Toyota – Page 30 – Automobiles Review

Toyota GT86 Real Deal Campaign [VIDEO]

Have you seen the film The Thirteenth Floor, which came out in 1999? Well if you have, then the new Real Deal advertising campaign by Toyota will “sound” very familiar to you.

This is a multi-million pound advertising strategy for the new Toyota GT86 Sports Coupe. It was created by Saatchi & Saatchi London and celebrates the brand’s return to its sports car heritage and reflects the rave reviews the GT86 has received for its authentic driving experience.

In summary, the Real Deal ad tells the story of a CGi man who has become tired of living in an artificial world. Some of the world’s best animators were involved in the making of the video. The computer game-style city is the living area of the animated hero and in addition is one of “pixels, pretence and driver assist”.

The hero goes to the underworld in order to find a way to feel alive. There he finds the new Toyota GT86. With its help he breaks free of his unsatisfying, inauthentic existence and escape into the real world. Take a look to the video below and see how he does it!

httpv://youtu.be/HLThzvsPCkI

Video Source: You Tube

Source: Toyota

August 17, 2012

Toyota Brakes Pikes Peak Hill Record

Toyota has just broken the electric vehicle course record at the Motorsport event Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this Sunday. The winning racecar, driven by the multiple Japanese rally champion Fumio Nutahara, was namely the Toyota TMG EV P002.

The time which broke thee record was exactly 10:15.380. This was estimated on the now fully paved 19.9-kilometre course, which in fact bettered the previous class record by more than two minutes.

Furthermore, the time was also over 15 seconds faster than the nearest electric-powered class competitor – the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution. This in general means that the TMG EV P002 was placed at sixth position in the overall classification.

But what made this Toyota achieve so great results? The answer is that the racecar is powered by two axial flux motors, which deliver a combined output of 476 hp (350kW). The advanced electric motors also offer the impressive 900Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque ad this is achieved through a single gear transmission.

The secret here however is that the fully electric drivetrain maintains full power even in the thin air of the course, which begins at an altitude of 2,862 metres and finishes at the 4,300-metre. As a matter of fact, exactly the air at the summit robs the vehicles of almost 30 per cent of engine power.

Another interesting fact is that the radical chassis-based TMG EV P002 is a development of the street-legal TMG EV P001. The latter broke the electric car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2011.

Source: Toyota

August 14, 2012

Lexus IS F CCS-R finishes second at Pikes Peak

Lexus IS F CCS-R has finished second in its class at its first attempt at Pikes Peak hill climb. The Lexus team had run over a 20-kilometre course consisting of 156 turns – concluding at 14,110 feet above sea level.

In fact, it is interesting to assume that the thin air at the summit of Pikes Peak robs vehicles of almost 30 per cent of engine power. However, the pilot behind the wheel – US racer Ken Gushi, has completed the feat in 11 minutes, 35.17 seconds. This made him second in class behind a lightweight V12 race car.

The car driven in this competition debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon back in 2010. In order to be suitable for the race, the vehicle is modified and includes enhancements in terms of performance.

In details, some of them feature lightweight carbon fibre bodywork and interior details as well as polycarbonate windows. These help reducing the standard vehicle’s weight by 314kg.

In addition, this Lexus also has a reinforced monocoque with roll cage, racing brake package, modified race suspension and racing exhaust system. The IS F CCS-R is powered by the 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8 of the IS F that generates 311kW (423 hp) and 505Nm (373 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shift.

