Toyota Develops A Sporty Version of Prius C

In Japan, Toyota’s Prius C, which is the subcompact version of the Prius, is called the Aqua. Toyota has developed a more aesthetically sporty conceptual version of it called the Aqua  G, with more aggressive styling, an adjusted suspension, and some other things that make it more appealing to young people.

The body kit and new styling include a very large and striking front razor grille, as well as two strips of LEDs in the bottom corners of the grilles. It also has 17 inch black alloy wheels with a red accent, shrouded by 195/45 Bridgestone Potenza rubber, side skirts, and fender vents (these are just ornaments, not real vents). It also has a bumper with a rear diffuser, which is usually used for sports cars.

Interior modifications include the addition of sports seats upholstered with leather and Alcantara, a new sports steering wheel, a gear lever, pedals, and an improved sound system. It certainly is a huge improvement over the stock, boring look of a regular Prius C.

Finally, it was equipped with a sport suspension, and a body reinforcement brace to improve handling. So while this Aqua G may not be any faster, it can at least handle a little better.

Toyota probably realizes that accordant styling is a major factor that impacts sales, even though most people won’t admit that their purchase decision was affected much by aesthetic appeal. Factory bodykits like this are almost pure profit though, and can help drive buzz and enthusiasm for a youth-oriented proudct like the Prius C.

It now has an angry, bug-like appearance, but it looks more sporty and interesting than the American Prius C. Perhaps Toyota will offer a similar kit stateside?

Source: CarScoop

Toyota's Strong Showing at Chicago Auto Show

As with any good carnival, there were rides aplenty at the 2012 Chicago auto show … and Toyota had a huge section of floorspace reserved for guests to hop into the passenger seat of a 3rd-gen Prius, Prius v, or a Camry hybrid and experience the hybrid magic at work. Fellow Gas2 writer Jo Borras and I took advantage of some “massive” announcement that had nothing to do with hybrid or electric anything (it was a new Shelby Mustang – Ed.) to hop into Toyota’s hybrids for a quick spin.

The Camry

The all-new-for-2013 Camry looks like a Camry. Which is quite handy, since that’s exactly what it’s supposed to look like. They’re all over, and the new one will blend right in (Jo had to tell me we were in a new one, that’s how much it retains the “Camry” flavor). The hybrid has a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder gasoline-powered engine (156 HP) and a 105 kW AC electric motor, that work together to give a combined EPA rating of 41 mpg.

Once we got into the Camry, the brightly lit display in the center of the dash proudly showed off the gas engine, the electric motor, and the batteries, along with little arrows connecting all three elements. As the (politely informative) Toyota employee took us around the very short track, the display showed how the electric motor drives the car at slow speeds, the gas engine kicks in at high speeds, and regenerative braking recharges the batteries. It is entirely possible that were I to actually drive one of these, I would crash it because I was watching the display instead of the road. (I’m easily distracted, please don’t take that as a comment on the drivability of the car!!)

The other main difference between the hybrid and standard Camry is of course the trunk space playing host to the batteries. One seat folds down and there’s a pass-through, so if you buy something in a narrow box at IKEA you’re good to go. The 2012 was supposedly redesigned for more space than the 2011, though, so that’s another point in its favor.

Final impression of the Camry hybrid? I liked it!

The Prius v

We also hopped into a Prius v, with another perky and informative Toyota employee in the driver’s seat. It’s easy to see why the Prius outsells every other hybrid in the United States (even if you’re not thinking about how reliable it is, which is very). It’s not necessarily a pretty car (it looks kind of buggy to me), but it was really comfortable to ride in. A very short list of cars stood out as something I would be happy to climb into for five minutes or five straight hours, and the Prius was one of them.

We had the same display in the Prius v as in the Camry, which – as I failed to mention above – also had nifty little back-up cameras. Both cars will tell you as your back end approaches an obstacle. I approve of this wholeheartedly. We didn’t engage the gasoline engine in the Prius, either, but we did note that despite having been driven around the track (admittedly, at super low speeds) all day, the batteries were still in pretty good shape.

No trunk space is sacrificed in the Prius v either – the back seats fold down completely and the entire contents of a college kid’s dorm room minus furniture could be crammed into the back (probably). Toyota has gotten it right. Full points on correctly placing the batteries, Toyota, really well done there. The back seats on the third generation Prius also fold down, so that actual things can be fit into the trunk. The plug-in hybrid, though, has the same issue as many other hybrids – just a narrow pass-through. Check out the v (seriously, I love this):

One final (not specifically green but pretty awesome) option available on every Prius is the hands-free parallel parking feature. Engage option, drive past parking place, tap icon on screen – and the car will parallel park for you. I am the worst parallel parker I know. I want this.

We did not get a chance to ride in the Prius c, as it was not part of the ride-along experience. We were told that the floor model was driven into the building, so it’s fully functional. And actually rather cute.

Final impression of the Prius? All of the other automakers trying to dislodge it from the market definitely have their work cut out for them … and the v version is even more “real-life” friendly than the vanilla version.

Source: Gas2.0

Toyota prices 2012 Prius C under $19K*

PRESS RELEASE

Following the North American debut of the all- new 2012 Prius c at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will bring this dynamically styled, five-door hatchback to market in March 2012, extending Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive to the subcompact segment.

