Tag: Toyota Hybrid

  • 2016 Corolla Hybrid is here. Along with its long nose.

    2016 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Usually Toyota combines this well-known appearance with brand’s dominant hybrid technology and launches a specific model. This time the new chosen one is the Corolla that is expected to offer better fuel economy, sharper handling and overall acceptable quality:price ratio. So, let’s see what did Toyota do good and what did Toyota not do good.

    We should mention that Toyota tries its best to deliver high-quality drivetrain systems and with its range of hybrid units, the brand really caught our eye. Definitely the efficient Prius was a big achievement for the Japanese manufacturer, but we all wonder if the same formula could be applied to other models and systems.

    The new Corolla Hybrid comes with driver-focused goodies that will be exclusive for the model, starting with handling and stability technologies, going through interior comfort and functionality and finishing with refined drivetrain system and suspension. In fact, this is the only Corolla to be fitted with electronically controlled brakes, larger front discs, three selectable driving modes and special hybrid display. Sweet.

    2016 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

    We are not sure if the Corolla Hybrid should be offered in just one specific grade, but as we dig more and more vehicle’s features, we tend to accept the absence of trim levels and personalization. However, the car is fitted with dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, auto-leveling bi-LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and keyless smart entry systems. Toyota team did not miss to include its own Toyota Link infotainment system and a 4.2-inch multi-task display.

    Available in one specific grade, Corolla Hybrid also offers some premium features as dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, auto-leveling bi-LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and keyless smart entry and ignition. Of course, let’s not forget about the satellite navigation, SUNA live traffic updates, Toyota Link, the colorful 4.2-inch multi-task display. Overall, does not sound that bad for a single grade, does it? But what about the performance rates?

    Drivetrain system

    The rates are pretty much casual and mid-end adequate. Corolla Hybrid is geared with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder Euro 5-compliant unit. It is relatively efficient and not that “superior economical” as brand itself wants it to be. Technically it’s consumption rates are measured at 4.1/100km and the maximum driving range is about 1,970 kilometers. Good thing is /and pretty much expected/ that driver can choose whether the vehicle would work with only petrol or only electric energy, or both combined. It is not something unseen, but it is a good thing that manufacturer gives some options. But the question remains: why not Euro 6-certified system?!

    SEE ALSO: Iconic 1957 BMW 507 makes exclusive comeback at Goodwood

    Additional equipment

    Also as standard features are coming seven airbags, reverse camera, stability and traction control system, anti skid brakes, not-that-ugly 16-inch alloys, black fabric upholstery and a choice of eight exterior color finishes. One of the few personalization options, by the way.

    2016 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

    And of course, for some additional not-that-small amount of cash, buyers can equip the vehicle with SUNA live traffic updates, expanded Toyota Link and additional mobility services.
    Despite some disappointing features as plastic-looking exterior components and the boring interior, we kinda like this one. So, what do you think?

    Source: Toyota 

  • Toyota Announces Details About Future Races in 2016

    2016 Toyota Racing Vehicles Toyota Gazoo Racing, brand’s in-house motorsport team announced plans for the 2016 season. What is known so far, is that the team will make more experiments with vehicles and strategies and will inspire even more fans and enthusiast all around the world.

    The brand is ready to return to the World Rally Championship in 2017 and, in fact, preparations have already begun! The engineering team is working hard to develop a perfect Yaris hatchback-influenced sports car that will be worthy opponent at the WRC event. Also, Toyota will take part in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the notorious 24-hours race and the Japanese Rally Championship, all under the guidance of Gazoo Racing banner. Cool.

    2016 Toyota Racing Vehicles

    But let’s go back to 2016. This year’s WEC event will be contested with the recently created Toyota TS050 Hybrid that benefits from completely new Hybrid system. Also, this year will bring Toyota’s 10th entry in the well-known Nürburgring 24 Hours and the time will also celebrate the milestone by entering the Toyota C-HR Racing, influenced by brand’s future crossover vehicle.