LEXUS IS F CCS-R TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 2730mm, Overall length: 4759mm, Overall width: 1815mm, Overall height: 1384mm

WEIGHT: Curb weight: 1400kg (314kg less than standard road car)

ENGINE: Designation: 2UR-GSE, Displacement: 5.0-litre, Power: 311kW @ 6,600rpm, Torque: 505Nm @ 5,200rpm, Fuel system: SFI D-4 direct-to-cylinder injection with secondary port injectors

DRIVETRAIN: Layout: front engine, rear-wheel drive, Transmission: 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode

EXTERIOR: Orange mica exterior paint, Reinforced monocoque (with roll cage), Carbon fibre hood, door handles, front fender, front spoiler, front canard, rear spoiler, ventilator, Polycarbonate windows, Lightweight doors

WHEELS/TYRES: SSR: 18×8.5J, offset 30 front; 18×9.5J, offset 40 rear; Yokohama ADVAN NEOVA A050 tyres: 245/40 R18 front; 255/40 R18 rear

BRAKES: Brake cooling system; Racing brake kit; Stainless steel mesh brake hoses

SUSPENSION: Adjustable camber front upper arm; Modified race suspension; Reinforced bushings and mounts

EXHAUST: Racing exhaust system

OTHER MECHANICAL: Engine oil cooler; Transmission oil cooler; Differential oil cooler; Mechanical LSD

RACING EQUIPMENT: 120-litre fuel cell; Air jack system; Fire extinguishing system; Data logger; Kill switch; Tow strap

INTERIOR: Carbon fibre dashboard, centre console, door and interior trim; HANS compatible full bucket driver’s seat; Lightened interior (removed power windows, door locks, rear seats, roof lining, etc); Six-point seat belt; Small-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters

Source: Lexus

August 13, 2012

Wald International unveiled Toyota 86 ZN6 Sports Line

Wald International has presented their tuning version for one of the most eagerly awaited cars this year – 2012 Toyota 86. The Toyota 86 is the same car as the GT 86 in Europe, Australia and other regions/countries around the world and the Scion FR-S for USA.

Wald has installed a complete aerodynamics package including modified front spoiler, a pair of side skirts and a new rear bumper. There are also front fender vents and a set of enormous wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires.

At the rear, there is a boot lid spoiler and a new rear apron with an integral diffuser and a quad-pipe exhaust system.

The ride is lowered by a new sport suspension, which completes the aggressive stance.

Nothing is mentioned about improving the front-mounted 2.0 liter boxer engine delivering all power to the rear wheels.

Source: Wald International

July 25, 2012

Wald Sports Line Toyota Prius

We don’t know what to think. Wald, from Japan, have been working on a Toyota Prius Mk3 in order to turn it to a “Sports Line”. Yes, what you are looking at here is essentially an aerodynamic kit…for a Prius.

That confuses us because the whole concept of a Toyota Prius is to be sensible. Performance is not necessary snesible. Maybe then, it’s for the sake of aesthetics. But who buys a Prius and hopes to stick out from the crowd? Whatever the reason, you get a newfront bumper, side skirts, a rear apron that includes a diffuser all of which is predominantly made from fiber-reinforced plastic. Also the exhaust tips are redesigned and chromed. Handy aero covers on the side windows help prevent air messing up your hair when cruising along.

Then further down beneath the shell, Wald have thrown in a sports suspension which lowers the car within a hair’s distance from the ground. Included also are large alloy wheels that have low profile performance tires wrapped around them (again with the performance confusion).

Source: Wald

July 6, 2012

Possible cooperation between BMW and Toyota

BMW and Toyota have discussed an interesting opportunity to work together in order to create unique sports car. The jointly developed model could be a way for Toyota to leap back into a performance segment it has abandoned or possibly provide a high-priced sports model for Toyota’s Lexus brand.

The two of the biggest car manufacturers agreed to work together on an “environmentally friendly” sports car as well as on fuel-cell, electric vehicle components and lightweight materials.

“BMW’s strength is in developing sports cars,” commented Toyota President Akio Toyoda, a racing fan who repeatedly has said he wants to add zest to Toyota’s lineup.

“I am excited to think of the cars that will result from this relationship.”, he added.

Toyoda and BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer signed the agreement in Munich.

Further details have not been discussed, but the sports car will not be identical or share a common exterior design like the jointly developed Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86 and Scion FR-S coupes.

There are speculations of returning the Supra model, possibly using the BMW 6-series architecture. However, this is only a rumor.

“Anything is possible,” said the senior BMW manager.

