Prius rumors abound: Separate brand, 80 mpg, 3 different models

An "insider" at LLN has it on good authority that the oft-rumored Prius brand is, in their words, "a go." According to their source, the goal of the spin-off is to create cheaper hybrid models that would command a marginal premium over their standard, hybrid-free counterparts.
The rumormill pot gets stirred a bit more with the claim that the 2010 Prius could achieve up to 80 mpg. Combine that with the rumblings about a Prius price cut and it's starting to look like the Volt will have it's work cut out for it. Informed speculation also says that the reworked Prius may be joined by an upscale five-door Prius model in the $28-30,000 range and that Toyota could be planning a four-door "Baby Prius" expected to sell in the mid-teens, utilizing a nickel metal hydride battery pack and coming to market in 2013.

[ Via: LLN ]
[ Tag: hybrid, hybrid car, HybridCar, new prius, NewPrius, prius, toyota hybrid, ToyotaHybrid, volt ]

Toyota denies rumors of giving aid to GM

Rumors of a meeting between GM CEO Rick Wagoner and top officials from Toyota in Japan has been denied. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, considering that it's GM's policy not to comment on such matters, but Toyota has no such policy and has also denied that such discussions have or will take place. The Japanese Kyodo News had started the rumors, which specifically suggested that Toyota could offer GM hybrid technology and assistance in the assembly of small cars. That seemed rather odd, especially since GM has its own sophisticated Two-Mode hybrid system that was developed along with Chrysler and BMW. Toyota and GM also already share a factory in California that builds relatively fuel efficient compact cars, so any deal between the two automakers would just be an extension of their current agreements. What's more, General Motors is also in talks with Cerberus to make a major play on Chrysler's automotive operations, so it would seem to be an inopportune time to discuss major deals with other automakers as well.

[ Via: Reuters ]
[ Tag: gm toyota, gm toyota partnership, gm toyota relationship, GmToyota, GmToyotaPartnership, GmToyotaRelationship, nummi, nummi plant, NummiPlant, rick wagoner, RickWagoner, toyota gm, ToyotaGm ]

GM CEO heading to Japan to talk with Toyota, expanding business partnership

According to a report by Japan's Kyodo News, General Motors' chief executive and chairman Rick Wagoner is considering visiting Toyota in Japan to discuss a myriad of issues, ranging from funding to parts sharing.
In typical fashion (of late), the story cites unnamed sources saying Toyota is "expected to consider quick fixes for the cash-strapped GM, including buying up its assets and helping secure sufficient business funds." The talks are also said to include a partnership that would license Toyota's hybrid technology for use in GM products, along with ToMoCo building fuel-efficient, compact cars for the General.
We're suitably skeptical about any kind of partnership between the world's two automotive giants, particular since no one from Toyota or GM was willing to comment for the story. More to come... or not. Watch this space.

[ Via: Reuters ]
[ Tag: breaking, cars, compact cars, CompactCars, general motors, GeneralMotors, gm, gm toyota partnership, GmToyotaPartnership, hybrids, partnership, toyota ]

GM reports Q3 global sales, trails Toyota by over 300k units

General Motors is reporting global sales of 2.1 million units for the third quarter, which is down 11% from the same period last year. Through September of this year, GM has sold 6.7 million cars and trucks worldwide, putting the automaker further behind Toyota, which has sold 7.05 million units so far this year. The struggling U.S. market is a big part of GM's sales woes, as 61% of the Detroit automaker's sales came from outside of its home market. That's up from 56% last year, but down from the 65% figure for the second quarter of 2008. VP of sales and marketing Jonathan Browning points out challenges in the global financial markets as a big problem for GM, but also mentioned that strong sales in emerging markets is helping to ease the sales burden.
Since GM has a serious cash crunch and merger talks on its hands right now, it likely doesn't care much about a global sales race with Toyota. That doesn't make Toyota's accomplishment any less significant, though, considering how long the General has been on top of the global sales charts.

[ Via: The Detroit News ]
[ Tag: GM, gm global sales, GM sales, GmGlobalSales, GmSales, toyota ]

Toyota may renew "Saved by Zero" no-interest loans

Toyota is reportedly having great success giving away money with their 0% loans. According to Bob Carter, general manager of the Toyota Division, the "Saved by Zero" ad campaign is building traffic and may be renewed when the program expires on November 3 (of course, he won't tell us now because that may slow traffic down again). Dealerships are reporting an increase in sales leads due to the no-interest financing, and the drastic sales declines in September seem to have eased-off a bit so far this month. The 0% financing is only good on 36-month loans making payments a bit steep for first-timers (longer terms also get reduced rates, but not the 0%). This is causing some dealers to ask for more rebates on Toyota cars and trucks in lieu of the aggressive financing -- the rebates are helpful as the cash incentives often provide customers with the down payments needed to originate the sales in the first place.

