2017 PRIUS PRIME – Live Photos and Tech Preview – CF Tail, 84mph eVmax

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prius prime animated header
Some really cool new tech and solutions all around the upcoming 2017 Toyota Prius Prime.

Quick points on this advanced PHEV flagship:

  • First dual motor/generator unit for the EV system promises much quicker acceleration.  The Prius PHEV was the quickest in the group before, so this is great news!
  • Redesigned nose and tail, with NSX-style new face up front, and carbon-fiber/LED tail that is all-new versus the new 2017 Prius and the 2017 Mirai FCEV.
  • New cabin with giant central touchscreen, a la Tesla, and a full-length central battery placement.
  • Four seats and almost 50/50 weight distribution with low center of gravity

Bottom line?  This is the Performance PRIUS!

#PriusPrime

Posted by Car Revs Daily on Tuesday, April 5, 2016

We also love the pointers Toyota has taken from the best in the EV biz at this point, and making it easy and affordable.  Pricing estimates?  Only a rough idea so far ahead of an expected September 2016 arrival to showrooms.2017 Toyota PRIUS PRIME 12

Below the $60k of the hydrogen Mirai, but above the top $33k of the most loaded standard Prius. We hope Toyota offers some more giant wheels than shown on the teaser images, though, to complete the advanced SpeedPrius look!

Here are the official details so far from Toyota at the foot of this page.  This does not detail the powertrain specs as of yet, but we’ll keep you updated.

Until then, enjoy at least 40 live photos of the Prius Prime at its New York debut.

 

2017 Toyota PRIUS PRIME – Live Photosprius prime gif

Prime Mover: Toyota Maxes Out Tech and Style in the World’s Best-Selling Hybrid to Create the 2017 Prius Prime

  • Ultra-efficient Prius with Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain
  • Manufacturer-estimated 120 MPGe
  • Available in 50 States
  • Techno-wonder with Available 11.6-inch Multimedia HD Display, Head-up Display and Wireless Phone Charging
  • A Total Package in Every Aspect, Adding Up to Great Value
March 23, 2016

NEW YORK, March 23, 2016 – If there’s electricity in the air at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, it’s probably coming from the Toyota display, where the world’s hybrid vehicle leader has unveiled the new Prius Prime, an ultra-efficient model with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. “Prime” means best, making it the perfect name for one of the most technologically advanced, best-equipped Prius in the model’s history.

The Prius Prime’s manufacturer-estimated 120 or above MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) is expected to be the highest MPGe rating of any Plug-in Hybrid.* It also represents a substantial 26-percent enhancement over its predecessor, a result of greater battery capacity and an improved hybrid system. In hybrid mode, the Prius Prime is targeting a hybrid MPG equal to or better than the Prius liftback.

VIDEO STILLS

 

#PriusPrime

Posted by Car Revs Daily on Tuesday, April 5, 2016

The 2017 Prius Prime combines an electrifying design with an even more capable electric powertrain than the previous-generation Prius Plug-in Hybrid. The Prius Prime is expected to offer an estimated two times the electric range of the previous model — 22 miles  – meeting the daily commuter distance of over half of U.S. drivers,  and drive at speeds up to 84 mph without leaving EV mode.

As parsimonious with fuel as the Prius Prime may be, it drives with the same verve as the standard new-generation Prius hybrid, one result of the new high-strength platform and double-wishbone independent rear suspension.

Prius Prime adds even more premium touches and exclusive tech features compared to the all-new Prius hybrid, including its available 11.6-inch, HD central multimedia screen with standard navigation and available full color head-up display. “Prime” also describes the vehicle’s available advanced safety technology, Toyota Safety Sense™ P. This multi-feature advanced active safety suite, bundles the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Braking; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full stop technology and Automatic High Beams.  Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available for additional peace of mind.

All 2017 Prius hybrid models come standard with eight supplemental restraint system airbags, including multi-stage driver and front passenger front airbags; driver and front passenger side airbags; full-length curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag, and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.

Electrifying Design Cheats the Wind … and the Scales
If the 2017 Prius Prime looks like the future, it was purely intentional on the designers’ part. The new-generation Prius Prime is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and about an inch lower than its predecessor. The growth boosts cargo room over its predecessor and gives the Prius Prime a road-hugging stance.

The wind-cheating body and its high-strength/low weight structure are critical factors in the Prius Prime’s astoundingly low energy consumption. Its coefficient of drag is expected to be among the lowest for production sedans. Automatic grille shutters help reduce drag by closing when airflow to the radiator is not needed.

Yet the Prius Prime is no aero jellybean. It’s chiseled profile and edgy character lines seem to dare the wind to stand in its way. Energy-conserving quad LED headlights glow like diamonds cutting the night, and LED rear combination lamps leave an unforgettable nighttime signature. Driver visibility remains excellent, aided by a full-width aero glass panel over the rear spoiler and a standard backup camera.  The distinctive aero rear window is eye-catching and adds to its slipstream character.

While giving the new-generation Prius models more features, Toyota kept vehicle weight in check by using aluminum for the hood, carbon fiber on the rear hatch, and by using high-tensile strength steel in other parts of the structure.  In fact, the lightweight carbon fiber rear hatch makes opening and closing almost effortless.

 

EV or Hybrid? Both.
The Prius Prime will please anyone who wants to reduce trips to the gas pump, and it would make a great road trip car, too. The Prius Prime will allow drivers to stay in EV mode in more situations, helping to enhance vehicle range on one tank of fuel.  You can plug it in, gas it up, or both.  On one 11.3-gallon tank of regular-grade gasoline and a full electric charge, the 2017 Prius Prime anticipates a class-leading estimated total driving range of over 600 miles (Toyota recommends making occasional stops to refuel and recharge yourself and passengers).

Mechanical Genius
Both the standard Prius hybrid and the Prius Prime are powered by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which seamlessly combines the output of the gasoline engine and electric motor through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission.  The biggest difference is that the Prius Prime can be plugged in at home to recharge its larger 8.8kWh battery pack.

In Hybrid mode, the Prius Prime can run on the gasoline engine or electric motor alone or a combination of both. Even when not running in EV mode, the Prius Prime will automatically rely more on its electric capability in situations where it is more efficient than running the gasoline engine, especially in urban and suburban driving and during shorter trips.

The Prius Prime will also feature a Toyota-first dual motor generator drive system, using both the electric motor and the generator for drive force, helping to boost acceleration performance.  Regenerative braking recaptures electrical energy under deceleration and braking and stores it in the battery, which helps to reduce fuel consumption.

Even better, there’s no special equipment for home charging.  Just use the supplied cord and the Prius Prime takes approximately 5.5 hours using a standard household outlet.  Charging takes less than half the time with a 240V source.