November 15, 201213 yr William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 15, 2012 Work on the next-generation Toyota Prius is already underway. A few weeks ago, we reported on Toyota considering a new design for the Prius. Now, we have gotten word on some mechanical changes. Auto Express is reporting that next-gen Prius and Prius Plug-In will come equipped with a e-4WD system. “The rear wheels will be driven by a motor in an e-4WD system. Targeting snowy areas, they will operate at up to 37mph,” a source tells the magazine. Also in the cards for the new Prius will be a weight drop of about 154 lbs thanks to a new platform. Other changes will include a more aerodynamic body, a modified 1.8L four-cylinder, and downsized inverter and electric motor. Those changes will make the Prius quicker and possibly deliver 90 MPG. One item that won't change are the nickel-metal hydride batteries. Toyota engineers still believe the nickel-metal hydride batteries are still the best at managing power delivery during intensive use and charging. Source: Auto Express William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Related Stories: Rumorpile: Toyota To Change Design Of Next Prius? View full article
November 15, 201213 yr A completely independently powered set of wheels in a car.... has this ever been done before?
November 16, 201213 yr They call this news????? Guess Toyota is really scraping to find a way to expand Prius purchase pool. I think most green already have their fill of this ufly little car. The Honda Civic GX is a superior car that beats these all to heck.
November 17, 201213 yr well there is a technical aspect that is interesting here guys. The car effectively has two separate powertrains.
November 17, 201213 yr A completely independently powered set of wheels in a car.... has this ever been done before? Yup, the RX hybrid since 2005.
November 17, 201213 yr Interesting, I thought that was just a conventional awd powertrain with hybridization.
November 18, 201213 yr yes, but they say it will be even more aerodynamic... which means even more gumdrop looking...
November 19, 201213 yr yes, but they say it will be even more aerodynamic... which means even more gumdrop looking... Would be cool if they taper the rear to a narrower end or a point like some hypermilers have done...
November 20, 201213 yr Gotta admit, if they get 90 mpg without a plug in system that is pretty amazing.
November 20, 201213 yr Remember that is on the Euro cycle, not the US calculation. I think I read it translates to 78 mpg US.
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