Toyota revealed the all-new 2016 Prius at Las Vegas World Premiere Event. In its fourth generation, the model redefines expectations from hybrids by sporting a ground-breaking style and setting new standards in fun-to-drive dynamics.
The Prius went on sale in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle. As of July 31, 2015, cumulative Prius sales exceed 3.5 million vehicles across approximately 80 countries and regions.
Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, said, “Prius set the global benchmark for hybrids, but now is breaking its own boundaries with more engaging style and fun-to-drive dynamics. What was once a rational purchase that for many customers focused on fuel economy, is now so much more. This Prius will invite new drivers into the category by delivering an impressive look and feel, built on the foundation of safety and eco-consciousness that define the vehicle’s heritage.”
The new model inherits the nameplate’s signature triangular silhouette which, combined with a low center of gravity, results in an impressively angular yet emotional design. Flowing curves blend with aggressive cut edges that spark interest from any angle.
The top of the roof has been lowered by 20 mm and moved forwards, while the engine hood has also been lowered to create a stylish outline. Bold character lines run along the side from the front fenders – one just above the sill that sweeps up towards the rear fender, while the upper crease morphs into the rear spoiler, which has been lowered.
The use of new headlamps minimizes the Prius’ frontal area and, at the same time, provides a striking lighting display which helps define the vehicle’s distinctive character. The effect borders on being radical. Meanwhile, the bold and unique rear combination lamps express the distinctive lines of the Prius from the rear spoiler to the trailing edges of the sides.
The Prius’ exterior has been completely reimagined. From the side, it is longer and sleeker with the overall outline evoking an athletic shape. Inspired by a runner in the starting blocks, the sporty design conveys a feeling of forward motion.
A palette of seven exterior colors includes an all-new Toyota hue, “Hypersonic Red.” This new color utilizes a newly developed treatment process, which results in a deep and vibrant luster highlighting the external forms.
According to Kouji Toyoshima, the model’s chief engineer: “There is much more to the new Prius than a green image. The exterior has a particularly emotional appearance, thanks in part to the new platform that enables a low slung silhouette similar to a sports car.”
A sense of quality and space is created through the wide instrument panel with its layered construction that clearly defines the “display zone”, separating it from the “control zone” which is now closer to the driver. White ornamentation used in the lower sections of the cabin evokes an impression of fine bone china.
To greatly improve core vehicle performance and enhance product appeal, Toyota is implementing the Toyota New Global Architecture, an innovative, integrated, development program for powertrain components and vehicle platforms.
The 2016 Prius is the first global vehicle to implement Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA). TNGA aims to greatly improve core vehicle performance and enhance product appeal through an integrated development program for powertrain components and vehicle platforms.
As the first global product of this activity, the new Prius has received an entirely new Toyota platform. This has resulted in improved handling, safety and heightened driving enjoyment. Nearly every aspect of the new Prius has been improved in surprising and significant ways.
The new Prius features a chassis that is 60 percent more rigid, while the powertrain unit’s lower placement and low center of gravity has increased the vehicle’s stability and comfort.
Almost every internal component of the Prius engine is new or substantially revised―effectively blueprinted to the finest limits and tolerances. As a result, the Prius has achieved a remarkable world’s best, with over 40 percent thermal efficiency and a huge boost in fuel economy, contributing significantly to overall driver enjoyment and fewer visits to the fueling station.
The new Prius is 60 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 20 mm lower than the model it replaces, providing a much more planted on-road presence while also delivering more occupant and cargo room.
The height of the Prius’ front badge is exactly the same as that of Toyota’s 86 sports car―an indication of the advancement made in achieving optimum reduction in height and mass.
The new front suspension and rear double wishbone suspension gives the new Prius a greater connection to the road, providing greater control and feedback in all driving conditions.
In addition to creating a dynamic, exciting driving experience, TNGA provides a high-strength framework and stiffened structure to help enhance occupant protection in the event of a collision. The high strength upper body is designed to distribute frontal collision impact energy. Additional reinforcements have been adopted to distribute side collision impact energy.
Active safety systems have also received a significant update: all models will feature the Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes (depending on grade and market) Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Road Sign Assist is available exclusively in Europe.
Toyota aims to make Toyota Safety Sense available across nearly the entire vehicle lineup by the end of 2017.
The new Prius will go on sale in Japan at the end of 2015, and is subsequently scheduled for successive launches around the world.