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The fifth-generation Toyota Prius has just been unveiled in Japan, just prior to the North American variant launching.
With the new Prius, Toyota set about overhauling its most famous of hybrid models making it significantly more dynamic, roomier, and far more visually appealing than its predecessors. It wants it to evoke enthusiasm within those that own it. Significant improvements have also been made to the plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Toyota’s changes started with the exterior where the car builds upon the monoform silhouette of its predecessors but boats a longer wheelbase, lower center of gravity, and larger 19-inch wheels as standard. The design shares similarities to Toyota’s range of new Crown models, in particular at the front end where similarly dramatic LED headlights are featured. The full-width LED light bar at the rear is also impossible to ignore.
Underpinning the new Prius is Toyota’s second-generation TNGA platform. This platform sports MacPherson struts at the front, a double wishbone setup at the rear, and is more rigid than the platform used in the outgoing model. Toyota also says the second-generation TNGA platform results in improved responsiveness when cornering and better stability for straight-line driving.
Two powertrains have been announced in Japan. The first combines a 2.0-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and lithium-ion batteries to deliver a combined164 kW. Toyota claims that this variant has 50 per cent more EV driving range than the previous model but has not yet released a specific range number.
The second powertrain employs Toyota’s Series Parallel Hybrid System available in 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter guises and producing as much as 144 kW. This model also features the brand’s E-Four all-wheel drive system to provide better performance on low-friction road surfaces and greater stability while cornering.
Developing story…
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