Toyota – Page 20 – Automobiles Review

Toyota Announces 2015 Yaris US Pricing

2015 Toyota Yaris has already gone on sale across the Old Continent. Now the Japanese company is announcing the US pricing for the model, which is listed below. Undoubtedly, the faselifted Yaris has a distinct design with European flavor. It features quieter interior made of new materials. It will be available in three-door or five-door liftback versions. New is the horizontal chrome grill which continues right in to the headlamp.

Inside the cabin the occupants will seat in premium seats, while the driver is facing a sporty new dashboard design and touches new, softer materials throughout. Next to this, 2015 Yaris also boasts retuned suspension,a more rigid body structure, improved sound insulation and and aerodynamic details. They help the urban min deliver smoother, more dynamic and quieter ride.

In terms of safety, the car adds nine standard SRS airbags, including curtain shield airbags and front seat cushion airbags. Facelifted Yaris is powered by the 1.5-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder DOHC engine equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). It generates 106 hp (78 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm (103 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,200 rpm.

The powertrain is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. For the new model year it features improved hydraulic clutch. As an option Toyota us offering four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, which features lightweight design and low friction in order to achieve high fuel efficiency.

There are several trim levels offered. The first one is L that is the base level. Next come the premium LE and sporty SE models. Standard features on the L grade are air conditioning, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, new, quick ratio, sport-tuned Electric Power Steering with power-assisted rack-and-pinion, power windows with driver’s side auto down, three-spoke tilt steering wheel, power door locks, Daytime Running Lights, and 15-inch wheels with wheel covers.

2015 Yaris LE adds over the base level the following: cruise control, power mirrors, steering wheel audio controls silver/metallic interior accents, remote keyless entry with an engine immobilizer and 15-inch alloy wheels.

SE package adds projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights, integrated fog lamps, rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension with a solid stabilizer bar and four-wheel disc brakes and special gloss black with machine-surfaced 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, SE is includes leather-trimmed tilt three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob, sport meter and tachometer.

The entire Yaris range includes as a standard Entune Audio with a 6.1-inch touch screen, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod®= connectivity and control, hands-free phone capability, voice recognition, and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.

2015 Toyota Yaris US Pricing:

Model#	Grade	Transmission	Body Style	2014 MSRP	2015 MSRP	MSRP change ($)	MSRP Change (%)
1421	L	5MT	3DR	$14,430	$14,845	$415	3%
1422	L	4AT	3DR	$15,155	$15,570	$415	3%
1424	LE	4AT	3DR	$16,015	$16,505	$490	3%
1463	SE	5MT	5DR	$16,540	$16,820	$280	2%
1462	L	4AT	5DR	$15,455	$15,945	$490	3%
1464	SE	4AT	5DR	$17,340	$17,620	$280	2%
1466	LE	4AT	5DR	$16,490	$16,880	$390	2%

Source: Toyota

July 24, 2014

Toyota 86 GT And GTS Get Updated Suspension, Interior And Exterior

2014 Toyota 86 GT and 86 GTS are now getting refined exterior and interior next to its updated suspension. Toyota has made subtle refinements to the widely praised suspension of the sports car. The more rigid suspension setup of these models will contribute for better handling response and steering feel. In addition, it will also improve the overall ride quality. The aim of achieving improved and smoother ride and sharper handling was accomplished via revision of the way suspension components were attached to the chassis.

The body roll was decreased, while the handling stability and response was increased. The latter was achieved by new suspension mounts and adopting lower-friction oil, oil seals and guide bushings. In addition, there was also implemented a retuning of the shock absorbers. In this way their characteristics were refined.

Next to these “under-the-skin” upgrades, Toyota also added new interior and exterior packages to enhance the visual appeal of the model. Inside, the GT variant now comes with the same instrument cluster as the higher-grade GTS.

This means that it features a digital speed read-out and a rev indicator light to warn of the approaching red line. There is also a shift-position indicator. Toyota 86 GTS now includes a reversing camera and a sportier carbon-look motif for the instrument panel surround.

On the outside of both vehicles, Toyota has added a shark-fin antenna to the roof for aerodynamic as well as aesthetic reasons. In addition, the company has also included two new colors in its exterior paint palette: white and silver.

