If there’s electricity in the air at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, it’s probably coming from the Toyota display, where the world’s hybrid vehicle leader has unveiled the new Prius Prime, an ultra-efficient model with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. “Prime†means best, making it the perfect name for one of the most technologically advanced, best-equipped Prius in the model’s history.
The Prius Prime’s manufacturer-estimated 120 or above MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) is expected to be the highest MPGe rating of any Plug-in Hybrid.* It also represents a substantial 26-percent enhancement over its predecessor, a result of greater battery capacity and an improved hybrid system. In hybrid mode, the Prius Prime is targeting a hybrid MPG equal to or better than the Prius liftback.
The 2017 Prius Prime combines an electrifying design with an even more capable electric powertrain than the previous-generation Prius Plug-in Hybrid. The Prius Prime is expected to offer an estimated two times the electric range of the previous model — 22 miles – meeting the daily commuter distance of over half of U.S. drivers, and drive at speeds up to 84 mph without leaving EV mode.
As parsimonious with fuel as the Prius Prime may be, it drives with the same verve as the standard new-generation Prius hybrid, one result of the new high-strength platform and double-wishbone independent rear suspension.
Prius Prime adds even more premium touches and exclusive tech features compared to the all-new Prius hybrid, including its available 11.6-inch, HD central multimedia screen with standard navigation and available full color head-up display. “Prime†also describes the vehicle’s available advanced safety technology, Toyota Safety Sense™ P. This multi-feature advanced active safety suite, bundles the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Braking; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full stop technology and Automatic High Beams. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available for additional peace of mind.
All 2017 Prius hybrid models come standard with eight supplemental restraint system airbags, including multi-stage driver and front passenger front airbags; driver and front passenger side airbags; full-length curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag, and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.
If the 2017 Prius Prime looks like the future, it was purely intentional on the designers’ part. The new-generation Prius Prime is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and about an inch lower than its predecessor. The growth boosts cargo room over its predecessor and gives the Prius Prime a road-hugging stance.
The wind-cheating body and its high-strength/low weight structure are critical factors in the Prius Prime’s astoundingly low energy consumption. Its coefficient of drag is expected to be among the lowest for production sedans. Automatic grille shutters help reduce drag by closing when airflow to the radiator is not needed.
Yet the Prius Prime is no aero jellybean. It’s chiseled profile and edgy character lines seem to dare the wind to stand in its way. Energy-conserving quad LED headlights glow like diamonds cutting the night, and LED rear combination lamps leave an unforgettable nighttime signature. Driver visibility remains excellent, aided by a full-width aero glass panel over the rear spoiler and a standard backup camera. The distinctive aero rear window is eye-catching and adds to its slipstream character.
While giving the new-generation Prius models more features, Toyota kept vehicle weight in check by using aluminum for the hood, carbon fiber on the rear hatch, and by using high-tensile strength steel in other parts of the structure. In fact, the lightweight carbon fiber rear hatch makes opening and closing almost effortless.
EV or Hybrid? Both.
The Prius Prime will please anyone who wants to reduce trips to the gas pump, and it would make a great road trip car, too. The Prius Prime will allow drivers to stay in EV mode in more situations, helping to enhance vehicle range on one tank of fuel. You can plug it in, gas it up, or both. On one 11.3-gallon tank of regular-grade gasoline and a full electric charge, the 2017 Prius Prime anticipates a class-leading estimated total driving range of over 600 miles (Toyota recommends making occasional stops to refuel and recharge yourself and passengers).
Both the standard Prius hybrid and the Prius Prime are powered by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which seamlessly combines the output of the gasoline engine and electric motor through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. The biggest difference is that the Prius Prime can be plugged in at home to recharge its larger 8.8kWh battery pack.
In Hybrid mode, the Prius Prime can run on the gasoline engine or electric motor alone or a combination of both. Even when not running in EV mode, the Prius Prime will automatically rely more on its electric capability in situations where it is more efficient than running the gasoline engine, especially in urban and suburban driving and during shorter trips.
The Prius Prime will also feature a Toyota-first dual motor generator drive system, using both the electric motor and the generator for drive force, helping to boost acceleration performance. Regenerative braking recaptures electrical energy under deceleration and braking and stores it in the battery, which helps to reduce fuel consumption.
Even better, there’s no special equipment for home charging. Just use the supplied cord and the Prius Prime takes approximately 5.5 hours using a standard household outlet. Charging takes less than half the time with a 240V source.
