Can We Please Get a Convertible Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Mystery Squid, Aug 14, 2006.

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  1. Mystery Squid

    Mystery Squid Junior Member

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    Since I've moved to FL, I've had the itch for a nice convertible. I'm sure it's totally within the realm of possibility to build a convertible Prius.

    Anyone else feel a convertible Prius would be a good idea, and would you buy one if it was available?

    Just wondering out loud... :lol:
     
    #1 Mystery Squid, Aug 14, 2006
  2. danoday

    danoday Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mystery Squid @ Aug 14 2006, 01:24 AM) [snapback]302870[/snapback]</div>
    Wow. This is the first time I can remember agreeing with Mystery Squid on anything!

    The Solara is essentially a convertible Camry, isn't it? Any idea if Toyota is going to extend the Camry hybrid into the Solara body?

    I'd buy one.

    Dan
     
    #2 danoday, Aug 14, 2006
  3. narf

    narf Active Member

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    One big problem with convertibles is that they usually take a big hit in aerodynamics. You would likely end up with a Prius that got mileage that was barely better than a stock Corolla.
     
    #3 narf, Aug 14, 2006
  4. Mystery Squid

    Mystery Squid Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(narf @ Aug 14 2006, 01:45 AM) [snapback]302882[/snapback]</div>
    I don't necessarily agree... Maybe when the top is down, sure, but I don't think it's impossible to create a ragtop (or removable hardtop?) with enough shape and structural stability such that when it's being used, there's not "hit" on drag with respect to the current configuration... :ph34r:



    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(danoday @ Aug 14 2006, 01:40 AM) [snapback]302880[/snapback]</div>
    The Solara is also a "chick" car... BIG TIME! :lol:
     
    #4 Mystery Squid, Aug 14, 2006
  5. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Besides the aerodynamic hit, convertibles generally weight more than their non-convertible versions due to extra bracing needed from having no roof.
     
    #5 cwerdna, Aug 14, 2006
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    But if it's a Prius convertible, it'll weigh the same as an equivalent coupe because of the extra use of lightweight materials. Or at least light enough to offset the extra weight.
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, Aug 14, 2006
  7. cagemo

    cagemo Member

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    I just sawed the top off mine and bondo'd the back doors. Still need to put the interior back in.

    [attachmentid=6563]



    EDIT 8.14.06: OK, I liked Godiva's suggestion of making it a two-seater. Hauled it back into the shop this morning and chopped a foot off the rear. New pic above.

    Can we build one for you? ;)
     

    Attached Files:

    #7 cagemo, Aug 14, 2006
  8. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    That looks cool yet weird at the same time.
     
    #8 TheForce, Aug 14, 2006
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I wonder if the rake of the windshield would mean extra strengthening over a more upright windshield.

    This concept looks almost as cool as the mpv one that someone else PS'd.
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Aug 14, 2006
  10. kettledrum

    kettledrum Member

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    I had a dream about a convertible Prius either late last week or over the weekend.

    It was very strange. It was a custom mod and it cost over $600,000!


    What was I eating/drinking the night before I had this dream???
     
    #10 kettledrum, Aug 14, 2006
  11. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cagemo @ Aug 14 2006, 03:48 AM) [snapback]302916[/snapback]</div>
    :lol: Have you still go the hatch and roof? I think you need to weld a cover over the back area and make it a two seater. That will cut down on some of the drag. :p
     
    #11 Godiva, Aug 14, 2006
  12. Linny

    Linny New Member

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    #12 Linny, Aug 14, 2006
  13. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    I can't wait for the plastic scale model. I was hoping to do several custom versions, like a limo, a funny car, maybe a pickup, and now I'll add a convertible to the list. I could start slicing up WeePriis... :blink:
     
    #13 hyo silver, Aug 14, 2006
  14. Rancid13

    Rancid13 Cool Chick with a Black Prius

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Aug 14 2006, 10:26 AM) [snapback]303058[/snapback]</div>
    Any chance we could throw some penguins in the backseat? I think they'd love the open air of a convertible top... B)
     
    #14 Rancid13, Aug 14, 2006
  15. Mystery Squid

    Mystery Squid Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cagemo @ Aug 14 2006, 04:48 AM) [snapback]302916[/snapback]</div>
    This looks like the shoe of a giant Transformer-like robot... :ph34r:
     
    #15 Mystery Squid, Aug 14, 2006
  16. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rancid13 @ Aug 14 2006, 01:28 PM) [snapback]303059[/snapback]</div>
    Penguins! What a splendid idea. I'll have to break out the clay and conjure up a few. Should I make them little snowboards, too, or do they just glide on their tummies? Are baggy shorts and mohawks alright, or do you approve of penguins gone bad? What would Maggie think?
     
    #16 hyo silver, Aug 14, 2006
  17. Rancid13

    Rancid13 Cool Chick with a Black Prius

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Aug 14 2006, 11:39 AM) [snapback]303116[/snapback]</div>
    I think baggy shorts and mohawks would be just fine. And sunglasses too of course. :D
     
    #17 Rancid13, Aug 14, 2006
  18. cairo94507

    cairo94507 Active Member

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    I'll tell you what, if they made it a steel retractable top, like the SL500 MBZ, I would be wanting one.
     
    #18 cairo94507, Aug 14, 2006
  19. sl7vk

    sl7vk Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cagemo @ Aug 14 2006, 04:48 AM) [snapback]302916[/snapback]</div>
    That's one of the best posts I've seen on this site. Hillarious.

    But where does the roof fold into? Battery takes up some room back there..... Or is this just a hard top type of thing?
     
    #19 sl7vk, Aug 14, 2006
  20. randreed

    randreed Same as it ever was . . .

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    I'll wait for the Tesla Roadster to come out next year.
     
    #20 randreed, Aug 14, 2006
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