Toyota is the biggest seller of hybrid autos on the market. Their Prius is best-selling hybrid car in the wolrd. Now Toyota is introducing two new modified Prius gas-electric hybrids at the 2009 SEMA Show. The Prius Aerius (Latin for "belonging to the air") is a show car  and the Prius Aemulus (meaning "envious imitation") is a drivable close replica of the first one, which has been donated to the Environmental Media Association (EMA) for a charity auction.

The base for Aerius and Aemulus is a third-generation 2010 Prius. Five Axis Design designed custom created a four-piece Aero Kit from polyurethane and recycled carbon materials. The Aero Kit includes a front lip spoiler, side skirts, and a rear lower valance. The result is just amazing - a remarkable 0.25 coefficient of drag.

The custom paint for both vehicles comes from Nippon Color Design Studio America (CDSA).

Prius Aerius Show Car is equipped with unique Five Axis, FIVE:AD S6:F 19" rims fitted with on Yokohama Super E-Spec™ tires made from 80 percent non-petroleum materials. The car also got side and rear glass on both vehicles receive a Crystalline Automotive Window Film, which blocks up to 99.9 percent of UV light and has a SPF rating equivalent to well over 1,000.

Another feature of Aerius is the audio entertainment system installed in the car. It is provided by Pioneer and maximum output is 900 watts from 10 speakers, which includes two 10-inch subwoofers, 6.75-inch front and 5.25-inch rear component speakers and two Vizualogic 7-inch DVD headrest rear entertainment units.

The two vehicles from Toyota were privately revealed at the EMA annual awards event on October 25 in Hollywood.

Toyota Prius Aerius Aemulus (2009) - picture 1 of 2
Toyota Prius Aerius Aemulus (2009) - picture 2 of 2

TOYOTA PRIUS AERIUS FEATURES

Partners/Contributors

Principal: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Builder: Five Axis

Exterior

  • Five Axis Design:  4 piece Aero Kit*, FIVE:AD S6:F 19" wheels with aero covers
  • 3D Carbon: Polyurethane custom body kit materials
  • Swift Engineering: CFD aerodynamic testing of body kit
  • Nippon Color Design Studio America waterborne custom paint
  • Yokohama: Super E-Spec™ low rolling resistance tires with custom tread

Interior

  • True Textiles: 100% recycled seat fabric
  • Ultrafabrics: polyurethane seat bolster and back
  • 3Form: eco-recycled resin interior accents
  • 3M Crystalline Automotive Window Film to reduce solar rays and produce energy savings
  • Pioneer:  900-watt 10 speaker audio system
  • Vizualogic:  7-inch DVD headrest rear entertainment units
  • Car Planet: eco-sensitive car detailing kit

Also on Prius Aemulus plus Pioneer 700-watt nine speaker audio system.