Toyota
confirms Third Generation Prius plans
Thursday,
October 25, 2007
Better
battery, better software, better price
When Toyota moved from the first generation Prius to the
second generation Prius,
increased power and fuel economy was achieved. Most of
this increase was accomplished by software and by a
smaller and lighter battery pack, according to Toyota.
Expect the same for the 3rd
generation Prius.
The 3rd generation Prius will not use lithium-ion
batteries. Toyota has finally, officially, confirmed that
rumor.
Nonetheless, Toyota claims that it has again reduced the
size and weight of its hybrid powertrain, in addition to
making software improvements. Therefore, the next Prius
will be more fuel efficient and cheaper. Unfortunately,
the details are not specific regarding fuel economy, but
Toyota has made some diesel comparisons.
While the Prius outperforms diesel vehicles in urban
driving, new diesels can outperform the Prius on highways.
The next generation of the Prius will be as good or better
than diesels on the highway according
to Executive Vice President Kazuo Okamoto, in charge of
Toyota's research and development.
The new hybrid drive will also be added to the rest of
Toyota's hybrid
vehicles as well.
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