Front/Center Pillar Material Different in Prius IV and V?

This link lists this difference as well (May posting date). At the end of the article are names and a phone number for a Sunnyvale, CA dealer from whom the information was obtained. Perhaps they could answer your question.

Greg

 

Having read this link (you posted above), I had to literally laugh out loud at one thing that he mentioned.

"One of the other cool features the new Prius delivers, that almost seems like it's right out of a sci-fi novel, is the ability to back up and brake for the driver. This technology uses laser guidance to assist drivers at critical dangerous times. Having improved the window visibility, especially the rear windshield, this laser system complements the driver's viewing potential with robotic controls. Let's say you'r driving down the road not paying much attention and everyone slams on their brakes. Instead of waiting for you to hit the brakes, your new Prius will automatically start to brake for you! This laser system is built in to the back of the rear view mirror as shown below as well as the backup camera and Toyota logos on the front and rear of the car."

This is too funny. I get the 'Sci-fi' reference, cause it is pretty 'advanced technology', but 'laser guidance'?!?!?! Then the claim that the 'laser system is built into the back of your rear view mirror, as shown below' HA. This is the light sensor for the Auto-Dimming rear view mirrors. Then, just to ensure that we spit milk out of our noses, he goes on with, "(laser built in to)...as well the backup camera and the Toyota logos on the front and rear of the car"

Thanks for the laugh! It really made my morning!:rofl:

 

Not sure what this "upgraded front/center pillar material" is. Any chance they were referring to the pleather door panel inserts and console?

 

As I was only looking for the "pillar" reference, I hadn't read the complete article. That is pretty funny. The "laser guidance" bit sounds like some sort of military application. (That would still make the car "green", but maybe camouflage green instead! ) Apparently, the dealer or author confused "radar" with "laser"

Greg

 

Yes, but not only did he confuse 'radar' with 'lasers', but made up some pretty creative (or outlandish) claims as to where these are coming from. He 'shows' us the point in the mirror they originate from, and mentions that the front (radar) and rear Toyota emblems both shot lasers, 'Like friggin sharks with lasers'. An instant classic. ;-)

 

To give him some option for redemption, I'll note that there have been a couple of different types of assisted cruise control -- earlier ones with laser, more recently with different levels of microwave radar.

 

That would be upgraded. Does this mean that you have personally seen the difference between the two, and can attest to that?

Or are you simply defining what this could mean?

 

Personally, I'd prefer the plastic covered A and B pillars over the upgraded felt-lined ones.

 

Can owners of packages II and III confirm they do not have the mouse fur-lined pillars?

 

Yes, mine have mousefur, so I guess that's the difference in terms of pillar material. Lexus also has mousefur on the pillars, albeit with much shorter nap.

I saw a thread on it also, but nobody has really confirmed it. The exterior finish on my V appears the same as that on the Gen II that usually parks next to me at work. But if someone can confirm it, it means the pillars are different on the inside and outside between II/III and IV/V.