Along with the body kit are 17-inch forged alloy wheels with low profile 215/45R17 tires, which increases track width while maintaining Prius’ low rolling resistance.
The Toyota Prius now offers a performance option starting today for an additional $3,699 for Two, Three, and Four models and $2,999 for the Prius Five. First shown at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, Plus has a seven-piece aerodynamic ground effects kit that delivers a lower stance. It includes front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts and a different rear diffuser.
The custom body kit was aerodynamically designed to reduce the vehicle’s coefficient of drag, while maintaining fuel efficiency, according to Toyota.
The limited quantity Prius Plus option has four colors: Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black and Winter Gray Metallic. Along with the body kit are 17-inch forged alloy wheels with low profile 215/45R17 tires, which increases track width while maintaining Prius’ low rolling resistance.
Shorter springs lower the vehicle 1.1 inches in the front and 1.3 inches in the rear. This enhances the vehicle’s on-road performance in theory by providing quicker turn-in, enhanced steering response and improved cornering ability. A rear sway bar is added to help reduce body lean for flatter cornering and maneuverability.
There are also custom badges and limited-edition PLUS logo carpet floor mats.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