Source: Toyota

July 23, 2014

2015 Toyota Sienna [video]

Toyota has officially unveiled the 2015 Sienna MPV. For the first time, the manufacturer is revealing a new vehicle completely online.

“Today’s parents are embracing their life stage and those relatable family moments that make us laugh and feel connected,” commented Jack Hollis, vice president of Toyota Division marketing at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

“The 2015 Toyota Sienna seizes that same spirit of fun, everyday experiences with family and fits into the modern family dynamic. That is why Toyota chose to introduce the newest ‘Swagger Wagon’ to the world through a creative lens.”, he added.

The exterior of the new Sienna boasts a revised front grille as well as new head and taillights. The interior comes with more changes – new upholstery variants, revised instrument cluster and a “conversation mirror” that allows the driver to check on rear seat passengers without having to turn around.

The options list include 4.2” multi-information display as well as an updated infotainment system with 7” touchscreen display and capacitive buttons.

The engine is the well-known 3.5 liter naturally-aspirated V6 – 266HP (198 kW) and 331Nm (245 lb-ft) of torque.

Safety remains a top priority for families, and the 2015 Sienna brings features to help provide peace-of-mind. There are 8 airbags, panoramic backup camera as standard and LATCH locations for easier securing of children’s car seats.

Source: Toyota

July 18, 2014

Toyota Prius Plug-in Sets Nürburgring Record For Fuel Economy [VIDEO]

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has set a different kind of record on the Nürburgring race track. So far the achievements on the track were all about miles per hour, not miles per gallon. Toyota has just turned this tradition on its head when it took its Prius Plug-in hybrid to the famous track. It showed not only how fast the car goes, but also how little fuel it utilizes on a single lap. Behind the wheel of the car was the motoring journalist and Japanese car expert Joe Clifford. He drove an upgraded Prius with the addition of TRD parts. They are styling rather than performance elements which enhance car’s visual stance.

In dry conditions he managed to achieve 698 mpg, and completed his lap in 20 minutes and 59 seconds. This figure is exceptional, because it outstrips car’s official combined cycle figure of 134mpg. If we can measure the used fuel for this sprint in table spoons, than it would be just less than five.

This record was made possible due to the utilization of the technology that is development of Toyota’s full hybrid system. It matches a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a compact, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Battery’s performance and outstanding energy density offer the opportunity to drive the car further and at higher speeds on electric power alone.

Prius Plug-in’s achievement is another addition to Toyota’s history of success at Nürburgring. Moreover, the latest test affects directly to what customers might experience with their own Prius. The story of the challenge can be viewed in the video below:

httpv://youtu.be/c3_G5a54USI

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Toyota

July 16, 2014

2015 Toyota Sienna To Debut Tomorrow [TEASER]

2015 Toyota Sienna is set to make a premiere tomorrow. The news was announced at company’s official Facebook page with the announcement that the Sienna is about to take us to “an unexpected journey”. The last third generation of the car was introduced to the market nearly five years ago and Toyota has obviously made the steps to enter the fourth-gen of the popular family minivan. Except for the released teaser image there was no additional information disclosed. So we have to wait to see what Toyota has prepared and whether there will be only minor cosmetic changes or a substantial transformation of the car.

Rumors say that the car will be powered by the 3.5-liter V6 unit. There output will be probably enhanced and thus will deliver up to 268 horsepower (197 kW) and 336 Nm (248 lb-ft) of torque. And staying true to Toyota’s eco philosophy, the car is expected to be not only the most fuel efficient minivan on the market, but also the one with the lest CO2 emissions.

It is also said that the new Sienna will be capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8 seconds. The powertrain will be probably coupled with a six speed automatic transmission. There are also rumors that one of the engines in the range will be a hybrid one.

What is also to expect is a brand new design, since there hasn’t been a new generation of the Sienna model for five years. Modifications will be probably implemented to both exterior and interior and we also envision that it will have some changes to both front and rear bumpers, and will also include luxurious equipment.

2015 Sienna will be built upon Camry’s platform and is expected to be available at dealerships later this year.

Source: Toyota via Facebook

July 16, 2014

BMW-Toyota agreement to revive the Supra

You may not remember this fact now but a while ago the acclaimed German auto maker BMW and the Japanese Toyota signed an agreement stating that they will release two new sports models on a common platform by the year 2017. So far nothing has come out of the deal but a report by the Nikkei newspaper claims that the deal will bring back the Toyota Supra.

