Designers preserved the dynamic triangle form of the
current model--instantly recognizable as a Prius--but made alterations to the overall profile, pillar position and angle. The front pillar, extended forward, helps refine the performance-focusing, shaped form.
The overall height of the Prius is the same, but the roof profile is altered by moving the top of the roof 3.9 inches to the rear. This emphasizes the wedge shape, and also allows for enhanced rear headroom and improved aerodynamics.
The design of the new Prius' front and rear corners are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the glazed geometric shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance.
Dimensionally, the new Prius has the same wheelbase as the current generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward.
World's Lowest Cd
The new Prius received more wind tunnel hours of testing than any other Toyota in history, resulting in the cleanest aerodynamic profile of any mass-produced vehicle in the world. By focusing on the shape of the body, underfloor, wheelhouse liner and shape of the wheels, the designers of the new Prius were able to reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model. The airflow under the car was studied extensively. Engineers made changes to the shape of the fender liner, front surface of the underfloor, and added a fin at the rear floor cover to increase linear stability.
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. This solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.
The remote air-conditioning system is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone and that can be remotely operated, so the driver can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.
Reducing the vehicle's power consumption, available LED (light emitting diode) lamps are used for low beams and also in the tail and stop lamps. 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 Vehicle Performance
The next-generation Prius is built on a new platform, which enables improved handling stability, quieter operation, and collision safety. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear intermediate beam design, as before, but handling stability is advanced by improving the stabilizer layout, higher caster angle and tuning the bushing characteristics. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.
Weight was saved through use of aluminum in the hood, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. To meet customer expectations for everyday performance, zero-to-60 acceleration has been improved to 9.8 seconds, more than a second faster, in internal testing.
Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping, has been installed in various locations to reduce road noise.
Functional Interior Is Bigger on the Inside
Proving that small changes add up to big gains, the cargo area of the new Prius was expanded 0.4 inches in length and 2.2 inches in width by using a new and an improved layout of the battery cooling unit.
Rear seat legroom is enhanced by a new space-saving contoured front-seat design.
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 are consistent with the cabin's efficient appearance. Judicious use of silver accents adds a finished, technical feel.
Touch sensors on the steering wheel switches are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road. When the driver touches the audio or info switch located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. This system, called Touch Tracer, is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel.
The ECO indicator on the Multi-Informational Display (MID) provides driver feedback for lower fuel consumption.
In pursuit of developing various advanced technologies aimed at realizing sustainable mobility, Toyota will use plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in the 2010 Prius. The newly-developed plastics, known as "ecological plastic," will be used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during a product lifecycle (from manufacturing to disposal) than plastic made solely from petroleum; 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 region of sale, and to accommodate increasingly strict safety requirements in the future.
In addition to advanced driver and front passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags front and rear side curtain airbags, driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags and driver's knee airbag are standard equipment.
Active headrests are used in both front seats to reduce the possibility of whiplash in a collision. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are included with Toyota's standard Star Safety System.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using advanced millimeter wave radar, is an available option. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable.
Next-generation Intelligent Parking Assist features simplified settings to help guide the car into parking spaces.
A backup monitor, 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 and an SOS call button. Safety Connect will be available a few months after launch.
The development of the Prius has required applications for over 1,000 patents filed across the world, of which 292 are U.S. applications.
Pricing for the 2010 Prius will be announced shortly before it goes on sale late spring.
2010 PRUIS PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i
Engine horsepower: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Engine torque: 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Electric motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Electric motor power output: 80 hp/153 lb-ft torque
Hybrid system net horsepower: 134 hp
Emission rating: SULEV (with AT-PZEV)
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Drive System: Front-wheel-drive
Hybrid battery pack: Nickel-metal hydride
Estimated fuel economy: 50 mpg (combined)*
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 175.6
Overall Width: 68.7
Overall Height: 58.7
Wheelbase: 106.3
Ground clearance: 5.5
Coefficient of Drag: 0.25
Wheels: 15-inch alloy wheels
17-inch alloy wheels (optional)
Tire Size: 15-inch: 195/65R15
17-inch: 215/45R17 (optional)
Seating Capacity: 5
EPA class rating: Midsize
* Preliminary figure based on Toyota's internal testing. Actual mileage will vary.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Cellien 1:21PM (1/12/2009)
Well, it looks slightly better I guess.
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Prinn 1:39PM (1/12/2009)
I am actually pleasantly surprised by this new Prius, it actually looks pretty good, better than the new Insight, IMHO.
The low-quality spy shots we saw earlier had done the Prius an Injustice.
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Sasparilla 1:36PM (1/12/2009)
Well, I have to say the Old Prius and the Insight look better to me (on raw looks - that top corner head lamp hood thing looks like a mistake). But the features Toyota is offering are really outstanding...although I shudder to think of how expensive it will be, especially to add the solar panel moon roof and the front collision detector etc..seems like you could get north of $30k really easy.
It may be that the Insight is a $20k car and the Prius is a $26k car...time will tell. Now the questions are when will be for sale and how much?
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Mark 2:13PM (1/12/2009)
What is Toyota's obsession with center-mounted instrumentation? I find it hugely distracting as a driver and as a passenger.
That alone is enough to make this current-gen Prius driver think of getting the Insight next time around.
