Among the battery of fresh hybrids and electrics being shown at this year’s Detroit show—which includes Honda’s all-new Insight—Toyota trots out its new version of the Prius, the hybrid that sort of started it all. This latest Prius marks the third generation of the iconic fuel miser, and it comes armed with magical-sounding 50-mpg combined estimated fuel-economy rating, topping the last car’s 46-mpg mark. More Power Means More Greener...
A 1.8-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder replaces the 1.5-liter currently on Prius duty. It puts out 98 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque, up from 76 and 82, respectively. Toyota claims the increased torque allows the engine to run at lower rpm on the highway, saving more fuel. An 80-hp electric motor ups the hybrid system’s total output to 134 hp. That’s good for a 0-to-60-mph time of 9.8 seconds, according to Toyota—nearly three seconds quicker than we achieved with the current model.
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