Tag: Toyota

Toyota FCHV Handling The Polar Vortex

The Toyota FCV in the flesh. Well, not really. But it’s a report from the Toyota testing fleet on how things are going in everyday situations. Today, we get to see how the cars have handled the polar vortex: a weather phenomenon that has crippled most of the East Coast, but has also provided the ideal test ground for mechanical endurance.

Proton Onsite – a firm which operates a total of ten Toyota FCHV-adv fuel cell vehicles – claims that even single digit temperatures don’t affect the efficiency of the drivetrains:

“We had another snow storm Tuesday night and this morning the temperature was 3 degrees”, says Mark Schiller, Proton vice president of business development. “I went out to my Toyota FCHV-adv and brushed off a foot of snow before starting the car right up. No problem.”

When compared to a purely electric vehicle, the fuel cell car has the upper ground in terms of real-life application: an almost zero effect over the performance even in the harshest environments. Schiller claims to still get around 300 miles on a single tank

Apparently, over the last decade, the Toyota fuel cell fleet has logged millions of miles in some of the most extreme climates on the planet. From Yellowknife, Canada (temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius) to the Death Valley (severe heat), Toyota have tried them all.

There’s still a lot of testing to do, but in 2015 when FCHVs hit the road, it will all be worth it.

Source: Toyota

January 31, 2014
Toyota TRD Pro Lineup Is Coming [VIDEO]

“Let’s conquer the great outdoors. A new TRD Pro lineup is coming Feb. 6”. Under this announcement, Toyota has released the first teaser image of the upcoming lineup at its official Facebook page. In addition, we have found a mysterious TV commercial which also gives a sneak preview of the future models. Of course, you can view the video and the image below.

Although there isn’t an official statement whether the car will be premiered at Chicago Auto Show, we are almost sure that the concurrence of the announced date and the first day of the show are not accidental.

Going back to the video, it shows that the brand is actually going to introduce modified versions of the Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner. However, there is no other information available. What we can conclude from the photo and the commercial is that the TRD Pro brings will be equipped with black wheels fitted with off-road tyres, redesigned grille with black accents and TRD Pro badging. We are almost pretty sure that there will be also some off-road styling and performance packages.

httpv://youtu.be/Bo8ZCPoln0U

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Toyota via Toyota Official Facebook Page

January 31, 2014
Toyota Hilux Double Cab Recieves Some Updates

Owning a truck in Australia is pretty much like owning identification documents. Small wonder then, that the Toyota Hilux is the third best-selling vehicle of any type on the continent. But you don’t simply walk into a dealer and buy one. Customers need to really sit down and think what exactly do they want from their truck because the full Hilux range has a total of three body styles, three equipment levels, three engines and three transmissions driving either the rear or all four wheels.

Now the Double Cab versions of the Hilux have been updated in a bid to stand out as the obvious choice. The 4×4 Double Cab Hilux trucks, for example, now have the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating and thus more families will feel confident buying one for everyday use. If buyers go for a turbo-diesel 4×4 (126 kW and 343 Nm of torque), they will also benefit from a new five-speed automatic transmission which improves the engine’s fuel economy by more than six percent (8.7-liters/100km). The top-of-the-line SR5 models have a reversing camera and satellite navigation as standard. The 6.1-inch screen on the center console is also used by the audio system (also controlled from the steering wheel) which offers USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. Again for SR models, there’s a second multi-information display (MID) that reads current and average fuel economy, average vehicle speed, cruising range, the outside temperature, displays a compass and shows time. Black interior for all Double Cabs (there’s one choice you won’t have to do)

Those who are adamant that want the V6 175 kW and 376 Nm petrol engine and a Double Cab are going to be stuck with an automatic transmission in either 4×2 or 4 x4 variants (the former can be a mid-range SR or top of the line SR5 while the latter can only be an SR5)

Source: Toyota

January 28, 2014
Toyota RAV4 Comes Enhanced For 2014

2014 Toyota RAV4 now gets further enhanced. It adopts a wide variety of technology features such as Reverse Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Alert in order to add more safety and convenience. What is more, the two mentioned technologies come as a standard.

Furthermore, RAV4 is also fitted with a reversing camera on all models, as well as multimedia audio units operated through a 6.1-inch display screen and switches on the steering-wheel hub. To go to the absolutely new features the mid-sized SUV gets 11-speaker JBL sound system with DAB+ digital radio, Automatic High Beam and Back Guide Monitor.

The range-topping variants of RAV4 runs as a standard on 18-inch machined alloys wheels with black highlights fitted with wider and lower-profile 235/55 Dunlop tyres. To go further into details, this Toyota model is offered with three four-cylinder engines.