Not to be overshadowed by all the electrical magic, the Prius Prime’s gasoline engine also plays a starring role in that efficiency. The 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine – the same as in all 2016 Prius hybrid models – earns a groundbreaking 40 percent-plus thermal efficiency. Most modern automobile engines reach about 25-30 percent. Myriad details throughout the hybrid powertrain contribute to the efficiency, including an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system with a cooler, smaller, lighter, quieter hybrid system water pump and an exhaust heat recirculation system that speeds engine warm-up.
The Prius Prime looks and feels far from frugal on the inside, where a four-seat cabin layout, with center console running front to back, looks more like a high-end luxury coupe. Practicality remains ever present, however, with standard 60/40 folding rear seatbacks. It’s a quiet cabin, too, thanks to the sound-insulating laminated windshield and front door glass and the optimized aero shape that helps keep wind noise where it belongs – outside.
The Prius Prime coddles the driver and passengers with standard heated front seats, an automatic climate control system, and available SofTex® synthetic leather trimmed seats. The climate control system is quieter, thanks to an electric compressor, and it’s smarter, focusing airflow only to areas where occupants are seated in order to help maximize fuel economy and comfort. The climate control system can also operate without the engine on, with a heat pump that allows the system to cool or heat the cabin while driving in EV mode. The driver can activate the remote air conditioning system with an available key fob or smartphone app to cool the interior before entering the cabin.
The centrally mounted gauge panel, a Prius hallmark since the model’s inception, appears to float above the dashboard. The panel features dual 4.2-inch full-color TFT (thin film transistor) multi-information displays, and the driver can change their content by using steering wheel controls.
The display provides a multitude of readouts for hybrid energy information and more, and the driver can choose how much information to view. Want to cut the cord? With available wireless cell phone charging for Qi-compatible devices, just place your Qi-compatible devices on the console pad to charge it wirelessly.
Sound and vision inside the Prius Prime likewise meet the standard of “prime.†Toyota equipped this top Prius with its top Entune® multimedia system and made it all accessible through a new and exclusive 11.6-inch HD tablet display. The navigation graphics look simply stunning, and intuitive touch controls make operation a snap.
Prius Prime will also offer an exclusive suite of Prius Prime Apps, allowing you to remotely manage your vehicle’s charging schedule and status, locate charging stations, track and compare your eco driving score with others on social media, remotely control the vehicle’s climate system, and more – all from your smartphone. It’s advanced eco at your fingertips.
An available Entune™ Premium JBL® Audio system with Integrated Navigation and App Suite puts 10 JBL GreenEdge™ speakers in six locations for sonic bliss. The Entune™ Multimedia Bundle includes AM/FM cache radio (letting you pause songs and play later), HD Radio™, HD Radio™ predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlay, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with 3-month complimentary SiriusXM All Access trial and Gracenote® album cover art.
Of course there’s a USB 2.0 port with iPod® connectivity and control, plus advanced voice recognition and hands-free phone capability, phonebook access and music streaming via Bluetooth®. For iPhone users, Siri® Eyes Free mode adds yet another in-car assistant.
The Entune™ App Suite adds yet more music sources, including Slacker Radio, iHeartRadio and Pandora® as well as Destination Search, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Facebook Places, Yelp™ plus real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. Access to Entune® services is subscription-free.
In the urban jungle, where hunting for a prime parking space is a sport, the Prius Prime wins. Available Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) uses ultrasonic wave sensors to size up a parallel parking space and then, when activated by the driver, can steer the car into it. The system can also reverse the Prius Prime into perpendicular spaces and automatically steer it out of a parallel space.
When the way forward gets narrow, such as in a parking garage, the system’s Intelligent Clearance Sonar provides visible and audible warnings if the driver gets too close to obstacles on the vehicle’s sides.
The 2017 Prius Prime will begin arriving in Toyota showrooms in late fall.
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
GM Reportedly Delays Next-Generation Electric Truck Program As EV Strategy Evolves
General Motors is reportedly putting the brakes on its next-generation electric truck program, a move that could reshape the company’s electrification plans in North America.
According to a report from Crain’s Detroit Business, GM has indefinitely delayed development of its next-generation full-size electric trucks and SUVs, including future versions of the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ and GMC Hummer EV. The program had previously been expected to launch around 2028.
The reported decision comes as automakers continue adjusting their electric vehicle strategies in response to shifting consumer demand and evolving market conditions.
GM is reportedly delaying development of its next-generation electric truck platform originally targeted for 2028.
Electric Truck Plans Face New Challenges
According to the report, suppliers were recently informed that the next-generation EV truck program has been halted and no revised production timeline has been communicated.
The delayed program was expected to introduce lower-cost electric versions of several key GM models, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ and GMC Hummer EV.
While General Motors has not officially confirmed the reported delay, the move reflects the growing challenges facing the electric vehicle market as manufacturers balance investment costs with fluctuating consumer demand.
