An Upgrade Not For The Best

Toyota said Tuesday its all-new 2016 Prius sets a new bar, with an expected 10 percent improvement in fuel economy, or 55 mpg, for the core models of a family of hybrids already known for their efficiency. All these subtle changes have resulted in a more efficient and powerful engine.

The 2016 Prius still has a 1.8-liter engine but it has been re-engineered. This starts with reducing the friction created by the piston skirts, rotating parts and the oil pump and using low viscosity oil to further reduce friction between internal engine components.

Toyota also did a lot of work on the electric motor and transmission to help improve efficiency. The reduced weight gives the electric motor a more favorable power-to-weight ratio. The planetary gear arrangement in the reduction gear has been replaced with parallel gears, which further helps loss reduction. It debuts the automaker’s next generation of powertrain technology that does an even better job of using fuel and energy to get more miles per gallon.

The Prius continues to offer nickel-metal hydride batteries, but the 2016’s batteries are denser and produce more power yet are smaller, fitting under the rear seat, increasing cargo space.

The Prius is Toyota’s flagship hybrid and the 2016 model has a new look and technological advances while also being lighter and more aerodynamic.

All the engineering improvements are complemented by an increase of more than 60 percent in body torsional rigidity through the use of Laser Screw Welding, structural adhesives and uniquely shaped frame structures. Additionally, Toyota upped the amount of high-strength steel it uses in the Prius from 3 percent to 19 percent in 2016.

Inside, the multi-information display of the Prius is now delivered with a full color, high resolution graphics on dual 4.2-inch multi-information display screens.

According to the latest available figures, August Prius sales in the United States fell 24 percent from the same month a year earlier to 17,757 cars. The screen on the right side will show speed, fuel, and other info, while the screen on the left is a multi-display that can show whatever the driver selects. In addition, there’s a new color head-up display that projects essential vehicle data and alerts on the lower section of the windshield.

For those with plug anxiety who want great gas mileage, Toyota believes the 2016 Prius is the only logical choice.