Searched and couldn't find too much on thew ugly bump on the front bumper. I live in PA and don't need a front bumper so always make sure the dealer doesn't install a front plate frame on any new car I purchase. Want to order an XLE but can't deal with the bump!!!
The bump covers something even uglier (3rd picture in the sequence). Gen 5 Prius and Prius Prime owners thread | Page 6 | PriusChat
That photo is the bump. There is a bracket for a plate that attaches to that. The Prius design teams have been focused on the Japan market. Front licenses plates are required there, so the new Prius has a mount molded into the bumper. A DIY removal could end up looking worse, and I wouldn't hold out for a third party solution, like a bumpless bumper, with the current sales numbers.
Lets cut the design teams some slack - front plates are required in the majority of the world's primary automotive markets. Exceptions are mostly states/provinces in USA/Canada/Australia. Perhaps South Africa if it still has significance...
Here are a pic without the plate. It seem Nevada is not require to have the front plate so my dealer dosen't install it.
So, post # 6 is showing the OP's "bump" complaint? Well, ya, it is unattractive. If I wanted to experiment, I could see perfectly cutting it out; a perfect rectangle hole. Then had some mesh/ screen to the hole to improve flow to the ac condenser and engine coolant radiator. Or mold the hole closed which requires new paint - either a color match or two- tone design. Yet, wow, what I wrote is a big project and may really need professional tools and experience; not sure I would attempt this in a home garage.
Thanks and I replied to that thread. I have seen a pic of the backside of the bumper and confirmed the wart can be removed.
