Toyota will show two modified Prius hybrid cars at the 2009 SEMA in Las Vegas, one of the world's largest car tuning shows.
Though the hybrid powertrain hasn't been touched in either instance, both models feature updated bodywork, bigger wheels and fanciful interiors.
But will that be enough to entice the tuner crowd?
The SEMA show, or Specialty Equipment Market Association to give it the full billing, is routinely attended by all major car manufacturers, and Toyota is keen to give its Prius an image boost to appeal to a younger demographic.
One of the Toyota cars is called the Prius Aerius, which is Latin for 'belonging to the air', while the other is called the Prius Aemulus, which means 'envious imitation'. The former is the full-on show car, while the latter is more of a 'real-world' possibility -- though neither car has been slated for production.
Both models get carbon body kits designed by Five Axis Design, which have been aerodynamically optimised via "state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software by Swift Engineering" according to Toyota. It claims the kit maintains the Prius' 0.25 coefficient of drag.
While the Prius Aemulus rides on the stock standard alloy wheels, the Aerius model gets attention-grabbing 19-inch wheels fitted with Yokohama Super E-Spec low rolling resistance tyres. Not only are the tyres finished with ultra-cute leaf graphics, they are made from 80 per cent non-petroleum materials.
Other aspects of the cars are ecological friendly include the Aerius's seat fabrics, which are made from recycled polyester. The polyurethane seatbacks and bolsters are also recycled. Better yet, the interior accents are made from recycled resin (reclaimed birch trees and 40 per cent post-industrial recycled content).
And what would a show car be without a thumping stereo? Fittingly, the Toyota Prius Aerius gets a 900W, 10-speaker audio system courtesy of Pioneer. This includes a pair of 10-inch subwoofers, various satellites and tweeters plus two 7-inch DVD rear headrest screens.
If you happen to be in the USA, the Prius Aemulus is being auctioned off as part of the EMA benefit online.
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