The upcoming Supra will share the same platform with a future BMW Z4 sports car but both cars will have different bodies. There’s no information whatsoever on the looks, engines, etc. of both cars but the strong fan base of the Supra is the reason for the revival of the brand. This is not surprising – the Supra has always had a large number of fans lusting after it, especially among people who grew up in the 1990s.

Right now there’s not much more to do than wait for both cars to arrive, most likely in 2017 but judging from the BMW Z4 specs we can expect the future Toyota Supra to come with four- and six-cylinder inline gasoline engines and rear-wheel drive. We are sure that with time passing by there will be more information on both models so check our web site from time to time for more news on the future Z4 and Supra models.

Source: Jalopnik.com

July 15, 2014

Lexus offers turbo or hybrid power in new 2015 NX crossover

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of the acclaimed Japanese car maker Toyota, has presented the NX compact luxury utility crossover that has a rather tough task ahead of it – to capture market share for the company in the growing market segment of such vehicles.

So far Lexus has presented two NX models only. The NX 200t comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine while the NX 300h is a hybrid model that brings the number of Lexus hybrid offerings to six, the most among luxury brands. As expected from the famous luxury car maker both models come with tons of new and advanced technology and a number of tech innovations that you will get to enjoy while driving a new Lexus NX vehicle.

It is really hard to count all tech improvements that you will find in the new Lexus NX line but we will try to list them here anyway. To do so we will start with the company’s first ever turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine. It comes with turbocharged ports and direct injection technology as well as an advanced valve control system that allows the engine to switch between Atkinson cycle and Otto cycle operation for more flexibility and improved fuel efficiency. Turbo lag has been minimized as well thanks to the implementation of a four-into-two exhaust manifold system that reduces pumping losses and eliminates exhaust gas interference. Thus the 2.0-liter gasoline engine produces 235 hp at 5600 rpm with 258 lb.-ft. of torque from 1650 – 4000 rpm. A balance shaft also enhances smoothness but there’s more to the engine – the integrated D-4S fuel injection system provides the optimal mixture of fuel and air to realize highly efficient rapid combustion at all times. In addition to that Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-iW) optimizes torque throughout the engine speed range.

The NX 200t comes with Lexus’ proven all-weather drive (AWD) technology and Dynamic Torque Control for maximum fraction and cornering stability. This system constantly controls torque transfer between the front and the rear wheels by using sensors for vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, yaw rate and throttle angle. Depending on how you drive, the system uses front-wheel drive during normal cruising. When needed, though, it can automatically engage AWD through an electromagnetically controlled coupling that directs up to 50 per cent of available torque to the rear wheels. Dynamic Torque Control on the other hand helps the driver bring back the vehicle to the intended drive line.

2015-Lexus-NX-300h-651

Turning to the NX 300h we will see that the new luxury crossover comes with hybrid power and a finely-tuned 2AR-FXE 2.5-liter gasoline engine. This engine comes with some new technology inside so expect to find a water-to-oil cooler for the electric drive motor and a revised front drive reduction ratio that improves both fuel economy and hill climbing. The 2AR-FXE 2.5-liter engine is connected to the new P314 transmission that provides a kick-down function for greater acceleration performance and sequential shift for maximum power to be delivered on demand and increased engine braking when decelerating. Speaking of this the NX 300h comes with Lexus’ electronically controlled braking system, known as ECB-R in order to provide cooperative control of stopping power and regenerative braking while saving on vehicle weight.

Every hybrid car comes with batteries and the Lexus NX 300h is not an exception. The luxury crossover has two batteries with each one weighing 44 lbs. They are located on each side of the rear seat, improving space efficiency and also center of gravity for enhanced car control.

Although both models are different in many departments they also share quite a few common features. Thus they all come with an all-new sequential six-speed automatic transmission for achieving an ideal level of boost pressure for performance and fuel economy. The G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system provides more spirited driving and automatically selects the optimum gear and downshift pattern in response to G force.

