Hybrid Synergy Drive©

The new hybrid system debuted in the Toyota Prius is the first to be developed according to a revolutionary concept named Hybrid Synergy Drive©. Current–generation hybrids rely on the petrol engine to produce peak performance, with the electric motor as an ancillary. Hybrid Synergy Drive© also gives the electric motor a more significant role and focus on performance.

The new Prius, powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive© technology, combines high performance, low fuel consumption, and environmental leadership with style.

Read more about the Hybrid Synergy Drive©

What is Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive©?

Hybrid Synergy Drive© is not just an evolution of the original Toyota Hybrid System (THS). It is an entirely new departure that intends to provide the best solution for those who want driving pleasure with the lowest impact on environment.

A more powerful 1.5–litre petrol engine works together with the smaller, more efficient electric motor to deliver performance that positions the Prius as a serious contenderin the D–segment. Indeed, the electric motor is now more powerful than most 1.0– to 1.2–litre internal combustion engines and, at 400 Nm from 0–1200 rpm, the Prius model's torque figure surpasses that of V6 diesels. As a result, 0–100 km/h acceleration falls below 11 seconds and comparable to a conventional 2.0–litre diesel car.

Because the hybrid's advanced control system uses the electric motor as the main power source, it displays exceptional smoothness. Acceleration is powerful but linear, especially from 50–80 km/h, while noise and vibration are minimal.

Hybrid Synergy Drive© brings performance with low impact on environment:

• 10.9 sec. 0–100 km/h acceleration for a 4.3 l/100km combined fuel consumption
• Electric motor is the most powerful for its weight and size in the world
• Petrol engine using Atkinson cycle is the most efficient petrol unit in production
• Smart Regenerative Braking System saves fuel using the car's kinetic energy
• Petrol engine is automatically turned off when Prius is stopped in traffic
• The CG Prius has the fuel economy of a 1.0 litre and performance of a 2.0 litre
• The CG Prius CO² output is only 104 g/km
• The Hybrid Synergy Drive technology cuts fuel consumption by almost 40% compared to a conventional petrol engine.

Hybrid Versus Diesel:

Compared to gasoline-engine vehicles, diesel–engine vehicles exhibit excellent fuel efficiency (and therefore lower CO² emissions levels), and demand is increasing. The key issue for diesel-engine vehicles is exhaust emissions, and Toyota's high-performance DPNR catalytic converter system can be used to achieve lower emissions.

In contrast, gasoline–engine hybrid vehicles feature higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions and also have an enhanced appeal because of their greater power, so we believe that the gasoline–engine hybrid will be a key technology for the twenty–first century. However, we believe hybrid technology can be applied to all powertrains including petrol and diesel. This is based on our philosophy of providing "the right car, for the right place, for the right time."

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