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The Toyota Prius, Hybrid Car
by Scott HarkerThis small, though not unworkably so, symbol of automotive innovation is fast becoming the ultimate, environmental
The Toyota Prius hybrid car contains a highly fuel efficient, 1.5 liter 4 cylinder gas engine that produces 76 bhp. The gas engine's main use is for powering the vehicle at higher speeds when a steady load on the engine enhances the fuel economy of the engine. This is one of the most advanced hybrid car engines around and is very economical when used in conjunction with a light foot on the gas pedal. It produces a torque figure of 82 Ib . ft at 4200 revs. The pistons in the Toyota Prius hybrid car are highly engineered to be lighter than average for an engine of this size. Additional innovations include a very low drag producing less friction and more efficient use of power; and a valve timing system that varies according to the load on the engine, again allowing the most economical use of the gas.
The hybrid car's electric motor is supplied with power by a battery with a 500-volt output and produces 295-lb ft at 0 rpm. The electric motor is primarily used at low speeds and when accelerating. The amount of power available makes this car no slouch when pulling away from the traffic lights. But it is not a Porsche. Don`t expect to be left behind at the lights, but don`t expect everyone else to be eating your dust. Flashy power is not what hybrid cars are about. That is not to say that, in the future, some sports car manufacturer won't take up the gauntlet and move into the hybrid cars market.
This combination of efficient gas engine and electric motors in the Toyota Prius hybrid car produces very good fuel economy. The light-footed driver will easily achieve figures of around 50 to 55 mpg around town. In some conditions, a good driver can exceed 60 mpg on the open road.
While not a large hybrid car, the Prius seats 5 people comfortably enough. Although when fully loaded, the suspension can appear a little on the soft side. As a load carrier, the current model has a usable trunk space of over 16 cubic feet, much larger than the old Prius could boast. The hybrid car's shape, while displaying an impressive, aerodynamic efficiency, does mean that headroom in the back of the car can be a bit low for tall passengers.
Prius hybrid cars have all the extras that are expected in a quality car today. GPS, keyless entry, good sound system, and special "head curtain" airbags that allow the rear seat passengers to benefit from air bag technology as well as those sitting in the front. It also has a very useful computer display on the dashboard that allows you to see which engine is providing the power and how efficiently it is working. This feedback allows you to adjust your driving skills to get the optimum mpg from your hybrid car.
Overall the Toyota Prius is a very impressive product by a major manufacturer in the world of hybrid cars. The Prius contains all the elements that the average driver could want in terms of fuel economy, comfort, so long as you are not a basketball player, and equipment. Will the next model of the Toyota Prius hybrid car be even better? Probably, but the current model should be at the top of your list today.
