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Wheels on Touring Model?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by bnaccs, Dec 17, 2007.

  1. bnaccs

    bnaccs bnaccs

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    I noticed that the touring model has plastic wheel covers over the alloy. IT even states this on the window sticker. Can you take the plastic cover off and just have the alloy wheel? Why is it like this? I was looking at a brand new car on the lot, maybe this was just because it protects the wheel until sold, but yet the window sticker said "alloy wheels with full plastic wheel cover. I'm confused?
     
  2. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    It is true. I can't make any real sense of it.

    The color (particularly on the touring model, I believe) is a real solid match for the Mag Grey color.

    I have the non-touring model. It also has allow wheels. Whereas the alloy wheels on the touring model are completely covered, the allow wheels on the standard model are covered only on the outside edges of the wheels. I've removed those rings and really prefer the look of the fully-exposed alloy wheels.
     
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Methinks the plastic is lighter than the alloy so it's easier to make a plastic cover to create the design they want, minimising weight.
     
  4. bnaccs

    bnaccs bnaccs

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    Does the wheel look nice if you take off the entire plastic cover? I would think that the car would weigh less without the plastic covers if it has the alloy wheel on it anyway?
     
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    They have a tuner look to it. They're gunmetal grey. Kinda cool but I guess depends on your age bracket???
     
  6. wdfoto

    wdfoto New Member

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    Pictures please

    Would someone please post a picture of the touring wheels with and without the plastic covers.
     
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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  8. SureValla

    SureValla Member

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    wow nice thats an excellent comparison

    any chance we can get a zoomed out view with the whole prius minus covers?
     
  9. TummyMan

    TummyMan Tummy Man

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    I have the same type of plastic cover on my Nitro RT, sometimes when it is cold the wheels crack and make noise when I back out of the garage. Only when it is cold. Dealer says it is non fixable.
     
  10. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    you guys really gotta start using the search function ;). All the pics/comparos have been posted before.

    [​IMG][​IMG]
     
  11. mountjonas

    mountjonas New Member

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    I like the design of the cover, but the color of the alloy wheel. It makes the wheel look bigger. Maybe I'll go ghetto and paint the covers.
     
  12. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Be aware the centre hub cap is not included on the touring model, so you'd have to get that from the dealer if you wanted to remove the covers and still have the hub hole covered (the chromed plastic round thingy with the Toyota emblem on it in the centre of the wheel).

    Also, Tideland posted the standard wheel and the touring wheel, both without covers.
     
  13. jbdan

    jbdan New Member

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    I took mine off....all kinds of "grunge" underneath and inside the covers. In a picture I like mine better with the covers, but in person I'm liking it without. I'm leaving them off for a while...my fickle nature might have them back on one day. I did upsize tires to 205's.
     

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  14. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    I prefer with covers from those 2 pictures.
     
  15. redx

    redx New Member

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    the one with cover makes the wheel looks bigger
     
  16. PoulStaugaard

    PoulStaugaard Now a PriusOwner

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    And it definitely looks better with the covers on, especially when they match the color of the car. Do you not have to have a front license plate in the US ?

    BTW, your camera is certainly ahead of time.
     
  17. PRIUS007

    PRIUS007 James Bond -007

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    I have the Magnetic Gray as well, and the wheel's are pretty close in color, but I think it makes the whole package too Gray.

    The wheel covers provide a nice contrast. Now, if someone were to take the wheels and polish the outsides, or possible the entire wheel, then clear coat them, they might look nice in a polished aluminum.
     
  18. jbdan

    jbdan New Member

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    LOL yea it's an old 2MP Kodak camera I don't bother setting the date :p

    GA does not require a front license plate.

    It does look better with the wheel covers ON in a photograph, but in person it look's much sportier and unique without the covers. I still have them so I can pop them back on at my convenience. My car is about 4 lbs lighter though without them!