Toyota Motors

2010 Toyota Venza AWD

2010-11-23T18:26:00.001-08:00

The Venza is a perfectly nice five-passenger tall wagon, as far as space, appointments, and utility are concerned. I just don't understand why Toyota is building it. The company already had an overfull quiver of hatchback crossover things, so why add the strange-looking Venza to the bunch? Well, it turns out that Toyota sold a very respectable 54,410 Venzas last year (nearly as many as Scion's 2009 brand total), so I guess there's the answer. It saddens me, though, that consumers apparently prefer the bulky Venza alongside competent RAV4s, Highlanders, Matrixes, 4Runners, et al. instead of a more carlike, more efficient, and no longer offered Camry station wagon.

Based on the mediocre fits all over the Venza's dashboard-not to mention the recent recall debacle-Toyota has apparently expended too much energy developing new niche models when the company should have been perfecting and polishing its existing vehicles.

A few other comments after driving the Venza:

-This cloth interior isn't nice enough for a family vehicle with a $35K price tag.

-Despite its two-ton weight, it accelerates surprisingly quickly.

-The styling of the front end really turns me off, but I do like the side profile, largely because of those cool twenty-inch (!) wheels. Unfortunately, they noticeably compromise the Venza's ride comfort.

I am happy to occasionally forgive awkward styling for highly functional interiors or to forgive a compromised interior for a stunning exterior design. The Porsche Panamera looks awkward in the metal but makes sense once you sit in the back seat. A more affordable Chevy Camaro looks great but has some functional downfalls. Somehow Toyota created a rather large vehicle that neither looks great nor offers any breakthrough interior comfort.

I was not easily able to get in or out of the Venza while wearing boots appropriate for the recent dumping of snow we received. Once I did manage to finagle myself into place, I could hardly reach the knob to tune the radio without leaning forward and towards the passenger seat. Why in the world does the radio slope up and away from the driver? Every other automaker seems to have figured out it makes more sense to tilt the radio in the direction of the driver. The Venza's rear seat appears much more functional than its competitors' offerings, though.

Unlike Rusty, I thought the Venza needed a considerable amount of input to gain any meaningful speed. If I wasn't flooring the accelerator, the car was very lackadaisical. Oddly enough the brake pedal offered almost no feel and seemed more sensitive to how hard it was pressed than how far it was depressed. The steering was also incredibly vague, but that's nothing unusual for a Toyota or a crossover in general.

Despite its shortcomings, I can see how the Venza would be a desirable vehicle for a trip with several other people and a reasonable amount of luggage. The empty nester set that receives no joy from driving will be very happy in a Venza.

I can't seem to generate any enthusiasm for this Toyota Venza. It's not ugly, but it's not especially attractive, either. It's interior is bland but acceptable, inspiring in me neither appreciation nor any special critical insights for its design. The driving experience is fine, if your objective is simply to get from point A to point B. If you're looking for a little driving excitement or even a token smidgen of luxury, you're in the wrong vehicle.

For the past several years, the main reasons for buying a Toyota were the brand's reputation for build quality, reliability, and resale value, all of which have been compromised in the wake of the recent massive recalls. That means that plain-vanilla cars like the Venza will have to appeal to buyers in more purely emotional terms, which may prove to be a hard sell.

Holy bad brakes, Batman! Excepting a few hybrids, the Venza's brake pedal is the most unnatural and least confidence inspiring of any I've experienced in a new vehicle. The first nine tenths of its travel seems to do nothing aside from switching on the rear brake light. This is true regardless of whether you're going 10 mph or 60 mph, meaning you always have to slam the brakes, no matter what the circumstances. It almost feels like a car that's spent too much time at the track and run down its pads, but who would be doing threshold-braking tests on a Venza in mid-February? Certainly not us.

Aside from that, Phil covered just about everything. The Venza doesn't offer any unique utility or features, which makes it hard to justify its unappealing exterior. Why anyone would walk into a Toyota showroom and pick this over a similarly-priced Highlander or Sienna minivan - both of which look better, drive better, and offer more utility - is completely beyond me.

I wasn't blown away by the Venza's exterior the first time I saw it, but I think it may have had something to do with color. Toyota first paraded the crossover around in various shades of brown and grey, but in this bright red-- to say nothing of the large 20-inch wheels -- I start to find it rather attractive.

I do wish, however, that the interior were nowhere as busy as the exterior. The angled radio is a little unusual, but nowhere as counterintuitive as the climate controls. Squeezed into the narrow space between the shifter and the radio, they're easy enough to read -- but it took me a few moments to realize their settings were displayed on a tiny LCD screen mounted just beneath the windshield (this same screen is also used for the rear-view camera, which, given the display size, is virtually worthless).

Unless you're bowled over by the styling or have always longed for a modern take on the Camry wagon, there's little about the Venza that's unique-and considering even the Toyota faithful are now eying other models in light of recent headlines, that may prove to be rather damning.

2010 Toyota Venza AWD

Base price (with destination): $30,300

Price as tested: $34,759

Standard Equipment:

3.5L V-6 engine

6-speed automatic transmission

20-inch alloy wheels

Vehicle stability control

Brake assist

Dual-zone automatic climate control

AM/FM CD with integrated satellite radio

USB port with iPod connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity

3.5-inch multi-information display

Options on this vehicle:

Rear seat DVD entertainment system -- $1680

- 9-inch display

- Two wireless headphones and remote

JBL synthesis surround sound -- $1080

- AM/FM/6-disc in-dash CD changer

- XM satellite radio

- MP3/WMA playback capability

- 13-speakers

Convenience package -- $860

- Smart key system with push button start

- Power rear liftgate

- Chrome accented door handles

Security package -- $570

- Back-up camera

- Anti-theft system

Floor mats & cargo mat -- $269

Key options not on vehicle:

Comfort package -- $3449

Fuel economy:

(city/hwy/combined)

18 / 25 / 21 mpg

Engine:

Size: 3.5L 24-valve V-6

Horsepower: 268 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque: 246 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

Drive:

All-wheel

Transmission:

6-speed automatic

Curb weight: 3945 lb

Wheels/tires:

20-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels

P245/50R20 Goodyear Eagle RS-A all-season tires

Competitors: Ford Flex, Honda Accord Crosstour, Volvo XC60

The G??idhealtachd (Scottish Gaelic pronunciation: [k??????l????t????xk], English: Gaeldom), sometimes known as A' Gh??idhealtachd (Eng: the G??idhealtachd), usually refers to the Scottish highlands and islands, and especially the Scottish Gaelic culture of the area. The corresponding Irish word Gaeltacht however refers strictly to an Irish speaking area. The term is also used to apply to the Gaelic-speaking areas of Nova Scotia, Canada.

March 2010 Auto Sales Analysis

2010-11-21T09:26:00.001-08:00

Attempting to put its recalls and unintended acceleration imbroglio into the rear-view mirror, Toyota called upon its deep reserves of cash, launching a bonanza of incentive spending in March which, naturally, obligated other carmakers to do the same. The subsidized leasing and zero-interest financing, combined with a hefty shot of fleet sales, juiced the market, driving new-car sales up 24% over the dismal March 2009 total. The March figures portend full-year new-car sales of 11.7 million, which is a lot better than last year, when industry watcher were speculating whether the year would end up below 10 million (it actually finished at 10.4 million). But step back a bit, and you realize that even 11.7 million is still a long way from the 16.8 million average annual sales the industry was enjoying in the decade ending in 2007. MARCH 2010 SALES VERSUS MARCH 2009

General Motors +21%, or +43% for New GM (Buick-Cadillac-Chevrolet-GMC)

Spurred by fleet sales and incentive spending, General Motors regained the top spot in the U.S. auto market in March - although, in a statistic that's ripe with foreshadowing, the company actually sold more cars and trucks in China than in the USA.

Buick +76%

The LaCrosse (+236%) was the big winner, while the Enclave (+42%) also gained, and the Lucerne stagnated.

Cadillac +42%

The SRX was just trickling onto the market last year, so its better-than-six-times March '09 total easily set the pace for Cadillac. The CTS was the brand's biggest disappointment, at -26%.

Chevrolet +41%

Equinox deliveries nearly tripled, while the Suburban (+83%), Aveo (+74%), and HHR (+55%) also posted big gains.

GMC +45%

The Sierra (+23%) and the Acadia (+37%) were aided by the addition of the Terrain.

Toyota Motor Sales +41%

Toyota's big incentive spending (big for Toyota, but still less than the domestics) had the desired effect in March, with significant gains for all the company's core models, sizeable gains for some other vehicles, and only a few cars doing worse than last year. In the latter camp are all three Scions.

Toyota +41%

Camry (+41%), Corolla (+33%), Highlander (+121%), and RAV4 (+117%, its best March ever) lead the charge volume-wise, but we also should acknowledge the Tundra (+84%), 4Runner (+149%), Venza (+41%), and Prius (+32%).

Lexus +42%

The RX (+30%) and the IS (+29%) did well, but the addition of the HS250h was also a factor.

Scion -25%

All three Scion models fell further in March.

Ford Motor Company +40%

After enjoying a brief moment as the country's number one automaker last month, Ford slipped back to third place behind GM and Toyota. Still, Ford's volume increase over last year easily outpaced the industry as a whole and so the company again picked up market share. Yes, incentive spending was high and fleet sales were a significant factor, but a 40% year-over-year gain is still good news. Factor out Volvo (-18%), and it's actually even better: +43%.

Ford +46%

With the exception of the Ranger and the Crown Victoria, every one of Ford's continuing nameplates did better than last March. Notable gainers included Fusion (+79%), Focus (+57%), Taurus (+86%), Mustang (+57%), Escape (+52%), Edge (+67%), and F-series (+30%).

Mercury +26%

After a big February, the Milan +71% had anther good month, and Mercury's other models were also in the black.

Lincoln +19%

Lincoln's biggest percentage gainers were its retrograde entries: Navigator (+96%) and Town Car (+56%). The MKS (-16%) and MKX (-14%) both slipped.

American Honda +18%

American Honda's sales increase couldn't quite keep pace with the overall market, probably a result of Toyota's aggressive dealing.

Honda +17%

The Insight (+179%) had a huge percentage increase, though it was only just coming into the market last March. More representative were gains for the Accord (+23%), the Pilot (+48%), and the Odyssey (+26%). But the Fit fell back a bit (-15%).

Acura +24%

Acura enjoyed mostly modest but consistent gains, led by the MDX (+42%), with assistance from the TL (+17%), the TSX (+16%), and the RDX (+18%). Nissan North America +43%

Nissan grabbed more market share in March, even in the face of a resurgent Toyota. Infiniti helped as well.

Nissan +44%

The Versa (+105%) continues to do well, although it had some rather unexpected company this month, with the Armada (+171%), the Frontier (+129%), and the Maxima (+93%) also making headlines. Only the sports cars disappointed, the 370Z (-33%) and the GTR (-37%).

Infiniti + 37%

The new M (+62%) did well, as did the G (+45%), while the EX (-20%) and the FX (-14%) declined, and the QX56 (+242%) confounded.

Chrysler Group -8%

After reporting the tiniest of year-over-year sales increases in February, Chrysler resumed its declining ways in March, with total sales 8% below March 2009. Chrysler is still putting lots of cars into fleets, but it has reduced incentive spending from the pay-anything year-ago levels.

Chrysler +1%

The Town & Country (+30%) and Sebring (+69%) offset the PT Cruiser (-70%) and the 300 (-20%).

Jeep +3%

The Compass (+27%), Patriot (+26%), Grand Cherokee (+32%), and Commander (+29%) overcame weakness in the Wrangler (-16%) and the Liberty (-11%).
Dodge -19%

Challenger (+36%) was the only bright spot among grim stats for the Avenger (-31%), Caravan (-32%), and Caliber (-12%).
Ram -11%

Hyundai/Kia +19%

Hyundai was not as hot as might have been expected, trailing the overall market. Like Honda, Hyundai likely suffered as a result of Toyota's incentive spending. Kia's year-over-year sales growth outpaced Hyundai's in March, a situation that is likely to continue this year, as Kia rolls out its new Sportage this summer and Optima this fall.

Hyundai +15%

The redesigned Tucson (+129%) and Sonata (+53%) led the charge for Hyundai; the company claimed that, counting only retail sales, the Sonata captured third place among mid-size sedans.

Kia +24%

Kia's surging models expressed their gains in multiples of year-prior sales: Optima (2x), Sorrento (3x), and Soul (4x). No surprise, then, that the brand had its best ever March.

VW Group +39%

The Volkswagen Group had another strong month in March, with VW leading the way but Audi close behind.

Volkswagen +41 %

The good news was everywhere at VW: Golf/GTI (+152%), Tiguan (+42%), Jetta (+24%), Passat (+73%), Touareg (+90%); everywhere except the CC (-15%).
Audi +34%

Audi looked strong across the board, but standout gains came from the A5 (+155%, thanks to the addition of the Cabriolet), the A3 (+100%, with half of those TDIs), and the A6 (+98%).

Subaru +46%

Of all the manufacturers who posted increased sales in March, Subaru's was most impressive, because it was just about the only nameplate that is actually coming off a good 2009. Its 2010 sales, in fact, are the company's best ever for the month of March.

The new Legacy (+124%) and Outback (+111%) lead the way, naturally, but the Forester (+24%) and Impreza (+7%) helped too. Only the Tribeca (-57%) continues to disappoint. BMW Group +3%

The BMW Group was just treading water in March. The BMW brand did better than Mini, which couldn't muster any increase at all.

BMW +3%

The X5 (+27%) and the 3-series (+11%) were the bright spots here.

Mini +0%

An increase in convertible sales was negated by declines in the other two models. Bring on the Crossman!

Mazda +6%

Mazda's increase over last year was modest. Once again sales growth came largely from Mazda3 (+16%) and the two crossovers, the CX9 (+65%) and the CX7 (+64%).

Daimler AG +19%

Mercedes-Benz sprinted ahead of last March's results (aided only slightly by its reclaimed Sprinter) easily outpacing the growth at BMW but Audi.

Mercedes-Benz +24%

The new E-class(+155%) provided the headline number, but the S-class (70%) and the C-class (+20%) did well, too. The coupes and convertibles were a mixed bag, with the CL (+32%) up but the SL (-20%), SLK (-27%), and CLS (-43%) all down. Among the SUVs, the M-class (+29%), GL-class (+68%), and G-wagen (+41%) were up, while the R-class (-58%) and GLK (-10%) dropped.

Smart

Despite the industry's fervor for small cars, the smallest of them all, the ForTwo (-61%), continues to sink.

Mitsubishi +18%

Mitsubishi's incentive spending was well rewarded in March, with widespread increases, some of them dramatic. Galant sales nearly tripled and those of the Endeavor nearly doubled. The higher-volume cars posted less dramatic increases: +31% for the Outlander and +47% for the Lancer.

Jaguar Land Rover +8%

Porsche +9%

Porsche managed a modest gain in March, as the addition of the Panamera and increases for the sports cars were able to offset sales for the Cayenne, which fell by half.

Suzuki -72%

Suzuki has another scary sales report, with March deliveries falling at an even faster rate than for the first quarter overall.

Maserati +59%

TOP 5 BESTSELLING NAMEPLATES (and rank last month)

Ford F-series 42,514 (#1)

Toyota Camry 36,251 (#6)

Chevrolet Silverado 29,886 (#5)

Toyota Corolla 29,623 (#7)

Honda Accord 29,120 (#5)

Related Post:

2010 April Auto Sales

2010-11-17T09:54:00.001-08:00

The headline number for April new-cars sales is +20%. That figure represents the increase over last April, which you'll remember was a disaster of historic proportions. Still, the increase is another hopeful sign that, for the auto industry, the worst is now behind us. The pace of the recovery, however, is plodding. Volumes actually slipped a bit versus March, but the 11.5-million-unit annual sales rate still looks pretty decent compared to a year ago, when we were staring at a 9.5-million-unit year. No one is expecting a sudden downturn in the months ahead, so cautious optimism rules the day.-Joe Lorio

APRIL 2010 SALES, AND PERCENTAGE INCREASE/DECREASE OVER APRIL 2009

GENERAL MOTORS +20% (that's New GM: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC)

It doesn't seem fair to include the results from GM's discontinued brands, whose sell-off is nearly complete, so we won't. Without them, GM was off slightly from March but still made a healthy gain over last year, staying ahead of Ford and Toyota to keeping number one spot.

Buick +36%

The LaCrosse continues to power ahead, passing the Enclave (which is up as well) to become Buick's biggest-volume seller. The Lucerne continues to sink.

Cadillac +36%

Cadillac exactly matched Buick's performance, and here too the credit goes almost entirely to the division's newest model. For Cadillac, it's the SRX, which is outselling its predecessor by nearly 6 to 1 and has eclipsed the CTS (which slipped at bit) to become the best-selling Caddy.

Chevrolet +18%

Here again, the newest entries - the Camaro and the Equinox - are enjoying banner sales. Of the other models, it was the Aveo and the Cobalt (both up 29%) that pitched in the most. The Malibu, the Traverse, and the Silverado had modest increases.

GMC +20%

The addition of the Terrain accounted for the entirety of GMC's increased volume over last year. Otherwise, things were fairly static, with the Yukon down but the Yukon XL up, the Sierra up but the Canyon down, and the Acadia flat.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY +25% (would have been +26% with Volvo, which eked out a tiny gain)

After the media darling announced a $2 billion profit for the first quarter, Ford's sales results were a bit of a letdown, falling slightly from last month although still posting another big increase over last year - and passing Toyota to move into second place. Like GM, though, fully 32% of Ford sales were to fleets.

Ford +26%

The Taurus and the Expedition both about doubled last year's figures. A better than 40% jump for the Escape, the Explorer, and the F-series (in particular) helped volumes as well. Only the Mustang (-33%) really disappointed; it got its clock cleaned by the Camaro.

Mercury +19%

Mercury looks pretty good until you notice that most of its increase comes from the aged Grand Marquis. At least the Milan and the Mariner were up, too.

Lincoln +22%

Like Mercury, Lincoln's growth came from its oldest models, the Town Car and the Navigator. TOYOTA MOTOR SALES +24%

Toyota's incentive spending lost some of its effectiveness in April, as sales slipped 16% from March totals, although it was still enough for a nice gain over last year.

Toyota +26%

The redesigned 4Runner tripled sales of the old version; otherwise the top increases were around 50% for the Corolla/Matrix, the Prius, and the FJ Cruiser (of all things). The new Sienna, the Tundra, the Avalon, and the RAV4 all were up by more than a third. The only real loser was the Yaris, which fell by half.

Lexus +29%

Lexus enjoyed a slightly better increase than the Toyota division, with the recall-maligned GX posting the brand's second-best gain after the LS.

Scion -20%

Scion continues to sink, with all three models down.

AMERICAN HONDA +13%

Honda's sales gain over last year was less than the industry average, but unlike its three larger competitors, Honda actually sold more cars in April than in March, so it is trending positive.

Honda +12%

The Accord was up a modest 9% versus last year, but that was enough to move up from fifth place to second among the bestselling nameplates (leapfrogging both the Camry and the Corolla/Matrix in the process). Unfortunately, the Civic was down as was the Insight, which continues to disappoint. Most of the good news was on the truck side, with the Pilot, the CR-V, and the Odyssey up significantly. Even the Element and the Ridgeline saw some growth.

Acura +22%

Like Honda, Acura's growth came from trucks: the RDX and the MDX both had better than 50% increases (the new ZDX is selling in tiny volume). Car sale actually went down despite a small gain for the TSX.

CHRYSLER GROUP +25%

Finally, some good news for Chrysler. Of course, April last year is when Chrysler declared bankruptcy, so that "+25%" is bouncing off some pretty grim numbers. The wild swings for many models suggest serious incentive money at play, but at least Chrysler passed Nissan to retake the number five spot.

Chrysler +61%

How'd that happen? Sebring sales tripled, the Town & Country nearly doubled, and the 300 increased 40%. Only the PT Cruiser dropped. That's how.

Dodge +61%

Like its Chrysler counterpart, Dodge's Avenger enjoyed a massive run-up this month (+340%), which looks a lot like a fleet-sales push. Aside from the Viper (down ten units) and the Journey (essentially flat), all other Dodges increased, but by more credible levels, ranging from 14% for the Nitro to 90% for the Charger.

Jeep +0%

Despite sales of the Compass doubling and a 21% increase for the Patriot, Jeep was flat due to offsetting declines for the Wrangler, the Commander, and the Grand Cherokee.

Ram -22%

The loss of the Sprinter wasn't much of a factor here. Instead, look to the 24% decline in Ram pickup sales. HYUNDAI-KIA +24%

The Koreans' increase is in line with the overall market, as is its slight fallback from March. With more new products, Hyundai was stronger than Kia.

Hyundai +30%

A massive increase for the new Tucson (+171%) and Sonata (+57%) is to be expected, but a doubling of Elantra sales was a surprise. The aging Accent was the biggest drag.

Kia +17%

Predictably, Kia's newest offering, the Sorento, sold like gangbusters (+254%), while another relative newcomer, the Soul, also did well (+62%). But the new Forte isn't selling as well as the old Spectra. A new Spectra and Optima should turbocharge Kia's results later this year.

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA +35%

At first glance, Nissan's sales increase looks great, but the company's April volume is actually a pretty big comedown from a huge March. Compared with last month, Nissan slipped by a third, falling behind Chrysler and Hyundai-Kia in the process.

Nissan +34%

Nissan's only products to sell worse than last year were its sports cars: the 370Z and the GT-R. Everything else improved, particularly the (relatively small-volume) SUVs, while the Versa fared the best on the car side.

Infiniti +46%

The new M was a big winner for Infiniti ,and the franchise G increased by half. On the truck side, a couple hundred more QX56 sales (marked down ahead of the new model?) couldn't offset declines for the EX and FX.

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP +39%

VW +42%

The new Golf/GTI set the pace for VW, more than doubling year-ago volumes, but every other VW also saw gains of 20% (Eos) or better. Every one, that is, except the Routan minivan, which was off by 43%

Audi +33%

The A3, the A5, and the A6 all enjoyed better than 100% increases over last year, and the Q5 was up 60%. The A4 fell back, however, as did the Q7 and the A8 (the latter ahead of a redesigned version coming this fall).

