Toyota’s all-new second-generation Prius petrol-electric hybrid vehicle made its world debut on Wednesday at the 2003 New York Auto Show and is of particular interest because it is the first Toyota equipped with the firm’s new high-voltage/high-power Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, writes just-auto.com deputy editor Graeme Roberts.
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Like the original Toyota Hybrid System (THS) on the current Prius, Hybrid Synergy Drive is defined as a “full hybrid system” and, Toyota claims that, unlike some competitive systems currently on the market, the full hybrid system is capable of operating in either petrol or electric modes, as well as a mode in which both the petrol engine and electric motor operate.
It is surely no coincidence that Ford announced at the New York show this week that its new Futura midsize sedan, which replaces the Taurus in 2005, will have a similar advanced so-called full hybrid drivetrain as an option, as will the upcoming Escape Hybrid SUV, the latest version of which also debuted in New York. But Ford won’t have its first hybrid on retail sale until well into 2004; Toyota – and Honda – have successfully been selling production models in the US for several years.
The current Prius, which first went on sale in Japan in 1997 and was launched in the US in July 2000, has attracted celebrities’ custom there. After all, having your car driven around by such high-profile movie stars as Leonardo di Caprio and Cameron Diaz is a marketing manager’s dream and has surely helped the Prius to sales of over 40,000 in the US (over 20,000 in 2002 alone) and more than 100,000 worldwide.
The new Prius has increased interior space, moving it from the compact to the midsize class which will likely further boost its sales prospects, especially in the US.
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By GlobalDataThe new hybrid system is claimed to deliver significantly more power and performance, best-in-class fuel economy, and best-in-market emissions performance.
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A major difference between the new Hybrid Synergy Drive concept, and how it is improved over the current Prius’ THS system, centres on the duration of electric-mode driving and the peak power delivered electrically.
The new Hybrid Synergy Drive has a 50% more powerful 50kW drive-motor operating at up to 500 volts. This increased voltage and power is controlled by a newly adopted high-voltage power converter.
Additionally, the generator in the new Prius has a higher peak operating speed that increases electric-mode operation in city and motorway slow-and-go operation. With 50% more electric power available and improved low-end torque from the drive motor, a significant boost in acceleration performance is possible.
Hybrid Synergy Drive is expected to increase fuel efficiency in the new Prius by 15% with [EPA] combined mpg rising from the high 40s to the mid-50s.
Toyota claims the 2004 Prius will have the best fuel efficiency rating of any midsize vehicle sold in America, delivering twice the combined mileage rating of its closest competitor and will also boast a higher combined mileage rating than any compact sedan sold in the country.
Hybrid Synergy Drive is also claimed to significantly improve acceleration performance from the mid-12-second range to the mid-10-second range, comparable to the midsize US-built Camry LE four-cylinder sedan.
According to Toyota, the new hybrid drivetrain is nearly 30% lower in emissions than the current Prius’ system, producing nearly 90% fewer tailpipe pollutants than a conventional petrol engine.
When it reaches the US this autumn, the Prius will be certified as a SULEV, or “Super-Ultra-Low-Emission-Vehicle” for tailpipe emissions in California and the [mainly north-east] states adopting California standards.
In the rest of the country, Prius will be certified as Tier 2, Bin 3. In addition, in California and states adopting California rules, the Prius will be certified as a PZEV “Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle”.
In addition to the SULEV exhaust standard, PZEV also requires meeting a zero fuel evaporative standard, a 150,000-mile durability demonstration and offering an extended emissions system warranty.
Another Toyota claim for its new Prius is that it is one of the most aerodynamic production vehicles available, with a drag co-efficient of just 0.26. This is said to be a major factor in the vehicle’s interior noise isolation and to contribute to its significantly increased fuel efficiency.
The 2004 Prius is built on an entirely new platform with a wheelbase nearly six inches longer than the current Prius though it is only slightly longer. Less obvious from outside is the significantly larger midsize interior – just-auto can vouch from recent personal experience in California that the current model is, at best, a cosy fit for three adults and two car-seat-restrained toddlers.
While the first generation car was a small sedan, Toyota has designed ‘Prius Mark Two’ as a four-door lift-back. This helps the aerodynamics and the rear lift-back and fold-down rear seat combine to offer a new level of cargo hauling flexibility.
The new Prius has a drive-by-wire throttle and shift control. The latter allows the previous dashboard-mounted gearshift lever to be replaced by a “tap-of-the-finger” small joystick mounted on the dash. Optional Smart Entry and Smart Start allows keyless entry and keyless startup, as previously seen on European models such as the Mercedes-Benz S-class, Renault Laguna and, recently, even the Nissan Micra.
As in those models, when the 2004 Prius driver reaches for the door handle, an on-board sensor recognises the signal from a key in his pocket and automatically unlocks the doors. Since the driver has already been ‘security-cleared’ to enter the vehicle, he can leave the fob in his pocket, push a start button located on the dash, and drive off.
Smart Entry and Start is one of only a handful of options offered in the new Prius which comes with just one well-equipped trim level. Standard equipment includes ABS brakes, power windows, door locks and mirrors, and a unique electric inverter air conditioning system.
Instead of running off the fan belt, the new inverter air conditioner is fully electrically operated which improves fuel efficiency and ensures passenger comfort, even when the petrol engine is off and the car is being propelled only by the electric motor. That’s a big improvement over Honda’s Insight IMA system which requires the petrol engine to run any time the A/C is switched on.
“When the 2004 Prius arrives in dealerships this fall it will exceed all expectations, marking the arrival of hybrid technology into the mainstream consumer mindset,” said Toyota America’s Toyota division senior vice-president Don Esmond.
“The debut of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system will represent a major breakthrough in global-friendly powertrain technology.
“We’ve learned a lot about the Prius since its launch in America two-and-a-half years ago, added Esmond. “With increased interior space, increased power and performance, best-in-class fuel economy, and best-in-market performance, we are more convinced than ever that the new Prius will continue to lead electric-gas hybrid technology into the mainstream market.”
