Street Basis Coilover testing for the ’10+ Prius has been completed.
The ride height drop for the Prius: Front -55mm and Rear -55mm.
The actual drop may vary by models due to the weight of different components (ie Transmission, Packages, etc.)
For information regarding what the Street Basis Coilovers are all about click here.
Compact Hybrids are a growing trend here in the states especially with the soon to be released CR-Z. In Japan the Prius is the number one selling car and a lot of the famous tuners and manufacturers own CR-Zs.
The automotive industry has been pushing the hybrid models and now you can find many models with a hybrid version. I do not consider these real hybrids as they were not designed to be hybrids from the start. The hybrids that were designed to minimize drag and maximize fuel economy are in my opinion, ugly (with the exception of the Porsche 918 Spyder, drool). I get the reasoning but that does not mean it makes for a good looking car. However browsing through Japanese magazines I have seen some nicely modified hybrids that I have opened my mind (I guess almost anything looks better slammed).
Honda Insight from Nisei Showoff this past weekend. Photo from www.speedhunters.com
Mugen CR-Z in Japan. Photo from www.autoguide.com
Tommy Kaira Prius. Photo taken from www.autoblog.com
However in the US, there are VERY few examples of modified Hybrid cars maybe because owners do not think there are aftermarket parts readily available here. TEIN actually manufactures coilover kits and lowering springs for some of the hybrid vehicles (Prius lowering springs are actually a stocking item). We just finished up test fitment and roads tests for the US version CR-Z as well. S.Tech lowering springs, Super Street and Mono FLEX coilover will be available later this year.
Honda CR-Z with Super Street coilovers.
I got a chance to drive the CR-Z and I immediately compared it to my 1988 CR-X. I have had my HF CR-X for a few years and I love it. Sure it does not have any of the amenities of a newer car like power steering, power windows, power mirrors, CD player, bluetooth, etc… but I get 50 mpg (city) and 56 mpg (highway). My 22 year old car actually gets better gas mileage than the CR-Z and Prius. Admittedly it is not as fast or has as much torque but I really like the styling.
My 22 year old Honda CR-X with BASIC coilovers and aftermarket wheels.
One day I might consider purchasing a hybrid but until then I will enjoy my ’88 CRX.
