- Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Budget, Performance, Etc., Japan, Toyota
It's getting harder and harder to purchase a genuine stripped down vehicle these days. Manufacturers have discovered that it's both cheaper and easier to offer every model with a surprisingly high level of content rather than build multiple variations on the same theme. That's why tricks like power locks and windows are all but ubiquitous, even on bargain-basement models.
Not so in Japan. Toyota is offering buyers a stripper version of the company's new GT86 sports coupe. The vehicle comes as a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch. Outside, the stock 17-inch alloy wheels are replaced with 16-inch steelies, and the bumpers, side mirrors and door handles all arrive unpainted. Don't expect to find any fog lights, either.
Indoors, niceties like a stereo, air conditioning and even trim work around the steering wheel and shifter are nowhere to be found. Toyota even went so far as to ditch the plastic intake cover under the hood. The vehicle doesn't come with a limited-slip rear differential, but the sacrifice seems worth it to us. For starters, the GT-86 RC carries a price tag of 1.9 million Yen, or $24,601 at current conversion rates. That's significantly less than the standard model. Then there's the fact that the RC weighs nearly 100 pounds less than the base GT-86.
Sadly, we doubt either Scion or Subaru will offer a similarly stripped-down version of their respective FR-S or BRZ models, though history disagrees with us. Scion did, in fact, offer a stripper version of the tC back in 2007 called the tC Spec Package.Toyota GT86 offered in stripped down RC flavor... in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUV, Toyota
Look very, very closely. This is the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser, which, though not immediately apparent, is different than the 2012 model. How, exactly? The updated SUV has new features like LED running lamps up front, a revised taillamp design and some new wheel options. Inside, there's a brand new hard drive-based navigation system complete with Toyota's fancy new Entune infotainment system.
Aside from that, there isn't much else in the way of newness for Toyota's stalwart off-roader. Under the hood is the automaker's 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, and a standard Multi-Terrain Select system keeps things in check for when the pavement turns to dirt... or sand... or mud.
Check out the full scope of Land Cruiser goodness in the press release after the jump, and click through our gallery of images live from the Chicago Auto Show to see all of those ever-so-slight design tweaks.Continue reading 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser has been updated, apparently
2013 Toyota Land Cruiser has been updated, apparently originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Toyota, Fiat
The Fiat 500 is 139 inches of A-segment fury, with a heaping dose of cute and a dash of fuel efficiency. In fact, the manual transmission-equipped cinquecento averages 33 miles per gallon in mixed driving, which is better than most things on the road.
Impressed? Toyota isn't. The Detroit Free Press reports that the Japanese automaker told dealers at the National Automobile Dealers Association meeting in Las Vegas, NV recently that the next generation Avalon will get better fuel economy than the wee Fiat.
Since the current generation Avalon is five feet longer and considerably wider than the 500, that's an impressive claim. Heck, the Avalon is bigger than the Camry, and buyers currently have to step into a Camry Hybrid model to surpass the fuel economy numbers of the pint-sized Fiat.
The sky-high fuel economy of the Avalon wasn't the only good news Toyota delivered to dealers. The automaker reportedly informed the car-selling audience that 19 new models were coming in 2012.Next Toyota Avalon to best Fiat 500's fuel economy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota
During the Detroit Auto Show, Toyota said the new Prius C would start at under $19,000. Today, we learn that this is like a lesson from Obi-Wan: what Toyota told us was true, from a certain point of view.
The base level Prius C One's MSRP is indeed $18,950, but that doesn't include a $760 destination charge, and you can easily spend north of $23,000 for the top-of-the-line Prius C Four. Still, that's a raging deal for a car estimated to get a fuel economy rating of 53/46/50 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined) from the EPA. As Toyota is quick to point out, those numbers make the C the, "highest rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug."
