38 — Friday, April 3, 1998 - North Shore News north shore news AUTO —e Photo submitted | Low-emission Prius selling well in Japan WITH 3,500 orders in _the first month, com- pared. to an initial sales target of 1,000 a month in Japan, Toyota’s new low-emis- sion Prius is the world’s. first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid automobile. : Car buffs and environmein- talists around the world aré keenly interested in the front- wheel drive Prius, which’ dis- charges only half the amount of “carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by conventional cars oft the sume engine size and, at lirres/100 kilometres, : ‘divers more than twice the ~ fuel economy. » Other manufacturers have ~giperimented with gas engine /electric motor vehi- cles. ; What distinguishes Toyota’s hybrid design is the stamless transition between its two sources of motive power, which also function simultane- ously under certain condi- tions. Toyota’s parallel hybrid system is controlled by a sophisticated electronic con- trol system that takes its sig- nals from a host of sensors and sends out commands accord- ing to carefully-developed dri- ving conditio. parameters. HOW IT WORKS “Mass power comes from an advanced, highly-efficient 1.5- litre gasoline engine. Power can also be supplied by an electric motor and ¢ elec- tric generator and in high-load situations { like passing at high- way, speeds), both modes operate simultancously. The key is a inechanical power-split accomplished by planetary gears in the trans- mission that sends engine pawer dircctly ta the front wheels as well as to the electric motor or to the generator —~ which keeps the Prius nickel- metal hydride battery pack charged. an electronically-con- trolled transmission works to smgethly adjust the speed of the gas engine, the electric generator and the electric ~ motor to accommodate both acceleration and deceleration at Jow or high speeds. By maintaining the most efficient specd and torque range of the gas engine, fuel consumption is minimized. Qutside this “most effi- cient” range, such as when Prius accelerates from a stop or runs at low speeds, the elec- tric motor alone powers the vehicle while the gas enginc shuts off or reverts to gencra- tor mode. When power requirements change, the gas engine starts and the clectric motor is used to supplement the gas engine such as when the vehicle is cruising or accelerating while at speed. The nickel-metal hydride battery pack stores electricity “Prius is a sleek, mid-sized car whose 50-litre gas tank can ferry five people ... up to an astounding 1,400 km.” from the generator, which also converts kinctic energy from the wheels during braking and deceleration back into electric- ity to charge the batteries. Designed to rev only to 4,000 rp.m., the engine's internal parts needn’t be as strong or heavy as in high reving engines. Moving parts are lighter, the crankshatt is smaller in diameter, piston rings have lower tension and valve spring load is less, resulting in much lower friction loss. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx), hydrocarbons (HCs) and car- bon monoxide (CO) — all considered harmful green- house gases that contribute to global warming —~ are reduced co about one-tenth of the amounts set by Japan’s current pollution regulations, COMFORT AND SAFETY Prius is a sleek, mid-sized car whose 50-litre gas tank ¢an ferry five people in air-condi- tioned comfort up to an astounding 1,400 kilometres —— from Toronto to Montreal and back — between fill-ups. The long wheelbase of Prius means plenty of cabin room for driver and passen- gers, and slightly-higher scats provide a comfortable driving position with good visibiliry. A 147 7mm / 5.8-inch wide monitor for the audio system, clock warning information and climate control system also displays energy usage and energy recovery status of the Toyota Hybrid System. A spacious front flow- through passage is created by adopting 2 centre-dashboard- mounted pistol-grip gear shift lever and foot-operated park- ing brake. Dig:cal meters installed on the upper centre of the instru- ment panel minimize eye movement while driving. The automatic air conditioner’s fi- ter removes pollen and other dust particles. THE RE CLABLE Many of Pris poled i inter- nal and external parts are made from easily recyclable Tovota Super Olefin Polymer. ‘A corner moulding struc- ture on both front and rear bumper enables replacement of just the corner areas, which are most prone to damage. Bumpers and lamps are sepa- rately configured for easy dis- assembly. High performance sound- proofing materials are made from recycled, shredded vehi- cle residue and installed as noise insulation behind the dashboard and under the floor. Lead has been eliminat- ed from rust-prooting materi- als for the fuel tank, in wire harness coverings and is: win- dow glass ceramic paints. The Toyota Prius emerges as a 23st century automobile that harmonizes the costs and benefits of driving for the indi- vidual, society and the envi- ronment. While Prius is currently available only to buyers in Japan, Toyota is studying it for potential sale elsewhere in the world — possibiy by the year 2000. THE Toyota Prius (left) is the world’s first mass-pro- duced gasoline- electric hybrid car. Currently for sale in Japan, the Prius could be in Canada by 2000. Complete Mechanical Repairs & Service } 183 Pemberton Ave. TALKING W spe ridges o~ JEEP OWNERS: READ THIS! Quality Repairs by factory trained technician. Very competitive rates. “Building business with honesty, one customer at a time” 405 Pemberton Ave., N.Van 985-6237 or 831-749: Aren’t you amazed by the unlimited number of lines some people are able to come up with? SO are we. This is no joke of a promotion. 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