The letter "c" represents "city" in the Prius c name. Designed to function as an urban-friendly vehicle with an engaging driving experience, hatchback utility, and an EPA-estimated city fuel economy rating of 53 mpg, * Prius c offers the highest city mpg rating of any vehicle without a plug. The all-new Prius c joins the Prius Family, which includes the third generation Prius Liftback, the versatile new Prius v and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which will also be available in early 2012.

With over two and a half million units sold worldwide, Prius remains the world's premier eco-vehicle brand, and it has established consumer trust in hybrid technology. With Prius c, Toyota will make the market's most proven hybrid technology available to subcompact car shoppers with a starting MSRP of $18,950.

Unique Place in the Prius Family
A gateway into the Prius Family, the new Prius c will find favor with younger shoppers seeking a smartly designed, fuel-sipping subcompact car packing advanced drivetrain and in-car technology. The Prius c will offer engaging driving dynamics and superior urban maneuverability. When the 2012 Prius c arrives in showrooms in March 2012, this all-new hatchback will offer:

• The highest rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug*; 53 mpg in the city, and 46 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 50 mpg
*2012 EPA-estimated 53/46/50 city/highway/combined mpg. Actual mileage may vary.
• A starting MSRP of $18,950 with a proven hybrid powertrain and premium technology
• A premium subcompact car experience thanks to a wide array of available convenience and advanced in-car electronics features, including a standard 3.5- inch full color TFT multi-information display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability, USB port with iPod® connectivity, and available Display Audio system with Navigation and EntuneTM

Value-oriented Hybrid in Subcompact Segment
The Prius c will be available in four grades, offering desirable features, equipment, and enhanced capability providing consumers compelling value. The Prius c will offer many standard features such as automatic climate control; tilt-telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, multi-information display and Bluetooth® hands free phone controls; and remote keyless entry with illuminated entry among a long list of standard equipment.

Grade	2012MY MSRP
Prius c One	$18,950
Prius c Two	$19,900
Prius c Three	$21,635
Prius c Four	$23,230

The smaller scale of the all-new Prius c becomes apparent in comparison to the familiar proportions of the midsize Prius Liftback. This reduced vehicle size necessitated a challenging scaling-down of the Hybrid Synergy Drive to adapt the propulsion system to the Prius c. The Prius c is smaller and lighter than its midsize Prius Liftback stable mate with 19.1 inches less length (157.3 vs. 176.4 inches OAL), and 542 lbs. less weight than the Prius Liftback (2,500 vs. 3,042 lbs.). The Prius c rides on a wheelbase that is nearly six inches shorter than the midsize Prius (100.4 vs. 106.3 inches). In adapting the Hybrid Synergy Drive to the smaller Prius c platform, each of the system's major components were re-designed to reduce weight, scale and improve vehicle efficiency.

	OAL	OAH	OAW	Wheelbase	Curb weight
2012 Prius	176.4 in.	58.7 in.	68.7 in.	106.3 in.	3,042 lbs.
2012 Prius c	157.3 in.	56.9 in.	66.7 in.	100.4 in.	2,500 lbs.

Efficient Packaging
The Prius c's effective packaging design strategically situates key drivetrain components within the chassis to help optimize interior space and handling. The gasoline engine, transaxle and power- control unit are optimally positioned within the vehicle to help enhance weight distribution and lower the center of gravity, which aids handling. The hybrid battery is positioned directly beneath the rear seat while the fuel tank is beneath and just aft of the rear seat. Such positioning ideally distributes mass within the wheelbase improving weight distribution to help enhance handling. By strategically placing the hybrid drivetrain components and battery to maximize interior space, the Prius c is able to offer 104 cu. ft. of interior volume (87 cu. ft. passenger volume, 17 cu. ft. cargo volume with 2nd row up).

The Prius c's smart packaging layout offers elements of convenience and ease- of-operation for driver and passenger. The vehicle has a 20.9 inch hip point (measured from the ground) and a 30.1-inch door opening height (measured from the hip point) to help ease ingress/egress events. The packaging of engine components low within the chassis allows for a lower hood angle, enabling a 9.0-degree angle of depression for the driver. This angle, coupled with a less intrusive A-pillar design help improve the driver's forward visibility. The Prius c's shorter 31.9-inch front overhang contributes to the vehicle's tight 15.7-foot turning radius, helping make it extremely maneuverable in urban settings.

Youthful Exterior, Interior Design
The Prius c exterior design projects a fun, youthful attitude for this all-new addition to the Prius family, while offering excellent aerodynamic performance. Adding to its character the Prius c's lower-body styling is wider below the beltline, and features sculpted rear flares to help express a sturdy, athletic stance that communicates a more agile driving experience.

The rear design of the Prius c tapers the cabin toward the rear hatch to help enhance aerodynamic performance. Extensive aerodynamic features were engineered into the Prius c to help achieve a 0.28 coefficient of drag. The side mirrors incorporate fins and smooth shapes to aid aerodynamic performance.

The Prius c's available exterior colors include vibrant hues that are unique and expressive. The available colors include three new colors – Habanero, Moonglow, and Summer Rain Metallic – along with Blue Streak Metallic, Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, and Super White.

