- Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Green, Toyota
Click for high-res image gallery of the Toyoat CNG hybrid Camry
Toyota isn't holding a press conference at the LA Auto Show this year, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have anything to show. The Prius purveyors have built a CNG-fueled Camry hybrid. According to Toyota spokesperson Jana Hartline, the purpose of the CNG hybrid is to demonstrate the versatility of Hybrid Synergy Drive. The car gets 50% better fuel efficiency than the last production CNG vehicle offered by Toyota, which was based on the 2000 Camry. Hartline explained Toyota has no immediate plans to produce either CNG or CNG hybrid vehicles, but the company is looking at all alternatives for the future.
Continue reading LA 2008: Toyota shows off Camry CNG Hybrid
LA 2008: Toyota shows off Camry CNG Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sports/GTs, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM, Toyota, Rendered Speculation
It's usually fun to speculate on what the future might hold, but this is one case where we're not so enthused. First of all, nobody in their right mind really wants to see GM fold (at least they shouldn't), regardless of the fact that it has been mismanaged for a good portion of its 100-year run. There have been some seriously cool machines that have rolled out of GM's various divisions, not the least of which is the iconic American sportscar, the Corvette. The 'Vette has succeeded where others have failed in providing a relatively inexpensive way for Americans to enjoy world class performance, and things have recently taken a turn for the better with the Z06 and ZR1 models. But, what would happen to the American classic if the General were to go bankrupt and couldn't recover? Would the Corvette cease to exist?
This exact question is currently being contemplated by forum members at GM Inside News. One inexplicable suggestion is that Toyota would be the best automaker to take the reigns of the Corvette brand -- a theory that's been met with a fair amount of skepticism. After taking just one look at the latest 'Vette wearing a Toyota badge, we nearly shed a tear. The comments are open -- let the debate rage.
[Source GM Inside News]Heaven Forbid: A Corvette from Toyota? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Toyota
With the domestic auto industry hurting like never before, most analysts expect budgets for motorsports activities to drop dramatically in the coming few months. This slowdown of funds will surely impact NASCAR, which sees participation from each of the Detroit 3 along with Toyota. Despite being one of the most visible racing organizations in the United States, it's also one of the most expensive for teams to operate, with some estimates pegging a single day's worth of track testing at over $100,000 per car. Large teams can expect to save a few million bucks per year in expenses due to the new policy.
Just a few months back, however, NASCAR teams were pushing for more testing sessions at more tracks, and officials had proposed a new plan that would have increased testing sessions to 24 per year. That tactic would have increased the amount of money that teams and sponsors would need to spend by a substantial figure. Although we're not big NASCAR watchers, we tend to think that the change could actually benefit the series, since it could level the playing field and make for better racing. We'll see if we're right in just a few months.
[Source: NASCAR]NASCAR to implement a no-testing policy for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Toyota Prius
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.
[Source: Reuters Associated Press]Toyota Prius production in the U.S. could be delayed until 2011... or not originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Japan, Scion, Subaru, Toyota
The JDM market is apparently enamored with vehicles that look like they're stuck in the shipping crate. We saw the first generation Toyota bB here as the Scion xB before it went on an eating binge and lost all its charm. That original bB went on to another generation, and has its own scions in form of some Daihatsu models. Subaru inked a deal back in April to share models between Toyota and Daihatsu, and this hideous little box with the star-motif badges is the result. There are three trim levels, and the Dex will relieve you of $15,000-$20,000. And here we thought even Subaru had relinquished its weird years ago. Turns out it was there all along, and the Dex is the ballcap-shaped box of contrived quirk that proves it.
[Source: Inside Line]Leave it at home: Subaru Dex originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Green, Japan, Toyota
Click above for a high-res gallery of the production Toyota iQ
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?
[Source: Inside Line]Great things come in small packages. iQ wins Japanese Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Lexus, Toyota, Rendered Speculation
Click above to enlarge the Lexus HS250h rendering
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?
Gallery: Lexus HS250h and 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Rendered Speculation: Lexus dedicated hybrid sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Toyota
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?
[Source: MotorTrend via Pickuptrucks.com]MT claims TRD Supercharged Tundra can hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, Rumormill
Carscoop is reporting that Toyota has finally confirmed what many have long suspected: The next Scion tC will be a variant of the upcoming Subaru-Toyota rear-wheel-drive coupe project. At a press conference back in April, Toyota CEO Katsuaki Watanabe had confirmed that his company was jointly developing a pair of rear-wheel-drive sports cars with Subaru. Each brand would get its own version of the car, which would each be powered by one of Subaru's boxer engines.
It looks like that powerplant will be around 2.0L in size and put out around 200 horsepower. Based on an all-new RWD platform, the affordable coupe should show up Stateside by the end of 2010, or possibly early 2011. That new tC will probably be joined by a version of the iQ minicar in Scion dealerships as well, also according to Carscoop's Toyota insiders. A reborn, rebadged Celica and a Smart-fighter could be a compelling pair for Toyota's youth brand. As always, we'll keep you posted.
[Source: Carscoop]Rumormill: Next-gen Scion tC will be Subaru-co-developed RWD coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Crossovers/CUVs, Toyota, First Drive
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Toyota Venza
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.
