2016 Prius PDF Presentations - Chief Engineer & Hybrid Engineer

Toyota has added a new feature to enhance the driving experience when Power mode is selected. An adaptive system continuously monitors the acceleration pattern and lateral G-force readings to determine if the driver is adopting a more enthusiastic driving style. This system will then adapt and implement a sportier acceleration and deceleration.

To improve brake feel and control while reducing noise reduction, the all-new Prius utilizes a newly-developed active hydraulic booster for its regenerative brakes.

Under the Hood of the All-new Toyota Prius | TOYOTA Global Newsroom

 

That does make sense. I must admit that I didn't understand that there was a second planetary gear. So now I'd like to know what that planetary gear was doing and how it can be replaced by a parallel gear.

 

See this post.
The reduction gear he is talking about is a second planetary set, working inside the same gear ring, to this set MG2 is connected in Gen 3. Now replaced by helical set.

 

I guess it works in the same way as the planetary gearset - the sun gear is the same, the planet gearset is now a single cog and the ring gear is another cog. The improved efficiency would come from the reduced surface of friction.
Another advantage is the more compact packaging.
A disadvantage would be the additional stress on the housing that the multi-axis design will put.

 

Actually I watched the entire video. Very interesting. So, the second planetary gear set, which was seen as an advance over gen 1 & 2, is now being abandoned for a simpler and lighter reduction gear. The primary planetary set remains.

 

In the Koji Toyoshima presentation, page 29, it looks like they are talking about a change to the Prius seat. Not sure what
part of the seat (or the person) they are showing. I wonder if they changed the pitch of the seat to stop you from feeling
like you are tilted back.

 

someone mentioned that they are much more comfortable for long trips.

 

From the Japanese press release:

"In order to minimize discomfort during long drives, Toyota has totally redesigned the Prius' seats. In the front seats, improvements to frames and cushion bolstering have enhanced comfort while saving weight and space, providing a 'snug' fit and chiropractic control, while the seatback springs have been moved rearward for optimal occupant posture. As a result, pressure on the lower part of the pelvis is reduced and dissipated broadly, thereby alleviating stress on the lower back and muscles."

 

Translating the English version of the Japanese into American Yiddish, there's more cush for your tush.

 

Yes, up to 110 km/h. This was mentioned in a press conference in Japan.

Also, it seems that they have improved cabin warm-up speed in a cold day.
See this post

 

Comparing to EU PiP limit (85 km/h) is even more impressive.
What do you think of the possible improvement in cabin warm-up in a cold day?
Not a big issue here, but for you in the cold...should be

 

So on page 9 of the Fushiki presentation:
top left motor is MG1 with the power-split as usual, ICE is coupled to the shaft going right?
bottom left is MG2 with the new gearing, and the blue gear goes to the wheels?

 

On this schematic - yes and yes.

 

so, from that first document, the salient improvements seem to be:

• stiffer body
• independent rear suspension
• better sound deadening (why didn't they do this right in Gen III??)
• more cargo room from moving the traction battery to under the rear passenger seat (probably the independent suspension helped here, too)

What I learned from the 2nd document about the Gen III's front end during accerlation :

• "Vehicle pitches unstably"

 

Weight. Weight saving from TNGA was spent on improving all those things plus the handling.

Improvement in powertrain efficiency went to increase MPG.

I think the Eco version would be tuned for highest MPG while cutting weight wherever possible.