autoevolution
 

Toyota Prius Does the Nurburgring on Two Shots of Gasoline

When it comes to driving on the Nurburgring, the amount of miles per hour you can push through corners without dying is what matters the most. However, once in a while, somebody like Toyota rolls on the asphalt to show us that miles per gallon is what we should really care about.
Toyota Prius Plug-In on the Nurburgring 7 photos
Photo: Toyota
Toyota Prius Plug-In on the NurburgringToyota Prius Plug-In on the NurburgringToyota Prius Plug-In on the NurburgringToyota Prius Plug-In on the NurburgringToyota Prius Plug-In on the NurburgringToyota Prius Plug-In on the Nurburgring
Yeah, Toyota brought a Prius Plug In Hybrid to the Nurburgring, asking motoring journalist and Japanese car expert Joe Clifford to drive it around in a manner that will consume as less dinosaur juice as possible.

Of course, the minimum speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) had to be maintained and no mechanical mods were allowed. The only parts used were light aluminum rims wrapped in low resistance tires and some TRD body parts to make it look special.

So, the EV button has been pushed and the most boring race in the history started. After “just” 20 minutes and 59 seconds, the Prius completed the 12.9 miles (20.8 km) run and passed the finish line with only 84 ml of gasoline burnt in the process - roughly two tequila shot or five table spoons.

If it wasn’t for a big slope where the gasoline engine had to kick in for a short while, the car would have returned 999.9 mpg, or 0.0 l/100 km. So what did Toyota proved here?

Basically nothing. Every other electric vehicle could have completed the ring without using a drop of fuel. The Prius Plug-in could also have done it if its software wasn’t telling the engine to kick in on the slope.

The automaker just wanted to post a fuel efficiency record for plug-in hybrids on the most famous track. If you’re patient and gentle enough with the accelerator pedal, you can achieve the same or even less on your daily commute.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
press release
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories