TOKYO — Toyota is testing the waters in Japan for a new "G Sports" customization series. On Friday, it showed off a 2010 Toyota Prius G Sports Concept to illustrate its new push into the conversion arena.
"TMC has directly designed this sports conversion series, instead of the conventional approach of outsourcing development to a customization firm," Toyota said in a statement.
The "G's" series will get special factory-installed seats and suspension. The "G's" series name is based on the "G" linked with classic Toyota sport models like the 2000GT and the Celica GT-Four.
The "G's" lineup will have special features "in terms of exterior and interior design and driving performance," said Toyota. Performance tweaks will be overseen by the Gazoo Racing test drivers who drove the Lexus LFA in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race in Germany and developed the iQ-based Gazoo Racing tuned by MN (GRMN) car.
No word yet on whether the "G's" series will end up in the U.S. But in its statement, Toyota said it "intends to help foster a motorsports culture by also actively participating in grassroots motorsports events, Formula Nippon and Super GT in Japan and NASCAR in the United States."
Inside Line says: We have no problem picturing the Prius G Sports on U.S. roads. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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deadviper says:
10:05 PM, 01/15/2010
1. eww.
2. Good luck changing the rear if you get a flat. Or at anytime you need to change the rear for that matter.
3. Stop for the love of rod trying to make hybrids fast. Or atleast hybridize something thats already fast. The effort by anyone, OEM or no, to tune these things is totally wasted and usually results in something ugly and likely slow(this and the CR-Z) or something that looks fast but is actually slow (the CR-Z). A hybrid car has its purposes, but speed isn't one of them.
jeffgriz says:
07:47 PM, 01/15/2010
This is the funniest thing on wheels I've ever seen....probably will sell 100,000 the first year in production--lol
subafly says:
07:42 PM, 01/15/2010
I like the wheel fairings if they decrease drag. A performance Prius is kind is a little at odds with the purpose of the car. If the thing needs better suspension, fine. If they improve the aerodynamics with optional bodywork that would alienate the general public, cool. But you usually associate "performance" with increased power which I'd have to guess would kill the mileage which is the key feature of Prius. This is confusing.
risdo says:
05:56 PM, 01/15/2010
I can't even describe it...........
felonious says:
04:27 PM, 01/15/2010
There are no words to describe how much I dislike this vehicle.
jdamien75 says:
04:19 PM, 01/15/2010
Slap an NCC-1701 logo on that thing, then cast it as an extra for a shuttlecraft in Star Trek...
thejohnp says:
02:52 PM, 01/15/2010
With those back wheel covers, this new prius is copying the old insight.
perrito says:
12:01 PM, 01/15/2010
Agreed, like that last ridiculous Benz, drop the wheel condoms. Thanks.
firstclass says:
11:35 AM, 01/15/2010
Looks like a rolling pregnancy tester. Do the performance but leave the body alone.