“The key factor is that the products of both companies retain their own individual character, despite jointly developed technologies.”, he added.

Jim Hall, principal of 2953 Analytics Inc. in suburban Detroit, said Toyota could use technology from the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.

“It would be an expensive car,” Jim Hall said.

“There is an argument that Lexus needs it and that is the logical place for them to do it.”, he added.

In March, BMW agreed to supply Toyota with its diesel engines starting in 2014 in exchange for collaboration on lithium-ion battery research.

Stay tuned for more information about this interesting cooperation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tdZU-7K2bs

July 3, 2012

Jay Leno and a Scion FR-S

Scion FR-S (2013) Jay Leno gets to know a Scion FR-S close and personal. Him being a renown motoring enthusiast, we get to hear his opinion about the idea behind the sports car and also there are the facts coming from Scion‘s Vice President Jack Hollis to support Leno’s view.In the video, they discuss the existing competition (the Mazda MX5), the affordability of fun nowadays, the Toyota GT legacy within the FR-S, the boxer engine and more. As an end point, the Scion proves to be as said – light, sporty, rear-wheel-drivem and accessible.It’s engine is a 2.0 liter horizontally opposed unit that produces 200 bhp and 151 lb-ft of torque. It also allows a great center of gravity which in term adds to the FR-S‘s lively road manners. It’s practical as well with 2+2 seats and a boot good for… four slick tires.In America, one can have this package of fun and sensibility for just $24,200.

Source: jaylenosgarage.com

June 19, 2012

2012 Toyota 86 GTS with new aerokit

2012 Toyota 86 GTS now will be equipped with new comprehensive aero package, which will reduce the aerodynamic drag and increase the downforce for superior handling stability. At the same time this package is destined to maintain vehicle’s wind-cheating 0.27 drag coefficient.

In details, the aero kit of the Toyota comprises of a new front bumper skirt, side skirts, rear bumper skirt and large rear spoiler. It can be ordered optionally to the high-grade 86 GTS model, both with manual and automatic transmission.

What the front bumper skirt does basically is that it has vertical fins to control air entering the front grille. It also includes dual canards at 12-degree angles which optimize the handling stability.

The side skirt design includes a rounded leading edge to assist airflow evacuation from the front wheel housing.

Next, the rear bumper skirt’s profile is projected horizontally. This makes it able to manage the air turbulence from the front and fin and assist in evacuating under-body airflow.

At last, the large rear spoiler of the 86 GTS, which is painted in gloss black, includes horizontal ‘winglets’ on the uprights. They help create downforce and additionally optimize the handling stability.

Source: Toyota

June 18, 2012

Toyota TS030 Hybrid at the Le Mans

Toyota TS030 Hybrid is the model with which the Japanese automaker will return to the Le Mans 24-hour race the forthcoming week. On the race track we will see not one but two of these competing hybrids.

Toyota aims with these hybrid vehicles to write a new page in the history of the legendary twice-around-the-clock enduro, with the help with their unique technologies. Both TS030 Hybrids display their new Toyota hybrid-blue livery.

Furthermore, both racecars are equipped with the 2012 THS-R (Toyota Hybrid System – Racing) powertrain. The latter is designed to deliver optimum performance and includes theall-new V8 3.4-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine and hybrid system with capacitor storage.

Of course, being a true Toyota’s full hybrid road car, the TS030’s energy is regenerated under braking and the vehicle can work in electric-only mode, thus achieving zero emissions and zero fuel consumption.

This means that it either delivers faster lap times through improving speed on the exit of corners, or one chooses to save fuel by using the internal combustion engine less on corner exit and allowing the hybrid system to compensate.

Few days more to go and we will eventually understand whether the goal of Toyota is achievable, and it is to show that the TS030 Hybrid is the fastest hybrid car on the grid.