[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: Bob Carter, BobCarter, Cash incentives, CashIncentives, Saved by zero, SavedByZero, special financing, SpecialFinancing, Toyota, zero percent, ZeroPercent ]

2010 Lexus RX coming to LA Auto Show

The Lexus RX is one of the most successful luxury crossovers of the past decade, with sales doubling or even tripling that of its competition. Remarkably, the RX has achieved its considerable success without a major overhaul, but that will change when the next gen RX is unveiled this November in LA. Details on the new RX have been scarce to this point, but we can be sure that a hybrid version will continue to be available and that a plug-in version is a possibility.
The RX is also expected to grow by around five inches, just like its Highlander sibling, though Lexus will likely use the extra room to improve rear passenger leg room. We've seen spy shots showing more evolutionary styling changes, along with a few cues pulled from the LF-xh concept, with tweaks to the front and rear fascias and a curvier C-Pillar.

[ Via: The Car Connection ]
[ Tag: 2010 Lexus RX, 2010LexusRx, Lexus RX350, LexusRx350, luxury crossover, LuxuryCrossover, toyota ]

Craigslist Find of the Day: The Prelude Si Ute that never was

What would you call this thing? A Prelude SUC*? A Preludamino? A Prelude Brat? A Ridgelude? The seller, for his part, bills it as a "Cruck." With the careful adaptation of a Datsun Pickup liftgate, this cut and restyled 1989 Prelude Si was possibly a prelude to the atrocity wonder that would eventually be known as the Honda Ridgeline. It is said to feature a four-cylinder with an automatic, and able to get 38 mpg. Thank goodness it "was built under professional supervision of experienced body technicians," as we'd hate to think that any average schmo cut and pasted this Prelude. The work must be halfway decent, as it serves as daily transport for the seller and still features such luxuries as "power windows, sunroof, heat and a/c, cd player, power steering and functional tailgate." As it sits it's a fitting testament to ingenuity and another answer to a question nobody asked. Only $2,500 though.


[ Via: craigslist ]
[ Tag: honda prelude, HondaPrelude ]

Toyota expected to post first annual sales decline in 10 years

We knew the auto industry was in bad shape and it didn't take long to extend its poisoned-tipped tentacles into the world's automotive juggernaut. In August came news that the Japanese automaker had cut its sales forecast for 2008 from 10.4 million vehicles to 9.7 million. A Japanese newspaper, though, says it expects Toyota to only sell 8.3 million for the year. If true, it would be the company's first year over year sales decline in a decade.
The Nikkei Daily (subscription required) doesn't back up its prediction with any sources, but we'll know how close to the truth they get come in January when Toyota announces official sales numbers.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: auto industry, AutoIndustry, economic crisis, EconomicCrisis, economy, toyota, toyota sales, ToyotaSales ]

Current Prius rumored to get price cut to compete with Insight

According to AutoExpress' Japan correspondent, Peter Lyon, when the 3rd generation Prius goes on sale in Europe next year, the current model will continue to be sold at a discount along side its modern counterpart. The rumored decision by Toyota is in response to the release of the new Honda Insight hybrid, which will start at around £15,000 when it goes on sale this March. In the report, Lyon contends that Toyota wants to woo people into showrooms with the current Prius' lower sticker in an attempt to compete with its cross-town rival. We're interested to see how this will play with consumers and wonder if Toyota will use a similar tactic when the next generation Prius goes on sale in the States around the same time.
UPDATE: AutoExpress' report has been denied by Toyota. No surprise.

[ Via: AutoExpress ]
[ Tag: honda insight, HondaInsight, toyota prius, toyota prius price, ToyotaPrius, ToyotaPriusPrice ]

VIDEO: Toyota Yaris flies into the danger zone, drives off aircraft carrier

Toyota is hitting the boob tube hard to advertise its sub-compact Yaris, and the Japanese automaker has found its funny bone in these newest spots. The overall theme of the new campaign is that the Yaris is clever enough to do "almost anything" by demonstrating the few things this little three-door can't. One commercial, for instance shows the Yaris being unsuccessfully piloted by a bobsled team. The newest commercial, however, puts the Yaris on the deck of an aircraft carrier where it attempts to take off after getting the OK from flight control. As you might have guessed, the Yaris can't fly, so the Little hatch goes overbooard into the drink. Follow the jump to see a Yaris go swimming with the fishes for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Matt!


[ Via: YouTube ]
[ Tag: toyota yaris, ToyotaYaris, yaris aircraft carrier, Yaris commercial, YarisAircraftCarrier, YarisCommercial ]

Rumormill: Toyota developing baby roadster based on iQ

Toyota worked up an entirely new platform for its new iQ minicar, which features a very unique 3+1 seating arrangement in an effort to outsmart its competitors. Such a development takes a good deal of resources and Toyota seems to be considering ways to defray that cost through additional models based on the same underpinnings. The latest vehicle architecture to add to the always active rumormill would be a small two-seat roadster. If the German buff book Auto Motor und Sport is correct, expect the new sub-Miata-fighter to debut in concept form at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and be called the Spider. The roadster would likely get the same powerplants as the normal iQ, including both gasoline and diesel four-cylinder variants. A decision on a production model, though, is likely still a good ways off. Other iQ models said to be waiting in the wings are an upcoming Yaris successor, a hybrid and a mini-minivan. Though we know the iQ has a good chance of being sold in the United States wearing a Scion badge, we have no idea yet how many of these other models could follow.

