The PRIUS PLUS PERFORMANCE Test Run Campaign PIX !!!

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by HAWAIIANBUILT, Apr 5, 2011.

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  1. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    HEY PRIUS CHAT FOLKS !!!

    :):):):)

    On March 25, 2011 I was fortunate to be part of the PRIUS PLUS Performance Package Test Run Campaign !!!

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    Many thanks to Doug Coleman / Toyota Product Manager / Marketing Department and Alan Lupinetti / Toyota Accessories Marketing Manager for the Test Run of this AMAZING PRIUS Available April 2011 !!!

    More information ALREADY here on PRIUS CHAT ...

    http://priuschat.com/news/toyota-prius-plus-performance-package-coming-soon-trd

    For those that either Do Not currently own a Prius or would like to have an addition to their Prii Family, this is A MUST HAVE !!!

    If you're into Modifying, Enhancements, and Performance Upgrades as much as I am the PRIUS PLUS is the WAY TO GO !!!

    On March 26, 2011 I was able to present the PRIUS PLUS to many of our Prius Chat Community Members and give them the opportunity to see the vehicle first hand !!!

    Here are some GREAT FEATURES in Summary about the PRIUS PLUS !!!

    - Low Profile 7 piece Body Kit - delivers an aggressive low profile stance while maintaining fuel efficiency through a reduced coefficient of drag (cD).

    - Race Inspired 17" Forged Wheels (superior than cast as it is stronger and lighter, higher strength ratio, keeps cornering weight down. The forged construction makes the wheel stronger and more responsive due to a higher strength to weight ratio which reduces un-sprung weight.

    - Low profile performance tires.

    - Ultra Stiff Performance Rear sway bar - reduces body roll, stable cornering and maneuverability.

    - Performance Lowering springs 1.1" Front Lowering and a 1.3" Rear Lowering - Quicker turning and steering response.

    - Custom Limited Edition Prius Plus Badging

    - Custom Limited Edition Prius Plus floor Mats

    Here are JUST SOME of the MANY pix taken while I was able to have the PRIUS PLUS in my hands !!!

    With Alan Lupinetti the morning of March 25, 2011 taking delivery of the PRIUS PLUS !!!

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    Leaving Toyota Headquarters ...

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    Finally home !!!

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    Initial inspection ...

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    Tradition ... Car Wash Time !!!

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    All Clean then it was time for a closer impression ...

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    Some Comparison shots with HB II

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    And finally some Press Release shots of the PRIUS PLUS !!!

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    Overall I must say that the PRIUS PLUS is one AMAZING PRIUS !!!

    With all the Great Modifications, Enhancements, and Performance Upgrades that are STANDARD on this PRIUS, I have to tell you ... I may be considering another PRIUS in the family !!!

    The PRIUS PLUS handling feels more stable and secure, the MPGs remain unchanged, and the overall look is distinctly aggressive. I am anticipating seeing this great new PRIUS on the road COMING SOON !!!

    Again many thanks to Doug Coleman / Toyota Product Manager / Marketing Department and Alan Lupinetti / Toyota Accessories Marketing Manager for the Test Run of this AMAZING PRIUS PLUS !!!

    [​IMG]

    SEE YA SOON !!!

    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #1 HAWAIIANBUILT, Apr 5, 2011
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  2. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    So that's why they called the Prius+ the Prius v? because of a Prius Plus, that's just a regular prius with extra plastic? oh.

    If you're going to make a "sports" model, it needs new front and rear bumpers, darkened headlights, bigger wheels, and an upgraded (Recaro's, chunky steering wheel etc) interior. Add a supercharger as well for good measure. It would be quite different from a regular P, and people would definitely buy it.
     
    #2 Flaninacupboard, Apr 5, 2011
  3. Flying White Dutchman

    Flying White Dutchman Senior Member

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    is this really from toyoya or a aftermarket company doing a drivebuy the toyota sign and telling us that is toyota orginional?
    its confusing.. prius V and prius plus...
    i do like the sports package!
     
    #3 Flying White Dutchman, Apr 5, 2011
  4. billnchristy

    billnchristy Active Member

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    The wheels are nice but my stock one scrapes enough, doesn't need to be lower, I wouldn't be able to park in my driveway.
     
    #4 billnchristy, Apr 5, 2011
  5. Rangerdavid

    Rangerdavid Senior Member

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    couldnt use my Prius if it were any lower than it is now. So I see body modifications, well, at least one I notice, a new badge and license plate. Other than that, how does this aid and boost performance?
     
    #5 Rangerdavid, Apr 5, 2011
  6. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Am I the only one to feel utterly confused by the inconsistent nomenclature?
     
    #6 zenMachine, Apr 5, 2011
  7. sipnfuel

    sipnfuel New Member

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    Is any of this stuff available as a kit? So we can plusify our existing Prii.

