With a decidedly Japanese stage performance, Toyota unveiled the second-generation Toyota Prius. The original pioneering sedan was more successful at putting hybrid-powered cars in driveways than expected, making Toyota optimistic at the acceptance for the much improved replacement. Everything is bigger and better, with numbers galore to back up the claims. The car has grown, bumping the Prius from a compact to a full-fledged midsize sedan at 110 cubic feet interior volume. Horsepower climbs to 106, with 0-60 mph times dropping to the mid 10 second range, while fuel economy soars. Toyota boasts that the Prius will double the combined (city and highway) fuel economy ratings for any midsize car, and best that of any compact car. Emissions are 30 percent less than the SULEV (super ultra low) 2003 Prius, making it the cleanest car on the planet. Need more numbers? How about, coefficient of drag is 0.26 versus 0.29, it stretches 5.4 inches longer than the current model, cargo capacity is 16 cubic feet, and the new Prius carries 370 patents. The bottom line number wasn't announced, but we're told the price will be just above the 2003 model. It adds up to hybrids becoming the mainstream, with the latest Hybrid Synergy Drive system leading the way.
