2003 New York Auto Show: Toyota stages world Premiere of all-new Prius with hybrid synergy drive

The all-new second-generation Toyota Prius electric-gas hybrid vehicle made its world premiere at a press conference today at the 2003 New York Auto Show.

"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 Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. "Furthermore, the debut of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system will represent a major breakthrough in global-friendly powertrain technology."

In 1997 the Toyota Prius was the world's first mass-produced electric-gas hybrid vehicle. Bigger and better in every metric of comparison, the all-new 2004 Prius will usher in a new era of electric-gas hybrid technology when it launches this fall. The new Prius will feature increased interior space, moving from a compact to the midsize class. Its new Hybrid Synergy Drive system will supply significantly more power and performance, best-in-class fuel economy, and best-in-market emissions performance.

The 2004 Prius will be the first Toyota equipped with the new high-voltage/high-power Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. Like the original Toyota Hybrid System (THS) on the current Prius, Hybrid Synergy Drive is defined as a "full hybrid system." Unlike competitive systems currently on the market, the full hybrid system is capable of operating in either gas or electric modes, as well as a mode in which both the gas engine and electric motor are in operation.

The advantages of a full hybrid system are numerous. The most important, however, is that because the car can be run under certain conditions with electric power only, fuel consumption, and emissions, can be reduced significantly.

A major difference between the new Hybrid Synergy Drive concept, and how it is improved over the current THS system centers on the duration of electric-mode driving and the peak power delivered electrically. The Hybrid Synergy Drive has a 50 percent more powerful 50-kilowatt drive-motor operating at up to 500 volts. This increased voltage and power is enabled 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 freeway slow-and-go operation. With 50 percent 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 percent with combined mpg rising from the high 40's to the mid-50's. This will enable Prius to have the best fuel efficiency rating of any midsize vehicle sold in America, delivering twice the combined mileage rating of its closest competitor. What's more, the midsize Prius will also boast a higher combined mileage rating than any compact sedan sold in America.

Hybrid Synergy Drive will significantly improve acceleration performance from the mid- 12-second range to the mid- 10-second range. This acceleration level is comparable to the Toyota Camry LE four-cylinder.

Finally, Hybrid Synergy Drive will enable Prius to be nearly 30 percent lower in emissions than the current ultra-clean Prius, producing nearly 90 percent fewer tailpipe pollutants than a conventional internal combustion engine. When it arrives this fall, Prius will be certified as a SULEV, or "Super-Ultra-Low-Emission-Vehicle" for tailpipe emissions in California and those states adopting California standards. In the rest of the country, Prius will be certified as Tier 2, Bin 3. In addition, in California and those states adopting the California rules, Prius will be certified as a PZEV category vehicle. PZEV, or "Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle" is a category composed of many elements. 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.

Prius will feature dramatic and distinctive aerodynamic styling. With its triangular mono-form shape, it is a dramatic visual departure from the original Prius, and contributes greatly to one of the most aerodynamic production vehicles on the planet. At an amazing 0.26, its coefficient of drag will be a major factor in the vehicle's interior noise isolation and will contribute to its significantly increased fuel efficiency.

The new bolder design is the wrapping for a much larger package that is full of surprises. The new Prius rides on an entirely new platform. Although its wheelbase is nearly six inches longer than the current Prius it retains a relatively short overall length, casting a shadow only slightly larger than the current model. What is not so obvious from the outside is its significantly larger midsize interior.

Designers were able to achieve this tour de force in packaging by configuring Prius as a four-door lift-back. Not only does this layout work well with the vehicle's slipstream styling, its rear lift-back and fold-down rear seat combine to offer a new level of cargo hauling flexibility.

The new Prius will be electronically controlled with by-wire throttle and shift control. The new by-wire shift control allows Prius to replace the traditional gearshift lever mounted on the floor or the steering column with tap-of-the-finger shifting of a small joystick mounted on the dash.

A Smart Entry and Smart Start option allows keyless entry and keyless startup. As the driver reaches for the door handle, an on-board sensor will recognize the signal from a key in his pocket and automatically unlock 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 away.

Smart Entry and Start is one of only a handful of options offered in the new Prius. Offered in a single, well-equipped trim level, Prius standard equipment will include 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. Not only does this improve fuel efficiency, it ensures passenger comfort, even when the gasoline engine is off and the car is being propelled only by the electric motor.

"We've learned a lot about Prius since its launch in America two-and-a-half years ago, said 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."

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AP Story:Toyota Unveils Beefed Up Hybrid Car

TOKYO (AP) -- Toyota Motor Corp. unveiled a more powerful version of its gasoline-electric hybrid sedan Prius on Thursday.

The latest Prius -- set to roll into showrooms in Japan, the United States and Europe later this year -- should get about 55 miles a gallon under U.S. driving conditions, up from 52 miles a gallon for the current model.

"We believe that clearing environmental hurdles and offering an attractive driving experience are critical for cars to thrive in the 21st century," Toyota senior managing director Hiroyuki Watanabe said. "We are determined to make this technology from Japan a driving force for the global auto industry."

A hybrid car switches between a gasoline engine and electric motor to deliver the best mileage. It uses the motor at slow speeds, but the engine when going at faster speeds or uphill.

The car recharges itself during the drive. It spews only about half the carbon dioxide of standard gasoline engines, significantly reducing the threat to global warming.

Toyota, Japan's biggest automaker, was the first in the world to commercially mass-produce and sell hybrid cars with the Prius in 1997.

Since then, Toyota, based in Toyota city in central Japan, has sold 130,000 hybrid cars a year worldwide, including two other models that sell only in Japan.

Initially, people were skeptical about the prospects for hybrids because of other green technologies such as electric cars and fuel cell vehicles.

But Toyota may have won over the skeptics.

General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and the Chrysler unit of DaimlerChrysler AG have announced recently they will be coming out with hybrids of their own -- intensifying the competition in that sector. Honda Motor Co., based in Tokyo, has already sold 37,000 hybrids worldwide.

"Hybrids are growing into a respected market in the industry," said Yasuaki Iwamoto, auto analyst at Okasan Securities Co. in Tokyo. "And there's no doubt Toyota dominates this sector."

Toyota raised the voltage of its hybrid system and improved the battery to give the new Prius the power of a 2.0 liter engine, although it only has a 1.5 liter engine.

The styling is also leaner and roomier than the current model to give what Toyota called "a futuristic" feel. The new Prius will have more power and a smoother drive than the Camry, Toyota said.

The price is still being decided, but will likely be close to that of the current Prius, which starts at around $20,000 in the United States.

Toyota did not give a sales target but hopes to sell 300,000 hybrids a year worldwide and expand to 10 models in the next few years.