The achievements marked by the first three generations provide an impressive platform on which the all-new fourth generation Prius is set to achieve even greater advances, including the unprecedented target of an 18 per cent improvement in efficiency1.
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Another interesting point worth noting is that for the first time, the Prius will feature an E-Four (electronic four-wheel drive) system, which uses a high-output rear motor to assist the engine and front motor as needed and continuously optimizes the allocation of power between the front and rear wheels.
Toyota says the gasoline engine has been completely re-engineered, achieving “remarkable results” in terms of performance, fuel economy, and reductions to size and weight. But the bigger secret might seem more mundane: the 1.8-liter gas engine, which now gets 40% thermal efficiency. The increases allow the Prius to retain heat and therefore energy more effectively, as a result of a redesigned air-intake port, exhaust gas recirculation system, and redesigned coolant passages.
A dual cooling system pumps coolant through at a reduced volume until the engine warms up, and low-viscosity oil further reduces internal friction.
Toyota has just released more details about the changes that were made to the recently unveiled 4th generation Prius (we saw spy shots before the official launch!). Notably there is a 20 percent reduction in mechanical losses through friction compared to the previous model. Both motors feature an innovative rolling-coil structure. Toyota has redesigned both the transaxle and motor to reduce the combined weight of the components. The relocation of the hybrid batteries to the space under the rear seats also increases the capacity of the luggage area by 56 liters, bringing the new total to 502 liters.
The Prius comes equipped with a new nickel-metal (NiMH) battery that now sits beneath the rear seats and as we said earlier helps in weight distribution in the auto.
Fuel efficiency is also boosted by improvements to heating performance. An active grille shutter has been added to open and close the grille as necessary in response to outside temperatures.
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The more compact hardware under the bonnet has also allowed its front edge to be lowered by 70mm and the rear, at the bottom of the windshield by 62mm, improving the driver’s forward view. A new double-wishbone rear suspension and lower center of gravity (in part a product of the new battery positioning) should help. These improvements combine to produce a firmer, more stable ride. High-tensile-strength steel content, utilising hot-stamped materials, has also been increased from 3% on the previous model to 19%. Stay tuned, as we’ll turn the heat up on the 2016 Prius soon enough. Toyota’s vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions.
