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NEWS
Prius laps 'Ring using 75ml of petrol
Toyota's plug-in hatch reserves internal combustion for uphill sections of the NordschleifeA Toyota Prius has completed the 20.8km north loop of the Nurburgring consuming just 75ml of petrol.
The Prius ran most of the Nordschleife in EV mode, thanks to its high-capacity lithium-ion battery, calling on petrol power for just the uphill sections of the track and recovering electrical energy from regenerative braking on the downhill runs. Average speed for the test was 40MPH (64.4km/h) and fuel economy fell a hair's breadth short of 700MPG, at 698MPG (0.4L/100km).
Based on the length of the loop, that works out at less than five tablespoons of fuel, according to Toyota's UK press release. If we're talking metric tablespoons, rather than imperial, that's less than 75ml – or about two and a half shot glasses, which is a more meaningful measure for the journalists here at motoring.com.au.
Toyota believed that the Prius could have completed the run entirely in EV mode, but for whatever reason the car did resort to petrol power to recharge the battery over the course of the drive. Capably steered by motoring journalist and Japanese car expert Joe Clifford, the car was kitted out with low-rolling resistance tyres on TRD wheels, but was otherwise standard. Clifford maintained an average speed a smidge higher than the venue's minimum of 60km/h – setting a pretty slow time of 20 minutes, 59 seconds. That was during a public session at the track, complying with all the relevant rules and regulations.
"We used no special tricks for this test," Clifford was quoted saying in the press release. "We simply took a fully charged car, fitted it with low rolling resistance tyres and drove the lap, among all the other public drivers taking the opportunity to experience the challenge of the Nürburgring.
"Although the 12.9-mile distance is similar to a typical commuter trip, the difference here is a rise and fall in elevation of around 1000 feet. In fact it was only on one long climb that the petrol engine cut in, and then only for a short while. Without that, we think we might have even achieved the ultimate 999.9mpg read-out – the highest figure the display can show."
It's not unknown for Toyota's Prius to venture out on a race track. But the last time the general public witnessed the fuel-saving small hatchback punted around a circuit it all ended in tears for the Toyota.
The V8-engined BMW M3 stalking the Toyota cruised around at the same average speed – all the while using less fuel than the hard-driven Prius. Toyota's test at the Nurburgring makes amends for that earlier humiliation.
Full details concerning the Plug-in Prius and its Nurburgring campaign have been reproduced on a UK blog and a video has been posted to YouTube.
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Written byCarsales Staff
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