The Lexus NX line will also treat you with MacPherson strut front suspension with high-rigidity components and low-friction moving parts. Low power consumption LEDs for front and rear lights boost the car energy efficiency while high-grade daytime running lamps (DRLs) create distinctive L-shaped light. Lexus also offers an entirely new color for the NX line – Eminent White that creates a metallic-like finish as well as five choices for interior trim, folding rear seats, power liftgate, premium audio technology and more.

Right now it is not clear when you will be able to see the new Lexus NX line at a dealer near you but likely the new crossover will debut by the end of the year. No word on pricing either.

Source: Lexus

July 9, 2014

2015 Toyota Yaris – Price and Specs

The new 2014 Toyota Yaris is now available to order with pricing starting from £10,995 for the entry level Active 3-door 1.0 VVT-I 5-speed manual model and goes up to £17,695 for the Excel 5-door 1.5 VVT-i Hybrid with CVT gearbox. The line-up offers more choice, more equipment options and a wealth of advanced features for on-board comfort, communications, safety and style.

There are four trim levels including Active and Icon as well as Sport and Excel. The Hybrid drivetrain can be specified in Icon and Excel versions. Each grade has its own character, differentiated by details such as the interior trim and materials and treatment of various interior and exterior elements, including the lower grille, wheels, seats, centre console and instrument panel.

The high equipment levels come with a leather steering wheel, air conditioning and the latest Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system fitted as standard from Icon grade. Climate control air conditioning is standard for all Hybrid models and for Yaris Excel.

Ten exterior colours are available, including new Island Blue metallic and, exclusively for Hybrid models, Avantgarde Bronze.

Among the options list, you will find Toyota’s Skyview panoramic roof, LED DRLs (daytime running lights) and rear lamps, rear privacy glass and the Toyota touch 2 with Go multimedia system with navigation. Sport models can further be specified with vibrant Piri Piri red interior trim, including door panels, front seat upholstery inserts and soft-touch instrument panel.

UK grades and key features

ACTIVE	ICON adds	SPORT adds	EXCEL adds (to Icon)
Power front windows	15in alloy wheels	16in machined alloy wheels	16in silver alloy wheels
6-speaker audio system with USB and Aux-in	Projector headlights	LED daytime running lights	LED daytime running lights
7 airbags	Body colour-matched electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors and door handles	Rear LED lights	Rear LED lights
Tyre pressure monitor	Toyota Touch 2	DAB radio	DAB radio
Vehicle Stability Control and traction control	Rear-view camera	Rear privacy glass	Part-leather seats
	Air conditioning(climate control on Hybrid)	Rear spoiler	Cruise control
	Front fog lamps	Rear disc brakes	Rain-sensing wipers
	Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming	Option Packs: Protection, Style	Dusk-sensing headlights
	Leather steering wheel with audio and phone switches	Optional red Piri Piri interior trim	Climate control
	Option Packs: Protection, Style, Design		Option Packs: Protection, Appearance, Smart

UK Prices

The new 2014 Toyota Yaris is available to order now, with customer deliveries from August. On-the-road prices start at £10,995.

GRADE	BODY	ENGINE	TRANSMISSION	OTR PRICE
Active	3dr	1.0 VVT-i	5MT	£10,995
Active	5dr	1.0 VVT-i	5MT	£11,595
Icon	3dr	1.0 VVT-i	5MT	£12,745
Icon	5dr	1.0 VVT-i	5MT	£13,345
Icon	3dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i	6MT	£13,495
Icon	5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i	6MT	£14.095
Icon	5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i	Multidrive S	£15,095
Icon	5dr	1.4 D-4D	6MT	£15,595
Icon	5dr	1.5 VVT-i Hybrid	CVT	£16,195
Sport	5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i	6MT	£14,995
Sport	5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i	Multidrive S	£15,955
Excel	5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i	6MT	£15,695
Excel	5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i	Multidrive S	£16,695
Excel	5dr	1.5 VVT-i Hybrid	CVT	£17,695

Option prices

Design Pack	£350
Style Pack	£500
Protection Pack	£700
Smart Pack	£450
Appearance Pack	£750
Go navigation system	£650
Skyview roof	£550

Source: Toyota

July 1, 2014

2015 Toyota Fuel Cell Sedan – Hydrogen is Here!

Toyota has today revealed the exterior design and the pricing of its hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell Sedan. The Concept was presented at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and now the production version is fact. The four-door saloon will be introduced first in Japan, before next April. Preparations are in hand for launches in the US and European markets in the summer of 2015.

