LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes
to the 2019 Prius, "Let's Go Places" can be expanded to "let's go
more places, in more conditions" thanks to the available new
AWD-e system. Designed to provide more confidence and
control when weather and road conditions are less than ideal, the
electric all-wheel drive system further expands where the Prius can
take drivers.
The new Prius AWD-e system will certainly deliver added
traction and confidence for drivers but, in true Prius fashion, the
2019 AWD-e will lay claim to being one of the most
fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive-equipped passenger cars available in
the U.S., thanks to manufacturer-projected mpg estimates of 52 mpg
city / 48 mpg highway / 50 mpg combined. Toyota estimates that the
AWD-e model could account for as much as 25 percent of
annual U.S. Prius sales.
Toyota's AWD-e system is ideal for Prius. The automatic
on-demand system does not require a center differential or other
torque-apportioning device, nor does it need a front-to-rear
driveshaft. Instead, the "e" in AWD-e stands for electric.
The Prius AWD-e uses an independent electric, magnet-less rear
motor (a Toyota first) to power the rear wheels from 0 to 6 mph,
then when needed, up to 43 mph. This system provides the power to
the rear wheels to pull away from a stop, yet the on-demand system
recognizes when all-wheel-drive performance is not needed to
provide great fuel economy.
The addition of the available AWD-e system is only part
of the wider revision to the 2019 Prius, which debuts newly refined
front and rear exterior styling, along with additional interior
updates. Let's not forget the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Prius will
still offer the impressive fuel economy for which it is known, with
manufacturer-projected fuel economy estimates of 58 mpg city / 53
mpg highway / 56 mpg combined on the L Eco grade, while the LE, XLE
and Limited has projected fuel ratings of 54 mpg city / 50 mpg
highway / 52 mpg combined.
The 2019 Prius also adopts the familiar model grade strategy
used throughout the Toyota family, dropping the numerals in favor
of grade labels L Eco, LE, XLE and Limited. Prius will also sport
two new colors for 2019, Supersonic Red and Electric Storm Blue.
The AWD-e model will be offered in LE and XLE grades and will debut
a new two-tone 15-inch alloy wheel (with cover).
The AWD-e models use a newly developed compact
Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery that is designed to provide
excellent performance in cold-weather conditions. The AWD-e
battery fits under the rear seat area and does not impact the
luggage capacity. The FWD models will tout a Lithium Ion
battery.
The Prius AWD-e models offer the same 65.5 cu. ft. of
carrying space with the standard 60:40 split rear seatbacks lowered
as other Prius models. That's more than in some small SUVs and
larger than most full-size sedans. Expanding carrying options, the
Prius AWD-e will offer available Genuine Toyota Accessory
cargo crossbars for roof rack attachments, such as for carrying
bikes, kayaks, snowboards, or a cargo carrier. The Prius
AWD-e XLE features upgraded SofTex-trimmed, heated front
seats with 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat.
The SofTex-trimmed heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel
features surface temperature-regulating properties to help make it
feel more comfortable in hot or cold weather. The steering wheel
also integrates switches for the Entune Audio system,
Multi-Information Display, and Bluetooth hands-free phone
controls.
The Prius comes standard with driver's door Smart Key System,
Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry. The XLE and Limited
grades include Standard Smart Key System on three doors. An
Adaptive Front Lighting System is available on the XLE grade and is
standard on the Limited grade. And, Toyota Safety Connect, standard
on Limited models, includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle
Locator, Roadside Assistance and Automatic Collision Notification
and comes with a complimentary three-year trial subscription.
Standard Toyota Safety Sense
All 2019 Prius models,
including the Prius AWD-e versions, come standard with
Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). Using millimeter-wave radar and a
monocular camera sensor to help detect a pedestrian, a vehicle, and
lane markers and headlights in the surrounding area, TSS-P provides
a comprehensive bundle of active safety features including:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD), Lane
Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA), Automatic High
Beams (AHB), and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
(DRCC).
Because all Prius models, under certain circumstances, can
operate in battery mode alone, during which they make little to no
noise, they incorporate a Vehicle Proximity Notification System
(VPNS) to help alert pedestrians and cyclists.
