I was reading some preliminary model data and saw that the Prius IV and V feature "upgraded front center pillar material." I took a look at a Prius IV at a Boston dealer today and it looked the same as mine. Does anyone know about this or have any photos documenting the difference? In this same preliminary model data, the Prius IV and V are said to feature puddle lamps, but my III has them too. Just curious if this data posted in March has changed. Thanks!
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.
Upgraded could refer to the felt-lined A and B pillars on the higher models and plain plastic on the lower models.
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?
I'm defining what it could be as that's what I see from my vehicle (Tech Pack) so if mine's felted, the reasonable assumption is that the lower models do not have the felt and just simply have the plastic cover just like the Gen 2s. I'll see if the Canadian models are any different. I'm not sure if there's any base models at my local dealer but if I do see any, i'll report back.
My Prius III has plastic interior fittings over the pillars. So this is what the info is talking about? I read an article in which the author said the matte black pillars of the II and III do nothing for the car while the satin finish on the IV and V was much nicer. That's the main reason why I thought it meant something on the exterior. I may go back to the dealer and sneak into another IV and check it out myself just to be sure.
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.
