[mrv]

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.

<quote>
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 [email protected]~Y 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 [email protected]~Ys center bar, and freshened rear combination lamp is added to enhance its appearance.

In addition, four new exterior colors update the color palette:
[email protected]? Classic Silver Metallic
[email protected]? Barcelona Red Metallic
[email protected]? Silver Pine Mica
[email protected]? 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:
[email protected]? JBL AM/FM 6-disc CD changer with 9 speakers in 7 locations (cassette deck is no longer available)
[email protected]? MP3/WMA playback capability and an auxiliary audio input miniplug in the center console
[email protected]? 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:
[email protected]? 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
[email protected]? 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:
[email protected]~X06MY PRIUS OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT PRICING
Package, Option Code, MSRP, Equipment
1, GY, $650 (unchanged),
[email protected]? Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags
2, HE, $825,
[email protected]? <New for 06MY>Backup Monitor</New for 06MY>
[email protected]? Smart Key System
[email protected]? <New for 06MY>MP3/WMA playback capability, and auxiliary audio input miniplug</New for 06MY>
3, HF, $1,475,
[email protected]? Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags
[email protected]? <New for 06MY>Backup Monitor</New for 06MY>
[email protected]? Smart Key System
[email protected]? <New for 06MY>MP3/WMA playback capability, and auxiliary audio input miniplug</New for 06MY>
4, HG, $1,825,
[email protected]? Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags
[email protected]? <New for 06MY>Backup Monitor</New for 06MY>
[email protected]? Smart Key System
[email protected]? <New for 06MY>MP3/WMA playback capability, and auxiliary audio input miniplug</New for 06MY>
[email protected]? Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
5, HI, $3,205,
[email protected]? Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags
[email protected]? <New for 06MY>Backup Monitor</New for 06MY>
[email protected]? Smart Key System
[email protected]? Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
[email protected]? Anti-theft system plus Homelink ® universal transceiver
[email protected]? JBL Premium AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, nine speakers, <New for 06MY>MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio input miniplug</New for 06MY> plus hands-free BluetoothTM phone capability
6, HK, $3,830,
[email protected]? Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags
[email protected]? <New for 06MY>Backup Monitor</New for 06MY>
[email protected]? Smart Key System
[email protected]? Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
[email protected]? Anti-theft system plus Homelink ® universal transceiver
[email protected]? JBL Premium AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, nine speakers, <New for 06MY>MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio input miniplug</New for 06MY> plus hands-free BluetoothTM phone capability
[email protected]? High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps
7, NL, $5,730,
[email protected]? Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side curtain airbags
[email protected]? <New for 06MY>Backup Monitor</New for 06MY>
[email protected]? Smart Key System
[email protected]? Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
[email protected]? Anti-theft system plus Homelink ® universal transceiver
[email protected]? JBL Premium AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, nine speakers, <New for 06MY>MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio input miniplug</New for 06MY> plus hands-free BluetoothTM phone capability
[email protected]? High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps
[email protected]? Voice-activated DVD navigation system
8, NW, $6,890,
[email protected]? Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side and front & rear side
curtain airbags
[email protected]? <New for 06MY>Backup Monitor</New for 06MY>
[email protected]? Smart Key System
[email protected]? Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
[email protected]? Anti-theft system plus Homelink ® universal transceiver
[email protected]? JBL Premium AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, nine speakers, <New for 06MY>MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio input miniplug</New for 06MY> plus hands-free BluetoothTM phone capability
[email protected]? High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps
[email protected]? Voice-activated DVD navigation system
[email protected]? <New for 06MY>Leather trimmed seats and steering wheel</New for 06MY>
</quote>

 

[DanMan32]

They took away the tape deck, but they didn't provide native IPod control.

 

[Tideland Prius]

9 speakers in 7 locations. I can only assume it's the rear tweeters that they moved?

 

[DanMan32]

Unless they think of the rears as one location, since they share the same JBL amp outputs.

 

[Dan.]

Configure your 2006

Here's a modified build-your-own link for 2006. They haven't filled in the options yet, but I supose if you keep trying back eventually it will fill in.

To try this for your self, build a 2005, then change "2005" in the URL to "2006".

NOTE: I decoded the IP and toyota is hosting thier build-your-own at twtelecom.net (TimeWarner). Try for yourself if your paranoid of a redirect.

 

[prius2006rocks]

Prius Site ? for Dan

Dan - this is a very cool find! I did see something about auto off lights! Think it will be for the HIDS? Too bad options aren't out. I have a question - are there any other build a Toyota websites where you can twique the 2005 to 2006? (Such as in my area Zip 93711?) I couldn't figure out how to change it to 06. THANKS!

 

[DanMan32]

Auto off has been standard since the 2G first came out. In Canada, they have full auto as well as DRL, but they don't have HID option.

 

[Dan.]

Re: Prius Site ? for Dan

Dan - this is a very cool find! I did see something about auto off lights! Think it will be for the HIDS? Too bad options aren't out. I have a question - are there any other build a Toyota websites where you can twique the 2005 to 2006? (Such as in my area Zip 93711?) I couldn't figure out how to change it to 06. THANKS!

Nope. Think this is an artifact to the Texas "no sale online" law. Keeps sites like buyatoyota.com out. I called a state rep on it, and it was passed to keep people from getting ripped off, but I suspect that one of the Texas distributors "lobbied" to "protect" consumers from those less expensive out of state cars.

 

[PartyGameGuy]

The site showed interior choices as being Beige, Lt Grey and Charcoal grey. There are two different greys? Does anyone else have any information on this. I only knew of Grey or Ivory as choices for 2006

 

[Dan.]

Someone posted the colors here or elsewhere.

Check toyota.com newsroom. The site matches up with what I recall.

 

[Dan.]

CarsDirect has 2006 priced now. Bummer that you can't get port leather anymore. Not fired up about a $7k auto package for leather seats.

Dream Prius #3+MP3+Leather.

http://www.carsdirect.com