Photos copyright (C)2008 Jonathon Ramsey/Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Toyota Venza
First Drive: 2009 Toyota Venza originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Earnings/Financials, Ferrari, Renault
Ever wonder how expensive it is for a manufacturer to compete in Formula 1 racing? Not surprisingly, it ain't cheap. Each of the successful teams spend hundreds of millions of dollars on their programs, but success is not necessarily tied in to how much dough was spent. For instance, Ferrari, winners of this year's constructor's championship with 172 total points, spent about $2.4 million per point in 2008. McLaren and BMW, numbers two and three respectively, spent a bit more than that figure, but still under a cool $3 mil. Honda and Toyota, though, had budgets nearly as large as the top-tier manufacturers yet scored significantly fewer points. In fact, Honda's meager 14 points cost the automaker over 28 million buckaroos a piece, making theirs the most expensive points of all. On average, teams spent about $4.3 million per point. No wonder the sport is looking to cut its budget as soon as possible. Thanks for the tip, Keith!
[Source: F1 Fanatic]F1 budgets off the chart, $4.3 million per point originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Trucks/Pickups, Green, Toyota
Even though Toyota has made it clear that a separate Prius brand isn't a sure thing, that doesn't mean that more body styles of the iconic fuel miser aren't on their way. The latest speculative Prius variant comes courtesy of MotorTrend, which has mocked up a rendering of what a Toyota Prius coupe could look like. Although the idea of a 2+2 hybrid with a lower roofline and some sporting pretenses might seem odd given the Prius' main claim to fame, Toyota doesn't want to be left out in the cold when the also-hybrid Honda CR-Z goes on sale within the next two years.
Predictably, the coupe would share the same drivetrain as its five-door stable-mate, consisting of a new 1.8-liter engine (300cc larger than the current Prius) while returning fuel economy on par or exceeding the outgoing model. The coupe would be lighter than the sedan, allowing the 2+2 to be both quicker and possibily more fuel-efficient.
MT also mentions that the production version of the Toyota A-BAT is still in limbo as the automaker determines under which brand it wants to sell the hybrid pickup. It was originally thought the A-BAT would be offered as a Scion, but Toyota's pledge to only offer one generation of each model in its "youth" brand and the automaker's need to bring its CAFE numbers in check might mean that the A-BAT will don a Toyota badge when (if?) it goes on sale after 2010.
[Source: MotorTrend]Rumormill: Toyota Prius coupe in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Toyota, India
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.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]Toyota developing $5k car under new brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota, Australia
Click above to watch video after the jump
Toyota typically doesn't go out of its way to be creative when advertising its cars for sale in the U.S. (Saved by Zero, anyone?), but that doesn't mean the Japanese automaker lacks a sense of humor. Toyota's new commercial for the Australian-spec Corolla hatchback contains bi-pedal kittens kicking ass Jackie Chan-style. The 45-second spot is a bit creepy on all counts, and could definitely use some kung fu sound effects. We're trying to figure out who the target audience is for this puss-tastic commercial, because the Corolla-driving heroin basically beats up a bunch of cat-people, takes their fish and drives off. Maybe the Pet Smart crowd has a lot of pent-up feelings towards sardines. Follow the jump to see the action-packed feline film for yourself and venture a guess as to what Toyota was going for in the comments. Thanks for the tip, everyone!
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota uses Ninja Kittens to sell Corollas in Australia
VIDEO: Toyota uses Ninja Kittens to sell Corollas in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Trends, Etc., Chevrolet, GM, HUMMER, Toyota
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.
[Source: AdAge]Consumers rate automakers' bang for the buck originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'TOYOTA' Category
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 World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Automotive News, LEXUS, TOYOTA | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 7th, 2007
- Filed under: Japan, Scion, Toyota
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 World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, TOYOTA | No Comments »
Monday, February 12th, 2007
2007 Toyota FT-HS Concept, Toyota
interior
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, TOYOTA | No Comments »
Thursday, May 23rd, 2002
Details info: Toyota Allion (2001 - )
The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Toyota Allion Limousine 4d
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.5 16v aut.
1.8 16v 4WD aut.
1.8 16v aut.
2.0 16v CVT
Previous version:
Variation:
Assembly Plants:
Info:
The mid-size sedan was released in December 2001. The Premio and Allion are the successors to the outgoing Corona Premio and Carina, respectively. The new models feature larger-class-like interior spaciousness, seating arrangement flexibility, and environmental performance. The vehicle’s high, rigid body is supported by a newly-designed suspension for greater stability and a smoother ride in a front-wheel-drive layout. Engine variation includes 2.0-liter, 1.8-liter and 1.5-liter.
Donors:
Posted in TOYOTA | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2002
Details info: Toyota Alphard
The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Toyota Alphard MPV
Sales Company:
Available version:
2.4 16v 4WD aut.
2.4 16v aut.
2.4 16v Hybrid aut.
2.4 16v Hybrid 4WD aut.
3.0 24v 4WD aut.
3.0 24v aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
Info: In May 2002, Toyota launched the Alphard luxury minivan to compete with its rival, the Nissan Elgrand. The Alphard was developed as Toyota’s flagship minivan and replaces the outgoing Toyota Granvia. The Alphard has a class-leading size of interior space and riding comfort, as well as sophisticated interior fittings, including white LED indirect lighting. The vehicle is powered by 3.0-liter V6 or 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engines.
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in TOYOTA | No Comments »
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