On sale in the U.S. for a decade, the Toyota Prius hybrid is about to become an entire range of vehicles. At this year's Detroit Auto Show, Toyota is unveiling a Prius lineup that includes the standard 4-door hybrid and a plug-in variant, along with the Prius v crossover/wagon and the Prius c Concept. Toyota calls this an expansion of the Prius family. We say it's a great way for the Japanese automaker to turn the world's best-known hybrid into its very own eco-themed brand.
The model making the biggest splash in Detroit is the Prius v (the "v" stands for versatility). Toyota says the Prius v wagon offers 50 percent more interior room than the current hatchback. There is seating for five, along with a 60/40 folding rear seatback. Yet despite being larger both inside and out, the Prius v still manages to slice through the air quite efficiently. The Prius v maintains a very impressive 0.29 coefficient of drag, which helps when it comes to boosting fuel economy and lowering wind noise.
Green Power to the People
Toyota Prius V
Powering the Prius v is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to Toyota's vaunted electric hybrid system. Total output of the gasoline/electric drivetrain is only 134 horsepower, according to Toyota, but fuel economy is a very commendable 42 mpg in the city and 38 mpg during highway driving. The front-wheel-drive Prius v is not going to be a road rocket, though scorching straight-line performance is not high on the must-have list for most hybrid buyers.
The Prius v driver will be able to choose among four driving modes: Normal, EV (Electric), ECO (Economy), and PWR (Power). Push-button start is standard, along with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and a back-up camera. Options include energy-efficient LED headlights, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (with a pre-collision system) and Advanced Parking Guidance System. Stability and traction control are standard, and the Prius v comes with the added safety of seven airbags.
The Toyota Prius v is also equipped with the Entune multimedia system, allowing wireless upgradeable navigation, entertainment and information services. The system works with a vast array of mobile apps, with available information including anything from the best fuel prices and restaurant recommendations to live traffic updates, stock reports and even sports scores.
A Prius for the City
Along with the Prius v, Toyota is using the Detroit Auto Show to introduce what could be the smallest member of the Prius family. The Prius c (as in "city") is meant for an urban environment, where parking places are small and driving distances are short. Toyota promises the Prius c will continue to push toward "outstanding" fuel efficiency, albeit in a new compact package. Finding room for an engine, electric motor and batteries will be no easy task for Toyota's engineers.
Toyota Prius Plug-In
A production model based on the Prius c will come to market in early 2012. Toyota says the car will be the most value-oriented hybrid in the U.S.--although no specifics have been mentioned about pricing. This should coincide with the arrival of the Prius plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, also set to go on sale in 2012. The Prius plug-in will be capable of traveling up to 12.5 miles on electric power alone, and at speeds up to 62 mph. After that, the car reverts to a power combination provided by electric motors, a battery pack, and small-displacement gasoline engine.
http://autos.yahoo.com/auto-shows/detroit_auto_show_2011/1663/New-Toyota-Prius-Model-Line