High Tech Galore
All Prius models share interior
features including the familiar central screen interface. The 4.2"
color Dual Multi-Information Display with customizable screens adds
an AWD-e system indicator to the menu of displays, which also
includes Energy Monitor, Hybrid System Indicator and Eco Score, Eco Savings Record, Drive Monitor,
Eco Wallet, Eco Diary, Climate
Control, driver support systems, audio system content, and
navigation system content. For the ultimate in high-tech
information, the available Color Head-Up Display (HUD) shows the
speedometer, navigation, and Hybrid System Indicator in the
driver's line of sight.
The standard Entune Audio system for AWD-e models
includes the Entune Multimedia Bundle: 6.1 in. touch-screen
display, AM/FM CD player, 6 speakers, auxiliary audio jack, one USB
2.0 port with iPod connectivity and two 2.1-amp USB charge ports,
advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability,
phone book access and music streaming, Siri Eyes Free, and an
integrated backup camera display. The Limited grade comes standard
with the Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and
App Suite, with a large 11.6" HD
multimedia display.
2019 Prius Mechanical Features
The Prius AWD-e
shares the Hybrid Synergy Drive system with other Prius models. The
system combines the output of a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline
engine and two motor/generators through an electronically
controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Electronically Controlled Brake System coordinates control
between the regenerative braking and the vehicle's hydraulic brake
force to provide optimal brake performance and feel.
The 2ZR-FXE 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine is itself a
paragon of high efficiency. Thanks to ultra-low internal friction
and efficient combustion, it exceeds 40 percent thermal efficiency,
which is among the highest in the world for a gasoline engine.
The Prius gets a good share of its fuel efficiency by cheating
the wind with an ultra-low 0.24 coefficient of drag (Cd), which is
among the lowest of current production passenger cars. An automatic
grille shutter reduces drag by closing when airflow to the radiator
is not needed. Even the air conditioning system, which uses a quiet
electric compressor, works intelligently to maximize energy
efficiency. The Smart-flow (S-FLOW) mode directs airflow only to
seated occupants to conserve energy and maximize comfort.
Standard Bi-LED headlamps and LED rear combination lamps reduce
energy consumption compared to halogens, while giving better light
and having a longer service life. A backup camera comes standard on
all grades, and a full-width glass panel beneath the rear spoiler
aids rearward visibility while also serving as a distinctive design
feature.
Toyota New Global Architecture
The fourth-generation
Prius is built around the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).
The platform introduced a new high-strength body structure,
multi-link rear suspension and a lower center of gravity. The
result for the Prius is a highly engaging driving experience
combined with exemplary ride smoothness and a quiet cabin.
Hot-stamped and high tensile steels, which allow for intricate
forms that are both lightweight and strong, are used extensively
throughout the body. Aluminum components, including the hood and
rear doorframes and brake calipers, help keep vehicle weight low.
Innovative fastening methods, including laser screw welding and
advanced adhesives, contribute to structural strength.
Peace-of-Mind Warranty Protection
Toyota's
36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all
components other than normal wear and maintenance items. A 60-month
warranty covers the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against
corrosion with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related
components, including the HV battery, battery control module,
hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for
96 months/100,000 miles.
The Prius also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary
plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or
25,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Prius, the complimentary
24-hour roadside assistance is extended to three years (over the
standard two years on other models).
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part
of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for 60 years, and is committed
to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our
Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created
a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to
world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 36
million cars and trucks in North
America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the
U.S.) and directly employ more than 47,000 people (more than 37,000
in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly
1,500 in the U.S.) sold more than 2.7 million cars and trucks (2.4
million in the U.S.) in 2017 – and about 87 percent of all Toyota
vehicles sold over the past 15 years are still on the road
today.
Toyota partners with community, civic, academic, and
governmental organizations to address our society's most pressing
mobility challenges. We share company resources and extensive
know-how to support non-profits to help expand their ability to
assist more people move more places. For more information about
Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.
Media Contact:
Joshua
Burns
469-292-6449
joshua.burns@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America