Tommi Kaira builds the world's sexiest Prius
Even the world's sexiest Prius is still just a Prius.
(Credit: Tommi Kaira)Apparently, the 2010 Toyota Prius was feeling a bit frumpy and has decided to shake things up with a new look. So, the humble hybrid has gone under the knife of Japanese vehicle modifiers Tommi Kaira. The result is a new, sexy look and not much else.
Post-op, the Prius' front bumper has been replaced by a more aggressive unit with an integrated lip spoiler and larger intakes. Updated side skirts and rear bumper round out the Prius' new look. Peeking from beneath the bumper is a dual-muffler, quad-tipped exhaust that probably sounds good, but most likely doesn't do any favors for the Prius' horsepower or fuel efficiency. Requisite larger wheels and tires and a lowered suspension round out the tuning package.
I'm sure those quad-exhaust tips are really helping the Prius' 1.8-liter gasoline engine breathe.
(Credit: Tommi Kaira)You'll notice that we haven't mentioned any engine mods. That's because there aren't any. (Can you really call it "tuning" if you don't tune the engine?) The Tommi Kaira Prius makes its stock 134 horsepower and stock 50 mpg fuel economy rating. That is, if the aero upgrades haven't hurt Toyota's wind-tunnel-tested drag coefficient.
As long as changes are being made, I wonder if Tommi Kaira can do something about the Prius' dated DVD-based navigation system.
Sort of worthless - even if it had a kwel factor.
(db)
-- "But my house is just down this street."
-- "Yeah, I know, but there are speed bumps. I can't drive over anything higher than an inch."
The result is a new, sexy look and not much else.
it's a street-sport concept. it's supposed to look baddass
it's not "fugly" it's just designed for the younger street crowd.
your grandpa is going to be driving this car, nazaragi is
Enjoy your downforce while getting crappy MPG going 55MPH in your winged, riced-out trucks.
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by tokyotony
October 27, 2009 3:09 AM PDT
- Come on folks, don't throw rotten eggs on the designer of this kit, i know it's easier to be a jackass then a decent human being.
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(25 Comments)However, i do agree with most folks here who mentioned a miserable ground clearance of barely an inch and a half. Priuses ground clearance is one of the biggest drawbacks even without the kit, standing at measly 5.5 inches. If they could offer a suspension lift kit that would make wanna spend cash for a new prius. 5.5 inches really suck, but 6.5 inches would make a world of difference for millions of buyers who refuse to get into a snow plow vehicle...