2013 Toyota Avalon Confirms Hybrid

When we reported the unveiling of the 2013 Toyota Avalon in April (Check it out at http://newtoyotanews.blogspot.com/2012/04/2013-toyota-debuts-new-avalon-at-new.html), Toyota had not revealed powertrain details for it, leading many to speculate the original 268 hp 3.5 liter V-6 engine would carry over. There were also rumblings of the possibility of a Hybrid engine being in the works.

Well ladies and gentlemen; we can now report that Toyota has confirmed a hybrid version of the 2013 Avalon is scheduled for production, coming in the form of a 154-hp, 153-lb-ft 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 engine, capable of making the 2013 Avalon able to reach 140 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque combined.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid’s fuel economy is EPA rated to reach 39/40 mpg city/highway and 40 mpg combined. The regular 3.5-liter V-6 engine gets 21/31 mpg city/highway and 25 mpg combined rating.

The engine will be powered by two electric motor-generators. One of the electric motor generators will start the gas engine and charge the batteries and the other functions as a traction motor and a regenerative braking unit. There is also a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack behind the rear seats. The combined output of the gas engine and electric motor has been rated at 200 hp.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon’s hybrid system will offer three hybrid modes: EV, ECO and Sport.

EV mode allows the vehicle to run exclusively on electric power for up to one mile at 25 mph or less under certain conditions. ECO mode improves the Avalon’s efficiency by reducing the gas engine’s throttle response and HVAC output. Finally, Sport mode enhances the Avalon’s throttle response and steering feel.

Those interested in buying a 2013 Toyota Avalon will have the choice between a 3.5-liter V-6 and the hybrid drivetrains when the car goes on sale later this year.

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Prius C will offer 53 mpg for under $19,000

2012 DETROIT AUTO SHOW COVERAGE

Toyota Prius C. | January 10, 2012 | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

DETROIT – During the 2012 Detroit Auto Show Toyota Motor Corp. announce its plans to expand its current hybrid vehicle lineup with the addition of the subcompact Prius C hatchback. The Prius
C is expected to go on sale in March.

The Prius C’s addition to the family follows the Prius V wagon that came in late 2011, and the Plug-In Prius that is scheduled to arrive this summer. It shows Toyota’s desire to create a Prius for everyone, with the Prius C being designed towards younger buyers who seek great fuel mileage at a lesser price for their first cars.

Toyota stated that the Prius C will get a whooping 53 mpg in the city, the highest city fuel economy of any vehicle (aside from plug- ins). Its highway fuel economy is 46 mpg (not as good as city mpg, but that’s normal for hybrids), giving the Prius C a combined 50 mpg rating.

Toyota also announced that the Prius C will be priced below $19,000 before destination charges.

The Prius C will differ from the standard model in the way that it will have a six-inch shorter wheelbase, it is 19 inches shorter overall, and it is much lighter (The Prius C weighs about 550 pounds less than the standard model).

The Prius C’s gasoline engine is of smaller displacement (1.5 liters vs. 1.8 liters on the standard Prius). It clocks in at 99 HP between the 73 HP Atkinson cycle engine and the hybrid motors.

The Prius C has the ability to be driven in battery-only mode for just about one mile at a driving speed up to 25 mph.

The Prius C’s decrease in size did not mean a decrease in safety and gadgets. It features nine airbags, 15-inch wheels, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, automatic climate control and remote keyless locks with illuminated entry.

The base audio system will feature a CD player as well as USB port with iPod connectivity. The Prius C will also feature hands-free phone capability, Bluetooth music streaming, and phone book access.

Jerry’s Auto Group is located in Baltimore, MD and it offers a great vehicle selection at our 4 stores (Chevrolet, Toyota, Mitsubishi and Scion). For more information check out our website at jerrysitsaboutyou.com. 

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