The Toyota Prius Performance Plus Package. Image: Toyota
Go ahead and snicker, but I’ll tell you this flat out: a 2011 Toyota Prius equipped with the soon-available Performance Plus Package will lap a racetrack faster than a stock Prius and (probably) faster than a Lexus CT200h. It’s also faster around a racetrack than a bicycle, moped, desert tortoise or banana slug, but let’s be honest here: a Prius with no engine work and moderate suspension tuning isn’t going to be setting any lap records, at least not compared to other automobiles.
Image: Toyota
That’s the price to pay if you want to save the planet on autocross weekends, so Toyota has done the environmentally responsible thing in creating the limited-edition Toyota Prius Performance Plus Package. Available in Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black and Winter Gray Metallic, the package can be added can be added to Prius Two, Three or Four models for $3,699, or to Prius Five models for $2,999. Your money buys you a color-matched body kit, including front and rear bumper spoilers, a rear diffuser, and side skirts, that reduces the Prius’ already-low coefficient of drag. Next up is 17-inch forged alloy wheels shod with 215/45-17 tires, which reduce unsprung weight and widen the car’s track for better cornering. Lower springs drop the car 1.1 inches in front and 1.3 inches in rear, and a stiffer rear sway bar ensures flatter cornering and less understeer than the stock suspension.
Image: Toyota
No limited edition kit is complete without special badging, so the Prius Performance Plus Package also gives buyers unique logos and special Plus floor mats. If you are in the market for a new Prius and want the best handling version available, this is your ride. Dealers will begin taking orders this month, so get your checkbooks ready.
Source: Toyota
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
