2016 Toyota Prius World Debut in Las Vegas

• September 14, 2015
• / Story By
  Jonathan Wong

It was the perfect setting: literally in the heart of Vegas on the Linq Hotel rooftop, Omnia and Drai's within an eyeshot, the evening desert heat in full swing. Toyota went through great lengths to get the right people here, and it was more than top level execs, including journalists and influencers from all walks of life beyond automotive (some representing streetwear fashion blogs to full-on sustainability, however you choose to interpret that) - we all gathered to get the first look at the world's most popular hybrid car: the 2016 Toyota Prius. Even if you weren't there personally, the entire event was available to watch live (and can still be seen) on Periscope, hosted by Ted Stryker, a popular DJ on LA's KROQ 106.7 radio station. We were also treated to a small warmup by popular Aussie indie band, Atlas Genius who set an exciting stage for the Prius to emerge from. Shortly after, the Toyota Prius was outright lifted up above our heads, visible to the Strip before it was brought back down where it was driven out onto a stage platform; two other models were also unveiled simultaneously. As you can clearly see, the 2016 Toyota Prius is completely redesigned, a much sportier departure from its humble-looking predecessors. The chassis is longer, and is even said to be a more fun car to drive overall, due largely in part to a revised, sport-tuned suspension that brings the car lower to the ground. In fact, the front hood emblem height is equal to that of one of its siblings, the Scion FR-S. We doubt it handles as well as the FR-S but anything would be a vast improvement, particularly for a hybrid vehicle. Especially a Toyota Prius! Stay tuned for a full driving impression later this coming November when we'll have access to a more close-to-production model Prius.