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Toyota
Sienna Hybrid Minivan
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The Toyota Sienna Hybrid
Minivan will be the first hybrid-powered minivan to hit
the U. S. markets. The roll out date for the Sienna Hybrid,
however, has not yet been announced.
The Sienna Hybrid will
most likely have the same powertrain as the Highlander
Hybrid SUV instead of that used by the Estima
Hybrid.
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If this is the case, the Toyota Sienna Hybrid will boast
a 3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V6 gasoline engine combined
with a high-torque electric engine delivering upwards of
270 hp. Fuel economy should be in the high 30's to low 40's,
significantly above other standard minivans.
The Sienna Hybrid will most likely be brought to market with
a four-wheel drive system dubbed E-Four, which regulates
a rear-mounted, rear-wheel propelled electric motor and coordinates
electric power distribution to all four wheels.
If the Sienna Hybrid like the Estima Hybrid minivan (currently
in production in Japan) it will also have an ECB (Electronically
Controlled Brake system) for efficient wheel-by-wheel brake
control and optimum management of the vehicle's regenerative
brake system plus 1,500 watts of auxiliary 100-volt power
available via electrical sockets. The Sienna Hybrid will
also have an aerodynamic body design, insulated roof and
an "intuitive" humidity-sensing air-conditioning
system all meant for better fuel efficiency and low emissions
standards.
The 1,500 watts of auxiliary power can be used to power
appliances, laptops or for emergency use. While not the
same gasoline-powered electrical generator as the Chevy
Silverado Hybrid offers, the Sienna will function
well for lighter use.
The Toyota Sienna Hybrid Minivan will most likely offer
all sorts of bells and whistles inside the vehicle along
with improved safety features. Leave it to Toyota to be
the first to market again with another class of hybrid vehicles.
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