GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE OF TOYOTA'S HYBRIDS
By Colin Ayres - EcoCarOnline.com
Word on the car lot is that Toyota has the hybrid market in a full nelson. Its flagship model, the Prius, is the most popular half gas, half electric automobile among consumers, selling more than 500,000 worldwide. And the automaker's patented technology, Hybrid Synergy DriveŽ, is undeniable proof that it is leading the effort to save the environment and consumers' gas money.
But a closer look at their design agenda reveals that Toyota is more than just ahead of the curve when it comes to hybrids. They're ahead of our time.
Take the sound-barrier-shaking-this-ride-is-sweet-light-your-hair-on-fire-I-want-my-mommy Alessandro Volta. Its unique carbon-fiber body offers seating for three and features "drive-by-wire" controls, which allows passengers to position the steering wheel and pedals in front of each of them. And its 408-hp engine, powered by Hybrid Synergy DriveŽ (a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for each axle), not only delivers 435 miles on a 13.7-gallon tank, but can climb to 60 mph in just four seconds. Toyota has literally electrified automotive history with this, the first high-performance hybrid.
Another of the automaker's hybrid concept cars is the CS&S, which falls short of the Volta's neck-wrenching power and speed, but arguably outpaces it in aesthetics and functionality. The CS&S is a 4-wheel-drive mid-engine sports car, which of course employs Toyota's Hybrid Synergy DriveŽ. Under "the hood," an electric motor drives the front wheels, while a gas engine and electric motor drive the rear. This model also unveils Toyota's Space Touch, where the driver selects functions by "touching" holographic projections. Yup, this bad boy comes standard with holograms, putting the 20" rims and mp3 hookups of today's hottest models to shame.
| CS&S Specifications |
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| Engine Type: |
High expansion cycle, inline 4-cylinder |
| Valve Mechanism: |
DOHC 16-valve VVT-i |
| Displacement: |
1.5 liters |
| Electric Motor Type: |
Permanent magnet, synchronous |
| Transmission: |
Electric 4WD |
| Maximum speed: |
127 mph |
| 0-60 mph: |
8.6 seconds |
| Wheelbase: |
100.4 in. |
| Length: |
155.1 in. |
| Width: |
70.8 in. |
| Height: |
44.0 in. |
(Specs for the Alessandro Volta were unavailable.)
Source. Toyota.com |
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