Toyota Prius gets sporty with the new Plus Performance package

No one is going to confuse a Toyota Prius hybrid with a sports car. But the Japanese automaker has released a styling and suspension package developed by Toyota Racing Development that gives the Toyota Prius a sportier look.

The Prius Plus Performance package first appeared at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas in November 2010.

Now, you can order the upgrade for your new Prius and add $2,999 to the sticker if you take the Prius Five trim, or add $3,699 to the sticker price if you take the Prius Two, Three or Four trim levels.

What does that get you?

-- A ground-effects kit.

-- 17-inch forged alloy wheels with all-season tires.

-- New springs that lower the car 1.1 inches in front and 1.3 inches in the rear.

-- A rear sway bar.

-- Special floor mats and an exterior badge.

The package is installed at the port, Toyota says.

Toyota says quantities of the Prius Plus Performance package will be limited to 200 copies per month. If it makes you green with envy, ordering begins in July.

By Dale Jewett