Wheels and Steering and Shocks, Oh My!

Is there any news on when the 15" wheel models will start getting the tighter EPS tuning?

 

bump. Will it likely start with the 2011 MY? Has there been an answer to whether its a hardware or software upgrade?

 

Bump. Any one from Prius Team care to update us, please?

Thanks,

Greg

 

Just a quick note of thanks to Prius Team for an update of sorts (PM) They are working on getting us an update on the EPS, but it might take some time as the answer is not yet available.

Greg

 

I hope the option is available soon. It isn't going take much for me to start looking for a wrecked V so I can scrounge a steering unit out of it. The non V's definitely need a tighter steering feel.

 

This one change alone would completely change the nature of the car and the driving impression for the better. I can't see why Toyota wouldn't understand this. There are over 80 posts on this thread, I'd say a GREAT number of people are concerned about this!

Making an update for early owners is very much on our minds, what will it take to get Toyota to move on this? Is there a 'formal' way to communicate this fact to whoever decides these things?

 

Can you show us that list?

 

3.75 turns lock to lock was a big deterent for me when I was looking.

After enough test driving, I ended up deciding I could live with it and buying a Prius for its other virtues but would probably have bought months sooner if it had more responsive steering.

 

You mean the V? That's a pretty steep price jump for the steering isn't it?

 

Imho I would be totally shocked if Toyota offered a reprogramming of the current steering in the non V equipped models. Mainly because the car is doing very well sales wise. It's a business and it's about making money.

On the other hand, if the cars were sitting on the dealer lots you bet Toyota would be revising a bunch of things due to customer complaints/bad press as soon as they could to boost sales.

My guess is nothing will be changed until the MY2011 rolls out if at all. Another reason to keep it as is....it "pushes people to buy the top model" which puts more money in Toyota's pocket.

Don't get me wrong, I also would like a tighter, more responsive steering feel! When I first test drove the car it was very noticable to me that it took ALOT of turning to make the car turn. What the heck is wrong with this car! I dismissed it as being a "Prius thing" and moved on.

 

Interesting to know.
I wasn't sure if its steering was 2.75 like the US model V or not.
The Canadian literature doesn't seem to say, I couldn't find out on the Toyota Canada site, and the only reasonably accessible dealer did not know and did not have any Touring model we could check out.

 

It's possible, just maybe not all the time, or it will take going to a BMW variable assist type setup.

When my 90 Talon is running, I get a massively responsive steering with killer road feel, yet can turn it with one finger...as long as I'm moving over 10mph or so. Below that, it takes both hands and some serious muscle. I pulled the PS rack a loooong time ago and installed a manual rack to gain room in the engine compartment and drop the parasitic PS hp loss.

They COULD get that responsiveness AND easy parking lot steering if they'd work on a *very* variable assist rate. Of course, they can't go too low on the rack rate, or it would get "twitchy" for most people (personally, I like having it respond as fast as possible).

This thread kind of sucks for me - it's making it a LOT more difficult for choices if/when I look at buying a 3G. I want it all - low LTL, low ratio, high road feel. I'd rather have 15 or 16" tires with a low LTL (AND the sunroof with LEDs...) AND low turning radius, but it looks like Toyota is making that very difficult/impossible to get.

 

You'll have no problem trading a set of 17" 2010 wheels for a set of 15" plus some cash.

 

Wasn't the lack of responsive steering an issue in the very recent Consumer Reports review? Presumptively, the Prius would have received a higher rating if the steering was more responsive. Another reason for an upgrade.

 

Quick question, I just purchased used 2011 Prius, its Model 4 but it came with 17 inch Toyota wheels.
I am not sure if this upgrade was done at dealer or came as factory spec.
What steering ratio can I expect here or is there a way to find the steering ratio, I do have a OBD2 reader if that would help me to find out the steering ratio, any replies will be appreciated.

Thanks,