Prius V Adds Versatility to the Only Hybrid That Matters [Video]
by
Colum Wood
January 14th, 2011 2:35 PM
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After 13 years on the market, Toyota has finally decided to expand the Prius name into a complete lineup of vehicles. And why not; the Prius has already grown into a brand, described by Toyota Division VP and General Manager Bob Carter as being synonymous with the very word hybrid in the same way Kleenex is used for tissue. It also makes up more than half of all hybrid sales in the U.S.
At first glance the v looks like a conventional Prius with an extended roofline, but the car is actually six inches longer and has a three-inch longer wheelbase. Along with more passenger room, Toyota also says the v delivers 60 percent more cargo space than the standard model.
Powered by the same 134-hp Hybrid Synergy Drive, the Prius v will get 38-mpg city and 42-mpg highway for a 40-mpg combined rating.
Look for complete details on the new Prius v in the near future, with Toyota promising to have models in dealerships by the summer.
GALLERY: 2012 Toyota Prius v
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Official release after the jump:
PRESS RELEASE
Prius v: “Versatility” for Young, Active Families
The new Prius v, with “v” expressing the vehicle’s versatility, will meet the needs of growing families with active lifestyles while providing the same attributes traditionally found in the Prius DNA. It will share the current generation Prius’ platform and Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. Featuring a compact exterior yet spacious interior, the Prius v will feature over 50-percent more interior cargo space than the current Prius.
With a balance between outstanding spaciousness, refined style, and smooth aerodynamics, Prius v has a low 0.29 coefficient of drag, which does not inhibit the vehicle’s convenient packaging. It is a new vehicle designed from the ground up, with a shape that evolved from Prius rather than being an elongated version.
The exterior styling is sleek, rounded and bold, with an extended roofline that allows the vehicle to retain the triangular silhouette symbolic of Prius. The trapezoidal-shaped front features sharp-edged headlamps, wind-slipping aero corners for improved aerodynamics and an enlarged under grille, which all help create a unique design evolving from the current Prius. Prius v’s rear styling is highlighted by a refined backdoor panel, intricate combination taillights and a specially designed roof spoiler that improves air flow.
Inside, the Prius v emphasizes overall proportion with spaciousness and flexibility for active families. Comfortable interior space and good visibility has been assisted by a high seating position, ample head room, and an impressive 38-inch couple distance, providing generous rear legroom. A low, wide-opening rear hatch reveals 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, making it the most spacious dedicated hybrid vehicle on the market and better than some compact SUVs.
Comfortable seating for five is specifically designed for young families. Sliding second row seats allow for easier ingress and egress and rear-storage flexibility, with a 45-degree recline for greater comfort. The 60/40 split, folding rear seats present four different seat arrangements that provide excellent usability for passengers and luggage, while a fold-flat front-passenger seat allows for extremely long cargo.
Also available, and a Toyota-first, is a resin Panoramic View moonroof with power retractable sun shades that provides an open atmosphere in the cabin with a 40-percent reduction in weight as compared to conventional glass roofs of the same size, and excellent heat insulation performance.
Up front, instrument-panel controls, including a single-dial air-conditioning control and a center-mounted digital combination meter, provide an advanced look and user-friendly command. The driving controls – including the Push Button Start, parking switch, electronic shift lever, and driving mode selection – are distinguished by silver trim.
Despite the spaciousness of a family friendly midsize vehicle, the Prius v will deliver estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 42 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined, the best fuel economy ratings of any SUV, crossover, or wagon on the market. It will also emit 66-percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.
Like the current generation Prius, the Prius v is a showcase of technology that will include many of the same standard features. Four driving modes (Normal, Power, Eco and EV) satisfy a variety of road conditions and driver preferences. A Smart Key System with Push Button Start, an electronic shift lever, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and a back-up camera are standard. Available options include energy-efficient LED headlamps, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with a Pre-Collision System (PCS), and Advanced Parking Guidance System.
For a high level of safety, there are seven airbags, a high-strength cabin and an energy-absorbing body structure with impact beams, cross members and leg absorption pads. New driver and front-passenger seat design helps lessen possible whiplash injury during a collision.
Like all Toyota models, the Prius v will feature Toyota’s Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.
Prius v will be one of the first Toyotas with the Entune™ multimedia system. For the first time ever in an automobile, this innovative new system leverages the mobile phone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated and wireless upgradeable navigation, entertainment and information services.
Toyota Entune debuts the first-ever support for engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, news and sports.
Toyota Entune brings the largest selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iheartradio’s 750+ stations, Pandora’s personalized music, the driver’s personal songs from portable media players and iPods (via USB or Bluetooth audio streaming), and more than 170 stations from XM satellite radio.
Featuring a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused on the road, Toyota Entune eliminates the need to memorize thousands of voice commands and helps reduce driver distraction.
Entune will also allow for audio read-back and replay capabilities for text messages, with the ability to respond by pre-set “Quick Reply Messages.”
Prius v will combine Entune with a standard Display Audio system rich with dynamic entertainment and communication features. The system will include HD Radio with iTunes tagging for future purchase; XM radio, weather, sports, stocks and local fuel pricing; Bluetooth hands-free phone and wireless audio; and full iPod integration including music and video.
A new evolution in hybrid vehicles with excellent cargo space and Prius’ heritage of environmental performance and fuel economy, the 2012 Prius v will go on sale in late summer 2011.
2012 PRIUS v PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Powertrain
1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i | |
Engine horsepower: | 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
Engine torque: | 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
Electric motor: | Permanent magnet synchronous motor |
Electric motor power output: | 80 hp/153 lb-ft torque |
Hybrid system net horsepower: | 134 hp |
Emission rating: | SULEV/Tier 2 Bin 3 |
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission | |
Drive System: | Front-wheel-drive |
Hybrid battery pack: | Nickel-metal hydride |
Estimated fuel economy: | 42 mpg city/38 mpg hwy/ 40 mpg comb. |
Dimensions (inches)
Overall Length: | 181.7 |
Overall Width: | 69.9 |
Overall Height: | 62.0 |
Wheelbase: | 109.4 |
Ground clearance: | 5.7 |
Coefficient of Drag: | 0.29 |
Wheels: | 16-inch alloy wheels 17-inch alloy wheels (optional) |
Tire Size: | 16-inch: 205/60R16 17-inch: 215/50R17 (optional) |
Seating Capacity: | 5 |
EPA class rating: | Midsize Station Wagon |
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. Find Colum on <a href="http://www.google.com">Twitter.</a>
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Why not use a Lithium-ion Battery Pack in your Toyota Prius V since it last longer than the you are using.
When will the Prius have all wheel drive?