In Japan the Fuel Cell Sedan will be sold at Toyota and Toyopet dealerships, priced at approximately seven million yen (about $68,700 / €50,450 / £40,450). Initially sales will be limited to those parts of the country where a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is under development. Prices for Europe and the USA have not yet been decided. Detailed information such as final prices, specifications and sales expectations will also be announced later.

The exterior features interesting slender headlights with LED technology as well as vertical DRLs (daytime running lights) incorporated in the front bumper. There is also a big lower grille and large air intakes. Other highlights include strange triangular tail lights and a red bar that runs across the rear’s width and incorporates the reverse lights.

2015 Toyota Fuel Cell Sedan will have a range of around 480 km (300 miles). Once the fuel is depleted, a complete fill will take only around three minutes, which is a little longer than ordinary refueling, but not bad at all. The performance will be decent – 0-100 km/h in 10.0 seconds.

Fuel cell vehicles contribute to the diversification of vehicle fuels. They emit no carbon dioxide or substances harmful to the environment when driven, but offer the convenience associated with petrol-powered vehicles. Toyota believes the technology has great potential in the development of vehicles that are kinder to the environment and ideal for helping deliver sustainable mobility.

Source: Toyota

June 25, 2014

Toyota Introduces 2014 Camry RZ Special Edition

2014 Toyota Camry RZ is a special edition model which expresses the sports potentials of the Camry model. It is packed with a substantial list of added features. One of the styling updates include Inferno Orange premium paint, which has never been offered on Camry. This paint scheme joins the five other colours available. In addition, the revised frontal treatment features front foglamps with black surrounds, sports headlamps with dark inserts, and a stylish grille that combines body colour and gloss black elements. Other enhancements include sports suspension, sports body kit with side skirts and rear bumper, and a boot lip spoiler in gloss black.

Camry’s newest special-edition model also gains dual exhaust system, which lifts maximum power output to 184 hp (135 kW) from the 2.5-litre dual VVT-i four-cylinder engine. Camry RZ side view is dominated by gloss-black 17-inch alloy wheels with a unique gloss black finish. They are set off with a black wheel ornament with chrome highlights.

Inside, RZ’s interior includes sports combination meters, premium three-spoke steering wheel and gear-shift knob, and display audio with reversing camera monitor. What rounds out the package is the black interior trim and the Camry RZ logo embroidered on the front floor mats. The logo can be also seen on the decals on the doors and rear bumper.

As a standard, Camry RZ offers six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, seven airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, electric power steering, and six-speaker sound system with steering-wheel controls.

Source: Toyota

June 10, 2014

Toyota Upgrades 2015 Aygo Range

2015 Toyota Aygo x-cite is just one of the special edition models which come to upgrade the current Aygo range, Next to it, the company is also introducing the x, x-play, x-pression, and x-clusiv grades. The new models offer wide range of customization opportunities with up to 10 interchangeable exterior and cabin features. One of the highlights is the addition of the Toyota x-touch multimedia system and x-nav navigation option. 2015 Aygo is also the first in its class to offer a rear-view camera and it can be specified with Smart Entry and push button start.

The car will be launched in three and five-door bodystyles as well as five color options: White Flash, Silver Splash, Electro Grey, Deep Blue Buzz and Red Pop. In addition, the x-cite will be offered only in Orange Twist and the x-clusiv in Bold Black.

Toyota developed an x-tra premium pack for the x-cite and x-clusiv models. It includes leather seat upholstery and Smart Entry and Start. For x-play and x-pression grades, the INstyle option provides leather seats with accents in a range of four different colours. As an option there are being offered automatic air conditioning, dusk-sensing headlights and Smart Entry and push-button start. In addition, the OUTshine pack adds extra chrome touches to the front, front and rear parking sensors, a boot liner, aluminium scuff plates, rubber floor mats and mud flaps.

The customization packs offered for the range are the OUTstand pack, which adds front X, A-pillar x-tension and rear bumper insert, in a choice of three colours; OUTburst pack with front bumper decal, side sills and rear diffuser decal in red or chrome; INspire pack for the interior with surrounds for the air vents and gear shift to match any exterior colour; Intense pack with body colour-matched instrument panel, centre console and gear surround.

