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Toyota to refresh hybrids in 2015
A new generation Prius and updates of Prius C and V are among 10 new Toyota and Lexus models coming this yearIt's a busy year ahead for Toyota Australia, with the company planning up to 10 new model launches before the end of 2015.
Chief among those is the new mid-life Camry update, but it's the "tip of the iceberg," in the words of Tony Cramb, Toyota Australia's Executive Director of Sales and Marketing. Speaking before an audience of journalists earlier this week, Cramb also officially announced 2015 would see the launch of the long-awaited new-generation Prius.
"I can confirm that the Prius family will be revamped, with significant updates for Prius C and Prius V in 2015, and the arrival of the next-generation Prius..."
This new hybrid is anticipated to lift fuel efficiency up a further step from the current model, introducing a lighter Hybrid Synergy Drive system with a new semi-conductor intended to reduce power losses in the car's power control unit. Additionally, the new internal-combustion powerplant will deliver improved thermal efficiency, and the car will be cheaper to build – potentially translating to lower retail pricing for consumers.
This new Prius will donate some of its upgraded mechanicals and electronics for the next series of Prius C and Prius V, but in the meantime there will be updated versions of both arriving locally this year, according to Cramb. As we reported about three months ago, the update for the Prius V is largely cosmetic, with some enhanced equipment, a Euro 6-compliant engine and revised dampers the key changes in store.
The 2015 roll-out starts next month, with the Lexus NX 200t the first new or updated model to be sampled by the local press. Barely a week later comes the launch of the Lexus RC F, which will be joined later in the year by the GS F, possibly a new RX SUV and IS/RC convertible.
Of the new Toyota-badged models headed our way, Camry is due in the second quarter, with an Aurion counterpart not long after. The Prius family models are likely to arrive late in the year, and if Toyota abides by historical precedent, the hybrid version of the Camry will be launched separately from the mainstream Camry model, taking the new model count to 11.
There is the further possibility (albeit unlikely, we think) that the new HiLux will reach Australia before the end of the year.
Looks like busy times ahead in 2015 for the PR and event management people working on behalf of Toyota and Lexus...
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Written byKen Gratton
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If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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