New Prius C

[fusion210]

It looks like just the right size for something I'd want. I hope it turns out better than the second gen insight.

[cfg83]

Neil -

The more I look at it the more I think it won't look the same when it goes on sale, and that's a compliment (because pretty concepts rarely make it to the showroom floor unblemished).

CarloSW2

[Vekke]

I did a quick aerodynamic check for this Prius C, enjoy:


Toyota Prius C Concept Detroit 2011 -- Autoblog

- Small side mirrors
- aerodynamic door handles (new Nissan Skyline GTR has totally flush version)
- Wheel wells are aredynamically optimised. However the front fenders rear side could have been rounded like gen1 insight.
- Rims are horrible
- Tire size 205/45R16 which is quite wide
- Cooling area is quite big
- at lower corners is shapes which direct air out of the front grill pocket
- before rear tire is a fpat which directs air under and to the side of the tire
- All windows are flush to body
- windshield wiper design if perfect for aerodynamics
- I am not sure what is the purpose for those front bumber corner holes are, brake cooling?


Toyota Prius C Concept Detroit 2011 -- Autoblog

- Good kammback at rear, but could be longer with clear polykarbonate
- rear fender end to sharp corner which is good
- no proper diffuser
- if those holes in the rear bumber are air outlets from the cabin they are good.
- rear is little bit higher than front of the car
- rear taillights might be much cheaper option behind the glass.
- rear doorhandle hidden to window frame

What could have been used:
- Rear fender skirts
- controlled frill block
- better rims
- good diffuser
- air exit holes from engine bay, like WRC cars to the side of the bonnet
- narrower tires and smaller rims

If someone knows how to attach those pictures properly I would appreciate.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Vekke

- I am not sure what is the purpose for those front bumber corner holes are, brake cooling?

On some cars, the A/C condensors are hiding there, and they need cooling.

Dunno where I picked it up, but BMW appears to have claimed air openings there (and exiting in the wheel well) can actually lower the total drag by improving the aerodynamics around the front wheel well area.

[RobertSmalls]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Dunno where I picked it up, but BMW appears to have claimed air openings there (and exiting in the wheel well) can actually lower the total drag by improving the aerodynamics around the front wheel well area.

Honda accomplishes this without creating an additional hole in the front of the car. Some of the air that passes through the Insight's radiator and condenser exit through holes where the tie rods enter the wheel wells.

I haven't seen the car in a wind tunnel, but those look like fashion holes to me.

[k.civic.f4i]

Originally Posted by Vekke

- air exit holes from engine bay, like WRC cars to the side of the bonnet

what are you referring to here?

[star_deceiver]

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

99% of the time I'd also be asking for a stick. However, the eCVT IS the Prius powertrain and the main part of how it does its magic. This is one case where I wouldn't want a stickshift.

If the car's not fun to drive then there's no point in buying it (no matter how good the mileage)... and every vehicle I've driven with a slush or cvt has been quite the snorefest...

I'll take some worse milage for better control of the vehicle anyday!!!

[MetroMPG]

The Prius is fun to drive - but in a different way. The CVT is part of the package.

Toyota's hybrid drivetrain (with full instrumentation) is probably the nerdiest fun you can have in car. Not corner carving, adrenaline fun. It's a rolling video game.

[PaleMelanesian]

I R NERD, and I approve.

[gone-ot]

...bumper sticker for all new Prius C (plural is Prii?) vehicles:

NERD APPROVED