The Modellista kits are only available in Japan, but they give us an idea just how sporty the Gen III can look. Toyota Outfits the New 2010 Prius Hybrid with Modellista Aero Kits - Carscoop
Gee, can we 'uglify' the front end even more? I already don't like the gaping lower 'grill' on the stock model. At least it isn't as big as the one on the new Insight.
Some of it looks sweet, some does detract. I'd be concerned about overall Cd changes compared to improved handling.
In my opinion, these kits increase drag. Fine line between looking cool and mpg but this one gets a thumbs down from me on "aero." The only "aero" improvements that might be had are the upper grill block on the one and the side skirts on the other. The rest look like they eat air, trap it in the car and increase drag. These are definitely not "aero" kits...they are "bling kits."
How about a lower grille block that opened when needed? That actually would be 'aero', as well as improving aesthetics and thermal efficiency.
I think it would have to fill the space rather than just block the air from flowing through. Otherwise the increased flat front surface would INCREASE Cd. But, that is what I WANT Toyota to do. Put in an automatic aerodynamic, ICE temp based, blocking feature. They presumably want a low emission, high MPG car, why don't they do something to automatically keep the ICE at the desired temp in both hot and COLD weather??
depending, aerokits can help/hurt drag. they won't affect handling unless they weight 500lbs I like them.
+1. Pretty simple thermally actuated louvre system. Heh, I say "simple" as if I could build it! But for someone with the right skills and resources, probably not too tough. - D
interesting ideas. kinda have me thinking of some type of black foam pieces to be wedged in between the horizontal strakes of the lower area..
They do not look that much better/different to me to be worth using. Also Toyota spend a lot of effort to get the drag coefficient down to .25 and I would want to see some wind tunnel testing to show that these are even better. I would bet that these "aero" kit makes it a lot worst. IMO if you want to do something like this to a car you should buy a Mustang or some other "sports" car. When you get done putting an aero kit on a Prius, you still have a Prius. TED
Instead of blocking the air that would increase drag why not use it to divert the air to keep block hot and open when it needs to cool it down? A y shaped duct with a flap that is controlled by a temperature controller to switch where the air goes depending on block temperature and/or outside temperature? Just a thought.
