Home | News | Road Tests Advanced Safety Technology In New Prius Advanced safety technologies on the next generation Prius are centred on a radar sensor mounted behind the Toyota badge Home > News > Toyota 8th May, 2009 Two advanced safety technologies never previously offered on a Toyota will be introduced along with the next generation Prius in July. A radar antenna at the front of the new Prius is central to the technologies that combine to reduce the risk and severity of crashes. The radar works with the cruise-control system to maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front. It also detects when a collision is imminent, triggering systems that prepare the car to help reduce injuries and damage. The two systems - Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Pre-Crash - are based on Lexus technology and will be available on selected Prius models. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control ensures Prius will automatically maintain the driver's preferred distance from the vehicle ahead - short, medium or long. When a slower vehicle is detected ahead in the same lane, the Prius system reduces engine power and, if necessary, operates the brakes to slow the Prius and maintain the set distance between the vehicles. If further deceleration is required, an alarm alerts the driver to intervene and apply the brakes. When the other vehicle changes lanes or exits the road, the Prius system automatically accelerates to the selected cruise-control speed. The Pre-Crash system uses the radar sensor to track the relative speed, distance and angle to objects ahead of the new Prius. If the system determines a crash is imminent, a warning buzzer alerts the driver to avoid the collision. At the same time, the system ensures greatly increased braking force is provided when the driver uses the brake pedal. In an extreme situation, when a crash is unavoidable, it will apply the brakes even if the driver has not touched the brake pedal. The system retracts the driver and front-passenger seatbelts when a collision is imminent. The seatbelts can also be retracted under emergency braking or when the Vehicle Stability Control detects that the vehicle is uncontrollable. Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more More Toyota News ..... here More Alternative Fuel Vehicle News ..... here About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2009   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.