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Toyota Prius steps up performance with PLUS option

Toyota has added a new, custom-badged PLUS accessory performance package for the 2011 Prius, the best-selling hybrid in America. Prius PLUS, which can be ordered at Toyota dealerships beginning today through October, features components culled from the new PLUS hybrid Toyota Racing Development line.

PLUS offers accessories that sport up the look of the car and make it perform better while co-existing with outstanding fuel efficiency. The accessories complement the Prius’ core values of Eco and Advanced Technology. The special badging gives this Prius an exclusive look that is punctuated with limited-edition PLUS logo carpet floor mats.

The limited Prius PLUS Performance Package allows Prius buyers to choose from among four exterior colors: Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black and Winter Gray Metallic.

The Prius PLUS Performance Package starts with a seven-piece aerodynamic ground effects kit that delivers an aggressive and lower-profile stance, Toyota said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. It includes bumper spoilers, side skirts and a rear diffuser. The custom body kit was created to reduce the car’s coefficient of drag, allowing it to maintain outstanding fuel efficiency.

The car comes with race-inspired 17-inch forged alloy wheels. The higher strength-to-weight ratio cuts down the upsprung weight, helps to keep corner weight down and performance up, while maintaining the Prius’ overall light vehicle girth and great gas mileage. The wheels have low profile 215/45R17 tires and have a custom offset, which increases track width yet maintaining Prius’ low rolling resistance. Also: The split 5-spoke pattern with a liquid metal protective finish will keep the appearance looking great.

The PLUS performance side gives drivers excellent traction and handling that will delight enthusiasts while still impressing fuel-efficiency fans. The springs lower the Prius 1.1 inches in the front and 1.3 inches in back. This enhances the Prius' road performance through quicker turn-in, enhanced steering response and improved cornering ability. A tuned rear sway bar reduces body lean for flatter cornering and maneuverability. This empowers the driver by providing amazing control.

The PLUS package is an option on all 2011 Prius model. The price for the add-on package is $3,699 for Prius Two, Three and Four models and $2,999 for the Prius Five.

You can reach TorqueNews.com's Hawke Fracassa at [email protected].

Image source: Toyota

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