    SEE ALSO: Say Last Goodbye to Scion Brand [w/video]

    Furthermore, Toyota will continue to prove itself worthy in NASCAR event in USA and also will support Toyota Auto Body’s entry in 2017 Dakar Rally in South America.

    And last, but not least, there is a fresh new logo for Toyota Gazoo Racing that was also announced today. It features unified black, white and red color scheme and will be proudly demonstrated at the WRC, WEC and Nürburgring 24hrs  and Japanese Rally Championship events.

    2016 Toyota Racing Vehicles

    2016 Toyota Racing Vehicles

    2016 Toyota Racing Vehicles

    Source: Toyota 

  • Small in Size, Big in Capabilities: 2016 Toyota Prius is Here!

    2016 Toyota Prius2016 Toyota Prius is one of the smallest hybrid vehicle in Toyota’s whole lineup, but it definitely has a lot to demonstrate. For example, the latest 2016 Toyota Safety Sense-C system which gives incredible advantage over other models in the segment. The compact sweetie also offers incredibly clean ride, making it a friend to the environment.

    Toyota paid even more attention to the latest Prius model, as it released the Persona Series Special Edition. This lineup is limited to 1,500 units, which are painted in back and a contrast color by choice: Electric Lime or the Cherry Pearl. Further exclusive features for the limited series is the appearance of the 15-inch black alloy wheels and the custom “Persona Series” badge. So far, so good with the limited edition. Now let’s see what does the standard 2016 Prius model have to offer.

    The Hybrid technology and what it has to offer

    By adopting the environmentally-friendly Hybrid technology, Prius’ main drivetrain components benefit from better engineering solutions, reduced weight and of course, better fuel efficiency. Toyota’s hybrid technology integrates a gasoline unit, an electric motor and numerous more drivetrain components.

    SEE ALSO: It Looks Like Crown’s Lineup is Sort of Special for Toyota

    The 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit is also further tweaked to deliver better fuel efficiency. It generates a total of 73 hp (53 kW) and 82 lb.-ft. of torque. And when combined with the hybrid unit, the overall power is estimated at 99 hp (72 kW). 2016 Prius also offers and three drive modes: Normal, Eco and EV Mode.

    Safety Features

    2016 Toyota Prius

    Along with the TSS-C, 2016 Prius offers the Star Safety suite that includes Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and more. Furthermore, the vehicle is geared with a total of 9 airbags, placed in strategic places in the cabin.

    Additional technology features

    A vehicle like this offers and extended list of hi-tech gadgets. For example, the Entune Multimedia Bundle. There also a 6.1-inch touch screen display, AM/FM CD player, USB ports, iPod connectivity, music streaming and more. Further additions are the Push Button Start, Touch Traces Display and Endune Premium Audio.

    2016 Toyota Prius

    Source: Toyota

     

     

     

     

  • 2016 Toyota Prius Hybrid Comes With Interesting Appearance

    2016 Toyota Prius Hybrid Toyota unveiled the latest 2016 Prius today in Las Vegas. This is a fourth generation hybrid model that offers some sporty spirit along with beautiful styling and enhanced driving experience.

    In the response to the trend of exceptional environmental benefits, Toyota team went for a vehicle that offers not only interesting design and smooth driving experience but also is geared with latest generation of systems and technologies for class-leading performance and comfort. So, let’s see what the 2016 Prius offers in details.

    Style and appearance

    2016 Prius has that.. interesting presence. I am convinced that there are numerous people who would not like the exterior looks at all, but I do believe that its somehow different. There are some aggressive edges and some elegant lines. The front meets you with its interestingly designed headlights that contribute to the overall badass-looking stance. And there is also something else in the design of the face. The latest Prius comes with this somehow triangular concept which gives the vehicle distinctive and modern appearance. The back continues the triangular affair and features a special wing, paired to the vehicle in interesting way. Meanwhile the rear lamps express further the extravagant appearance of the car.

