No Joke: Toyota Introduces Prius Performance Plus Package

Toyota Prius and performance. Now those aren't two words that go together. They couldn't be farther apart right? Well, apparently Toyota doesn't agree as it has announced a Plus Performance Package for the Prius. No, this isn't a joke.

TRD, Toyota's performance-focused division, worked on the new package. Exterior changes consist of an aerodynamic kit with new, more aggressive (heh) front and rear fascias, side skirts and a rear diffuser.

There also is a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels riding on lower-profile low-resistance 215/45R17 tires. The aerodynamic changes help to reduce the car's coefficient of drag, while also managing to make the car look better at the same time.

Those that opt for the Prius Plus Performance Package will have their choice of four colors: Classic Silver Metallic, Winter Gray Metallic, Blizzard Pearl and Black.

The suspension has been lowered by 1.1 inches up front and 1.3 inches out rear. Underneath there is a new rear sway bar that helps with reducing body roll during cornering. Don't expect the Plus Performance Package to come cheap though; it checks in at $3,699 for Prius Two, Three and Four trim levels, and at $2,999 for the top-line Prius Five model.

Orders start this month and the higher status of the Prius Performance Plus models will be made known by special badging (yes, that makes the whole thing right there). No word on if the package will you know, fix the Prius' 9.8 second 0-60 time.