Slower EV Demand Impacts Production Plans
The report follows recent developments at GM’s Factory Zero facility in Detroit, where the company builds several of its flagship electric trucks and SUVs.
The plant recently experienced temporary workforce reductions as GM responded to slower-than-expected electric vehicle sales.
Although EV adoption continues to grow, demand has not expanded at the pace many manufacturers anticipated several years ago, leading automakers across the industry to reassess product launches and production schedules.
The GMC Sierra EV is among the vehicles reportedly affected by the delayed next-generation program.
Plug-In Hybrids Could Play A Larger Role
One of the most significant elements of the report involves GM’s potential shift toward plug-in hybrid technology.
According to Crain’s, the automaker is expected to introduce plug-in hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra at another Michigan manufacturing facility that also produces gasoline-powered trucks.
Such a move would provide customers with an alternative solution that combines electric driving capability with the convenience and range of traditional internal combustion engines.
GM has previously indicated that hybrid technology would eventually return to its U.S. portfolio, making the reported development a logical next step.
GM may increasingly rely on hybrid and alternative electrified powertrains as market demand continues to evolve.
Extended-Range EV Technology Under Evaluation
The report also suggests that General Motors is discussing the development of an extended-range electric vehicle system with suppliers.
Known as EREV technology, these systems use a small gasoline engine solely as a generator to recharge the battery, allowing the vehicle to operate primarily as an electric model while significantly reducing range anxiety.
Several manufacturers have recently shown renewed interest in extended-range solutions as a way to encourage EV adoption among buyers who remain hesitant to fully transition to battery-electric vehicles.
GM Remains Focused On Long-Term Electrification
Despite the reported delay, General Motors continues to invest heavily in electric vehicles and advanced propulsion technologies.
When asked about the report, a GM spokesperson stated that the company has not disclosed future plans or timing related to next-generation battery-electric trucks and declined to comment on speculation.
For now, current models such as the Silverado EV, Sierra EV, Hummer EV and Escalade IQ remain central to GM’s electrification strategy. However, the latest report suggests the company may be taking a more flexible approach as the automotive industry adapts to changing market realities.
The Cadillac Escalade IQ remains one of the flagship vehicles in GM’s expanding electric portfolio.
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
Mitsubishi Brings Back The Eclipse Name With New Electric Sportback SUV For North America
Mitsubishi Motors is expanding its electric vehicle strategy in North America with the introduction of the all-new Eclipse Sportback EV. Scheduled to arrive in U.S. and Canadian dealerships during the second half of 2026, the new model marks the return of one of Mitsubishi’s most recognizable nameplates in an entirely new form.
Unlike previous Eclipse models, the new Eclipse Sportback enters the market as a fully electric subcompact SUV, combining sporty styling, everyday practicality and zero-emission driving.
The launch represents another important step in Mitsubishi’s ongoing electrification efforts across North America.
he all-new Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV will arrive in North America during the second half of 2026.
A New Electric SUV For Modern Drivers
The all-new Eclipse Sportback has been developed as a battery-electric vehicle designed to meet the needs of modern drivers.
Mitsubishi describes the model as a sporty and practical subcompact SUV capable of handling daily commuting, family transportation and weekend adventures. The vehicle combines the benefits of electric mobility with the versatility that continues to drive demand for compact SUVs across the United States and Canada.
The new model is expected to strengthen Mitsubishi’s position in the growing EV segment while attracting customers seeking a stylish and efficient alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Mitsubishi Adds Its Own Design Identity
Although the Eclipse Sportback will be supplied by Nissan through an OEM agreement, Mitsubishi has made significant changes to ensure the vehicle maintains a distinct identity.
The company has redesigned multiple exterior elements, including the front and rear bumpers, grille, headlights, taillights, rear gate and side profile details.
Additional styling changes to the D-pillars and wheel designs help create a unique appearance that differentiates the Eclipse Sportback from its Nissan counterpart.
Distinctive Mitsubishi design elements help give the Eclipse Sportback EV its own visual identity.
Alliance Partnership Continues To Expand
The new model highlights the growing collaboration between Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
The two automakers continue to work together on a variety of projects around the world, including pickup trucks, passenger vehicles and electrified models.
For North America, Mitsubishi will receive the Eclipse Sportback EV from Nissan through an OEM arrangement, allowing the company to expand its electric vehicle lineup more efficiently while benefiting from shared technology and development resources.
The strategy helps both manufacturers strengthen their competitiveness in key global markets.
The Eclipse Sportback EV is part of Mitsubishi’s broader strategy to expand its electrified vehicle lineup.
A Key Step In Mitsubishi’s EV Future
The arrival of the Eclipse Sportback signals Mitsubishi’s commitment to growing its presence in the electric vehicle market.
