Posts tagged with "electrified"

2023 TOYOTA PRIUS

Trace a New Testimonial.

In its fifth generation, the original hybrid boss redefines sustainability with style and grace in large part because of its lower center of gravity and longer wheelbase.

Even in its prime, the 2023 Toyota Prius paints the perfect picture at a precise price. With six USB-C, wireless Apple CarPlay × Android Auto in tandem with 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, it is probably the most attentive as well as an intuitive vehicle in its category.

2023 Toyota Prius first drive via Kathy Dyess and 360 MAGAZINE.

360 MAGAZINE reviews the 2023 Toyota Prius. Photo: Kathy Dyess

The cockpit is more contemporary than its predecessor: digital cluster above the steering wheel, 12.5″ multimedia display, and overall functional design.

Arriving at 57 mpg with a bigger 2.0 L in-line engine offering 60% more power, the vehicle has more torque, thanks to the constantly changing E-CVT. Dial in different distributions for a stiffer steering alongside AWD is more than conducive for pinching into corners.

With UFOish skin and tons of trailing technology, perhaps this is the Gen Z dream car?!
360 MAG’s Kathy Dyess

Ergonomics, coupled with an eco-architectural skeleton, it will no longer be alien to an urban environment.

The Legacy Continues

When the Toyota Prius made its groundbreaking debut in 2000, it changed the automotive industry forever. The high-tech sedan ushered in a new generation of vehicles that combined an electric motor with a high-efficiency engine. That unmatched legacy continues with the recent reveals of the all-new 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime.

As the most fuel-efficient Prius to date, the 2023 Prius has a EPA-estimated 57 miles per gallon combined fuel economy rating (LE FWD model), bringing accessible electrification to drivers everywhere. The 2023 Prius Prime also adds to the innovative nameplate. Now after a decade in production, this plug-in hybrid model continues to offer customers the flexibility of getting around town on zero-emission battery power or hybrid mode for fuel-efficient road tripping. What’s more, it also offers extra performance and technology, enhancing an already enticing package.

Without question, both the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime are key vehicles in Toyota’s diverse electrified portfolio as the company works to achieve carbon neutrality. Available in a variety of grades to complement customers’ personal tastes and lifestyles, both vehicles are ready to uphold Prius’ legacy as a respected and sought-after global nameplate.

Read on to learn about the top five things that make the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime innovative additions to the eco-sensitive Prius family.

Modern and Mindful Design

Built on the second-generation TNGA-C platform, both vehicles offer a low center of gravity and increased rigidity compared to the previous generations. The result? A wider stance and lower driving position that feels nimble yet comfortable. The 2023 Prius will be available in LE, XLE and Limited grades, and the 2023 Prius Prime will be available in SE, XSE and XSE Premium grades, respectively. No matter the grade, they all provide a smooth ride.

The attractive features don’t stop there. Both vehicles’ exteriors boast modern, polished designs. Each possesses a piercing silhouette with sporty yet sleek exterior styling. With an aerodynamic flair, the 2023 Prius and Prius Prime feature a roofline 2 inches lower compared to the prior generation for a more athletic look. The vehicles are 1 inch longer and nearly 1 inch wider in the rear, adding to the aesthetic appeal.

For both the 2023 Prius and Prius Prime, the position of the battery is also optimized, with placement under the rear seat for enhanced luggage capacity.

The Prius Prime also blends its cool aesthetic with a bit of star-powered tech: a solar roof. This on-board charging feature uses roof-mounted solar panels to recharge the Prius Prime’s battery when parked. The panels deliver supplemental power to accessory functions, like air conditioning, when driving. A clever design conceals the electrodes for a seamless, glossy appearance.

Premium Performance

Drivers can expect enhanced acceleration and effortless handling when they get behind the wheel of both the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime. Both have larger 2.0L engines and newly developed lithium-ion batteries. New for 2023 Prius, the battery pack is smaller and lighter and achieves a 15% increase in output compared to the previous-generation nickel metal battery.

