Archive for September 3rd, 2007

The Toyota Prius is the environmentally conscious person’s favourite ride.

Everyone knows that, and in humid Singapore, even the older, uneducated folk know it as the ’seng you‘ (Chinese for fuel saving) car.

But the next generation prius fitted with a turbo? And a larger variant model that looks like something out of the set of ‘I, robot‘?

According to various sources circulating around the internet (and some may be complete and utter cow manure) the 2009 Prius may come in 2-3 variants of models.

The 1st model would retain the 1.5 l hybrid drivetrain. However, the fuel efficiency rate is going to be set around 40km/litre - approximately 113mpg. The current Prius uses nickel-hydride items, which currently offer the best balance between cost and performance. Toyota engineers are working on new lithiumion cells, which are lighter, smaller, generate more power and last longer, according to Auto Express news.

The Prius will also be given a slight facelift (as seen in the photo on the right). But honestly, do you, the consumer /general public, see any change? Other than the fact that the front looks like a rip off from the Lamborgini Gallardo, everything else pretty much goes downhill from there.

The 2nd model looks exactly like the 1st in terms of exterior. However lurking under that hood is a 1.8l turbocharged engine, which will be married to the THS-II hybrid system with efficient lithium ion batteries to great improve efficiency. I got the news from this site, however, i think it dosn’t make sense.

Engaging a turbo will cause you lots of air and fuel. The amount of air and fuel needed for a bigger combustion and more power increases. So why is a hybrid car utilising a turbo when it will cause more fuel consumption? There seems to be no logic for the Toyota engineers to do so.

The 3rd model seems like the most likely one to hit the market. Launched during the Geneva motor show 2007 as a concept car,  it is codenamed ‘ Hybrid X’. Toyota has hinted that the next generation Prius may be based on the Hybrid X design. Judging by the sloping front and hatchback rear, they may be right. There are many signs of change: Hybrid X has 20-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 225/40 R20 tyres, space saving seats and LED lamps. This model will come in 2.0-3.0 liter engines.

Ultimately, one must ask oneself: What do i really want from this vehicle? Is it further fuel saving technologies incorporated in the drivetrain? Is it a better design? Is it power?

I sincerely doubt the Prius is a passing fad. In the future we will need more eco-friendly, fuel-saving vehicles on our roads which will get us from point A to B at a good pace, not breakdown constantly and slow down traffic behind. Prius is a good bet. Toyota just has to decide what type of model to launch into the consumer market. Fast.