The Toyota Aqua, or Prius c has launched in Japan. Available performance mods include a sport exhaust system with chrome tailpipes, larger alloy wheels as well as a suspension package that lowers the Prius c’s ride height.
The Prius C is powered by a state-of-the-art, small, light and efficient 1.5-litre (1,496 cc – Engine Model: 1NZ-FXE) Toyota hybrid system with reduction gear. It comes with a selectable electric-vehicle mode (EV Mode) enables driving with only the electric motor. The maximum output @ 73kW from the hybrid powerplant.
On the exterior, the sport package from TRD includes a new front apron with additional air vents and optional LED daytime running lights, side skirts, a roof spoiler, and a rear apron with a matte black diffuser to fit with a dual tailpipes.
For the interior, there’s a new TRD push-button start off although efficiency mods are restricted -for the time getting- to a sports exhaust technique with a pair of chrome tailpipes, bigger alloy wheels and a suspension package with new springs and shock absorbers that lower the car’s ride height.
The 2013 Toyota Prius C is scheduled toapper at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Starting price for the Aqua is 1.69 million yen ($21,700). TMC plans to sell 12,000 units per month in Japan.
Press Release
TMC Launches Aqua in Japan
Compact Hybrid Combines Driving Enjoyment with World-Leading Fuel Efficiency
Toyota City, Japan, December 26, 2011—Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the "Aqua"*1 gasoline-electric compact hybrid.
The Aqua combines a comfortable and roomy interior with a stylish body, and displays exciting acceleration and agility.
The Aqua incorporates 17 years of Toyota expertise and technology in the development of mass-produced hybrid vehicles, and boasts a small, light and efficient hybrid system that achieves a world-leading*2 fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's (MLIT's) JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L*3 under the MLIT 10-15 test cycle.
With a starting price of 1.69 million yen, the Aqua offers the pleasure of hybrid vehicles to an even broader range of consumers in Japan.
Monthly sales target for Japan: 12,000 units
Assembly Plant: Iwate Plant, Kanto Auto Works, Ltd.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices Grade Hybrid System Driveline Price* L THS II with reduction gear Front-wheel drive 1,690,000 yen S 1,790,000 yen G 1,850,000 yen *Includes consumption tax, does not include recycling fees and differs in Hokkaido and Okinaw
Vehicle Outline
Exceptional Fuel Efficiency
The Aqua features a state-of-the-art, small, light and efficient 1.5-liter Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with reduction gear, which achieves a fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L in the JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L in the MLIT 10-15 test cycle.
A cooled Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR) system improves efficiency in the high-expansion-ratio Atkinson cycle engine. Also contributing to increased engine efficiency is a battery-powered water pump, a friction-reducing beltless design and precise coolant-water-flow volume control.
The hybrid transaxle, which includes the power control unit, the power-generation motor and drive motor, has also been designed to be small and light.
A selectable electric-vehicle mode (EV Mode) enables driving with only the electric motor.
Key Hybrid System Specifications Engine Model 1NZ-FXE Displacement 1,496 cc Maximum output 54 kW (74 PS)/4,800 rpm Maximum torque 111 N-m (11.3 kgf-m)/3,600—4,400 rpm Motor Maximum output 45 kW (61 PS) Maximum torque 169 N-m (17.2 kgf-m) Engine & Motor Combined maximum output* 73 kW (100 PS) Battery Nickel-metal hydride *Based on TMC calculations
Design Combines Elements of Fun and Sophistication
The Aqua's active and fun styling provides outstanding aerodynamic performance with a comfortable interior in a compact body.
Exterior
The exterior offer
Tags: Toyota, Japanese
2013 Toyota Prius C or the Aqua launches in Japan was originally published by Auto Channel. Read the full story by clicking here.