Factory photos & emails

It's not in a state, it's in Japan!

 

first pic, with BP car, appears to be in a fit/finish inspection. All the parallel lighting would make any small imperfections in paint/shape (gasp -dents) visible

that's my guess, anyway.

 

Perhaps, you all have missed it. It is getting ready to test the suspension over a pot hole.

 

My guesses:

For the Blizzard Pearl PiP, the one with the PiP wheels and bumper, I think essaunders is right about the parallel lighting (good catch, I didnt notice the "special" lighting). But there's also what appears to be a J1772 EVSE charge connector hanging above. Another thing is, there are those big pipe/hose things coming down from the ceiling, one on each side of the car. Maybe for weather seal testing? Wind noise testing? I dont know the various stages, but I would guess this is one of the final stages to inspect for body panel alignment. paint inspection, and weather sealing.

For the Clearwater Blue PiP, I have no idea (other than Tideland's guess). It looks like it'll roll down the middle and find a parking spot somewhere under some lights. But looking at the two "parking spots" in immediate view (the silver v and the blue one), I dont see a that much testing equipment. In fact, it doesnt even look very busy there.. not very "assembly line-ish". Upon closer inspection, the guy standing on the driver side of the dark blue Prius has a bunch of stuff on the floor by his feet. It looks like he may be installing something? It kind of looks like those brown boxes that Toyota parts come in. Maybe this stage is final quality inspection or something? and the guy installing something maybe found something imperfect and wanted to replace it?

 

What I noticed is that the Blizzard Prius has the liner installed under its hood, and the car immediately behind it does not. This does not explain why they're both inspecting the doors, though, so I'm a little confused.

 

OMG.
Where's Waldo?

 

OK, if these car are PiPs, where is the plug in point on the right rear fender? As for the wheels, maybe these are home market cars with a different location for the plug?
Looks like maybe the BP car is being checked for door alignment and fit. And I do see what looks like chrome on the door handles.
I think maybe the large hoses coming down from the ceiling are ventilation or exhaust ducts.

 

Well the first pic of the blizzard pearl looks like final electronics installation on advanced version with the port still open on the radar cruise control. I could be wrong though....... Looks like he's making sure there's no smudges/fingerprints on the finish.

 

Looks more like them being readied to go into containers.

 

And the second picture. Is that the famous rattle and squeak check? Looks like a Lexus behind that Prius.

 

Yeah the tow hook access is on the driver's side on my car which is why it tripped me up. Has the fog lights so it has to be advanced correct?

 

Must be final external trim and gasket assembly. Notice the lack of the rubber gasket on the hood? Not familiar with Gen 3 Prius but they must have a gasket where those holes are.

 

Well for sure it's not MY blue PiP! It just got confirmed to build. But that's OK. With the latest round of gas price hikes - $4.359 here in San Diego - it may be the 20mpg Venza that goes on sale rather than the 47.6mpg Prius. Anyway, that's the discussion around here right now!

Anyone want a loaded Venza, cheap?