    2016 Toyota Prius Hybrid

    The interior, on the other hand, adopts the latest technologies and features to offer fun and pleasurable drive. Once inside the vehicle, you will feel comfortable and impressed by the overall coziness and easy-to-use gadgets. And there is surely a sense of high quality, instantly felt when working either with the “display zone” or the “control zone”. And maybe here is the big difference between interior and exterior. Many will find the interior far more appealing and nicely done, while people generally are not satisfied with this vehicle’s exterior style.

    2016 Toyota Prius and its other offerings

    Along with the promise of high quality and versatility, Toyota also implements the Toyota New Global Architecture program that will deliver the best and most useful drivetrain components and technologies. The new Prius will benefit from entirely different Toyota platform which will significantly improve steering, handling and safety functions. If fact, Toyota team ensures us that their latest vehicle is restyled in every possible.

    The hybrid system and its evolution

    The 2016 Prius underwent a comprehensive program of size and weight reduction which results on both things. First, maintaining higher overall performance and secondly, the whole hybrid system is now improved. The Prius achieved a remarkable 40 per cent thermal efficiency and incredible boost in fuel efficiency.

    Improved driving dynamics and safety

    2016 Toyota Prius Hybrid

    2016 Prius is 60mm longer, 15mm wider and 20mm lower than its predecessor which means that the vehicle offers and more occupant and cargo room. Furthermore, the class-leading low center of gravity and the responsive suspension package ensures smooth and overall improved driving experience. There are also numerous improvements to chassis rigidity that boost the overall flexibility and responsiveness in corners.

    And as always, the vehicle is geared with latest and greatest systems of safety and comfort. So, what do you think about the vehicle?

    Source: Toyota

  • 2015 Toyota Prius V Hybrid: With Great Comfort Comes and Great Performance

    2015 Toyota Prius V Hybrid seven-seater comes with fresh looks, more comfort and improved performance. There are two models in the lineup, that will bring incredible safety features and hi-tech gadgets like the Lane Departure Alert and the upgraded Pre-Crash Safety System. Furthermore the Prius V Hybrid will demonstrate and wonderful stability with the adjusted suspension system and  damping force. But let’s check out what else the model has to offer.

    Exterior

    The exterior updates of the Prius V shows some elegance and confidence, thanks to Toyota’s latest design concept trends. The vehicle comes with revised front-end features like redesigned upper-grille, more prominent Toyota badge and vertical LED running laps. In fact, the slim headlapms give that distinctive and sharp appearance, that everyone would love, while the gloss black lower grille adopts the well-known Toyota signature trapezoidal shape.

    On the other hand, the rear of the vehicle comes with wonderful lamp design and wonderful license-plate trim, redesigned bumper and integrated diffuser.

    Furthermore, both the Prius V and Prius V i-Tech include seven airbags, stability and traction control, climate-control air conditioning, rear camera, heads-up display, 16-inch alloy wheel, hill-start assist control, electric vehicle mode and touch-tracer steering-wheel controls

    Drivetrain System

    Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain comes with a 1.8-Liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a speicla 60kW electric motor, that together with the petrol powerplant produces a total of 100 kW. Furthermore, the power of both motors is blended with a special transmission, that helps for the fuel economy, which is incredible: 4.4 liters/100 km (62 miles) and CO2 emissions of 101g/km

    Interior

    The interior of the latest Prius is greatly redesigned and refreshed and now comes with fluorescent display centre console, multimedia-information display, new steering wheel and seat trims. Some of the visual upgrades include chrome-plated doors, dark silver finish and the slim-line vents of the center console come with chrome finish for even more sophisticated appearance.

    And there is also a special “eco-judge” system, that helps the driver to achieve the optimal performance-economics ratio. How cool is that?

