More on The All-new, 5th Gen 2023 Toyota Prius Prime

Hi All:

Regarding the Cd, there were three waves and I was the only one in my wave to ask about the large increase in drag. The question was answered with the Cd was higher with the lower frontal area creating the same total overall drag which I have explained previously. It was only when I was doing the tire height study that lead me to the ground clearance spec which is my only fallback as far as a higher Cd.

Regarding an open or closed grill shutter, the EPA dictates that setting and I suspect although I have not confirmed that both were open for the dyno Load Force calculation.

In any case, I will press the chief engineer at the Prime short lead I will be attending at the end of the month if it was the larger rear haunches that created the increase from 0.24 to 0.27.

2023 Toyota Prius Prime


Japanese Spec​

Wayne

 

Hi All:

From the Japan 2023 Prius Japan Intro story...

Toyota just announced it is commencing sales of all-new Prius PHEV models, offered as the Z trim, on March 15

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Developed under the "Hybrid Reborn" concept, the new Prius has evolved with an all-new and inspiring exterior design with exceptional performance and world class efficiency. Prius HEV models were launched in January of this year.

The new Prius PHEV, offered as a Z trim in Japan, has been reborn as a high-performance version equipped with the latest plug-in hybrid system, which combines a compact, high-capacity drive battery, high-output drive motor, and high-efficiency gasoline engine.

The main features of the Plug-in Hybrid System are as follows:

The PHEV can cover the majority of daily driving, including commuting and going shopping, using just the electric power from the charged battery. It offers the outstanding quietness and brisk motor-based driving performance of a battery electric vehicle (BEV). On longer drives, such as going on a trip, the engine supplements battery power to serve as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that ensures the cruising range needed for traveling long distances with peace of mind. At the same time, the combination of motor and engine delivers the powerful yet comfortable driving performance unique to PHEV vehicles from the moment the gas pedal is pressed.

A unique PHEV external power supply system _ for Japan only so far, enables the car to supply power in a range of scenarios from daily living to emergency situations. This includes an external power supply mode that enables the car battery to provide power during outdoor, leisure, and other activities. There is also an external emergency power supply mode that provides a larger supply of power during blackouts, disasters, and other emergencies by using the engine to generate electricity.

The new Prius PHEV with a maximum system output of 164 kW/220 HP. The driving distance on the Japan MITI system is is 54-miles with the energy robbing 19" tires and 65-miles on the 17's. The 65-mile all-electric range (AER) represents an improvement of 75% compared to the current 4th gen Prime.

2023 Toyota Prius PHEV (Japan) Details

Based on the all-new fifth-generation hybrid system, the new Prius PHEV combines a compact, high-capacity Li-Ion traction battery and high-output drive motor in Toyota's first use of its newly developed 2.0L PHEV System. This version of the Prius PHEV can reach 60 in just 6.5 seconds with the 17" tires and wheels.

The new Prius PHEV is equipped with Regeneration Boost, which is useful on mountain roads and in other situations that require regular switching between acceleration and braking. When set, this function provides stronger regenerative braking force than normal to deliver responsive driving performance while reducing the frequency of switching between the accelerator and brake pedals.

As a feature unique to PHEV models in Japan - possibly for the rest of us going forward???, the new Prius PHEV comes with both a BEV external power supply mode, which uses electricity stored in the battery to provide an external power supply for outdoor, leisure, and other activities, and an HEV external power supply mode, which can use the car as a power supply during blackouts, disasters, and other emergencies. In the HEV external power supply mode, electricity is supplied from the battery only until the remaining power falls to a set level, after which the engine starts to supply electricity. With a full battery charge and full tank of gas, this system can provide enough electricity for about five days of use. It also comes with an external electric power supply attachment as standard so that external power supply is possible with the door windows closed to prevent rain and insects from getting in the car when in use. It is also equipped with a vehicle power connector that can be plugged into the charging inlet of the vehicle for use as an external power socket providing 1,500 W on Japan's std. 100 VAC system.

