Toyota is now gearing up to release the 2017 Prius Prime later this year. The Japanese car manufacturer claims the next-generation Prius doubles the electric range of its predecessors with fuel efficiency of 120 miles-per-gallon -equivalent (MPGe).
The 2017 Prius Prime combines Toyota's new 1.8-liter gasoline engine with an electric drive motor and a massive 8.8 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack. In a single charge, the battery can propel the car for up to 22 miles at 84 mph, enough for a usual travel.
Once the battery drains, the Prius Prime reverts to hybrid mode to save up electricity during deceleration and reuse it help the engine, according to Digital Trends.
CNET reports the next Prius will also have the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). Plus, it will have lighter body thanks to specialty materials, such as carbon fiber for the rear hatch, aluminum for the hood and loads of high-tensile strength steel throughout the body.
Inside, the first thing that passengers will notice is the enormous 11.6-inch infotainment screen installed on the center console. On top of this big screen, there's dual 4.2-inch color TFT screen that shows critical car information like road speed, distance travelled and gas. In addition, the drive mode selector (reverse, neutral, park, etc.) is located below.
The 2017 Prius Prime also have seating for five people and a hatchback for cargo, providing plenty of usable space. Music lovers will definitely love the car's optional premium Entune sound system with 10 JBL GreenEdge speakers mounted in six different locations throughout the cabin. Not only that, there's Entune Media bundle with an AM/FM radio pause feature, HD Radio, weather and traffic update and 3-month free subscription of SiriusXM.
Of course, the car is expected to have a USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control. iPhone users can also use Siri Eyes Free mode for more in-car assistant.
In terms of accident mitigation and occupant safety, buyers can get Toyota's Safety Sense package for the Prius. The active safety technology includes pedestrian detection with automatic braking, dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic warning.
We expect the 2017 Prius Prime will hit dealerships this fall. Toyota has not yet revealed the price range of the car. Considering all of its features, we estimate the base price of the new Prius would be around $30,000.
Stay tuned with Gospel Herald for more update.
