Next-Gen Prius to Launch 'New Era' of Toyota Hybrids
When it comes to hybrids, Toyota is the undisputed king. The Japanese automaker’s ultra-efficient Prius is practically the gold standard when it comes to economical motoring, but just because they’ve been successful over the past 15 years doesn’t mean they’re slowing down.
Toyota is hard at work on the next-generation Prius, which is widely expected to debut as a 2015 model. When it does arrive on the market Satoshi Ogiso, Toyota Motor Corporation’s managing officer said it will be “the first to introduce a substantially improved family of hybrid powertrains.”
Precisely what that entails is unclear at this time – and company representatives are tight lipped on the topic – but the Prius has become roughly 10 percent more efficient with each generation, of which there have been three since it landed on the market in 1997.
SEE ALSO: 2015 Toyota Prius to Get 55 MPG, Wireless Charging
The challenge is to continue that progress, which isn’t easy. According to Uncle Sam the 2013 Prius averages an impressive 50 miles per gallon; a 10 percent increase would result in a combined efficiency score of 55 mpg. Could the next-generation of the car deliver that? Or perhaps more?
Globally, Toyota plans to introduce 15 new or redesigned hybrid vehicles by the end of 2015. Supposedly the company’s new electrified powertrains will be smaller, lighter, less expensive, and deliver significantly better fuel economy. How can you top that?
These improvements are the direct result of big investments in a variety of key propulsion systems. Toyota has been continuously working to advance its internal combustion, battery and electric motor technologies. It will be interesting to see how far the next-generation Prius will be able to stretch a gallon of gasoline.
Discuss this story at PriusForum.com
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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Still waiting to be impressed by the car manufacturers for the North American Market. Producing a vehicle that can't run as efficient as vehicles offered in the 80's and 90's are nothing to brag about. I would even cite a consumer reports article back in 2003, comparing Honda, Toyota, and VW. They claimed it would take 10 years of ownership in a prius before the fuel efficiency and price tag might make sense. At that time they were more in favor of TDI for afford-ability. I'm not impressed with VW either, but a magazine such as consumer reports, that raves on Toyota usually, to say this is impressive. I would be impressed with a hybrid that used Li, had a small diesel (diesel fuel has more energy per gallon than our 90% gas, 10% alcohol mix) combined with electric capable of 45mph for a minimum of 50 miles solely on electric, plug in capable on a standard charge center for all makes with actual investment in the infrastructure that communicates the manufacturer is actually serious about customer support. This vehicle would be capable of x-country travel and get in the range of 100mpg doing it. After owning cars in the 80's and 90's that routinely achieved 50 mpg, its not a stretch to expect more, 20 years later, than the narrow choices we are currently offered.