The 2016 Toyota Prius Has 40% Thermal Efficiency And Can Handle
By Paulo Acoba
New details were released about the 2016 Toyota Prius.
When Toyota initially unveiled the Toyota Prius to the world, details were scarce on how exactly this all new TNGA platform’d hybrid could achieve 55 MPG. Now we know. According to a Toyota Press release that dropped earlier yesterday ( Oct. 13, 2015) it’s all thanks to both a very efficient internal combustion engine combined with denser more technology forward batteries in lithium ion and NiMH. We’ve always had an inkling that the two variables that could be changed were engine efficiency and battery tech, but now we have confirmation.
Your regular run-of-the-mill gasoline engine will at best have a thermal efficiency of 30 percent. Toyota says that it was able to improve on that relatively low benchmark by improving the exhaust gas recirculation system as well as improvements in combustion efficiency. You can chalk that up to a super-thin oil and less moving parts where they could manage. The Prius engine boasts a 40 percent thermal efficiency. In addition, battery technology the way we read it was sort of a flip-flop. Toyota neither confirmed nor denied the fact that they’ll either use better lithium ion batteries or more dense NiMH batteries. Prius for the most part has succeeded well using its established NiMH technology so why change if it’s not broken.
And this Toyota Prius supposedly is a canyon carver. Thanks to the all new TNGA platform, the body is 60 percent more rigid. There’s a bit more high strength tensile steel used and Toyota is really championing its new double wishbone suspension. Acceleration and braking have also been reduced.
Outside, the exterior is literally cutting edge technology ( how it cuts through the wind.) Thanks to a .24 Cd, it’s super slippery. Inside, new seats are supposed to be more comfortable over longer driving stints.
New technologies inside include a Smart-flow air conditioning system. Basically the Prius can tell what seats are empty by some weight sensors and will direct less air in those areas.
So the Prius is a lot more better than before all while still being a hybrid in nature and not having to jump on the all-electric bandwagon. We’re sure this Prius will continue to sell extremely well.
Next: Breaking: 2016 Toyota Prius Colors Revealed With Heat Suppressing Paint