When car enthusiasts in the greater Sacramento area think cars in Monaco, they generally point to the principality's Grand Prix, which is probably the most famous Formula One race out there. However, as His Serene Highness Prince Albert II looks to boost his country's eco profile, the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In is making its debut in Monaco, and Prince Albert II is taking it out for a test drive, becoming one of the first drivers in Europe to do so.

Here at Elk Grove Toyota we think it's pretty cool to see the Prius Plug-In Hybrid get the royal treatment, but actually it's not all that shocking once we learned more about it. Prince Albert II is already the proud owner of a Prius, using the compact and efficient vehicle for personal use around Monaco. Introducing the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is all part of an effort to promote green driving, while also becoming leaders in sustainability as well.

Equipped with two electric 60 kW and 42 kW motors, the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid comes with a 1.6-liter 16-Valve VVT-i gas engine and 4.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The plug-in uses the Hybrid Synergy Drive platform that other models like the Prius c and Toyota Camry Hybrid utilize as well.

With three different drive modes, all-electric, eco-hybrid and power-hybrid, drivers have versatile options that help the Prius Plug-In Hybrid achieve a longer driving range while producing a top speed of 112 miles per hour on a 98 horsepower engine. Toyota estimates the Prius Plug-In Hybrid will have an output of 95 miles per gallon-equivalent in all-electric mode, while turning in 50 miles per gallon as a hybrid.

To learn more about the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, or to check out our entire new Toyota lineup, stop in to Elk Grove Toyota, located at 9640 West Stockton Blvd Elk Grove, CA 95757. You can also contact us online anytime, where we can give you the full details on each mode and arrange a test drive.