The Prius c interior design seeks to create a space that is futuristic yet passenger friendly. The layout of the drive-system controls and the utility functions enhance the feeling of comfort. The thin, wide instrument panels, and placement of displays and controls, help convey a greater sense of spaciousness in a subcompact interior. The door trim, seat surfaces, and instrument panel feature treatments in lighter colors to help create contrast against the base black interior color.

The Prius c displays key information on an easy-to-read, digital-display combination meter atop the center of instrument panel, which is offset toward the driver. Locating this digital gauge panel closer to the driver helps reduce the driver's eye movement, and the instrument cluster's revised forward position helps achieve an optimal focal distance from the driver.

The Prius c is equipped with an advanced 3.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) full-color Multi-Information Display (MID) that helps the driver better utilize the advanced features unique to hybrid vehicles. The new color TFT display illustrates drive information and energy usage in a fun, easy-to-read manner. The display offers, Energy Monitor, Drive Information, and an ECO-Score display that illustrates driving scores for each portion of a trip.

An ECO-savings display allows for gasoline costs and a comparison vehicle to be pre-set to help the system provide an ongoing estimate of the actual cost savings enjoyed driving the Prius c. The system can also display this data as a longer-term savings record, calculating savings and consumption over the span of months.

The Prius c offers a Touch Tracer display that coordinates driver tactile action on the steering wheel controls to a visual indicator on the multi-informational display atop the dashboard to help keep the driver's gaze closer to the road.

The Prius c's front seats have been designed to offer enhanced comfort and safety while reducing weight. The Prius c's seat design incorporates a urethane foam material that has been optimized to help reduce the seat's thickness, mass and weight while retaining comfort. The front seats offer improved seatback support with additional foam in the lower back and lateral bolster areas. They also adopt the Advanced WIL (Whiplash Injury-Lessening) structure that simultaneously support the head and lower back in the event of a collision from the rear.
The rear seats of the Prius c are available as full-fold or 60/40 split fold, depending on trim level. A denser urethane foam material used in the rear seat structure enables a relatively compact seat design that enables greater luggage area.

Seat fabrics available for Prius c include two different kinds of cloth and an available SofTexTM trim. The base seat fabric covering of the Prius c One grade has a solid color with various embossed patterns. The seat trim on Prius c Two and Three grades features a modern two-tone pattern with black bolsters and light blue-gray inserts which provide a pleasing color contrast. The Prius c Four includes premium SofTex trim with heated front seats, offered in black or light blue-gray.

Lightweight trim materials are utilized throughout the Prius c interior to help reduce overall vehicle weight. Durable, highly rigid, lightweight materials cover the A- pillar, center pillar, and trim the rear deck area. Lightweight materials are also adopted for the luggage floor, and the floor carpet is composed of a highly durable material that also provides weight savings.
The Prius c's door trim expresses a sense of advanced design with its shapes, contours and features. The USB port and auxiliary terminal are located in an open tray area in front of the passenger seat, which is ideal for storing of electronic devices.

The Prius c utilizes an efficient, compact air conditioning system. Key air- conditioning system components such as the blower fan, and air flow conduits have been addressed to reduce size and weight, while improving efficiency to help reduce electrical consumption. The system also utilizes a clean air filter that removes pollen, dust, and larger airborne objects. In ECO mode, the air conditioning operation is suppressed to help improve fuel consumption. The Prius c's roof is lined with heat insulating material to help realize better HVAC efficiency.

Display Audio and Connectivity with Entune®
The Prius c offers three audio system configurations; the Prius c One grade's audio system features four speakers and includes AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology. The Prius c Two grade has the same audio features with a six speaker system.

The Prius c Three and Four grades include a Display Audio System with Navigation and EntuneTM that has six speakers. It includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen, SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio capability (includes a 3-month trial subscription to XM Select package), HD RadioTM with iTunes® tagging, and advanced voice recognition. Toyota's EntuneTM multi-media system functions through a smart phone interface that brings applications such as BingTM and Pandora® to the vehicle audio display. This audio configuration also features real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports, and stocks.

Prius c Hybrid Synergy Drive
As with other Prius models, Prius c relies on Toyota's revolutionary Hybrid Synergy Drive® and excellent aerodynamics to achieve outstanding fuel efficiency. The Prius c relies on the seamless operation of two power sources (a gasoline engine and an electric motor tandem) either in parallel or serial operation as a means of propulsion. During deceleration and braking, the electric motor/generator tandem creates energy that is returned to the Hybrid System's battery to help restore charge. The Prius c's gasoline engine and electric motors can work in tandem or individually to propel the vehicle while powertrain operations (level of power application, power split, and regenerative flow) are managed by computer control to best match the application of power to given conditions.

The Prius c features a SULEV (Tier 2 Bin 3) compliant 1.5-liter in-line, four- cylinder gasoline (1NZ-FXE) engine that utilizes an efficient Atkinson cycle to improve its efficiency. This engine's Atkinson cycle modifies the engine's intake valve opening events to close later during the compression stroke. This delayed closure allows a portion of the intake charge to be forced back into the intake manifold to be used by the next cylinder, maximizing use of the fuel and improving thermal efficiencies. The 1.5-liter engine in the Prius c also adopts an electric water pump, a micro-polishing process that reduces friction of the reciprocating assembly, and a cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system that also helps improve efficiency.

