Prius from Toyota has set the bar when it comes to hybrid cars. Prius was the first model introduced exclusively as an electric, hybrid-assist vehicle. The idea behind an electric-assist vehicle is to have the electric motor help out the gasoline engine under heavy load conditions, which in turn improves fuel economy.
The gasoline portion of the 2011 Toyota Prius’ powertrain is a 1.8L Atkinson-cycle inline-4 with variable valve timing that works in conjunction with the electric motor to produce a combined 134 hp.
Exploiting the traits of an electric motor is only part of what this generation of Prius does best. During the development of the car, most of the work went into two main areas. First up was the reduction in size and improvement of function for the electronic controllers for the hybrid system. At the same time, drivability continued to improve.
More pleasant drive
In this case, drivability included better integration of the gas engine and electric motor, as the shift from electric power to combustion and vice-versa became seamless.
Another function that has become nearly seamless is the regenerative braking; the Prius has reached the point where the only way to tell for sure what is going on is to look at the neat little power transfer diagram that can be called up from the car’s colour display.
Engineers haven’t neglected other areas of weakness in the Prius and the best example of that is the exhaust heat recovery system. It seems that I’m not the only one who thought the heating system of the hybrid was a bit weak, the computer did too! A new system directs coolant into an intercooler designed to pick up heat from the exhaust pipe so that the car warms up faster; about five minutes faster. Toyota says this reduces emissions faster and the side benefit is my tush gets warm faster.
Driver’s choice
One of the big surprises about Prius is that when you drive one, it goes from the novelty class to being a regular car real quick. When you turn all the gizmo displays off that tell you how to drive, Prius is actually a pleasant car. Yes, it does come with a soft suspension and low rolling-resistance tires; the idea behind all the gizmos is to provide you with the tools to drive “green.” What you do with the tools is up to you.
In regular driving, for example, all you have to do is use the appropriate amount of throttle and you will more than keep up with traffic. When up to speed, flip the switch between your ears and get into eco mode to watch fuel consumption drop. It is a bit like having the best of both worlds.
The gasoline portion of the 2011 Toyota Prius’ powertrain is a 1.8L Atkinson-cycle inline-4 with variable valve timing that works in conjunction with the electric motor to produce a combined 134 hp.
Exploiting the traits of an electric motor is only part of what this generation of Prius does best. During the development of the car, most of the work went into two main areas. First up was the reduction in size and improvement of function for the electronic controllers for the hybrid system. At the same time, drivability continued to improve.
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| Prius has evolved from a bit of a novelty to a good solid car with a full range of options that will keep you comfortable. (Photo: Toyota) |
More pleasant drive
In this case, drivability included better integration of the gas engine and electric motor, as the shift from electric power to combustion and vice-versa became seamless.
Another function that has become nearly seamless is the regenerative braking; the Prius has reached the point where the only way to tell for sure what is going on is to look at the neat little power transfer diagram that can be called up from the car’s colour display.
Engineers haven’t neglected other areas of weakness in the Prius and the best example of that is the exhaust heat recovery system. It seems that I’m not the only one who thought the heating system of the hybrid was a bit weak, the computer did too! A new system directs coolant into an intercooler designed to pick up heat from the exhaust pipe so that the car warms up faster; about five minutes faster. Toyota says this reduces emissions faster and the side benefit is my tush gets warm faster.
Driver’s choice
One of the big surprises about Prius is that when you drive one, it goes from the novelty class to being a regular car real quick. When you turn all the gizmo displays off that tell you how to drive, Prius is actually a pleasant car. Yes, it does come with a soft suspension and low rolling-resistance tires; the idea behind all the gizmos is to provide you with the tools to drive “green.” What you do with the tools is up to you.
In regular driving, for example, all you have to do is use the appropriate amount of throttle and you will more than keep up with traffic. When up to speed, flip the switch between your ears and get into eco mode to watch fuel consumption drop. It is a bit like having the best of both worlds.
 |
| Drivability included better integration of the gas engine and electric motor, as the shift from electric power to combustion and vice-versa became seamless. (Photo: Toyota) |