Frankfurt Preview: Toyota unleashes the goods on Auris HSD Concept
Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've already received a sneak peek at some early images of the Toyota Auris HSD concept, but Toyota was woefully tight-lipped about disclosing on any actual details at that time. No longer, as the Japanese automaker has just dropped all the pertinents and a bunch of new images of its upcoming hybrid ahead of the car's official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
As we noted, there are solar panels installed on the Auris HSD's roof that Toyota says are a further development of the solar-powered ventilation system which debuted on the 2010 Prius. Additional solar panels on the car's dashboard develop enough juice to recharge mobile phones and portable electronics using built-in charging trays.
As expected, the Auris HSD is powered by a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine mated to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology as used in the Prius. Toyota expects the run to 60 mph to take about 10 seconds and carbon emissions to be below 100 grams per kilometer. LED lights join a slew of aerodynamic tweaks that reportedly drop the car's drag coefficient to .28 round out the exterior features unique to the concept.
Inside, blue Gaucholino leather joins a pearl white console to offer a unique showcar appearance. We're not sure how many of these touches will make it into production (which is scheduled to begin next year at Toyota's Burnaston factory in England with sales scheduled to start during the second half of 2010), but we'd like to see the mobile chargers make the leap. Click past the break for the official press release and be sure to check out our updated gallery below.
Gallery: Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid concept
[Source: Toyota]
PRESS RELEASE:
TOYOTA UNVEILS AURIS HSD FULL HYBRID* CONCEPT
Frankfurt motor show debut for precursor to Toyota's first full hybrid mainstream European production model
KEY POINTS
* Concept previews new Auris HSD Full Hybrid, Toyota's first full hybrid mainstream model in Europe
* World debut at the Frankfurt motor show
* Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, shared with latest generation Prius
* Sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, class-leading combined cycle fuel consumption and 0-62mph acceleration in around 10 seconds
* Detailed exterior styling changes to improve aerodynamic performance
* Extension of on-board solar power technology
* Auris HSD Full Hybrid production model to be built at TMUK's Burnaston factory
* Sales scheduled to start during second half of 2010
* 'Full Hybrid' means the car can be driven on petrol engine alone, electric motor alone or combination of both. Not all hybrids can do this.
The new Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept, presented publicly for the first time at the Frankfurt motor show, marks a significant milestone in Toyota's plan to equip its mainstream European models with full hybrid technology. Toyota is committed to making the environmental benefits of its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) accessible to a wider customer base and it is on track to offer a hybrid version of every model in its range by the early 2020s.
A five door hatchback is the best selling type of car in Europe and consequently the installation of HSD in Auris is the logical first step in deploying full hybrid technology across Toyota's entire European model line-up.
By introducing the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept, Toyota also aims to shift customer perceptions of hybrid technology. The obvious advantages are exceptional fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions, but customers will also experience smooth and sophisticated driving unlike any other family hatchback, thanks to the everyday usability, comfort and quietness of the Toyota full hybrid powertrain.
The Auris HSD Full Hybrid will be built by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) at the Burnaston factory, near Derby, with sales scheduled to start during the second half of 2010.
The news that Europe's first hybrid production model will be built in the UK has been welcomed by the British Government. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "I'm delighted Toyota has chosen the UK to build its first hybrid vehicle in Europe. When I visited the Burnaston plant in July, I saw for myself the energy and commitment of Toyota and its workers. The unveiling of the new car at the Frankfurt Motor Show brings the vision of making the UK the best place in the world to develop low carbon vehicles a step closer. I look forward to seeing the cars roll off the line next year."
Exterior design
The design of the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept reflects the installation of a full hybrid powertrain in a mainstream package. Subtle changes have been made to Auris's styling to improve aerodynamic efficiency and blue hybrid badging identifies the car as a member of Toyota's full hybrid fleet.
The front end is designed to optimise airflow and so help maximise fuel efficiency. The front and rear bumper corners have flat surfaces, a feature that not only accentuates the car's wide and solid stance, but also smoothes the flow of air over the vehicle's flanks, minimising turbulence and drag.
The ride height is lower by 20mm compared to the conventional Auris, and underbody panels and a rear diffuser have been fitted to smooth and control airflow beneath the car. The bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels are designed to cut air turbulence in the wheel arches and are shod with low rolling resistance tyres. A larger, more efficient rear spoiler is also fitted. These aerodynamic elements target a drag coefficient of 0.28.
Interior design
The cabin has a number of special features that are linked to the car's full hybrid status.
The seats and upper dashboard are finished in blue Gaucholino leather with light blue accent stitching. To complement the exterior body colour, the centre console and side air vents have a tactile, pearl white finish.
The instrument cluster has hybrid blue illumination, with a design that combines high technology with easy-to-read displays. Alloy pedals reinforce the performance dimension of HSD technology and the steering wheel has a flat bottom section for easy driver access and better legroom.
