Highlander Hybrid preview available...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26\";p=\"54794)</div>

There is no difference in exhaust emissions between SULEV and PZEV. To meet PZEV standards a car needs to meet SULEV, and meet higher standards for not leaking any fuel vapor from the fuel tank or fuel system.

From the California ARB web site:

PZEV is a concept introduced by the California Air Resource Board for vehicles that meet certain stringent emission requirements. The vehicle has to be a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), it has to be fitted with traps to prevent evaporative emissions, and the whole emissions system has to come with a minimum fifteen year, one hundred fifty thousand mile warranty.

The 2004-2005 Prius is an AT-PZEV vehicle. So is the Ford Escape Hybrid. I'm not sure why the Highlander Hybrid is only SULEV.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusenvy\";p=\"54925)</div>

There is no difference in exhaust emissions between SULEV and PZEV. To meet PZEV standards a car needs to meet SULEV, and meet higher standards for not leaking any fuel vapor from the fuel tank or fuel system.

From the California ARB web site:

PZEV is a concept introduced by the California Air Resource Board for vehicles that meet certain stringent emission requirements. The vehicle has to be a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), it has to be fitted with traps to prevent evaporative emissions, and the whole emissions system has to come with a minimum fifteen year, one hundred fifty thousand mile warranty.

The 2004-2005 Prius is an AT-PZEV vehicle. So is the Ford Escape Hybrid. I'm not sure why the Highlander Hybrid is only SULEV.[/b][/quote]

I'd guess it means there's no "bladder" in the fuel tank. IMHO, that's a great thing. I've never been able to fill my Prius over 9 gallons, and that's driving until the last fuel "bar".

Hazarding another guess, I'd bet that much more emissions from fuel vapors are created by folks "topping off" their tanks and overflowing them, than there are given off by vehicles w/o bladders in the fuel tank.

Just my $.02,
G.

 

Got this from my Toyota dealer (Baltimore, MD metro area):

HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE® SYSTEM
Hybrid SynergyDrive® Pure power for both worlds.

Highlander will feature two versions of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive: a front-wheel drive model anda 4-Wheel-Drive with intelligence (4WD-i ) model. The 4-wheel driveHighlander’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® combines the power of a 3.3-liter DOHC24-valve VVT-i V6 gas engine with the efficiency of two high-torque electricmotors. Using a series of sophisticated computers and sensors, it constantlymonitors multiple on-road variables to provide an ideal blend of power and fuelefficiency for any driving situation.

LOW SPEEDS
From initial acceleration to low speeds, power is provided by 4WD-iHighlander’s high-torque electric motors. Unlike a conventional enginethat needs to rev up to reach its torque potential, each electric motorachieves maximum torque from the start, giving Highlander plenty of power fromthe get-go. Energy is supplied by a compact, durable high-capacity storagebattery. Whenever the power supply is low, Highlander automatically rechargesthe battery without needing to be plugged in.

NORMAL CONDITIONS
In normal driving conditions the Highlander runs on the front motor and isassisted by the engine as needed. For exceptional highway performance,Highlander’s gas engine powers the wheels and electric motor via thegenerator. As with low-speed driving, battery recharging may also occur -- thekey to why Highlander never needs to be plugged in.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS
During heavy acceleration, 4WD-i Highlander delivers smooth, seamlessinstantaneous acceleration from the gas engine and the electric motors.Additional energy is supplied by the battery. In special 4WD driving conditions(such as slick road conditions) the rear motor engages to assist withsupplemental power.

DECELERATION/BRAKING
During deceleration/braking, Highlander’s electric motor becomes agenerator converting otherwise wasted kinetic energy into electricity stored inthe high-capacity battery. For sudden stops, Highlander’s conventionalbrakes are also applied.

AT A STOP
As the Highlander slows down and comes to a stop, its gas engine shuts off toconserve fuel and reduce emissions as the electric motors stand silently readyfor action

Power/Performance
The power tomove forward…quickly.

The Highlander Hybrid will be known for many things, butfirst and foremost will be horsepower. The 4WD 3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V6gas engine and electric motor combine for an estimated 270 total horsepower.It’s power that that rivals many V8 engines [1] without sacrificing fueleconomy and blows away any hybrid misconceptions. Just look at the facts:

• 0-60 mph in less than eight seconds [2]
• Instantaneous response from electric motor
• High-capacity storage battery
• Sophisticated energy load management system for optimum drivingperformance
• Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission

[1] Based on preliminary data from ToyotaMotor Corporation.
[2] Performance capacity figures are forcomparison only, and were obtained with prototype vehicles by professionaldrivers using special safety equipment and procedures. Do not attempt.

Highlander Hybrid FAQs:
Some commonquestions regarding an uncommon vehicle.

When you're leading hybrid technology by a vast margin,there are bound to be questions. Which is why we've listed the most frequentlyasked questions (FAQs) of Highlander Hybrid below.