[ Via: Carscoop ]
[ Tag: iq, iq roadster, iq spider, IqRoadster, IqSpider, tokyo motor show, TokyoMotorShow, toyota iq, toyota iq concept, toyota iq roadster, toyota iq spider, ToyotaIq, ToyotaIqConcept, ToyotaIqRoadster, ToyotaIqSpider ]

Scion finally coming to Canada in 2010

Canadians waiting for the day when they can purchase a Scion without heading south of the boarder can soon rejoice. Toyota's "hip" brand will go on sale in Canada in 2010, seven years after the marquee went on sale in the U.S. Canada will receive all three Scions at launch, the tC the xB, and the xD. And Scion ordering will be no different than it is in the States, with plenty of a-la-carte options available to personalize your Gen Y-mobile.
Although sales have taken a hit of late, Scion has been very successful for Toyota overall, as 70% of all Scion buyers are new to the Toyota family. We're just wondering why it took so long to bring our Canadian brethren to the dinner table in the first place. Thanks for the tip, Jarrett!

PRESS RELEASE:
SCION to hit the streets in Canada

Toyota Canada Inc. to roll out youthful lifestyle brand in 2010

TORONTO, Oct. 19 /CNW/ - Make it yours. Express yourself with it. Tune it. Turn it up. Get it. Integrate it. SCION, the streetwise automotive brand that forges the close fit between "car" and "community", is coming to Canada
in 2010.

"Young Canadians have been telling us they want SCION, and now their desire is within reach. SCION is an authentic brand, created to mesh with youthful tastes and sensibilities, and we're excited to expand our presence in Canada with new vehicles that offer a unique blend of flexibility, personalization, affordability and fuel efficiency," said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Toyota Canada Inc. "The time is right to bring SCION culture to
Canada."

SCION attracted new customers to the Toyota family when the brand was launched in the United States in 2003. SCION changed the purchase experience by allowing visitors to browse, investigate, research or just discover SCION entirely at their own pace through grassroots events and a highly-interactive and constantly evolving web site. What visitors discover is a unique lineup of vehicles that are high in personal expression - lifestyle products on wheels, offered as well-equipped models with huge opportunities for personalization through aftermarket-style original equipment accessories.

"SCION is a unique brand, yet still a member of the Toyota family so it benefits from the same high standards as our Toyota and Lexus lines," Mr. Hutchinson continued, noting that in the United States, about 70 per cent of SCION buyers are new to Toyota, and over fifty percent of SCION owners migrate to a Toyota vehicle as their needs and wants evolve. "As such, SCION will be an important avenue through which we reach new drivers - those who represent the greatest future growth of the market - and give them the opportunity to experience, first-hand, Toyota's reputation for quality, fuel efficiency, safety and value."

SCION will come to Canada with three vehicles:

- The SCION tC compact sport coupe combines style and fun in a five-seater hatchback, topped with a remarkable panorama moon roof;

- The SCION xD blends personality in a subcompact five-door hatchback;

- The SCION xB compact five-door hatchback delivers astounding spaciousness wrapped in a cubic cladding that's game for urban adventure.

All SCION models are well equipped with a full range of features, from air conditioning and cruise control to serious audio systems with SCION Sound Processing.

Upgrades and accessories can be added to any SCION a la carte, and range from unique wheels, shift knobs and sport pedals to satellite radio systems and a broad selection of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance enhancements. Every SCION's safety system currently includes front dual-stage airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, three-point lap and shoulder belts for all occupants.

SCION will be established at select Toyota Dealer locations, using a "store within a store" model, and will be rolled out in phases. Watch for launches in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver in 2010. These will be followed by other Canadian urban centres. For more information on SCION, Canadians can visit www.scionnation.ca.



[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: Scion, scion canada sales, ScionCanadaSales, Toyota ]

VIDEO: Toyota iQ gets first commercial

We saw Toyota's iQ city car debut in Geneva last year, and now little Ikey has its own TV spot. Granted, there's precious little of the actual car shown until the last few seconds of the commercial, but this is advertising, after all. The spot is high-concept, with no boilerplate screaming about powertrains or showing the car oversteering across the screen, but you can tell that the car looks like a Scion xD that's been treated to a cut-n-shut for a length under three meters. Pronounce it "ick" if you like, but when your competition is the Smart, it's hard not to look, uh, smarter. Video embedded after jump.