2015 Toyota Aygo is going on sale on 1st of July.

Key equipment features:

Aygo x	Aygo x-play adds		Aygo x-pression adds
14-inch wheels	15-inch wheels		15-inch silver alloy wheels
Projector headlights with LED tracer light	Piano black front X finish		Piano black rear bumper insert
LED daytime running lights	Body colour matched doorhandles and mirrors		Piano black x-tension on A-pillars
2-speaker audio with Aux and USB connections	Leather steering wheel and gear shift trim		Front fog lights
Power front windows	4-speaker audio		Part-leather sports-style seats
Wireless door locks	Bluetooth		Chrome internal door handle finish
Isofix child seat anchors	Audio and phone control switches on steering wheel		Body colour-matched instrument panel
ABS and Vehicle Stability ControlHill-start Assist Control	Air conditioning with clean air filter		Glossy black centre console and gear shift and air vent surrounds
Driver, front passenger and curtain airbags	Tachometer		x-touch multimedia system with MirrorLink
Seat belt warning system	Driver’s seat height adjustment		DAB
Tyre pressure monitor	50:50 split-folding rear seats		Rear-view camera
Aygo x-cite		Aygo x-clusiv
Orange Twist exterior paint finish		Bold Black exterior paint finish
15-inch gloss black alloys with orange centre cap		15-inch machined finish alloys with large black centre cap and chrome surround
Gloss black doorhandles and mirrors		Super chrome front X and A-pillar x-tension
Piano black rear bumper insert		Super chrome rear bumper insert
Piano black A-pillar x-tension		Front fog lights
Front fog lights		Chrome internal doorhandle finish
Chrome internal doorhandle finish		Piano black instrument panel and centre console
Gloss black instrument panel and centre console with Orange Twist air vent surrounds		x-touch multimedia system with MirrorLink
x-touch multimedia system with MirrorLink		DAB
DAB		Rear-view camera
Rear-view camera		Dusk-sensing headlights

Source: Toyota

June 9, 2014

Toyota Makes Next Steps In Hybrid Power

Toyota is undertaking significant developments in the laboratory and on the race track. The aim – to make next steps in the evolution of hybrid power, which will be utilized in hybrid vehicles such as Prius and Camry. The company is targeting improvements in performance and fuel efficiency. The first step has been already made with the announcement of new generation of computer chips that have the potential to boost the fuel efficiency by 10 per cent. At the same time they also significantly reduce the size of the crucial power control unit (PCU).

Toyota Racing division which is positioned in Germany focuses on practicing the hybrid know-how. This is made via its participation in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) sports-car racing, and will also be implemented in next month’s Le Mans 24-hour classic.

The hybrid technology of the all-wheel-drive TS040 Hybrid race car, harvests more braking energy that can be stored and utilized under acceleration. This of course results in additional power boost. If we compare the new hybrid with last year’s race car, the maximum power of the TS040 Hybrid has been improved more than 18 per cent. In addition, the fuel consumption has been cut by 25 per cent.

TS040 Hybrid made two victories in the two WEC races held this year. This also serves as a real-life test bench for Toyota’s latest hybrid concepts. The knowledge gained from the motorsport program and Toyota’s on-going research and development has already been utilized to enhance the company’s hybrid road cars. Since the launch of the first Prius in 1997, more than six million cars were sold around the globe.

The latest laboratory achievement of Toyota’s includes new silicon carbide computer chips (power semi-conductors) that are more efficient than today’s chips made from silicon alone. They were designed to be used in the PCU of hybrid vehicles, thus enabling the company to improve fuel efficiency by up to 10 per cent while also reducing PCU size by up to 80 per cent.

Precisely, the silicon carbide chips will undergo on-road testing in Japan within a year. They reduce the amount of current lost as heat, and switch the current flow on and off more efficiently. The result is the reduced size of the coil and capacitor, which account for approximately 40 per cent of the size of the PCU.

PCU in hybrid vehicles delivers electric power from the battery to the motor in order to control vehicle’s speed. It also sends electricity generated through deceleration to the battery for storage. Nearly 20 per cent of the total power loss in hybrid vehicles is associated with the power semiconductors alone. This shows a need for an improvement of the semi-conductor in order to improve efficiency.

Source: Toyota

June 2, 2014

Tag: Toyota