Landspeed Prius Hits 130.794 mph at Bonneville

23 December 2004

A modified Toyota Prius set a hybrid record speed of 130.794 mph on the three-mile short course at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

An engineering group from Toyota and Toyota Motorsports worked on the Prius for more than two months to prepare the vehicle.

The Landspeed Prius ran a stock Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. The transmission final drive gear ratio for the gas engine was modified from the stock 4.23:1 to 3.2, while the inverter voltage was increased to 550 volts from 500 volts. The engine redline was also changed for optimum performance.

A transmission cooling system was added to the front passenger area to decrease the temperature of the inverter and electric motors and maximize efficiency. Regular ice was constantly added to the system to prevent overheating. Ambient temperature on the salt flats was nearly 100 degrees with nearly 100 degrees humidity.

Other modifications included the removal of the interior, the addition of a roll cage and lowering the suspension five inches for improved aerodynamics. The Landspeed Prius incorporates custom Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs. The inner fender wells were also altered to accommodate the lowered ride height.

The Landspeed Prius uses unique 26–inch front and 25-inch rear Goodyear Eagle Landspeed Record tires. Toyota will display the Landspeed Prius at the upcoming 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.