The Prius c's efficient gasoline engine is mated to a new transaxle assembly that is the most compact, lightweight transaxle designed for a Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System which is a two-electric-motor full hybrid system. The new P510 continuously variable transaxle contains two high-output motors (one acts as a starter/generator), a power split mechanism, a speed reducer device, and an open-type differential.

Several components within the Prius c's transaxle feature enhanced designs aimed at enhancing the function of the unit and improving drivability. By optimizing the design
and spring characteristics of the transaxle's vibration damper, low noise performance is achieved as well as increased suppression of the vibrations transferred by the engine. The new compact electric motor/ generator design in the P510 transaxle is smaller and lighter weight than previous motors thanks to a new stator design with rectangular coil configurations to achieve higher outputs from more compact dimensions.

The Prius c's hybrid system includes a 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack that weighs 67.2 lbs. compared to the 201-volt battery in the midsize Prius that weighs 91 lbs. This battery positioning places mass near the middle of the Prius c's shorter wheelbase (100.4 inches), improving the vehicle's center of gravity to benefit stability and handling. The battery pack itself is comprised of 20 battery modules connected in series with each module containing six cells (total of 120 cells vs. 168 cells in Prius).

The Prius c is equipped with a newly designed power control unit that is lighter weight and more compact to reduce overall hybrid system weight. The power control unit contains an inverter, a voltage boosting converter and an AC/DC converter. The system's inverter converts high voltage direct current (DC) from the battery to alternating current (AC) for consumption by motor/generator tandem, and takes the AC power generated by the generator/motor into DC power to charge the battery. The new power control unit weighs three lbs. less than the unit on the Prius Liftback, and it includes an improved cooling system. The inverter's efficiency is improved with a newly designed Insulated Gate Polar Transistor (IGPT) that helps reduce the hybrid system's energy loss to improve fuel efficiency.

The Prius c hybrid system's DC-DC converter modifies the power generated by the DC 144v power motor/generator within the transaxle converting the electrical flow to DC 12 volt power. This 12-volt electricity is supplied to the vehicle's auxiliary devices and for maintaining charge of the12-volt battery. The size and weight of the Prius c's DC-DC converter has been reduced while the unit is able to realize improved performance and functionality.

Three Driver Convenient Drive Modes
Prius c offers three drive modes: Normal, ECO, and EV modes. Using a drive mode switch, operators can engage ECO and EV modes to best suit their driving needs.

With Prius c's ECO mode, the engine's throttle opening is reduced by a maximum of 12% compared to normal operation to reduce energy consumption. Also, the air-conditioning system operates in such a way to help reduce energy depletion and enhance vehicle efficiency. For instance, when ambient temperature rises above a preset level, internal air recirculation is activated to minimize air ventilation loss. Also, the blower fan airflow volume can be reduced to encourage fuel efficiency.

The Prius c also offers an EV mode that allows the vehicle to be driven a short distance using only the electric motor and hybrid battery for propulsion. The EV mode is well suited to situations when drivers seek to reduce noise while driving in residential areas, or limit exhaust emissions within indoor parking structures, for example. The Prius c can drive approximately one mile at speeds under 25 mph on solely electric power.

Vehicle Structure Helps Enhance Handling and Safety
The Prius c's body structure makes extensive use of light-weight, high-tensile steel to help reduce vehicle weight and help improve fuel economy. The use of high strength steel also lends the Prius c a rigid body structure that also helps enhance occupant safety and vehicle handling. The design of the body's front structure helps disperse impact energies around the passenger cabin, directing frontal crash energies around the passenger cabin and through the floor, rocker structures and A-pillar. The body features a side collision structure that utilizes multiple grades of steel to better manage impact deformity in addition to a reinforced center pillar and rocker panel that use 980 MPA grade steel. The Prius c's roof reinforcement structure uses 590 MPA grade steel to help better resist deformation.

Unification of the front crash-box structure with the radiator support, and optimizing the shape of the front cowl improves the torsional rigidity and stiffness of the Prius c chassis, helping enhance front suspension performance. Strategically placed metal reinforcement members are
applied to the rear door periphery and surrounding the rear suspension to improve the rear structure's rigidity under load. Additional reinforcement metal placed around the rear door openings also help improve the vehicle's torsional rigidity. An aluminum rear bumper reinforcement member is used to help increase rigidity between the rear subframe members, reducing weight while helping control flexing of the subframe to improve handling.

The circles and boxes denote area of the Prius c unibody that are supported with sound and vibration absorbing foam.

The Prius c body structure design implements several countermeasures to help mitigate noise and vibration entering the cabin. A spray-type insulation coating is used beneath the vehicle, and its optimal thickness helps realize the best sound insulation benefit with the least weight penalty. The center floor cross member and under floor reinforcement have been joint to contribute to ensuring handling stability and improve sound insulation. Foam materials are also utilized in various sections of the unibody structure such as the A-pillar, the B-pillar and the ends of the rocker panels among other structures

Suspension and Steering
The Prius c shares the suspension design with the Yaris subcompact. The front suspension consists of a Macpherson strut design, and the coil spring and shock-absorber characteristics have been tuned to help stability, flat turning and smooth ride comfort. The front-suspension- bushing characteristics have been tuned to help suppress vibrations transmitted to the vehicle on bumpy roads and help create a flat comfortable drive. A 24.2- mm stabilizer bar is equipped to the front of the vehicle to help enhance turning stability.

