Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept
09/15/2009
Toyota
Toyota is committed to reducing the global impact of motor vehicles, by making the environmentally-friendly credentials of Hybrid Synergy Drive(R) (HSD) accessible to a wider customer base. The Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept is proof of Toyota's intention to extend its full hybrid technology to European mainstream models. The company is on-track to offering a hybrid version of every model in the early 2020s.
The C-segment is considered to be the centre of gravity of the European car market. Consequently, the installation of Hybrid Synergy Drive(R) within the Auris is the logical first step in the deployment of full hybrid technology across Toyota's entire European model range.
The introduction of the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept also aims to create an important shift in customer perceptions of full hybrid technology. The advantages of exceptional fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions are obvious. However, the Auris HSD Full Hybrid customer will also experience a smooth and sophisticated driving experience, unique to the C segment, thanks to the everyday usability, driving comfort and remarkable quietness of Toyota's Full Hybrid powertrain.
The Auris HSD Full Hybrid will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, with sales due to start in the second half of 2010.
Exterior Design
The Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept reflects the installation of Full Hybrid technology in an entirely mainstream package. Subtle styling enhancements, targeting improved aerodynamic efficiency and blue accented, hybrid badging instantly identify the car as the latest addition to Toyota's full hybrid fleet.
The front has been designed to optimise the flow of air over the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept in the interest of maximising fuel efficiency. Front and rear bumper corners feature flat surfaces. This not only gives the car a wide, solid stance, but also smoothes the flow of air down the flanks of the car, minimising turbulence and drag.
With a ride height lowered by 20mm, the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept features under-body panels and a rear diffuser to smooth and control the flow of air beneath the car, further improving fuel efficiency. Unique 18" alloy wheels are designed to minimise air turbulence within the wheel arches. The Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept is also equipped with low rolling resistance tyres and a larger, more efficient rear spoiler. These aerodynamic elements target a drag coefficient of just 0.28.
In common with every Toyota vehicle at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept is presented in a striking, white pearl finish. This reflects the clean, high technology, sub- 100 g/km credentials and superb environmental performance of the concept car's Hybrid Synergy Drive(R).
Roomy, relaxed and high quality interior
Within the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept's comfortable, roomy and practical cabin, several unique styling features hallmark the vehicle's full hybrid status.
The seats and upper dashboard are finished in blue, Gaucholino leather with light blue accent stitching. Complementing the concept car's exterior body colour, the centre console and side air vents receive a refined, highly tactile pearl white finish.
The driver's instrument cluster features hybrid blue illumination, combining high technology styling with an easy-to-read, visually relaxing design. Alloy pedals further reinforce the performance attributes of HSD technology, and the steering wheel is of a new, flat bottomed design for ease of access and improved driver upper legroom.
Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept-specific entry and exit sequenced illumination includes external, door mirror-mounted puddle lights and unique, ambient footwell and roof contour illumination. Thick, high quality carpeting enhances on-board comfort and refinement. It also contributes to a marked improvement in cabin quietness.
Refined driving experience
The Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept shares the latest generation Prius' powertrain. It brings the extraordinarily refined, smooth and silent Hybrid Synergy Drive(R) experience to a Toyota mainstream model customer base for the first time in Europe.
The Auris HSD Full Hybrid will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 10 seconds, yet returns class leading combined cycle fuel economy, and CO2 emissions below 100 g/km.
The Auris HSD Full Hybrid offers four driving modes, including three on-demand modes to further increase the capabilities of the Hybrid Synergy Drive(R) powertrain.
An ECO mode maximises hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy. A POWER mode boosts system performance. And, only available to vehicles equipped with full hybrid technology, an EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone for up to 2 km at speeds of up to 50 km/h, resulting in zero fuel consumption, zero CO2 and zero PM.
Taking advantage of the inherent operational quietness of Hybrid Synergy Drive(R), particular attention has also been paid to further Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) reduction measures. This ensures customers enjoy a calm, quiet cabin environment at all vehicle speeds. Road and engine noise have been rigorously suppressed through the comprehensive use of sound-proofing materials. Full thickness glazing and an acoustic windscreen design further reduce wind noise for improved quietness at cruising speeds.
Environmentally efficient technology
First realised in the latest generation Prius, the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept introduces a further development in the field of solar powered ventilation technology. Solar panels have been applied to the entire roof surface of the full hybrid Auris. The solar powered ventilation prevents the interior air temperature from rising.
In the coming years, Toyota aims at offering solar panels which can recharge the hybrid battery.
Similar technology has also been incorporated into the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept interior. Dash-top mounted solar panels generate sufficient power to recharge mobile phones or music players mounted in purpose-made charging trays on each side of the dashboard. In the coming year, Toyota aims and offering solar panels wich can recharge the hybrid battery.
Further energy saving measures include the use of LED technology for both front and rear lights, once again improving HSD efficiency for enhanced fuel economy.
Specifications
Engine
Displacement (cm3) 1798
Max. output kW (hp) 73 (98)
Acceleration 0 - 100 (s) ~10*
Motor
Type Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Transmission
Type Electronically controlled Continuous Variable Transmission
HV battery
Battery type Nickel-Metal hydride
Exhaust Emissions
CO2 (g/km) <100
Exterior dimensions
Overall length (mm) 4245
Overall width (mm) 1760
Overall height (mm) 1515
Wheelbase (mm) 2600
* target
Disclaimer
1. The fuel consumption and CO2 values are measured in a controlled environment, in accordance with the requirements of Directive 80/1268/EEC incl. its amendments, on a basic production vehicle. For further information about the basic production vehicle, please contact your local PR-officer.
2. The fuel consumption and CO2 values of your vehicle may vary from those measured. Driving behaviour as well as other factors (such as road conditions, traffic, vehicle conditions, installed equipment, load, number of passengers, ...) play a role in determining a car's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions