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Prius exterior styling/shape

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by Surrylic, Jul 11, 2012.

  1. Surrylic

    Surrylic Junior Member

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    Why is it that the Prius family has always had that distinct shape? It's odd for sure, and many people can't stand it (though I don't mind obviously, I bought one). I truly think more people would buy a Prius if they looked different - cooler, or maybe just more normal... like how VW updated the Jetta this year to make it look more like a normal sedan. Enthusiasts seemed opposed for the most part, but it's selling really well. Their idea worked.

    I ask this because we've always been told that the Prius was molded into this shape based on lowering wind resistance, killing that drag coefficient. But what about the Tesla Model S? It looks normal. Pretty ace looking in my opinion. Totally a sexy car, AND it has a lower drag coefficient than your standard Prius. I just don't understand. Yes, it is a luxury car that costs wow lots more... which is a part of why it's so nice looking, but if Tesla can make it happen, then Toyota can. No amount of money reduces drag.

    Model S drag coefficient = .24
    Standard Prius drag co = .25 (or .30 according to GM.......)

    Toyota Prius - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
    Tesla Model S - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    uploadfromtaptalk1342049886982.jpg

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    #1 Surrylic, Jul 11, 2012
  2. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Size, weight, utility and cost. To make the car efficient and cheap they have to make it smaller and bring down the weight. To make it viable for the masses the utility has to be high. Therefore the hatch/kammback was utilized. :) The Model S doesn't have to do much more than carry people.
     
    #2 F8L, Jul 11, 2012
  3. napmaster

    napmaster Junior Member

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    My next car will be a Tesla, but that will be in ten years.
     
    #3 napmaster, Jul 11, 2012
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Asking them to design a Prius that doesn't look like a Prius is kinda like asking somone to change the design of their logo... It's all about brand recognition... And seeing as in the US they're selling 25K new vehicles a month, which is more than all other hybrids sold every month combined, I can see why they want all their Prius' to have the distinctive Prius look...
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Jul 11, 2012
    secondspassed likes this.
  5. Surrylic

    Surrylic Junior Member

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    That's my plan basically. I'm hoping that once my C is old and dying that I'll be able to afford a Tesla. The model S is my dream car right now.

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    #5 Surrylic, Jul 12, 2012
  6. CDE

    CDE New Member

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    Couldn't agree more. I like that Toyota has given the Prius a certain "style" or "look" that, in my mind, is instantly recognizable. The V, liftback and C all look like they belong together. I appreciate that.
     
    #6 CDE, Jul 12, 2012
    PriusCamper likes this.
  7. Surrylic

    Surrylic Junior Member

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    I can agree about the styling now, after what you guys said, but it still boggles my mind a bit that it's the decision they made back then.

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    #7 Surrylic, Jul 14, 2012
  8. strongbad

    strongbad Member

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    People buy Prii for the drivetrain and the gas mileage, not the styling. Ugly styling is the #1 reason most people run away from Prii even though they want the gas mileage. The car sells in spite of the styling treatment, not because of it.

    Incidently the Tesla S has a big trunk in the front and back. It has lots of room for luggage.
     
    #8 strongbad, Jul 14, 2012
  9. cornflakes

    cornflakes Junior Member

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    I know a lot of people out here in LA bought a Prius because it is instantly recognizable (regardless of whether it looks nice or not), they are more interested in letting everyone know that they are Eco-conscious and driving a hybrid.
     
    #9 cornflakes, Jul 15, 2012
  10. j_benj

    j_benj Prius C Fan

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    I think the C is actually a pretty good looking little car.. I love the way mine looks.
     
    #10 j_benj, Jul 15, 2012
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