1. What is Toyota’s commitment to hybrid technology?
For the last decade, Toyota hasbeen committed to the development of hybrid vehicle technology. In 1997, wewere the first automaker to sell a mass-produced hybrid vehicle in the world(Prius in Japan). Sincethen, the second generation Prius introduce Hybrid Synergy Dive which helped itwin the coveted Motor Trend “Car of the Year†award. We believethat our latest generation of hybrid technology -- Hybrid Synergy Drive -- offersdrivers the best of both worlds: maximum driving performance with the leastimpact on the environment. It can be deployed on virtually any platform in the Toyota family,and will serve as the basis of our expanded hybrid lineup over the next decade.

2. When and where will Highlander Hybrid beavailable for sale?
By early 2005, all Toyotadealerships throughout the U.S. willsell and service the 2005 Highlander Hybrid. Check the Dealer Locator for the dealernearest you.


3. What am I compromising with theHighlander Hybrid?
Nothing. The Highlander Hybrid was designed to make no compromises. With thebreakthrough technology of Hybrid Synergy Drive, we’veoverturned conventional wisdom that says you have to sacrifice performance andspaciousness to achieve high fuel economy or low emissions.

4. What is Highlander Hybrid’s fueleconomy?
Despite its size, the 2005 Highlander Hybrid will be one of the mostfuel-efficient SUVs on the market -- due to its amazing Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain.And Highlander Hybrid can travel over 600 miles between fill-ups.

5. What is the emission rating of HighlanderHybrid?
Highlander Hybrid will be certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle(SULEV).

6. What are the features and specificationsof the car?
To view a listing of current features and options, visit HighlanderHybrid’s Options page.

7. Is Highlander Hybrid available in amanual transmission?
No. Highlander Hybrid’s Electronically Controlled Continuously VariableTransmission (ECVT) comes standard with the Highlander Hybrid, and in fact, isan integral component to the amazing performance of Hybrid Synergy Drive.

8. Do I need to plug Highlander Hybrid in?
Never. The Highlander Hybrid automatically recharges its batteries usingregenerative braking, or by running the gasoline engine. The driver never needsto worry about recharging the battery.

9. Do I need to use special gasoline?
No. Highlander Hybrid can be fueled with regular 87-octane gasoline, saving youmoney at the pump.

10. Can the Highlander Hybrid bejump-started?
Yes. Should you need it, Highlander Hybrid can be jump-started with anystandard 12V DC power source, and it actually requires less power than aconventional car. Simply connect the cable clamps to access points under thehood (which are connected to the auxiliary battery near the cargo area) andenergize the computer.

11. Can Highlander Hybrid run on electricitywhen it runs out of gas?
No. Though Highlander Hybrid can operate in electric-only mode when gasoline isin the tank, it is not designed to run without gasoline. Doing so could causesevere damage to the hybrid system, so drivers should be sure to keep gas inthe tank at all times.

12. How does Highlander Hybrid safetyfeatures compare to other Toyota SUVs?
The Highlander Hybrid is equipped with all the advanced safety features of anyother Highlander. Highlander Hybrid helps avoid accidents altogether with astandard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution(EBD) and Brake Assist,[1] plus available Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)[2]with Traction Control (TRAC). In an emergency, its strong mono-form shape,front crumple zones, standard driver and front passenger multi-stageairbags,[3] and available driver and front passenger front seat-mounted sideairbags and front and rear side curtain airbags [3] help shield its occupantsfrom harm. A low tire pressure warning system is standard and the battery issealed inside a built-in security case to prevent any leakage or shock in thecase of an accident.

13. How often does Highlander Hybrid need tobe serviced?
Highlander Hybrid needs no more servicing than a conventional SUV.

14. What tax or other incentives areavailable upon purchasing a Highlander Hybrid?
Toyota expectsthat buyers of the 2005 Highlander Hybrid will be eligible for a federal taxdeduction [4] if purchased by December 31, 2005. In addition, numerous statesoffer financial or other incentives for hybrid vehicle purchases (or leases),so check your local regulations and be sure to consult with a tax advisor.

15. Can Highlander Hybrid drive in carpoollanes with a single occupant?
Current federal law prohibits hybrid vehicles from traveling in the carpoollanes with just the driver. However, certain states may have exemptions to thislaw, so check your state’s regulations.



