The Nürburgring is the go-to location for car manufacturers when they want to push their latest models to its limits and these tests have traditionally always been about miles per hour; Toyota have now changed that.
Toyota took their Prius plug-in hybrid to the track to show just how little fuel it could use on a single lap at the Nürburgring.
689 mile per gallon lap
This record is the first of its kind, with no technical modifications made to the Prius plug-in hybrid at all.
The only changes to the hatchback were some exterior styling modifications that do not enhance the Prius’ performance in any way.
The lap was carried out during a public session with running traffic and a minimum average speed of 60km/h.
The speed requirement and 12.9 miles circuit length put the track within the all-electric EV range that Toyota quote for the Prius plug-in on paper. The Prius plug-in is designed to meet the day-to-day driving demands of commuters without the use of petrol.
Joe Clifford, motoring journalist and Japanese car expert, was given the task to drive the hybrid Prius around the track and he recorded 698mpg, finishing the lap in 20 minutes and 59 seconds.
This record surpasses the hybrid’s official combined cycle figure of 134mpg; the Prius plug-in actually used less than five tablespoons of fuel to complete the lap.
What does this record say about plug-in hybrids?
This test shows customers what they can expect from a plug-in hybrid if they are thinking about making the switch.
The 12.9 mile circuit is similar to a typical commute to work and back; petrol prices would become the least of your worries.
If you would like to find out more about the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid or any other green cars, you can tweet me @SamwaysCarTalk or call me directly on 01223 893260.
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