LEAKED: Toyota Prius to get sporty
Japanese brochure seems to show Mk4 to be offered with sport body kit. No work on 300kW engine transplantToyota’s fourth generation Prius is set to get sporty, according to new brochure pics leaked by car blog, carscoops.com.
The images, released last night, show what appears to be official Toyota’s accessories, created specifically for the all-new 2016 hybrid, whose sole aim is to inject some sportiness into the hybrid.
Fuelling rumours that Toyota is serious about a sportier version of its 3.5-million-selling hybrid, the new aero, bodykit and rim package is the work of the Japanese car-maker’s in-house performance division, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and Toyota’s customisation division, Modellista.
Unashamedly sporty, in the future, you maybe able to order all manner of styling accessories like a front splitter, larger rear spoilers and the obligatory big wheels.
Unusually, for an eco warrior, there’s even the option of a centrally-mounted exhaust and rear diffuser.
It’s not known if TRD also will offer power upgrades - something it frequently does on other Toyota models. The go-faster division might also offer a more extreme sports suspensions for the Prius.
With the announcement at the this month’s Frankfurt motor show that the new Prius will be ‘fun to drive’ it’s perhaps no surprise Toyota might be tempted to broaden its appeal.
Now confirmed to be about 60mm longer, 15mm wider and 20mm lower, the new hybrid is the first application of the Japanese giant's Toyota's New Generation Architecture (TNGA).
Toyota says the stiffer new platform delivers "a more responsive driving experience and enhanced occupant protection".
It says dynamics are improved via a lower centre of gravity, greater body rigidity and new double-wishbone rear suspension that "produces a better connection to the road, providing greater control and feedback in all driving conditions".
Boasting the world's most thermally efficient petrol, Toyota is targeting a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption over the current model (3.9L/100km), which would equate to about 3.5L/100km.
Inside, Toyota claims the new driver focus continues with a wrap-around cockpit, sporty, figure-hugging seats.
The mark 4 Prius is expected to be with us early 2016.
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