"Autumn in Australia brings the possibility of rain, which would make driving without traction control and engine braking control a real challenge, " Heidfeld said.

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Because peak power arrives at different rpm for the gas engine and the electric traction motor, peak system horsepower nets out to be an even 200 hp at 5, 600 rpm, which is the rated redline.

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The gasoline engine only turns a generator, which charges the battery and sends electricity to two electric traction motors that drive the car.

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The c's program managers were thus obliged to dial back to the previous generation's 1.5-liter engine (the Gen III Prius uses a 1.8-liter), a smaller traction motor (60 hp vs. 80 hp) and a lighter, cheaper nickel-metal hydride battery (19.3 kilowatts vs. 27 kW).

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