Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive
The hybrid technology powering the Camry Hybrid is a “full hybrid” system, meaning that the vehicle can operate exclusively on electrical power or on a combination of battery and gas generated propulsion.
Toyota refers to its hybrid technology as Synergy Drive, which is now in place in excess of one million hybrid vehicles since its introduction in 1997.
In the 2010 Camry Hybrid, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine serves as the heart of the hybrid system, which also includes a high-torque electric motor and a powerful storage battery.
These two power sources meld to produce 187 horsepower and up to 138 pound-feet of torque while achieving a California-happy Tier 2, Bin 3 emissions rating.
In fact, the eco-conscious Camry Hybrid exceeds California’s Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle regulations.
Power from the hybrid plant is funneled through an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) prior to finding its way to the front wheels.
Behind the Camry’s wheel – hybrid style
First of all, the Camry Hybrid is tomb-like quiet - and I enjoy that immensely. Under acceleration about all that’s audible is a muted purr emitted by the gas engine.
Road and wind noise are both effectively eradicated as are all other forms of irritation, except for the smog-generating less “green” rides that clog our streets.
Power in the Camry Hybrid builds in a measured, conservative manner intended to assist the driver in achieving the best possible results from a litre of liquid gold. Yet when the need for hustle presents itself, the Camry Hybrid can deliver.
Acceleration is brisk, with highway passing performance that exceeds expectations – well at least my expectations. Also exceeding expectations, and not in a particularly good way, is brake response.
The hybrid technology powering the Camry Hybrid is a “full hybrid” system, meaning that the vehicle can operate exclusively on electrical power or on a combination of battery and gas generated propulsion.
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| In the 2010 Camry Hybrid, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine serves as the heart of the hybrid system. |
Toyota refers to its hybrid technology as Synergy Drive, which is now in place in excess of one million hybrid vehicles since its introduction in 1997.
In the 2010 Camry Hybrid, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine serves as the heart of the hybrid system, which also includes a high-torque electric motor and a powerful storage battery.
These two power sources meld to produce 187 horsepower and up to 138 pound-feet of torque while achieving a California-happy Tier 2, Bin 3 emissions rating.
In fact, the eco-conscious Camry Hybrid exceeds California’s Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle regulations.
Power from the hybrid plant is funneled through an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) prior to finding its way to the front wheels.
Behind the Camry’s wheel – hybrid style
First of all, the Camry Hybrid is tomb-like quiet - and I enjoy that immensely. Under acceleration about all that’s audible is a muted purr emitted by the gas engine.
Road and wind noise are both effectively eradicated as are all other forms of irritation, except for the smog-generating less “green” rides that clog our streets.
Power in the Camry Hybrid builds in a measured, conservative manner intended to assist the driver in achieving the best possible results from a litre of liquid gold. Yet when the need for hustle presents itself, the Camry Hybrid can deliver.
Acceleration is brisk, with highway passing performance that exceeds expectations – well at least my expectations. Also exceeding expectations, and not in a particularly good way, is brake response.
 |
| First of all, the Camry Hybrid is tomb-like quiet - and I enjoy that immensely. |