
TOYOTA UNVEILS AURIS HSD FULL HYBRID* CONCEPTFrankfurt motor show debut for precursor to
Toyota's first full hybrid mainstream European production modelKEY POINTS
*
Concept previews
new Auris HSD Full Hybrid,
Toyota's first full hybrid mainstream model in Europe* World debut at the
Frankfurt motor show*
Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, shared with latest generation
Prius* Sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, class-leading combined cycle fuel consumption and 0-62mph acceleration in around 10 seconds
* Detailed
exterior styling changes to improve aerodynamic performance
* Extension of on-board solar power technology
*
Auris HSD Full Hybrid production model to be built at TMUK's Burnaston factory
* Sales scheduled to start during second half of 2010
* '
Full Hybrid' means the car can be driven on petrol engine alone, electric motor alone or combination of both. Not all
hybrids can do this.
The
new Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept, presented publicly for the first time at the
Frankfurt motor show, marks a significant milestone in
Toyota's plan to equip its mainstream
European models with
full hybrid technology.
Toyota is committed to making the environmental benefits of its
Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) accessible to a wider customer base and it is on track to offer a
hybrid version of every model in its range by the early 2020s.
A
five door hatchback is the best selling type of
car in Europe and consequently the installation of
HSD in
Auris is the logical first step in deploying full
hybrid technology across
Toyota's entire European model line-up.
By introducing the
Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept,
Toyota also aims to shift customer perceptions of
hybrid technology. The obvious advantages are exceptional fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions, but customers will also experience smooth and sophisticated driving unlike any other family hatchback, thanks to the everyday usability, comfort and quietness of the
Toyota full hybrid powertrain.
The
Auris HSD Full Hybrid will be built by
Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) at the
Burnaston factory, near Derby, with sales scheduled to start during the second half of 2010.
The news that
Europe's first hybrid production model will be built in the UK has been welcomed by the British Government. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "I'm delighted
Toyota has chosen the UK to build its first
hybrid vehicle in Europe. When I visited the Burnaston plant in July, I saw for myself the energy and commitment of
Toyota and its workers. The unveiling of the new car at the
Frankfurt Motor Show brings the vision of making the UK the best place in the world to develop low carbon vehicles a step closer. I look forward to seeing the cars roll off the line next year."
Exterior designThe
design of the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept reflects the installation of a
full hybrid powertrain in a
mainstream package. Subtle changes have been made to
Auris's styling to improve
aerodynamic efficiency and blue
hybrid badging identifies the car as a member of
Toyota's full hybrid fleet.
The front end is designed to optimise airflow and so help maximise fuel efficiency. The front and rear bumper corners have flat surfaces, a feature that not only accentuates the car's wide and solid stance, but also smoothes the flow of air over the vehicle's flanks, minimising turbulence and drag.
The ride height is lower by 20mm compared to the conventional
Auris, and underbody panels and a rear diffuser have been fitted to smooth and control airflow beneath the
car. The bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels are designed to cut air turbulence in the wheel arches and are shod with low rolling resistance tyres. A larger, more efficient rear spoiler is also fitted. These aerodynamic elements target a drag coefficient of 0.28.
Interior designThe cabin has a number of special features that are linked to the
car's full hybrid status.
The seats and upper dashboard are finished in blue Gaucholino leather with light blue accent stitching. To complement the exterior body colour, the centre console and side air vents have a tactile, pearl white finish.
The instrument cluster has
hybrid blue illumination, with a design that combines high technology with easy-to-read displays. Alloy pedals reinforce the performance dimension of HSD technology and the steering wheel has a flat bottom section for easy driver access and better legroom.
Sequenced entry and exit lighting is provided, including puddle lights integrated in the door mirrors and ambient illumination of the footwells and headlining. Thick carpeting raises the on-board comfort and refinement levels and also contributes to a marked improvement in cabin quietness.
Refined driving experience
Using the same powertrain as the latest generation
Prius, the
Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept is the first mainstream model in
Europe to benefit from
Toyota's refined, smooth and quiet
Hybrid Synergy Drive.
The
car will accelerate from nought to 62mph in around 10 seconds, while returning class-leading combined cycle fuel economy and sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. It offers four driving modes, three of which can be selected on-demand by the driver:
ECO mode maximises hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy; Power mode boosts performance; and EV mode – a feature only available with a full hybrid system – allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone for up to 1.25 miles (2km) at speeds up to 31mph, with zero fuel consumption and zero CO2 and particulates (PM) emissions.
Building on the inherent quietness of
HSD, particular attention has been paid to further NVH reduction measures to achieve a calm, quiet cabin environment at all speeds. Road and engine noise have been suppressed by comprehensive use of soundproofing materials, and full thickness glazing and an acoustic windscreen reduce wind noise at cruising speeds.
Environmentally efficient technology
Using technology that was first brought to the market in the latest generation
Prius, the
Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept marks a further development of solar powered ventilation, with solar panels covering the entire roof.
Similar technology is used inside the cabin, with solar panels on top of the dashboard that generate sufficient energy to recharge mobile phones or portable music plays mounted in purpose-designed charging trays. In the future,
Toyota aims to advance this technology to provide solar powered recharging of the hybrid battery.
Further energy-saving measures include the use of LED technology for the front and rear lights.
Photos: autoblog