The tuned torsion-beam rear suspension helps create enhanced ride comfort and provide a smooth, responsive steering feel. The coil spring and shock absorbers have been tuned to offer a high level of stability, flat cornering and smooth ride while minimizing road vibrations. The thickness of the rear beam member has also been optimized to enhance rigidity and provide greater rollover resistance. The Prius c rides on a relatively long 100.4-inch wheelbase, which also helps enhance the vehicle ride quality.

Prius c is available with 15- or 16-inch wheel and tire combinations. Fuel- efficient tires that offer lower rolling resistance with improved road gripping performance have been adopted. Aerodynamic considerations helped shape the design of the wheels to help reduce wind resistance and improve fuel economy.

The Prius c is equipped with a column- type Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, which offers reduced steering efforts and power consumption with the adoption of an efficient electric motor and reduction gear that increase power assistance. Among the equipment available for the Prius c Four grade are aluminum-alloy 16-inch wheels which are also accompanied by a quicker steering ratio. The ratio yields 2.28 turns lock- to-lock, compared to the 3.02 turns with the 15-inch wheel specification.

The steering column is a lightweight, compact manual tilt/telescopic assembly. The Prius c's driver controls a D-shaped steering wheel that offers additional knee clearance for easier ingress/egress.

Safety
The Prius c is equipped with several active and passive safety elements. The Prius c is equipped with nine airbags, including driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger seat cushion airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and driver's knee airbag.

Star Safety SystemTM includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

The Prius c is equipped with a Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS). To help the awareness of those around the vehicle, the VPNS will sound when the vehicle speed is above zero and below 15.5 mph, in EV mode or when engine is stopped, and the shift position is not in "P". The warning sound is a continuous polyphonic tone; the tone's sound pitch is coupled to vehicle speed with pitch of the tone increasing with vehicle speed

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. Additional 60-month warranties cover 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 eight years/100,000 miles.

The Prius c will also come standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Toyota Prius c Completes the Prius Family of Vehicles

PRESS RELEASE

• Highest rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug
• Introduces proven hybrid powertrain at MSRP below $19,000
• Wide array of available convenience and premium technology

DETROIT , Michigan, Jan.10, 2012 – Following the U.S. debut of the all-new 2012 Prius c at the 2012 North American International Auto Show here, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., plans to bring this dynamically styled, five-door hatchback to market in March of 2012, and introduce Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive to the subcompact segment.

The letter "c" represents "city" in the Prius c name. Designed to function as an urban-friendly vehicle with an engaging driving experience, hatchback utility, and a city fuel economy rating of 53 mpg, Prius c offers the highest city mpg rating of any vehicle without a plug. The all-new Prius c joins the Prius Family, which includes the third generation Prius Liftback, the versatile new Prius v and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which will debut in early 2012.

Beginning with the first generation fourteen years ago, over two million Prius units have been sold worldwide. Prius remains the world's premier eco-vehicle brand, and has made great strides establishing consumer trust in hybrid technology. With Prius c, Toyota will make the market's most proven hybrid technology available to subcompact car shoppers with a starting MSRP below $19,000.

Unique Place in the Prius Family
A gateway product into the Prius Family, the new Prius c will find favor with younger shoppers seeking a smartly designed, fuel-efficient subcompact car packing advanced drivetrain and in-car technology. The Prius c will offer engaging driving dynamics with superior urban maneuverability. When the 2012 Prius c arrives in showrooms this spring, the all-new hatchback will offer:

The highest rated city fuel economy estimate of any vehicle without a plug*; 53 mpg in the city, and 46 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 50 mpg
The most accessible Prius will feature a starting MSRP below $19,000 with proven hybrid powertrain and premium technology

A premium subcompact car experience thanks to a wide array of available convenience and advanced in-car electronics features, including a standard 3.5-in. full color TFT multi-information display, hands-free phone capability, USB port with iPod® connectivity, and available Display Audio system with Navigation and Entune™

The scale of the all-new Prius c becomes apparentwhen compared to the familiar proportions of the midsize Prius Liftback. The Prius c is smaller and lighter than its midsize Prius stable mate with 19.1 inches less length (157.3 vs. 176.4 inches OAL) and 542 lbs. less weight than the Prius Liftback (2,500 vs. 3,042 lbs.). In adapting the Hybrid Synergy Drive to the smaller Prius c platform, each of the system's major components were re-designed to reduce weight, scale, and improve efficiency.

Four Grades with Generous Standard Equipment
The Prius c will be available in four trim levels offering desirable features, equipment, and enhanced capability giving consumers a compelling value proposition. Prius c provides many standard features such as automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-Information Display and Bluetooth® hands-free controls, and remote keyless entry with illuminated entry among a long list of standard equipment.