Sequenced entry and exit lighting is provided, including puddle lights integrated in the door mirrors and ambient illumination of the footwells and headlining. Thick carpeting raises the on-board comfort and refinement levels and also contributes to a marked improvement in cabin quietness.
Refined driving experience
Using the same powertrain as the latest generation Prius, the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept is the first mainstream model in Europe to benefit from Toyota's refined, smooth and quiet Hybrid Synergy Drive.
The car will accelerate from nought to 62mph in around 10 seconds, while returning class-leading combined cycle fuel economy and sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. It offers four driving modes, three of which can be selected on-demand by the driver: ECO mode maximises hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy; Power mode boosts performance; and EV mode – a feature only available with a full hybrid system – allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone for up to 1.25 miles (2km) at speeds up to 31mph, with zero fuel consumption and zero CO2 and particulates (PM) emissions.
Building on the inherent quietness of HSD, particular attention has been paid to further NVH reduction measures to achieve a calm, quiet cabin environment at all speeds. Road and engine noise have been suppressed by comprehensive use of soundproofing materials, and full thickness glazing and an acoustic windscreen reduce wind noise at cruising speeds.
Environmentally efficient technology
Using technology that was first brought to the market in the latest generation Prius, the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept marks a further development of solar powered ventilation, with solar panels covering the entire roof.
Similar technology is used inside the cabin, with solar panels on top of the dashboard that generate sufficient energy to recharge mobile phones or portable music plays mounted in purpose-designed charging trays. In the future, Toyota aims to advance this technology to provide solar powered recharging of the hybrid battery.
Further energy-saving measures include the use of LED technology for the front and rear lights.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mike 3:19PM (9/11/2009)
It's interesting that they are going after the euro market with a hybrid.
They must have something very positive going forward I think to have made such a large commitment to enter battle with the diesels.
Now.. the big question for us on this side of the pond.
How long before they come out and tell us that we americans would not be interested in something like this and so we can't have it?
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Serge 4:21PM (9/11/2009)
And give us the usual excuses, like "just wait another 10 years for your hydrogen-powered SUV." Hopefully Toyota is paying attention to good sales of Honda Fit in the U.S.; there is a market for good mpg; decent looking, "small but big" 5-door here.
Now, why is there a need for solar panels on a dash of all places for gadget chargers? I'd think that roof panels have better exposure and therefore would be more adequate in handling the job.
Josh Monroe 4:29PM (9/11/2009)
I know that there can be a big difference based on how an engine is tuned but... 10 seconds for a 1.8 liter engine with HSD seems strange. My standard '01 Civic can do it in less than that with a 1.7 liter engine and regular ol' automatic transmission.
I still get 38mpg.
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Snowdog 6:23PM (9/11/2009)
Not really strange, this essentially is the same as the Prius, so gets Prius like performance, the engine is clearly tuned for efficiency, it gets 50mpg city/highway in the Prius.
Mike Dimmick 2:15AM (9/12/2009)
Toyota and Ford's hybrids use Atkinson-cycle engines. These engines close the intake valve very late, after the piston has passed bottom dead centre and headed back up the cylinder. That effectively reduces capacity on the Prius - and it sounds like this Auris will use the same 2ZR-FXE - to between 37% and 78%, although the pressure does equalize a bit so it's not exactly equivalent to a 1.4L Otto-cycle. (The timing is variable from 65° to 105° after bottom dead centre.)
Without the torque from the motors, 0-60 times have been modelled as upwards of 15 seconds. In practice this is impossible - HSD hybrids have no gearing as such and, even if the generator were locked, the engine doesn't have enough torque to get the car to move.
jeffzekas 6:03PM (9/11/2009)
Of course, the obvious question is: why not build a diesel hybrid? "The best of both worlds" so to speak.
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Snowdog 6:24PM (9/11/2009)
If you check it has been so obvious that it has been asked and answered about 1000 times now.
Chris M 12:28AM (9/13/2009)
Because Diesel engines cost more than Gasoline engines, and hybrids cost more than non-hybrids. Therefor, a Diesel Hybrid would cost more than Hybrid or a Diesel, but would only get slightly better fuel economy than a Hybrid or a Diesel. For that extra cost, it would be better to increase the hybrid battery capacity and add plug-in capability instead, for a much bigger reduction in liquid fuel consumption.
Still, a Diesel Hybrid is technically feasible, so it might be produced someday.
future-autos.blogspot.com 1:07PM (9/12/2009)
Never thought I'd be saying this about ANY car design but, I'm glad this isn't what the current Matrix looks like. Nevertheless, good concept and I'm sure it'll have to find it's way over here on either the Matrix, Corolla or both.
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future-autos.blogspot.com 1:08PM (9/12/2009)
To clarify: I never thought I would be saying that about any American design vs its Euro counterpart.
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