As you might have surmised, there will be four trim levels for the Prius C and, unsurprisingly, some of the best features are only available on the upper ends. The Four, for example, is the only version that has fog lights and that can be optioned with 16-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels (all others make due with 15-inchers). Also, neither the One, Two or Three can be equipped with an important cold-weather feature: heated front seats. At least things like automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone controls and remote keyless entry all come standard. The Prius C goes on sale in March. Full details in the press release after the break.Continue reading Toyota prices 2012 Prius C under $19K*
Toyota prices 2012 Prius C under $19K* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Videos, Toyota
There is likely no end to the amount of fun one can have with an empty parking lot, a few cones and a willing vehicle. Add two capable machines to the mix and the enjoyment increases exponentially. When those happen to be two Toyota GT86 coupes, all that's missing is the not-so judicious application of one's right foot. Two pro drift drivers recently got the chance to fling the GT86 around in a quick battle, and the result is a video that shows just how controllable the GT86 is right out of the box.
While we could think of a handful of other sports cars that are as capable right from the showroom floor, the list of those with price tags as slim as the GT86 and its Scion and Subaru brethren is considerably thinner. Hit the jump for a few lessons in car control.Continue reading Pair of Toyota GT86s duel in parking lot drift battle
Pair of Toyota GT86s duel in parking lot drift battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Toyota, Racing
When Toyota announced its return to endurance sports car racing with the new TS030 Hybrid this season, the plan was to enter a handful of races, like Le Mans and Spa-Francorchamps, on an invitational basis.
Plans change, though, and Toyota has now upgraded the program to a full manufacturer entry, paving the way for it to compete in the entire FIA World Endurance Championship schedule. Now, with budget constraints, it's likely that Toyota will still pick and choose which races to contest, but it does open the door.
The change was apparently made in order to support endurance racing as a motorsport discipline. As part of its arrangement with the FIA, organizers at the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) need at least two manufacturers in the LMP1 category. With Peugeot's withdrawal, the series lacked the requisite level of participation, so Toyota stepped up to fill the void. Follow the jump for the full announcement.Continue reading Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry
Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Toyota
Toyota is looking to meld the smartphones with the television in a new ad campaign. The automaker is giving fans a chance to win two Camrys in new promotion that uses the Shazam mobile app in conjunction with a TV spot. When the commercial airs, viewers simply fire up Shazam and enter the giveaway. (They can also enter the sweepstakes online.) Toyota says the program is the first and largest of its kind to use Shazam.
The "Connections" TV spot is designed to encourage further exploration of the so-called "Camry Effect," a social media campaign focused on how the Camry impacts people's lives for the better. Fans can enter the sweepstakes once daily for a chance to take home a Camry for themselves and one for a friend. Hit the jump for the full press release.Continue reading Toyota using Shazam music ID app for new TV spot, giveaway
Toyota using Shazam music ID app for new TV spot, giveaway originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Ford, GM, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Toyota, Earnings/Financials
Most days, California must seem like Kazakhstan for the Big Three. Domestic products aren't so popular out West, where Toyota and Honda have long stood atop the sales charts. But not in 2011.
According to a report in Automotive News, both General Motors and Ford managed to bump Honda from its silver medal position in 2011, though Toyota still holds a commanding market share lead. In a storyline we've heard before, the twin natural disasters in Asia curbed Japanese production, causing a 4.5 point loss of market share. Toyota's market share dropped from 22.8 to 19.2 percent, while GM and Ford tied at 12.6 percent - ahead of Honda at 12.1.
Booming sales in the Golden State helped the domestics to their 1.8 point gain. New vehicle registrations in California were up 9.9 percent, according to the report. The biggest sales gains last year were made by Kia and Jeep, which were up 53 and 49 percent, respectively.Wagons West: Domestics picked up market share in California last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen
Volkswagen has the honor of being this year's top producing North American automotive manufacturer by a wide margin with its Puebla, Mexico facility. The factory managed to produce 510,041 units last year, beating out second-place Nissan and its Aguascalientes, Mexico plant by a staggering 149,245 units, according to Ward's Auto. Nissan jumped from third to second place after Toyota and its Georgetown plant dropped from the top five. Toyota and Honda both saw themselves ousted from the leader board after a year pockmarked by disruptions from earthquake and tsunami activity in Japan and flooding in Thailand.
