Toyota has a long history when it comes to conventional engines, as well as engines modified to use alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) or electricity (EV).
Because of this diversity in expertise for engine manufacturing, Toyota has been able to bring to market new innovations in the eco-car range faster than any other car manufacturer.
As part of Toyota's revolutionary development of hybrid systems, they perfected the series/parallel or “strong” hybrid to deliver the energysavingbenefit of a series hybrid together with the acceleration benefit of aparallel hybrid.
Two key Toyota technologies – the power split device and sophisticated energy management – made this possible.
These advancements are found in the 2006 Toyota Prius, which represents the second-generation of the new hybrid car technology.
Toyota Hybrid Cars - 2006
For the production year, Toyota offers the improved Prius, with second generation of their Hybrid system, the Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Toyota Prius Hybrid
The Prius has an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating (from California Air Resources Board) and offers cutting-edge features like Bluetooth technology.
Also, according to Toyota, individual purchasers of a Toyota or Lexus hybrid vehicle may be able to take advantage of the new federal hybrid vehicle tax credit.
Depending upon the hybrid vehicle purchased, the hybrid vehicle tax credit is estimated by Toyota (in their Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credit Letter to customers) to range from $2,200 to $3,150.
You can read the details of Toyota Prius Federal Tax Deduction the program directly from Toyota (link opens up a new window).
Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry Hybrid 2007 is Toyota's first hybrid model to be assembled in the U.S.A.
The Camry has an estimated fuel economy rating of 43 mpg in city driving conditions and 37 on highway conditions.
According to Toyota estimates, the cars fuel ratings translate to up to 650 miles possible on one tank of gas.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid is about as versatile as an SUV can get, with adjustable seats, roomy cargo space, 60/40 reclining, split, fold-flat second-row seat with slide-forward capability and available third-row seat with 4-step recline fold-flat-into-floor capability.
As for fuel economy, the Highlander EPA fuel economy estimates for 2006 stand at 31 city/27 highway/29 combined mpg for the 4WD-i model.
Also, the Highlander's fuel economy ratings have provided it with Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating.