The 2023 Prius Prime’s battery has been improved as well. The new, larger lithium-ion battery is projected an all-electric estimated range increase of more than 50% over the previous estimated range of 25 miles. The EPA figures are expected to be available in Spring 2023.

Superb dynamic performance is a key benefit of the 2023 Prius all-wheel-drive (AWD)-equipped vehicles due to the capable Electronic On-Demand AWD system. It uses a motor to drive the rear wheels, enabling stable driving performance when starting off and when driving on slippery road surfaces such as snow. What’s more, the 2023 Prius has three drive modes: NORMAL, ECO and SPORT. In ECO mode, the drive force response to accelerator operation is suppressed slightly to modulate the throttle and enhance fuel economy. In POWER mode or SPORT mode, the drive force in the low to mid-accelerator operation is increased to help enhance throttle responsiveness.

Top-Notch Tech Capabilities

The 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime are designed and equipped with the tools to make life easier and more convenient — thanks to the available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system feature. The drivers of both vehicles will also have the opportunity to access a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features. The system is capable of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates to keep things up-to-date.

Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the available Connected Service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find points of interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more — all hands-free.

To sonically elevate the journey, the eight-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system comes standard only on the 2023 Prius Limited grade and the 2023 Prius Prime XSE Premium grade. With the use of Clari-Fi® technology, the system is also able to breathe life into compressed digital music formats, enhancing the audio experience.

Safety and Convenience Features

Safety is one of Toyota’s priorities. The Toyota Safety Sense generation, TSS 3.0, which comes standard, helps the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime uphold those high-quality standards. This suite offers an array of active safety systems that include the existing systems available on the prior generation Prius; but they also include some additional enhancements and capabilities, all of which are designed to help keep drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe.

To help drivers prevent collisions, the Safety Sense comes with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. The system is designed to detect preceding vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists while providing audio and visual alerts. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is a feature that works in collaboration with the Pre-Collision system. It can help detect and warn drivers of vehicles that are approaching or positioned near or in adjacent lanes.

Another noteworthy feature is the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which adds a fourth following distance setting to the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This is designed to help the system provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.

There have also been enhancements to Lane Tracing Assist. This system now helps provide more space between vehicles being passed by cars in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving paths with minor steering adjustments while helping to keep the vehicle within its lane.

Another feature that’s been enhanced is Road Sign Assist. It has expanded sign detection capabilities that now include certain intersection signs and warning signs, like pedestrian crossings.

Proactive Driving Assist is new to Prius and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of technologies. When system operating conditions are met, the vehicle’s camera and radar are designed to provide gentle braking into curves or braking and steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist.

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert is designed to help detect vehicles that are approaching from either side while pulling out and alerting drivers with a visual and audible warning.

Collectively, all these features and amenities work to help create a dynamic driving experience that’s stylish, convenient and, most importantly, designed to help with safety.

As Toyota continues its commitment to finding highly efficient and zero emission solutions that fit customers lifestyles across the U.S., the 2023 Toyota Prius and 2023 Prius Prime will be a part of a lineup that looks to move “beyond zero.” As a symbol of that commitment, the 2023 Prius will be the first Toyota vehicle to wear a new “Beyond Zero” badge, a global effort to achieve carbon neutrality in Toyota products, manufacturing and beyond.

For more information on the Prius and Prius Prime, please see the vehicle press kits.

CONNECT

Vinay Shahani

Vice President – Head of Marketing at Lexus, Toyota Motor North America

*Listen to Vinay Shahani’s full conversation with Vaughn Lowery on the 360 MAG Podcast HERE.

As a crowded child growing up in and around Detroit, Vinay Shahani was exposed to the motor industry at a very young age. He started working at the Ford Motor Company when his father (of Sindhi descent) emigrated from India to the United States in the 1960s. Vinay became a car lover under the influence of his father: “He was in the car business, and I was also in the car business because I was his son, and I loved that.” Once he moved to Michigan, Vinay earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Stanford University. Currently, Vinay lives in the Dallas area.