[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: iq spot, iq video, IqSpot, IqVideo, toyota iq, toyota iq concept, toyota iq spot, toyota iq video, toyota spot, ToyotaIq, ToyotaIqConcept, ToyotaIqSpot, ToyotaIqVideo, ToyotaSpot ]

More Rendered Speculation: Toyota/Subaru FR sportscar, no turbos for the EU

Japan's buff books are at it again, peppering a bit of informed speculation with a healthy dose of rendered conjecture to create images of Toyota's front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car. While we dig the pic above, which blends a bit of Fisker Karma with the Mitsuoka Orochi, we're giving the design a snowcone's chance in Hades of resembling the production version of the coupe.
The renderings posted below the fold seem a bit more plausible and the dimensions, measuring 4,300mm long (14.1 feet), 1730mm wide (5.7 feet) and with a wheelbase of 2,570mm (8.4 feet), makes it a little smaller than the Scion tC that the FR coupe could replace.
Make the jump for more...

According to 7Tune, which translated the text from a recent article in BestCar, the design is aimed to change people's perception of Toyota by offering a vehicle with "wonderful style." While aesthetics might be a top priority, if Toyota wants to capture some of the mystique that surround the old AE86, it had better drive as good as it looks.

For better or worse, the coupe will be underpinned by the current Subaru Legacy platform, which makes use of front struts and a multi-link arrangement in the rear. The conversion of the chassis from all-wheel-drive to rear-wheel-drive has caused some headaches around ToMoCo HQ, with one engineer saying the suspension from the Legacy is "weak and terrible." We wonder how much got lost in the translation.

Power is still expected to be provided by a 2.0-liter boxer four cribbed from Subaru, with between 190 and 200 horsepower sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic gearbox will be offered after the initial launch and don't be surprised if a convertible variant is available further down the road.

Autocar chimed in with its own inside sources, saying that due to new emissions requirements in the EU, turbocharged WRX or STI variants of the Subaru-badged coupe won't be offered. The Toyota version, however, will be sold in the UK (contradicting earlier reports) and that there's a chance that it could wear a Supra badge when it goes on sale for £20,000 in 2011.

[Sources: BestCar via 7Tune, Autocar]

[ Via: Autoblog (Subaru) ]
[ Tag: fr coupe, FrCoupe, subaru, toyobaru, toyota ]

SEMA Preview: Toyota Venza Sportlux by Street Image

Toyota's SEMAfied Venzas won't stop, even if we ask nicely. The second modified don't-call-it-a-Camry wagon comes courtesy of Street Image, which will bring the SportLux Venza "performance show car" to SEMA. A contradiction in terms if we've ever heard it.
According to Toyota PR, the SportLux is a model that could be offered as a factory tuner, complete with six-piece body kit, spoiler, custom grille and, of course, a hood scoop.
Thankfully, Street Image's blood, sweat and tears didn't stop with the body, so a TRD supercharger has been fitted to the engine (although no power figures were divulged), sending the additional grunt to four, 24-inch Chrome Cognac No 20 wheels (seriously), suspended by a set of custom coilovers. The same brakes fitted to the Five Axis vehicle appear on the SportLux, and in keeping with the "Lux" part of its name, black suede covers the roof, sunvisors, pillars and trunk, along with a black and burgundy leather interior, accent lighting and color matched trim. An Eclipse AVN6620 sound system with a 7-inch TFT display churns out 2,500 watts of only the finest Michael Bolton.
Hit the jump to read the press release and expect more from the show floor in a few weeks.

PRESS RELEASE

New 2009 Toyota Venza Transforms Into Sportlux By Street Image For 2008 SEMA Show

October 16, 2008 - Torrance, CA - The new 2009 Toyota Venza underwent a unique transformation by Street Image resulting in the creation of the SportLux Venza performance show car. The Venza SportLux will be displayed at the Toyota exhibit throughout the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas from November 4-7.

The conceptual vision of the Toyota SportLux Venza by the Street Image design team was centered on a vehicle which could be offered as a factory tuned model. Taking cues from European tuners, Street Image added an assortment of subtle, yet aggressive, body kit modifications including a six-piece lip kit enhancement, rear hatch spoiler, custom grille and integrated hood scoop.

Its performance driven stance reflects the Toyota SportLux Venza's substantial boost in power output. Among its many performance modifications are several components from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) including a supercharger kit. The SportLux Venza's power surge is complemented with a height adjustable coil over tuned suspension and rides on Chrome Cognac No 20 Wheels measuring 24-inches and Toyo Proxy 4 performance tires. The massive wheels are controlled by 15-inch front and 13.6-inch rear TRD Big Brakes with forged calipers.

Street Image added appropriate interior comfort and convenience modifications to the SportLux Venza including special Black & Burgundy leather seating. A state-of-the-art Eclipse entertainment system features a premium navigation system and includes front and rear video and high-powered audio. The overall effect gives passengers a refined sports car feel without sacrificing the utilitarian appeal of the Venza.

