Toyota Prius Aerius, Aemulus to Star at SEMA

Japanese carmaker Toyota will present two new interpretations of its Prius hybrid at the 2009 SEMA Show, after it unveiled them at the EMA annual awards on October 25, the Aerius and the Aemulus. The two will not turn production, but are only a means for the carmaker to present possible other applications for its hybrid.

The Aerius ("belonging to the air" as Toyota explains its name), is a show car created by Axis Design and comes fitted with Yokohama Super E-Spec low rolling resistance tires made from 80 percent non-petroleum materials, mounted on Five Axis, FIVE:AD S6:F 19-inch wheels.

The Aero Kit designed by the tuner from polyurethane, includes a front lip spoiler, side skirts, and a rear lower valance. The paint for the body, created by Nippon Color Design Studio America (CDSA), is a three-coat color with blue-green Lumina pigment.

On the interior, the Aerius comes equipped with a Pioneer 900-watt 10 speaker audio system with 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 driver and passenger sit on seat fabric made by True Textiles. To emphasize the car eco-approach, the interior is made of eco-recycled resin (reclaimed birch trees and 40 percent post-industrial recycled content).

As for the Aemulus, the car who's name means “envious imitation” is the drivable version of the Aerius. The car has been donated by its creators to the Environmental Media Association (EMA) to take part in a charity auction.