Fourth-Gen Toyota Prius To Receive AWD, New Battery Packs
Though it may be a while before the fourth-generation Toyota Prius leaves the assembly line, it may be worth the wait as far as batteries and drivetrains are concerned.
Automotive News reports the new hybrid will have two choices for battery power. According to senior managing officer of powertrain development Koei Saga, both a low-cost nickel-metal hydride unit and a larger-capacity lithium ion pack — for longer electric-only range — will help provide power. Though Saga was cagey regarding economy numbers, he claimed that the new packs’ economy would “surprise everyone.”
Meanwhile, the power won’t be directed toward just the front wheels. Saga says there’s a possibility that AWD could be in the cards for the new Prius, which will be underpinned by the company’s Toyota New Global Architecture.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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Prius+AWD=Inability to sell other vehicles in blue states north of the Mason Dixon, even the v and c. People will go to the FWD once the AWD models run out. I knew that this was going to happen.
Doesn’t very little braking happen with the rear wheels? Though I guess most Prius drivers brake relatively gently, so just braking with the rear wheels would be sufficient.
"the new hybrid will have two choices for battery power. According to senior managing officer of powertrain development Koei Saga, both a low-cost nickel-metal hydride unit and a larger-capacity lithium ion pack — for longer electric-only range " this is news, why? Prius 3 has offered that for years already.
While I never liked the design of the bean shaped Prius line I understand they are for people with the environment in mind, or for people that really want to go far without having to set foot at gas station for long periods of times. The need for less gas and having the best hybrid systems on the market is appealing and now with the Prius C being the cheapest Prius and the Prius V being the large cargo hybrid Toyota has the market covered, well almost. The one thing that stops the Prius from being a winner for me is AWD and maybe some more luxury features, but mostly AWD. Living in the North East driving a Prius in the snow is borderline useless in some conditions, heck even my Accord Coupe V6 was terrible. Adding a AWD system would ding the MPG of a Prius but as long as we aren't talking 10 points why not? Maybe its being I am getting older and I see what it costs to own a car and operate it in the NE, but if the Prius V came with AWD, that car will be my next car.