The two-wheel drive variants are equipped with 145 hp (107 kW) 2.0-litre petrol engine, while the all-wheel drive versions can be specified with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that generates 340 Nm (250 lb-ft) of torque, or a 2.5-litre petrol that develops 180 hp(132 kW).

2WD RAV4’s engine is coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox or Toyota’s Multidrive S seven-speed automatic transmission. Petrol AWD variants are fitted with a six-speed multi-mode sequential-shift automatic, while diesel AWD RAV4 comes with the choice of the six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.

Dynamic Torque Control AWD is an advanced AWD technology which is featured here. It utilizes data from various sensors and continuously controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in front of the rear differential.

Next, the Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is designed to provide additional safety and convenience when backing out of a car space. Precisely, it warns the driver of approaching vehicles, when the reversing vehicle is travelling at less than 8km/h and vehicles are approaching from the left or right at between 8 and 28km/h.

Lane Departure Alert (LDA) detects the vehicle when it is about to go astray from the traffic lane, while the Automatic High Beam (AHB) detects the lack of light from surrounding street lamps or from other vehicles at night and automatically switches the headlamps to high beam.

Source: Toyota

January 24, 2014
2014 Toyota Kluger SUV To Be Launched In Australia

We have seen the 2014 Toyota Kluger SUV making a debut at last years North American International Auto Show in the disguise of brand’s Highlander. Kluger is the Australian version of the successful model, which will be offered in the local dealerships in March.

Just like its US twin, this SUV will feature a new double-wishbone rear suspension system, finely tuned platform, suspension and electric power steering ensure. This of course will provide more dynamic driving experience.

What have been also enhanced here are the handling and traction that add more ride comfort and safety. The layout of the rear suspension also ensures more cabin space for the third-row passengers and the cargo area.

Furthermore, the shock absorbers are positioned relatively low and the coil springs are located under the floor. Combined with the rigid front MacPherson strut, this results in an enhanced steering response and driving pleasure.

As a matter of fact, 2014 Kluger is the third generation of the model, and now it is equipped with wide variety of safety features. To name some, such are the seven airbags, a reversing camera, vehicle stability and traction control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, hill-start assist control and four-wheel disc brakes.

All of these will come as a standard on the base model, while the top-of-the-line versions will receive also a pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert and automatic high beam headlights.

What is more, the vehicle will be offered in two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, the latter of which will include a Dynamic Torque Control (DTC). DTC will continually monitor and control the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels with the help of an electro-magnetically controlled coupling in the rear differential.

DTC will also enable up to half the available torque to be directed to the rear wheels to promote sure-footed traction, and will automatically engages front-wheel drive under normal driving conditions. The result will be improved fuel consumption. 2014 Kluger will be equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 powertrain matched with a coupled with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Source: Toyota

January 20, 2014
Toyota FT-1 Concept – The Ultimate Sports Coupe

Toyota has presented the ultimate sports coupe – FT-1 Concept. It breaks cover at the Detroit Motor Show, today. The new FT-1 concept is the result of Toyota’s Calty design studio, which aims to create the perfect sports car.

The exterior boasts a curvilinear form, pronounced front wings and sharply defined contrasts that express powerful performance. The FT-1’s optimum aerodynamic qualities are communicated by its large air intakes, exhaust ports and retractable rear wing.

As all real sport cars, the FT-1 has front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration, which alloys the cockpit to be set further the rear of the car, within the wheelbase, helping improve weight distribution and create classic sports car proportions.

There are no pictures of the interior, but FT-1 will feature a delta-shaped display zone, a Formula 1-style steering wheel and a colour head-up display that projects key information just above the wheel. The designers have pushed the A-pillars as far back as possible, to increase visibility when cornering.

Stay tuned for more info!

Source: Toyota

January 13, 2014
2014 Toyota Verso With A BMW-Sourced Engine

The 2014 Toyota Verso comes with a new trim line. Why is the yearly update of a dreary Toyota people-carrier news? Because there’s also a new engine for it that’s come out of BMW

Usually, joint ventures seek the best of both worlds. Think of the Lamborghini Aventador – unsurpassed Italian flare charged with passion and beauty + an efficient Audi engine and a legacy-laden AWD drivetrain. This here, however, takes Toyota dependency and sturdiness, and mixes it with BMW…erm…dependency and sturdiness. Is this the automotive world’s version of the Inception?

