Toyota News: Rumorpile: Next Generation Prius To Get AWD, Top 90 MPG?

[William Maley]

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.

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[Drew Dowdell]

A completely independently powered set of wheels in a car.... has this ever been done before?

[ocnblu]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...............

[G. David Felt]

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.

[Drew Dowdell]

well there is a technical aspect that is interesting here guys. The car effectively has two separate powertrains.

[pow]

A completely independently powered set of wheels in a car.... has this ever been done before?

Yup, the RX hybrid since 2005.

[Drew Dowdell]

Interesting, I thought that was just a conventional awd powertrain with hybridization.

[yougojay]

Will this re-design include 'looks' ?

[Drew Dowdell]

yes, but they say it will be even more aerodynamic... which means even more gumdrop looking...

[Robert Hall]

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...

[ocnblu]

[smk4565]

Gotta admit, if they get 90 mpg without a plug in system that is pretty amazing.

[ocnblu]

Remember that is on the Euro cycle, not the US calculation. I think I read it translates to 78 mpg US.

[yougojay]

I'd rather have the 2014 Fiesta with the 3 banger engine -