Auto Knight

Toyota Prius 2010 Model To Get 50 MPG

by Darren

People want better gas mileage, and Toyota is prepared to deliver it to them with their 2010 Prius. The Prius has been the top-selling and award winning Hybrid Electrical Vehicle (HEV) since it’s introduction. The car has always offered consumers a comfortable ride and high fuel efficiency for a reasonable price.

Toyota has put a great emphasis on fuel efficiency with their next generation Prius model, and now motorists can expect a 50mpg average.

“To get there, Toyota switched to a larger and more powerful 1.8-liter I-4 engine. Using what’s known as the Atkinson Cycle, the gasoline side of the powertrain develops more torque — in this situation good for better launch and for improved mileage. Fuel economy also is enhanced by the use of an electric water pump and the complete elimination of friction-causing engine belts.”

This year, Toyota is going to have more competition than ever. The Honda Insight and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI both enter the “green space” in order to try an unseat the Prius. The Prius is now Toyota’s 3rd best selling car in the United States.

Toyota plans on remaining the leader in the gasoline-electric hybrid market. According to the company, they claim the 2010 Toyota Prius will offer 3 industry firsts. This means it will be the first time anywhere these features are offered in an automobile.

Recently rumors began circulating that the Prius would offer an astounding 65mpg fuel efficiency, but the company says that was a result of miscommunication, and isn’t a true claim.

“For the record, Toyota has only a small test fleet of PHVs in the U.S and has never offered mileage estimates on PHV technology. These PHVs are being used for auto displays, brief demonstrations and university studies. They are very early ‘converted’ prototypes using double nickel metal-hydride batteries,” Toyota said in a statement.

Right now, the 2010 Toyota Prius looks like the car to buy for people who are interested in fuel efficiency.