Vinay is Vice President of Marketing for Lexus, a Japanese high-end car brand created by Toyota Inc., a position he has held since January 2021. He is responsible for Lexus’ marketing activities, including advertising campaigns, media and digital, product marketing and lifecycle management, auto shows, incentive and experiential marketing, and motorsports. He creates a “speak up” environment to make the opinions of all members of his team visible (agency partners and internal staff). Identifying social and commercial values helps expand the brand to various groups of consumers who may not align with the preferences of the Asian population, such as Walton Isaacson (black, Hispanic, and LGBTIQ community) and the IW group.

In addition, he oversees motorsports, engagement marketing, car shows, and other consumer events throughout the United States. Vasser Sullivan is a race team, with worldwide competitors such as Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, that Lexus empowers with some of the best drivers – “We definitely want to win, and we have a winning team.” Meanwhile, Lexus also helps improve consumers’ skills in car track by providing the opportunity to study professionally at Performance Driving School.

Since the brand is determined to treat consumers as valued guests, one of Vinay’s top initiatives iis Lexus Hospitality, as it is inspired by the Japanese spirit of hospitality and is committed to providing excellence in customer service.

Another dimension within the marketing field is monitoring and analyzing the results after experimenting with the Lexus IS 500 model and the Lexus RC F Track Edition.

Under the massive influence of the metaverse today, Vinay mentions that Lexus is creating its own Mark Netscape plus Upstream to figure out what the role of Lexus is as a brand in the metaverse. In addition, they are in talks with global partners like Lexus International to find out what is being sought out in Japan while identifying markets in the US, Canada, and Great Britain. Based on the diverse target audience of Lexus in the United States, Vinay seeks to use digital media and the National Brand Day to show brand culture and emotion, even

creating a TikTok account to get closer to younger audiences.

As a high environment-friendly brand, by 2035, Vinay plans for Lexus to be a ‘global 100% battery electric’ vehicle brand to reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions. With these measures, it’s great to see the carbon footprint will be reduced thanks to the company’s shift.

Finally, Vinay adds that “it is important that we know who we are as a brand from a strategic perspective.” With this, they are trying to add attractive and technological accessories to their vehicles that give the driver great confidence in the handling and control of their car. “Maintaining a love for performance cars gets your heart rate up, it excites you, and that’s something we definitely want to associate with different brands.”

Article:

Andrea Esteban, Vaughn Lowery, Krishan Narsinghani, Armon Hayes

Resources:

Lexus & Toyota Motor North America

Links to the 2023 product announcements: Toyota New Product Showcase and

Lexus New Product Showcase

RZ images can be found within the 2023 Lexus RZ album on this page.

Link to each brand’s Livestream press conference:

Toyota | Lexus

Link to Toyota Connected ‘Cabin Awareness’ Concept press release

Links to the final PDFs of the speaker support slides for each presentation:

Toyota , Lexus × Sequoia First Drive

Follow Vinay Shahani: Instagram | LinkedIn

2023 TOYOTA bZ4X

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While consumers become increasingly knowledgeable of the functionality and basics of Hybrid vehicles, their desires and curiosity will follow. As of late, Toyota assembled the opportunity to experience this new generation of automotive at their media conference E-volution 2.0 – increasing awareness and designed to dispel myths and the benefits, in efforts to declare the battery initiative as the rule and not the exception. In tail, igniting the shared responsibility to a carbon neutral future of driving.

Many of us are cognizant of global warming and the dangers that it precedes, such as severe weather and acidic oceans. This has resulted in rainforests burning and quickened extinctions of wildlife. While people might not be able to completely give up cars for travel, the Toyota team has provided greener options as electric cars already have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline vehicles. Read about how electric vehicles help tackle climate change.

Last week, Toyota invited 360 MAGAZINE to the unveiling of the all-electric bZ4X at the ALil A Marea Beach Resort in San Diego, California. As a leader in electrification, the introduction of bZ4X represents the first of a global series of battery-electric vehicles to be introduced under the global “Toyota bZ” DNA. bZ4X will have a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 250 miles for XLE front-wheel drive models, which is almost enough to transport you from LA to Vegas. Moreover, FWD offers ample traction on the road while decreasing production costs. What’s exciting is there is also the choice for a dual electric motor for AWD.