The Japanese automakers' vacancies made room for Hyundai and its facility in Montgomery, Alabama with 338,127 units to take fourth place. Ford, meanwhile, moved from fifth in 2010 to third in 2011 with 344,446 units from its Dearborn Truck plant. Nissan rounded out the top five last year with the company's plant in Smyrna, Tennessee taking the automaker's second spot on the list.
Ward's Auto reports Volkswagen enjoyed a boost from the popularity of the Jetta. That model alone helped push the company's Puebla facility to a 75,356 unit gain over last year's figures. Head over to Ward's to see the full report.These are North America's top producing auto plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota
Domestic automakers have much to be happy about, with Chrysler, Ford and General Motors all gaining market share last year for the first time since 1988. Yet according to Bloomberg, 2012 won't be as good to Detroit. Total sales are projected to grow from 12.8 million vehicles last year to 13.6 million, according to the report, but increasing competition from Korea and a Japanese recovery from the natural disasters of 2011 mean those extra sales aren't likely headed to the Big Three.
The news agency spoke to five analysts, and predictions have the U.S. automakers losing 1.3 percentage points this year. The analysts estimate that GM will drop 0.6 of a percent, Ford will lose 0.5 percent, and Chrysler will be down 0.2 percent. Toyota is seen gaining 0.9 percent, with Honda grabbing an extra 0.5 percent, while Hyundai and Kia are only projected to see their combined market share improve by 0.01.
If all this comes true, GM would have the top market share in the U.S. at 19 percent, with Ford in second at 16.3 percent, followed by Toyota at 13.8 percent, Chrysler at 10.5 percent, and Honda at 9.5 percent.Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota
You know those Toyota commercials that we never get, the ones aired in distant lands like Australia and Brazil and that are, oh, interesting? We're finally getting one. Toyota is returning to Super Bowl advertising after a three-year hiatus with a 30-second version of this longer-form 60-second spot for the 2012 Camry, and we think it's amusing enough to be worthy of The Big Game.
This is a continuation of the reinvention theme introduced in the first 2012 Camry ad last year, and this commercial adds some comedy, a welcome change from Toyota's typically sober marketing campaigns. Toyota will also air a second 30-second spot during the NFL's championship game. Check it out in long form (along with the official press release) after the jump.Continue reading Toyota returns to Super Bowl with "It's Reinvented!" Camry commercial
Toyota returns to Super Bowl with "It's Reinvented!" Camry commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Toyota
Today's vehicles are more powerful, more efficient and safer than ever before. In fact, today's car buyer would be hard pressed to spend his or her money on a genuinely bad vehicle. But those overall improvements may have also led consumers to believe there are no real differences between the various products offered by the world's major automakers. According to the Consumer Reports 2012 Car-Brand Perception Survey, Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevrolet have all seen their scores drop by double digits compared to last year.
The survey asks consumers to rate brands across seven categories. Consumer Reports says that by combining those categories, the organization can get a handle on how each brand is perceived in the marketplace.
This year, Toyota continued to lead in the survey, though its persistent recalls saw the brand's perception fall by 17 points this year. Ford, Honda and BMW all saw their perception scores plummet more than 20 points. The results may indicate consumers are seeing fewer differences between automakers as products continue to improve. While that's good news for smaller automakers like Hyundai, Kia and Subaru, larger names in the industry should be worried. Head over to Consumer Reports for the full report.Consumer Reports survey suggests buyers don't see differences between car companies originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Toyota, Humor
Reaction vids certainly aren't in short supply. Whether it's a mom screaming her head off during a hot lap of Laguna Seca, a little boy freaking out over the silent rush of acceleration in a Tesla Roadster, or a wife screaming expletives at her husband in Italian during a Sunday spin in a Honda Civic Type-R, these candid-camera-style videos are usually good for a few laughs.