    Source: Toyota

  • Toyota Shows its 30-Years History at Le Mans in Short Video

    Toyota once again bids to claim one of the biggest prizes in the world of motorsport: the Le Mans 24 Hours victory. And now, to mark the 30th anniversary of Toyota’s first appearance in the world’s toughest race, the brand released a short film, that tells the story of its campaigns.

    Since the 1980s with its involvement as a manufacturer as an engineer supplier for the Dome an TOM’s teams until today’s advanced TS040 Hybrid, Toyota has won its fame as an honorable competitor. The brand has numerous races in its history on the legendary track, but it has yet to mount the top step of the podium.

    SEE ALSO: Toyota Will Celebrate Numerous Successful Events at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

    In fact, as a current World Champions in the World Endurance Championship, Toyota Gazoo Racing has a big chances for success with the two TS040 Hybrid machines. The piloting team includes the British talent Anthony Davidson, the current joint World Champion and Briton Mike Conway

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBv87T_JFB8

    Toyota’s 30 years at Le Mans
    (Chassis name in brackets)

    • “1985    No36 (85C-L): qualifying 29th; Race 12th. No 38 (85C-L): qualifying 22nd; race DNF (mechanical).
    • 1986    No36 (86C-L): qualifying 40th; race DNF (mechanical). No38 (86C-L): qualifying 30th; race 20th.
    • 1987    No36 (87C-L): qualifying 14th; race DNF (mechanical). No37 (87C-L): qualifying 16th; race DNF (mechanical).
    • 1988    No36 (88C): qualifying 8th; race 12th. No37 (88C): qualifying 10th; race 24th.
    • 1989    No36 (89C-V): qualifying 24th; race DNF (mechanical). No37 (89C-V): qualifying 17th; race DNF (accident). No38 (88C): qualifying 25th; race DNF (accident).
    • 1990    No36 (90C-V): qualifying 10th; race 6th. No37 (90C-V): qualifying 14th; race DNF (accident). No38 (90C-V): qualifying 16th; race DNF (mechanical).
    • 1992    No7 (TS010): qualifying 3rd; race DNF (mechanical). No8 (TS010): qualifying 4th; race 8th. No33 (TS010): qualifying 5th; race 2nd. No34 (92C-V): qualifying 11th; race 9th. No35 (92C-V): qualifying 15th; race 5th.
    • 1993    No22 (93C-V): qualifying 10th; race 5th. No25 (93C-V); qualifying 12th; race 6th. No36 (TS010): qualifying 2nd; race 4th. No37 (TS010): qualifying 5th; race DNF (mechanical). No38 (TS010): qualifying 4th; race 8th.
    • 1994    No 1 (94 C-V): qualifying 4th; race 2nd. No4 (94 C-V): qualifying 8th; race 4th.
    • 1995    No27 (Supra LM): qualifying 30th; race 14th.
    • 1996    No57 (Supra LM): qualifying 36th; race DNF (accident).
    • 1998    No27 (TS020): qualifying 8th; race 9th. No28 (TS020): qualifying 2nd; race DNF (accident). No29 (TS020): qualifying 7th; race DNF (mechanical).
    • 1999    No1 (TS020): qualifying 1st; race DNF (accident). No2 (TS020): qualifying 2nd; race DNF (accident). No3 (TS020): qualifying 8th; race 2nd.
    • 2012    No7 (TS030 HYBRID): qualifying 5th; race DNF (mechanical). No8 (TS030 HYBRID): qualifying: 3rd; race DNF (accident).
    • 2013    No7 (TS030 HYBRID): qualifying 5th; race 4th. No8: qualifying (TS030 HYBRID): 4th; race 2nd.
    • 2014    No7 (TS040 HYBRID): qualifying 1st; race DNF (mechanical). No8 (TS040 HYBRID): qualifying: 3rd; race 3rd.”

    Source: Toyota

  • Toyota is Ready for World Endurance Championship

    2015 Toyota TS040Toyota Racing is prepared to defend their title on the World Endurance Championship in Silverstone (10 to 12 April). Let us remind you, that the Toyota team dominated the last championship and claimed five wins out of eight. It is expected to be a hard defense, because the rivals at Audi and Porsche team are also motivated to show their best.