Bentley +13%

SUBARU +48%

Now here's a success story. Subaru's 48% increase over 2009 is a big number, but what's truly impressive is that, unlike every other carmaker, Subaru actually had a very good 2009. That has put Subaru in the passing lane, flying by the BMW Group, Mazda, and Daimler AG in the space of one year. The new Outback has more than doubled previous volume, while the new Legacy is up by half. The Forester and the Impreza posted lesser increases, while the Tribeca threatens to slip completely under the waves.

BMW GROUP +9%

BMW +10%

Volume-wise, good news for the 7-series (almost doubling last year's volume), the 3-series, and the X3 overcame a big drop for the 5-series, but the overall numbers were not so great.

Mini +5%

Rolls-Royce -4% DAIMLERAG +19%

Mercedes-Benz +25%

Mercedes-Benz outpaced the market overall by a slim margin, with an increase that was significantly better than BMW's but not as good as Audi's. The redesigned E-class continues to drive volume, this month with an assist from larger SUVs (yes, even the R-class!), while the GLK and the sports cars slipped.

Smart -49%

Sales of the Smart fell by half, from already low year-ago figures.

Maybach -49%

Three (3) Maybachs were sold in April. That almost makes Rolls-Royce, with 26 cars sold, look like a mass-market brand.

MAZDA +17%

Mazda just about kept pace with the market overall, thanks to a big month for its crossovers and a gain for the Mazda3. But the Mazda6 continues to languish and the Miata fell by half.

MITSUBISHI +0%

Mitsubishi couldn't make any headway in a rising market, as the Lancer's decline wiped out the gains for the Galant and the Outlander.

JAGUAR LAND ROVER +10%

Land Rover +35%

The refreshed big SUVs all saw gains, while the aging LR2 declined.

Jaguar -30%

All three Jags were down, even the XF. The new XJ can't get here soon enough.

SUZUKI -23%

The well-reviewed new Kizashi is selling no better than the old Forenza, while the SX4 treads water. Meanwhile the aging Grand Vitara is sinking and the XL-7 is being phased out. Add it all together and you have declining sales for Suzuki.

PORSCHE -6%

The new Panamera was the bestselling Porsche in April, but mostly because of a big drop for the Cayenne (just ahead of a new model) and a pretty big decline for the 911 as well.

TOP 5 BESTSELLING NAMEPLATES (and rank last month)

Ford F-series 40,946 (#1)

Honda Accord 31,766 (#5)

Chevrolet Silverado 29,618 (#3)

Toyota Corolla/Matrix 27,932 (#4)

Toyota Camry 27,914 (#2)

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Tall Wagon Comparison: 2010 Toyota Venza vs. 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour vs. 2010 Nissan Murano

2010-11-16T09:43:00.001-08:00

For nearly two decades, the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord, and the Nissan Altima have been slugging it out atop the mid-size car segment. After so many years of close combat, it's only natural that the feud has spilled over into a new arena -- tall wagons.

Nissan was to the first to explore this territory in 2003, when it essentially added a tall body and a lifted suspension to the Altima platform and christened it the Murano. It's been so successful over the past seven years that one has to wonder why it took so long for the other two big Japanese carmakers to follow suit. Well, they're here. The Murano, redesigned for 2009, now faces high-roofed versions of the Accord and Camry in the form of the Honda Accord Crosstour and the Toyota Venza.

Like their sedan progenitors, these three light crossovers match up very closely, each seating five people and powering the front or all four wheels with a 3.5-liter V-6 (the Venza can be also be fitted with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder). However, the vehicles do differ quite significantly in shape and purpose, ranging in character from traditional crossover (Murano) to luxurious large hatchback (Crosstour). We gathered well-equipped versions of each vehicle to see which mutant mid-sizer best fulfills the needs of this fledgling segment. Third Place: Toyota Venza

On paper, the Venza is the clear winner here. It strikes the best balance in this group between carlike driving dynamics and crossover-rivaling utility, which is, of course, the stated reason for this subsegment to exist. Although it has essentially the same size footprint as the Crosstour, it offers nearly twenty cubic feet more cargo room with the rear seats folded down and even edges out the taller Murano. Toyota engineers did a particularly good job packaging the rear struts so they only barely intrude into the cargo hold (take a good look, Honda).

So, why the last-place finish? In a word, execution. The lack of attention to detail is most noticeable inside, where, despite the aforementioned packaging advantages, the Venza's interior ranks dead last. A mess of mismatched, shockingly ill-fitting plastic panels form the Venza's dash, and the controls for the air-conditioning and radio feel five years old. It's not what we'd expect from any Toyota, let alone one carrying a Lexus-like price tag of $34,759.

The exterior also seems like it needed a bit more time to coalesce. It has the best basic profile among this bunch (which is, admittedly, not an attractive group of vehicles as a whole), but fussy lines in back and a toothy grille up front give the impression of a Lexus RX that melted in the sun.

As noted, the Venza drives very much like a car -- an exceptionally boring car. Under most conditions, body control is decent and steering is reasonably precise. But push the Venza at all on a curvy road, and only the optional 268-hp V-6 feels up to the task, as the cushy brakes and Cool Whip suspension squirm in protest. The garish, twenty-inch wheels do nothing to help in this department, as the soft dampers seem to send them bouncing in four different directions through bumpy corners. Overall, it's not much better than a well-mannered crossover or minivan. Given that Toyota's lineup is chock full of just such vehicles, from the RAV4 to the Highlander and the Sienna, we must wonder what this new model actually brings to the table, aside from added sales volume on the cheap.

There's nothing egregiously wrong with the Venza, and yet, there's nothing remotely appealing about it, either. Executed properly, the Toyota could easily be the best in this group, and yet right now, its styling, driving dynamics, and interior quality all scream mediocrity. Second place: Nissan Murano

Whereas Toyota has overdosed on crossovers, Nissan finds itself filling the gap with only two. With the smaller Rogue battling the hotly contested compact segment, it's up to the Murano to offer the utility of a larger vehicle to anyone not interested in the brand's aging line of body-on-frame SUVs.

That the Murano is attempting to fill larger crossover shoes is clear as soon as you see it parked next to the Honda and the Toyota. Its roof juts out several inches higher than the other two, and its masculine sheetmetal, revolutionary seven years ago, now comes off as almost traditionalist compared with the Venza's tough-wagon aesthetic and the Crosstour's downright weirdness. Not coincidentally, we find its angles and creases the most agreeable of this group, if still not quite attractive.

Inside, the Murano made great strides in materials quality with its 2009 redesign, and its new plastics are much better than those in the Toyota. The overall dash layout is a bit drab but ergonomically sound, and the optional Bose radio uses the same driver-friendly interface found in most Infinitis. Our only complaint, from a comfort standpoint, is with our $33,000 test vehicle's foamy, flat seats. As noted, it loses to the Venza in terms of overall cargo room, but it still offers plenty of space for big, bulky items.

The problem with the Murano's crossover leanings quite literally become apparentwhen you leave the confines of the city for slightly more challenging roads. It floats and sways unnervingly through turns, the inevitable result of having the group's highest roof and narrowest track. On stretches with more than one bend, it typically fell several car lengths behind the other two vehicles, which were hardly setting a bristling pace. Even the venerable VQ V-6 is outmatched here, as it equals the output of the other two but betrays its advancing age with a nonstop sound track of pained growls and vibrations.

The Murano's spaciousness and interior refinement still make it a solid choice, but as other brands have fleshed out their lineups with a crossover for every taste and budget, the Murano feels like it's neither big and useful enough to play with other mid-size crossovers nor nimble enough to run with these tall wagons. First place: Honda Accord Crosstour

As we took turns behind the steering wheels of the mind-numbing Venza and the ponderous Murano, we couldn't help but wonder why anyone would choose them over similarly mediocre-to-drive crossovers and minivans. The Crosstour, in contrast, would run rings around most of those big people movers. During most maneuvers, the big hatchback feels exactly like the Accord on which it's based, the distinctively small Honda steering wheel further disguising its girth through tight bends. Only when pushed beyond the norms of sane suburban driving does the Crosstour make clear that it's carrying 600 pounds more than a V-6 Accord, overwhelming its front tires with predictable, easy-to-correct understeer.

The Accord connection is strong in the cabin, too, thanks to a familiar dash layout, but there's also a strain of Acura DNA in the nicely bolstered seats and the plush berber carpeting. Like most high-end Hondas and Acuras, the Crosstour's busy center stack suffers from button-itis, but they're nothing an owner couldn't fully decipher in a few weeks. Overall, the cabin feels fully fitting of a $37,000 vehicle, which is more than we could say about the Venza and even the Murano.

The chink in the Honda's armor can be found aft of the rear seats, where struts and stereo speakers choke the rear cargo area. These obstacles, combined with the sloping rear liftgate, all but preclude the Crosstour from hauling big-ticket items. Considering Honda's well-earned reputation for excellent packaging, it's something of a disappointment that the Crosstour fails to use its size nearly as well as the other two vehicles in our test.

And yet, we have no reservations about naming it the overall winner in this group. Ultimately, we don't it see as the job of these tall wagons to possess world-beating utility. Indeed, Honda's showroom alone offers two strong choices for those seeking maximum cargo space -- the Odyssey and the Pilot (not to mention the significantly less expensive and more compact CR-V and Element).What the Crosstour offers instead is more luxury and a better driving experience than the typical people mover. That's something we can stand behind.

Video: Toyota Venza 2010

Video:Cars.com's Kelsey Mays takes a look at the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour.

Video:Nissan Murano

Toyota Verso-S MPV

2010-11-16T08:52:00.001-08:00

In an attempt to tackle the growing mini-minivan segment in Europe, Toyota will introduce a new model based on a domestic-market favorite at the Paris Motor Show. The Verso-S is barely larger than the Yaris hatchback, but will feature space-utilizing techniques to make the most of its petite size.

While details are still thin about the Verso S, the photos shown here indicate that Toyota has taken styling cues from some of the major European marques, such as Renault, in designing its MPV. The chunky exterior hides the fact that, at just four meters (about 157 inches) it's barely longer than a Yaris hatchback, and nearly two feet shorter than a Corolla sedan. The interior is a familiar Toyota design, with a high-mounted gearbox.

We're not sure if the Verso-S will eventually make it to North America (unlike Ford's definite plan for its next Focus C-Max MPV). The Verso name is familiar to Japanese and European buyers who have had their choice of a Corolla Verso or a Yaris Verso, over several generations, for a little under a decade.

2011 Toyota Avalon Limited

2010-11-05T00:53:00.001-07:00

After driving the Avalon, I returned away unusually nonplussed. Toyota's principal sedan could be neither heart-racingly exciting, nor a slouch during the pants. The 2011 refresh up of the Avalon is thus delicate which I failed to realize it absolutely used to be a revised model.

Toyota had a robust pawn once it pitched the original generations of Avalons though Japanese Buick-fighters, taking a slice of market percentage away from General Motors in addition to Ford's large sedans. The sport possesses moved on. The most recent Buicks, such because the Regal, display a renewed specialise in the motive force, plus Ford's reinvented Taurus has a heap added style and sportiness in comparison to the Avalon does.

As a 22-year-old, I am not in the Avalon's specialise in market, less than I did not care for the interior. The blistering white-on-white of our tester's interior reminded me of sitting during a dentist's chair, also though I've sat in dentist chairs allowing for better bolstering and lumbar support. I'm undecided concerning the redundant temperature controls on the guidance wheel, either, when the actual controls have a tendency to be a pinky-length away. The typophile in me likes and dislikes the oversize eighteen-point sort on the buttons and gauges -- a less-than-subtle hint at the Avalon's intended target market. The navigation screen is angled toward the keep center passenger, not to driving force or passenger, which brands it challenging to attain and operate buttons by feel alone. (Then once more, if the dimensions of the text hasn't screamed out the button's function FROM A MILE AWAY...)

The Avalon behaved simply as I expected: sort of an enormous Camry. A really massive one, at that, with the added bonus of pinky-effort steering and a unusually high level of road noise in the cabin. The engine has more than just enough power and is sufficient to rev to redline if you push it, but why would you? About that sedan is the smooth operator, intended to be savored from the perch of the cavernous back seat, on a tedious highway trip. Skip the back roads with this one.

It is a brilliant factor that no Avalon owner features a serious foot, because these front tires are awfully straightforward to squeal. It amused me, nonetheless, to imagine dozens of blue-haired ancient ladies or socks-and-sandals grandfathers obtaining pulled over for peeling out hither and yon up and down the Florida peninsula. Unfortunately, that is the legal most effective amusement I were given of the driving the Toyota brand's flagship sedan.

The Avalon is a lot prefer its smaller sibling, the Camry: it has solely an appliance for individuals who care nada about vehicles. At the identical previous point, though, the Avalon is a really great, spacious, comfortable, and splendid automobile, especially in the Limited trim that we have a tendency to tested.

Toyota's approach with this model is so conservative that it's troublesome to inform that this Avalon has been updated from the auto I wrote about five years ago for a comparison story for this net web site; one big clue, however, is that readily available is no more time a cassette-tape deck in the Avalon's center stack. Speaking of factors at last place out to pasture, the Avalon would possibly be a great taxi and airport-fleet replacement currently that Ford has stopped building its hoary Crown Victoria.

Driving the Avalon was like a visit down memory lane, but I didn't feel like I utilized to be in an old-fashioned automobile, because ours was provided with one of Toyota's excellent navigation systems, a back-up camera, and even Bluetooth for the 660-watt, 12-speaker stereo. Wait, wait, shall we say that again: a 12-speaker, 660-watt stereo? In a car that is aimed squarely at the AARP set? Wow, what is the planet coming back to?

When it projects to cars just like the Avalon, there is no sense in making an attempt to elucidate them to BMW drivers. There are solely a continue to several folks that simply need a big, comfortable, reliable, cushy sedan that does not ask yourself much of the driver. These are the folks who were served for decades by cars like the Ford Crown Victoria. So now they discover equivalent driving dynamics -- isolated ride, lazy steering, considerable body roll -- but combined with Toyota reliability and an on the market portfolio of up to date amenities like the aforementioned navigation and stereo. That said, if my mother or aunt were brooding about purchasing an Avalon, I might recommend that they also check out the Buick LaCrosse.

2011 Toyota Avalon Limited

Base price (with destination): $36,235

Price as tested: $37,884

Standard Equipment:

3.5-liter V-6 engine

6-speed automatic transmission

17-inch alloy wheels

Vehicle stability management

4-wheel ABS

Power moonroof with sliding sunshade

Rain sensing wipers

Dual heated outdoor mirrors

Auto-dimming rearview reflect

HID headlamps

JBL synthesis AM/FM 6-disc CD changer

USB port with iPod association

Heated and ventilated front seats

Power rear sunshade

60/40 split rear seat

Leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob

Dual zone automatic climate control

Options on this vehicle:

Navigation & premium audio -- $1450

Voice-activated touch screen

DVD navigation system

Backup camera

AM/FM 4-disc CD player

MP3/WMA playback capability

660-watt sound system with Twelve speakers

XM satellite radio

Auxiliary audio jack

USB port with iPod connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity

Carpet floor mats/trunk mat -- $199

Key features not on vehicle:

Remote engine begin -- $499

Fuel economy:

(city/hwy/combined)

20 / Twenty-nine / Twenty-three mpg

Engine:

Size: 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V-6

Horsepower: 268 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque: 248 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

Drive:

Front-wheel

Transmission:

6-speed automatic

Curb weight: 3616 lb

Wheels/tires: 17-inch aluminum wheels
215/55R17 Michelin Energy all-season tires

Competitors: Buick LaCrosse, Ford Taurus

September 2010 Auto Sales

2010-11-04T23:15:00.001-07:00

Where auto sales stumbled in August, September brought a welcome resurgence. Even though fewer automobiles plus truck were sold in September in comparison to August, searching at situations during the legal context from the historic ebb and flow between months, the September sales figure out to an once a year rate of Twelve.2 1000000 units. Compare which to August's 10.8-million rate, and it could be the contented figure indeed. Of course, it has happier compared to the cautiously hopeful pace we tend to were seeing back in spring and early summer, after sales were in the 11-million-unit arena. The industry's performance in September is its the majority of powerful because the government-incentive-fueled Cash-for-Clunkers bonanza persist August.

For about that month's run-down, we'll revert to year-ago comparisons. Less than note that during September '09, a lot of the industry was once in a very post-Clunkers lull, that the p.c will increase -- a median of 29% -- somewhat overstate the robustness of the current September.

SUBARU OF AMERICA +47%

After suffering its initial decline in a very long previous point in August, Subaru returned to its winning methods in September. Predictably, the Outback led the approach (+91%), whereas simply though predictably, the Tribeca (-58%) failed to participate in the joys.

DAIMLER A.G. +18%

Mercedes-Benz +22%

The E-class (+47%) continues to drive Mercedes ahead but the S-class (+55%) installed a celebrity flip of its own this month. The brand's aging fashionistas -- the CL, CLS, and SL -- were each one in negative territory.

Smart -48%

Another down month for Smart.

Maybach -50%

The 3 Maybachs sold in September was half as a lot of as last year.

MAZDA +31%

Mazda just outpaced the overall market, thank you to brilliant performances by its crossovers and the final all-important Mazda3.

MITSUBISHI +5%

Mitsubishi managed a minor gain for September, but when compared to its August results, the increase basically appearance better (+16%). If you tend to be looking at year-over-year figures, the Outlander (+104%) was the large winner, but if you looking at the month-to-month comparison, the Lancer deserves the kudos.

VOLVO -12%

Despite the bettering overall picture, Volvo sales declined versus the brand's figures up of a year ago, when it absolutely was owned by Ford.

JAGUAR LAND-ROVER +11%

Jaguar +10%

XJ sales were all but nonexistent at the finish of the previous model's run last September, so this month's appear great by comparison (+707%), but it's being concerned therefore the XJ declined by virtually a third from its August total.

Land Rover +12%

The LR4 doubled its year-ago pace, but solely the variability Rover is ahead of last month.

PORSCHE +25%

The non-traditional Porsches -- the Cayenne and the Panamera -- gave the complete its year-over-year increase.

SUZUKI -12%

Only the Equator pickup managed an increase over last year (+64%), but its 118 units -- and the Kizashi's 477 -- were now not enough to combat declines for the Grand Vitara and the SX4.

SAAB +133%

Saab was on a death keep a look last year, so perhaps this jump isn't always a brilliant comparison. Added heartening, perhaps, is the legal undeniable incontrovertible reality that sales more than only doubled compared to merely last month.

TOP 5 BESTSELLING NAMEPLATES (and rank last month)

1. Ford F-series Forty-seven,433 (#1)

2. Chevrolet Silverado Thirty-two,185 (#2)

3. Toyota Camry Thirty,769 (#3)

4. Honda Accord Twenty-four,127 (#4)

5. Toyota Corolla 21,060 (#6)

2011 Toyota Sienna XLE

2010-08-19T21:03:00.001-07:00

Though a infant up of the legal minivan point in time, I've necessarily respected these vehicles for his or her or him excellent versatility. To wit, I utilized the Sienna to select up a recent dining table plus six chairs, continue to boxed, and the final Toyota swallowed every one contents moderately easily and whereas not having to fold the middle-row seats (which can not fold down back to the floor anyway). After i unloaded the furniture, I marveled at the simplest way a lot the process seats can slide forwards and backwards. Minivans have a tendency to be ideal for families allowing for youngsters, less than if four dads needed to become away for a tedious road trip, the Sienna would excel in which application, too. The blokes during the middle row can slide his or her seats all the long ago for really limousine-like legroom, still coming of the a large amount o room in the approach back for baggage. Additionally better, the middle captain's chairs suffer from La-Z-Boy-style footrests, therefore the guys in back (especially if they are definitely five-foot-six or shorter) can discover a bunch of forged business-class-style sleep while the 2nd one pair drives and navigates. The Sienna's occupants would possibly not feel awfully cool, but they had certainly be comfy.

Rusty Blackwell I signed out Toyota's new swagger wagon to drive a handful of twenty-something friends all the way down to Detroit for a Tigers baseball game. It might not build a style statement, but the Sienna had them completely galvanized with the backseat comfort and entertainment features. I grew up riding in the back of minivans (my oldsters owned a minimum of four Mercury Villagers) and it had been smartly put in place that your parents' van was once not cool unless it had rear heat and/or audio controls. My Detroit-bound cadre was seriously wowed by the reclining second row and widescreen television. I need to note, though, that Toyota's lawyers have a warning that asserts you can still not make use of the ottomans after the automobile could be in motion. Yeah right.

As far as driving is going, the powertrain is robust, the six-speed automatic is polished, the chassis is composed, and the direction is fine. My primary gripe is that you just cannot fold the seatbacks of the second row to for hauling. You either need to cope with them in place or take away them totally.

Eric Tingwall Nada projects close to a genuine minivan for successfully combining individuals comfort and shipment carrying ability but, as evidenced by General Motors and Ford dropping their minivan offerings, nearly all American citizens assume therefore the uncoolness of minivans outweighs their utility. I suspect I am not most Americans for the reason that I'm not the smallest amount touch embarrassed or apologetic concerning my fondness for the minivan and after driving the Toyota Sienna for a weekend I will be in a very position to be told why it has got one of the segment leaders.

Around city, the Sienna is swish, quiet, and comfy. To me, the three.5-liter V-6 appearance as if overkill, but I'm guessing it is the necessity after all the seats are full and the cargo space is loaded to capability. Unfortunately, the interior is a small bit little bit of a unhappiness during about that new Sienna. It looks great from a distance but get a little closer and most surfaces feel and appear plasticky, though most of the controls-radio, nav, and HVAC-feel nice and feature a smart weight to them.

The rearmost seats are a cinch to flip down into the floor and the sliding second row seats move forward enough to form the cargo area cavernous. But I did notice a couple negatives. Because the headrests are fastened, the flipped down third row seats carry out not create a continuous, even surface. This constructed it challenging on behalf of me to slide large, heavy boxes across the cargo floor. A closer difficulty is what to perform with the shoulder belt for the 1/3 rear seat when it's stowed. I may gain not realize a location to secure it out of the way therefore I had to figure around it when loading.

Jennifer Misaros Persist week, the employees of Automobile Magazine gathered up our current crop of take a appear at vehicles and spent an afternoon driving them on a back-road route from Ann Arbor to Kalamazoo. We tend to switched cars each and every Twenty-five miles or so, offering everybody a possibility to drive several cars in one twenty-four hour period. The Toyota Sienna was my ride for the first stint - one of my co-workers saw me climb in and discussed that it looked favor I might drawn the short straw, seeing because the remainder of the crowd were driving cars just like the Audi S4, the Mercedes E350 cabriolet, and the Acura TL SH-AWD.