More recently, the meme has been slathered with sex appeal to attract even more eyeballs. There's this well-known example, plus someone on YouTube who just has pretty girls ride shotgun as he takes them for a ride.
We like it best when the passenger's reaction is honest and unscripted, though. Like this example, in which a son takes his father for a ride in his pride and joy: a 530-horsepower Toyota MR2. Shot back in 2010, it's not new, but we'd never seen it before and still get a kick out of the father's response.
Take a trip with Dad after the jump to see for yourself.Continue reading Dad disapproves of son's 530-horsepower MR2
Dad disapproves of son's 530-horsepower MR2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Toyota, Racing
A design and engineering icon, the Toyota 2000GT is the forefather of all Japanese supercars, the ancestor to which the Acura NSX, Nissan GT-R and Lexus LFA must pay homage. It's rare enough to find a 2000GT for sale, but the example being offered by Maine Line Exotics is particularly special.
MF10-100001 is the first Toyota 2000GT produced, and one of the three that Toyota delivered to Shelby American Racing in 1967 to be prepped for the 1968 SCCA season. Two of those cars raced under the Shelby-Toyota banner in 1968. MF10-100001 wore the #23 and was driven by Davey Jordan.
How much does Maine Line Exotics want for this important piece of automotive history? How does $1.7 million grab you? Head over to Maine Line Exotics for more information.First Toyota 2000GT produced goes up for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Toyota, Racing
The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. So, apparently, do the world's automakers. At least, that is, when it comes to Le Mans. Case in point: the new Toyota TS030 Hybrid, the Le Mans prototype that the Japanese automaker has just revealed, mere days after Peugeot announced its departure from the endurance racing scene.
Shorthand for the third Toyota Sport prototype - following the TS010 and TS020 that challenged Le Mans in the '90s - the TS030 is the first LMP1 to employ a hybrid drivetrain. (Peugeot was experimenting with a similar system before shutting down its program, and Audi is rumored to be testing one as well, but has yet to announce it to the public.)
Toyota Hybrid System - Racing (THS-R) couples a 3.4-liter V8 to one of two potential electric motor setups: a front-mounted system developed by Aisin AW or a rear-mounted one from Denso. According to regulations, the electric boost can only drive one set of wheels, and Toyota has yet to decide which, although the 500kJ capacitor supplied by Nisshinbo is already a lock.
The carbon fiber chassis, meanwhile, was developed in-house by Toyota Motorsport GmbH in Cologne, Germany - the same outfit that ran the company's F1 team and has been looking for a new project ever since. The facility will serve as the team's headquarters as well, from which it will field one car in its debut at the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps - the second round of the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship - on May 5. Toyota is planning to field a second car at Le Mans in June, but while the first car's driver roster is already confirmed, the team has yet to decide on its second line-up.
Follow the jump for the full press release and spec sheet, and check out the first batch of official images in the high-res gallery above.Continue reading Toyota reveals TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype [w/video]
Toyota reveals TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'TOYOTA' Category
Sunday, October 17th, 2010
Toyota FT-86
The Wall Street Journal reports that Toyota management told dealers in Las Vegas there will be a production version of the FT-86 badged as a Scion model. The move would help bolster the struggling brand, which has been a bit product-starved of late. There are also rumors of a new price point – as high as $25,000 – and the possibility that the Subaru version will only be available in Europe.
While the report claims the FT-86 will be badged as a Scion, there is no definitive word there won’t be a Toyota variant as well. We’re sure to learn more this auto show season, as reports show that the production FT-86 could arrive at the New York Auto Show in 2011.
Posted in Automotive News, Passenger Cars, TOYOTA, World Cars | No Comments »
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
В Toyota,В Auto Shows
Toyota hasВ chosen the state shindig to debut its all-new 2010 4Runner SUV. Besides the all-new exterior and interior, the big news is the addition of a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a new Trail grade model for hard core off-roaders. Of course, we’d be remiss not to also mention the sound system’s new Party Mode that raises bass and transfers equalization to the rear of the vehicle where hatch-mounted speakers await to please the tailgating crowd.