TOYOTA VENZA SPORTLUX

Designed by Street Image

Exterior Modifications:

•Six piece lip kit enhancement
•Rear hatch spoiler
•Integrated hood scoop
•Flash window film
•Custom grille
•Mirror turn signals
•Chrome Cognac No 20 wheels
-Front 24" x 9.5"
-Rear 24" x 10.0"
•Toyo Proxy 4 performance tires
-Front 255/30ZR24
-Rear 275/30ZR20
•Dual center exiting stainless steel exhaust

Interior Modifications:

•Seating in black and burgundy leather upholstery
•Accent upholstery in black suede
-Headliner and sun visors
-Pillars
•Steering wheel upholstered in black leather
•Accent lighting
•Color matched accents

Engine and Bay Modifications:

•TRD supercharger, oil filler cap and high pressure radiator cap
•Cold air intake system
•Hose Techniques silicone vacuum hose, couplers and t-bolt clamps
•Color match accents
•Polished accents pieces and hard lines
•Optima D34/78 Yellow Top deep cycle battery
•Counter sunk stainless steel metric hardware

Suspension Modifications:

•Height adjustable coil over suspension

Brake Modifications:

•TRD Big Brakes
-Front 15" diameter
-Rear 13.6" diameter
•TRD forged calipers
-Front 6 piston
-Rear 4 piston
•Braided stainless steel brake lines
•Motul RBF 600 brake fluid

In Car Entertainment:

•Eclipse AVN6620 - In-dash navigation with 7" wide TFT display and dual DVD multi-source receiver x 1; SIR-ECL1 - Sirius Satellite Radio tuner x 1; MRE-700W - 7" wide screen monitors x 2; XA4200 - 1000 watt 4 channel class D amplifier with channel flex crossover x 1; ZA1200 - 1500 watt 1 channel class D subwoofer amplifier x 2; SC8355 5 ¼" component 3-way speaker system x 1; SC6500 6 ½" component 2-way speaker system x 1; and SW8000 10" dual coil subwoofer x 2

•Cascade APS90 continuous power supply

•Headrest mounted monitors for rear passenger entertainment

•Custom false floor subwoofer enclosure

•Black suede trunk area upholstery

[ Via: Jalopnik ]
[ Tag: sema, sportlux, street image, StreetImage, toyota, venza ]

SEMA Preview: Toyota Venza AS V by Five Axis

Toyota gave a sneak peak of its two tuned Venzas ahead of their unveiling at SEMA, and the first, designed and executed by Five Axis, is an attempt to portrait the jacked-up wagon as the go-to vehicle for active lifestyle types.
The Venza AS V (Active Sports Versatility) features a custom body kit, Five Axis-designed AD R6:F_SPEC 20x10.5-inch deep dish wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan ST tires (305/45s all around), TRD big brakes with six-piston calipers gripping 15-inch discs up front and four-piston calipers clamping 13.6-inch rotors in the rear, along with a custom rear cargo unit and a Magna Car Top cargo lifter mounted on the rear bumper.
All the details are in the press release below the fold and expect more live images to follow in a few weeks.

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota Venza AS V By Five Axis To Debut At 2008 SEMA Show

October 16, 2008 – Torrance, CA - To illustrate the versatility of the new 2009 Toyota Venza a specially modified show vehicle by Five Axis will make its public debut at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas from November 4-7.

The Five Axis Venza Active Sports Versatility (AS V) was created to illustrate the versatile applications of the new 2009 Toyota Venza with an emphasis on active sports. It is outfitted with several features offering unique solutions for the transport and storage of all types of winter sports equipment.

The rear of the vehicle houses a very unique utility system. Created by Magna Car Top Systems, an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) stow away rack system provides numerous opportunities for transporting a variety of wet and dry goods such as skis and bicycles.

To complement the ICC system, Five Axis designed and created a multi-purpose rear cargo unit that allows for storage of various items. This hideaway design offers both privacy and protection from other heavier items that can be easily stored on top of the unit. The system also allows for isolated storage of messy items, offering further protection to the interior.

ASV exterior body enhancements include new front and rear bumpers and over-fenders for a more rugged appearance. Wider 20 x 10.5-inch wheels and larger diameter tires also complement the new look of the Venza AS V.

To best illustrate the active sports theme, an emphasis on winter sports was chosen. The Magna Car Top Systems' ICC unit is fitted with a unique snowboard and ski carrier. At the SEMA Show the Venza ASV will be hitched to a trailer mounted with a snowmobile to display its towing capability.

Finally, a Five Axis custom-blended earth tone color palette of Lunar White and Bronze accents finish off the exterior for a fresh reference to some of latest trends in winter fashion.