I have to claim, however, that it did not really feel like I'd been shortchanged. On winding Huron River Drive, the Sienna handled kind of well for a vehicle together with a high center of gravity. Body roll wasn't unnecessary, the suspension absorbed pavement irregularities, and the engine had brilliant enough power to keep abreast of the remainder of the cluster.

In the cabin, the driving position is sweet and heavy, the gearshift lever on the instrument panel suggests that readily available is extra space in the heart console for storage, and the back seats are very passenger friendly, with a reclining option that features a stowable footrest. One unfortunate detail was the textured plastic on the dash, which both looked and felt downmarket for a vehicle in this value number.

Amy Skogstrom A Sienna? Stylish? Contemplating Toyota's minivan has always erred on the side of dowdy, it's a fantastic feat. I do be acquainted with some consumers balk at the sight of sliding rear doors, but designers have done a brilliant job of injecting some pizzaz into this third-generation model. After all, I'd argue it's virtually added engaging in comparison to the Venza crossover, which appears to be forced encouraged a large number of features on this minivan (including the unfortunate dash texture Amy mentions).

Granted, this full-tilt XLE trim does return with a number of accoutrements, but the Sienna itself seems sort of a solid decision among minivans. The 3.5-liter V-6 provides adequate muscle, and the throttle solution and transmission calibration supply a prompt downshift when you are really shopping for power.

I adore the assumption of the sliding second-row bucket seats for after you carry adults - not children - in the second row, but as Eric notes, they are doing not flip, fold, or tumble to make way for cargo. Short of hunting down the seats altogether, your best choice is to move the seat backs as far forward as potential, until they virtually touch the front seats.

Evan McCausland

2011 Toyota Sienna XLE

Base price (with destination): $35,315

Price as tested: $42,211

Standard Equipment:

3.5-liter V-6

6-speed automatic transmission

Active torque management AWD system

4-wheel disc brakes

18-inch wheels

VSC with TRAC, ABS and brake assist

Dual power sliding side doors

Power tilt/slide moonroof

Cruise control

Leather seats

Heated front seats

Tri-zone climate control

Power windows/locks/mirrors

AM/FM/MP3 CD player with 6 speakers

Options on this vehicle:

XLE premium package -- $6225

Dual view entertainment center

Wireless headphones

Voice-activated touch screen

Navigation system with backup camera

JBL AM/FM/MP3 4-disc CD changer

10 speakers

XM satellite radio

USB power with iPod connector

Bluetooth connectivity

Push button begin

Carpet floor mats/door sill protector -- $324

Roof rack cross bars -- $185

Wireless headphones -- $82

Cargo internet -- $51

First aid kit -- $29

Key options not on vehicle:

Sienna Restricted -- $7755

Rear seat entertainment -- $1999

Remote engine start -- $529

Fuel economy:

(city/hwy/combined)

16 / Twenty-two / 18 mpg

Engine:

Size: 3.5L DOHC VVT-i V-6

Horsepower: 266 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque: 245 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

Drive:

All-wheel

Transmission:

6-speed automatic

Curb weight: 4735 lb

Wheels/tires:

18-inch aluminum wheels

235/55R18 Bridgestone Turanza all-season tires

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser

2010-08-03T22:59:00.001-07:00

Additionally though the legal FJ Cruiser is the legal stale model in Toyota's lineup, it has got continue to amusing to slap on a recent package which appeals to the off-road enthusiast crowd. About that particular FJ is dressed during the trail Groups Special Edition package ($6695 mind you), which is composed mainly from exterior features like: distinctive Sandstorm paint, blacked-out hood, sideview mirrors, plus grille. Less than my favourite is the black, beadlock-look wheels allowing for beefy BFGoodrich all-terrain rubber. It really sets it apart from different FJs on the road-or trail added prefer it. The package additionally projects together with a locking rear differential, backup camera integrated back into the rearview reflect, and Bilstein shock absorbers.

Where I might favor to detect improvement is beneath the hood; the 4.0-liter V-6 is ancient news. If nothing else, a minimum of a cold-air intake and free-flow exhaust system included in the Trail Teams package would remodel this FJ into a genuine player once the pavement ends.

Mike Ofiara I haven't got access to a worthy rock trail to actually take a appear at the prowess of the present Trail Teams package, but on hand is not every one or any denying the decision cluster adjustments the visual character of the FJ from a cute retro-character to a badass off-road crawler. The ones beadlock-look rims tend to be lovely neat shopping, though are the powder-coated rock rails, the blacked-out grille trim and hood, and the overall shortcoming of the cheesy white roof.

I'm told that production of the Trail Teams model is restricted, but if Toyota sells of the this batch, there is a bunch of excellent news for FJ enthusiasts:apart from the cosmetic touches, you are still ready to build a clone. Simply order an FJ Cruiser with the off-road package, and you immediately be afflicted by the Trail Team's locking rear diff, A-TRAC traction management, and enhanced suspension thrown into the combo. Dive into the TRD portions catalog, and you'll be ready to locate exactly the same wheels, rock rails, and myriad other off-road goodies.

I'd caution against adding those features if you are planning on spending more previous point on-road compared to off, though. The increased ride height and bigger tires are great for four-wheeling, but the additional road noise and body roll are not enjoyable if you are relegating the FJ Cruiser to tarmac duty.

Evan McCausland This particular paint aggregate is therefore, so cool. Really displays off the FJ at its better.

This is a purpose-built approach to life vehicle and is still as cool because it had been when it came back out a couple of years ago. Take into account, also, that Toyota is simply not currently known for creating uncommon niche automobiles, and it is a miracle the FJ even exists. For somebody who really likes to off-road and carry out the entire out of doors adventure factor, the FJ is perfect, as long because you can measure with the back half of doors. But after you achieve in, grab the do something positive about, and swing it open, it is simple enough for three rear-seat passengers to climb aboard.

The interior styling scheme -- all chunky, blocky, unfashionable shapes -- has aged rather smartly. I appreciated the small rearview camera screen that appears in a very corner of the heart rearview mirror.

As for its on-road behavior, I had to changed into two individuals from my own home to the Detroit airport in a hurry, and the FJ easily speeded up to Ninety mph and cruised surprisingly well, with a reasonably comfortable ride.

Joe DeMatio The FJ Cruiser isn't always almost as fun as a Jeep Wrangler, but it is still to be kind of enjoyable. On my commutes to and from the department, I took a gravel-road detour where I found some pretty massive dirt puddles. Yes, I enjoyed obtaining the FJ prepped for a potential photo shoot.

Dirt and grime, nonetheless, can not canopy up the undeniable undeniable reality therefore the FJ has sloppy guidance, a coarse ride, poor body control, terrible outward visibility, and small usable shipment space. Worse nonetheless, you cannot comfortably drive with the windows open at speeds of more than purely Thirty mph or so, lest you buy blasted in the ear with wind. Whereas all Jeep Wranglers supply multiple features for open-roof driving, the new-age FJ offers none. This holds a travesty, as we have a tendency to pointed out once we told the overall story of our Four Seasons FJ Cruiser.

Bead-lock wheels?! I utilized to be excited once i first saw these on the FJ, but of course they are definitely fakes, and Toyota decisions them "beadlock-style." You would suppose they had be real for the $6700 price of the Trail Teams option package.

Rusty Blackwell Yes, the FJ Cruiser is kind of old, but it's a unprecedented gem as one of the couple of Toyota product with passion infused in the planning and engineering. With the Trail Teams package, this FJ Cruiser appearance the phase even more by ditching the roof rack, white roof, and Crayola paint colour for an extraordinarily military-like monotone tan paint job. And even though those beadlocker wheels are frauds, they give the impression of being a lot more at home on this off-roader than the customary seventeen-inch wheels.

I disagree with Rusty's assessment that the FJ Cruiser delivers a rough ride. Whereas it's no Porsche Cayman, the line manners are appropriate for an everyday driven vehicle. That Toyota has allowed the sizeable quantity of travel between the wheels and body comes by artwork. Keep of installing active dampers or air is derived, you're doubtless not journeying to notice something more confident on the road and more capable on the trail. Rumors (strongly) counsel that the FJ Cruiser are so going to be dead soon. I is enough to imagine Toyota has little incentive to back it around as it sells in so few markets and fewer than 7000 have been sold in the first five months of 2010. For off-road enthusiasts who do not own one yet, though, a fashionable FJ would be a brilliant vehicle to possess. Not only is it something cool to park within your driveway these days, I be expecting it will only become more fascinating once production ends.

Eric Tingwall

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Base price (with destination): $26,070

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser $33,363

Standard Equipment:

4.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine

5-speed automatic transmission

Tire pressure monitoring system

Water resistant seats

AM/FM/MP3 CD with 6-speakers

Auxiliary input jack

Power windows/locks

Tilt steering wheel

Options on this vehicle:

Trail Teams Special Edition Package -- $6695

Sandstorm paint

Hood, mirrors, grille blackout

Beadlock style alloy wheels

BFGoodrich all-terrain tires

Bilstein shocks

Active traction control

Locking rear differential

AM/FM/MP3 6-disc CD changer

9-speakers and subwoofer

Auxiliary audio input jack

Cruise control

Backup camera

Towing hitch and wire harness -- $349

Armrest/passenger facet -- $125

Stainless steel exhaust tip -- $75

Cargo internet -- $49

Fuel economy:

(city/hwy/combined)

17 / Twenty-one / Eighteen mpg

Engine:

Size: 4.0L DOHC V-6

Horsepower: 260 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque: 271 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Drive:

4-wheel

Transmission:

5-speed automatic

Curb weight: 4343 lb

Wheels/tires: 16-inch Beadlock aluminum wheels
265/75R16 BFGoodrich all-terrain tires

2010 April Auto Sales

2010-06-01T11:28:00.001-07:00

The headline number for April new-cars sales could be +20%. Which figure represents the building up over persist April, which you will don't forget was once a disaster up of historic proportions. Continue to, the increase is the added in-depth hopeful sign that, for the auto industry, the worst is currently during the dirt united states. The pace of the recovery, nevertheless, is plodding. Volumes basically slipped a little versus March, less than the 11.5-million-unit once a year sales rate still appearance lovely decent in comparison to a year ago, once we have a tendency to were staring at a 9.5-million-unit year. No one is expecting a unexpected downturn in the months ahead, so cautious optimism rules the solar day.-Joe Lorio

APRIL 2010 SALES, Plus Proportion INCREASE/DECREASE OVER APRIL 2009

GENERAL MOTORS +20% (that's New GM: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC)

It does no longer seem honest to incorporate the consequences from GM's discontinued brands, whose sell-off is sort of whole, so we will not. Whereas not them, GM was off slightly from March but still constructed a healthy gain over last year, staying ahead of Ford and Toyota to keeping no 1 spot.

Buick +36%

The LaCrosse continues to power ahead, passing the Enclave (which is up as well) to changed back to Buick's biggest-volume seller. The Lucerne continues to sink.

Cadillac +36%

Cadillac precisely matched Buick's performance, and these too the credit is going almost entirely to the division's newest model. For Cadillac, it looks the SRX, which explains outselling its predecessor by almost 6 to one and has got eclipsed the CTS (which slipped at bit) to become the best-selling Caddy.

Chevrolet +18%

Here once more, the the majority of recent entries - the Camaro and the ultimate Equinox - have a tendency to be taking section in banner sales. Of the second one models, it had been the Aveo and the Cobalt (both up 29%) that pitched in the the majority of. The Malibu, the Traverse, and the Silverado had modest will increase.

GMC +20%

The addition of the Terrain accounted for the entirety of GMC's increased volume over last year. Otherwise, situations were reasonably static, allowing for the Yukon down but the Yukon XL up, the Sierra up but the Canyon down, and the Acadia flat.

FORD MOTOR Corporate +25% (would suffer from been +26% with Volvo, which eked out a small gain)

Once the media darling announced a $2 one thousand 1000000 profit for the first quarter, Ford's sales results were a little little touch of a letdown, falling slightly from last month also though still posting another massive increase over last year - and spending Toyota to move into second place. Favor GM, though, fully 32% of Ford sales were to fleets.

Ford +26%

The Taurus and the Expedition both concerning doubled last year's figures. A better in comparison to 40% jump for the Escape, the Explorer, and the F-series (in particular) helped volumes as smartly. Solely the Mustang (-33%) really disappointed; it were given its clock wiped blank by the Camaro.

Mercury +19%

Mercury looks pretty sensible until you realize that the majority of its increase projects from the aged Grand Marquis. A minimum of the Milan and the Mariner were up, too.

Lincoln +22%

Like Mercury, Lincoln's enlargement returned from its oldest models, the city Automobile and the Navigator. TOYOTA MOTOR SALES +24%

Toyota's incentive spending lost a number of its effectiveness in April, as sales slipped 16% from March totals, although it was still enough for a pleasant gain over last year.

Toyota +26%

The redesigned 4Runner tripled sales of the ancient version; otherwise the head increases were around 50% for the Corolla/Matrix, the Prius, and the FJ Cruiser (of each one things). The recent Sienna, the Tundra, the Avalon, and the RAV4 all were up by more than only a third. The most effective genuine loser was the Yaris, which fell by half.

Lexus +29%

Lexus enjoyed a marginally better increase than the Toyota division, with the recall-maligned GX posting the brand's second-best gain after the LS.

Scion -20%

Scion continues to sink, with all three models down.

AMERICAN HONDA +13%

Honda's sales gain over last year was fewer than the industry average, but not like its three bigger competitors, Honda actually sold more vehicles in April than in March, so it is trending positive.

Honda +12%

The Accord was up a modest 9% versus last year, but that was enough to move up from fifth place to second among the bestselling nameplates (leapfrogging both the Camry and the Corolla/Matrix in the process). Unfortunately, the Civic was down as was the Insight, which continues to disappoint. Most of the excellent news was on the truck aspect, with the Pilot, the CR-V, and the Odyssey up significantly. Even the Component and the Ridgeline saw a handful of growth.

Acura +22%

Like Honda, Acura's growth came from trucks: the RDX and the MDX both had better than 50% increases (the new ZDX is promoting in little volume). Car sale actually went down regardless of a small gain for the TSX.

CHRYSLER Cluster +25%

Ultimately, some excellent news for Chrysler. After all, April last year is once Chrysler declared bankruptcy, so that "+25%" is bouncing off some pretty grim numbers. The wild swings for plenty of models advocate serious incentive money at play, but at least Chrysler passed Nissan to retake the amount five spot.

Chrysler +61%

How'd that happen? Sebring sales tripled, the City & Country nearly doubled, and the Three hundred increased 40%. Only the PT Cruiser dropped. That can gain be the way.

Dodge +61%

Like its Chrysler counterpart, Dodge's Avenger enjoyed a vast run-up about that month (+340%), which looks a heap sort of a fleet-sales push. Apart from the Viper (down ten units) and the adventure (essentially flat), all different Dodges increased, but by more credible levels, starting from 14% for the Nitro to 90% for the Charger.

Jeep +0%

Despite sales of the Compass doubling and a 21% increase for the Patriot, Jeep was flat because of offsetting declines for the Wrangler, the Commander, and the Grand Cherokee.

Ram -22%

The loss of the Sprinter was not much of an element here. Instead, appear to the 24% decline in Ram pickup sales. HYUNDAI-KIA +24%

The Koreans' increase is in line with the general market, as is its slight fallback from March. With more new products, Hyundai was stronger than Kia.

Hyundai +30%

A massive increase for the new Tucson (+171%) and Sonata (+57%) is to be expected, but a doubling of Elantra sales was a surprise. The aging Accessory was the biggest drag.

Kia +17%

Predictably, Kia's newest providing, the Sorento, sold like gangbusters (+254%), while another relative newcomer, the Soul, also did well (+62%). But the new Forte is not all or any longer selling in addition to the old Spectra. A recent Spectra and Optima ought to turbocharge Kia's results later this year.

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA +35%

Initially glance, Nissan's sales increase looks great, but the company's April volume is actually a fairly enormous comedown from a vast March. When place next with last month, Nissan slipped by a third, falling behind Chrysler and Hyundai-Kia in the process.

Nissan +34%

Nissan's only products to sell worse than last year were its sports cars: the 370Z and the GT-R. Everything else improved, particularly the (relatively small-volume) SUVs, while the Versa fared the ideal on the auto side.

Infiniti +46%

The new M was an enormous winner for Infiniti ,and the franchise G increased by half. On the truck side, a pair hundred more QX56 sales (marked down ahead of the new model?) could not offset declines for the EX and FX.

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP +39%

VW +42%

The new Golf/GTI decided the pace for VW, more than doubling year-ago volumes, but each and every other VW also saw gains of 20% (Eos) or better. Each one, that is, except the Routan minivan, which was off by 43%

Audi +33%

The A3, the A5, and the A6 all enjoyed better than 100 percent increases over last year, and the Q5 was up 60%. The A4 fell back, however, as did the Q7 and the A8 (the latter ahead of a redesigned version coming back this fall).

Bentley +13%

SUBARU +48%

Now the reason is successful story. Subaru's 48% increase over 2009 is a gigantic number, but what is really spectacular is that, unlike every other carmaker, Subaru actually had a particularly good 2009. That features put Subaru in the passing lane, flying by the BMW Group, Mazda, and Daimler AG in the space of one year. The new Outback has more than doubled previous volume, while the new Legacy is up by half. The Forester and the Impreza posted lesser increases, while the Tribeca threatens to slide totally beneath the waves.

BMW GROUP +9%

BMW +10%

Volume-wise, good news for the 7-series (almost doubling last year's volume), the 3-series, and the X3 overcame a big drop for the 5-series, but the overall numbers were not so great.

Mini +5%

Rolls-Royce -4% DAIMLERAG +19%

Mercedes-Benz +25%

Mercedes-Benz outpaced the market overall by a narrow margin, with an increase that was significantly better than BMW's but not nearly as good as Audi's. The redesigned E-class continues to drive volume, this month with an assist from larger SUVs (yes, even the R-class!), while the GLK and the sports cars slipped.

Smart -49%

Sales of the Smart fell by half, from already coffee year-ago figures.

Maybach -49%

Three (3) Maybachs were sold in April. That nearly brands Rolls-Royce, with 26 cars sold, appear to be a mass-market complete.

MAZDA +17%

Mazda pretty much kept pace with the market overall, thank you to an enormous month for its crossovers and a gain for the Mazda3. But the Mazda6 continues to languish and the Miata fell by half.

MITSUBISHI +0%

Mitsubishi couldn't build any headway during a emerging market, because the Lancer's decline wiped out the gains for the Galant and the Outlander.

SUZUKI -23%

The well-reviewed new Kizashi is selling no better than the old Forenza, while the SX4 treads water. Meanwhile the aging Grand Vitara is sinking and the XL-7 is ending up as phased out. Add it all together and you've got declining sales for Suzuki.

PORSCHE -6%

The new Panamera was the bestselling Porsche in April, but mostly for the reason that of a giant drop for the Cayenne (just ahead of a new model) and a lovely big decline for the 911 as well.

TOP 5 BESTSELLING NAMEPLATES (and rank last month)

Ford F-series 40,946 (#1)

Honda Accord 31,766 (#5)

Chevrolet Silverado Twenty-nine,618 (#3)

Toyota Corolla/Matrix 27,932 (#4)

Toyota Camry 27,914 (#2)

March 2010 Auto Sales Analysis

2010-05-05T22:59:00.001-07:00

General Motors +21%, or +43% for New GM (Buick-Cadillac-Chevrolet-GMC)
Spurred by fleet sales and incentive spending, General Motors regained the top spot in the U.S. auto market in March - although, in a statistic that's ripe with foreshadowing, the company actually sold more cars and trucks in China than in the USA.
Buick +76%
The LaCrosse (+236%) was the big winner, while the Enclave (+42%) also gained, and the Lucerne stagnated.
Cadillac +42%
The SRX was just trickling onto the market last year, so its better-than-six-times March '09 total easily set the pace for Cadillac. The CTS was the brand's biggest disappointment, at -26%.
Chevrolet +41%
Equinox deliveries nearly tripled, while the Suburban (+83%), Aveo (+74%), and HHR (+55%) also posted big gains.
GMC +45%
The Sierra (+23%) and the Acadia (+37%) were aided by the addition of the Terrain.

Toyota Motor Sales +41%
Toyota's big incentive spending (big for Toyota, but still less than the domestics) had the desired effect in March, with significant gains for all the company's core models, sizeable gains for some other vehicles, and only a few cars doing worse than last year. In the latter camp are all three Scions.
Toyota +41%
Camry (+41%), Corolla (+33%), Highlander (+121%), and RAV4 (+117%, its best March ever) lead the charge volume-wise, but we also should acknowledge the Tundra (+84%), 4Runner (+149%), Venza (+41%), and Prius (+32%).
Lexus +42%
The RX (+30%) and the IS (+29%) did well, but the addition of the HS250h was also a factor.
Scion -25%
All three Scion models fell further in March.

Ford Motor Company +40%
After enjoying a brief moment as the country's number one automaker last month, Ford slipped back to third place behind GM and Toyota. Still, Ford's volume increase over last year easily outpaced the industry as a whole and so the company again picked up market share. Yes, incentive spending was high and fleet sales were a significant factor, but a 40% year-over-year gain is still good news. Factor out Volvo (-18%), and it's actually even better: +43%.
Ford +46%
With the exception of the Ranger and the Crown Victoria, every one of Ford's continuing nameplates did better than last March. Notable gainers included Fusion (+79%), Focus (+57%), Taurus (+86%), Mustang (+57%), Escape (+52%), Edge (+67%), and F-series (+30%).
Mercury +26%
After a big February, the Milan +71% had anther good month, and Mercury's other models were also in the black.
Lincoln +19%
Lincoln's biggest percentage gainers were its retrograde entries: Navigator (+96%) and Town Car (+56%). The MKS (-16%) and MKX (-14%) both slipped.

American Honda +18%
American Honda's sales increase couldn't quite keep pace with the overall market, probably a result of Toyota's aggressive dealing.
Honda +17%
The Insight (+179%) had a huge percentage increase, though it was only just coming into the market last March. More representative were gains for the Accord (+23%), the Pilot (+48%), and the Odyssey (+26%). But the Fit fell back a bit (-15%).
Acura +24%
Acura enjoyed mostly modest but consistent gains, led by the MDX (+42%), with assistance from the TL (+17%), the TSX (+16%), and the RDX (+18%). Nissan North America +43%
Nissan grabbed more market share in March, even in the face of a resurgent Toyota. Infiniti helped as well.
Nissan +44%
The Versa (+105%) continues to do well, although it had some rather unexpected company this month, with the Armada (+171%), the Frontier (+129%), and the Maxima (+93%) also making headlines. Only the sports cars disappointed, the 370Z (-33%) and the GTR (-37%).
Infiniti + 37%
The new M (+62%) did well, as did the G (+45%), while the EX (-20%) and the FX (-14%) declined, and the QX56 (+242%) confounded.

