Toyota made a quantum leap in hybrid technology with the completely revamped Prius. New Hybrid Synergy Drive coupled the 1.5-liter DOHC I-4 gasoline engine to a 50-percent-more-powerful 50-kilowatt electric drive-motor. The result was improved power and performance, a 15-percent increase in fuel economy and reduced SULEV and PZEV emissions. A teardrop shape hatchback body with a 0.26 drag coefficient offered midsize interior room and greater cargo space. By-wire shift control enabled the drive rto operate the automatic CVT via a dash-mounted joystick. Electric inverter air-conditioning was standard.
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