Toyota unleashes 2010 Prius Modellista aero kits
2010 Toyota Prius Modellista kits - Click above for an image gallery
To coincide with the official launch of the 2010 Toyota Prius in its home market of Japan, the automaker has unleashed a whole slew of styling and performance upgrades available through Modellista, its in-house tuning arm. There are three separate body kits available that offer varying levels of flair: Modellista Versions 1 and 2 and an Aero Tourer Kit. We're not so sure the exterior bits from the Aero Tourer kit actually improve the car's looks any, but perhaps they improve its already stellar aerodynamics somewhat.
Questionable aesthetics aside, there's also a few aftermarket bits that could potentially improve the car's handling performance, like optional 16-inch alloy wheels and a new set of springs that lower ride height by 20 millimeters. At this point, it's not expected that Toyota will import any of these kits outside of Japan, but, if you're really interested, there's always eBay.
Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius Modellista kits
[Source: Modellista via Le Blog Auto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Josh 2:31PM (5/22/2009)
None of these body kits look bad at all. I like the 2010 Prius design, a remarkable improvement over the appliance-like design of the last generation.
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PJ 2:58PM (5/22/2009)
+1, I'm actually digging these.
There are a few Prii running around the SF Bay Area on lowered (hopefully not just cut) springs and gunmetal alloys, I always get a kick out of that.
If I could get one with a stick, I'd do it just for the ironic value. :-)
tump 3:31PM (5/22/2009)
PJ, You're probably seeing the Touring edition running around with the gunmetal alloys. Those wheels actually come with hideous plastic covers (hubcaps?) but if you pull those off, you get fantastic wheels underneath.
tekd 7:29PM (5/22/2009)
I'm definitely liking the V1. The Aero Tourer is just "wtf" with the styling, but maybe it's a purely functional kit or something since it appears that the hideous blade is trying to smooth out the nose logo in the front.
Now all we need is TRD to release some high voltage battery packs or something.
All the comments about how this seems to miss what Toyota markets to misses the point that Toyota markets the Prius to everyone who wants to buy it, not just greenies. Probably gonna help a lot with the CAFE rating if the Prius looks hot enough to sell as a regular car.
tuxchown 1:36AM (5/23/2009)
Sorry. There is no cure for hideously ugly.
Craig 11:36AM (5/23/2009)
The Aero Tourer Kit actually improves the Prius by removing the god-awful protruding Toyota badge.
Mr.TiredOfEconomicDownturn 2:38PM (5/22/2009)
Hahahahahaha!
Sorry, but really? They want to attract the tuner crowd now? There's no way to reduce your smugness by the body kits. If I want an economical tuner car, I'd get a Civic.
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Kiiks 4:00PM (5/22/2009)
My boss has a 2nd gen. One of these days when he's in a long meeting or something, we're gonna rice it out. I wonder if these kits will fit on it?
Mr.TiredOfEconomicDownturn 4:05PM (5/22/2009)
@ Kiiks: Ha, nice! Don't think it'll fit, but there's always cardboard and duct tape.
James 5:44PM (5/22/2009)
Toyota's in-house tuner provides such products for nearly every model they release to the Japanese market, even minivans, etc. Nothing new here, but I quite like those alloy wheels.
Nick 2:41PM (5/22/2009)
Oh yeah, I'm gonna race right out and get one.
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Taglane 2:42PM (5/22/2009)
Not bad at all. Except for the one grille that looks like a blade.
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bssplayr 2:56PM (5/22/2009)
agreed - looks like a cross between a 1st-gen Mercury Sable, and a current Acura.
Lipstick on a pig, IMO...
Jrejre 3:30PM (5/22/2009)
Prius Aero Tourer Kit: The best a man can get.
Protzenegger 2:58PM (5/22/2009)
No kit will make me buy a Prius, but the Version 1 looks pretty good.
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stretchsje 2:58PM (5/22/2009)
Handling upgrades? These cars come, quite deliberately, with low-friction tires that trade grip (friction) for mileage. And a front-drive car dragging heavy batteries in the rear will never have the agility of a traditional front-heavy, front-drive car let alone a balanced rear-drive car. These "upgrades" are ridiculous.
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PJ 3:48PM (5/22/2009)
Actually, the Touring trim comes with 16-inch V-rated Bridgestones, which add about 3 mph in the slalom and shorten 60-0 stops by 10 ft versus the standard super-low rolling resistance 15s.
Also, the Prius' curb weight is 2,932 lbs., which makes it lighter than the HHR, PT Cruiser, Caliber, Impreza, xB, Jetta, or Rabbit, and near-identical to Mazda's 3 hatchback.
Not saying it's a sporty car, of course, just getting the facts straight.
wehttam 2:58PM (5/22/2009)
Thats hideous
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Fd3rsrz 3:01PM (5/22/2009)
Not bad looking, really..... utterly pointless and totally appealing to the wrong crowd that the Prius normally markets to, but not bad......
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macroceli 3:04PM (5/22/2009)
these actually look pretty decent
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