MOTOR RIVALS

The all-new fourth-generation 2016 Toyota Prius liftback is a new version of the global green icon that takes the hybrid concept farther than ever with striking design, with expected higher fuel economy ratings, and greater ride comfort. The 2016 Prius is anticipating fuel economy ratings of 54 MPG city / 50 MPG highway / 52 MPG combined (Final EPA figures pending.). A new Eco grade model is expecting ratings of 58 MPG city / 53 MPG highway / 56 MPG combined thanks to lighter weight and further optimized aerodynamics. The new Prius comes in six grades, catering to a wide variety of tastes and needs. The new grade strategy includes: entry level Prius Two; Prius Two Eco; Prius Three; Prius Three Touring; Prius Four; Prius Four Touring.

Powertrain

• Hybrid Synergy Drive combines the output of a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and two motor/generators
• Electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• New lithium-ion hybrid battery replaces the nickel-metal hydride battery (excluding the Prius Two non-Eco grade) in most models.
• New shift-by-wire technology uses electric signals to transmit shift operations and offers light, fingertip operation from the dash-mounted shifter.
• New selectable Normal and Power driving modes. Normal balances both fuel economy and acceleration feel; Power prioritizes acceleration feel.
• Retuned 2ZR-FXE 1.8-liter gasoline engine achieves 40 percent-plus thermal efficiency

Chassis

• 0.24 coefficient of drag (Cd)
• An automatic grille shutter reduces drag by closing when airflow to the radiator is not needed
• Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) - new high-strength body structure, new double-wishbone independent rear suspension and low center of gravity
• 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the model it replaces (on the same 106.3-in. wheelbase)
• 17-inch wheels and 215/45R17 tires and special suspension tuning
• Alloy 15-inch wheels on other grades are a half-inch wider than before (now 6.5 in.)
• Double wishbone rear suspension – replaces the torsion beam type suspension used on previous models
• Regenerative brake system - switches the motor into a generator to recover kinetic energy
• Electronically Controlled Brake System - uses sensors to detect how much the driver is pressing the brake pedal and determines how much brake force is required from the new active hydraulic brake booster.

Technology

• Dual 4.2-inch full-color TFT (Thin Film Transistor) multi-information displays
• Steering wheel controls
• Display background color changes depending on selected driving mode
• Simple or Segmented display modes
• Simple mode shows a large vehicle speed display, remaining fuel, drive mode indicator, outside temperature, odometer functions and cruising range.
• Segmented display presents more detail about hybrid operation, including instantaneous fuel economy, hybrid battery state of charge and a suite of ECO functions to encourage efficient driving habits.
• Entune Audio systems - standard on Prius Two and Prius Two Eco grades includes the Entune Multimedia Bundle (6.1 in. touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod® connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology), plus Siri® Eyes Free mode and an integrated backup camera display.
• On all other grades, the standard Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation system and Entune App Suite® includes all of those features plus a seven-inch high resolution touch-screen with split screen display, Entune App Suite, HD radio, HD predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlay, AM/FM cache radio, SiriusXM All Access Radio with 3-month complimentary trial and Gracenote album cover art.
• As part of a package, the Prius Four grade exclusively offers the Entune Premium JBL® Audio system with Integrated Navigation and App Suite. To all features of the base and middle systems, it adds 10 JBL GreenEdge™ speakers in eight locations.

Safety

• Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS (P)) - new multi-feature advanced safety package anchored by automatic pre-collision braking. TSS bundles cutting edge safety technologies including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams.
• Vehicle Proximity Notification System - helps alert pedestrians and cyclists with a speaker that emits a low warning tone when traveling below approximately 15 mph
• The high-strength Prius cabin is enhanced for occupant protection in a collision, while inside, a full array of supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags includes multi-stage driver and front passenger SRS dual-stage front airbags; driver and front passenger SRS side airbags; full-length SRS curtain airbags; a driver SRS knee airbag, and a front passenger SRS seat cushion airbag.
• Available Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) - activated by the driver to offer automatic steering into parallel parking spaces, or reversing into perpendicular spaces. The system also offers automatic steering to exit a parallel space.
• Intelligent Clearance Sonar - provides visible and audible warnings if the driver gets too close to obstacles on the vehicle’s sides.

Value Pricing
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2016 Prius will range from $24,200 for the Prius Two model to $30,000 for the Prius Four Touring.

The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Volt electric car debuts with extended range, showcasing a sleeker, sportier design that offers 50 miles of EV range, greater efficiency and stronger acceleration. The Chevrolet Volt's new, efficient propulsion system will offer an estimated total driving range of more than 400 miles and with regular charging, owners are expected to travel more than 1,000 miles on average between gas fill-ups. The 2016 Volt's technology and range advancements are complemented by a design that blends sculpted, muscular proportions with aerodynamic efficiency, and an all-new interior with seating for five and improved functionality. New features, including active grille shutters, help balance design with efficiency.

Powertrain

• New Voltec propulsion system - includes the battery, drive unit, range-extending engine and power electronics.
• 18.4 kWh battery system featuring revised cell chemistry developed in conjunction with LG Chem
• 0 to 30 mph (2.6 seconds)
• 0 to 60 mph (8.4 seconds)
• New two-motor drive unit is up to 12 percent more efficient and 100 pounds lighter (45 kg) than the first-generation drive unit
• Two-motor design enables 19 percent stronger zero-to-30 mph acceleration
• Battery capacity has increased to 18.4 kWh using 192 cells (96 fewer than current generation) with weight reduced by more than 20 pounds
• Regen on Demand™ feature enables driver control of energy regeneration via a convenient paddle on the back of the steering wheel
• New 1.5L range extender, designed to use regular unleaded fuel, offers a combined GM-estimated fuel efficiency of 41 mpg (EPA estimate pending)
• Stronger body structure and quieter ride
• New braking system with improved capability and blended Regen feel
• New, five-passenger seating with available rear heated seats
• Location-based charging capability
• 120V portable cord set has a simpler, compact design with more convenient storage location
• Available illuminated charge port

Technology

• Dual digital color displays
• 8-inch-diagonal reconfigurable screen in the instrument cluster to relay driver information
• An additional 8-inch-diagonal touch screen in the center of the instrument panel controls the Chevrolet MyLink system
• GPS location-based charging - will automatically adjust to that setting when it is at "home" based on GPS data. This will allow owners to pre-set their 120V charging level (eight amps or 12 amps) and whether they wish to charge immediately, set a departure time for each day of the week, or set a departure time and a utility rate schedule to charge only at off-peak rates.
• A new 120V portable cord set has a simpler, compact design with more convenient storage location.

Safety

• Standard rear-vision camera
• Ten standard air bags, including driver and front-passenger knee air bags
• Available active safety features offering lane keep assist with lane departure warning, side blind zone alert with lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert with following distance indicator, front automatic braking, and advanced park assist with front and rear park assist (semi-automatic parallel parking)
• Expanded use of high-strength steel throughout the body structure improves strength and reduces weight
• More effective structural load paths in the frame, along with reinforced rocker panel structures and side structure reinforcements