Chrysler Group -8%
After reporting the tiniest of year-over-year sales increases in February, Chrysler resumed its declining ways in March, with total sales 8% below March 2009. Chrysler is still putting lots of cars into fleets, but it has reduced incentive spending from the pay-anything year-ago levels.
Chrysler +1%
The Town & Country (+30%) and Sebring (+69%) offset the PT Cruiser (-70%) and the 300 (-20%).
Jeep +3%
The Compass (+27%), Patriot (+26%), Grand Cherokee (+32%), and Commander (+29%) overcame weakness in the Wrangler (-16%) and the Liberty (-11%). Dodge -19%
Challenger (+36%) was the only bright spot among grim stats for the Avenger (-31%), Caravan (-32%), and Caliber (-12%). Ram -11%

Hyundai/Kia +19%
Hyundai was not as hot as might have been expected, trailing the overall market. Like Honda, Hyundai likely suffered as a result of Toyota's incentive spending. Kia's year-over-year sales growth outpaced Hyundai's in March, a situation that is likely to continue this year, as Kia rolls out its new Sportage this summer and Optima this fall.
Hyundai +15%
The redesigned Tucson (+129%) and Sonata (+53%) led the charge for Hyundai; the company claimed that, counting only retail sales, the Sonata captured third place among mid-size sedans.
Kia +24%
Kia's surging models expressed their gains in multiples of year-prior sales: Optima (2x), Sorrento (3x), and Soul (4x). No surprise, then, that the brand had its best ever March.

VW Group +39%
The Volkswagen Group had another strong month in March, with VW leading the way but Audi close behind.
Volkswagen +41 %
The good news was everywhere at VW: Golf/GTI (+152%), Tiguan (+42%), Jetta (+24%), Passat (+73%), Touareg (+90%); everywhere except the CC (-15%). Audi +34%
Audi looked strong across the board, but standout gains came from the A5 (+155%, thanks to the addition of the Cabriolet), the A3 (+100%, with half of those TDIs), and the A6 (+98%).

Subaru +46%
Of all the manufacturers who posted increased sales in March, Subaru's was most impressive, because it was just about the only nameplate that is actually coming off a good 2009. Its 2010 sales, in fact, are the company's best ever for the month of March.
The new Legacy (+124%) and Outback (+111%) lead the way, naturally, but the Forester (+24%) and Impreza (+7%) helped too. Only the Tribeca (-57%) continues to disappoint. BMW Group +3%
The BMW Group was just treading water in March. The BMW brand did better than Mini, which couldn't muster any increase at all.
BMW +3%
The X5 (+27%) and the 3-series (+11%) were the bright spots here.
Mini +0%
An increase in convertible sales was negated by declines in the other two models. Bring on the Crossman!

Mazda +6%
Mazda's increase over last year was modest. Once again sales growth came largely from Mazda3 (+16%) and the two crossovers, the CX9 (+65%) and the CX7 (+64%).

Daimler AG +19%
Mercedes-Benz sprinted ahead of last March's results (aided only slightly by its reclaimed Sprinter) easily outpacing the growth at BMW but Audi.
Mercedes-Benz +24%
The new E-class(+155%) provided the headline number, but the S-class (70%) and the C-class (+20%) did well, too. The coupes and convertibles were a mixed bag, with the CL (+32%) up but the SL (-20%), SLK (-27%), and CLS (-43%) all down. Among the SUVs, the M-class (+29%), GL-class (+68%), and G-wagen (+41%) were up, while the R-class (-58%) and GLK (-10%) dropped.
Smart
Despite the industry's fervor for small cars, the smallest of them all, the ForTwo (-61%), continues to sink.

Mitsubishi +18%
Mitsubishi's incentive spending was well rewarded in March, with widespread increases, some of them dramatic. Galant sales nearly tripled and those of the Endeavor nearly doubled. The higher-volume cars posted less dramatic increases: +31% for the Outlander and +47% for the Lancer.

Jaguar Land Rover +8%

Porsche +9%
Porsche managed a modest gain in March, as the addition of the Panamera and increases for the sports cars were able to offset sales for the Cayenne, which fell by half.

Suzuki -72%
Suzuki has another scary sales report, with March deliveries falling at an even faster rate than for the first quarter overall.

Maserati +59%

TOP 5 BESTSELLING NAMEPLATES (and rank last month)

Ford F-series 42,514 (#1)

Toyota Camry 36,251 (#6)

Chevrolet Silverado 29,886 (#5)

Toyota Corolla 29,623 (#7)

Honda Accord 29,120 (#5)

2010 Toyota Prius

2010-04-14T08:00:00.001-07:00

Additionally though I used to be the first actual North Yankee journalist to
drive the third-generation, 2010 Toyota Prius, which experience used to be
restricted to a couple feet of travel at walking speed in an exceedingly photograph studio
overdue persist year. I hungered for added, partially for the reason why that a brother of
mine could be shopping for a hot vehicle plus about that model is on his listing.
During a number of one hundred miles of driving over numerous days, I
expanded my Prius information base sufficiently to report these
facts:
- Forty-eight mpg throughout Six hundred miles of mixed city, suburban, rural, and
highway make use of. A flat-out check session (see below) was included inch
this mileage measurement.
- The run from rest to Sixty mph takes ten seconds. High speed is 114
mph. I clocked the quarter-mile run in Seventeen.7 seconds along allowing for a entice
speed of Eighty-one mph.
- Achieving Hundred mph-I is also the first and last to experience such
velocity in a Prius-required Twenty-nine.2 seconds.
- The battery depletion and recharge rates tend to be both kind of rapid.
That said, on hand isn't any or every one noticeable loss of performance even during
awfully troublesome driving.
Though an formidable science project, the Prius is the legal spectacular
achievement. The assorted dash displays, driving controls, and the overall
visual feedback provided in solution to the driver's actions are
highly entertaining. The blend of internal combustion and electrical
propulsion is nicely improved over the second-generation Prius.
Whereas the brake system feels artificial and nonlinear initially, no
motive force ought to be afflicted by problem adjusting expectancies and management
actuations to suit the car's desires. That said, there is almost
no guidance feel. Worse, frequent little corrections are wanted to
herd this car down the line at freeway speeds.
The interior is roomy, comfortable, and nicely furnished. The
Prius is living in that middle earth between affordable economy car and
snooty luxury sedan. For average folks, its ambience is suited on
concentrate on.
Considering the mileage advantage, nicer interior,
well-deserved reputation, and superior comfort, this Prius is price
the additional cost over a Honda Insight.
However, I should emphasis that there is no gold these for car
enthusiasts. The Prius is approach too slow, too special purpose, and
too isolated in terms of road feedback to enthrall the ones serious
concerning driving. It looks a wonderful different to carpooling or
subway commuting. And that i carry out recommend it for soulmates disinterested
in speed or for young drivers squeezing each and every penny in his or him or her
transpo budget. Less than if you'd favor something that can gain be both highly
versatile and amusing, Prius is unquestionably no longer your ride.

I drove the Toyota Prius for the first previous point and, uh, I am
thinking of shopping for one.
I be familiar with. I know! The Prius represents everything lots of vehicle
enthusiasts like to hate. But my girlfriend drives more in comparison to purely 100
miles an afternoon, which means he or she could essentially benefit from the
outstanding fuel economy. The young woman, a financial analyst by
industry, briefly calculated the capability savings and inquired why I
had never such a heap as discussed the Prius during our car-buying
discussions. The most evident solution, "Because it is no longer a car guy's
car," did not sway her.
What the Prius is, is a roomy, comfortable car that gets great
gas mileage. And it is not even all that bad to drive as much as
front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder, mid-size automobiles go back. Certain, there are simply a
a handful of nerdy quirks, such because the unusual texturing on the hard plastic
dash and an awkwardly engineered shifter. Except for a base value of
$22,750 (there's no way I would contemplate one equipped to our test car's
$26,550), the Prius is a wonderfully affordable decision.

In a very drive from Ann Arbor to Detroit, I was ready to elevate
the Prius's indicated mileage by more than 4 mpg over 40
miles--well underneath 10 p.c of the complete mileage we tend to placed on it by
the time I drove it--and saw sustained periods of over 60
mpg.
The car may succeed in some spectacular fuel economy numbers, but
the driving experience during this base model is, as expected, fewer
than involving. The most effective thanks to become entangled in driving this
vehicle is to spend close a spotlight to the fuel economy numbers
returning of the the digital dash readout. I need to admit, I obtain
this kind of factor kind of fun, but I would favor to be in a position to
toy with fuel economy while having fun actually driving the
car.
Toyota apparently took a cue from Volvo and crafted a split
center console, which adds a neat storage compartment. I wondered
why the seat heaters for both the motive force and the passenger are
located on the driver's' aspect of the storage compartment, though. I
routinely drive over Three hundred miles at a point and aren't getting out of a car
with a sore keep or showing any kind of fatigue. Nevertheless, after a
mere 40 miles on the simplest way to Detroit, I stepped out of the Prius and
my back just ached. If there is one space of the Prius that requires
definite improvement, it is the seats, even though Toyota constructed an
effort to improve them during the 2010 Prius as opposed to the
previous-generation car's. That's a shame, because this car would
build a brilliant long-tripper with its unimaginable number on one
tank.

Driving the Prius in liberal, green Ann Arbor appeared too
natural, therefore photography intern Andrew Trahan and I drove over to
Ypsilanti to examine Toyota's third-generation hybrid. While
numerous stories chronicle the adventures of vehicle journalists
attempting to eke out every last mile from a gallon of fuel, this was
not our particular mission. We combined a little little touch of highway cruising
with city driving to detect what our real-world MPG would come back out
to.
I spent quite a little of your time with the second-generation Prius
back in The big apple city, and it kind of feels that Toyota stuck to a
successful formula in updating the Prius. There is the identical vast
expanse of beige dashboard with central-mounted electronic display
and the strange joystick-like shifter. Initially glance, it seemed
like something was missing - and there was: In contrast to the
second-generation Prius that sports a display screen that doubles
as a nav system if so equipped, Toyota moved the Hybrid Synergy
Drive knowledge to the central display. I prefer it better
there.
The newest Prius is a riff on the Prius formula, but refined
enhancements adjust the driving experience. Steering feel is a lot
tighter than in the previous model, and you are doing not feel like you are
journeying to roll the automobile once you go around a bend, even on our car's
skinny fifteen-inch tires. (215/44VR-17 Michelin Pilot HX MXM4
tires are optional.) Yes, the eco-friendly tires continue to squeal if
you are attempting a left-hander with any inclination of acceleration, but it
feels far less imprecise than its predecessor. The ride was stiffer
over Michigan roads than I do not forget it ending up as over the recent York
City's rough terrain.
Overall, the Prius possesses matured neatly. The Prius continues to be, well,
a Prius; and, after all, it is handily outselling the Honda
Insight.

2010 Toyota Prius
Base price (with destination): $22,750
Price as tested: $26,750 (Prius 4 model)
Options:
Carpet floor mats & shipment mat $200
Fuel economy:
(city/hwy/combined)
51 / 48 / Fifty mpg
Engine:
Size: 1.8L DOHC 4-cylinder
Horsepower: Ninety-eight hp @ 5200 rpm/80 hp from electric motor
Torque: One hundred five lb-ft @ 4000 rpm/153 lb-ft from electric motor
Transmission:
Hybrid synergy drive system CVT
Weight: 3042 lb
Wheels/Tires:
15" steel wheels with covers
P195/65R15 Yokohama Avid S35 all-season tires

2010 Prius Output Shackled By Battery Availability

2010-03-23T19:44:00.001-07:00

According to reports from the legal Tokyo, battery bottlenecks tend to be
hurting efforts to spice up output of the strong-selling
2010 Toyota Prius. Toyota
officials believe which the shortages may gain go back on back into next
year.
Currently, Toyota's production capability for Prius could be
approximately Five hundred,000 units, less than requirement is outstripping the availability.
Toyota's battery provider, Panasonic EV Energy Co. is unable to
generate added of the nickel-metal hydride batteries employed during the
Prius, proscribing Toyota's are hoping to capitalize on the present demand.
"The new Prius model has got been excessively well-liked, inconveniencing
a number of our consumers, plus the final factories are functioning overtime at
full capacity," Takahiko Ijichi, Toyota senior managing director,
said at the company's quarterly earnings announcement.
Amid a ocean of slow-selling Tundras and Sequoias, the
third-generation Prius is the bright spot in an otherwise gloomy 2009
for the corporate that currently holds the title of the world's principal
automaker. Launched similtaneously the
2010 Honda Insight, the Prius is outselling its rival. Whereas
the automobiles are mostly without delay in comparison, the Insight is smaller and
significantly more cost-effective compared to the Prius. Drawing on its enormous
owner base, the good fortune of the Prius in Japan is one reason why Toyota
says it is sufficient to post its initial domestic sales increase in five
years.
Even allowing for robust sales, plans for adding Prius production with
a hot plant in Tupelo, Mississippi are continue to on hold. The battery
shortage is one reason in the dust the plant's indefinite delay.
Panasonic's production capacity is reportedly increasing, and
ought to achieve 1-million units by mid-2010.
In an unrelated announcement that provides perspective on about that
topic, capacity for U.S. battery production received a serious
spice up. On August Fifth, the Obama Administration moved to unharness
$2.4 1000000000 in grants to accelerate battery and electrical automobile
development and manufacturing in the U.S. In the announcement from
President Obama, small print reveal that $1.5 billion of the complete will
go toward the battery industry.
Specific examples come with the $95.5 1000000 grant to Saft
America, Inc. for construction of a new plant in Jacksonville, Fla.
on the positioning of the previous Cecil Field military base. The plant will
manufacture lithium-ion cells, modules and battery packs for
military, industrial, and agricultural automobiles. East Penn
Manufacturing Co., in Lyon Station, Penn. is decided to receive $32.5
million grant to increase production capacity for his or her or him valve
regulated lead-acid batteries and the UltraBattery, a lead-acid
battery combined along with a carbon supercapacitor, for micro and delicate
hybrid applications.
It is the legal Obama Administration's goal to facilitate jump-start the
battery industry in the U.S. The official strategy sees these
grants serving to to accelerate technology development and decrease the
cost of high-tech batteries, with the last word goal of constructing
hybrid-electric and pure electric vehicles more reasonable, thereby
stimulating his or her demand at the retail level.

Cash for Clunkers: The majority of favored New Vehicles plus High Junked Clunkers

2010-03-23T19:41:00.001-07:00

The federal government has got released its listing from the contemporary vehicles
the majority of usually purchased beneath the money for Clunkers program, plus the final
"clunkers" most mostly traded inch During the first month of the program
(July Initial through August 5th), the
Ford Explorer was once the most-junked vehicle, whereas the
Toyota Corolla crowned the list of government-subsidized new-car
purchases.
Top trades

Ford
Explorer (4wd)

Ford
F-150 (2wd)

Jeep Grand Cherokee (4wd)

Jeep Cherokee (4wd)

Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan (2wd)

Ford Explorer (2wd)

Chevrolet Blazer (4wd)

Ford F-150 (4wd)

Chevrolet C1500 (2wd)

Ford Windstar (fwd)

Top sellers

Toyota
Corolla

Ford
Focus

Honda
Civic

Toyota Prius

Toyota Camry

Hyundai Elantra

Ford
Escape

Dodge Caliber

Honda
Fit

Chevrolet Cobalt

The program recently received additional funding, and could be
scheduled to steer until November 1st, or whenever the rebate money
runs out. To detect if you've got a vehicle which qualifies for a rebate, go back
to: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/CarsSearchIntro.shtml

Top Five Dare-to-be-Different Inexperienced Cars

2010-03-23T18:58:00.001-07:00

A couple years back, the The big apple Times ran a
front-page story on the Toyota Prius, then America's best-selling hybrid automobile.
In typically thorough fashion, the gray Girl took a tedious, troublesome appear
at the green-machine cult, aiming to attain what brands hybrid
householders tick.
For the astute automobile nut, the conclusions the paper drew were
something less than surprising: Because it turns out, the number-one explanation why
individuals purchase Priuses isn't always fuel economy. It has image. The
Times article referenced a survey conducted by CNW Market
Look around of Bandon, Oregon, during which 57 percent of Prius owners
admitted which they bought his or her or him automobiles because "it makes an announcement
concerning me." An insignificant Thirty-six percent cited superior fuel mileage though their
largest motivator. Enthusiasm plus behind-the-wheel a laugh did now not additionally
build the listing. Nor did the notion of standing out up of the
crowd.
Therein lies the problem allowing for the Prius. It's one of the
best-selling green cars during the country for a reason -- as a device
for economical, reliable transport, it's hard to conquer. But what if
you wish to have something along with a little added spring in its environmentally
friendly step? What should you need to perform your better-planet phase
while not shouting an EPA rating from the rooftops? What if you simply
want something...different?
Allow us to assist.

Utilized CAR RUNNER-UP:
Honda Insight (1999-2006)
Price: $5000-$8000 (used)
EPA fuel economy: 48/58 mpg
If the CRX HF could be too ancient school, too twenty-years-ago, too
I'm-gonna-get-skooshed-if-I-crash-this-dinky-thing, then
think about its up to date descendent: the first-generation Honda
Insight. Not favor the CRX, the 1999-2006 Insight isn't kind of suited
to winding-road duty -- it's about as thrilling to drive as a
wheelbarrow filled with dust -- but it continue to comports itself neatly in
traffic and offers Prius-like fuel economy. Just like the Prius, a little touch
of look-at-me stigma projects with the territory, but it is a small
value to spend for stratospheric fuel economy, modern crash safety,
and a sub-$10,000 sticker.

First Look: 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

2010-03-19T07:32:00.001-07:00

The legal assumption from a plug-in Prius isn't always new to Toyota
(it's toyed allowing for lots of prototypes during the past), less than the japanese
automaker could be bringing a added in-depth example to the 2009 Frankfurt motor
display, about which period primarily based upon the all-new 2010 Prius.
The plug-in version of the Prius brands several enhancements
upon the conventional Prius in that it eschews the hefty (and dated)
nickel-metal-hydride batteries for lighter, more robust
lithium-ion batteries.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid can currently travel up to twelve miles on
electrical power alone, also at highway speeds. For extended freeway
visits, the plug-in Prius is sufficient to revert to "hybrid mode" plus
operate sort of a conventional Prius.
Global delivery of the
2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid will begin in overdue 2009 with
an initial batch of Five hundred vehicles. One hundred fifty of these vehicles have a tendency to be
targeted for make use of in U.S. lease-fleet customers for market and
engineering evaluation. Toyota will gather genuine international driving
feedback through this program and hopes to be told customer
expectancies for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

First Look: 2010 Toyota 4Runner

2010-03-16T10:02:00.001-07:00

Crossovers plus cute utes could additionally be the legal each one the variety nowadays,
less than a bunch from individuals continue to suffer from uses for a beefy SUV which can hold its
own off-road. Fortunately, Toyota's
all-new 2010 4Runner holds matters to its roots, and could be still an
truthful, tricky midsize SUV.
The new 4Runner can appear acquainted -- it still retains a
muscular, boxy shape -- but designers worked a couple of cues from
contemporary Toyota trucks, significantly the Tundra, back into its appearance. What
the hot figure might now not convey however, is an increase in eightvo. The
2010 4Runner is slightly more previous point, wider, and taller compared to the go back on
model, and also possesses space for an optional third row of seating,
providing it room for seven for the initial time.
Perhaps what is a good amount of important is what lies beneath the new
exterior. Though has been matters in all previous 4Runners, the 2010
model is the legal body-on-frame artwork, employing the newly-revised chassis
from the european Land Cruiser Prado as a begin. Toyota claims the
new frame is approximately Eleven percent stiffer than prior to. The
4Runner's off-road prowess remains intact, especially on the trail
model. These models receive Toyota's new Kinetic Dynamic Suspension
System, which disconnects stabilizer bars whereas off-roading,
permitting for greater suspension articulation over rough terrain.
Trail models also receive an adjustable crawl management and a recent
"multi-terrain select" system, which permits drivers to regulate wheel
slip for different stipulations.
Those attempting to find the final word in luxurious amenities instead
of maximum off-road abilities is enough to doubtless spring for the 4Runner
Restricted. Limited models come allowing for full-time all-wheel-drive, Toyota's
adaptive suspension system, 20-inch wheels, and body coloured trim.
Inside, the high-end 4Runner receives leather seating, an impressive
JBL audio system, moon roof, keyless start, and a slide-out tray inch
the shipment space engineered to facilitate loading and unloading cargo.
Toyota also incorporates a new "Safety Connect" telematics system as
customary apparatus on its top-of-the line 4Runner.
What does not raise over into 2010 is the legal 4.7-liter V-8.
Instead, Toyota's increased the facility of its 4.0-liter V-6 to 270
hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, besting both the previous 4.0-liter V-6
and the overall eight-cylinder. Customers also have the option of shopping for a
four-cylinder 4Runner (equipped together with a new 157-hp 2.7-liter I-4),
albeit purely in rear-wheel-drive shape. Four-cylinder models tend to be
mated to a four-speed automatic, while six-cylinder models are
bolted to a five-speed auto. All six-cylinder models return an EPA
estimated Nineteen mpg combined, while the four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive
model is rated at 18/23 mpg city/highway.

