LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With its
bumper-to-bumper, wheels-to-roof transformation, the 2020 Toyota
Corolla was already big news in sedans for 2019. And now comes the
ultimate "But wait, there's more!" bonus: a new hybrid model
that achieves at least 50 mpg combined fuel economy (projected).
That makes the 2020 Corolla Hybrid the most fuel-efficient model to
ever wear the model name that debuted more than a half-century
ago.
The design isn't the only thing electrifying about the Corolla
Hybrid. This high-efficiency model adapts the latest Toyota Hybrid
Synergy Drive from the new-generation Prius, already proven as an
MPG winner. Only Toyota offers such a distinct choice of hybrids in
this vehicle segment, thus catering to customers who have different
tastes in design but the same desire for maximum fuel
efficiency.
The 2020 Corolla Hybrid, like its gas-powered siblings, delivers
a highly-satisfying driving experience, along with the brand's
latest advances in comfort and multimedia technology. As on the
2020 Corolla gas models, the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of
active safety systems comes standard.
The 2020 Corolla Hybrid is yet more evidence of Toyota's
indisputable global hybrid leadership, which began more than 20
years ago.
Fit for a Hybrid
The hybrid powertrain and battery were a natural fit for the new
Corolla because of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)
platform. There's no compromise in cabin roominess, for example,
when choosing the Corolla Hybrid versus a gas model.
The new hybrid system combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder
gasoline engine with two motor/generators through an electronically
controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission (CVT)
transaxle. Combined system output of 121 horsepower yields
decidedly responsive performance.
The nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack employs a newly
developed technology called Hyper-Prime Nickel™ to boost battery
performance in a smaller and lighter package. The battery's smaller
size and flatter shape allow it to be packaged under the rear seat,
rather than taking up trunk space, and also allowing a 60/40 split
folding rear seatback to expand cargo capacity. The battery
location also contributes to the vehicle's lower center of gravity,
a boon to agility.
The engine, working in concert with the electric motor (MG2),
assures responsive performance, while exemplary energy efficiency
is achieved by using both electric motors (MG1 and MG2) for hybrid
battery charging.
Driving the Corolla Hybrid
The Corolla Hybrid's linear acceleration response may take some
by surprise. When pulling away, the battery provides a subtle power
boost in order to put less strain on the engine and eliminate the
"rubber band" effect experienced with some hybrids.
A preload differential adds to the confident acceleration feel.
During low loads and low differential rotation,
differential-limited torque is distributed to the left and right
wheels, yielding excellent handling stability. At mid-range and
high engine loads, the preload differential functions as an open
differential.
Corolla Hybrid has EV mode, which allows the vehicle to be
operated as a pure electric vehicle for short distances, depending
upon certain conditions, such as battery charge level. This mode is
useful for operating the vehicle in parking lots or indoor parking
garages, for example. The Vehicle Proximity Notification feature
alerts pedestrians of the vehicle's presence when running in
battery mode.
Along with the expected NORMAL and ECO drive modes, a SPORT
drive mode setting allows for an increase in power for stronger
acceleration response when desired.
- NORMAL mode: Allows the hybrid system to achieve an ideal
combination of fuel economy and vehicle acceleration. The
accelerator opening amount changes linearly in response to
accelerator pedal operation.
- ECO mode: Improves hybrid system efficiency by limiting power
in response to light to moderate accelerator pedal input.
- SPORT mode: Available power is increased, allowing for improved
acceleration response.
Stopping the Corolla Hybrid
Another boost to efficiency comes from the Electronically
Controlled Brake (ECB) system, which coordinates operation between
the regenerative braking force of the electric motors and the
hydraulic braking system force to provide optimal stopping power.
By proactively using the electric motors to recover as much
electrical energy as possible from the regenerative braking system,
this extremely efficient cooperative control helps to maximize fuel
economy.
An active hydraulic booster on the conventional
(non-regenerative) braking system improves pedal feel and feedback
for the driver. Critically, should there ever be a malfunction in
the ECB system, the conventional hydraulic braking system can stop
the vehicle.
Brake Hold, when engaged, is a convenient technology that
reduces driver effort while waiting at a traffic light or while
driving in heavy traffic. When the driver presses the accelerator,
Brake Hold releases instantly.
