Featured New high-power hybrid option in all Toyota hybrids

@Prius Team is taking notes I hope.
The demand is here in the US too.

 

I'm not sure there is that much people knocking on Toyota's door asking for a "powered" HV. I truly believe there is more demand for PHEVs and BEVs.

 

I think the demand would be higher than FCEV.

 

I'm trying to figure out 'how' and came up with:

1. Oversized MG2 and power electronics - so the battery can be drawn down for short acceleration.
2. Rear-wheel motors - in Japan, 18 hp, could be increased and traction at the rear can avoid over loading the front drive wheels and tires.

Bob Wilson

 

Rumor has it that Lexus will introduce the UX, based on the C-HR, at the Tokyo Auto Show in November as a 2019 model to arrive about a year from now. A more powerful, and more expensive, hybrid might fit in to their line up. Presumably it would fit expectations of Lexus buyers more than the ct200h which is being discontinued in the U.S.

Here is a link about the introduction (but it doesn't talk about a hybird version): 2018 Lexus UX and seven-seat RX to be unveiled in November – reports

 

If the 2005 & 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid is any indication, there is no demand for mass market high powered hybrid powertrains in the US. Although 10 years is a long time so maybe things have changed. It's certainly not for me. If want high power, I get a V6. If I want fuel economy, I get a hybrid. If I want both fuel economy and power, then I get a turbo 4.

 

That Accord was the first power hybrid on the market. A time when the only people looking at hybrids were the ones that wanted to save gas. Honda does have a power hybrid system today. It is their dual clutch system mated to a six cylinder with two rear motors for AWD. It is available in one or two Acuras in the US.

 

It also isn't necessarily a higher power version of the same engine - it could be larger displacement.

And, I'm seeing this as a measure for when hybrids and EVs are mandated, there'll still be high performance options.

Note that some reviewers have said that the Gen 4 Prius could handle another 100 hp, and that's on the relatively soft suspension of a Four Touring. A Gen 4 with the A25A-FXS and P710 out of the 2018 Camry could actually have some serious straight line performance (and still have good efficiency, based on the Camry LE Hybrid numbers), and with a stiffened up suspension, could have the handling to match. And, the P710's software has fake gear shifts available for those that hate CVTs.

 

I'll take the Power! Live a little, and have some fun. You'll still get over 40 mpg. I don't want to be an old coot who just parks their hybrid in the driveway, hardly drives it, and lives on Prius Chat!

There is more to life! Get out, and just drive it!

 

Try a BMW i3-REx.

Bob Wilson

 

Toyota could simply apply the wide range valve control so the hybrid's Atkinsonized engine can go full Otto.

 

All of the reviews I've read (Motor Trend, Car and Driver, etc.) about the C-HR indicate that it is somewhat to extremely underpowered, so any improvement engine-wise, hybrid or otherwise, will up the ante to compete with other compact CUV's (or whatever the marketeers are calling them nowadays.)

 

Note that that's mostly by American standards - the European ones are actually far slower (they get a choice between a 1.2T with 115 hp, and the Gen 4 powertrain), but something taking over 10 seconds to get to 60 is perfectly normal there.

 

Minor technical issue, the compression stroke ratio would be in the range requiring very high octane fuel.

Bob Wilson

 

They already do. Lots of people bought it for their concept looking wow factor. There's already 3 on my road, all hybrids.


Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Toyota has already implemented the obvious solution to this in the 2018 Camry hybrid hsd. Engine cooling with direct injection allows higher compression stroke. Probably upping the size to 2L would also help, which would get you to 130 hp based on 2018 camry hybrid 2.5L but with 14:1 instead of 13:1 compression. If toyota goes full skyactiv (implementing variable valve lift and redesigning the piston) you could get 140 hp from the 1.8 - and go from 14:1 with premium, 13:1 with american regular - down to 6:1 in atkinson valve timing and port injection.

yep one of the problems.

I think part of the trick is better sound isolation and di ;-) IMHO biggest problem is accelerating when over 25 mph.

Even the camry LE hybrid's 1kwh battery would help.