Efficient Packaging
The Prius c's effective packaging design strategically locates key drivetrain components within the chassis to help optimize interior space and handling. The compact gasoline engine, transaxle and power-control unit are optimally placed within the vehicle to help enhance weight distribution and lower the center of gravity. In addition, the hybrid battery and fuel tank are positioned together beneath the rear seat, ideally distributing their mass within the wheelbase to improve weight distribution to help enhance handling. By locating the battery and fuel tank below the rear seat, the Prius c is able to offer 104 cu. ft. of interior volume (87.4 cu. ft. passenger volume, 17.1 cu. ft. cargo volume).

Prius c Hybrid Synergy Drive Propulsion
The Prius c's Hybrid Synergy Drive system integrates the operation of components that include a gasoline engine, an electric motor within a Continuously Variable Transaxle, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a power control unit (inverter), a DC-DC converter, a step-up converter and a hybrid control computer. The hybrid control computer governs the seamless application of gasoline engine and electric power depending on driving demands and selected drive mode.

The Prius c relies on a SULEV (Tier 2 Bin 3) rated 1.5-liter in-line, four-cylinder gasoline engine that utilizes an Atkinson cycle to increase efficiency. This engineproduces 73 horsepower and 82 lb.-ft. of torque, contributing to a total hybrid system output of 99 hp.

The Prius c's hybrid system utilizes a 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack that has been located under the rear passenger seat, near the center of the vehicle, and low in the chassis to help improve the center of gravity.

Prius c offers three distinct drive modes: Normal, Eco, and EV mode. Eco mode reduces overall energy consumption by governing climate control and throttle to improve vehicle efficiency. Under certain conditions, the EV mode allows the Prius c to be driven solely by electric power for a short distance (under 1 mile) while remaining below 25 mph.

Vehicle Structure – Improved Handling and Safety
The Prius c's body structure makes extensive use of lightweight, high-strength steel to help reduce vehicle mass and improve fuel economy. The strategic use of high-tensile-strength steel contributes to the vehicle's ability to absorb and disperse impact energies helping enhance occupant safety. The high level of torsional rigidity afforded by the Prius c body structure allows the suspension to be more optimally tuned for ride and handling.

Suspension and Steering for Enhanced Handling
The front suspension uses a Macpherson strut design, and the rear rides on a tuned torsion beam. The coil-spring and shock-absorber characteristics of the Prius c have been tuned to enhance handling, flat turning, and smooth ride comfort. Prius c is available with 15- or 16-inch wheel-and-tire combinations. The 15-inch wheels are available in steel with wheel cover for base model or in aluminum alloy for elevated trim levels. Prius c models equipped with the available 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels enjoy enhanced handling thanks to a faster steering ratio (2.28 turns lock to lock), which helps quicken the vehicle's dynamic response.

Youthful Exterior and Interior Design
The Prius c exterior design helps project a fun, youthful attitude for this all-new addition to the Prius family, while offering excellent aerodynamic performance. Extensive aerodynamic features were engineered into the Prius c to help achieve a 0.28 coefficient of drag. Adding character to this subcompact, the Prius c's lower-body styling is wider below the beltline, featuring sculpted rear flares to help express a sturdy, athletic stance that communicates a more agile driving experience.

The Prius c's available exterior colors include vibrant hues that are unique and expressive. The available colors for Prius c include three new colors – Habanero, Moonglow, and Summer Rain Metallic – along with Blue Streak Metallic, Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, and Super White.

The Prius c interior design seeks to create a space that is futuristic yet passenger friendly. Using black as a basic interior color, the door trim, seat surfaces, and instrument panel feature treatments in lighter colors to help create contrast.

Display Audio and Connectivity with Entune®
The 2012 Prius c will offer three audio system configurations. A base audio system features either four or six speakers, depending on the model, and includes AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

The Display Audio with Navigation and Entune™ has six speakers and augments capability with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capability (with 3-month trial subscription to XM Select package), HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging, and advanced voice recognition. Toyota's Entune™ multi-media system functions through select smart phones' interface that brings applications such as Bing and Pandora® to the vehicle audio display. It also features real time information such as traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports, and stocks.

Standard Safety Features
The Prius c is equipped with nine airbags strategically located to help protect the driver and passengers in the event of certain types of accidents. The new 2012 Prius c, like allToyota models, is equipped with the standard Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

* 2012 EPA 53/46/50 city/highway/combined mpg estimates. Actual mileage will vary.

Toyota Aqua (Prius C) comes to Japan, 60,000 orders already in

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota City, Japan, December 26, 2011-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the "Aqua"*1 gasoline-electric compact hybrid.

The Aqua combines a comfortable and roomy interior with a stylish body, and displays exciting acceleration and agility.

The Aqua incorporates 17 years of Toyota expertise and technology in the development of mass-produced hybrid vehicles, and boasts a small, light and efficient hybrid system that achieves a world-leading*2 fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's (MLIT's) JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L*3 under the MLIT 10-15 test cycle.

With a starting price of 1.69 million yen, the Aqua offers the pleasure of hybrid vehicles to an even broader range of consumers in Japan.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices Grade Hybrid System Driveline Price*
L THS II with reduction gear Front-wheel drive 1,690,000 yen
S 1,790,000 yen
G 1,850,000 yen
*Includes consumption tax, does not include recycling fees and differs in Hokkaido and Okinawa

Vehicle Outline

Exceptional Fuel Efficiency

The Aqua features a state-of-the-art, small, light and efficient 1.5-liter Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with reduction gear, which achieves a fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L in the JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L in the MLIT 10-15 test cycle.