So we are talking about a 1.6 D-4D diesel engine. It has 110 bhp and 270 Nm of torque that can be found between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm. With it, the Verso gets from zero to sixty in 12.7 seconds which is okay, for an MPV anyway. With 62.8 mpg*, the new D-4D Verso is eight percent more economical than the previous one. CO2 emissions stand at 119 g/km*

Toyota had to do the tiresom job of actually fitting the Bavarian engine in the Verso. A newly developed dual-mass flywheel had to be installed, the engine mounts were revised and the whole electrical system was rewired. A six-speed manual transmission comes as a given, while a CVT is available with all but the first trim line (Active). There;s also a stop and start system – a first in the Verso line – designed in tune with the efficiency principles of Toyota Optimal Drive.

The new trim line gets slotted between the last and second-to-last Excel and Icon. It’s called the Trend and adds to the existing features 17-inch alloys, black C-Pillars plus Toyota Touch 2 with Go – a super high-res infotainment display that utilizes Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, and displays vehicle information. The “Go” also suggests a super fancy navigation that works with HD traffic data from TomTom; Goolge Street View and Panoramio. Standard on all cars are the air conditioning, the electric front windows, the four-speaker audio USB + Aux-in system, heated mirrors, fog lights and Vehicle Stability Control.

*figures provisional prior to official homologation

Source: Toyota

December 16, 2013

2014 Toyota Highlander – US Price $29,215

2014 Toyota Highlander is now available to order in the US. The pricing is starting from $29,215 for the LE four-cylinder FWD and goes up to $43,590 for the Limited V6 AWD with Platinum Package.

There are four trim levels: LE grade, the LE Plus grade, XLE grade and Limited grade.

The standard equipment of LE grade includes 18” alloy wheels, Entune Audio featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and music streaming, an integrated backup camera, seating for eight with second- and third-row 60/40 split fold-flat seats, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, smart storage compartments like the roll-top center console, an in-dash shelf with easy access to power and USB ports, a windshield wiper de-icer, and much more.

The LE Plus grade adds fog lights, an height-adjustable power rear liftgate with flip-up rear hatch window, eight-way power driver seat with lumbar support, Entune Audio Plus with XM & HD radio, 3-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The XLE grade adds smart key with push button start, leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats, Chromtec roof rails and a tilt-slide moonroof, second-row integrated sun shades, Entune Premium Audio with Navigation, App Suite with an 8” touch screen display, anti-theft system, Homelink,and a 5,000 lb. towing capacity. Options include seating for seven with second-row captain’s chairs, and a rear-seat Blu-ray DVD entertainment system.

The top-of-range Limited grade boasts 19” Chromtec alloy wheels, LED DRLs, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sonar, 7-seat arrangement with second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats and memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors, four-way power passenger seat, and Entune Premium JBL Audio with Navigation and App Suite.

Options for both the gas and hybrid Limited grade models include a rear-seat Blu-ray DVE entertainment system, Driver Technology Package, and Platinum Package.

The Driver Technology Package includes:

Safety Connect (includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance and Automatic Collision Notification. Available by subscription),
Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control,
Lane Departure Alert with Automatic High Beam Headlights.

The Platinum Package includes:

Driver Technology Package,
Panoramic Moonroof
Heated Steering Wheel
Heated Second-row Captain’s Chairs.

2014 Highlander Pricing

Model	Grade	Engine	Drivetrain	13MY MSRP ($)	14MY MSRP ($)	MSRP Difference ($)	MSRP Change (%)
6942	LE	L4	FWD	$29,020	$29,215	$195	0.7%
6946	LE	V6	FWD	$30,395	$30,520	$125	0.4%
6948	LE	V6	AWD	$31,845	$31,980	$135	0.4%
6947	LE Plus	V6	FWD	$31,850	$32,740	$890	2.8%
6949	LE Plus	V6	AWD	$33,300	$34,200	$900	2.7%
6951	XLE	V6	FWD	$34,560	$36,040	$1,480	4.3%
6953	XLE	V6	AWD	$36,010	$37,500	$1,490	4.1%
6954	LTD	V6	FWD	$37,950	$39,640	$1,690	4.5%
6956	LTD	V6	AWD	$39,400	$41,100	$1,700	4.3%
6955	LTD Plat.	V6	FWD	N/A	$42,130	N/A	N/A
6957	LTD Plat.	V6	AWD	N/A	$43,590	N/A	N/A
6966	Hybrid LTD	V6	AWD-i	$46,370	$47,300	$930	2.0%
6967	Hybrid LTD. Plat.	V6	AWD-i	N/A	$49,790	N/A	N/A

Source: Toyota

December 16, 2013

Romeo Ferraris Performance Boost For Toyota GT86

Alright, picture the following: a couple of years ago you bought a Toyota GT86. At the time it was an affordable RWD car with the right weight distribution and enough power to go sideways. An obvious choice for a gearhead, because that’s essentially the formula reserved for supercars. But now you find yourself in the position of wanting more. Not much more though. Just that extra bit of something to spice things up.

