The same vehicle that pioneered the hybrid category just disrupted the
status quo again. The all-new, fourth-generation Prius starred in a
spectacular evening production of music, food and special effects to
celebrate an industry icon in a way that was anything but expected.
More than 350 journalists, social influencers and Toyota guests watched
the all-new 2016 Prius elevate into the Las Vegas night sky. After
almost twenty years of shaping the world view on alternative energy
vehicles, and more than 3.5 million global sales, Prius is setting out
to change the world again.
Today’s consumers expect environmental credentials, and the new Prius
delivers. Smaller, lighter hybrid system components, higher-energy
density in the batteries, and an internal combustion engine touting
ground-breaking thermal efficiency (more than forty percent), contribute
to a significant advancement in fuel economy. With an expected ten
percent improvement in EPA estimated MPG on core models, Prius will
offer best-in-class fuel economy among vehicles without a plug. A
soon-to-be unveiled Eco model will achieve an even greater improvement,
strengthening Toyota’s leadership in hybrid fuel efficiency.
But it’s not just about MPG anymore. Today’s customers want all the
traditional benefits of a hybrid, but don’t want to compromise on looks
and performance. So Toyota upgraded the Prius inside and out to deliver
the complete package - emotional styling, smarter technology and
impressive MPG, in a vehicle that’s more fun to drive than ever.
“Prius set the global benchmark for hybrids, but now is breaking its own
boundaries with more engaging style and fun-to-drive dynamics,” said
Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.
“What was once a rational purchase that for many customers focused on
fuel economy, is now so much more. This Prius will invite new drivers
into the category by delivering an impressive look and feel, built on
the foundation of safety and eco-consciousness that define the vehicle’s
heritage.”
Easy on the Eyes
The Prius’ exterior has been completely reimagined. From the side, it is
longer and sleeker with the overall outline evoking an athletic shape.
Inspired by a runner in the starting blocks, the sporty design conveys a
feeling of forward motion.
The hood is lower and the distinctive roof peak has been moved forward.
Bold character lines run along the side from the front fenders – one
just above the sill that sweeps up towards the rear fender, while the
upper crease morphs into the rear spoiler, which has been lowered.
The use of new standard LED headlamps minimizes the Prius’ front fascia
and, at the same time, provides an arresting lighting display which
helps define the vehicle’s character. The unique and striking rear
combination lamps express the distinctive lines of the Prius from the
rear spoiler to the trailing edges of the sides.
A palette of seven exterior colors includes an all-new Toyota hue,
“Hypersonic Red.” This new color utilizes a newly developed treatment
process, which results in a deep and vibrant luster highlighting the
external forms.
Need a Hug?
The Prius’ new, premium interior adopts advanced technology complemented
by features that are functional, fun and have high visual impact. The
wrap-around dash design, form-hugging seats, ease of controls and
improved visibility put the driver in complete control.
Once inside, drivers will feel immediately comfortable and impressed by
styling cues that are unique in the industry. The wide instrument
panel, seamlessly designed to be both functional and beautiful, gives a
sense of comfort and spaciousness. Available premium white
ornamentation in the lower sections of the cabin is reminiscent of fine
bone china.
Efficient Development from the Start
The 2016 Prius is the first global vehicle to implement Toyota’s New
Global Architecture (TNGA). TNGA aims to greatly improve core vehicle
performance and enhance product appeal through an integrated development
program for powertrain components and vehicle platforms. Development of
vehicles is being grouped to promote strategic sharing of components
with the goal of improving resource efficiency by better than twenty
percent. Resources will be directed into developing advanced
technologies, and most importantly even further strengthening product
appeal.
A Fun-to-Drive Hybrid? A “Wish” Come True
Engineered from the ground up, the new Prius is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6
inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the model it replaces, providing a
planted on-road presence while delivering more occupant and cargo room.
Hallmarks of TNGA, a lower center of gravity and a more responsive
suspension package, dial up the driving excitement. In fact, the height
of the Prius’ front badge is exactly the same as that of Scion’s FR-S
sports car – a remarkable achievement in height and mass reduction.
The all-new rear double wishbone suspension produces a better connection
to the road, providing greater control and feedback in all driving
conditions. A more rigid body helps improve responsiveness while
cornering. From winding mountain roads to the wide boulevards downtown,
the new Prius stays connected to the road, without sacrificing ride
quality and occupant comfort.
Safety First
TNGA also provides a more rigid structural framework to help enhance
occupant protection in the event of a collision. The high strength upper
body is designed to distribute frontal collision impact energy. Plus,
the Prius will be among the first U.S. models to offer Toyota Safety
Sense (TSS), a new multi-feature advanced safety package anchored by
automated pre-collision braking. TSS bundles cutting edge safety
technologies including:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Automatic High Beams
Available on the new Prius, Toyota aims to make Toyota Safety Sense
available across nearly the entire vehicle lineup by the end of 2017.
