Toyota Announces New Prius Fuel Efficient Technologies
The 2016 Toyota Prius
It’s been a little over a month since Toyota unveiled the 2016 Prius at a press conference in Vegas. Since then, we’ve been eagerly watching for news on the specs and features of the fourth-generation hybrid, and today we were finally rewarded when Toyota released information about the new Prius’ technologies that allow us to see exactly how its efficiency has improved.
The 2016 Toyota Prius’ grille
The 2016 Prius will be powered by a 1.8-liter VVT-i engine with 40% thermal efficiency. This is the same engine as in the previous generation Prius, but it’s been completely reengineered. It now includes a large-volume exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and a redesigned air intake port which improves airflow inside the combustion chamber. Additionally, the coolant passages have been redesigned to optimize the engine’s internal temperature. All of this adds up to an estimated 10% increase in fuel efficiency.
Additional components that help make the Prius more efficient include an active grille shutter, an exhaust heat recirculation system, and a replacement of the previous planetary gear arrangement with parallel gears to help prevent mechanical losses.
The Prius is expected to yield around 55 mpg, making it the most efficient non-plug-in vehicle on the road. It should be available for purchase sometime in early 2016.
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