They may be class leaders in their respective segments of the market, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement with both the Toyota Prius and the Camry Hybrid.
At the 2009 SEMA Show, Toyota Motor Sales USA partnered with the Surfrider Foundation to create a specially modified Camry Hybrid fuelled by compressed natural gas (CNG). It went on display alongside two modified Prius hybrids in the Environmental Lifestyle Zone of the show.
The CNG system was built by Metal Crafters of Fountain Valley, California and sees the petrol fuel system replaced with a CNG system in the spare tyre well. The car retains its 2.4litre, four-cylinder engine with hybrid synergy drive and delivers a projected range in excess of 250 miles. The Camry Hybrid was further modified for the show by Street Image with the exterior given a sportier look thanks to an aggressive body kit with custom front grill and a unique rear bumper. The overall ride height was also lowered on an adjustable coilover suspension allowing the car to hug its 20” alloy wheels that were rolling on Toyo Proxy Four Tyres.
Two modified versions of the Toyota Prius also caught the eye as Toyota publicly debuted the Prius Aerius (Latin for “belonging to the air”) and the Prius Aemulus (meaning “envious imitation”).
The Prius Aerius is a show car that integrates both performance and design modifications with environmental elements, while the Prius Aemulus is a drivable close replica of the Aerius that has been donated to the Environmental Media Association for a charity auction.
The kit includes a front lip spoiler, side skirts and rear lower valance. It has been designed and aerodynamically tested and uses low rolling resistance tyres made from 80 per cent non-petroleum materials.
