To set a new benchmark in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
Following its unveil in Las Vegas, the fourth-generation Toyota Prius has made its motor show debut at the 2015 IAA in Frankfurt today.
Featuring a distinctive and radical design, the 2016 Toyota Prius is based on the company's new global modular architecture dubbed ‘TNGA,’. The new platform is not only lighter than outgoing Prius’, but is also stiffer and has a lower centre of gravity, according to the company.
The size of the 2016 Toyota Prius has been increased, by 60 mm in length and 15 mm in width, but height has been reduced by 20 mm. It now measures 4,540 mm long, 1,760 mm wide, and 1,470 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,700 mm.
The 2016 Toyota Prius packs an updated Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which is capable of returning higher fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. The company says the 2016 Prius will set a new benchmark in the parameters of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
It is unclear if the 1.8-litre petrol engine continues to do duty on the Prius, but the company has said that the electric motor has been downsized. The batteries have been improved to have higher charge density. The thermal efficiency of the gasoline engine has been bumped from 38.5 percent on the current Prius to over 40 percent, which is said to be the world’s best for a gasoline engine. Consequently, the upgraded hybrid powertrain targets an 18 percent hike in fuel efficiency.
The 2016 Toyota Prius is deemed to be a lot more safer than the outgoing model, courtesy of Toyota's Safety Sense that includes active (preventive) safety features like Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist, radar-governed Adaptive Cruise Control, and pedestrian recognition capability.
2016 Toyota Prius - Press Release
[Slideshare direct link]