TOYOTA VENZA AS V (ACTIVE SPORTS VERSATILITY)

Designed by Five Axis

Exterior Modifications:

•Five Axis custom body enhancement
•Five Axis custom paint and accents
•Five Axis AD R6:F_SPEC wheels
-Front 20"x10.5"
-Rear 20"x10.5"
•Yokohama Advan ST tires
-Front 305/45ZR20
-Rear 305/45ZR20
•Five Axis custom exhaust finishers
•Custom multi-purpose rear cargo storage unit
•Magna Car Top Systems Integrated Cargo Carrier

Brake Modifications:

•TRD Big Brakes
-Front 15" diameter
-Rear 13.6" diameter
•TRD forged calipers
-Front 6 piston
-Rear 4 piston

[ Via: Jalopnik ]
[ Tag: five axis, FiveAxis, toyota venza, ToyotaVenza ]

Toyota seriously considering separate Prius brand

This isn't the first time we've heard that Toyota might spin off the Prius as a separate brand much like Scion. But we now have the most concrete news about the automaker's plans we've seen yet.
Micheline Maynard of The New York Times talked with James E. Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. recently who said he was actively lobbying Toyota for the Prius brand spinoff and that the company was working on future models to expand the lineup. Lentz said he was pushing for a Yaris-sized Prius and a "Prius on steroids." He wouldn't comment on rumors of a Prius crossover, however. Lentz also said the new line would be sold alongside Toyota vehicles instead of separately like the company's Lexus brand.
When might this new Prius brand be approved by Toyota? Lentz would only say that he has a meeting in Japan next month.
Maynard writes that in all her years covering Toyota, "...I can say that executives rarely talk this much about an idea unless it is under active discussion, so the chances of a Prius brand are probably pretty good."


[ Via: The New York Times ]
[ Tag: alternative fuel, AlternativeFuel, electric car, ElectricCar, hybrids, prius, prius brand, PriusBrand, scion, toyota hybrid, toyota prius, ToyotaHybrid, ToyotaPrius ]

Toyota opens second facility in Michigan, adds 400 jobs

Michigan has been begging for good news from the auto industry lately, and the Great Lakes state got some from a company that was once considered public enemy number one. Toyota has officially opened a brand new $187 million technical center in York Township that will provide 400 more jobs to the beleaguered state while giving the Japanese automaker additional manpower to develop more new vehicles for North America. The York Township facility will compliment the 700-person Toyota research and development center in Ann Arbor that has been operational since 1997. The Ann Arbor facility has performed R&D duties for various vehicle including the Avalon, Tundra, Sienna and upcoming Venza. The added jobs at the new facility only represents a small portion of the thousands of jobs Michigan residents have lost over the past decade, but having an automotive force like Toyota investing in your state is a very good start, indeed.


PRESS RELEASE

Toyota Opens Second Facility In Michigan
$187 million York Township site expands Toyota's engineering, safety testing capability

October 9, 2008 - York Township, MI - Toyota Technical Center (TTC) celebrated the grand opening of its new engineering and safety testing facilities here today with Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Congressman John Dingell, as well as several hundred government officials, community leaders, suppliers and Toyota team members.

TTC, a division of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA), already has a site in Ann Arbor. With the expansion in York Township, TTC is adding 400 new jobs and will boost its employment to 1,100 by 2010. "Toyota's investment of $187 million to advance research and development demonstrates our commitment to the North American automotive industry," said Shigeki Terashi, TTC president. "TTC has been conducting R&D activity in Michigan for over 30 years and recognizes Southeast Michigan as the center for automotive R&D in North America."

"Continued commitment and investments by Toyota are important as we maintain our efforts to diversify our economy and create jobs here in Michigan," Governor Granholm said. "The Toyota Technical Center is a huge win for Michigan and our workers – our reputation as the automotive capital of the world brought Toyota here, and we will continue to attract R&D and advanced manufacturing jobs because of our global leadership in automotive research and development."

Toyota (NYSE:TM) established Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in 1977 in Ann Arbor, Mich. TTC is engaged in engineering design, prototype building, vehicle evaluation and engineering, materials engineering, powertrain tuning and design, regulatory affairs and advanced technical research. TTC has developed the Avalon, Sienna, Solara, Tundra and Venza vehicles for the North American market. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com.


[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: Michigan, research and development, ResearchAndDevelopment, toyota, toyota technical center, ToyotaTechnicalCenter ]

Toyota releases pricing and spec info for European iQ

IF you're in Europe and hoping to get your name on a list for a Toyota iQ, now's the time. Toyota has opened up the order banks for the cleverly packaged microcar prior to its January availability date, while also giving up the goods on available specs, options, and pricing. The iQ comes in only two trim levels, iQ and iQ2, and pricing starts at £9,495 for the manual, and £10,495 for the multidrive CVT transmission. All iQ models come with 15-inch alloys, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, air conditioning and six speaker audio system with auxiliary socket. Checking the box for the iQ2 adds another £1,000, but for the money you receive high-gloss wheels, fog lamps, auto headlights and rain sensing wipers, smart entry and start system and climate control.
The iQ is pretty damn small, but Toyota is stuffing the tiny coupe with plenty of standard safety features, including ABS, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and nine airbags, including the world's first rear window airbag. Toyota also offers five different option packages including leather seats, navigation, and iSport, iUrban and iStyle packages. The iQ may be small, but after looking at the specs, it looks like Toyota went out of its way to give you just about any option you can dream up for a bargain basement price. You just can't get one if you live in the US, at least not yet. Hit the jump to view Toyota's detailed press release.


