5-05-20 Tech Talk
~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~
Though it didn’t break the sound barrier, the Supersonic Red Toyota Prius AWD-e that Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis had the pleasure to test drive this week certainly didn’t break his wallet either. Rated at a combined city / highway 50 miles per gallon, this spiffy hybrid continued to prove that burning lots of petro doesn’t chart as a fact of life in the 21st century. Plus, having electronic all-wheel drive qualifies the five-passenger sedan as a bonafide all-weather vehicle, and there’s hardly a price to pay in fuel economy for the extra safety.
The conversation turns from the Prius to a survey from iseecars.com that examines the affect the corona virus prevention measures have had on used car sales. Also on tap, the weekly Musk Minute feature tells of NASA’s contractor picks for exploring development of a 2024 moon landing.
Tech Talk is a weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.
Ride of the Week:
photos courtesy of Toyota Media
Features Of The Toyota Prius AWD-e As Tested
- 1.8-liter 4-cylinder Gasoline Engine / Two Motor-Generators
- Electronic All-Wheel Drive
- Five-Star Safety Rating
- Pre-Collision System w/ Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor & Backup Camera
- Bi-LED Projector Headlights w/ Auto On/Off
- Integrated fog lights
- Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
- Head-Up Display
- Qi-Compatible Wireless Smartphone Charging
- $31,689 MSRP As Driven
AWD-e Electrifies Traction
In 2019, Toyota introduced the Prius AWD-e, the first-ever Prius with all-wheel drive. While enhancing traction for drivers, the Prius AWD-e upholds the model’s penchant for outstanding efficiency, with 52 mpg city / 48 mpg highway / 50 mpg combined EPA fuel economy estimates. That easily makes Prius AWD-e one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive-equipped passenger cars available in the U.S.
The “e” in AWD-e is the key to offering the extra grip of all-wheel drive while still sipping fuel. The automatic, on-demand system does not require a center differential or other torque-apportioning device, nor does it need a front-to-rear driveshaft. Instead, the “e” in AWD-e stands for electronic.
An independent electric, magnet-less rear motor (a Toyota first) powers the rear wheels away from a stop up to 6 mph, and then, when conditions demand, at speeds up to 43 mph. By recognizing when all-wheel-drive is not needed, this intelligent on-demand system runs in front-wheel drive as much as possible to maximize fuel economy. ~ Toyota Press Release
Study From iseecars.com
Cars with the Greatest Slowdown in Sales Due to COVID-19
Musk Minute:
NASA Selects Contractors To Return To Moon
Credits: SpaceX
Credits: Blue Origin
Credits: Dynetics
Need A Face Mask?
Tech Talk listeners can receive a discount on stylish, high quality face masks purchased from Needham, MA-based Rafi Nova. Just used the Code KOWSRADIO at checkout. Rafi Nova is a fair-trade and sustainable fashion brand. Find them at rafinova.com