[1] Brake Assist is designed to help thedriver take full advantage of the benefits of ABS. It is not a substitute forsafe driving practices. Braking effectiveness also depends on properbrake-system maintenance and tire and road conditions.
[2] Toyota Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is an electronic system designed tohelp the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not asubstitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditionsand driver steering input can all affect whether VSC will be effective inpreventing a loss of control.
[3] The Toyota driver, front passenger, front seat-mounted side airbags andside curtain airbags are Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS). The driver andfront passenger airbags are designed to deploy in severe (usually frontal)collisions where the magnitude and duration of the forward deceleration of thevehicle exceed the design threshold level. The side airbags and side curtainairbags are designed to inflate in severe side-impact collisions. In all otheraccidents, the airbags will not inflate. To decrease the risk of injury from adeploying airbag, always wear seatbelts, sit upright in the middle of the seatas far back as possible from the airbag modules and do not lean against thedoor. Do not put objects in front of an airbag or around the seatback. Do notuse rearward-facing child seats in any front passenger seat. The force of a deployingSRS airbag may cause serious injury or death.
[4] Available to retail purchasers (leases will not qualify) only for purchasescompleted during calendar year 2003 according to federal tax law as of 9/15/03.Consult your own tax advisor for possible additional tax benefits and details.

Options
Uncommon technology disguised in a familiar package.

Highlander Hybrid Options


• Power tilt/slide moonroof withsunshade
• Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side and front- and second-rowside curtain airbags[1]
• Driver and front passenger heated seats[2]
• JBL Premium 3-in-1 AM/FM Cassette/CD with eight speakers in sixlocations
• JBL Premium 3-in-1 AM/FM Cassette/6-disc in-dash CD changer with eightspeakers in six locations[3]
• Rear-seat DVD entertainment system with rear-seat audio and twowireless headphones
(includes 115V power outlet and RCA jacks)[4, 5]
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Color-keyed front and rear mudguards
• Power driver's seat with 8-way adjustment, plus power lumbar support
• Urethane steering wheel with cruise and audio-mounted controls[6]
• Color-keyed rear spoiler
• Fog lamps

Highlander Hybrid Limited Options


• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
• Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side and front- and second-rowside curtain airbags[1]
• Driver and front passenger heated seats[2]
• JBL Premium 3-in-1 AM/FM Cassette/6-disc in-dash CD changer with eightspeakers in six locations
• JBL Premium 3-in-1 AM/FM Cassette/6-disc in-dash CD changer, DVDnavigation system[7]
and eight speakers in six locations
• Rear-seat DVD entertainment system with rear-seat audio and twowireless headphones
(includes 115V power outlet and RCA jacks)[5]

Highlander Hybrid Packages

Convenience Package- includes roof rack system, multi-function remote keyless entry system and
tonneau cover
Preferred Package[8] - includes fabric-trimmed power driver's seat with 8-way adjustment plus power lumbar support, engine immobilizer, illuminated vanity mirrors and HomeLink®[9] universal transceiver
Leather Seat Package[8] -includes leather-trimmed seats, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat (with power lumbar support), and fore and aft headrest adjustments, leather-trimmed steering wheel with cruise and audio-mounted controls and shift lever, HomeLink®[9] universal transceiver, engine immobilizer and illuminated vanity mirrors
Cold Weather Package - includes heated folding color-keyed power outside mirrors and heated
windshield wiper de-icer grid
Towing Prep Package - includes transmission oil cooler, trailer prewiring harness and 3,500-lb.
towing capacity[10]

[1] The Toyota driver, front passenger, front seat-mounted sideairbags and side curtain airbags are Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS). Thedriver and front passenger airbags are designed to deploy in severe (usuallyfrontal) collisions where the magnitude and duration of the forwarddeceleration of the vehicle exceeds the design threshold level. The sideairbags and side curtain airbags are designed to inflate in severe side impact collisions.In all other accidents, the airbags will not inflate. To decrease the risk ofinjury from a deploying airbag, always wear seatbelts, sit upright in themiddle of the seat as far back as possible from the airbag modules and do notlean against the door. Do not put objects in front of an airbag or around theseatback. Do not use rearward-facing child seats in any front passenger seat.The force of a deploying SRS airbag may cause serious injury or death.
[2] Requires Leather Seat Package.
[3] Requires either urethane steering wheel with audio controls or Leather SeatPackage.
[4] Requires either urethane steering wheel with audio controls or Leather SeatPackage on Highlander (leather-trimmed steering wheel is
standard on Limited).
[5] Requires power moonroof.
[6] Requires JBL audio.
[7] The Toyota DVD navigation system is designed to assist in locating anaddress or point of interest. Discrepancies may be encountered between thesystem and your actual location. Changes in street names, road closures,traffic flow or other road system changes may affect the accuracy of themapping software. Rely upon your common sense to decide whether or not tofollow a specified route. Detailed coverage not available in every city.Optional periodic geographical updates available at an additional cost.
[8] Requires Convenience Package.
[9] HomeLink® is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.
[10] Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked upproperly and you have all necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed anyWeight Ratings and review all instructions and cautions from your trailer hitchmanufacturer and Toyota vehicle Owner'sManual. Note that the maximum amount you can tow depends on thetotal weight of any cargo, occupants and available equipment in the vehicle.

Steve

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26\";p=\"54985)</div>

SULEV and PZEV passenger cars and light trucks meet the same standards for tailpipe emissions. Those other SULEV classes are for medium duty vehicles (trucks over 8500lbs GVWR).