The Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehivle developed and manufactured by Japanese automaker Toyota. It was one of the head hybrid cars to enter the mainstream American mart and has been revised assorted times thanks to its initial introduction. The Prius uses indefinite recent systems and demanding specifications to accomplish fuel efficiency, safety and reliability.
Models and Production
The first off Prius sold in the USA was a Two thousand replica. It was a compact, four-door sedan homogenous to the Prius that Totoya had sold in Japan by reason of the mid-'90s. The first-generation Prius lasted until 2003, with an entirely virgin Prius going on sale for the Two thousand four mannequin year. The second-generation Prius was a mid-size hatchback. Toyota retained this configuration in the third-generation Prius, which arrived for the Two thousand ten imitation year.
Engines
Everyone Prius contains a little petrol engine and an electric Engine. Both capability sources handle the machine in a duplicate hybrid configuration. The first-generation Prius used a 1.5 litre inline 4-cylinder engine with Seventy horsepower and a Fourty four horsepower electric motor. The second-generation model boosted power by tuning the same gas engine to produce Seventy six horsepower and adding a new electric motor with an output of Sixty seven horsepower. Finally, the latest Prius uses a 98-horsepower, 1.8-liter gas engine and an 80-horsepower electric motor.
Dimensions
The first American Prius was smaller than its successors. It was 169.6 inches long on a 100.4-inch wheelbase, 66.7 inches wide and 57.6 inches tall. Starting in 2004, the Prius grew to 175.2 inches long on a wheelbase of 106.3 inches, good enough for mid-size status. It was 67.9 inches wide and 58.7 inches tall. The third-generation model is 175.6 inches long on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, 68.7 inches wide and 58.3 inches tall.
Other Specs
All models of the Toyota Prius have used a single-speed transmission with a planetary gear. Mated to the gas engine and electric motor, this configuration gives the Prius its high fuel efficiency. The first generation achieved Fifty two miles per gallon in city conditions and Forty five mpg on the highway. The second generation improved this to Sixty and Fifty one mpg, respectively. For the Two thousand ten model, fuel economy dropped to 51/48 with improvements more focused on adding power. At more than 3,000 lbs, the third generation Prius is also heavier than the the models it replaces.
Recalls
In early Two thousand ten Toyota recalled more than 148,000 Prius cars because of problems with the their braking systems that could increase the risk of a crash.The Prius has been the subject of several high-profile recalls by Toyota. Minor recalls included a Two thousand four action to correct faulty brake light switches and a Two thousand six recall of less than One hundred fifty vehicles with possible airbag problems. Almost four million vehicles were part of a Two thousand nine recall for problems with the accelerator pedal.