How the Other Half Works
The other half of the Hybrid Synergy Drive team, the gas engine,
is no less impressive than the electric side. The 2ZR-FXE 1.8-liter
inline four-cylinder engine was designed specifically for a hybrid
application. The long-stroke configuration employs the Atkinson
cycle, which uses a very high compression ratio (13.0:1) along with
a shorter intake stroke and longer expansion stroke than the Otto
cycle. The Atkinson cycle extracts more energy from the fuel, and
the electric motors compensate for reduced low-end power (versus
the Otto cycle).
Friction created by the piston skirts, rotating parts and oil
pump is reduced, and an electric water pump eliminates the
parasitic losses with a conventional belt-driven pump. Toyota
sought efficiency gains in every system. The highly-efficient air
conditioning system, for example, uses S-FLOW control, which
automatically optimizes airflow throughout the cabin according to
the temperature setting, actual cabin and outside temperatures,
sunlight intensity, and occupied seats.
Getting the engine up to operating temperature quickly is
critical to conserving fuel and reducing emissions at start-up. In
the Corolla Hybrid, an exhaust heat recirculation system speeds up
engine coolant warm-up. That in turn allows the hybrid system to
stop the gas engine earlier and more often in the driving cycle
when it's not needed, for example in low-power-demand city driving
conditions.
The PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater quickly
provides cabin heat electrically in cold temperatures.
Hybrid Exclusives
The Corolla Hybrid rolls on 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels with
low-rolling resistance tires. As on the Corolla gas models, the new
multi-link rear suspension improves both handling agility and ride
comfort compared to the previous-generation Corolla Sedan.
The instrument panel uses a high-grade meter with a 7-inch
Multi-Information Display (MID). The MID shows the speedometer, as
well as a hybrid system indicator/real-time battery charge status
indicator. ECO accelerator guidance, also shown in the MID, can
provide a guideline for maximizing fuel efficiency by coaching the
driver on optimal accelerator pedal operation to match driving
conditions. Drivers who like the visual appeal of seeing engine rpm
can choose to display a tachometer.
Multimedia Mogul
The 2020 Corolla Hybrid's multimedia offerings start with the
standard Entune™ 3.0 Audio system that includes: 8-in. touchscreen
display; six speakers; Apple CarPlay compatibility; Amazon Alexa;
Entune 3.0 App Suite Connect; Safety Connect; Wi-Fi Connect; Scout
GPS Link Compatible; Siri Eyes Free; auxiliary audio jack and USB
2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control; AM/FM; MP3/WMA
playback capability; voice recognition training and tutorials;
hands-free phone capability; voice recognition; music streaming via
Bluetooth; customizable home screen, and weather/traffic
information via Entune 3.0 App
Suite.
Safety
The Corolla Hybrid features eight standard airbags and Toyota's
Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability
Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution,
Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology.
All Corolla models come equipped with a standard backup camera.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0
Significantly, all 2020 Corolla models are equipped as standard
with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0, an advanced suite of integrated
active safety features.
PCS (Pre-Collision System): Is designed to automatically
activate the brakes to help avoid a collision or mitigate the
impact force. PCS is able to detect a vehicle or pedestrian in day
and low-light conditions, as well as a bicycle during
daylight.
Full-Speed DRCC (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control): Designed for
highway use, designed to maintain a set vehicle-to-vehicle distance
and is also capable of low-speed following up to speeds of about 24
mph. The Corolla can stop when the vehicle ahead comes to a stop,
maintaining an appropriate distance to it.
LDA (Lane Departure Alert) w/ Steer Assist: Designed to give the
driver audible and visual warnings and, if necessary, provides
steering assistance if it detects the possibility of leaving the
driving lane. It also detects excess weaving within the driving
lane that might indicate driver distraction, inattention or
drowsiness.
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist): LTA is enabled when LDA and DRCC are
both on and active. LTA employs a lane centering function that will
make constant steering inputs to help the driver keep the vehicle
in its lane. LTA is designed for uses on relatively straight
highways to preemptively avoid unwanted lane departures and reduce
driver fatigue.
AHB (Automatic High Beam): When enabled, detects the headlights
of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles and
automatically switches between high and low beams as
appropriate.
RSA (Road Sign Assist): Designed to recognize speed limit, Stop,
Yield, and Do Not Enter signs and display them on the vehicles MID
to help assist the driver.
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:
Zachary
Reed
469-292-3499
zachary.reed@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America