Overview

The Toyota Prius, which is the world's bestselling gas-electric hybrid vehicle, provides even better value for 2008 with additional option packages. Toyota has increased the availability of Prius as a result of increasing concern over high fuel prices. Prius delivers exceptional fuel efficiency without compromising performance or comfort.

Engine and Performance

The hybrid synergy drive in the Prius combines a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle gasoline engine with an electric drive motor. The gasoline engine produces 76 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque. As with all other Toyota passenger car engines, variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps to optimize power delivery across the engine speed range. The permanent-magnet electric drive motor produces a maximum power of 50 kW (67 horsepower) from 1200 to1540 rpm, and peak torque of 295 pound-feet from zero to 1,200 rpm. The Prius produces 110 combined horsepower with its gas engine and electric motor.

Body and Styling

The Prius rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase that allows generous interior room and a smooth ride. The five-door liftback design not only looks like nothing else on the road, it also makes the Prius one of the most aerodynamic production vehicles in America. Its super-low 0.26 coefficient of drag (Cd) helps to minimize interior noise and enhance fuel mileage. With its "monoform" design, the Prius provides 96.2 cubic feet of passenger room, making it a midsize car. The rear seat in Prius offers a generous 38.6 inches of legroom. The liftback design, combined with the standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seatbacks, gives the Prius outstanding cargo capacity and flexibility.

Safety Features

Safety features include front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters; three-point seatbelts for all rear seating positions; advanced, dual front air bags; standard driver and front passenger seat-mounted side air bags; front and rear side-curtain air bags; anti-lock brake system; electronic brake-force distribution; and vehicle stability control.