Toyota Wins Engine Of The Year

And Best New Engine, and Best Fuel Economy, and Best Engine 1.4-liter to 1.8-liter. That's some kind of engine. In fact, the Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive won more trophies in one year than any other engine in the Award's history with the highest score ever recorded in the competition.

"The dominance of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System in such a prestigious international competition is further evidence that hybrid vehicles are being accepted worldwide into the mainstream consumer mindset," said Jim Press, executive vice president and COO, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "Prius is just the first step for Hybrid Synergy Drive here in the U.S., as we will continue to integrate hybrid technology into existing models in our vehicle lineup."

Toyota will expand the use of Hybrid Synergy Drive beginning with the launch of the Lexus RX 400h luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). The RX 400h is based on the current Lexus RX 330 luxury SUV. In 2005, Toyota Division will launch a hybrid version of its popular Highlander mid-sized SUV. Both SUVs will feature Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrains that will deliver a peak output of approximately 270 horsepower - a nearly 20-percent increase over their non-hybrid powertrains. Fuel economy will be significantly better than the EPA average for a four-cylinder compact sedan. Finally, both the RX 400h and Highlander Hybrid will be rated as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), one of the most stringent emissions rating in the industry.