    Actually, there is an addition to the team: Kazuki Nakajima (Japan). The Toyota crew also looks forward to keeping the RAC International Tourist Trophy, which is one of the oldest honours. The first was presented in 1905.

    But this isn’t the final team arrangement. Additional changes are made by Alez Wurz (Austria) and Stephane Sarrazin (France), who are united again with Briton Mike Conway in car No.2. The trio, as you might remember raced together in 2014.

    The machine itself, the almighty TS040 Hybrid has been tremendously redesigned since the 2014 races. Almost 18 percent of the parts and components are further upgraded to bring even higher levels of performance and reliability.

    Upgrades include aerodynamic changes, that bring even higher speed and additional downforce. The powertrain also deserved attention. Now, it roars with more than 1,000 hp (735kW).

    he race weekend will start with two hour and a half practice sessions, qualifying at 12:30 and the start of the six-hour race will be at midday on Sunday.

    Stay tuned for further details and news.

    Source: Toyota

     

  • Toyota LMP1 Hybrid Sports Car

    Toyota has announced that will compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2012 with a new hybrid power sports car. The manufacturer will return to the world’s most famous endurance race will be with a new LMP1 chassis designed, developed and produced by Toyota Motorsport in Germany, equipped with a hybrid petrol powertrain engineered by Toyota in Japan.

    “Toyota has entered Le Mans before, but by using our hybrid technology this time will be a completely new challenge. We want to write a new chapter in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours, as in the FIA World Endurance Championship, through our use of hybrid technology.”, commented Tadashi Yamashina, Toyota Motor Corporation Senior Managing Officer and Toyota Motorsport Chairman.

    “In addition, we aim to learn from the experience of competing in such a challenging motorsport environment to enhance our production car technology. Le Mans is a legendary race and I would like to thank the ACO and the FIA for their constructive and positive co-operation over the last few months.”, he added.

    Toyota last competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours as a manufacturer in the late 1990s racing the GT-One, a car which famously established a new race lap record in 1999.

    Toyota LMP1 Hybrid Sports Car
    Toyota LMP1 Hybrid Sports Car

    Source: Toyota

  • Toyota Prius v

    Toyota Prius v made its official debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The vehicle is a full hybrid MPV featuring Toyota’s world-leading Hybrid Synergy to Drive.

    Toyota Prius v boats a low, 0.29 coefficient of drag, which has been achieved without compromising its convenient packaging. (more…)

  • Toyota Prius refined by Wald International

    Wald International presents a new styling package for Toyota Prius. Usually, the eco-friendly vehicle doesn’t look stunning, but with the tuning package of Wald, it grabs attention.

    The styling package consists of a new front spoiler, rear spoiler, rear apron, side skirts along with a lowering kit. Finally, they finished it with nice alloys. (more…)

  • Toyota Introduces Prius Plug-In Hybrid

    Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan has today confirmed the introduction of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, a plug-in version of the third-generation Prius petrol-electric hybrid vehicle.

    The Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) offers greater range on electric power only, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The PHV uses lithium-ion batteries – a first for Toyota – which can be charged from an external source as well as by the car’s own hybrid drive system.

    Approximately 600 units will be introduced in Japan, the United States, and Europe over the first half of 2010. 20 will come to the UK in mid 2010.

    The Prius PHVs will be leased to government ministries, local governments, corporations including electric power companies, universities and research agencies, for use in a demonstration programme aimed at collecting real-world driving data and spurring the development of battery-charging infrastructure. (more…)

  • Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG at 2009 SEMA Show

    TMS USA Inc. teamed with Surfrider Foundation to create Camry Hybrid fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG). The vehicle was displayed at the 2009 SEMA Show along with two modified Prius gas-electric hybrid vehicles. (more…)