6 New Hybrid Cars
2010 Toyota Prius hybrid. Photo: Toyota
Third Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid
The Toyota Prius is the 800 pounds gorilla when it comes to hybrid cars, so it no surprise that the unveiling of the third generation at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show attracted a lot of attention.
The 2nd generations Prius (released in 2004) got a combined 46 MPG using the new EPA standardized tests. The 3rd generation Prius gets 50 MPG ( despite having a larger and more powerful engine.
2010 Toyota Prius hybrid. Photo: Toyota
The 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder (76 HP ) is replaced by a 1.8-liter Atkinson 4-cylinder that produces 98 HP (for a total of 134 HP with the electric motor, compared to a total of 110 HP for the previous generation Prius). One of the benefits of the bigger engine is that it keeps a lower RPM on the highway, improving fuel economy there, a relative weakness of most hybrids.
Transmission is still a CVT.
Extensive wind-tunnel tests helped Toyota bring the coefficient of drag (how slippery the car is in the air) down, from 0.26 to 0.25. This will help fuel economy, especially on the highway.
Interior of the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid. Photo: Toyota
Newly-developed plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics, known as "ecological plastic," will be used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. According to Toyota: "Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during a product lifecycle (from manufacturing to disposal) than plastic made solely from petroleum; it also helps reduce petroleum use."
For more information on the 2010 Prius hybrid:
- Detroit Auto Show 2009: New 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid Will Get 50 MPG, Optional Solar Roof
- More Information on Toyota's 2010 Prius (Generation III)
