The rear suspension is different (exactly how in parts etc I don't know off hand) to handle the extra weight from the battery pack in the PiP. This is what it says in the pressroom for the plug-in: source: Toyota Introduces 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid
I would guess higher rate springs in rear at very least.....possibly stiffer RSB too? I think a stiffer RSB would help with the cornering lean it has. But the ride quality is very smooth, even with over inflated tires. Dan
hmmm, thinking about switching cars and was wondering. For coilovers if the mounting points are the same, spring rates can always be changed. But I'll keep looking around. thanks.
The PiP can use a Gen3 components (shocks/springs/coilovers). There's at least one owner who is on Tein Street Advanced coilovers. And like Paradox said, the rear suspension is different. Someone posted the part numbers in another thread here and the rear PiP springs are a different part number. Although I havent seen the actual spring rates posted anywhere. Oh, and there is no rear sway bar from the factory either.
I remember reading in the manual that the rear suspension was tuned for PiP's unique weight distribution.
I have put 4 sets of TRD springs/Rear Sways on Plug in Pri's. I looked up the part numbers and the only difference was the Rear springs from a gen 3 to a PiP. I'll tell you from my highly calibrated arms... the Gen 3 has longer but softer springs vs the PiP. (AKA the PiP springs pry out with more pop, but the Gen 3's need more umph on the tire to get out)... TRD springs on a PiP pretty much levels the car exactly. Where as on a Gen 3 they maintain a slight rake (rear sits about 1/4 - 1/2 inch higher.) And FYI the Prius does not come with a rear sway bar. Thats why the TRD sway is so day and night. Although I kinda have to argue against a bar that mounts to a solid rear being called a "sway" bar. A true sway bar would mount to the chasis. IMHO on a setup like the prius its more a "solid rear stiffining bar"...