“With zero emissions and an exhilarating drive, the bZ4X is hitting the market at just the right time as we expand our already comprehensive electrified product lineup,” said Veep of Toyota Marketing, Mike Tripp. He continues, “As a human-centered company, Toyota remains committed to offering customers a diverse portfolio of products to meet their individual needs and move us toward a carbon neutral future.”

Design

The SUV was developed in partnership with Subaru. Thus, it’s a doppelganger of the Solterra crossover – sleek, modern and bold. The 20-inch wheels include a familiar clean design. The aerodynamically designed front exudes sex appeal featuring a hammer head shark boxed style that meshes well with Toyota’s RAV4. Don’t forget full LED lighting that add a nice futuristic touch to the outside. A panoramic sunroof is included on the limited trim. On the inside, expect soft-tex seating materials laid throughout along with a roomy cabin.

Hybrids

75% of buyers believe a Hybrid electric vehicle must be plugged in to charge. Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by two systems; an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that is charged through regenerative braking from energy stored in the battery. Whereas fuel burning vehicles build performance as the engine speeds. Since 1996, Toyota has paved the way in customer acceptance with the release of the Prius. With 20 miles to the gallon becoming synonymous with core technology and environmentally friendly fuel-efficient means of transportation. Now at 50 MPG, it dominates the automotive industry with a portfolio approach that there is no one size fits all solution. This vigorous tribe of Electrified vehicles encompasses the following: Sienna; Vensa; Rav4 Prime and the bZ4x.

Technology

A few major highlights surrounding the up-to-date technology include a digital key feature and wireless charging. The digital key gives owners the ability to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle with a tap of a smartphone. Convenience is key! It’s more easy than ever to swap cars with friends and family without the hassle of misplacing a physical key. Charging is also compatible with 150 kW direct current quick charging; capable of 80% charge in 30 minutes. Take climate control to a new level with seat and steering wheel heaters, plus a front-seat radiant foot-heater (a first for Toyota).

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Kenworth Truck Company and Toyota Motor North America are collaborating to develop zero-emission T680s powered by Toyota hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains. This collaboration is part of the Zero and Near-Zero Emissions Freight Facilities grant dedicated to the state of California to develop a viable hydrogen network. With 48 stations open today, 360 MAGAZINE had the opportunity to visit a Shell facility during the trip for a tutorial to a foreign concept by Norm of the ride & drive team. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which use electric motors, are much more energy efficient. For instance, Mirai is innovative and defies the linear school of thought with regards to a Hybrid. It encourages more reasons to go Hydrogen. When you start the engine, hydrogen travels to the Fuel Cell Stack, where it combines with oxygen from the outside air to create electricity. At the core, it’s an extraordinary zero emission ride while the Hydrogen from the fuel tank and air entering from the intake meet in the Fuel Cell Stack. There, a chemical reaction involving the oxygen in the air and hydrogen creates electricity powering the vehicle. In the end, the only by-product is water, defining the future of fueling.

The newly launched costal community

ALiLA Marea Beach Resort, is nestled alongside a magnificent stretch of the Pacific Ocean. Its robust design effortlessly blends into its natural habitat – like water and rock, making it an ideal locale for this activation. Similar in type to the lodging grounds, bZ4X is posed to marvel with its unwavering curb appeal and performance. Finally, Toyota has struck a cord with both environmentalists and car enthusiasts alike. The bZ4X is set to hit dealerships in late Spring of 2023.

Article: Armon Hayes,Vaughn Lowery, Krish Narsinghani, Kai Yeo

bZ4X Beyond Zero

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“With zero emissions and an exhilarating drive, the bZ4X is hitting the market at just the right time as we expand our already comprehensive electrified product lineup,” – Mike Tripp VP Toyota Marketing.

