Toyota Prius Brings PLUS Performance To Hybrid Driving

by Toyota in the News on August 30, 2011

It looks like the best-selling hybrid in America will soon be moving faster than ever: That’s because Toyota is launching a new, limited-edition PLUS Performance Package—created by the high-performance experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD)—specifically for the 2011 Prius. The new setup is based on components that first debuted at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show and will enhance both the Prius’ appearance and its handling. What it won’t do, however, is compromise fuel efficiency; even kitted out with these new goodies, the Prius retains its industry-leading EPA fuel-efficiency ratings of 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway/50 mpg combined.

Available with a driver’s choice of four exterior colors (Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black, and Winter Gray Metallic), the PLUS Package adds:

• A seven-piece aerodynamic ground-effects kit with front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts, and a rear diffuser, which lowers the the Prius’ already slick coefficient of drag.
• 17-inch race-inspired forged-alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile 215/45R17 tires with a custom offset.
  Suspension enhancements like track-tuned lowering springs and a high-carbon, spring-steel rear sway bar; results include a
• 1 inch lower ride height as well as quicker turn-in, improved steering response, superior cornering ability and notably upgraded maneuverability.
• Custom badging and PLUS logo floor mats.

Significantly, this is just the first offering from Toyota’s new PLUS accessories brand, which will continue to develop aftermarket solutions that raise the bar for performance handling and aggressive style in the hybrid segments, but without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

The new Prius PLUS Performance Package is compatible with all current Prius models and is available for ordering right now with an MSRP of $3,699 for the Prius Two, Three and Four, and $2,999 for the Prius Five.