How about a tune up then? Let’s see. Oh, Romeo Ferraris here might have what you are looking for! The Toyota GT86 before you bares a performance kit consisting of a supercharger and an intercooler. After strapping them onto the flat-four Toyota engine, the guys from Romeo Ferraris played around with the ECU and eventually the GT86 yielded 258 hp and more than 260 N/m of torque. That’s a surplus of almost 80 hp and 60 Nm.

There’s not much else out of order with it. Have to keep that low center of gravity in check!

Here’s a video of the finished product guzzling down petrol on a dyno. See if you can detect a distinctiveness of the soundtrack.

httpv://youtu.be/FSaWpWZG5xE

Source: Romeo Ferraris

December 12, 2013

2014 Yaris And Yaris Hybrid Get Upgraded Equipment

2014 Toyota Yaris and Yaris Hybrid have been upgraded for the new model year and include features that customers value most. First of all the new Yaris will have four trim levels: Active, Icon, Icon Plus and Trend. The Active and Icon replace the previous T2 and TR grades, while Icon Plus and Trend gain additional equipment.

To be more precise, the Icon Plus now will sport Selena 10-spoke, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED rear light clusters and front fog lights. Those who will chose the Glacier Pearl paint finish will also get a bright chrome tailgate trim.

Other equipment in terms of safety and comfortability features the following: automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, power windows front and rear, automatic climate control and higher-set centre console design.

Key features across 2014 Toyota Yaris range:

ACTIVE	ICON adds	ICON PLUS adds	TREND adds
Six-speaker audio system	15-inch alloy wheels	Selena 15-inch alloy wheels	16-inch machined-face alloy wheels
Aux-in and USB connection	Body-coloured, electric, heated door mirrors	Front fog lights	Exterior chrome trim details
Audio controls on steering wheel	Body-coloured doorhandles	Rain-sensing wipers	Chrome-finished door mirrors
Electric front windows	Toyota Touch multimedia system	Dusk-sensing headlamps	Rear privacy glass
Height-adjustable driver’s seat	Rear-view camera	LED rear lights	Matt black C-pillar decal
Seven airbags	Tachometer	Automatic dual zone climate control	Chrome side sills
Vehicle Stability Control and traction control	Air conditioning	Electric rear windows	Leather handbrake and steering wheel trim with yellow contrast stitching
	Leather gearshift and steering wheel trim	Raised centre console	Trend interior trim with white dashboard inserts
	Bluetooth	Cruise control with speed limiter
		Air conditioned glovebox with interior light

Of course, in addition to the standard features Toyota will offer its customers a wide variety of available equipment. Option packs have been added for the Icon Plus and Trend models. First, a Smart Pack makes features keyless entry and push-button start, while the Appearance Pack adds a matt black C-pillar decal, and dark-tinted rear privacy glass and a fixed panoramic roof.

The third pack is called Protection Pack which provides front and rear parking sensors, floor mats, mud flaps, black side mouldings and boot liner and a rear bumper protection plate. On the other hand, the Style Pack includes LED daytime running lights, aluminium scuff plates and chrome trim on the tailgate and exhaust pipe.

The second model, 2014 Yaris Hybrid adopts a new grade structure. Here again the Active and Icon Plus grades replace the previous T3 and T4, while the Trend takes on the role of flagship in place of the T Spirit.

The standard features here include C-pillar decal to create the floating roof look, rear spoiler, 16-inch Trend alloys and part-leather seat upholstery, auto headlights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power windows all-round and keyless entry with push-button start.

Key features across 2014 Toyota Yaris Hybrid range:

ACTIVE	ICON PLUS adds	TREND adds
LED daytime running lights	15-inch alloy wheels	16-inch Trend alloys
Automatic climate control	LED rear combination lights	C-pillar decal
Electric front windows	Front fog lamps	Part-leather seat upholstery
Six-speaker audio system	Cruise control	Rear spoiler
Aux-in and USB connection	Toyota Touch multimedia system	Keyless entry and push-button start
Height-adjustable driver’s seat	Bluetooth	Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Seven airbags	Rear-view camera	Electric rear windows
Vehicle Stability Control and traction control	Rear privacy glass	Dusk-sensing headlights
	Electric, heated, body-coloured door mirrors	Rain-sensing wipers
	Leather steering wheel and gear selector trim
	Chrome tailgate trim

Source: Toyota

December 5, 2013

Toyota Avalon Refreshed For MY 2014

The Toyota Avalon is out with a new model year with several updates and revisions in an attempt to lure even more buyers. It is now wider, lower, and more aggressive, we suppose, because of the “tighter gaps between the tires and body.” There’s also an Avalon Hybrid available.

