Prius aero-kit---possibly a repost
 

I apologize if this has been seen a thousand times and I've just missed it, but I think this is fantastic, even if the rear skirts do stick out a bit. ((I posted a picture of this in the pics thread too.))

Auto Labo Prius
http://img.motorpasion.com/2008/12/T..._Autolabo0.jpg

~Matt

yea that is pretty cool!

I think we need a dedicated Prius aero thread :p

Cool body kit- I wish that rear diffuser were actually as high as it seems.

I love that they even did a grille block on the front end

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...1768_large.jpg

Most of the comments don't seem to like the styling. I think the wheel skirts could be improved, but aside from that I think it looks pretty sweet. Maybe it's just the ecomodder inside me.

That's a really pretty rear bumper :D

...except for the fart can?

yeah, what were they thinking?

Probably trying to make it "appealing" since the rest of the car screams "custom."
Just appealing to that crowd.

I disliked the comments that I read, but I often do. They did not seem to like any of the things (that they noticed) that would actually make the car more aerodynamic. They wanted the flashy stuff that just might be worse than stock.

This came out four years ago? Is this company still in business?

It's a Japanese site, but looks like they're still in business and selling the Prius kits. Increases MPG from about 60 to 66MPG (according to them). http://www.auto-labo.net/cathand_car...art/index.html
Here is the price list with conversions to USD (brought to you by Google):
1: front bumper ¥ 68,800 -$805
2: side step ¥ 39,800 -$465
3: Rear bumper ¥ 68,500 -$801
4: Rear Wing (FRP) ¥ 19,900 -$232
5: Rear Wing (Carbon) ¥ 31,800 -$372
6: rear fender skirts ¥ 45,800 -$535
Total - ¥274,600 -$3211

You would have to drive over 600,000 miles before breaking even, according to their numbers @$3.50/gal.:eek:

I'm really curious how the wheel skirts attach, it doesn't look like the prius is modified underneath. Anyone have any ideas? EDIT: Found it on their site. It says the body isn't modified at all.

I looked at other body kits, but of course those were supposed to make the Prius somehow look faster. A comment on New Body Kit Makes Your New Prius Look Nothing Like A Prius put it pretty well: "This has me all confused. I thought the reason why the Prius sold so well is because it looked different. It looked like a futuristic car with an advanced powertrain. Buyers of hybrids want to make sure you know they are driving a hybrid."