Both wider and longer than the previous 4Runner, the new model offers an optional third-row seatВ is available in three trims: the top-of-the-line Limited, SR5 and new Trail grade.В Peoples can choose between rear-wheel-drive 4×2, part-time 4×4 and a full-time 4×4 system with a locking center differential. All 4×4 models get a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque and achieving 17 city/22 highway mpg. V6 powered models with 4×2 do slightly better with 17 city/23 highway. The new 2.7 liter four cylinder is only available on the 4×2 SR5 model and produces 157 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque while returning 18 city/23 highway mpg. Considering the marginal difference in fuel economy, we recommend the V6 and question why Toyota is even offering a four-cylinder option besides a lower starting price.
Toyota describes the 4Runner SUV as more rugged than the Highlander CUV and more versatile than the two-door FJ Cruiser. The question remains how large a market still exists for four-door, mid-size SUVs.В Nevertheless, Toyota still believes there’s demand for a rugged, go-anywhere SUV in today’s penny-pinching, gas price-fearing market.
Posted in TOYOTA, World Cars | No Comments »
Monday, August 17th, 2009
Although news of the A-BAT’s imminent arrival was circulating as early as February, Toyota’s decision to put the project on hold doesn’t come as a surprise. With auto sales down overall – and pick-ups being hit particularly hard in the last year – the business case for a compact, hybrid truck would be hard to justify.
Originally, it was assumed the A-BAT would be sold as a Scion, but with the “youth” brand’s renewed focus on smaller vehicles (ala the Scion iQ concept that debuted at the New York Auto Show), a pick-up would be in stark contrast to the rest of the line-up.
“The market has changed dramatically over the last 12 months.” Carter told Pickuptrucks.com, “We always keep reprioritizing – under good economic or recessionary times – what our planning is. [For now, the A-BAT is] on the shelf.”
Posted in Automotive News, TOYOTA, World Cars | No Comments »
Saturday, October 13th, 2007
Filed under: Sports/GTs, Green, Lexus, Toyota
Lexus is the latest to join the “we’re looking at performance hybrids” chat room. Now that everyone’s talking about it, and rolling out concepts, we’re only waiting on someone to do something about it — as in, put one up for mass market sale.
Lexus US General Manager Jim Farley said the brand is looking gas-electric cars aimed at “enthusiast groups” outside of Lexus core buyers. Toyota already controls 78% of the hybrid market, and ironically, after Toyota recently blasted GM’s Volt, the article asserts that Lexus is waiting for the customer reception to that vehicle before deciding which way it will go. We suppose they will also want to see how their LS600h does, as well. Farley did say, though, that a “super-efficient” version of Toyota’s current hybrid system is more likely.
Three years ago Toyota showed off the concept pictured above, the Volta. It wouldn’t look bad branded as a Lexus, and we could only hope they’d create a hybrid system with the power and frugality to match its looks. Though a hybrid LF-A wouldn’t be so bad either.
[Source: Bloomberg]
Posted in Automotive News, LEXUS, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, TOYOTA, World Cars | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 7th, 2007
– Filed under: Japan, Scion, Toyota
В 
The oddly-named JDM Toyota ist was formally introduced this week, and as was the case with the Toyota Blade Master, another new arrival in Japan’s Toyota stores, a range of TRD accessories was announced very shortly thereafter. They do the job of dressing up the rather bland ist, which is Japan’s version of the USDM Scion xD.
Naturally, there’s a replacement grille, body kit, and new wheels. The look can be further augmented with branded scuff plates, TRD Sportivo suspension parts, and a TRD muffler. Hell, TRD even offers a red engine start button. The US-market Scions have always been pushed as being very customization-friendly, and really, it’s no different for the JDM cars. The available accessories do a nice job of dressing things up.
[Source: Toyota via Carview]
Posted in Automotive News, Passenger Cars, TOYOTA, Tuning Cars, World Cars | No Comments »
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