    And yes, the Toyota's naming scheme is bound to confuse people.

    By these conventions, do I have a Prius++--?
     
    #7 sipnfuel, Apr 5, 2011
  8. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Floor mats! Don't forget the floor mats, they add as much horsepower as the plastic does.
     
    #8 xs650, Apr 5, 2011
  9. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    In general, very few 'performance' mods have anything to do with performance. Most just make the car louder/flashier, so the owner perceives performance.

    A lighter wheel, especially a lighter rim (weight in the hub makes less difference) can improve performance and economy. Since the inertia is less, the brakes can slow the spinning wheel more easily and the HSD can spin them up more easily. Less HP is consumed changing angular momentum, so more is available to change speed.

    Lowering can help top speed runs by reducing air flow under the car. 'Aero' kits may reduce lift at high speeds, but it will cost in drag, so MPG will be lower.

    Given the aerodynamic work Toyota did on the Prius, almost no 'areo' kit will have lower drag than a stock Prius, (this one claims it does) but they do give the vendor something to sell you over and over as you break off bits of lowered bodyworks.
     
    #9 JimboPalmer, Apr 5, 2011
  10. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    HEY PRIUS CHAT FOLKS !!!

    The PRIUS PLUS may not be for everyone and may not accommodate everyone's daily driven capabilities. But I do have to hand it to Toyota for allowing us to have yet another option for the Third Generation. Here in Southern California for instance, we're starting to see more and more owners who are beginning to personalize and customize their own Prius. I see many stock Prius' on the road and it's nice to have some variety. It's great to have choices and I do thank Toyota for allowing their owners to have options. Differentiation is a wonderful thing in my opinion.

    As far as the Performance modifications for the Engine, I was told that TRD and Toyota did not want to alter the HSD system. This allowed the Prius Plus to maintain the MPG's that the vehicle has already been known for.

    Performance in my opinion, also encompasses the way the vehicle handles ... from the Lowering Springs, Rear Sway Bar, and the Forged Wheels they all help to the Prius Plus maintain a more stable and responsive experience. Performance is not always solely on Engine performance. And in this case I would prefer my Prius to operate safer rather than quicker. Again this is my opinion.

    Hope this helps folks !!!

    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #10 HAWAIIANBUILT, Apr 5, 2011
  11. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Rodney, I agree that more choices are a good thing even though the + isn't my cup of tea. Your mods look like they go together and the workmanship looks very good in the pictures.[​IMG]

    I do question the use of "Performance" in the title.
     
    #11 xs650, Apr 5, 2011
  12. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    Thanks XS650 !!!

    Yes I do understand your question, that's what I had asked as well !!!

    The badging isn't what we're used to seeing what "Performance" is but I guess Toyota is changing it up as to how we view Performance !!!

    Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it !!!

    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #12 HAWAIIANBUILT, Apr 5, 2011
  13. Corwyn

    Corwyn Energy Curmudgeon

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    I would dearly love to see a MPG performance tuned car; where the effort taken here was put into squeaking as much fuel economy out of the car as possible.
     
    #13 Corwyn, Apr 5, 2011
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  14. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    Hmmm ... that's not a bad idea Corwyn !!!

    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #14 HAWAIIANBUILT, Apr 6, 2011
  15. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    I still think the Prius "Plus" sounds like an adult diaper. I'm also not a fan with how they've modified it and will probably price it out. Lowering springs that are higher in the front than the rear? Please, don't insult us. Do it right and go for coils or at least springs with a raked stance. I'd rather take a dirt cheap Prius II and modify it myself. It'd look better and probably come out cheaper.
     
    #15 macmaster05, Apr 6, 2011
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  16. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    One more note, it's not a cool modified car if the dealer's done it for you and is selling one to your grandma too.

    Again, just make it your own. It'll look way better. Rodney's proved that in this very thread.
     
    #16 macmaster05, Apr 6, 2011
  17. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    My EXACT comments. How about a spring kit to raise the height 1 1/2 inches?
     
    #17 xpcman, Apr 6, 2011
  18. sipnfuel

    sipnfuel New Member

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    The wheels are the best part. The body kit not so much. I prefer Rodney's body kit (Five Axis) assuming the same cD (it may be debatable given the greater area of Rodney's Five Axis kit).
     
    #18 sipnfuel, Apr 6, 2011
  19. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I can appreciate what you are up to. Thanks for posting, Rodney. :)
     
    #19 F8L, Apr 6, 2011
  20. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    I've been noticing the same thing over the past few weeks. I've seen about a dozen Prii over the past month that have had custom wheels and other accessories. Some of them look really good. I'm glad to see some owners customizing the appearance of their Prius and making their Prius look sporty. :cool:
     
    #20 Rybold, Apr 7, 2011
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