Toyota Revises Prius

This is apparently for European Markets, but parts may apply elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the hybrid petrol-electric Prius has been undergoing some development, most of it aimed at improving the driving quality and reducing interior noise levels. The wheels and bodyshell are now stiffer than before, spring and damper rates have been revised, and the power steering system has been revised. To keep the decibels down, Toyota has added extra sound insulation, and has added a noise-absorbing film between the two layers of the windscreen.

http://www.itv-motoring.com/news/2005/apri...ril/28/6001.asp

 

Another Report, basically the same info

http://www.newcarnet.co.uk/newsarchiveitem...l?id=4570&pos=1

Prius gets a slight tweak (28.04.2005)

The Toyota Prius has recent undergone what the company describes as 'small but effective adjustments'.

The modifications are intended to improve the car's all-round dynamic performance, with better roadholding and steering feel and lower levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Body rigidity has been increased and the springs and dampers have been tweaked, delivering greater straight-line stability and ride comfort. Fine-tuning of the electric power steering system and stiffer wheel construction yield improved steering feel for the driver.

From 1 May, owners can also indulge in extra luxury with the addition of black leather as an upholstery option, in addition to the Alcantara suede-effect trim that's already available. The price for both is £1,350, including VAT and fitting.

 

Another Source

http://www.carpages.co.uk/toyota/toyota-pr...n&echo=81303678

Toyota Prius With Added Poise

Handling enhancements and leather option for Prius

You might have thought a rack of international awards, acres of positive press and soaring sales would have been rewards enough to convince Toyota that it had achieved an all-round success with Prius, a car that’s steadily reshaping the way people think about environmentally-aware motoring.

Such an assumption ignores the principle of kaizen - continuous improvement - a philosophy that is at the heart of everything Toyota does. So despite the fact Prius has claimed both the 2005 European Car of the Year title and the International Engine of the Year award, and achieved excellent market performance in the UK and around the world, Toyota engineers have focused on how they can make it an even better car.

The result is a number of small but effective adjustments that improve Prius’s all-round dynamic performance with better roadholding and steering feel and lower levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Body rigidity has been increased and the springs and dampers have been tweaked, delivering greater straight-line stability and ride comfort. Fine-tuning of the electric power steering system and stiffer wheel construction yield improved steering feel for the driver.

Travelling in a Prius has never been a nerve-jangling experience, but now NVH levels are lower than ever before thanks to the adoption of an acoustic windscreen, which has a special noise-absorbing film between the layers of glass, and improved insulation materials in key areas around the dashboard.

From 1 May, owners can also indulge in extra luxury with the addition of black leather as an upholstery option, in addition to the Alcantara suede-effect trim that’s already available. The price for both is £1,350, including VAT and fitting.

 

When they say that the "Body rigidity has been increased" - I really doubt that's something that can be done retroactively.

Spring/Shock rates, Steering adjustments and sound dampening probably could be put in, but would certainly be expensive.