FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

In US, Toyota will be launching an all-new sporty package for its Prius hybrid in SEMA aftermarket show at Las Vegas. This Prius will be available in limited production beginning in April 2011.

This model is developed by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), the Performance Package doesn’t touches anything under the hood but relying instead on aerodynamic kit and a sports tuned suspension plus low profiles tyres for improved handling.

The aerodynamic kit comprises of seven pieces including a uniquely styled rear diffuser, front and rear bumper spoilers and side skirts. According to Toyota, the aero add-ons don’t affect the hybrid car’s 0.25 coefficient of drag.

The Prius PLUS also gets race-inspired 17-inch forged wheels that are fitted with low profile 215/45R17 tires and have a custom offset, which is said to increase track width while keeping the standard model’s rolling resistance.

To improve handling, TRD installed sports-tuned lowering springs, which Toyota claims “provide a lower centre of gravity, enhancing the vehicles on-road performance through quicker turn-in, enhanced steering response and improved cornering ability.” In addition, the Prius Plus gains a rear sway bar to reduce body roll “for flatter, more stable cornering and maneuverability.”

According to Toyota Motor Corp, TRD is developing similar packages under the “PLUS” brand for other hybrid models in Toyota’s lineup.

Photo Gallery: Toyota Prius PLUS

You probably be wondering, is there a Altis TRD Sportivo ?  We are here to to tell you, Yes there is. Aside from the Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo, there’s actually Toyota Corolla Altis TRD Sportivo. The turn-off point is, it is only available in Thailand.

On the front of Toyota Corolla Altis TRD Sportivo, upgrades can be seen on a few areas. The headlights which has black background now, the huge front bodykit warped on the existing bumper & of course the matte black grille with  a TRD Sportivo Badge. Toyota Thailand did a limited batch of 2000 unit of Toyota Corolla Altis TRD Sportivo with a option of 1.6 litre engine or 1.8 litre vvt-i engine. There’s only 2 colours to choose from which is Black or White.

From the rear of this Toyota Corolla Altis TRD Sportivo, it make me feel excited with the huge spoiler similar in size as the Civic Mugen  or Evo X type and the button with rear diffuser along with the rear bodykit.  The rear headlights are also different than a standard Corolla Altis. The yellow reflector signal light has been replace with a clear-type rear light case.

As we view the Corolla Altis TRD Sportivo from the side, we are not so sure whether to call it a nice car with those bodykit fitted to it. In our opinion,it does not look that sleek. However you do get the TRD Sportivo sticker at the lower part of the side rear door – The sticker positioning reminds of me the latest Civic Type R. The rims also replace with a 205/55R16 profile TRD Sportivo 16 inch rims.

Click here to read more about Toyota Corolla Altis TRD Sportivo