We can’t talk in inches, but the overhangs are supposed to be shorter, the tracks wider, and the body even more aggressively sculptured. The drag coefficient will now stand at 0.28. With the slight update of the shape comes a new weight which stands at 3,461 lbs (gasoline models) – a tiny bit lighter than the previous MY. By default the ride is subtle and comfortable, but Toyota now say that the Avalon will be 12 percent more rigid than its ancestry. 17-inch wheels with 215/55R17 tires come as standard, but if you have opted for the XLE Touring or the Limited model, you’ll get the P225/45R18 tires with, naturally, 18-inch wheels. Most of the other niceties on the outside cluster around the power wing mirrors. Not only is there a turn indicator embedded in each one, but they also have heaters, memory positioning, and puddle lamps. Also, if you tick those on the option list, they can have a blind spot monitor indicator and an auto-dimming electro-chromatic glass. Would hate to have them vandalized as it usually happens in my neighbourhood. If you go for the hybrid model, the trunk’s space will be limited to 14 cu. ft. as opposed to the other models which have 16 cu. ft. of luggage space

Inside one will notice significant noise reduction due to the extensive soundproofing all-around. Unsurprisingly, there’s also a plethora of IT tech inside. The instruments hold a 3.5-inch TFT display that can display valuable driver information. The center console holds a 6.1 inch screen from which you can operate the audio system or your iPod from it if it has been plugged in one of the car’s USB ports. Another way of connectivity is via Bluetooth which can also be accessed from that screen. The third screen is the 7-inch HDD navigation that can also play DVDs (who uses DVDs still?). There’s also the optional Entune App Suite which again connects your smartphone with the car and utilizes applications such as Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable and Pandora. The Premium HDD Navigation comes along with the said Entune Suite and a JBL Synthesis® 7.1 channel matrix sound system. The front seats which are heated and ventilated) can have either are electronically adjustable and can have either 8 or even 10 (Limited model) settings. Fascinating! A slightly more alluring fact is the dual-zone automatic climate control which comes as standard on every model. The one you can order optionally is a three-zone unit. If you go for the hybrid model, the trunk’s space will be limited to 14 cu. ft. as opposed to the other models which have 16 cu. ft. of luggage space.

In terms of engine, you get two choices. One is the gasoline DOHC V6 with VVT-i. It has 268 hp at its disposal and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4700 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 60 is “less than seven seconds” which is OK for a server-room. Fuel ecconomy? Not too impressive at 25 mpg on the combined cycle. Normally, the transmission would be a six-speed automatic with an S mode which allows the stick to be used as a shifter. The XLE Touring and the Limited models, however, get paddle shifters behind the wheel.

The Avalon Hybrid uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system that can be seen on the Camry Hybrid as well. In other words, we have a special transaxle that uses a planetary-type CVT. The actual power for it comes from a 2,5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The combined output amounts to 200 hp. Because the hybrid Avalon is not much heavier than the V6 gasoline one(3,585 lbs), 0 to 60 takes no more than 8 seconds. In order reduce internal friction as much as possible, Toyota have put in an electric water pump, a variable-output oil pump and a roller-rocker type valvetrain. And yet, the economy still stands at the unimpressive (for a hybrid) 40 mpg.

Source: Toyota

December 3, 2013
Toyota Verso MPV 1.6 D-4D by BMW

2014 Toyota Verso MPV will be powered by BMW’s 1.6 liter diesel engine. The power unit will be installed on the 1.6 D-4D model. The Bavarian manufacturer has agreed to provide 1.6 and 2.0 liter diesel engines to Toyota back in 2011.

2014 Verso MPV will be produced in Turkey from the next month. The 1.6 D-4D model will have a 1.6 liter diesel engine with 110HP (82 kW) and 270Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. The engine meets EURO 5 regulations with CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km.

The two manufacturers will work together to create a fuel cell system which will be ready before the end of the 2020.

“At Toyota, we believe that tackling environmental challenges facing our industry will require more than one approach. Hybrid is at the core of our strategy towards sustainable mobility, but we also see a role for clean diesel in Europe. Working together with an industry leader like the BMW Group allows us to benefit from economies of scale to reduce development costs as well as improve our time-to-market.”, commented Didier Leroy, Senior Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation, and President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe (TME).

Source: Toyota

December 2, 2013