A cooled Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR) system improves efficiency in the high-expansion-ratio Atkinson cycle engine. Also contributing to increased engine efficiency is a battery-powered water pump, a friction-reducing beltless design and precise coolant-water-flow volume control.

The hybrid transaxle, which includes the power control unit, the power-generation motor and drive motor, has also been designed to be small and light.

A selectable electric-vehicle mode (EV Mode) enables driving with only the electric motor.

Key Hybrid System Specifications Engine Model 1NZ-FXE
Displacement 1,496 cc
Maximum output 54 kW (74 PS)/4,800 rpm
Maximum torque 111 N-m (11.3 kgf-m)/3,600-4,400 rpm
Motor Maximum output 45 kW (61 PS)
Maximum torque 169 N-m (17.2 kgf-m)
Engine & Motor Combined maximum output* 73 kW (100 PS)
Battery Nickel-metal hydride
*Based on TMC calculations

Design Combines Elements of Fun and Sophistication

The Aqua's active and fun styling provides outstanding aerodynamic performance with a comfortable interior in a compact body.

Exterior
The exterior offers a bold and modern design with a powerful and refined front mask and a rear silhouette that evokes imagery of brisk yet stable driving performance.

The vehicle comes in ten vibrant and stylish body colors, including new Citrus Orange Mica Metallic and Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine.

Interior
The instrument panel structure evokes a great sense of space, while the modern and geometric layout with color-coded, switch-operated areas reflect the pursuit of enjoyment and user-friendliness.

Distinctive and effective accent color placement contributes to a brighter interior and is available in four patterns: Earth Brown, Fresh Green, Cool Blue, and Natural Gray.

Front and rear seats with ample head clearance and legroom provide excellent comfort.

The hybrid battery has been sized for placement under the rear seat, resulting in a spacious cargo area of 305 liters*4.

Exhilarating Performance for Enhanced Driving Pleasure

In addition to a long 2,550 mm wheelbase, the hybrid unit and engine are positioned to create a low center of gravity for superior maneuvering performance.

Engine and motor power combine to provide smooth acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and also at mid-range speeds, such as from 40 km/h to 70 km/h in 3.6 seconds (all measurements according to TMC).

With a minimum turning radius of 4.8 meters, the Aqua also boasts excellent maneuverability.

Fun and Easy-to-use Hybrid

The instrument panel sports a myriad of functions that support environment-conscious and enjoyable driving. The Hybrid System Indicator offers easy-to-understand information concerning eco-driving, such as effective accelerator use. In addition to the standard display, an optional high-resolution thin-film-transistor liquid crystal multi-information display provides a variety of eco-driving information. Eco Judge ranks eco-driving on a 100-point scale, and Eco Wallet shows money saved as compared with other levels of fuel efficiency.

High-level Safety and Comfort-Enhancing Features

ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) maximizes braking performance, with the EBD appropriately distributing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. Also, a brake assist function generates extra braking force to assist the driver in emergency braking situations.

Vehicle Stability Control controls brake and engine output to maintain vehicle stability if skidding occurs. Traction Control controls wheel spin to simplify acceleration operation.

Hill-start Assist Control reduces anxiety about the vehicle rolling backwards when starting on a steep incline.

Automatic air conditioning comes standard on all models and is equipped with an electric inverter compressor run by the electric motor, enabling a comfortably air-conditioned interior even when the engine is off.

In addition to seat heaters, the exhaust heat recirculation system draws heat from the engine directly into the cooling water, enhancing heating performance and fuel efficiency in the winter.

Diverse Range of Packages Meet a Range of Needs

The Aqua is available in seven different packages.

Package Main Features
1 Smart entry package - Smart entry and start system for driver, passenger, and rear doors (with answer-back function)
- Antitheft system (engine and motor immobilizer)
- Light controls (auto on/off lights and auto shutoff headlights)

2 LED headlight package - LED headlights (with auto leveling function, headlight cleaner, black extension ornamentation, and auto shutoff system)
- Front fog lights

3 Touring package - 195/50R16 tires and 16x6J aluminum wheels (with center ornamentation)
- Large rear roof spoiler
- Smoked headlamp trim
- Dedicated suspension

4 Beauty package - nanoe*
- Super UV-cut Glass (front doors)
- Seat heaters (driver and passenger seats)
- Passenger seat sun visor with vanity mirror

5 Advanced display package - TFT multi-information display
- Touch Tracer Display
- Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches; with touch tracer function)

6 Navigation system ready package - Backup camera
- Six speakers
- Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches)

7 Audio system package - CD + AM/FM & AUX terminals
- Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches)
- Six speakers

*nanoe and the nanoe logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation

Welcabs: Vehicles with Factory-installed Features for The Disabled

The Rotating Passenger Seat model features a passenger seat that rotates to facilitate smooth ingress and egress. The Type B model features an electric loading/unloading mechanism for manual wheelchairs.

Welcab Friendmatic Seat models allow for the installation of devices such as a specialized driver's seat, to help people without use of their legs drive with only their hands (scheduled for release in March 2012). Special-purpose power steering that reduces the force necessary to turn the steering wheel comes standard, helping to ease steering during initial acceleration and low-speed driving.

