11 February 2009:  2009 TOYOTA PRIUS: With the redone 2010 Prius to be on display at the Chicago Auto Show, the unchanged '09 model is much like it has been. Rated the best-selling gas-electric hybrid vehicle in the United States and the world, Prius seats five passengers and can achieve 650 miles between fill-up. The Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine and an electric drive motor. The gasoline engine uses variable valve timing, produces 76 horsepower, and when combined with the permanent-magnet electric drive motor, generates a total of 110 horses. All models come standard with an electronically controlled planetary gear-type continuously variable transmission. The upgraded Touring Edition offers European-inspired suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear spoiler, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps. Prius' liftback design, combined with the 60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks, provides 14.4 cubic feet of cargo room.. The Chicago Auto Show is a charity event of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and is held annually at McCormick Place in Chicago Illinois.
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