2010 Toyota Venza AWD

2010-03-13T21:27:00.001-08:00

The legal Venza could be the wonderfully great five-passenger tall wagon, as much as space, appointments, plus utility have a tendency to be concerned ,. I simply carry out not understand why Toyota is building it. The corporate already had an overfull quiver from hatchback crossover situations, thus why add the strange-looking Venza to the bunch? Neatly, it turns out which Toyota sold a particularly respectable Fifty-four,410 Venzas go back on year (nearly as a heap of as Scion's 2009 whole total), so I suspect on hand is the legal solution. It saddens me, though, that customers reputedly favor the bulky Venza alongside competent RAV4s, Highlanders, Matrixes, 4Runners, et al. rather compared to a added carlike, more economical, and currently not
obtainable Camry station wagon. Primarily based on the mediocre fits each one over the Venza's dashboard-not to mention the latest recall debacle-Toyota has got apparently expended an excessive quantity of energy developing new niche models after the corporate ought to be afflicted by been perfecting and polishing its existing automobiles. A couple alternative comments after driving the Venza: -This fabric interior isn't always nice enough for a own family automobile together allowing for a $35K value ticket. -Despite its two-ton weight, it accelerates unusually temporarily. -The styling of the front finish really turns me off, less than I do just favor the side profile, principally because of these cool twenty-inch (!) wheels. Unfortunately, they noticeably compromise the Venza's ride comfort. I am satisfied to infrequently forgive awkward styling for highly functional interiors or to forgive a compromised interior for a beautiful exterior artwork. The Porsche Panamera appearance awkward during the metal but brands sense after you sit down in the keep seat. A more reasonable Chevy Camaro looks great but has a bunch of functional downfalls. Somehow Toyota constructed a rather enormous vehicle that neither looks great nor offers any or all breakthrough interior comfort. I utilized to be not easily ready to become in or of the the Venza whereas dressed in boots appropriate for the recent dumping of snow we tend to received. After i did manage to finagle myself back into place, I can gain hardly succeed in the knob to tune the radio while not leaning forward and towards the passenger seat. Why in the global does the radio slope up and away up of the driver? Both and every other automaker appears to be forced figured out it makes more sense to tilt the radio in the guidance of the driving force. The Venza's rear seat appears rather more functional than its competitors' offerings, though. Not like Rusty, I consideration the Venza wanted a considerable amount of input to gain any meaningful speed. If I used to be not flooring the accelerator, the auto was terribly lackadaisical. Oddly enough the brake pedal offered almost no feel and appeared more sensitive to the easiest approach troublesome it had been pressed than the way far it was depressed. The guidance was also incredibly imprecise, but that could be nothing uncommon for a Toyota or a crossover in general. Notwithstanding its shortcomings, I is enough to learn how the Venza would be a fascinating vehicle for a visit with lots of other individuals and a reasonable amount of baggage. The empty nester decided that receives no joy from driving are definitely going to be very pleased during a Venza. I can not seem to come up with any enthusiasm for about that Toyota Venza.
It isn't grotesque, but it has not especially engaging, either. It's interior is bland but acceptable, inspiring in me neither appreciation nor any special significant insights for its design. The driving experience is okay, if your objective is easily to attain from purpose A to indicate B. If you are trying to locate a little bit driving excitement or maybe a token smidgen of luxury, you are in the incorrect vehicle. For the past several years, the major reasons for getting a Toyota were the brand's reputation for build quality, reliability, and resale value, all of which have been compromised in the wake of the recent massive recollects. Which means that that plain-vanilla automobiles like the Venza will have to appeal to patrons in additional purely emotional terms, which may prove to be a tough sell. Holy dangerous brakes, Batman! Excepting a number of hybrids, the Venza's brake pedal is the the majority of unnatural and least confidence inspiring of any I've experienced in a hot vehicle. The first nine tenths of its travel seems to perform nothing apart from switching on the back brake lightweight. This holds correct regardless of whether or not you are going 10 mph or Sixty mph, which means you necessarily have to slam the brakes, irrespective of what the circumstances. It almost feels sort of a automobile that's spent too much previous point at the track and run down its pads, but who would be doing threshold-braking tests on a Venza in mid-February? Certainly not united states. Aside from that, Phil covered pretty much everything. The Venza does not provide any distinctive utility or features, which makes it hard to build a case for its unappealing exterior. Why any one would walk into a Toyota showroom and decide this over a similarly-priced Highlander or Sienna minivan - either one of which appear better, drive better, and offer more utility - is totally beyond me. I wasn't blown away by the Venza's exterior the first time I saw it, but I suppose it might have had something to do with colour.
Toyota first paraded the crossover around in assorted sunglasses of brown and gray, but during this bright red -- to assert nothing of the large 20-inch wheels -- I begin to notice it rather attractive. I do would like, however, therefore the interior were nowhere as busy because the exterior. The angled radio is a little unusual, but nowhere as counterintuitive as the climate controls. Squeezed into the slender
space between the shifter and the final radio, they are definitely simple enough to
read -- but it took me a few moments to achieve his or her or him settings were
displayed on a small LCD screen mounted just underneath the windshield
(this same screen is also employed for the rear-view camera, which,
supplied with the display size, is virtually worthless).
Unless you're bowled over by the styling or have always longed
for a fashionable take on the Camry wagon, there's little concerning the
Venza that's unique-and contemplating additionally the Toyota faithful are
now eying other models in light of contemporary headlines, that can prove
to be rather damning.

2010 Toyota Venza AWD
Base price (with destination): $30,300
Price as tested: $34,759
Standard Equipment:
3.5L V-6 engine
6-speed automatic transmission
20-inch alloy wheels
Vehicle stability control
Brake assist
Dual-zone automatic climate control
AM/FM CD with integrated satellite radio
USB port with iPod connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity
3.5-inch multi-information display
Options on this vehicle:
Rear seat DVD entertainment system -- $1680
- 9-inch display
- Two wireless headphones and remote
JBL synthesis surround sound -- $1080
- AM/FM/6-disc in-dash CD changer
- XM satellite radio
- MP3/WMA playback capability
- 13-speakers
Convenience package -- $860
- Smart key system with push button start
- Power rear liftgate
- Chrome accented door handles
Security package -- $570
- Back-up camera
- Anti-theft system
Floor mats & shipment mat -- $269
Key features not on vehicle:
Comfort package -- $3449
Fuel economy:
(city/hwy/combined)
18 / 25 / Twenty-one mpg
Engine:
Size: 3.5L 24-valve V-6
Horsepower: 268 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 246 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Drive:
All-wheel
Transmission:
6-speed automatic
Curb weight: 3945 lb
Wheels/tires:
20-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels
P245/50R20 Goodyear Eagle RS-A all-season tires
Competitors: Ford Flex, Honda Accord
Crosstour, Volvo XC60

First Look: 2009 Toyota FT-86 Concept

2010-03-09T20:51:00.001-08:00

Don't forget each one the legal thrill concerning a sports coupe co-developed by Toyota
plus Subaru?
The Toyota FT-86 concept, which premieres in two weeks at the 2009
Tokyo motor display, could be our first have a appear at the project.
Ever because the MR Spyder and Celica left the U.S. market in
2007 and 2006, respectively, Toyota's lineup possesses been devoid from a
pure sports model. The FT-86, which is able to doubtless succeed in production in
2011, seeks to rectify which.
As the brand name can advocate, the FT-86 is essentially encouraged by the
ever-popular AE86 Corolla up of the 1980s, and continues to be a sporty
rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. Power is enough to return courtesy of Subaru,
which lends the FT-86 its turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four ripped
from an Impreza. Toyota is no longer disclosing power levels kind of nevertheless,
less than has indicated the engine is mated to a six-speed manual
transmission.
When it eventually reaches dealers, the production FT-86 is also
priced during the coffee $30,000 number, permitting it to compete allowing for the
likes of the Nissan
370Z and
Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
We'll be at the 2009 Tokyo motor show on October Twenty-one, once the
FT-86 will officially be unwrapped. We'll bring you all the freshest
news on the FT-86 and alternative debuts measure from the show floor.

First Look: 2011 Toyota Sienna

2010-03-02T07:47:00.001-08:00

Notwithstanding the legal demise from minivan programs at different automakers,
Toyota plans to press forward allowing for the conventional individuals mover
formula. For the ones of you who continue to get pleasure from a minivan, feast your
eyes on the 2011 Toyota Sienna which debuted at the 2009 Los
Angeles auto display. Toyota hopes to changed into the segment leader by
introducing added technology, comofort, plus economy in its new
minivan.
Designed in Southern California and engineered in Michigan,
the very-American 2011 Sienna could be enough to supply a option of two engines
after it launches next year, the original providing ending up though the identical
266-hp 3.5L V-6 as is on the market during the existing Sienna. Later in the
launch duration, Toyota additionally will offer a 187-hp 2.7L I-4, the same
engine which is currently on the market in the Toyota Venza (and is
holding a 50% take-rate in that model, according to execs). Toyota
expects EPA ratings to increase slightly for the
four-cylinder-equipped models, emerging from 18/24 mpg city/highway
with the front-drive V-6, to 19/26 mpg city/highway with the four.
Both engines will arrive together with a six-speed automatic transmission
with sequential shift mode. All-wheel drive -- a segment exclusive
according to Toyota -- continues as an option for the hot model,
and towing capability with the V-6 is an SUV-like 3500 lbs.
Toyota possesses created efforts to move the texture and layout of its
minivan upmarket, and the final effort displays during a number of the Sienna's
luxury and technological features. A Dual View Entertainment Center
brands its debut on the 2011 Sienna, offering the decision of
displaying a single source in Sixteen.4-in. widescreen movie format, or
two separate sources, both occupying half of the screen.
Also, a Panorama Camera rear monitor offers two perspectives in the dust
the Sienna, permitting for a comprehensive 180-degree view in addition to
on-screen back-up guides.
Meanwhile, concessions have a tendency to be made to passenger comfort with
additional storage bins, cupholders, and shipment spaces, each one
strategically placed for optimum advantage. Designers strived to
maintain an open field of view throughout the cabin, providing a
light-weight, ethereal feeling to the interior, whereas bettering visibility for
all passengers. The cabin is configurable for seven-, or
optionally, eight-person seating and in the previous, the second-row
captain's chairs permit for 23-in. of forward mobility, enhancing
third-row legroom substantially. New to the top-flight Restricted trim
level is customary second-row Front room Seating that comes with leather
seats with retractable built-in ottomans. Flagship Limited Sienna
models also receive an influence 60/40 split third-row folding seat,
back and front parking sonar, and a dual moonroof.
Toyota also catered to a special cluster of minivan patrons with
the 2011 Sienna - the ones that actually needed to install a sports automobile,
less than wanted the practicality of a van. For that market, Toyota
created the Sienna SE. With a more aggressive shopping front fascia,
aerodynamic aspect skirts that still visually diminish the vehicle,
19-in. alloy wheels (an SE exclusive), a sports-tuned suspension,
and smoked tail lamps.
Three other trim levels are available which included Sienna grade
and LE - the two bottom-most trims - and XLE, which slots inch
under Limited. Should you wish to suffer from the four-cylinder engine, nonetheless,
you will have to opt for the initial two trim levels - the SE, XLE, and
Limited are available with the V-6 solely.
The Sienna is decided to hit U.S. Toyota showrooms in February
2010, with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale
date.

First Look: 2010 Toyota Auris Hybrid

2010-02-27T05:27:00.001-08:00

We have a tendency to first saw Toyota's Auris Hybrid though a concept at go on year's Frankfurt motor display, less than the legal production version -- plus is the reason a dead ringer for the supposed "show car" -- have a tendency to be going to be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva motor show. Assembled upon Toyota's Ecu subcompact (which shares a bunch up of roots allowing for the Corolla), the Auris Hybrid uses the identical powertrain found during the renowned Prius. A one.8-liter I-4 is mated to Toyota's "Hybrid Synergy Drive" system, where it possesses paired together with a 80-hp electrical motor through an electrically variable transmission. The concept used to be fitted with coffee rolling resistance tires, smoothed underbody panels, and a diminish ride height, every one of which is in a position to doubtless carry over to the general product. Toyota plans on promoting the Auris Hybrid at a lower value purpose compared to the Prius, which can facilitate the automaker provide its green technology to a much wider number of consumers. Even though on hand are only a
presently no plans on bringing the Auris Hybrid to North America,
Toyota has pledged to incorporate its hybrid system back to its entire
lineup over the subsequent decade -- therefore a gas-electric Corolla or Matrix
isn't always as farfetched because you might imagine.
Stay with Automobile Magazine for all the freshest on the Auris
Hybrid, together with the second new automobiles introduced at the 2010
Geneva motor show.

Toyota FT-86 plus Honda CR-Z Concepts - Terrific Twosome

2010-02-24T11:47:00.001-08:00

A diminished Tokyo auto display had much fewer wackiness -
instead, our favourite concepts were two small sports vehicles solidly
grounded in truth.
Toyota FT-86
Toyota's long-anticipated joint venture allowing for Subaru, reported
dead no longer long ago less than currently evidently back on track, could be supposed to
generate a boxer-engine, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe for both plus every
whole. The legal FT-86 concept is the boxer-engine (2.0 liters, four
cylinders), rear-wheel-drive sport coupe. Coincidence? We tend to tend to be expecting
not. At 163.8 inches long, the FT-86 - whose brand name references the
mid-1980s AE86 Corolla coupe - is added compared to just half a foot shorter
than the persist Celica but is an inch wider and slightly decrease.
Toyota's brass is aware up of which sports cars are the company's great
deficiency. Interestingly, even though the megabucks Lexus LFA had its
debut at the identical show, that vehicle was once shunted off to a depressing corner
whereas the smooth FT-86 concept basked during the spotlight. Introducing
the FT-86, Toyota Motor Corporation president Akio Toyoda recalled
a number of the company's previous sports cars, adding: "The incontrovertible reality that
none of these vehicles continues to be ending up though produced brands me, a serious
car fan, really unhappy." Based mostly on what we be told these, after production of
Toyota's new sports cars begins at Subaru's factory in past due 2011,
Mr. Toyoda's frown is enough to flip the other way up.
Honda CR-Z
The Honda square featured everything from an EV-Cub to a
butane-powered garden tiller, but the brilliant spot both for
enthusiasts and environmentalists was the CR-Z Concept 2009. Name
regardless of, the CR-Z is awfully close to what we'll see in
production come back fall 2010. Featuring a one.5-liter i-VTEC
four-cylinder paired with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist,
nickel-metal-hydride batteries, and a six-speed manual, it guarantees
to be the the majority of engaging inexperienced automobile on the market about that facet of a
Tesla Roadster. Styling for the two-seater (or two-plus-two in
Japan) hews closely to that of the 2007 concept, but the wheelbase
has got been shortened to improve handling. The original concept's
swoopy interior has, predictably, been principally replaced with portions
found in the Civic and the overall Work. The auto will not be a straight-line
rocket, but we nevertheless be expecting it to supply each one the inexpensive
thrills of the original CRX. Request the precise production model
at the Detroit show. Get pleasure from the CR-Z, for the reason that it has probably the a good amount of effective
sporty merchandise we'll see from Honda in the close to long term.

2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2010-02-23T10:28:00.001-08:00

Versus the Prius, which allowing for its distinctive profile reasonably screams its eco-friendliness to passersby, the Camry Hybrid could be the the majority from unobtrusive of hybrid vehicles. Disguised though a run-of-the-mill combustion-engined Camry, the the majority of effective outward indication which on hand is the hybrid powertrain lurking under the surface is a little Hybrid Synergy Drive badge. Just prefer the Four Seasons automobile we tend to tested in 2007, about that Camry Hybrid is no longer concerning the driving experience less than about maximum efficiency. Fuel efficiency is a reasonably respectable Thirty-four mpg, there have a tendency to be just a several vehicles on the line nowadays that can either work or outperform it in that regard. Take, for instance, the Audi A3 TDI that could be currently in our fleet. That vehicle additionally returns 34 mpg, plus, whereas its base price is $4000 higher compared to that of a base Camry Hybrid, it brands up for it together with a added rewarding driving experience and more refinement. (Plus, the as-tested price of the A3 essentially are available in $2000 fewer than this loaded Camry Hybrid.) Hybrids are better experienced throughout moderate weather. It absolutely was once awfully cold over the weekend and that intended the hybrid took a very long previous point to become heat and was no longer ready to apply the electrical assist system kind of the maximum amount because it would possibly suffer from with temperatures on high of freezing. The transitions up of regular internal combustion power to electrical mode and keep were not as swish as I carry out not forget after it was hotter out of doors. Aside from the shudder I experienced both time the start/stop function was utilized, there really wasn't a lot else to alert you to the hybrid powertrain of the auto during ordinary driving. The reduced trunk space might be a priority for a own family of four shopping to head green. Vacations might call for a little more trunk room than this hybrid can supply, though two or three individuals would doubtless have more than just enough space for baggage. Of course the number of tangible shortcomings are nothing in comparison to the high-profile remembers happening at Toyota in recent times. There have been several brilliant reasons to go back with the Ford Fusion Hybrid prior to the recalls at Toyota started. Certain, the recalls don't return with the Camry Hybrid but I am wondering what percentage customers is enough to ask for the asterisk explaining why the Camry Hybrid isn't recalled. Like Phil, I realized that this Camry Hybrid is kind of rough when bringing the gas engine back from a forestall. It isn't atrocious, but is more noticeable than during the Fusion Hybrid or maybe the Prius.
Of course the actual reason why to purchase either of these different two hybrids would be his or her or him significantly higher fuel economy. The Camry Hybrid is rated at Thirty-three mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. That could be certainly above par for a mid-size sedan, but the Fusion Hybrid does 41/36 mpg and the overall Prius is rated at 51/48 mpg. And Hyundai's new Sonata will do Thirty-five mpg on the highway while not the expensive hybrid hardware. It is simple to detect the simplest approach patrons can struggle with the braking systems on hybrids. The brakes are mostly imprecise and challenging to modulate, and the Camry Hybrid is not any or every one exception. At times, it looks like the braking effort noticeably shifts while the driving force maintains a relentless pressure on the pedal. It could also be irritating and unfriendly, but I need to be transparent that i am not calling this a security problem. Push the pedal a lot enough, and the brakes will do their job. Yep, the brakes work fine but they, like the ones on the recent Prius, do not feel like "normal" brakes. Toyota can and ought to do a smarter job of teaching its buyers about the simplest way the brakes work and the way they are thus going to feel. That said, I used to be curious to drive the Camry because it was the initial Camry I've driven because the Toyota gas-pedal issue surfaced.
On my drive home, I repeatedly shifted the car back into neutral. This entailed nothing more than grabbing the shift lever in my right hand and moving it forward slightly. Each and each and every time, the vehicle straight away started to decelerate. Each and every time, I hit the gas pedal and the engine simply raced; the engine was disengaged from the drive axle and the vehicle was slowing down.
Funny how that works.

2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Base price (with destination): $26,900
Price as tested: $33,204
Standard Equipment:
2.4L 4-cylinder engine
Electronic CVT transmission
Electric power steering
4-wheel regenerative disc brakes
Smart key with push button start
Front dual zone climate control
Auxiliary jack
Tilt/telescopic guidance wheel
Power windows/doors
Options on this vehicle:
Comfort and convenience cluster - $470
- Heated front seats and out of doors mirrors
Leather package - $1295
- Leather trimmed seats, door trim, center console
- Wooden grained style interior trim
Integrated front fog lighting - $130
Moonroof package - $890
- Power tilt/slide moonroof
- Dual illuminated visor mirrors
- Rear non-public reading lights
Upgrade package with DVD Navigation - $2960
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Voice command DVD navigation system
- Backup camera
- JBL AM/FM 4-disc in-dash CD changer
- MP3/WMA playback capability
- Satellite radio
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Auto dimming rear-view mirror
- Leather wrapped steering wheel/shift knob
Carpet/Trunk mat determined - $200
V.I.P RS3200 plus security system - $359
Key features not on vehicle:
None
Fuel economy:
(city/hwy/combined)
33 / 34 / 34 mpg
Engine:
Size: 2.4L DOHC 16 valve 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 147 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 138 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Battery output: 40 hp
Hybrid system internet power: 187 hp
Drive:
Front-wheel
Transmission:
Electronically controlled CVT automatic
Weight: 3680 lbs
Wheels/tires:
16-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels
P215/60R16 Michelin Energy mxv4 s8 all-season tires
Competitors: Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury
Milan Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid

First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna

2010-02-20T10:05:00.001-08:00

Reports up of the minivan's death be afflicted by been greatly exaggerated.
Additionally during a dreadful 2009, the segment managed added compared to purely Four hundred,000
sales. Which could be approach down from its heyday less than continue to more than also be used
the volume of, say, the hotly contested luxury compact crossover
segment.
That's why Toyota, even though it has got led the charge back into
crossover vehicles, saw no explanation why to modification the formula of the hot
Sienna for 2011.
"The Sienna is developed for those that find out the minivan because the
excellent vehicle," Toyota vice president Bob Carter said at a contemporary
press conference in Southern California.
You'd be forgiven for no longer immediately noticing the
third-generation Sienna's all-new, CALTY-designed sheetmetal.
Not favor nearly every one minivan relaunches of past due, readily available is been no try plus
excise or hide the van's largest attributes: dual sliding doors, a coffee
ride height, and a sloping, easy-to-see-over hood have a tendency to be all present
and accounted for.
Under the surface, the biggest addition is the legal segment's only
four-cylinder engine. The 187-hp, 2.7-liter, which also powers the
Venza, nets 26 mpg though to the highway, a hot better among minivans.
Customers is still to opt for a three.5-liter V-6, and both engines are
currently paired to six-speed automatics. Otherwise, the Sienna is usually
unchanged mechanically, riding on the identical 119.3-inch wheelbase and
retaining strut-type front and torsion-beam rear suspensions.
All-wheel drive is after once more an decision allowing for the V-6, and it now
actively transmits torque to the keep wheels as wanted.
Interior advancements -- traditionally the highlight of all or any
minivan redesign -- are mostly evolutionary. The on the market
rear-seat entertainment system can now play two DVDs directly,
that means fewer fighting over who watches what. Second-row seats fold
and slide all the simplest way forward but still carry out not fold down into the
floor. Weeding out and carrying them is simply not troublesome -- if you can notice a
place to stow them out of doors the vehicle, or course. Shipment volume
throughout the dust the third- and second-row seats is basically down from go back on
year's van, although total volume is up by concerning a foot. For
drivers, a backup camera is now customary on all but base
four-cylinder models. There's also a designated compartment between
the front seats for handbags and man baggage, in order that they would possibly not slide around
during aggressive driving.