[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: europe, iq specs and prices, IqSpecsAndPrices, microcar, toyota iq, ToyotaIq ]

Rumormill: Could Lexus become a hybrid-only brand?

This could be Japanese-only news, or just a case of bad translation, but Toyota Managing Officer Toshio Furutani has apparently told Japan's Nikkei Business News that Toyota wants every vehicle in the Lexus product line to offer a hybrid option, and that "in the medium to long term, Toyota was considering making the Lexus lineup hybrid-only."
That sounds like he could mean Lexus, period, all over the world. But our questions come from the fact that the same report said that the Nikkei listed only the LS and GS models as currently available with a hybrid option, neglecting to mention the RX. And the fact that for Lexus to offer only hybrids in the U.S. would be an eyebrow-arching brand decision. Not that there isn't anyone out there in the market for a hybrid IS-F, but would you really risk it? We'll wait for a follow-up from someone at Toyota, or we'll just assume Furutani's comments were meant for other ears than ours.


[ Via: Reuters ]
[ Tag: alternative, green, hybrid synergy drive, hybrids, HybridSynergyDrive, japan, lexus, lexus hybrid, LexusHybrid, rumormill, toyota ]

Toyota iQ could come Stateside wearing Scion badge

Rumors have been swirling over the past few months that Toyota was considering bringing its iQ mini-car to the States, and according to MotorTrend that's exactly what's going to happen at the LA Auto Show this November, where Toyota will unveil a U.S.-spec iQ wearing Scion badges.
The iQ – originally destined for sale in Japan and Europe – features a 3+1 seating arrangement and motivated by either a gasoline-powered 1.0-liter three-pot or a 1.4-liter diesel. However, MT speculates that the Yaris' 1.5-liter four, mated to a manual gearbox or CVT will be fitted for duty in the U.S.
Ideally, the Scion iQ would have to be priced at or below its direct competitor, the Smart ForTwo, so expect a sticker of under $15,000 if and when it goes on sale. The rationale behind offering the iQ as a Scion would finally give some credence to the brand's targeted urban demographic, which has been faltering in recent years. And with more usable passenger and cargo space than a ForTwo, the Scion iQ could be a hit for people downsizing their rides without sacrificing some of the practicality found in a more traditional runabout.


[ Via: MotorTrend ]
[ Tag: iq, la auto show, LaAutoShow, scion, scion iq, ScionIq, toyota iq, ToyotaIq ]

Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S.

Toyota builds many of its U.S. market vehicles right here in America. Among them are the Toyota Tacoma, Sienna minivan and Sequoia SUV, which is built alongside its Tundra full-size truck sibling. For the most part, they are all meant to be sold in the States, their primary market. It's no secret that sales of these big SUVs and trucks are way down, and Toyota doesn't want to idle its plants if it can help it. Therefore, the Japanese automaker is rumored to be in the midst of sending these light trucks out of the country. The Tacoma, for instance, could be sent to Mexico from Toyota's plant in Baja, California. To keep the plant in Princeton, Indiana running, the Sienna could be exported to Latin America and the gas-guzzling Sequoia to the Middle East, a place where oil supplies are obviously not in danger of dwindling.


[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: toyota, toyota exports, toyota sequoia, toyota sienna, toyota tacoma, ToyotaExports, ToyotaSequoia, ToyotaSienna, ToyotaTacoma ]

Toyota struggling to meet global sales, profit targets

The auto market is in the tank right now, with sales dropping to 1991 levels and Detroit automakers in a cash crunch of horrendous proportions. Even Japanese automakers are struggling, and perhaps the biggest sign that something is terribly wrong is that Toyota is even feeling the pain. The Japanese automaker's sales dropped by an incredible 32% last month compared to September 2007, which was preceded by drops of 9.7%, 18% and 11% in prior months. Toyota has already lowered its global sales target for the year to 9.5 million units to reflect the trouble it's experiencing in the U.S. market, but recent news from Europe is that production is being cut there, as well.
The worst news for Toyota would likely be welcome news to the rest of the automotive universe: the Japanese juggernaut will only rake in about $12 billion of profit this year. While that's an absolute treasure trove of cold, hard cash, it's about 40% less than Toyota had earlier forecasted. Toyota's stock has also taken a hit during these challenging times, with its current value down about $23 per share under its 52-week high of $58.76. The worst part about the automotive market is that there appears to be no end in sight, which means there is more bad news to come; even from Toyota.


