Send to a friendMGBYG April 30th, 2008 10:21 AM Link
Green Soul, Blue Sky, Zero Rigidity…
Green Soul, Blue Sky, Twisted Metal…
Green Soul, Blue Sky, Body Bucket…
_(Yes, I am an automotive engineer)_
Green Soul, Blue Sky: The Prius Convertible
Written By: Seyth Miersma
Our old friends at Newport Convertible Engineering are at it again, with yet another one-off drop-top that has people remarking, “It was only a matter of time.”
The popularity of the Toyota Prius Hybrid may dictate at least a few of these bespoke offerings, but the beauty of the final product certainly doesn’t. Through no fault really of either Toyota or NCE (we’re putting the blame squarely on the shoulders of the customer that ordered this up), the Prius makes a rather grisly translation to a soft top, with an intrusive roll-hoop that looks as if it were salvaged from a PT Cruiser convertible. Likewise, the remaining window frames look, to put it charitably, odd.
Still for those who want the iconic hybrid and the wind in their hair, NCE has got your jam.
+ Newport Convertible Engineering
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22 Comments
MJK April 30th, 2008 10:23 AM Link
I like the idea, but the execution is mildly retarded. But I would imagine it is tough to keep it from folding up like a tin can when you cut it up to this extent.
dante April 30th, 2008 10:43 AM Link
Drag. Not that the Prius’ aerodynamics are as impressive as people seem to think.
Kal April 30th, 2008 11:13 AM Link
Those door window frames strike me as being a bit dangerous in any sort of crash situation.
Paul In Jersey April 30th, 2008 12:12 PM Link
Did it make it any uglier? No. Did it make it any prettier. No. Did it remove it’s capacity for solar panels to further harness the Power of The Sun and make all the eco-weinees get all globally-warm and fuzzy inside.
Yes.
c4v3man April 30th, 2008 1:42 PM Link
I agree, it’s no uglier than the real thing… I would hope that Toyota won’t offer anything like this as it defeats the purpose of driving a hybrid. This has got to kill the mpg… Hopefully they’d just drop a hybrid powertrain in an existing convertible.
Toyota Prius Convertible, una rareza April 30th, 2008 2:01 PM Link
[…] | WindingRoad Enviar […]
driving course April 30th, 2008 3:35 PM Link
That’s an exceptionally ugly car… people are trying to make green look sexy and Toyota come up with that!
Jeff April 30th, 2008 4:16 PM Link
Just go to their website. Read the company history. Yikes, looks like it was written by a 5th grader. No wonder the Toyota looks so bad!
john April 30th, 2008 4:26 PM Link
I wonder if anyone told the buyer that the materials and energy used to make it a drop-top totally offset the environmental positives of a hybrid.
Andy II April 30th, 2008 7:54 PM Link
I think it was a good idea… just poorly executed
Soupie April 30th, 2008 10:22 PM Link
i just puked a little bit in my mouth after looking at this
Jonathan Fung April 30th, 2008 11:52 PM Link
I like the sticker in front of the rear wheel. But uh…put the roof back on…please? It looks terrible topless.
Oollyoumn May 1st, 2008 9:52 AM Link
Having owned a convertible and a couple of targa type cars, I have to say it must be all about image and nothing about comfort and quiet. The only time I enjoyed the convertible was under 40 mph on a day not too hot or too cold. Image was never worth it to me.
Mena May 1st, 2008 9:57 AM Link
I have to say it must be all about image and nothing about comfort and quiet.
It’s about the driving experience. I never thought I’d like a convertible until I owned one. It’s a TON of fun which is exactly what I’d hoped for.
Jennifer May 1st, 2008 12:20 PM Link
If only I could drop the Prius Technology into my Sebring. Like would be good.
If prius did a re-design and got rid of the goofy window problem, I don’t think the roll bar is that bad. Nothing a little “decorating” can’t handle.
A. Wofford May 1st, 2008 12:22 PM Link
Wow, I realize that most people don’t really *get* the hybrid… but this goes to a whole different place.
Auto Clerks » Convertible Prius Aims For Economy And Style, Misses [Novelties] May 1st, 2008 6:08 PM Link
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Rex May 1st, 2008 7:47 PM Link
Can NCE make a vehicle into a convertible without a Roll bar?
There kind of stuck on Rabbit cabro.
Let it go guys!
Greg May 1st, 2008 11:35 PM Link
NCE’s website looks like sht. Seriously unprofessional looking.
Toyota Prius Convertible By NCE - Hotcars4us May 2nd, 2008 9:26 AM Link
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