Thanks to my little birdies, I have received a copy of the Nov. 4, 2005 Toyota letter to USA dealers regarding 2006 Prius and Highlander Hybrid changes and pricing.
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, is pleased to provide you with pricing for the freshened 2006 Prius. The public price announcement will also be released on November 4, 2005.
The 2006 Prius features several product enhancements to ensure continued sales success as the #1 selling hybrid in the U.S. while solidifying its technology leadership position. The Prius’ class leading Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, as well as these enhancements, will ensure that Prius remains the benchmark for all other hybrids.
EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS The Prius receives updated front headlamps and rear taillamps, and a new front spoiler. A chrome finish is applied to the front grille’s center bar, and freshened rear combination lamp is added to enhance its appearance.
In addition, four new exterior colors update the color palette: • Classic Silver Metallic • Barcelona Red Metallic • Silver Pine Mica • Magnetic Gray (available May 2006)
INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS On the inside, the instrument panel receives a new black organic textured grain in place of the burgundy or brown colors available last year. The rear seat bottom cushion has been lowered slightly for better head clearance and enhanced riding comfort. Also new for 2006 are the luxurious options of Leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, available in both Gray and Bisque, and a Rear Backup Camera to help the driver see objects behind the vehicle when in reverse.
The standard audio system is AM/FM CD with 6 speakers. An optional mid-grade audio also includes MP3/WMA playback capability and an auxiliary audio input miniplug. The optional JBL audio features several updates for 2006: • JBL AM/FM 6-disc CD changer with 9 speakers in 7 locations (cassette deck is no longer available) • MP3/WMA playback capability and an auxiliary audio input miniplug in the center console • Hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth wireless connectivity
The optional voice-activated DVD GPS (Global Positioning System) Navigation system is the most sophisticated yet. It offers increased map quality, over 32,000 colors, an ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) display, a route tracer function, voice recognition street address search functions that allow you to enter a destination while driving, and can now be set to operate in English, French, or Spanish languages.
SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS In addition to standard ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Traction Control (TRAC), several safety features are now standard equipment: • A Tire Pressure Monitoring System directly measures the pressure of each tire with a sensor and signals the driver in the event of a drop in tire pressure • Standard Driver and Front Passenger Advanced Airbags (SRS) now feature a passenger occupant classification sensor that determines not only whether the seat is occupied, but also whether an occupant meets the weight requirement for airbag deployment. The passenger front airbags are deployed only when the sensor detects an adult passenger in the front seat.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE The complimentary roadside assistance program has been discontinued for the 2006 Prius.
2006 MODEL YEAR PRIUS PRICING The 2006 model year Prius continues to be an excellent value, with a base MSRP of $21,725. The increase of $450, or 2% of MSRP, reflects the addition of new standard equipment and the product enhancements featured above.Option package content and pricing has been adjusted for the model year
2006 Prius. Please see the appendix for details.HIGHLANDER HYBRID REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT Effective with November production, we are announcing the availability of optional DVDbased rear seat entertainment on all Highlander Hybrid models. MSRP for this item is $1,770.
[snip] APPENDIX: ‘06MY PRIUS OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT PRICING Package, Option Code, MSRP, Equipment 1, GY, $650 (unchanged), • Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags 2, HE, $825, • Backup Monitor • Smart Key System • MP3/WMA playback capability, and auxiliary audio input miniplug 3, HF, $1,475, • Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags • Backup Monitor • Smart Key System • MP3/WMA playback capability, and auxiliary audio input miniplug 4, HG, $1,825, • Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags • Backup Monitor • Smart Key System • MP3/WMA playback capability, and auxiliary audio input miniplug • Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) 5, HI, $3,205, • Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags • Backup Monitor • Smart Key System • Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) • Anti-theft system plus Homelink ® universal transceiver • JBL Premium AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, nine speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio input miniplug plus hands-free BluetoothTM phone capability 6, HK, $3,830, • Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags • Backup Monitor • Smart Key System • Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) • Anti-theft system plus Homelink ® universal transceiver • JBL Premium AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, nine speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio input miniplug plus hands-free BluetoothTM phone capability • High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps 7, NL, $5,730, • Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags • Backup Monitor • Smart Key System • Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) • Anti-theft system plus Homelink ® universal transceiver • JBL Premium AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, nine speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio input miniplug plus hands-free BluetoothTM phone capability • High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps • Voice-activated DVD navigation system 8, NW, $6,890, • Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags • Backup Monitor • Smart Key System • Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) • Anti-theft system plus Homelink ® universal transceiver • JBL Premium AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, nine speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio input miniplug plus hands-free BluetoothTM phone capability • High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps • Voice-activated DVD navigation system • Leather trimmed seats and steering wheel