Here's the deal on 2007 Touring Edition wheels

It looks unfinished with the coverings removed.

 

Yikes! The naked 15" wheels look better than the naked 16" wheels; why'd they do that?

 

Actually, I believe the wheels w/o the cover looks exactly the same as I have saw in the 07 brochure. But they look nice.

 

I think it would look better with a set of center caps in the naked alloys. That would cover up the center and give a finished look.

 

Why doesn't Toyota just make a one peice rim? What is up with these plastic caps they seem to love?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sl7vk @ Oct 2 2006, 09:13 AM) [snapback]326865[/snapback]</div>

Just a thought... could it have to do with keeping the weight of the car down? Both the 15"and 16" wheels look better with the plastic covers in my opinion.

 

The most important place to reduce weight is the wheel/tire combo. It takes something like 4 times the energy to accelerate a pound on a wheel compared to a pound on the body of the car.
Plus, the shape of the rotating wheel contributes to the aerodynamics.
So, I'd guess a lighter wheel plus a plastic cover that improves the aero is reason they use these plastic covers. Clearly they wouldn't add them without some benefit.

 

That just seems strange to me. Why not use an alloy wheel with a center cap to cover that axle nut, and be done with it? With the covers on, it almost looks like the plastic hubcap I've seen on recent Corollas with steel wheels.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Shane @ Oct 2 2006, 10:20 AM) [snapback]326867[/snapback]</div>

Do the 16" wheels still have the tight turning radius? It scares my passengers (including my wife still) when I turn around in tight spots, but I know the edges of my car and how well it turns. I wouldn't want to lose that capability.

 

I've said it some time ago: the 16 inch wheels are but-ugly. In Europe, there are caps to cover the hole of the "naked" wheels (but they are still ugly)!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sho-Bud @ Oct 2 2006, 01:20 PM) [snapback]326935[/snapback]</div>

I agree with you on that. I'll keep my 15" alloy.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(xbdude @ Oct 1 2006, 05:03 PM) [snapback]326613[/snapback]</div>

I completely agree. I want those touring edition wheels!!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rancid13 @ Oct 2 2006, 01:18 PM) [snapback]326969[/snapback]</div>

Well, I think Edward at Sigma can get 'em for you if you'd like:
http://sigmaautomotive.com/jdm/prius/prius0405.php

They're $1449 for four(!!) sans tires. I don't do much shopping for wheels but that sounds like a lot of money to me.

 

My big question is:

How much do they weigh?

For many, looks is less important than weight.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Oct 2 2006, 02:37 PM) [snapback]326982[/snapback]</div>

tirerack.com shows a bunch of 16's for a Prius, and a few of them look pretty close to those TE wheels. You can find a similar quality, if not better, wheel, at much less than half the price.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Oct 2 2006, 01:44 PM) [snapback]326987[/snapback]</div>

I'm with you, DocVijay; looks are so subjective, but the scale doesn't lie (unless it's indicating that I *lost* weight). Keeping unsprung weight down is a good way to get tighter handling without totally sacrificing a decent ride.

 

looks good. I wonder if the center cap from the 15" wheels will fit the 16" TE wheels. Oh, and a weight on the 16" would be nice as well.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Chayse @ Oct 3 2006, 10:48 PM) [snapback]327525[/snapback]</div>

On this website you can see a picture of the naked wheels with the hubcaps. Tey can be ordered at every Toyota dealer in Europe.
http://www.john2211.nl/Hybride_wetenswaardigheden.htm