Toyota demos Prius Prime in VR

Toyota shows off the 2017 Prius Prime in the most high-tech way possible: a virtual reality drive in a Syd Mead-made “4D” ride. Syd Mead, in case you didn’t know is the creative visionary behind the vehicles, architecture, and more in Blade Runner and Tron. Toyota showed off this demo at TechCrunch’s Disrupt SF 16. It has a Tilt Brush element as well as the VR ride. Both make use of the HTC Vive. But instead of just standing and moving around, after you complete the art piece, you’ll be seated in a physical driver’s seat with the actual steering wheel of the Prius Prime itself. You don’t control it much as the wheel moves along with the action you’re seeing in virtual reality. Toyota worked with creative agency Saatchi & Saatchi to bring this VR demo to life.

Toyota to release special edition Prius c, limited to 1,500 units

There will only be 1,500 units of the special edition Prius c hybrid called the Prius c Persona Series. It’ll come in two versions that offer the same specs but come with different trim colours. The main body colour of this electric vehicle will be black and buyers have the option to get it either in Electric Lime or Cherry Pearl. The colours run through the lower front grille, under the headlights, on the trim near the side windows, and the mirrors.

This Prius c Persona line will don Persona series badges and have 15-inch black alloy wheels. Prius c vehicles come in a numbered grade scale and this model is built on grade Two, meaning it gets fabric-trimmed two-tone seats; 6-way adjustable driver’s seat; 60/40 split fold-down rear seats; cruise control; cargo area cover; and engine immobilizer. Fuel economy of this EV is rated for 53mpg in the city. It’s equipped with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine with 73hp and 82 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with an electric motor and battery system, which if combined outputs total of 99hp. Under EV mode it can run solely on electric power for under a mile while remaining below 25mph. Toyota hasn’t said yet how much the special edition will cost but it will come out in the US in December.

Source: Toyota | Via: SlashGear 

Toyota releases details on 4th generation Prius hybrid with 18% better mileage

Toyota's popular Prius Hybrid looks to be getting better mileage (up to 40 kilometres a litre) as well as improved engine, interior and driver features. Coming to Japan in December and expected to hit North America next year, the new Prius has imprvoed batteries which are 10 per cent smaller than the current version while better options for engine performance, and even all-wheel drive, are being considered.

"The Toyota Prius is the most successful hybrid on the planet, but its success hasn't expanded to other hybrids, and even the Prius has struggled to maintain sales in recent years," said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

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