[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: ]

2010 Toyota Prius steals font from Michael Knight

Toyota's marketing team has released the first image of the next-gen Prius, and it's not what you think. The shot shows what appears to be the welcome screen that will appear on the car's in-dash screen upon startup, and the font looks curiously like the same one used by the new Knight Rider series on NBC. We doubt this means Prius v3.0 will have Turbo Boost built in, but it will have a larger four-cylinder gas engine and more powerful electric motor. Unfortunately, the new Prius is expected to carry over its nickel-metal hydride batteries rather than going with new lithium-ions, at least for now. The 2010 Toyota Prius will be making its first public appearance at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January, and we'll be there to greet the new green king in person. Thanks for the tip, Danny!


[ Via: PriusChat.com ]
[ Tag: 2010 toyota prius, 2010ToyotaPrius, prius welcome screen, PriusWelcomeScreen, toyota prius, ToyotaPrius ]

Audi and Toyota considering offering smaller cars in the States

It's been well documented that we Americans have been growing larger, and if the auto manufacturers thinking of bringing their small cars Stateside follow through, we're going to feel like giants. Toyota and Audi are the latest automakers discussing whether to bring smaller transportation for us portly Americans. Audi, who didn't design the A1 concept for US duty, now believes it's a good idea to rethink its original strategy. Audi marketing boss Peter Schwarzenbauer thinks US customers have made a real shift towards smaller cars and trucks, and that the movement has staying power. Audi brass has made no decisions regarding the A1 in the US, but the fact that they're genuinely looking into the matter is a good thing.
Toyota's cleverly packaged iQ is also being considered for sales in the US. A company insider told Automotive News that Toyota was looking into the viability of the iQ in the US. The sharp looking micro car goes on sale in Europe beginning in early 2009, and we wouldn't be surprised if it arrived Stateside some time after that.


[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: Audi A1, AudiA1, small car, SmallCar, toyota iq, ToyotaIq, US sales, UsSales ]

The end is nigh: Toyota announces 0% financing on 11 models

Further proof that no automaker is immune to effects of the sales downturn in the U.S. comes as Toyota has just announced 0% financing on 11 of its models, including the hugely popular Camry and Corolla and a slew of SUVs and trucks. Last month, incentive-averse Toyota posted a drop in sales of over 30% compared to a year ago and the rest of the year isn't expected to look much better. General Motors, which still posted a decline in sales, fared better than most of its rivals, including Toyota, thanks to aggressive incentives including its employee pricing for everyone.
Toyota itself is calling the move to offer 0% financing "unprecedented," and indeed it is. Historically, the Japanese automaker has not needed to offer such sweeping deals to move its metal. It apparently has the cars, the means to finance them and just needs buyers. If you want in on the deal, it's available until November 3. See the full press release from Toyota for more details after the break.

PRESS RELEASE:

Toyota Announces Zero-Percent Offer

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 2, 2008 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced a zero-percent interest rate offer on eleven Toyota models for qualified buyers. Expiring November 3, 2008, the loan offer varies by model, with terms ranging from 36 to 60 months.

Taking aim at the credit squeeze which has sidelined many of today's new-car buyers, the attractive offer is unprecedented for Toyota.

"Not only do we have the inventory of today's sought after fuel-efficient models, but we have the capacity through Toyota Financial Services to finance or lease them," said Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter.

The Toyota models qualifying for this offer are: Matrix, Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: toyota, toyota financial services, toyota financing, toyota sales, toyota zero percent, ToyotaFinancialServices, ToyotaFinancing, ToyotaSales, ToyotaZeroPercent, zero percent financing, zero percent financing toyota, zero percent toyota, ZeroPercentFinancing, ZeroPercentFinancingToyota, ZeroPercentToyota ]

Paris 2008: Toyota's new Avensis arrives

The Euro-only Toyota Avensis is reminiscent of the Lexus IS350 in the same way that you'd tell someone, "You kind of look like someone I know, but not really." It's the rising linear sideline, somewhat high and compact profile, and squared-off rear that do it. But that's from a full-on side profile and around the back. Move around the front and it really just looks like a Toyota. The raked grille and molded lips in the front bumper are unexpected, as is the subtle sexiness of the wagon. Designed in France, the new Avensis grows a little over its predecessor by 5 cm in length and width. Under the hood, possibilities include three new Valvematic gasoline engines, and two diesels, while cogs can be swapped with a 6-speed manual or the dual-mode, Multidrive S automatic. Check out the exhaustive press release after the jump, and the high-res gallery of photos below.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: avensis, europe, european cars, EuropeanCars, paris 2008, paris motor show, Paris2008, ParisMotorShow, sedens, toyota, toyota avensis, toyota avensis sedan, toyota avensis wagon, ToyotaAvensis, ToyotaAvensisSedan, ToyotaAvensisWagon, wagons ]