The Friendmatic-exclusive remote-controlled power driver's seat available on Types II and IV, aids movement to and from a wheelchair. Types III and IV include the Welcarry device, which automatically stows a wheelchair on the vehicle's roof.

Manufacturer's Suggested Welcab Retail Prices

Variant Grade Hybrid system Driveline Price*
Rotating Passenger Seat model (Type A) S THS II with reduction gear Front-wheel drive 1,895,000 yen
G 1,955,000 yen
Rotating Passenger Seat model (Type B) S 1,894,000 yen
G 1,951,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type I) S 1,890,000 yen
G 1,950,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type II) S 2,125,000 yen
G 2,182,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type III) S 2,297,000 yen
G 2,354,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type IV) S 2,622,000 yen
G 2,679,000 yen
*Includes consumption tax, differs in Hokkaido and Okinawa and excludes recycling fees. Rotating passenger Seat Type B and Welcab Friendmatic model Type II, Type III, and Type IV are exempt from consumption taxes; Welcab Friendmatic model Type I is exempt from consumption taxes only when the specialized driver's seat is installed at the time of purchase.

*1Derived from the Latin word meaning water. The name is meant to evoke an image of clean transparency as well as of something that is universally cherished. Also, the Aqua is meant to break the conventional image of hybrid vehicles, becoming something fluid and not constrained to any one shape or role-like free-flowing water. With this image, it is hoped that even more people will choose to experience the joys of hybrid vehicle ownership.
*2Compared to mass-produced gasoline passenger cars (excluding plug-in hybrid vehicles). As of November 30, 2011, according to TMC.
*3G and S grades are 37.0 km/L.
*4Storage up to the top of the rear seat back calculated by TMC using the VDA method.

2013 Toyota Prius C Compact Hybrid On Sale in Japan - Detroit Soon to Follow

Less than three weeks hence, the 2013 Toyota Prius C--the first compact hybrid hatchback from Toyota's expanding Prius line--will be officially introduced for the U.S. market at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Less than three weeks hence, the 2013 Toyota Prius C--the first compact hybrid hatchback from Toyota's expanding Prius line--will be officially introduced for the U.S. market at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

It was first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show early this month, under the model name Aqua, and it went on sale in Japan this past Sunday.

According to Bloomberg, Toyota has high aspirations for the Prius C, hoping to sell as many as 12,000 of the car a month in Japan alone.

2013 Toyota Prius C, as shown at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

The hybrid hatchback should draw interest among Japanese buyers eager to see this new, smaller full hybrid from the world's leading maker of hybrid-electric vehicles.

In its home market, the car we know as the 2013 Toyota Prius C will compete with both the mild-hybrid Honda Insight and the Honda Fit Hybrid, a model we don't see in the States that has proven popular in Japan.

MORE: 2013 Toyota Prius C: Video Shows Sporty Hybrid On The Road

Here in the States, however, Honda has struggled to sell its Insight subcompact hybrid hatchback. It updated and remodeled the 2012 Insight for its third year on the market, slightly improving its gas-mileage ratings to 41 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, for a combined overall 42-mpg rating.

The EPA has not yet released gas-mileage ratings for the 2013 Toyota Prius C, though on the less strenuous Japanese cycle, it was rated at 82 mpg (35 km/l).

2013 Toyota Prius C, as shown at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

It's possible it could be rated as high as 60 mpg in the U.S., though Toyota has said only that the Prius C will deliver higher mileage than the Prius hatchback's 52-mpg city rating.

Toyota has expanded its well-recognized Prius hybrid lineup by adding a Prius V wagon, now on sale (in fact, our holiday test vehicle is the Prius wagon). The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will reach U.S. dealers by March.

The 2013 Prius C will go on sale "during 2012," Toyota says, probably over the summer.

Even before the 2013 Toyota Prius C hits U.S. dealerships, however, it's being modified in other markets. As our sister site Motor Authority reports, Japanese customizers have already developed body kits and other performance enhancements for the Aqua.

Source: Green Car Reports

2013 Toyota Prius C Hybrid Concept

Among the concept cars and pre-production prototypes being unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show this week, there were a handful of production-ready cars quietly making their public debut.

Among them was Toyota’s 2013 Prius C hybrid hatchback. Smaller than the 2012 Prius, the 2013 Prius C compact is the fourth car in Toyota’s ever-expanding Prius family, alongside the 2012 Toyota Prius, 2012 Prius V wagon and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

Aimed primarily at younger buyers who want a sportier and more straight-forward car, the 2013 Prius C’s design tries to make being gas-frugal a lot more fun. Inside, a conventional gear lever and parking brake replace the larger Prius’ unorthodox gear selector, while a simple dash and choice of hot-hatch inspired trim gives it a more youthful appeal.

The 2013 Toyota Prius C will go on sale this month in Japan where it will be known as the Toyota Aqua, but isn’t due to go on sale in the U.S. until the latter half of 2012.

With an expected fuel economy of between 65 and 70 mpg, the 2013 Toyota Prius C will debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next month. In the meantime, please enjoy our 2013 Toyota Prius C live gallery and make sure you follow our continued 2011 Tokyo Motorshow coverage to keep up-to-date with the very latest from the show.

Source: Green Car Reports