And, believe it or not, there are only a situations where you could
desire to drive the new Sienna aggressively. In an apparent attempt
to attractiveness to more youthful patrons, Toyota is offering a distinctly
sporty, V6-only SE model. It comprises firmer dampers, is derived, and
antiroll bars together with nineteen-inch wheels (seventeen-inch
aluminum wheels are standard). Sienna chief engineer Kazuo Mori, a
go-kart racer on his own previous point, adds that he personally took charge
of retuning the SE's electrical power direction for better feel and
precision. Topping it all off are sporty fender skirts and front
and rear fascias that create the van appear a little sort of a plus-size
Mazda 5.
Charging up the Ortega highway, with sharp dropoffs to one
facet and motorcycles buzzing by on the 2nd, the SE demonstrates
remarkably sensible body management. A bunch of minivan buyers might not
am keen on the slight ride penalty, as the stiffer dampening
exposes the torsion-beam rear axle's difficulty articulating over
imperfect surfaces. The SE-specific power assist nonetheless, is
perfect for about that application, and it brands united states surprise why alternative
Siennas are still saddled with completely lifeless, numb
steering.
"The Toyota way," offers Mori together with a wry smile, explaining
that a touch of higher-ups still feel that Toyota's circle of relatives vehicles
ought to supply pillow-soft rides and finger-light steering.
This oversight aside, all Siennas are delightful and straightforward to
drive. The new six-speed automatics shift neatly and build allowance even
the 187-hp four-cylinder to keep abreast of stop-and-go traffic and
converting gradients. Ride and road isolation are excellent, and the overall
mostly carryover platform continues to be commendably stiff, emitting nary
a rattle or squeak, even on our preproduction take a look at vehicles.
Overall, the new Sienna does not bring any genuine innovations,
but it remains supremely competent and versatile. That, combined
with a promised value drop, should be enough to retain the matters
believers who deterioration the soccer-mom badge proudly.

First Look: 2010 Toyota RAV4 Ecu Model

2010-02-18T18:27:00.001-08:00

An all-new RAV4 could also be a couple years away, less than Toyota could be refreshing its compact SUV together allowing for a gentle facelift -- a minimum of for Europe, anyway. The legal outcome, which is able to debut at the 2010 Geneva motor display in March, is rather attractive. New headlamps, a slender grille, plus a sporty front bumper fascia lends the RAV4 a car-like appearance.
Even though the search is helping tie the RAV4 to European Toyota models just favor the Auris and Avensis, we tend to is sufficient to not facilitate but learn a handful of Lexus Is during the hot artwork. Unfortunately, we will not see the rhinoplasty in U.S. showrooms. Toyota
representatives confirmed about which morning therefore the facelift would
remain a ecu exclusive -- at least for the previous point ending up though.
For the freshest news from the Geneva motor show, stick with
Automobile Magazine.

First Look: 2011 Toyota Avalon

2010-02-14T06:58:00.001-08:00

Toyota necessities individuals to assume from traveling in "Avalon Class"
once searching for a giant front-wheel drive premium sedan. The
adjustments to Toyota's massive sedan have a tendency to be reasonably minor, less than Toyota guarantees
it are going to be enough to can help give the Avalon better positioning.
The 2011 Avalon's general structure plus shape could be still exactly the same
to persist year's automobile, but currently receives a bigger front grille which could be
flanked by slimmer projector headlights. Its foglights obtain new
encasings and further chrome outlines the greenhouse and
chiseled skirts. To the back, its dual exhaust integrates smoothly
back into the bolder diffuser, whereas a sculpted trunk lid offers the
hindquarters added pizzazz. Taillights now incorporate LED components
and encompass the reverse and make signals into one sleeker
package. The fresh wheel designs add to the model's new appear.
Much previous point used to be taken to redesign its interior though smartly. New colour
selections and premium touch points aim to uplift the sedan close to
the luxurious echelon. Two trim levels -- Avalon and Restricted -- are
out on hand and are available customary allowing for an eight-way power driving force seat,
backup camera, dual zone climate management, moonroof, and 17-inch
wheels. Step up to the Limited and an influence passenger seat, driver
seat cushion extension, rain sensing wipers, smart key, and cooled
seats are included during the standard features listing. Optional on both
is the JBL Synthesis sound system, heated seats, and
navigation.
Passengers additionally are welcomed by standard Bluetooth phone and
audio connectivity, USB and auxiliary ports, and as we have a tendency to simply
discussed, a revised DVD-based navigation. The nav's maps and
usability are said to be simpler and quicker to apply. More backseat
room is attained thank you to enlarged reclining seats. For extra
convenience, there is an electronically controlled rear window
shade.
The sole engine option -- a three.5-liter V-6 VVT-I -- remains in
place but is tuned for improved fuel economy and decrease emissions.
The ULEV-certified mill generates 268-horsepower at 6200 rpm and
248 pound-feet of torque at 4700 rpm while mated to its six-speed
automatic gearbox. The combo also returns an estimated 20 mpg in
the city and Twenty-nine mpg highway, or Twenty-three mpg combined. That's a slight
improvement over last year's 19/28/23 rating.
Safety features come back together with a seven airbag safety internet, Automobile
Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and TRAC
traction control. And yes, the model projects replete with a
redesigned accelerator pedal and brake override system.
Three new exterior colours -- Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress
Pearl and Sizzling Crimson Mica -- suffer from been added to the colour
pallet. Avalon grade patrons can choose between three leather colors
that come with Ivory, Lightweight Gray, and Black, while Limited grade
householders can specify Ivory, Light Gray, and Black Bordeaux.
Look for it to hit U.S. dealership about that spring.

2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited

2010-02-14T03:43:00.001-08:00

The legal Highlander Hybrid handles lovely a lot the approach you would be expecting
a midsize crossover/SUV to perform something positive concerning, which means it looks tuned added for
comfort and utility compared to performance. The hybrid powertrain could be
pretty transparent in make use from - apart up of the silence that greets you
after you press the beginning button, readily available have a tendency to be solely a number of clues after you are
beneath way that you're driving a hybrid vehicle. Acceleration, whereas
now not blazingly speedy, is excellent for a vehicle of the current eightvo and
weight, and the final ability is delivered awfully smoothly numerous thanks to the CVT
transmission.

What to me appears the the majority of prohibitive about the hybrid
Highlander is its value premium (about $7000) over the non-hybrid
version, which brings it back into luxury-brand territory less than while not
the cachet of a luxury complete. Continue to, while the hybrid might not build
lots of sense economically, there are probably many individuals for
whom the satisfaction of driving an environmentally friendly
vehicle is more important than the direct effect on his or him or her
wallets.

Amy Skogstrom, Managing Editor

One of my gripes about hybrids is that you've got to be very
light-weight on the throttle to keep the vehicle in EV mode, but Toyota's
system for the Highlander Hybrid -- in addition to the recent 2010
Prius -- brands it a little simpler. Punch the "ECON" button, and the
accelerator pedal grows a little more proof against your right foot.
The "EV" button seems to really crank up the resistance, constructing it
easier to keep the Highlander silently rolling together.

Unfortunately, these buttons carry out not modification the undeniable proven reality that during order to
run the Highlander though an EV, you absolutely suffer from to crawl away from
stoplights. Dependent on your locale, about that would aggravate your fellow
drivers, as I witnessed on three separate occasions. High speed inch
electric-only mode is barely Twenty-five mph, therefore the ones stretches of road close to
my apartment -- posted at Thirty mph and frequently driven at Thirty-five mph by
the locals - are not potential to traverse in an eco-friendly
fashion.

Evan McCausland, Internet Producer

It possesses troublesome on behalf of me to understand why the Highlander Hybrid desires
a V-6 engine as a phase of its gas/electric powertrain. Toyota says
two electrical motors and the V-6 are sensible for a combined rating of
270 hp, but the Highlander Hybrid features a tricky previous point convincing you
it's fast. So why not trimmed your losses and stick in an exceedingly bigger
four-cylinder (in the arena of two.4 liters) for a couple more mpg?
It additionally looks as if a more economical, front-wheel-drive model is the legal
no-brainer. A minimum of it might facilitate lessen this "efficient"
vehicle's unacceptable 4600-pound weight.

Prefer Evan, I noted that it's specifically hard to keep the
Highlander Hybrid in electric mode, especially in comparison allowing for the
Prius and the Ford Fusion Hybrid. And, frustratingly, I utilized to be never
ready to activate the electric-vehicle mode. Also after i switched
off each and every accessory during the vehicle, hitting the EV button brought about
the display to demonstrate "EV Mode not on the market at this period." I attempted
on lots of alternative journeys; after long and short drives; while
rolling, stopped, and parked; and was once never a good fortune. I am certain it
needs to do with the battery state of charge, but that does not
explain why the battery was never at the essential level.

What did I like? The transition when the engine activates and
off is excellent and virtually imperceptible. A handful of people might also
am keen on the Highlander Hybrid's 3500-pound towing capability (this
is the justification for the V-6, I suppose). The yellowy blonde
picket in our tester, however, was rather unattractive, reminding me
of a decade sometime previous to my birth.

Eric Tingwall, Associate
Editor

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is simply not a nasty decision if you
absolutely desire a vehicle that seats more than only five and wish to have to be
green. After every one, it stands alone in the family-sized hybrid SUV
category, unless after all you've got a more in-depth $10,000 to $15,000 to
step up to the massive GM hybrid SUVs. The V-6 does seem somewhat
pointless especially because, as Eric discussed, it does not move this
car with all or any urgency. But if the auto is loaded with seven people
and their gear, it probably needs all the horses it can locate.

It's too unhealthy, though, that in the Highlander Hybrid, amusing and
frugality are mutually exclusive. The direction, regardless of ending up as
nicely weighted, provides little feedback, and the brake pedal
response is similarly unsatisfying. The shortcoming of feel combined together with a
pedal travel distance of what feels like fewer than two inches,
makes slowing gradually to a prevent attention-grabbing. The brakes match
fine, but I loathe the way the pedal response.

It should not be pretty or exciting but what Toyota does neatly in
the Highlander Hybrid is cram lots of safety and hybrid technology
into purposeful, user-friendly package.

Jennifer Misaros, Production
Editor

I agree with Eric that Toyota ought to just slip a four-cylinder
in these and opt for an enormous fuel economy number. That would supply
some much-needed price and performance differentiation with the
Lexus RX450h. In fact, I'm intending to create your mind up right currently and
say that each one Toyota hybrids should maximize efficiency while all
Lexus hybrids should maximize performance.

Because it is, I might have a tough time justifying $45,000 on the
Toyota over the nicer-looking, better-performing Lexus unless I
really needed that third row. It is also value noting that this
particular model is taking part in dangerously close to Audi Q7 TDI price
territory. Granted, take a look at automobiles mostly return loaded with an absurd
quantity of optional apparatus, but no Highlander should even sniff
$50,000.

Having said all that, there is still nada wrong with the
Highlander itself. As necessarily, it is a supremely quiet, solid vehicle
with a fine searching interior. As others have noted, the hybrid
powertrain rarely is going into EV mode - I experienced it only when
pulling of the a parking spot - but it's worth remembering we're
driving in arctic temperatures with the warmth cranked on high.

David Zenlea, Assistant Editor

2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LTD

Base price (with destination): $41,820

Price as tested: $48,385

Customary Equipment:

3.3L V-6 engine

Hybrid synergy drive technology

Continuously variable transmission

Electric power steering

Four-wheel drive

Vehicle stability control

Rear backup camera

AM/FM in-dash 6 CD changer

XM satellite radio

Leather seating surfaces

Heated front seats

Hill begin assist

Tow prep package

19-inch alloy wheels

Features on this vehicle:

Voice activated touch screen - $2775

Rear-seat DVD entertainment system - $1780

Power tilt/slide moonroof - $850

CFC-free auto rear air con system - $785

Front auto dual zone climate management - $375

Key options not on vehicle:

None

Fuel economy:

(city/hwy/combined)

Twenty-seven / 25 / 26 mpg

Engine:

Size: 3.3L V-6 with EV mode

Horsepower: 208 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque: 212 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Battery power: Sixty-eight hp

Hybrid system internet power: 270 hp

Drive:

All-wheel

Transmission:

CVT automatic

Weight: 4640 lbs

Wheels/tires:

19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels

P245/55R19 Toyo A20 Open Country all-season tires

Competitors: Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid,
Lexus RX450h, Volkswagen Touareg TDI

Opportunity Knocks: Stefan GP plus Toyota organize for one more team's failure

2010-02-11T18:30:00.001-08:00

A handful from individuals simply will currently not take no for a solution. Which sense of
unbridled optimism can gain stand to serve an F1 team smartly, solely
Stefan GP isn't always an F1 team. Nonetheless. Less than they tend to be hoping to be, plus that they are
not taking no for an solution.

Past due go though to year once
Toyota departed up of the series, the Serbian racing team headed
by Zoran Stefanovic (pictured on top of at Toyota's
headquarters in Cologne, Germany)
brokered a deal allowing for the eastern automaker to choose up Toyota's
aborted 2010 program and run with it as an independent. Stefan
applied for a slot on the grid, but his or him or her bid was once rejected. Now
they are definitely banking on one of the groups that was accepted - Campos,
USF1 or (less likely) Virgin or Lotus - failing to shape it to the
opening around in Bahrain next month.

Sounds ambitious? Definitely, but not while not advantage. Bernie
Ecclestone could be backing Stefan GP's effort, and they're slated to
unveil their own vehicle, powered by their own engine (both
rebranded from Toyota's program), and send it to the check
session in Portugal later about that month. Toyota is offering support,
and Stefan possesses recruited a team of engineers - which included numerous
former McLaren operatives implicated during the Spygate and Liegate
scandals - and previous Midland/Spyker/Force India director Colin
Kolles.

Word has it the team has additionally already covered up two experienced
drivers sponsored by Toyota: Kazuki Nakajima and - locate this - Ralf
Schumacher. The added youthful Schumi expressed interest in coming back to
F1 alongside his more successful brother, and is going to just get his
possibility if a closer team misses theirs.

Report: Southeast Toyota dealers pull ads up of native ABC stations citing "excessive stories" though to recall

2010-02-11T18:29:00.001-08:00

Toyota President Akio Toyoda pens op-ed piece for Washington Post

2010-02-10T05:38:00.001-08:00

Oh, what a terrible feeling it's got to be afflicted by been after Toyota's
president, Akio Toyoda, had to take a seat plus write out about which these
mea culpa, mia maxima culpa for today's Washington
Post. Because the legal dangerous news continues to fall upon Toyota's bruised
crown, we have a tendency to imagine that Mr. Toyoda realized that his corporate had
reached the purpose where continued
sound bite apologies (here's
a added in-depth one) isn't always doing Toyota each one that much brilliant. Though such, he
place pen to paper and defends the eastern giant in long
format.

Perhaps shall we make use up of a more charitable word compared to "defends." For
Toyoda does take responsibility (in writing, at all or any rate) for Toyota's
unintended failings and accelerating
recollects. Says Mr. Toyoda, "We have currently not lived up to the high
standards you have return to be expecting up of united states. I am deeply disappointed
by that and apologize. As the president of Toyota, I take non-public
responsibility." Not a foul beginning place from, we expect.

Toyoda then could be going directly to make a case for concerning the Toyota's fabled andon
twine. An andon cord is an alarm that any line employee at any Toyota
plant can pull when as to hand is trouble on the production line. That means
that Toyota takes its vehicles's quality thus seriously, that also
the dude screwing during the ashtray (or whatever) can close down
production for the whole for a complete plant. Quote Mr. Toyoda,
"Two weeks ago, I pulled the andon cord for our company." That is in
connection allowing for his option to
cease production of eight Toyota models.

He then goes on and explains what Toyota is doing to prevent situations
prefer ThrottleGate from
happening in the long run, starting along with a "top-to-bottom review" of
Toyota's global operations. Toyota also are going to be establishing the
Automotive Center of Quality Excellence, basically an engineering
and quality clearinghouse. Toyota is sufficient to also be striking together a
"blue-ribbon safety advisory group" comprised of non-Toyota quality
management experts to periodically review Toyota's economic
practices. The group's findings - and Toyota's solution to these
findings - will be created public. Lastly, Mr. Toyoda acknowledges
that Toyota desires to research complaints from customers more
briefly. To that persist touch we are saying, "Gee, ya think?"

Video: In-depth have the legal appear at Toyota's sticky accelerator

2010-02-06T07:32:00.001-08:00

We're each one gearheads these at Autoblog, allowing for varying degrees from mechanical competence. less than after the previous point projects to become technical - really technical - we tend to inevitably hit up our own Sam Abuelsato become locate backthe the nitty grifromy of contemporary automobiles.

Sathepent the simpler a cofromonent of two decades functioning on anti-lock brake, traction plus stability management systems, which suggewhichthat he brings a particularly keenthesight to the latest Toyota recall. thus Mr. A sat dallowing forwith AOL Autos' ReiltheBrenplus and the final acceleratfrom pedal up of a 2009 Toyota Camry for an impromptu deep-dback tointotheat could be inflicting the unintended acceleration difplusultythed fromat homeowners of the affected models can achieve if his or her or him theottle pecould bel is pinned to the floor. check it out onplusthe jump and build certain to proporallowing for it with anyeach one all one you have a tendenctheo be afromre who's manning of the the eight recalled automobiles.
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Toyota: Unintended acceleration or irritated customer? Toyota driving force reportedly rams dealership allowing for truck

2010-02-02T09:26:00.001-08:00

Seems though everyone's obtaining miffed at Toyota nowadays. customers have a tendency to be annoyed over the legal millions up of recollects and/or unexpected nonetheless unintended acceleration, readhave a tendency to be are ticked at Toyota for taking our focal point awayup ofp of added exciting automobile news plus we're frankly annoyed at having to scribble concernthe legal the ailing eastern giant eplus and every previous point wethe legalitch the computer as to. less than nonhave a tendency to bef u. s. thoughe asthoughiffed as one man in Louisiana.

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Autoblog's ultimate Toyota Recall Guide

2010-02-02T09:19:00.001-08:00

recollects happen each one the legal grow older durthe legal the automobile industry. a handful up of have a tendency to be glitches which have an effect though to situations favor window switches, radio buttons plus seat recliners. Others, nevertheless, involve added complicated componenwhichthat direchave an effect onfect your safety whereas driving. it has got signwhichant that recollectsahave a tendency to be are handled neatly by auto manufwhichrers therefore that eplus and every owup ofr of a recalled automobhas the legal has the opportunity to become his or hautomobileicle fastened in a terribly timely demeanour. Mwhichhe agetime, that could be precisely what happens. infrequently, it doesthe legal longer. the placement involving whichta automobiles that can experience unexpected unintended accelerationup ofs one of these times.

situatthe legalsingsthe legaland, the das toa on the market regarding tworecolleup ofs recalls of choose Toyautomobilescleone one for floormats anaddedmore in-depth for sticking accelerator pedalcould be- is confusing, the legalwe've got assembled the final word Toyota Recall Guipluseach and everyverup ofcurrent owner of an affectedautomobplus vehiclthe legalnd anybody contemplating the acquisithe legaln oautomobileyota vehiduring the the close to long have a tendency to be. we tend to are hoping it aids up ofur understanding could be what is haas toening on, thohave a tenas toncy to be on hand are oup ofy a continue to a lot of unanswered questitherefores so keep returning to itwe tend tos we updaas to its content on an everyday basis.

Toyota stung by possible Prius headlight defect?

2009-07-03T09:53:00.001-07:00

We'd wager that the last thing Toyota wants in the midst of the super-important launch of its new third-generation Prius is a negative stigma attached to the previous model. Unfortunately, that's exactly what the Japanese automaker may have on its hands as a number of owners of the 2005-2008 Toyota Prius with the HID headlight option are banding together on online forums, message boards and in possible class action lawsuits against the automaker in relation to failing headlamps.

According to Advertising Age, these HID headlight bulbs and their associated electronics can sometimes cost well over $1,000 to replace after they've gone faulty, and Toyota is unwilling to pick up the tab. At least one lawsuit has reportedly been filed last month by Girard Gibbs in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on behalf of a Putnam County, N.Y., Prius owner. The suit contends that the problem is a "dangerous but undisclosed safety defect" and alleges that "Toyota is concealing the problems from owners" despite having been "long been aware of Prius' HID headlight problem." It's possible that the suit will get class-action status.

The NHTSA has reportedly filed a preliminary investigation into the issue and contacted Toyota on May 13 regarding 338 complaints it has received so far from Prius owners about the HID headlamps. Spokesmen from Toyota have said the automaker is cooperating with the NHTSA investigation, which may or may not end up calling for an official recall.
[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: ]

Chicago 2009: Toyota unveils new 4.6L V8, Platinum Package for Tundra

2009-02-13T07:53:00.001-08:00

Toyota doesn't have a press conference scheduled for the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, but it does have two noteworthy debuts. The first is an all-new 4.6L V8 engine that will replace the current 4.7L V8. The new eight-cylinder produces 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque while delivering an estimated 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway. That puts the new 4.6L V8 near the head of the pack in terms of power and fuel economy for standard V8s in the segment. The engine will also be paired with a "new" six-speed automatic. Rather than simply use the six-speed auto that's paired with the larger 5.7L V8, Toyota engineers instead used the truck's five-speed auto, added an extra gear and respaced the ratios.
Toyota's second debut in Chicago was a new Platinum Package available on Tundra CrewMax Limited models with the 5.7L V8. Though it shares an adjective with the new Ford F-150 Platinum, Toyota's top shelf truck is more low key and the package adds $5,140 to the vehicle price. Included is a new grille with chrome bumpers, unique 20-inch wheels, daytime running lamps, branded door sill protectors and Platinum badging around the truck. The package also includes a number of upgrades for the interior like a power moonroof, nav system and wood trim on the shifter, steering wheel and door trim.
[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: 2010 toyota tundra, 2010ToyotaTundra, chicago, chicago 2009, chicago auto show, Chicago2009, ChicagoAutoShow, Tundra Platinum Package, TundraPlatinumPackage ]

Toyota Prius plug-in tops 65 mpg

2009-02-03T10:41:00.001-08:00

Toyota says that plug-in hybrid versions of its Prius hatchback are averaging 65 miles per gallon in real-world testing. For those keeping track, that's a 15 mpg improvement over the upcoming 2010 Prius. As with today's hybrids, the actual mileage figure is highly dependent on the driver's right foot and these machines are likely based on the second-gen Prius that's currently roaming the streets, modified with a lithium ion battery pack that's capable of storing much more energy that the nickel metal hydride pack of the standard car.
A new Prius was debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last month and should go on sale sometime later this year, but it's still equipped with the older battery technology. So far, Toyota has yet to announce any specific plans regarding the future sale date of a plug-in Prius to regular consumers, and the automaker is now suggesting that any of its hybrids would be good candidates for PHEV technology, including the Prius, which seems like the most logical choice. In any case, it appears that Toyota is content to let GM push forward with the series hybrid Volt technology while its engineers remain in the PHEV data capturing stage.
[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: phev, plug in, plug-in, plug-in hybrid, plug-in prius, Plug-inHybrid, Plug-inPrius, plugin ]

Hybrid sales slide 9.9% in 2008

2009-01-26T18:53:00.001-08:00

Despite all the clamor about how hybrids are going to save the planet, cure cancer, facilitate the second coming, etc., sales of battery-pack-mobiles are down nearly ten percent for 2008. At the beginning of 2008, it looked like hybrids were going to have their best year ever, driven by high fuel prices and a recessive economy. That recession, however,has caused consumers to cut way back, leading to dramatic drop in fuel prices, killing much of the argument for a hybrid's price premium. Consumers shy away from hybrids when fuel dips below $3.50 per gallon, and the incessant clang of news stories about expensive fuel also dries up, causing the issue of fuel efficiency to fall from consciousness.
Toyota is still the hybrid sales king, with 241,000 units shifted in 2008. Honda managed to ring up 31,000 sales, and Ford came in third with nearly 20,000 vehicles sold. While nearly every automaker offering hybrids is down (Nissan actually saw a 5 percent increase, and General Motors garnered a whopping 179 percent jump thanks to its 2008 introductions), Ford was hardest hit, with a 22 percent drop. Some might say "we told you so" about the way things have played out - by the time everyone got on board with more efficient offerings, the bottom has fallen out of the price of fuel - and others might use the sales figures to agitate for a gas tax to stimulate the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles.

