As with many of the vehicles released by Toyota, the Prius has truly become the bearer of standards within its segment. While many automakers still have not developed a green hybrid electric car, Toyota is already working on its second generation version of the Prius. This unique four door hybrid electric car has become an absolute hit with many consumers around the country because it offers excellent fuel economy in conjunction with driving and acceleration characteristics that are relatively uncompromised, and a price that is considered to be reasonable when you look at everything that this car can offer you.
The Toyota Prius, which derives its name from Latin for "to go before" exists as what is essentially a partial solution to the issue of tailpipe emissions that automobiles create. The Prius, along with many other hybrid cars, has a special power train that is designed to combine gasoline powered internal combustion engine capabilities with an electrical motor. This power train, along with numerous other advanced features, allows for the Toyota Prius to deliver a much higher fuel economy capability along with lower emissions when compared to other regular cars.
Due to its popularity as well as its positive sales history, the original hybrid car from Toyota has become a strong candidate for any shopper who is interested in buying a hybrid electric car. So far, the reputation that Toyota has built for providing durability and reliability is absolutely holding true when it comes to the Prius. Early concerns about whether or not the Prius could offer durability on a long term basis have been discredited, but potential buyers of the Toyota Prius hybrid electric car should still take extra care when researching potential cars to make sure that they are buying the right choice. The Toyota Prius is, after all, quite a complex vehicle, and this means that replacing parts and having the car repaired could be expensive in the future.
The current Toyota Prius is the second generation Prius, which is a much improved model. It features a four door body with a hatchback, and can seat as many as five people. The hybrid power train in this car features a small engine fueled by 1.5 liters of gasoline, which is used in conjunction with two electric motors. This car's special planetary gear set allows it to function with a continuously variable transmission, resulting in an adequate amount of power, a significant reduction in tail pipe emissions and an excellent fuel economy as well.
Both power sources come together under full acceleration of the vehicle, providing the maximum amount of power. Under lighter load conditions, the Prius can alternate between the two different types of engines, often running only on the battery power. This car makes use of a regenerative braking system, converting heat energy into electricity to keep the battery pack charged on a consistent basis. The gasoline engine in the Toyota Prius hybrid electric vehicle can produce 76 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it a decently powered engine for what it is.
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Originally posted 2008-10-31 13:19:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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