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tekd 2:43PM (1/12/2009)
It's not really a Toyota thing since a lot of other manufacturers do it as well...I'm not a fan either (I absolutely hated it in the Mini) but I guess it makes it easier to make RHD and LHD versions of a car if you mount the instrumentation center.
UH2L 2:53PM (1/12/2009)
Center mounted gages are more common in Europe and Japan. There are many overseas-only cars with the feature which shows that Americans aren't as open to doing things differently. The gages aren't that hard to get used to and I always laugh at how people and the press found this feature to fine on Scions and Priuses but they chided Saturn for having it on their ION. The weirdest part for me was the darkness at night in front of the steering wheel without any lit gages.
As for center-mounted gages making it easier to switch between RHD and LHD, that's a myth. The dashboard and gages are rarely symmetrical so parts from both versions need unique tooling.
Howard R 2:44PM (1/13/2009)
I agree with Mark. Why would anyone in the entire United States agree to buy a car with this hideous dash. Toyota does it so they only have to make one dash for American and European cars. What a joke. I think the front of the Prius is great. The overall car is great. The mileage is the best. However, you couldn't give me one of these monstrosities because of that horrible dash.
Chris M 2:22PM (1/12/2009)
I'd say the improved aerodynamics were more responsible for the improved fuel economy than the bigger engine.
That "solar power moonroof" may have been the cause of that silly rumor of "toyota making a solar powered car".
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PeterG 2:30PM (1/12/2009)
Looks pretty decent to me (Improvement over the last Gen Prius and new Insight). Actually looks pretty good. I like it.
Plus they seem to have improved it in just about every way. I think they have a winner.
If I stop being a manual transmission Zealot, I might get one for my next car.
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Randy C. 2:33PM (1/12/2009)
Hey don't knock the NiMH battery for being wimpy. The range problem is due to the small battery size, less than 10 amp hours. To run a good EV you need at least 100 amp hours, batteries that Chevron will not allow anyone to use in cars. Notice that an oil company is inhibiting the use of good alternative vehicle propulsion technology.
My question is: where is the plug? This car will not help America with only a 6 MPG gain. This stock Prius still goes nowhere without gas, no gas and the car will stop dead but will coast a little farther. Where does the gas still come from? Turban wearing zealots that are trying to kill me and my friends. We are quite literally at their mercy.
Plug In America motto: No Plug, No Deal.
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Chris M 2:49PM (1/12/2009)
Toyota is testing plug-ins right now, and will deliver some test vehicles to certain fleet users soon. They want to work out all the bugs before going into mass production.
One thing that isn't clear yet is whether Toyota will use a larger NiMH battery or a LiIon battery for their production model plug-in. I'm betting on LiIon, it has better energy density, and the cost is dropping below NiMH prices.
UH2L 2:58PM (1/12/2009)
We don't just buy oil from "turban-wearing zealots", (an unnecessary stereotypical reference). We buy perfectly normal people from the middle east as well as from people from many other countries. It seems to many that we are killing people for oil so that's why some people hate us. We're at other people's mercy because we are addicted to oil, they didn't force us into this predicament. It's our own fault.
mister nomer 4:12PM (1/12/2009)
According to the Energy Information Administration, 2007 U.S. Crude Oil and Petroleum Products Imports were:
18.23% from Canada
11.38% from Mexico
11.03% from Saudi Arabia
10.10% from Venezuela
8.42% from Nigeria
4.98% from Algeria
3.77% from Angola
3.59% from Iraq
3.07% from Russia
2.57% from U.S. Virgin Islands
2.06% from U.K.
1.51% from Ecuador
1.49% from Brazil
1.35% from Kuwait
1.15% from Colombia
1.06% from Norway
In other words:
Blame Canada! Shame on Canada...
= ))
Source:
http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_impcus_a2_nus_ep00_im0_mbbl_m.htm
paulwesterberg 2:33PM (1/12/2009)
The honda insight may be cheap, but they will be competing against 2009 prius closeout sales.
Toyota leapfrogs everyone again. At 50mpg EPA there will be nothing even close(for sale in the usa).
Now can we have a lithium battery and a plug?
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Chris M 2:44PM (1/12/2009)
Nothing comes close - for awhile, at least. But if the Aptera 2h gets into production, it will get more than double the mileage. Of course, the Aptera 2h isn't strictly comparable, being a "2.5" seater, but it will still be quite a contender.
Red 3:31PM (1/12/2009)
Toyota no longer holds the highest EPA rating for a four passenger vehicle in the United States. Perhaps you should do a bit of research or hold your tongue.
Dave 6:12PM (1/12/2009)
Red - please enlighten the rest of us - what 4-passenger car does better than the Prius on EPA tests? Where can I buy one, because I'm interested.
Snowdog 6:18PM (1/12/2009)
@Red
According to fueleconomy.gov, the Prius is the number one Vehicle, there is none more efficient.
That must be why you keep making this claim without ever revealing this mystery Prius beater (because it is BS).
nie-mehr-benzin.de 2:44PM (1/12/2009)
no plug no deal!
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PeterG 3:00PM (1/12/2009)
I find it looks quite sharp in Blue:
http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/superpriusgank/1005973245
As far as Nimh. They are more durable. That matters more to me than saving 5 or 10 lbs.
As far as the Plug, but a Volt. Plug ins make Zero economic sense. Extra $20 000 to save $1000/year is senseless.
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