[ Via: Auto News - sub req ]
[ Tag: escalade hybrid, EscaladeHybrid, ford escape, ford fusion hybrid, ford hybrid, FordEscape, FordFusionHybrid, FordHybrid, gm hybrid, GmHybrid, honda hybrid, HondaHybrid, hybrid, hybrid car sales, hybrid cars, hybrid sales, hybrid vehicle, hybrid vehicle sales, hybrid vehicles, HybridCars, HybridCarSales, hybrids, HybridSales, HybridVehicle, HybridVehicles, HybridVehicleSales, nissan hybrid, NissanHybrid, sales figures, SalesFigures, tahoe hybrid, TahoeHybrid, toyota prius, ToyotaPrius ]

2010 Toyota Prius

2009-01-16T07:40:00.001-08:00

No shoes were flung when the 2010 Toyota Prius debuted at the recent detroit auto show. Considering the grim mood in the Motor City - with domestic automakers on death watch and frozen credit paralyzing sales - and the fact that a gallon of gas costs little more than a can of beer, that's remarkable. Detroit was hardly the opportune place for a fuel-scrimping, technically advanced Asian import to bow. Then again, consider the Latin meaning of the word Prius: to go before. Defying skeptics is this car's cause. The Prius's mission has always been venturing ahead of the gas-saving, earth-hugging curve.Toyota calls this the third generation of the Prius (not counting one sold in Japan from 1997 to 2000 but never imported here), but the gist of the world's best-selling gas-electric hybrid hasn't changed an iota. It rides on the same 106.3-inch wheelbase as its predecessor, and its external dimensions are longer, lower, and wider by smidgens. The fresh but still nerdy-looking skin smites the wind with a drag coefficient trimmed from 0.26 to 0.25. The front wheels are again energized by a compound powertrain consisting of one four-cylinder engine, two motor/generators, one planetary gearbox, and a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.The rumored plug-in lithium-ion batteries are a no-show for now, yet Toyota engineers overhauled the rest of the Prius's propulsion system. The DOHC sixteen-valve I-4 engine grows from 1.5 to 1.8 liters in displacement, upping peak output from 76 to 98 hp at 5200 rpm. One carryover feature is the use of the Atkinson cycle, a delayed intake-valve closing arrangement that yields a longer expansion stroke and reduced fuel consumption. The most notable engine innovation is the elimination of belts under the hood; all accessory equipment (A/C compressor, coolant pump, power-steering pump) is now directly driven by the engine or by an electric motor.A new transaxle brings a 20 percent reduction in friction. About seventy pounds have been trimmed from the hybrid drive system. Gearing revisions supported by a 28 percent increase in peak engine torque (to 105 lb-ft at 4000 rpm) and a 22 percent gain in total hybrid system power deliver improved acceleration and better mileage. Expect an EPA combined rating of 50 mpg (versus 46 mpg for the outgoing Prius), with a city figure just over and highway mileage a bit under the nifty-fifty mark.

[ Via: Automobilemag ]
[ Tag: ]

Next-gen Prius now official, uses solar panels to keep car cool

2009-01-13T18:12:00.001-08:00

The very shoe-like 2010 Toyota Prius has made its official debut at this week's Detroit Auto Show. The company estimates it'll have a 50 MPG rating -- up from 46 MPG in the previous model -- and there's a bigger, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine for improved highway mileage. In addition to Power and Eco driving modes, EV Drive will let you run on battery alone for about a mile, which if nothing else should provide a little extra push for getting to the gas station when you've held off for too long. One of the coolest (literally) new features is the optional solar panels in the moonroof that will generate power for circulating air and keeping the interior temperature from going too high. If that's not enough, there's a remote-controlled A/C system that can run on battery alone and lets you set the temperature before you get in. Check out the read link for more specs and the full press release.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 2010 prius, 2010Prius, detroit auto show, DetroitAutoShow, hybrid, prius, prius hybrid, PriusHybrid, solar, solar panels, SolarPanels, toyota ]

Toyota Prius 2010

2009-01-12T18:27:00.001-08:00

Can one million owners be wrong? Not likely, and that's why engineers were careful in creating the 2010 Toyota Prius. Toyota's honed its recipe for a successful hybrid sedan over the past ten years, and there's little need to stray wildly from it - some slight refinements are all that's needed.Thankfully, Toyota says the new Prius is a product of careful refinement, and that's evident upon a first look. The triangular form of the previous car continues, though the roofline has been modified to increase rear headroom and improve aerodynamics, which are rated at a scant .25 cD. Other styling tweaks aim to visually tie the Prius with its non-hybrid siblings; indeed, the new headlamps and grille are vaguely reminiscent of the current Yaris hatchback.Size wise, the Prius hasn't grown much - but its engine has. The 2010 model scraps the old 1.6-liter four-banger in favor of a 98-hp, 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4. Interestingly, the increased displacement supposedly doesn't impact fuel economy. Toyota says the increase in torque - now 105 lb-ft at 4000 rpm - helps improve the Prius' fuel economy, especially once it's on the highway.A number of other changes also help raise those fuel economy numbers. The new engine uses electric power steering and water pumps, both of which are said to increase efficiency (and help eliminate the need for accessory belts). Like the 2010 Lexus RX450h, the new Prius still uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, but a compact transaxle and a smaller transaxle reduce weight by twenty percent. The presence of a few electronic goodies - like a solar-powered remote air conditioning system and LED exterior lighting - are also said to help reduce the Prius' thirst for fuel.Of course, if you're looking for the best fuel economy, you'll want to engage EV-Drive Mode, one of three driver-selectable drivetrain modes. EV-Drive allows the Prius to run solely on electric power for approximately one mile, while a Power mode increases the throttle sensitivity - potentially a blessing on highway on-ramps. We're betting most will simply leave the car in "Eco mode," which reportedly helps the Prius attain the best mileage possible.According to Toyota, that mileage should be a combined 50 mpg city/highway, though we've yet to see official EPA figures. We're not expecting a huge climb in city economy (lest, of course, you take full advantage of the EV-Drive mode), but the jump in power may help improve the Prius' highway ratings.

[ Via: Automobilemag ]
[ Tag: ]

Video: Toyota unveils FT-EV concept, details plug-in Prius, you won't see either for awhile

2009-01-12T07:35:00.001-08:00

While we were living large at CES in Las Vegas yesterday, Toyota's people were up in Detroit, working hard to amp up the crowd at the North American International Auto Show. The world's largest auto maker fulfilled promises by giving more information about an upcoming electric car, showing off a concept called the FT-EV. Based on the iQ ultra-compact, which is currently available in Japan in petrol-powered guise, the battery version has a range of just 50 miles, making it suitable only for those living in those most urban of suburbs. Hopefully it gains a bit more stamina before it (or something similar) goes into production in 2012. Toyota also gave some further information about its impending plug-in Prius, indicating that before the end of the year it will lease 500 prototypes to consumers to act as mobile beta testers prior to the full release of the car. Only 150 of those will be available in the States, though, so you can go ahead and leave "Install extra outlet in garage" low on your to-do list for another year or so

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: ft-ev, plug-in, plug-in hybrid, plug-in prius, Plug-inHybrid, Plug-inPrius, prius, toyota, toyota ft-ev, toyota prius, ToyotaFt-ev, ToyotaPrius ]

Toyota plans 11-day plant shutdown in Japan

2009-01-07T06:44:00.001-08:00

Toyota execs must think they're living in the Bizarro World. Think about it: operating losses, plunging sales -- these were terms once reserved for its lowly competitors. Not anymore. Now, Toyota's feeling the sting of a down market along with everyone else and is taking steps to try and stop the bleeding. An already-planned 3-day production freeze this month at all of Toyota's Japanese manufacturing plants has now swelled to include 11 more days in February and March. Toyota's hoping to scale back inventories in the face of flagging car sales everywhere.

[ Via: AFP ]
[ Tag: 11 days, 11Days, japan, manufacturing freeze, ManufacturingFreeze, plant shutdown, PlantShutdown, toyota ]

No, really: Toyota won't create seperate Prius brand

2008-11-27T06:23:00.001-08:00

The idea of a separate brand for the Toyota Prius has gone from "seriously considering" to "not a 'go'" to, now, "Um, no." That's the word from Miguel Fonseca, Toyota's managing director in the UK, who says that there won't be a Prius sub-brand.
However, Fonseca did say that the stork would be visiting the Prius factory to drop off other body styles, making a Prius family of vehicles. He wouldn't say what the body types were, but AutoCar speculation centers on an estate and an MPV to be unveiled in 2010, along with a coupe debuting the following year. As reported before, when the larger, frugal-er next gen Prius sedan arrives in about a year, it won't be packing lithium-ion batteries -- Toyota engineers say they're still not yet ready for prime-time.

[ Via: AutoCar ]
[ Tag: alternative, hybrids, prius, prius brand, prius sub brand, PriusBrand, PriusSubBrand, sedans, toyota, toyota prius, ToyotaPrius ]

2010 Toyota Prius revealed more in YouTube video

2008-11-23T08:46:00.001-08:00

Toyota's irritatingly slow leak of seemingly insignificant 2010 Prius teasers has shown us such riveting details as the hybrid car's startup screen, power seat switch and some sort of all-knowing seeing-eye camera. A much more interesting set of leaks has also granted us an early but pixelated peek at the car's external shape, along with detail shots like the rear LED tail lamp assembly and a few different looks at the interior. Now, we've discovered a set of YouTube videos that definitely don't seem to have come from Toyota itself.
In the videos after the jump we see the new 2010 Prius spinning on a rotating stage, we see buttons on the steering wheel that change the digital readouts on the central dash and we see a brief glimpse of the car's generous storage capacity via its hatchback body style - all of it set to wonderfully numbing elevator music. There is one interesting bit that we've recently seen: an air conditioning button on an old-school key fob that allows the climate control to run via rooftop solar panels even while the car itself isn't running. Fortunately, we only have about two more months to wait for the car's official debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January. Thank God for small miracles.
[ Via: Prius Chat ]
[ Tag: 2010 prius, 2010 prius leak, 2010 prius teaser, 2010 prius video, 2010 toyota prius, 2010Prius, 2010PriusLeak, 2010PriusTeaser, 2010PriusVideo, 2010ToyotaPrius ]

SEMA 2008: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis

2008-11-16T19:04:00.001-08:00

Five Axis Lexus GS 460

[ Via: Autoblog (Aftermarket) ]
[ Tag: five axis, Five Axis Lexus GS, five axis lexus is-f, FiveAxis, FiveAxisLexusGs, FiveAxisLexusIs-f, lexus gs, lexus gs 460, LexusGs, LexusGs460, sema, sema 2008, Sema2008 ]

Toyota Prius production in the U.S. could be delayed until 2011... or not

2008-11-15T00:32:00.001-08:00

Toyota has been scrambling to right its financial ship after cutting its profit forecast by 63% in the face of dismal US auto sales. The Japanese automaker set up an emergency committee to look at areas to cut costs, and all programs are said to be on the table. Though Toyota has announced nothing specific to this point, Japan's Nikkei Business Daily is announcing that the first US-built Priuses may not be produced until 2011. That would mean a one year delay of the opening of Toyota's Mississippi plant, which has already seen a product shift and cost overruns. The new 2010 Prius, which will initially only be built in Japan until the Mississippi plant comes online, is scheduled to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
Toyota is currently denying that Prius production at the Mississippi plant has been delayed. We're a bit skeptical of the Nikkei report anyway considering the Prius is still in high demand despite the economic downturn.

[ Via: Associated Press ]
[ Tag: mississippi plant, MississippiPlant, prius, Prius production delay, PriusProductionDelay, toyota ]

Consumers rate automakers bang for the buck

2008-11-14T03:51:00.001-08:00

Consumers surveyed for the YouGovPolimetrix BrandIndex were asked to rate everything from cable channels to search engines in terms of bang for the buck. It's not so much a scientific study as it is an opinion poll, and among the department stores and search engines, automakers were also rated. Among the domestic carmakers, General Motors claims both the best and the worst, with HUMMER rated the worst bang for the buck while Chevrolet was rated positively. Toyota was among the top ten of all brands rated, demonstrating consumers ongoing love for their Camrys, but before we end up with a dogmatic flamewar in the comments, remember that this is just an opinion poll with an buzzword-tastic name.

[ Via: AdAge ]
[ Tag: brandindex, chevrolet bang for the buck, chevrolet toyota hummer, ChevroletBangForTheBuck, ChevroletToyotaHummer, gm bang for the buck, GmBangForTheBuck, hummer bang for the buck, HummerBangForTheBuck, toyota bang for the buck, ToyotaBangForTheBuck, yougov ]

MT claims TRD Supercharged Tundra can hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds

2008-11-14T03:50:00.001-08:00

After reading that the latest supercharged Toyota just did 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, you might think to yourself, "Toyota doesn't make the Supra anymore, and even when they did it was turbocharged, not supercharged." And then you'd think that somebody probably did some outrageous modifications to a Camry or Corolla, or possibly even a Yaris, but no. The vehicle in question is a new Toyota, but it isn't one of those models. It's a relatively stock model in fact, with a factory warranty and factory-approved TRD parts. And it isn't a car. It's the TRD Supercharged Tundra pickup truck. Using the TRD supercharger and a few other tricks, the truck's 5.7L V8 has blossomed from 381 horsepower to 504, and torque has gone up from 401 lb-ft to 550. And MotorTrend claims they got it to run 0-60 in just just 4.4 seconds, half a second quicker than a Ram SRT-10 and faster than most high-end sports cars.
There's no doubt this is one quick vehicle, but we call BS on the time. Even with super-short gears, there's no way a truck that weighs over 5,000 lbs can do it in 4.4 seconds. Pickuptrucks.com ran the same truck through the 1/8th mile in Irwindale and managed 9.07 seconds at 81.16 mph. We'd guess the 0-60 should fall closer to 5 seconds at that pace, which is still mighty impressive. And yet, MT posted a full quarter-mile in 13 seconds flat at 106.3, so maybe TRD has done a little more work since the previous test. We're going to try and get our hands on one for an independent analysis. For now, we leave you with this point to ponder: Is it remotely possible for a 5,000+ pound Tundra, even one with Toyo Proxes S/T 285/45 R22 tires and TRD go-fast goodies, to do 0-60 in just 4.4 seconds?

[ Via: Pickuptrucks.com ]
[ Tag: supercharged toyota tundra, supercharged Tundra, SuperchargedToyotaTundra, SuperchargedTundra, trd, trd tundra, TrdTundra ]

Great things come in small packages. iQ wins Japanese Car of the Year

2008-11-13T17:29:00.001-08:00

Any guesses on what car Japanese jurors might pick as their Car of the Year? Guess again; and again. That's right, the Nissan GT-R only managed to snag enough votes to garner a bronze finish in Japanese COTY voting. Wondering what epically amazing machinery bested the mighty Godzilla? That would be the miniscule Toyota iQ. Once again, it is clear just how far the priorities for transportation have changed. Supercar levels of acceleration, on-board supercomputers and remarkable handling prowess just aren't enough to woo the top pick from judges in Japan. Not only was the iQ the top overall choice in a landslide victory, the Citroën C5 managed to garner enough votes to steal second place from the mighty GT-R.
Don't get us wrong, the Toyota with the funny name is a vehicle deserving of all the recognition it gets. A packaging miracle, the smarty-pants iQ manages to cram four real human beings inside a footprint that's pretty darn close to that of the smart fortwo, a car that seats just two people including the driver. These days, exceptional fuel economy, low emissions and intelligent packaging are apparently the way to a Japanese heart, and likely many from the rest of the world, as well. What do you think? Is the Toyota iQ the, ahem... smart person's COTY?

[ Via: Inside Line ]
[ Tag: car of the year, CarOfTheYear, iq, japanese car of the year, JapaneseCarOfTheYear, toyota iq, toyota iq car of the year, ToyotaIq, ToyotaIqCarOfTheYear ]

Rendered Speculation: Lexus dedicated hybrid sedan

2008-11-11T17:58:00.001-08:00

Lexus is set to invade the Detroit Auto Show in January with a duo of dedicated hybrid models. One of these machines will be a Lexus-ified version of Toyota's latest third-gen Prius, while the second model is still shrouded in mystery. A Japanese magazine known as Mag-X has rendered what they think the new Lexus hybrid sedan will look like, along with providing a few helpful hints on what we could expect to see underhood. The rumors suggest that the model will be badged the HS250h, which would normally indicate an engine displacing around 2.5-liters, but Lexus has a history of inflating the assumed displacement of its hybrid car's names, so we wonder if the Japanese mag got it right when they metnion a 2.4-liter engine.
Mag-X also suggests that the 2011 Camry hybrid will get a new Hybrid Synergy Drive system inherited from the new 2010 Prius. We're looking forward to a hybrid sedan face-off between the new Ford Fusion and the revised Camry. Early bets?

[ Via: VW Vortex ]
[ Tag: 2011 camry, 2011 camry hybrid, 2011 toyota camry, 2011 toyota camry hybrid, 2011Camry, 2011CamryHybrid, 2011ToyotaCamry, 2011ToyotaCamryHybrid, lexus hs250h, lexus hs250h hybrid, lexus hybrid, LexusHs250h, LexusHs250hHybrid, LexusHybrid ]

First Drive: 2009 Toyota Venza

2008-11-11T09:39:00.001-08:00

There's a workout regimen called Crossfit that aims to increase one's abilities in eight different areas. Crossfit doesn't reward the specialist, it rewards the well-rounded; it doesn't create marathoners, it creates decathletes. The point of Crossfit is to allow you to enter any situation with the confidence that you have things like the agility, strength and conditioning to do well. The Toyota Venza has the same ethos: pitched as 70-percent car, 30-percent SUV, the Venza wants to do everything well. And when we say "well", we mean it wants to do everything better than the competition: 10,000 people were leaving Toyota every year to get into something between the Camry and the Highlander, things that ended up being the Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7 and Infiniti FX. The Venza is Toyota's request to those buyers to "Come back to papa." Follow the jump to find out whether you should heed the call.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: 2009 toyota venza, 2009ToyotaVenza, featured, in the autoblog garage, InTheAutoblogGarage, toyota, toyota venza, ToyotaVenza, venza ]

Toyota developing $5k car under new brand

2008-11-10T17:30:00.001-08:00

The world's largest automaker is looking to join Tata Motors and Renault's Dacia brand as purveyors of cheap new cars. Toyota has cultured a company model by building high-quality, reliable cars, and has gone upmarket with its Lexus brand to compete at the high end of the automotive spectrum. More recently, the automaker has attempted to target a younger crowd with its Scion subsidiary and now a fourth brand is being considered to cater to emerging markets wihtout sullying the Toyota's hard-fought image. The new car would be targeted at the Indian and Brazilian markets, and would likely be made at Toyota's plant in Bangalore. Toyota is rumored to be partnering up with Daihatsu, another subsidiary of Toyota, that specializes in Japanese Kei cars for the new inexpensive model. If it indeed does happen, expect the new vehicle to make its debut by 2015.

[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: cheap car, cheap toyota, CheapCar, CheapToyota, daihatsu, tata nano, TataNano, toyota ]

SEMA 2008: Toyota RAV4 "Performance Sport" lacks performance and sport

2008-11-06T06:06:00.001-08:00

Click above for high-res gallery of the Toyota RAV4 Performance Sport

[ Via: Autoblog (Aftermarket) ]
[ Tag: rav4, sema, sema 2008, Sema2008, toyota, toyota rav4, Toyota RAV4 performance sport, ToyotaRav4, ToyotaRav4PerformanceSport ]

SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day

2008-11-04T18:35:00.003-08:00

Click above for massive gallery of Fords from SEMA

[ Via: Tags: ford edge ]
[ Tag: ford edge, ford edge sport, ford escape, ford escape hybrid, ford focus, ford focus coupe, ford transit connect, FordEdge, FordEdgeSport, FordEscape, FordEscapeHybrid, FordFocus, FordFocusCoupe, FordTransitConnect, lincoln mks, lincoln mkx, LincolnMks, LincolnMkx, sema, sema 2008, Sema2008 ]

Saved by Zero? Toyota extends 0% financing through November

2008-11-04T18:35:00.001-08:00

We have good news and bad news to report regarding Toyota's 0% financing deal that's currently going on in the U.S. The Japanese automaker must be seeing positive results from the operation, as it's extended the incentive through the month of November. That's the good news. The bad? This announcement likely means that we'll all need to put up with the excruciatingly horrible "Saved by Zero" commercials that have been infecting our TV screens these last few weeks. *Shudder*
For the month of October, Toyota saw its average daily sales rate drop 24%. While that's surely not the direction in which the automaker would like to see its sales slide, that figure is dramatically better than that of General Motors, it's largest rival in the U.S., which posted declines of around 45%. It may be a shallow victory, but it's apparently enough that these financing deals will remain in effect on 11 models through all of November.

