Because it's the largest automaker in the world (in 2022) and because its sales weren't so great across various regions last year, Toyota has spearheaded a major product offensive during the first six months of 2023. And, of course, its strategy included a few hero superstars.
Think of North America alone, where the Japanese automaker has showered the market with new models like the returning Crown – now a crossover-style sedan, the 2024 Grand Highlander three-row family-oriented CUV, or the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid that came forth to occupy the space of the smaller, departing C-HR subcompact CUV. And then there are also the upcoming models that were only presented during the time – the entire Corolla Nightshade family, the 2024 GR Corolla Circuit, GR86 Trueno, and GR Supra 45th Anniversary editions, plus the ultra-hyped 2024 Tacoma mid-size pickup truck.
And the list is still not over because we saved one of the heroes for last – the 2023 Toyota Prius 'Hybrid Reborn.' Offered in traditional hybrid or Prime plug-in hybrid form, it starts from $27,450 or $32,250, respectively, and offers up to 220 horsepower in its PHEV derivation. That's an excellent count of ponies for the XW60 fifth-generation compact five-door liftback – but it's hardly any racetrack material, right? Oh, well, that never mattered to the imaginative realm of digital car content creators, as it turns out.
Although it's been present for some time on the US market, the Prius 'Hybrid Reborn' still feels desirable enough to attract the attention of pixel masters around the world. So, here is also Vishnu Suresh, the self-taught concept artist behind the zephyr_designz moniker on social media, who has been hard at work envisioning an extreme Prius for some time already. And during that period, the CGI expert had enough time to perfect the design with all the attributes of a great customization job of the JDM-style variety.
As such, all the usual suspects are present and accounted for – a thoroughly slammed attitude that makes the five-door liftback seem glued to the asphalt, a dastardly expansive widebody kit with hips so wide that you won't be able to unsee them, plus a raft of aerodynamic enhancements (including a bonkers-looking fixed rear wing) mixed with the proper tire, wheel, and brake package to make sure the Prius Concept would be able to confront any sports car on a racetrack or street circuit. Unfortunately, there is one thing we do not know anything about – are there any powertrain changes to bode well for the quad-tipped exhaust system, or is that the only modification designed to raise power and enhance the sound experience? Anyway, even with Prime's 220 hp under its belt, it would still be a hoot to drive, if ever real, for sure!
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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