This edition of the Hall of New York is marked under the sign of driving pleasure, at least from the point of view of the models we see in Europe. Mazda MX-5 RF, Audi R8 V10 Spyder and the latest evolution of the Nissan GT- R have been in the headlines of the room. However, there is another important how are you novelty, the new Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, which called Prime (at least in the US market).
Forget about their appearance, for the moment, the important thing is under these aerodynamic and tortured lines. The new flagship of hybrid technology Toyota now has autonomy in electric mode than 50 km and is capable of reaching 135 km / h.
Duplicate autonomy
Autonomy, doubled with respect to the first generation Prius PHEV, it is mainly due to its lithium – ion higher capacity; now it is 8.8 kWh. Thus, Toyota can advertise approved an average consumption of 1.4 l / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 32 g / km.
Despite its greater autonomy, Toyota says it takes only 2 hours and 30 minutes to recharge on a 230V socket. Notably solar panels on the roof recharge the battery when the sun shines and a heat pump allows the air conditioning function without resorting to the battery when driving in electric mode.
In electric mode, the prius plug-in now has a range of over 50 km and is capable of reaching 135 km / h
The heat engine, meanwhile, is an evolution of the 4 – cylinder 1.8 liter, with a new gas recirculation system and combustion improvements approaching 40% engine thermal efficiency. In other words, it is the same engine that equips the new Prius, but still do not know if the same power of 98 hp.
Toyota avoids rule, so far, on the weight of the car. Although they tell us they have used aluminum for the bonnet and fiber reinforced plastic for the hatchback trunk.Moreover, it is 165 mm longer and 20 mm lower than the previous Prius PHEV (plug-in).
As is the case with the body, the interior has great differences with the Prius.Perhaps because of the battery, but they have decided to Toyota Prius Prime strict four – seater. In front, it is impossible not to see the huge central touch screen to Tesla 8 inches that operates like a tablet.
A polarizing, but easier to digest design
The design of the new Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has an even more polarizing personality than the new Prius. The idea is that it cannot be confused with a Prius. To do this, It also has four headlamps LED headlamps and a rear light technology (also with LED technology) specifically designed to provide a unique light signature.
The lithium-ion battery sees its capacity increased to 8.8 kwh
But not all questions of style in the design of Prius Prime. The functionality is almost more important than the form. For example, the rear window has a double curvature and the front bumper is fitted with a self – closing of the calender when the radiator does not need air in order to improve air penetration. Toyota announces a Cd of just 0.24.
The previous Toyota Prius plug-in did not sell well mainly because of its high price compared with conventional Prius. Still, Toyota’s leaders are in no hurry, the Prime Prius should serve as a halo car for hybrid range and open way, as did the first Prius in 1995.
The new Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid will reach the market in late 2016.
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