The Future Electrified

Over 30 years of experience with the development of their first generation Hybrid. Toyota‘s production debut of the bZ4X takes one step further to a long term goal of carbon neutrality. The bZ4X is welcomed by an extensive lineup of Toyota’s electrified vehicles which account for more than 24% of total sales. Which include, hydrogen fuel cell electrics, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and now battery electric vehicles. Set to arrive in the U.S at dealers mid 2022-2023; the all-electric model represents the first of a global series of battery-electric vehicles to be introduced under the global “Toyota bZ” brand umbrella. As a leader in electrification, the automotive pioneers remain committed to offering customers a diverse portfolio of products to meet their individual needs. As a human-centered company, Toyota envisions the future in which carbon neutrality is achieved through their practical marketization of fuel and zero-emission powertrain technologies. This future lineup will feature 15 dedicated BEVs, including seven carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. A diverse portfolio of electrified products will help propel Toyota toward its’ goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Design

This hi-tech and emotional SUV offers styling that is bold and modern as the vehicle itself. The front view of the bZ4X has an aero-dynamic design; the curved shape of the front bumper sets it apart with a certain uniqueness from other vehicles. The large hammerhead shark-like shape runs from the hood to the top of the headlamps provides a sleek silhouette. The rear design exudes a powerful stance, thanks to the combination lamps, rear hatch, and trapezoidal bumper theme that extends all the way to the tires. Once the rubber hits the road, bZ4X will have a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 250 miles for XLE front-wheel drive models.The futuristic styling extends to the interior with premium finishes for a distinctive look. Detailed and purposefully engineered to create a sense of connection, it offers the driver- centric design that makes you feel like you’re one with this unique machinery. The instrument panel and precision-placed MID screen expands the vehicle’s feeling of space, while also helping to keep driver’s sight lines up and on the road. Soundproofing glass and wind-noise reduction features create a quiet refuge from the world outside. The panoramic roof provides a feeling of openness and brings the outside environment into the vehicle. With the roominess one would expect from an SUV, the bZ4X interior is spacious and techy with abundant legroom and seating for passengers as well as driver. Feeling pampered with front to rear seats and copious side-to-side space in the rear.

Innovation

Crafted with the 8-dedicated e-TNGA platform, the bZ4X achieves impressive driving performance. The high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery pack placed flat under the floor base of the vehicle positions the car in a low center of gravity. Another impressive feature of the AWD system is Grip-Control, which leverages motor drive characteristics to achieve capable off-road performance – exceeding expectations at every turn. The engineering team also focused on features that maximize energy-saving and cruising range for year-round driving (particularly in winter settings).Thanks to the aerodynamic design choices and body weight reduction efforts reduces energy consumption, especially power used for heating in cold climates. A redesigned accelerator pedal creates a smoother feel when accelerating and decelerating, coupled with an intelligent throttle with slip suppression to provide impressive control on slippery roads. Combined with a new AWD system with X- MODE®, an available standout feature for bZ4X and introduction for Toyota. Exhilarating, yet comfortable, driving experience suited for everything from daily driving to light off-roading. Also, the first to feature the latest Toyota Safety Sense safety package (TSS 3.0). This system has been improved by expanding the detection range of the millimeter wave radar and monocular camera. Safety systems include the Pre-collision system to improved and offer Low-Light Cyclist Detection, Daytime Motorcyclist Detection and Guardrail Detection. Not to mention Lane recognition enhancement to add improved functionality while in Lane Tracing Assist mode. The goal of TSS is to help prevent accidents, further reduce traffic fatalities and injuries, and ease the burden on drivers. Loaded with intuitive tech features, owners will enjoy a user interface that offers interaction through sight, touch, and voice. The digital key gives owners the ability to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle with a tap of a smartphone. Designed for life’s convenience between smartphones, making it easy for family and friends to borrow and lend vehicles remotely.

360 magazine attended the reveal hosted by ALiLA in San Diego California, Toyota for more than 60 years is part of the cultural fabric of the U.S. Committed to sustainability and responsibility for the next-generation of travel. Click HERE for more updates on the bZ4X.