Prime Mover: Toyota Maxes out Tech and Style in the World’s Best-Selling Hybrid to Create the 2017 Prius Prime
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Ultra-efficient Prius with Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain
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Manufacturer-estimated 120 MPGe
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Available in 50 States
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Techno-wonder with Available 11.6-inch Multimedia HD Display,
Head-up Display and Wireless Phone Charging
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A Total Package in Every Aspect, Adding Up to Great Value
If there’s electricity in the air at the 2016 New York International
Auto Show, it’s probably coming from the Toyota display, where the
world’s hybrid vehicle leader has unveiled the new Prius Prime, an
ultra-efficient model with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. “Prime” means
best, making it the perfect name for one of the most technologically
advanced, best-equipped Prius models ever.
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2017 Toyota Prius Prime (Photo: Business Wire)
The Prius Prime’s manufacturer-estimated 120 or above MPGe (miles per
gallon equivalent) is expected to be the highest MPGe rating of any
Plug-in Hybrid.* It also represents a substantial 26 percent enhancement
over its predecessor, a result of greater battery capacity and an
improved hybrid system. In hybrid mode, the Prius Prime is targeting a
hybrid MPG equal to or better than the Prius liftback.
The 2017 Prius Prime combines an electrifying design with an even more
capable electric powertrain than the previous-generation Prius Plug-in
Hybrid. The Prius Prime is expected to offer an estimated two times the
electric range of the previous model – 22 miles – meeting the daily
commuter distance of over half of U.S. drivers, and drive at speeds up
to 84 mph without leaving EV mode.
As parsimonious with fuel as the Prius Prime may be, it drives with the
same verve as the standard new-generation Prius hybrid, one result of
the new high-strength platform and double-wishbone independent rear
suspension.
*Based on manufacture data (Prius Prime 120MPGe) and fueleconomy.gov
Plug-in Hybrid segment, as of February 2016
Prius Prime adds even more premium touches and exclusive tech features
compared to the all-new Prius hybrid, including its available 11.6-inch,
HD central multimedia screen with standard navigation and available full
color head-up display. “Prime” also describes the vehicle’s advanced
safety technology, Toyota Safety Sense™ P. This available multi-feature
advanced active safety suite bundles the Pre-Collision System with
Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Braking; Lane Departure Alert with
Steering Assist; Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full stop
technology and Automatic High Beams. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross
Traffic Alert are also available for additional peace of mind.
All 2017 Prius hybrid models come standard with eight supplemental
restraint system airbags, including multi-stage driver and front
passenger front airbags; driver and front passenger side airbags;
full-length curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag, and a front passenger
seat cushion airbag.
Electrifying Design Cheats the Wind … and the
Scales
If the 2017 Prius Prime looks like the future, it was purely intentional
on the designers’ part. The new-generation Prius Prime is 2.4 inches
longer, 0.6 inches wider and about an inch lower than its predecessor.
The growth boosts cargo room over its predecessor and gives the Prius
Prime a road-hugging stance.
The wind-cheating body and its high-strength/low-weight structure are
critical factors in the Prius Prime’s astoundingly low energy
consumption. Its coefficient of drag is expected to be among the lowest
for production sedans. Automatic grille shutters help reduce drag by
closing when airflow to the radiator is not needed.
Yet the Prius Prime is no aero jellybean. Its chiseled profile and edgy
character lines seem to dare the wind to stand in its way.
Energy-conserving quad LED headlights glow like diamonds cutting the
night, and LED rear combination lamps leave an unforgettable nighttime
signature. Driver visibility remains excellent, aided by a full-width
aero glass panel over the rear spoiler and a standard backup camera. The
distinctive aero rear window is eye-catching and adds to its slipstream
character.
While giving the new-generation Prius models more features, Toyota kept
vehicle weight in check by using aluminum for the hood, carbon fiber on
the rear hatch, and by using high-tensile-strength steel in other parts
of the structure. In fact, the lightweight carbon fiber rear hatch makes
opening and closing almost effortless.
EV or Hybrid? Both.
The Prius Prime will please anyone who wants to reduce trips to the gas
pump, and it would make a great road trip car, too. The Prius Prime will
allow drivers to stay in EV mode in more situations, helping to enhance
vehicle range on one tank of fuel. You can plug it in, gas it up, or
both. On one 11.3-gallon tank of regular-grade gasoline and a full
electric charge, the 2017 Prius Prime anticipates a class-leading
estimated total driving range of over 600 miles (Toyota recommends
making occasional stops to refuel and recharge yourself and passengers).
Mechanical Genius
Both the standard Prius hybrid and the Prius Prime are powered by
Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which seamlessly combines the
output of the gasoline engine and electric motor through a
planetary-type continuously variable transmission. The biggest
difference is that the Prius Prime can be plugged in at home to recharge
its larger 8.8kWh battery pack.