As consumer demand for EVs continues to increase across North America, the company is looking to broaden its portfolio with vehicles that combine efficiency, practicality and modern technology.
The Eclipse Sportback is expected to play a central role in that strategy while helping Mitsubishi attract a new generation of buyers interested in electric mobility.
The new electric SUV combines sporty styling with the versatility expected by today’s crossover buyers.
The Eclipse Name Returns For A New Era
Few names carry as much recognition in Mitsubishi’s history as Eclipse.
While the new Eclipse Sportback differs significantly from the sports coupe that helped build the brand’s reputation, Mitsubishi believes the name remains a strong symbol of style and performance.
With its electric powertrain, SUV practicality and North American focus, the all-new Eclipse Sportback represents a modern interpretation of a familiar nameplate as Mitsubishi continues its transition toward an electrified future.
Mercedes-AMG Launches 1,169-HP Electric GT 4-Door Coupe With 600-kW Charging
Mercedes-AMG has officially opened orders for its most advanced electric performance vehicle to date. The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe combines extreme power, rapid charging capabilities and next-generation electric technology in a package designed to redefine high-performance driving.
Available as the AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe and AMG GT 55 4-Door Coupe, the new model introduces several technologies never before seen in a production Mercedes-AMG.
With up to 1,169 horsepower, a top speed of 300 km/h and charging performance that ranks among the fastest in the industry, the four-door coupe represents a major milestone for the AMG brand.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe introduces a new era of electric performance with up to 1,169 horsepower and ultra-fast charging technology.
Advanced Axial-Flux Motors Define A New Generation Of Performance
One of the most significant innovations in the new AMG GT is its electric powertrain.
For the first time in a production Mercedes-AMG, engineers have integrated axial-flux electric motors. The vehicle uses three motors in total, with two mounted on the rear axle and one powering the front wheels.
Together, the system produces up to 860 kW, equivalent to an impressive 1,169 horsepower.
Mercedes-AMG says the new motor technology delivers exceptional power density, rapid energy transfer and consistent performance under demanding driving conditions.
The result is an electric vehicle capable of delivering performance levels traditionally associated with exotic supercars.
Exceptional Electric Performance
The performance figures place the AMG GT among the fastest four-door vehicles ever produced by the brand.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 2.1 seconds, while the sprint to 200 km/h requires just 6.4 seconds.
Customers who choose the optional AMG Driver’s Package can unlock a top speed of 300 km/h.
These figures demonstrate the capability of Mercedes-AMG’s newest electric platform.
Three electric motors, advanced aerodynamics and all-wheel drive help deliver impressive acceleration and high-speed capability.
Charging Technology Sets New Standards
Performance is only part of the story.
Mercedes-AMG has equipped the vehicle with a high-performance battery system capable of accepting charging rates of up to 600 kW.
Under ideal conditions, more than 460 kilometers of driving range can be recovered in just 10 minutes. A charging session from 10 to 80 percent requires approximately 11 minutes.
This combination of performance and charging efficiency helps make the new AMG GT practical for both everyday driving and long-distance journeys.
The electric AMG flagship combines high performance with one of the fastest charging systems available in a production vehicle.
AMG Preserves Its Signature Driving Character
Mercedes-AMG understands that many enthusiasts appreciate the sound and character of the brand’s traditional V8-powered models.
To maintain that connection, engineers developed AMGFORCE S+, a system that recreates key elements of the AMG driving experience through dedicated sound profiles, simulated gear changes and performance-focused digital displays.
The goal is to provide a familiar sense of engagement while embracing the advantages of an advanced electric platform.
Aerodynamics And Software Work Together
Supporting the vehicle’s performance is a collection of active aerodynamic systems and advanced software technologies.
Depending on configuration, the AMG GT can be equipped with active aerodynamic elements integrated into the underbody as well as an active rear diffuser that continuously adapts to changing driving conditions.
Drivers seeking additional capability can select the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, which includes active roll stabilization, Race mode, AMG TRACK PACE and the AMG RACE ENGINEER system.
Together, these technologies help optimize traction, cornering precision and overall vehicle response.
Active aerodynamic systems help maximize efficiency, stability and overall driving performance.
A New Era For AMG Performance
The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe demonstrates how electrification can expand the possibilities of performance vehicles.
With advanced axial-flux motors, up to 1,169 horsepower, ultra-fast charging capability and sophisticated software integration, Mercedes-AMG has created a vehicle that showcases the future direction of the AMG brand.
As Mercedes-AMG continues its transition toward electrified performance, the new GT 4-Door Coupe stands among the most technologically advanced vehicles ever developed by the company.
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