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2010 Torque is 104 vs 2009's Torque is 295?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by hschen, Aug 31, 2009.

  1. hschen

    hschen New Member

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    I saw review said that 2009 Prius has 2 electric motors that can generate an huge 295 in torque. 2010 is only spec'ed at 104? What's story?
     
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    With the 2010 MG2 is geared. The new MG2 spins at a higher speed, allowing for more torque and power at the wheels, while having less torque itself.

    Tom
     
  3. hschen

    hschen New Member

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    Sorry for my ignorance. What's MG2?
     
  4. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    MG2 is Motor-Generator 2, which is the main electric motor in a Prius. MG1 is a smaller motor/generator which is used principally to spin the engine (ICE), or keep the engine from spinning.

    When you look at the total torque for a Prius, you are mostly looking at MG2 and the ICE. It gets a bit more complicated when you look at the details, since a portion of the ICE's power is always sent through MG2, but on the surface you can think of MG2 and the ICE each pushing the car forward.

    As for gearing and torque, gearing can amplify torque while reducing speed, or the other way around. A small, very fast engine can produce the same power as a slow, large engine. If a lot of torque is needed, the small fast engine will need to be geared down, which is like driving in a lower gear. That's what is happening with the new 2010: MG2 is smaller and faster. Overall it is more powerful, but it gets its power through speed and not torque. The gearing converts this speed to useful torque.

    The long and the short of it is that the 2010 has a more powerful electric motor.

    Tom
     
  5. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    MG=Motor Generator
    MG2 is the main drive motor and main regenerative motor in one.
    MG1 is connected to the ICE and acts as the 'starter' for the ICE and the generator to feed energy to the battery.
     
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    We thought it was a typo too but it turns out because of the larger 1.8 litre, it doesn't need to put out as much torque so the MG2 could be made smaller and lighter.
     
  7. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    As Tom posted, the 2010 MG2 is now geared.
    The absolute torque comparison means nothing.
    Following is a copy of my post.
    -----
    Gen2:295lb-ft(MG2 torque) X 4.113(final gear ratio) = 1213lb-ft(torque at wheels)
    Gen3:153lb-ft(MG2 torque) X 2.636(reduction gear ratio) X 3.267(final gear ratio) = 1318lb-ft(torque at wheels)

    Ken@Japan
     
  8. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    I'm going to repost this over and over, while jumping up and down screaming. This is a simple mechanical concept.

    :mmph: :doh: :frusty:

    Tom
     
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  9. snead_c

    snead_c Jam Ma's Car

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    This is a simple mechanical concept.
    This is a simple mechanical concept.
    This is a simple mechanical concept.
    This is a simple mechanical concept.
    :eek:
     
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  10. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Gen2: 295 lbs-ft (no SRU)
    Gen3: 403 lbs-ft with SRU

    SRU - Speed Reduction Unit