In Hybrid mode, the Prius Prime can run on the gasoline engine or
electric motor alone or a combination of both. Even when not running in
EV mode, the Prius Prime will automatically rely more on its electric
capability in situations where it is more efficient than running the
gasoline engine, especially in urban and suburban driving and during
shorter trips.
The Prius Prime will also feature a Toyota-first dual motor generator
drive system, using both the electric motor and the generator for drive
force, helping to boost acceleration performance. Regenerative braking
recaptures electrical energy under deceleration and braking and stores
it in the battery, which helps to reduce fuel consumption.
Even better, there’s no special equipment for home charging. Just use
the supplied cord and the Prius Prime takes approximately 5.5 hours
using a standard household outlet. Charging takes less than half the
time with a 240V source.
Efficiency Expert
Not to be overshadowed by all the electrical magic, the Prius Prime’s
gasoline engine also plays a starring role in that efficiency. The
1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine – the same as in all 2016
Prius hybrid models – earns a groundbreaking 40 percent-plus thermal
efficiency. Most modern automobile engines reach about 25-30 percent.
Myriad details throughout the hybrid powertrain contribute to the
efficiency, including an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system with a
cooler, smaller, lighter, quieter hybrid system water pump and an
exhaust heat recirculation system that speeds engine warm-up.
Looks Marvelous, Feels Marvelous
The Prius Prime looks and feels far from frugal on the inside, where a
four-seat cabin layout, with center console running front to back, looks
more like a high-end luxury coupe. Practicality remains ever present,
however, with standard 60/40 folding rear seatbacks. It’s a quiet cabin,
too, thanks to the sound-insulating laminated windshield and front door
glass and the optimized aero shape that helps keep wind noise where it
belongs – outside.
The Prius Prime coddles the driver and passengers with standard heated
front seats, an automatic climate control system, and available SofTex®
synthetic leather trimmed seats. The climate control system is quieter,
thanks to an electric compressor, and it’s smarter, focusing airflow
only to areas where occupants are seated in order to help maximize fuel
economy and comfort. The climate control system can also operate without
the engine on, with a heat pump that allows the system to cool or heat
the cabin while driving in EV mode. The driver can activate the remote
air conditioning system with an available key fob or smartphone app to
cool the interior before entering the cabin.
High Tech, Low Effort
The centrally mounted gauge panel, a Prius hallmark since the model’s
inception, appears to float above the dashboard. The panel features dual
4.2-inch full-color TFT (thin film transistor) multi-information
displays, and the driver can change their content by using steering
wheel controls.
The display provides a multitude of readouts for hybrid energy
information and more, and the driver can choose how much information to
view. Want to cut the cord? With available wireless cell phone charging
for Qi-compatible devices, just place your Qi-compatible devices on the
console pad to charge it wirelessly.
Multimedia Mogul
Sound and vision inside the Prius Prime likewise meet the standard of
“prime.” Toyota equipped this top Prius with its top Entune®
multimedia system and made it all accessible through a new and exclusive
11.6-inch HD tablet display. The navigation graphics look simply
stunning, and intuitive touch controls make operation a snap.
Prius Prime will also offer an exclusive suite of Prius Prime Apps,
allowing you to remotely manage your vehicle’s charging schedule and
status, locate charging stations, track and compare your eco driving
score with others on social media, remotely control the vehicle’s
climate system, and more – all from your smartphone. It’s advanced eco
at your fingertips.
An available Entune™ Premium JBL® Audio system with
Integrated Navigation and App Suite puts 10 JBL GreenEdge™ speakers in
six locations for sonic bliss. The Entune™ Multimedia Bundle includes
AM/FM cache radio (letting you pause songs and play later), HD Radio™,
HD Radio™ predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlay, SiriusXM®
Satellite Radio with 3-month complimentary SiriusXM All Access trial and
Gracenote® album cover art.
Of course there’s a USB 2.0 port with iPod® connectivity and
control, plus advanced voice recognition and hands-free phone
capability, phonebook access and music streaming via Bluetooth®.
For iPhone users, Siri® Eyes Free mode adds yet another
in-car assistant.
The Entune™ App Suite adds yet more music sources, including
Slacker Radio, iHeartRadio and Pandora® as well as
Destination Search, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Facebook
Places, Yelp™ plus real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and
stocks. Access to Entune® services is subscription-free.
Built-in Parking Valet
In the urban jungle, where hunting for a prime parking space is a sport,
the Prius Prime wins. Available Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) uses
ultrasonic wave sensors to size up a parallel parking space and then,
when activated by the driver, can steer the car into it. The system can
also reverse the Prius Prime into perpendicular spaces and automatically
steer it out of a parallel space.
When the way forward gets narrow, such as in a parking garage, the
system’s Intelligent Clearance Sonar provides visible and audible
warnings if the driver gets too close to obstacles on the vehicle’s
sides.
The 2017 Prius Prime will begin arriving in Toyota showrooms in late
fall.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos and video to accompany this story are
available and can be retrieved in digital form by media without charge
at http://www.toyotanewsroom.com.
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