The Third Generation Toyota Prius isnt just eyewash, Toyota have surpassed even themselves by coming up with a Prius that takes on the magical figure of 50 miles per gallon. The reduction in fuel consumption isnt by any count due to savings in car size or power. In fact, the Prius 2010 promises to be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.

A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine will power the new Prius. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the larger engine actually helps improve highway mileage. By making more torque, the new engine can run at lower average rpm on the highway. When operating at lower rpm, the new engine uses less fuel. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds.

Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine's efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance.

The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Prius is 90 percent newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models.

* The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20 percent compared to the previous model.
* The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight.
* Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20 percent lighter.
* A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration.

The new Prius will offer three alternative driving modes. EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve their best mileage.

Toyota claims that the new Prius has the most aerodynamic shape of any mass produced vehicle in the history of mankind, and we certainly dont want to argue with them on this point. The designers of the new Prius were able to reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model. Doesnt sound like much, but its the little things that added up make teh big differences.

The remote air-conditioning system is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone and that can be remotely operated, so the driver can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.

Also helping in reducing the fuel consumption is the use of LEDs in the headlamps as well as tail lamps. An exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved performance. It also heats up the passenger cabin more efficiently.

An excellent idea is the use of solar power to keep the car cool when it is parked in the sun. This solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.

Thankfully the rear drum brakes get assigned to history with this variant and it gets all 4 disc brakes. Touch sensors on the steering wheel switches are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road. When the driver touches the audio or info switch located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. This system, called Touch Tracer, is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel.

The ECO indicator on the Multi-Informational Display (MID) provides driver feedback for lower fuel consumption. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are included with Toyota's standard Star Safety System.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using advanced millimeter wave radar, is an available option. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable.

Next-generation Intelligent Parking Assist features simplified settings to help guide the car into parking spaces.
A backup monitor, which provides a view of rear obstacles when reverse is engaged, is available with an optional voice-activated navigation system. Safety Connect, Toyota's first safety and security service, includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and an SOS call button. Safety Connect will be available a few months after launch.

Pricing for the 2010 Prius will be announced shortly before it goes on sale late spring.

2010 PRIUS PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

• POWERTRAIN
• 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i
• Engine horsepower: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm
• Engine torque: 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
• Electric motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
• Electric motor power output: 80 hp/153 lb-ft torque
• Hybrid system net horsepower: 134 hp
• Emission rating: SULEV (with AT-PZEV)
• Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
• Drive System: Front-wheel-drive
• Hybrid battery pack: Nickel-metal hydride
• Estimated fuel economy: 50 mpg (combined)*
• DIMENSIONS (inches)
• Overall Length: 175.6
• Overall Width: 68.7
• Overall Height: 58.7
• Wheelbase: 106.3
• Ground clearance: 5.5
• Coefficient of Drag: 0.25
• Wheels: 15-inch alloy wheels
• 17-inch alloy wheels (optional)
• Tire Size: 15-inch: 195/65R15
• 17-inch: 215/45R17 (optional)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• EPA class rating: Midsize