[ Via: The Detroit News ]
[ Tag: saved by zero, SavedByZero, toyota incentive, toyota incentives, ToyotaIncentive, ToyotaIncentives, zero percent, zero percent financing, zero percent financing toyota, zero percent interest, zero percent toyota, ZeroPercent, ZeroPercentFinancing, ZeroPercentFinancingToyota, ZeroPercentInterest, ZeroPercentToyota ]

Toyota announces all-new four-cylinder engine for '09 Highlander

2008-11-04T18:34:00.003-08:00

When the 2009 Toyota Highlander hits dealerships in mid-to-late January, it will finally have an optional four-cylinder engine. The 2.7-liter four comes courtesy of the Venza and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination has been developed primarily for fuel efficiency and the EPA has given it a rating of 20/27 city and highway, with combined real-world mileage expected to hit about 22 miles per gallon. For comparison, the 3.5L V6, which will still be available, is rated at 18/24, and the hybrid model retains its 3.3L V6 and EPA ratings of 27 city and 25 highway.
Obviously, with 187 horsepower at a high 5,800 RPM and 186 lb-ft of torque, the engine is going to work hard for every mile per hour it gains. Recognizing this, Toyota has given it a preliminary 9.7-second 0-60 mph rating. That's not too bad considering its highway mileage rating actually bests that of the hybrid model. Maximum tow rating stands at 3,500 pounds, but it'll surely be breathing hard with a full load. No matter, as we expect the new base engine to account for a substantial chunk of Highlander sales.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: 2.7 liter, 2.7l engine, 2.7lengine, 2.7Liter, 2009 toyota highlander, 2009ToyotaHighlander, highlander four cylinder, HighlanderFourCylinder, toyota, toyota highlander, toyota highlander 2.7, ToyotaHighlander, ToyotaHighlander2.7 ]

SEMA 2008: Toyota's truck trio is 3x cooler than modded Venzas

2008-11-04T18:34:00.001-08:00

Click any image for a high-res gallery of Toyota's SEMAfied trucks

[ Via: Autoblog (Aftermarket) ]
[ Tag: sema, sema 2008, Sema2008, tacoma truck concept, TacomaTruckConcept, toyota, toyota tundra, toyota tundra ducati transporter, ToyotaTundra, ToyotaTundraDucatiTransporter, trd tacoma off road, TrdTacomaOffRoad ]

Toyota Venza priced from $25,975

2008-11-03T21:37:00.001-08:00

It's been almost a year since Toyota debuted its new Venza crossover at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and we've heard nary a peep since. With the launch of the V6 model only a month away, though, we've finally received pricing info. The rather ungainly looking Venza will start at $25,975 with Toyota's new 2.7L four-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive, and top out at $29,250 for the 3.5L V6 model with AWD. This makes the Venza's pricing very close to its competition from Nissan and Ford, though Toyota's model is the only one available with a four-cylinder engine.
Standard features on the Venza include traction and stability control plus plenty of safety features, and the options list looks like it came straight from Lexus. Some of the dollar figures on those options are Lexus-like, as well. DVD Navigation with upscale JBL sound will set you back $2,590, and just the upgraded stereo will cost an additional $1,090. Toyota also offers four levels of luxury packaging ranging from $1,600 for leather seats to $4,345 for a package with leather, HID headlights, mahogany wood finishes and heated mirrors. For full pricing info, check out Toyota's official press release after the jump.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: 2009 toyota venza, 2009ToyotaVenza, crossover, toyota venza, ToyotaVenza, venza pricing, VenzaPricing ]

Toyota: Separate Prius brand not a 'go'

2008-11-02T19:35:00.001-08:00

Rumors from LLN that a separate Prius brand are "a go" are actually nothing more than a maybe. According to Toyota's own blog, the automaker can confirm that it's considering a hybrid-only brand that would see separate space in dealerships -- much like what is already being done with the Scion brand -- but a final decision has not yet been made and Toyota's not even sure what products would fall under that new brand name, besides, of course, the Prius. Rumors, though, abound regarding new hybrids from Toyota, including Prius-like hatchbacks both a bit larger and a bit smaller than the current model alongside a hybrid price-leader to do proper battle with the new Honda Insight. Now, if they'd just address those rumors of an 80-mile-per-gallon Volt-fighting hybrid that have also been swirling around the interwebs...

[ Via: Toyota ]
[ Tag: 2010 prius, 2010 toyota prius, 2010Prius, 2010ToyotaPrius, prius, prius brand, PriusBrand, toyota hybrid, toyota prius, ToyotaHybrid, ToyotaPrius ]

Forum Find: Custom MR2 with the Ultimate Car-Puter

2008-11-02T02:09:00.001-08:00

[ Via: MR2Forum.de ]
[ Tag: ]

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

2008-10-31T09:00:00.003-07:00

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

2008-10-31T09:00:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-30T06:34:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-29T09:57:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-27T18:49:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-26T19:10:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-26T19:09:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-23T17:52:00.003-07:00

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

2008-10-23T17:52:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-21T09:59:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-20T19:03:00.007-07:00

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

2008-10-20T19:03:00.005-07:00

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

2008-10-20T19:03:00.003-07:00

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

2008-10-20T19:03:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-18T20:06:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-17T20:19:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-12T01:20:00.003-07:00

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

2008-10-12T01:20:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-12T01:19:00.003-07:00

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?

2008-10-12T01:19:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-12T01:11:00.001-07:00

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.

2008-10-09T07:23:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-09T07:22:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-07T06:10:00.003-07:00

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

2008-10-07T06:10:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-03T20:33:00.003-07:00

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

2008-10-03T20:33:00.001-07:00

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 ]

Toyota develops new rear window airbag for small cars

2008-09-30T17:31:00.001-07:00

Safety technology has improved by leaps and bounds over the last few decades, and just about every automaker now knows how to score a five star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Toyota is looking to keep the stars coming by developing a new rear window airbag that will be standard equipment on its upcoming iQ micro car. A quick glance at micro-vehicles like the iQ shows that there is very little space between the back seat and the rear window, which means there won't be as much metal to absorb the impact of a rear collision. With Toyota's new rear window airbag, the rear air bag is ejected from the roof lining during a fender bender. Toyota says it will help protect the heads and necks back seat passengers, which is all the more important in smaller vehicles like the iQ. In addition to this new bag, Toyota wants to improve its safety reputation by making side curtain and shield airbags standard for all of itsmodels.

PRESS RELEASE

TOYOTA DEVELOPS WORLD'S FIRST REAR WINDOW CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG

Toyota announced today that it has developed the world's first* SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) rear window curtain shield airbag to protect rear passengers' heads in the event of a rear-end collision.

The innovative airbag deploys from the roof lining above the rear window in the form of a curtain-like barrier. Together with the headrests, the airbag minimises impact to the head from a colliding vehicle or parts of the hit vehicle, thus helping to reduce the severity of injuries. Its use in the soon-to-be launched "iQ" ultra-compact four-seater is expected to approximately double the car's rear passenger head protection performance.

Toyota has continued to actively develop and make available its collision safety technologies – resulting in such achievements as the swift market introduction of SRS curtain shield and knee airbags – to enable its vehicles to better respond to a greater range of accidents.

As a part of its efforts to realise sustainable mobility, Toyota intends to strengthen its traffic safety initiatives in the future through: 1) the development of even safer vehicles and technologies; 2) participation in the creation of a safe traffic environment and 3) activities designed to educate people on traffic safety, thereby contributing to the complete elimination of traffic casualties, which can be viewed as the ultimate hope of a society that values mobility.

*According to TMC research, as of September 2008

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: rear window airbag, RearWindowAirbag, safety, toyota ]

SEMA Preview: Toyota's Vegas-bound Venzas

2008-09-30T07:01:00.001-07:00

Click either image for a gallery of Toyota's Vegas-bound Venzas

[ Via: Toyota Open Road Blog ]
[ Tag: five axis, FiveAxis, sema, sema 2008, Sema2008, street image inc., StreetImageInc., toyota, toyota venza as v, toyota venza sportlux, ToyotaVenzaAsV, ToyotaVenzaSportlux, venza ]

LA Preview: Toyota to display CNG fueled Camry Hybrid concept

2008-09-25T05:52:00.001-07:00

Hybrid vehicles are increasingly becoming mainstream, but so far all of the production units available on the market have used gasoline exclusively as the fuel for the internal combustion engine. Various manufacturers have also shown concept and one-off test hybrid vehicles with diesel and E85 capable flex-fuel engines. One combination we don't recall seeing is a CNG fueled hybrid. Toyota plans to address that oversight at the LA Auto Show in November with a CNG fueled Camry Hybrid. Vehicles running on compressed natural gas are nothing new, although the only one currently offered by a major automaker in the US right now is the Honda Civic GX. Since CNG vehicles have a shorter range, they have primarily been used by fleets with centralized filling stations. Toyota has built this vehicle as part of its wide ranging sustainable mobility strategy. With domestic supplies of CNG being comparatively plentiful, something like a CNG hybrid sedan could be a good option for someone who does most of their driving locally. Combine it with the Phill home fueling station and you'd never have to go to a gas station again. Press release after the break.
PRESS RELEASE

TOYOTA TO DISPLAY CNG-POWERED CAMRY-HYBRID CONCEPT AT 2008 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 24, 2008 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced here today at its Sustainable Mobility Seminar that it will display a compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid concept vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

"With the combination of plentiful long-term supplies in North America, improved and more efficient recovery methods, favorable pricing and clean-burn/low emissions characteristics, CNG has become a prime energy-source for the future," said Irv Miller, group vice president, TMS Corporate Communications. "With this concept, we are confirming our interest in pursuing CNG within our broad and comprehensive R&D scope."

In 1999 Toyota marketed a CNG-powered four-cylinder Camry to fleet customers in California. However, in an era of relatively cheap gasoline, customers were not attracted to a vehicle that required special refueling techniques and a limited refueling infrastructure and the program was discontinued a year later. Currently, there are only about 1,000 CNG refueling stations nationwide, with less than half open to the public.

The benefits of CNG are currently being amplified by rapidly changing market conditions and an increase in consumer environmental awareness. At the same time its drawbacks are being mitigated by a growing awareness that advanced technologies will require investment in appropriate infrastructure. The U.S. CNG pipeline system is an approximately 1.8 million mile network and expanding.

"Natural gas," adds Miller, "and an expanded retail-friendly CNG infrastructure could be seen as a model for future hydrogen infrastructure."

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: cng, cng camry hybrid, CngCamryHybrid, compressed natural gas, CompressedNaturalGas, la 2008, la auto show, la autoshow, La2008, LaAutoShow ]

The gauntlet is thrown: VW Jetta TDI vs. Toyota Prius

2008-09-25T05:50:00.001-07:00

Clean diesel or hybrid drive? It's an intriguing question, and one that's not quite so easy to answer. There's the price of diesel fuel to consider, which runs a few dimes over that of regular gasoline. Then there is fuel mileage. Does the Volkswagen Jetta TDI have a shot at dethroning the Toyota Prius as the undisputed mileage champion of the U.S.? To get a preliminary answer to some of these questions, Popular Mechanics put almost 500 miles on both cars, dividing up their miles between the city and the highway. It's not a knock-out for either car, but it may offer some early answers to a few questions.
First, the mileage. In the city, there's just no beating a hybrid, which uses its electric motor to good effect and scores over ten mpg better in the stop-and-go traffic of Los Angeles. On the highway, though, the Jetta TDI is able to eke out a narrow victory, scoring less than one mile per gallon better. Once the price of crude is factored in, the Prius remains the overall cheaper car to keep filled up. Of course, there is more to the story than that, including which car is a better to drive -- according to PM, the Jetta. Finally, the TDI qualifies for a $1,300 tax credit that the Prius can't claim. It's too close to call. Expect a rematch soon enough.
Read our First Drive of the 2009 VW Jetta TDI and full review of the Toyota Prius to see what we think.

[ Via: Popular Mechanics ]
[ Tag: jetta tdi, jetta tdi mileage, jetta tdi prius, jetta tdi test, jetta tdi vs prius, JettaTdi, JettaTdiMileage, JettaTdiPrius, JettaTdiTest, JettaTdiVsPrius, prius mileage, prius test, prius vs jetta tdi, prius vs. jetta tdi, PriusMileage, PriusTest, PriusVs.JettaTdi, PriusVsJettaTdi ]

Toyota to Tundra factory workers: Get thee to a park!

2008-09-24T08:08:00.001-07:00

As reported recently, even though Toyota halted Tundra production for a while, the company pledged not to lay off its workers. At a total cost of potentially $1 billion to the company, Toyota instead placed the employees in retraining and civic works programs during a Kaizen and Development Period.
What kinds of civic programs? One of them, in San Antonio, is called the City-Toyota Green Clean-Up Project, which has put up to 340 workers on the streets to "clean, paint, and plant." Factory staffers have painted curbs, picnic tables and trash cans, trimmed trees and plants, and cleaned up lots. While employees do want to get back to the factories, they're enjoying the time away and being able to give back to the city -- all the while earning their regular wages and benefits.
A second round of city improvement will begin next month. After that, Toyota expects to have all hands on deck again at the factory in November, building 2009-model-year Tundras. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[ Via: My SA News ]
[ Tag: city toyota green clean up project, CityToyotaGreenCleanUpProject, factories, kaizen, layoffs, san antonio, SanAntonio, toyota, toyota layoffs, toyota san antonio, toyota tundra, ToyotaLayoffs, ToyotaSanAntonio, ToyotaTundra, tundra ]

F1 teams spent over $3 billion, Toyota the most

2008-09-22T18:31:00.003-07:00

While we knew Formula 1 racing was an expensive venture, leave it to the 2008/2009 edition of Formula Money to spell-out the jaw-dropping finances for us. According to their latest guide, the supporting cast will shell out over $3 billion this year in team resources -- with Toyota dropping more than $445 million of it alone. McLaren is a close second at $433 million, while Ferrari rounds out the top three with $414 million coming out of pocket. If you take a look at team resources divided by points scored, each point cost Ferrari $1.9 million in 2007 (while each point cost Honda a staggering $57.2 million during the same period!). With the financial markets around the world roiled in turmoil, many are wondering when the F1 budgets are going to feel the pinch... Thanks for the tip, Keith!

[ Via: F1 Fanatic ]
[ Tag: budget, F1, F1 Guide, F1Guide, Ferrari, Ferrari F1, FerrariF1, finances, Formula 1, Formula Money, Formula1, FormulaMoney, Honda F1, HondaF1, Season budget, SeasonBudget, Spending, Toyota F1, ToyotaF1 ]

Toyota considers building A-BAT truck, cancels small diesel

2008-09-22T18:31:00.001-07:00

Despite the fact that its full-sized truck competitors from Ford, General Motors and Dodge will all offer new small-displacement diesel engines within the next year or so, Toyota has reportedly canceled plans for a similar powertrain for its Tundra. Instead of dumping money into the stalled full-size market, the automaker has reportedly contacted key suppliers for quotes on systems for its radical A-BAT concept truck from the Detroit Auto Show. Powertrain choices for the trucklet would include a traditional four-cylinder option along with a hybrid drivetrain, possibly sourced from the Camry hybrid. If it went into production, the A-BAT would join the lonely Ford Ranger in the small pickup market and would use a uni-body platform in lieu of a full frame, which is standard fare on most other trucks. Then again, it may never be given the green-light for production at all.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: a-bat, a-bat concept, A-BAT hybrid, a-bat hybrid truck, a-bat-concept, a-bat-hybrid, A-batConcept, A-batHybrid, A-batHybridTruck, toyota a-bat, toyota a-bat concept, ToyotaA-bat, ToyotaA-batConcept, tundra diesel, TundraDiesel ]

Toyota iQ platform will spawn new compact cars

2008-09-18T12:00:00.001-07:00

Toyota developed an all-new architecture for its iQ city car, but in an effort to defray the costs the automaker will be using the platform to underpin three new models.
The first will be the next-generation Yaris, due out in 2011, which will be packaged more efficiently to improve interior volume and be a more competent competitor to the Honda Fit. A new hybrid model is also in the works that takes aim at another Honda – the new 2009 Insight – while a seven-seat people mover is also slated to be built atop the iQ's architecture.
MotorTrend sat down with the iQ's chief engineer, Hiroki Nakajima, to discuss a half-dozen innovative packaging solutions employed on the city car, including a differential moved to the front of the engine to allow more interior room, a higher-mounted steering rack and wiper motor assembly, a smaller, more efficient climate control system and a flat, thin fuel tank that lies beneath the passenger seats.
All these innovations have cost some serious coin to develop, but over the iQ's lifetime, along with the implementation of these systems on other models, Toyota is confident that the expense is worth it for both the automaker and consumers.

[ Via: MotorTrend ]
[ Tag: 2011, 2011 toyota yaris, 2011ToyotaYaris, iq, platform, toyota, toyota hybrid, ToyotaHybrid, yaris ]

Toyota sees more struggles in 2009, blue skies next decade

2008-09-18T04:58:00.007-07:00

The US auto industry has hit a serious slump in 2008, with overall sales estimated drop by two million vehicles compared to 2007. Even the mighty Toyota has seen sales slip by 7.8%, which is better than the industry average, but a far cry from annual increases of 10%. And times may not improve in 2009 either, as the credit crunch and mortgage crisis have conspired to kick the auto industry in the pants. Toyota sales boss Jim Lentz says the mortgage crisis is the main culprit of tough sledding for the Japanese automaker. Florida and California, which account for 30% of overall Toyota Sales, have been especially hard hit by decreased home values. Lexus sales have been hit hard, too, as one third of all of purchasers in the Sunshine State use home equity to buy their luxury vehicles. It doesn't take an accounting degree to know that houses are typically assets and cars are almost always liabilities. That large amounts of people who were using home equity to purchase cars is disturbing, and it's likely a trend that isn't unique to Toyota.
Toyota does see light at the end of the tunnel, as the Japanese automaker expects the US population to grow by 32 million in the next decade. Toyota also expects the rate of affluent customers to rise, which means more people with more money will want to buy a new car or truck. For the near term, since housing has gone nowhere but down and lenders are having trouble coming up with money, we're guessing the car market will be taking a hit for quite a while.

[ Via: '+replyToUndo+' ]
[ Tag: auto market, AutoMarket, california, car buying, CarBuying, florida, lexus, toyota ]

In The Autoblog Garage: 2009 Toyota Camry XLE

2008-09-18T04:58:00.005-07:00

A recent night of excitement: driving the Camry XLE to the Super Wal-Mart. So lame, but that's not the car's fault. Like Wal-Mart, the Camry has been excoriated as a work of Satan, antithetical to all that is American, never mind where it's built. Despite the gleeful way everyone always lobs shots at Toyota's midsizer, there's a lot of virtue here. After all, there has to be some kind of hook to this car attaining such vaunted status, besides the bounce-lending automotive cult of personality. Since nobody actually reviews the Camry – we just complain about it as it outsells everything else – we rustled up an XLE powered by Toyota's 2.4-liter four cylinder and tried it out.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: camry autoblog garage, camry garage, camry review, camry xle, CamryAutoblogGarage, CamryGarage, CamryReview, CamryXle, featured, in the autoblog garage, InTheAutoblogGarage, toyota camry, ToyotaCamry ]

Toyota attacks potential Volt-only tax break

2008-09-18T04:58:00.003-07:00

Automotive News reports that Toyota is preparing a statement for a congressional hearing on the progress of EVs, the results of which could influence legislation that gives a big $7,500 tax credit to any hybrid with a battery pack rated at 6 kilowatt-hours of electricity or more. Toyota argues that the legislation is too restrictive and redefines what a hybrid is since the only vehicle eligible (that we know about) would be the 2011 Chevy Volt with its 16 killowatt-hour battery pack, though Toyota never calls out the series hybrid by name.
For reference, the current Toyota Prius uses a battery pack that generates 1.3 killowatt-hour, and judging by the Japanese automaker's reaction to this legislation, we doubt that its plug-in hybrid electric Prius currently under development uses a battery pack powerful enough, either. Nevertheless, there could be other hybrids being developed besides the Volt that would be eligible, which would poke a big hole in Toyota's argument. Also, as AutoblogGreen points out, this legislation will likely change many times before it becomes law.
The government is right, however, to put higher restrictions on what is eligible for a tax credit of this size. Current hybrid tax credits have topped out around $3,000, with the largest on record being for the Prius itself at $3,150. If the government is considering offering more than twice that amount for future hybrids, then we think it's fair they raise the bar on what should be eligible.

[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: 2011 chevy volt, 2011ChevyVolt, chevy, chevy volt, ChevyVolt, gm, hybrid tax break, HybridTaxBreak, toyota, volt tax break, VoltTaxBreak ]

Toyota considering Prius sub-brand, dealerships

2008-09-18T04:58:00.001-07:00

There could soon come a day when you waltz into a local Prius dealership to purchase your next hybrid car. As Toyota did with the Scion brand, the Japanese giant is still said to be considering making an entirely new brand just for hybrids out of its popular Prius hatchback. We are certain to get a redesigned Prius after it debuts in Detroit in 2009, and after that, the rumormill indicates that a smaller hybrid model is on the way that would more closely compete with the new Honda Insight, which will undercut the standard Prius by a scooter-sized chunk of change. Toyota previewed a hybrid model powered by a smaller gas engine when it introduced the world to its 1/X concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. With a bit of mild speculation, we could envision a slightly larger model than the current Prius as a replacement for the Camry hybrid, giving Toyota a three-pronged answer to the likes of the Volt from GM and the Insight from Honda.

[ Via: Reuters ]
[ Tag: chevy volt, ChevyVolt, honda insight, HondaInsight, prius brand, prius dealer, prius dealers, prius dealership, prius sub brand, PriusBrand, PriusDealer, PriusDealers, PriusDealership, PriusSubBrand, toyota prius, ToyotaPrius ]

Toyota launches plug-in Prius hybrid in UK

2008-09-10T17:48:00.001-07:00

Toyota has been testing plug-in versions of its Prius hybrid sedan on public roads in Japan for quite some time and the models have made it Stateside for testing, as well. Now Toyota has begun testing its PHEV in the U.K. Along with EDF Energy, the Japanese automotive giant and undisputed hybrid development leader plans to run the plug-in Prius on public roadways for at least a year, starting today. As the car, with its very unfortunate paint job, is driven by EDF employees as part of the energy company's fleet of vehicles, both its capabilities and the cost savings to run the PHEV will be recorded and hopefully provide some sort of useful data to Toyota. Seriously guys, enough teasing. The real question is when Toyota will find enough reason to actually start offering the plug-in Prius for sale.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: edf energy, EdfEnergy, phev, phev prius, PhevPrius, plug in prius, plug-in, plug-in hybrid, plug-in prius, Plug-inHybrid, Plug-inPrius, PlugInPrius, plugins ]