New PLUS Performance Package for 2011 Prius
30 June 2011
Toyota is offering a new accessory package for the 2011 Prius. First debuted at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, the Prius PLUS Performance Package features components of the new PLUS hybrid performance line from Toyota Racing Development (TRD).
Developed to meet the evolving demands of the growing hybrid segment, PLUS adds sporty looks plus performance handling. Toyota says that PLUS is an evolution of hybrid design, where fuel-efficiency co-exists with aggressive styling and performance handling.
The Prius PLUS Performance Package starts with a seven-piece aerodynamic ground effects kit that delivers an aggressive and lower-profile stance. It includes front and rear bumper spoilers, sleek side skirts and a uniquely styled rear diffuser. The custom body kit was aerodynamically designed and engineered to reduce the vehicle’s coefficient of drag, maintaining fuel efficiency.
Complementing the body kit are race-inspired 17-inch forged alloy wheels. The higher strength-to-weight ratio reduces the upsprung weight, assists in keeping the corner weight down and performance up, while maintaining the Prius’ overall light vehicle weight and high fuel efficiency. The wheels are fitted with low profile 215/45R17 tires and have a custom offset, which increases track width yet maintaining Prius’ low rolling resistance.
The performance side of the PLUS package delivers excellent traction and handling without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The track-tuned lowering springs lower the vehicle 1.1 inches in the front and 1.3 inches in the rear. This enhances the vehicle’s on-road performance through quicker turn-in, enhanced steering response and improved cornering ability. A tuned rear sway bar is added to help reduce body lean for flatter cornering and maneuverability. The sway bar is constructed of high carbon spring steel, powder coated to prevent corrosion and road damage.
The new Prius PLUS Performance Package represents the first installment of the new PLUS brand of accessories from Toyota. Available as an add-on option on all Prius models, the PLUS Performance Package adds accessories in a combination at $3,699 for Prius Two, Three, and Four models and $2,999 for the Prius Five. Ordering for the limited production 2011 Prius PLUS Performance Package will begin in July.
Will all these improvements translate into real NET fuel consumption reduction?
If so, the 2012 Prius PHEV may go another mile or so on e-power?
Lighter, higher performance future batteries will certainly help.
Posted by: HarveyD | 30 June 2011 at 10:07 AM
Prius Plus means Prius Plus Profit.
Posted by: TM | 30 June 2011 at 11:49 AM
^ yup, this is strictly a profit play by toyota. However, lowering the suspension is a cheap (free from the manufacturer's perspective) way to pick up a little extra fuel economy in the real world.
The prius is already a very efficient machine. The only places I can see room for improvement are ($=cheap, $$=moderate, $$$= expensive):
-lower suspension ($)
-plastic exhaust components (down pipe back) ($)
-a composite roof ($$)
-cfrp body panels ($$$)
-cfrp wheels ($$$)
-a lighter battery (existing off the shelf batteries would be much better than the prius's current battery) ($)
-cameras for side mirrors ($$)
-smaller gas tank ($)
Lower suspension, a smaller gas tank, and a lighter battery could probably improve the prius's fuel economy by 6-8% at essentially no cost to Toyota while improving the vehicle's performance.
Posted by: GreenPlease | 30 June 2011 at 12:20 PM
I'm not a Prius owner. The reason is that I simply don't like the way they drive. They are slow, fairly unresponsive but worst of all, they don't handle well. One could never make the claim that a Prius is a "drivers car".
This sounds like an excellent first step to appeal to drivers like me.
Posted by: cujet | 30 June 2011 at 01:02 PM
Options are good.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 30 June 2011 at 09:57 PM
The measures listed above are not going to improve consumption by "6-8%". There's not enough weight or aero reduction there. And a plastic exhaust system?? Come on; the temperature even at the very back of the exhaust system is more than plastics will tolerate.
Anyway, I am in agreement with cujet about the Prius's driving dynamics (I've driven one, and found it unacceptable for what I want from it). And what's missing from the list of improvements is the thing that most needs to be fixed ... the steering! For what it's worth, I have the same criticism of other late-model family-oriented Toyota cars that I've driven. The steering is waaaaaayyyy too over-assisted, leaving zero feedback to the driver.
Message to Toyota engineers: Go drive a late model VW Golf. Or even a 3-series BMW. Make the steering like that. It costs nothing (in either money or fuel-consumption ratings) to make steering with proper road feel ... and it might get a few drivers used to European products to look at yours!
Posted by: Brian P | 02 July 2011 at 08:37 AM