March 31, 2005

Toyota Highlander Hybrid to arrive in June

Torrance, California – Toyota will introduce the 2005 Highlander Hybrid gasoline-electric mid-size SUV this June, the industry's first seven-passenger hybrid SUV. It will join the Prius sedan, making Toyota the first brand to offer both a passenger car and SUV with hybrid powertrains.

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The Highlander Hybrid combines a 3.3-litre V6 with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator to deliver SUV-style performance with fuel economy ratings better than many four-cylinder compact cars, along with low emissions, says Toyota.

The Highlander Hybrid will be powered by a new version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. Its all-new electric motor operates at twice the speed and delivers more than twice the power of that used in the four-cylinder Prius, producing a peak combined 268 hp with a standard towing capacity of 1,587 kg. The four-wheel-drive version is capable of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/hr in 7.3 seconds.

The Highlander Hybrid will be available in a two-wheel-drive version, or in a four-wheel-drive which employs a separate 50 kw electric motor at the rear to supply an additional 96 lb-ft of torque when needed.

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