There was something to the BT Plate after all!

Way to go Brian for filling in the gap till Toyota finally got the message!

Boy, did Toyota hear!
After looking under the 2010 Prius, its quite obvious with the bar and beefy brace that runs across the whole width of the car in the back, that the flimsy stock brace did in deed did need fortifying to improve the ride.
I think the 2010 prius substantiates the BT stiffening plate.

I"m sure the BT Plate did not accomplish all that the new parts do now on the 2010.. but I think it proves there was some stability issues that the BT plate definitely improved.

Not trying to start the fur flying since this has been a hot topic in the past, but just wanted to bring out the point that although the plate will not be needed for the 2010 and later prius's, it appears to have something going for it for all earlier models or Toyota would have left good enough alone.

These pics aren't very good, but its the best my little phone camera could do.
The round brace (3/4 or an inch") is in the distance more, while the thick brace that must be close to 4 inches wide is closer in view.

 

Hey, nice pic!.. I "m glad someone with a real camera got that shot!

 

I see your point.
You feel the BT plate identified a need that was not actually met by the BT Plate if I understand correctly?

But the facts also do not support that it does not help!

All I know is the stock plate was a flimsy thing and to BT plate was solid beef.

Even though the location is perfect to fix such a problem as thats where Toyota also ran their supports " except all the way across which is even better" I grant you can still argue whether it actually does anything.

Without starting the whole very lengthy thread all over again, suffice to say its very subjective to the point that it appears to be based on opinions of the drivers who have it installed.

As discussed previously, almost all resistance against the plate was not from owners of the plate at all, but rather from Non-buyers.

At a very modest price, I took a chance and feel it made a substantial difference when the body was under stress situations.

The same difficulty one has to prove on paper how it in fact "does" make a difference is also the same struggle one encounters when they try to prove on paper that it "does not".

At any rate Toyota improved the ride by adding support to that area of the car indicating it was apparently lacking.

There is absolutely no credible reason to ascertain the BT plate did nothing any more than there is credible proof to ascertain that it does....

lets just call it circumstantial evidence!

The only real fact I have is the fact that Toyota followed suit by putting their own brace in the same area.

 

I'm really excited to see what the drive is going to be like on the 2010!....
It appears they got quite serious!

 

I don't think Toms or anyone else's brace will fit the 2010.... they have a few extras under the hood that changes the configuration a bit.

Two coolant reservoirs, one for the hybrid, the other for the engine etc.
I assume if those braces are altered to fit, they could still make an improvement to the ride but not sure....
but the whole suspension of the 2010 is much better so it could be a non issue.

 

At this point, maybe the front is all that could be improved upon?
Those stock braces in the rear were pretty impressive.

 

Although it will kill sales for the need for the BT plate for 2010 and later, it should substantiate the need and therefore increase sales for all models before that!
A bitter/sweet I guess!... but from what I hear from Tom, your Front suspension bar does wonders for turning it from a good car to drive to a fun car to drive!

Of course, I thought mine was already fun!.....
Hopefully you'll be making a modified version for the 2010 and later for the front!