Yesterday's Chicago Tribune carried a story about the price increase for the 2007 Prius ($450). It also said that the new Touring Edition ($23,070) has larger wheels and a stiffer suspension. It will be interesting to see what impact, if any, this has on gas mileage.
I'm curious to see if Toyota upgrades the touring model's chassis stiffening plate to complement the suspension and tire upgrades. I think I may be one of the few skeptics regarding the cost-benefit ration of the BT stiffening plate, but such an implicit endorsement by Toyota would persuade me. Perhaps PriusChatters in Japan, Europe, or elsewhere can already tell us if Toyota already uses a beefier chassis support brace on touring models.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(theorist @ Aug 5 2006, 06:27 PM) [snapback]298467[/snapback]</div> I'm part of that VERY small club as well...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(theorist @ Aug 5 2006, 06:27 PM) [snapback]298467[/snapback]</div> If it's not currently on the Japanese/European models, it's probably not going to change for USA, but don't remember hearing about any changes in this area; only suspension and roll-bar changes. Afterall, it is a very cheap change for Toyota if it was an issue.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(0 emissions @ Aug 5 2006, 03:12 PM) [snapback]298300[/snapback]</div> It would be neat if at least some of these items were made available for retrofit to older models.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ScottR @ Aug 6 2006, 06:45 PM) [snapback]298631[/snapback]</div> well, in 2005, Toyota did make chasis stiffer...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(0 emissions @ Aug 5 2006, 02:12 PM) [snapback]298300[/snapback]</div> Some more from the article: "The increase is $450, to $22,175, the company's Torrance, California-based U.S. sales unit said in a statement today. The new Touring Edition begins at $23,070 and has larger wheels and a stiffer suspension. The 2007 models go on sale this month. "Toyota's addition of new fuel-efficient hybrids since 2005, including versions of the Camry and Lexus GS sedans and Highlander and Lexus RX sport-utility vehicles, helped it raise U.S. sales 10 percent this year. Sales of the Prius have fallen 5.9 percent. The car remains the best-selling hybrid in the U.S., with 59,270 through July. "The automaker has blamed the Prius decline on limited availability of the cars at dealers and tight supplies of nickel-metal-hydride batteries used in its hybrids. Jim Lentz, Toyota's U.S. sales chief, said last month that the Prius supply is improving and that sales this year will at least match the 107,897 in 2005." They also say the Touring Edition is an effort to "help boost sales", as if the Prius is languishing on dealer lots. The rest of the article is fairly benign.
From Toyota's press release today: "Also arriving in August is the new 2007 Prius Touring Edition. The Touring Edition adds several sporty exterior enhancements including 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear spoiler, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and foglamps. A tuned suspension as standard equipment will enhance vehicle handling without impacting its ride comfort. The Touring Edition will carry a MSRP of $23,070. " Does this mean that it will use the same struts and springs, but stiffer anti-roll bars?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Aug 5 2006, 08:34 PM) [snapback]298469[/snapback]</div> Do you notice a considerable difference after changing out the BT plate? I'm considering it for my Prius.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(theorist @ Aug 8 2006, 01:59 AM) [snapback]299314[/snapback]</div> suspension means complete suspension. Did everyone notice how for extra $900 you get - 16" wheels - rear spoiler - HID headlights - HID fogs - Sport tuned suspension thats pretty good value there.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ashinbas @ Aug 8 2006, 01:00 AM) [snapback]299494[/snapback]</div> After installing the BT plate, I noticed an immediate improvement in terms of much less "sway" on the highway. I feel it's well worth the investment.
