Front Lip Spoiler - 2006 Model Change

Tomel · 11-05-2005, 06:00 PM

I noticed in Toyota's discussion of changes for the '06 the mention of the addtion of a "front lip spoiler." I've got a question for those of you more schooled in aerodynamics than myself. Is this addition meant to address the stability/handling issues that have been discussed in various threads? Or is the addition of a front lip spoiler probably just a cosmetic change?

Bob Allen · 11-05-2005, 07:18 PM

I haven't seen the 2006 front spoiler, so I'm making an educated guess here about its function. If Toyota is trying to address the problem of lift created by the wedgy shape of the car with its curved upper surface, they would need to disrupt the flow over the top. That would reduce the lift, but would add to the drag, so I'm thinking that they are trying to streamline the airflow UNDER the car, which also creates drag. I doubt that it's merely cosmetic.

amped · 01-19-2006, 12:04 AM

The new spoiler doubles as a fastening point for a new undertray about 4' wide X 2' deep. It smoothes the surface flat from the painted bumper rearward to the area about even with the front axle centerline. I've seen a few '06's now, and not all have it installed. The two new pieces are shipped in the trunk and are supposed to be dealer installed during PDI/PDS. It lowers ground clearance further and I imagine would be torn off during truck transport if it were factory installed before shipping.

Howard · 01-19-2006, 12:14 AM

Because of this redesign, the Toyota bra does not fit.

DaveSheremata · 01-19-2006, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by amped@Jan 19 2006, 12:04 AM
The new spoiler doubles as a fastening point for a new undertray about 4' wide X 2' deep. It smoothes the surface flat from the painted bumper rearward to the area about even with the front axle centerline. I've seen a few '06's now, and not all have it installed. The two new pieces are shipped in the trunk and are supposed to be dealer installed during PDI/PDS. It lowers ground clearance further and I imagine would be torn off during truck transport if it were factory installed before shipping.

[snapback]192984[/snapback]

Whoah... how do I know if it's there or not when I pick up my '06 this weekend? I can't really see anything here can I? http://www.toyota.com/prius/exterior.html

Anyone mind positng a pic of this spoiler?

Dave

amped · 01-19-2006, 04:06 PM

It's the wide black plastic piece on the bottom, only about 1" high. It's fastened to the existing 6-7 screws. Then 4-5 nylon slip-on nuts are installed in flanges in the bottom of the lip spoiler and the front of the new undertray is fastened to it. The rear of the tray is then attached to another fairing piece with 4 metal slip-on nuts and screws.

I saw another new '06 today in the beautiful Classic Silver parked at Safeway. I can't help peek underneath them now. It had both pieces installed. You'll need to get down to street level to see the new undertray. It's flat and smooth. If you see bumps and protrusions, the undertray wasn't installed. Of the half-dozen I've looked over, one had neither piece, one only had the lip spoiler.

DaveSheremata · 01-19-2006, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by amped@Jan 19 2006, 04:06 PM
It's the wide black plastic piece on the bottom, only about 1" high. It's fastened to the existing 6-7 screws. Then 4-5 nylon slip-on nuts are installed in flanges in the bottom of the lip spoiler and the front of the new undertray is fastened to it. The rear of the tray is then attached to another fairing piece with 4 metal slip-on nuts and screws.

I saw another new '06 today in the beautiful Classic Silver parked at Safeway. I can't help peek underneath them now. It had both pieces installed. You'll need to get down to street level to see the new undertray. It's flat and smooth. If you see bumps and protrusions, the undertray wasn't installed. Of the half-dozen I've looked over, one had neither piece, one only had the lip spoiler.

[snapback]193443[/snapback]

Thanks much!

Dave

NuShrike · 01-19-2006, 05:07 PM

Does this sound retrofitable to the 2005s?

amped · 01-19-2006, 05:46 PM

I believe so for both '04's and '05's. Your best bet is to return to your selling dealer and ask to borrow the two pieces from one right off the truck for a fitment check. They're plastic wrapped with a mounting hardware packet in the trunk. Most likely the P/N's are stamped on them. You might have to drill new holes, but nothing major.

**Tideland Prius** · 01-19-2006, 09:12 PM

Yeah cause that'll help with parking lot scraps. I'd rather scrape that plastic than the painted bumper.

01-19-2006, 04:06 PM	#6
amped Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Gorge OR Posts: 2,320 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 32 Thanked 79 Times in 53 Posts Friends: 0	It's the wide black plastic piece on the bottom, only about 1" high. It's fastened to the existing 6-7 screws. Then 4-5 nylon slip-on nuts are installed in flanges in the bottom of the lip spoiler and the front of the new undertray is fastened to it. The rear of the tray is then attached to another fairing piece with 4 metal slip-on nuts and screws. I saw another new '06 today in the beautiful Classic Silver parked at Safeway. I can't help peek underneath them now. It had both pieces installed. You'll need to get down to street level to see the new undertray. It's flat and smooth. If you see bumps and protrusions, the undertray wasn't installed. Of the half-dozen I've looked over, one had neither piece, one only had the lip spoiler. __________________ "The men that American people admire most extravagantly are the most daring liars; the men they detest the most violently are those who try to tell them the truth." -- H L Mencken

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11-05-2005, 06:00 PM	#1
Tomel Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 42 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I noticed in Toyota's discussion of changes for the '06 the mention of the addtion of a "front lip spoiler." I've got a question for those of you more schooled in aerodynamics than myself. Is this addition meant to address the stability/handling issues that have been discussed in various threads? Or is the addition of a front lip spoiler probably just a cosmetic change?

11-05-2005, 07:18 PM	#2
Bob Allen Captainbaba Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,262 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post Friends: 0	I haven't seen the 2006 front spoiler, so I'm making an educated guess here about its function. If Toyota is trying to address the problem of lift created by the wedgy shape of the car with its curved upper surface, they would need to disrupt the flow over the top. That would reduce the lift, but would add to the drag, so I'm thinking that they are trying to streamline the airflow UNDER the car, which also creates drag. I doubt that it's merely cosmetic.

01-19-2006, 12:04 AM	#3
amped Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Gorge OR Posts: 2,320 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 32 Thanked 79 Times in 53 Posts Friends: 0	The new spoiler doubles as a fastening point for a new undertray about 4' wide X 2' deep. It smoothes the surface flat from the painted bumper rearward to the area about even with the front axle centerline. I've seen a few '06's now, and not all have it installed. The two new pieces are shipped in the trunk and are supposed to be dealer installed during PDI/PDS. It lowers ground clearance further and I imagine would be torn off during truck transport if it were factory installed before shipping.

01-19-2006, 12:14 AM	#4
Howard Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Valencia, California Posts: 72 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Because of this redesign, the Toyota bra does not fit.

01-19-2006, 05:07 PM	#8
NuShrike my other Mobile Suit is a ... Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,367 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Does this sound retrofitable to the 2005s?

01-19-2006, 05:46 PM	#9
amped Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Gorge OR Posts: 2,320 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 32 Thanked 79 Times in 53 Posts Friends: 0	I believe so for both '04's and '05's. Your best bet is to return to your selling dealer and ask to borrow the two pieces from one right off the truck for a fitment check. They're plastic wrapped with a mounting hardware packet in the trunk. Most likely the P/N's are stamped on them. You might have to drill new holes, but nothing major.

01-19-2006, 09:12 PM	#10
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 19,606 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 227 Thanked 344 Times in 243 Posts Friends: 23	Yeah cause that'll help with parking lot scraps. I'd rather scrape that plastic than the painted bumper.