For the third straight year, the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid has led Toyota Canada to victory in the Rallye Vert de Montréal, a world championship of “green” rallies and the only Canadian stop on the global FIA Alternative Energies Cup circuit.
The Prius PHV placed first in fuel consumption, with only 19L of fuel used for the 530 km of rallying, or average fuel efficiency of 3.6L/100 km.
As an additional highlight for the Toyota family, the Lexus CT 200h recorded the second-best efficiency, at 4.3L/100 km.
The Prius PHV was also first in regularity (speed accuracy). A key element of winning the rally is a combination of the consumption and regularity rankings. By placing first in both categories the PHV was the rally’s decisive winner, and with the CT200h placing a strong second.
The PHV is built on a proven hybrid powertrain – technology Toyota has been offering to the market for more than 10 years. As of the end of August, 15,636 of the vehicles have been sold globally. The Prius PHV is now available for retail sale in Canada.
With the PHV winning the Montreal rally, Toyota Canada has earned a berth in the Rallye Monte Carlo des Energies Nouvelles, to be held next March. The Monaco event is the world’s oldest and most prestigious green rally. It will be the first rally on the 2013 FIA Alternative Energies Cup calendar.
The Prius PHV was driven by Vinh Pham, Toyota Canada’s Advanced Technology and Powertrain Engineer, who was assisted by navigator Alan Ockwell. Pham was also behind the wheel when Toyota Canada claimed the 2011 title.
More information about the FIA’s Alternative Energies Cup or Rallye International Vert de Montreal can be found at http://www.rallye-alternative.com.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
