2017 Toyota Prius Prime is the new Prius plug-in hybrid
Toyota has unveiled an all-new version of its all-new Prius, one it promises will deliver almost 1,000 kilometres of driving on a single charge and tank of gas.
Replacing the plug-in hybrid version of the previous-generation Prius, the 2017 Prius Prime adds an 8.8-kWh battery pack to the 2016 Prius' hybrid powertrain that includes a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, 53-kW electric motor and planetary-type continuously-variable transmission.
In Hybrid mode, Toyota says the Prius Prime can run on either the gasoline engine or electric motor alone, or a combination of both.
The Prius Prime also features a Toyota-first dual motor generator drive system that uses both the electric motor and the gas engine during acceleration.
An estimated electric efficiency of 1.96 Le/100 km or less is an improvement of 22 per cent compared to the Prime's predecessor, while the automaker says the Prius Prime is targeting hybrid fuel economy ratings in the neighbourhood of the standard Prius' 4.4 L/100 km city and 4.6 L/100 km highway.
It is expected to have an estimated pure electric driving range of about 50 kilometres.
Toyota also says the car's battery pack can be recharged in about six hours using a standard household outlet, and less than half the time with a 240-volt source.
Aesthetically, the Prius Prime does away with the 2016 Prius' V-shaped headlights in favour of quad LED units in a similar style to the ones found on the 2017 Acura NSX, vertical LED foglights and wraparound LED taillights, and gets a complete overhaul to its front fascia.
Inside is an available 11.6-inch touchscreen in the centre stack, as well as an available 10-speaker JBL audio system and wireless smartphone charging.
With improvements all around compared to both its predecessor and the current hybrid version, about the only thing the Prius Prime concedes is its fifth seat, something that could come back to haunt buyers in Ontario looking to take advantage of new Electric Vehicle Incentive Program rebates for vehicles with seating for five or more.
It's set to go on sale this fall.