The new Prius PHEV is equipped with a second-generation solar charging system that provides enough power to drive up to 3 to 4-miles extra per day. Electric power generated from the solar panel is used to charge the drive battery while parked, with the system not only supplying electricity for driving but for A/C and other functions while driving. The system also supplies the auxiliary battery system when driving to reduce drive battery consumption.

The new Prius PHEV comes with a "My Room Mode" that lets users enjoy air conditioning and audio systems from the external power source by turning the power switch on during normal charging. Creating a comfortable interior space without running the engine, this feature turns the car interior into an additional room that can be used for teleworking, rest, or any other activities. <-- This is a must have for here as your ability to use the heat pump is limited to minutes while plugged into an L2 before it shuts down on our 4th gens. A massively huge mistake for those of us that live on the road and transition through climates as hot as the Mojave desert in the summer to as cold as a North Dakota blizzard in winter while parked and charging overnight.

The all-new Prius uses the same body design for both the HEV and PHEV models, but with their individuality expressed through small differences in shapes and color schemes. The exclusive PHEV design comes with 19" alloys with dynamic shape and a metallic silver lower grille and smoky gray tail lamps that emphasize technical advancement.

Base sales volume for Japan - PHEV: 450 units per month (Reference: HEV: 4,300 units per month)
Production Plant - Tsutsumi Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

Wayne

 

Hi All:

I was snooping around the Japanese Toyota Consumer site and saw this:

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It appears we may only be able to charge the all-new 5th gen Prius Prime at 3.3 KW just like the 4th Gen Prime.

On a plus note, the advertised 2023 Toyota Prius Prime "My Space/My Room" is standard across all grades in Japan.

Boy do I hope that feature is standard here as well.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

And the Fuel Economy? Of course these are the 23 Prius Japanese specs but apparently the Prime and its extra weight even with the 17's is going to take a hit vs the standard 23 Prius.

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Although I cannot read Japanese and I do not have a pdf converter in order to complete a web based translation, I am able to pull individual lines of writing and convert those. The numbers are clear to see.

The Z trim Prius Prime is rated on the WLTC with the following:

Combined: 26.0 km/L
City Mode: 23.7 km/L
Suburban Mode: 28.7 km/L
Highway Mode: 25.5 km/L

Wayne

 

Hi All:

2021 Toyota Prius Prime


Crossing into California on the way to the short lead. ​

I am in Carlsbad, CA for the 23 Prius Prime Short Lead which begins this evening. The Embargo is on the afternoon of April 5th but in the mean time, here are some pics from the media kit.

2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE in Guardian Gray Exterior











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More pics to come...

Wayne

 

Hi All:

How about we move to the inside?

2023 Toyota Prius Prime Interior








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Wayne

 

Hi All:

And one some may be interested in although given the spec - I can post it in a few days, it is going to surely underwhelm.

2023 Toyota Prius Prime Solar Charging Roof

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Wayne

 

Hi All:

How about a little Red to go with that 2023 Toyota Prius Prime?

2023 Toyota Prius Prime














Yes, San Diego has had a lot of rain as of late. ​

Wayne

 

Hi All:

And some more interior shots...

Inside the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime





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Wayne

 

Hi All:

And finally, how about a little Wind Chill Pearl?

2023 Toyota Prius Prime








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That completes processing and uploading the media pics that were worth working on. Now I had better get over to the venue before I miss any 23 Prime details.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

The obligatory front to rear seat room.

2023 Toyota Prius Prime

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Wayne

 

Hi All:

While I would not want to own a black anything given how hard it is to keep clean, when someone else provides an essentially spotless one for a few hours, why not.

2023 Toyota Prius Prime


Along the Pacific Coast in Carlsbad, CA.


Along the Pacific Coast in Oceanside, CA.​

The couple in the background walked over while I was snapping pics and asked some questions... They told me they had owned 6 Prius' since 2004 until purchasing a Model 3 last year. They really liked the looks of the all-new 23 Prius and are considering it to replace their Model 3.

The embargo is on the 5th when I can layout specs and impressions but while at the Westin resort, the vehicle team had commandeered a large area in the underground parking lot for prepping the Primes. I visited and discovered this while plugging and unplugging this Prime.

The charging door is still unsecured outside of the latch but the charging cord now locks into place until the car is unlocked.​

Wayne