I noticed that the touring model has plastic wheel covers over the alloy. IT even states this on the window sticker. Can you take the plastic cover off and just have the alloy wheel? Why is it like this? I was looking at a brand new car on the lot, maybe this was just because it protects the wheel until sold, but yet the window sticker said "alloy wheels with full plastic wheel cover. I'm confused?
It is true. I can't make any real sense of it. The color (particularly on the touring model, I believe) is a real solid match for the Mag Grey color. I have the non-touring model. It also has allow wheels. Whereas the alloy wheels on the touring model are completely covered, the allow wheels on the standard model are covered only on the outside edges of the wheels. I've removed those rings and really prefer the look of the fully-exposed alloy wheels.
Methinks the plastic is lighter than the alloy so it's easier to make a plastic cover to create the design they want, minimising weight.
Does the wheel look nice if you take off the entire plastic cover? I would think that the car would weigh less without the plastic covers if it has the alloy wheel on it anyway?
They have a tuner look to it. They're gunmetal grey. Kinda cool but I guess depends on your age bracket???
Pictures please Would someone please post a picture of the touring wheels with and without the plastic covers.
wow nice thats an excellent comparison any chance we can get a zoomed out view with the whole prius minus covers?
I have the same type of plastic cover on my Nitro RT, sometimes when it is cold the wheels crack and make noise when I back out of the garage. Only when it is cold. Dealer says it is non fixable.
you guys really gotta start using the search function . All the pics/comparos have been posted before.
I like the design of the cover, but the color of the alloy wheel. It makes the wheel look bigger. Maybe I'll go ghetto and paint the covers.
Be aware the centre hub cap is not included on the touring model, so you'd have to get that from the dealer if you wanted to remove the covers and still have the hub hole covered (the chromed plastic round thingy with the Toyota emblem on it in the centre of the wheel). Also, Tideland posted the standard wheel and the touring wheel, both without covers.
I took mine off....all kinds of "grunge" underneath and inside the covers. In a picture I like mine better with the covers, but in person I'm liking it without. I'm leaving them off for a while...my fickle nature might have them back on one day. I did upsize tires to 205's.
And it definitely looks better with the covers on, especially when they match the color of the car. Do you not have to have a front license plate in the US ? BTW, your camera is certainly ahead of time.
I have the Magnetic Gray as well, and the wheel's are pretty close in color, but I think it makes the whole package too Gray. The wheel covers provide a nice contrast. Now, if someone were to take the wheels and polish the outsides, or possible the entire wheel, then clear coat them, they might look nice in a polished aluminum.
LOL yea it's an old 2MP Kodak camera I don't bother setting the date GA does not require a front license plate. It does look better with the wheel covers ON in a photograph, but in person it look's much sportier and unique without the covers. I still have them so I can pop them back on at my convenience. My car is about 4 lbs lighter though without them!
