OK, don't grill me for this question but why in the world did Toyota incorporate that blue colored hood badge into the 3G Prius? Personally, I think it is not very aesthetically pleasing but that is just my opinion. Can it be replaced? Scott
The blue tinge on the Toyota emblem is the latest way that Toyota indicates the vehicle is hybrid, in case anyone who sees a Prius can't figure that out. It's futuristic, kind of like the glow that you'd expect from a nuclear reactor core... I like this enough to use a photo of this for my avatar as of this writing. However if it bugs you then I suppose you'll have to check with your local dealer's parts dept to see if badges from another model might fit or not.
I don't particulaly care for it either and was wondiring how had it might be to remove the decal and have the body paint showing through instead.
If you have the ATP option, the answer is NO. The blue badge is a part of Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Pre-Collision System (PCS). Ken@Japan
It is for aerodynamic reasons as well. The surface of the new T badge is flat and smooth with 3D effect to create the illusion of a piece of metal.
I agree. I don't really like the outstanding hood badge either. When I get my Prius, I'll paint over the badge with the same color as the body and put simple Toyota decal on the nose bump. Keith
American marketing argued against it but got overruled by the powers that be back in Japan. It'll also show up on 2010 HyCams, etc.
I actually like the blue hood badges but I disagree with Toyota putting them on all the models. I would have liked to see them on only the Prius V or only Prius V's that have the AT package. I like seeing something that distinguishes top of the line models from other models on vehicles. I know the V has foglights but the badge would have really made it stand out if the others were 'normal' badges. Just my opinion...
Motor Trend.com has this article. So for those that don't like the new badge, apparently it will spread... ------------------------------------------ Toyota Design Chief Says 2010 Prius Reveals Future Toyota Styling Cues Listen up, Toyota fans. Designers of the new, third-generation Prius have revealed that many of the new model's styling elements hold clues to the styling of future Toyota models, which will emphasize both aerodynamics and futuristic looks. "Prius is a showcase. We can try many design cues here first," Toyota's global design chief Wahei Hirai told Automotive News. "This has to be symbolic." Up front, Hirai shrank the upper grille to reduce drag and help get consumers used to the idea of having no grille at all, which is how Toyota designers envision future electric cars. Airflow necessary for cooling the gasoline engine is now primarily the duty of the lower grille, which creates less drag. Just above the grille, Toyota's badge stands out prominently. This design was intentional and aimed at making the badge appear bolder and less of an afterthought. The stand-out badge is also meant to make what remains of the grille appear more horizontal and is likely to carry over to other models. Toyota has given the rear overhang a sharper angle and fitted fins on the bottom of the car to smooth out airflow and improve stability, much the way a diffuser would. While diffusers on race cars are designed to channel airflow and pull the car to the ground, the Prius' is designed in concert with a flat underbody to create the smoothest possible airflow under the car to reduce drag. While Hirai didn't specifically say that this trick would make its way to other models, we wouldn't be surprised if it did. Other styling elements that may show up on other models include the contrasting hard edges and soft, organic lines in the exterior styling, as well as the joystick-like shifter meant to get away from the stick-shift feel of current automatic transmission gear selectors.
Begin the rant: :target: "... less of an afterthought;" disingenuous at best; possibly an outright lie. Come on, over the last decade the Circle-T badge has grown from a 3.31 in. by 2.12 in. oval to the Gen II's 4.25 in. by 2.87 in. pie plate -- ~180% increase in area. (Actual measurements from samples on hand.) "Hey, Ma! Hey, Ma! Look at me! Look at me!" So, where's the afterthought? Quite to the contrary, the badge has gotten to the point of being cartoonish, tasteless, grossly overstated. If anything, it evidences insecurity, uncertainty, and teen-age bravado. A sad over-statement for the global leader in hybrid technology, fuel efficiency, and low emissions. What, we need bigger? This is not an SUV. Toyota, tighten up won't ya... you don't need to stoop to this level of patronizing, simpering, self promotion... leave that for the also-rans. :flame: End of rant.
You think the solution to someone's insecurity is a large Toyota badge? Hardly. "Yay! Now I'm a part of mainstream middle class mediocrity!" Large badges are simply a styling trend right now...
But.. but.. it had to be BLUE.. That's the color on all the nacelles for Star Trek shuttlecraft! Go.. if you got blizzard white you know you want a personalized plate that says SHTLCRFT or STARTREK or BEAMMEUP.. you know you want it!
Millimeter-wave radar beam is emitted from this badge when you activate the radar-assisted cruize control, provided that you have this rather expensive but probably useful option. Fantastic, and should be blue in color, don't you think so? Illumination on radar emission may be interesting but possibly violates regulations (and not to my taste).
If the badge is just glued on it should be fairly easy to remove - heat, dental floss or fishing line. I also think the badge, both in front and back are a little too large. I hope to be able to remove both as long as they are glued on.
This is what we were told when we talked to Toyota personnel in Detroit. The Japanese part of Toyota thinks it looks really cool. Tom
Kapena Gary, Maybe, but probably not. If the 2010 is anything like the 2004-08, the Circle-T badges, front and rear, are flat on the back and mount on a great whacking flat oval worked into the bodywork. If the badges are removed, it looks horrible, something is very obviously missing... and there are two alignment holes in the bodywork that match pins on the back of the badges. Mother Toyota does not want you to remove the badges. Anyway, there are lots of debadging threads here that you can use the search function to find... they'reheld on with automotive double-sided sticky tape vs. glued. Good luck.
Years ago I saw a beautiful Rolls Royce where the owner replaced the "Spirit of Ecstasy" hood ornament with a chrome plated leaping frog. I almost want to do the same thing.... Keith