Technical Specifications
Designation	TS030 HYBRID
Type	Le Mans Prototype (LMP1)
Bodywork	Carbon fibre composite
Windscreen	Polycarbonate
Gearbox	Transversal with 6 gears sequential
Gearbox casing	Aluminium
Driveshafts	Constant velocity tripod plunge-joint driveshafts
Clutch	Multidisc
Differential	Viscous mechanical locking differential
Suspension	Independent front and rear double wishbone, pushrod-system
Springs	Torsion bars
Anti roll bars	Front and rear
Steering	Hydraulically assisted
Brakes	Dual circuit hydraulic braking system, mono-block light-alloy brake callipers front and rear
Discs	Ventilated front and rear in carbon
Rims	Magnesium forged wheels
Front rims	14.5 x 18 inch
Rear rims	14.5 x 18 inch
Tyres	Michelin radial
Front tyres	36/71-18
Rear tyres	37/71-18
Length	4650mm
Width	2000mm
Height	1030mm
Fuel capacity	73 litres
Powertrain	Toyota Hybrid System – Racing (THS-R)
Engine	90° V8 normally aspirated engine
Fuel	Petrol
Engine Capacity	3.4l
Valves	4
Air restrictors	1 x 43.3mm
Capacitor	Nisshinbo
Front Hybrid Motor	Aisin AW
Rear Hybrid Motor	Denso

Source: Toyota

June 8, 2012

Toyota TMG EV P002 Races to the Clouds

Toyota TMG EV P002 is going to conquer the high altitudes of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. More importantly, what is so specific about this racecar is that it is an electric one. This simply means that Toyota is applying its environmental visions on the race track as well.

Toyota TMG EV P002 doesn’t have a conventional combustion engine but a fully electric drivetrain. It is able to develop full power even in the thin air of the hill climb’s 19.9 kilometre course. The race starts at an altitude of 2,862 metres and finishes at the 4,300-metre Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs.

Furthermore, this racecar has a twin axial flux motors, which are able to offer a combined output of 350kW (476 lb-ft). The vehicle has a top speed of 240km/h. The advanced electric motors contribute to the power of the car as well. They deliver 900Nm of torque through a single gear transmission.

An interesting fact here is that Toyota engineers have spent the past half year working on the Radical chassis-based EV P002. It is a development of the street-legal TMG EV P001, which as you might remember broke the electric car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife last year.

The Japanese rally champion Fumio Nutahara will drive the EV P002 in the event, also known as the ‘Race to the Clouds’.

Toyota TMG EV P002 technical specifications:

Performance: Top speed 240km/h (Pikes Peak configuration); Maximum torque 900Nm; Maximum power 350kW; Maximum revs 5000rpm

Powertrain: Electric motor 2 axial flux; Inverter 2 x TMG inverters; Gear ratio 2.5; Transmission Single-reduction gearing; Battery Lithium ceramic; Battery capacity 42kWh; Charging technology Off-board DC charging

Dimensions: Length 4.10m; Height 1.04m; Width 1.79m

Source: Toyota

June 8, 2012

LEXUS IS F CCS-R to race in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

LEXUS IS F CCS-R is a modified IS F sedan which will compete in the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The racing will take place next month and will mark its 90th running.

This Lexus racing car has already debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon back in 2010 as a concept vehicle; and now is ready to make its first achievements. It includes several modifications from the standard IS F sedan and of course these are in terms of improved performance and racing safety regulations.

In details, some of the transformations included are lightweight carbon fibre bodywork and interior details, and polycarbonate windows. The latter help reduce the standard vehicle’s weight by 314kg. In addition, it comes equipped with reinforced monocoque with roll cage, racing brake package, modified race suspension and racing exhaust system.

Lexus IS F CCS-R is propelled by the 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8 which is initially on the IS F. The engine develops 311kW (423 hp) and 505Nm (372 lb-ft) of torque and is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shift.

Lexus IS F CCS-R Technical Data:

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase 2730mm; Overall length 4759mm; Overall width 1815mm; Overall height 1384mm

WEIGHT: Curb weight 1400kg (314kg less than standard road car)

ENGINE: Designation 2UR-GSE; Displacement 5.0-litre; Power 311kW @ 6,600rpm; Torque 505Nm @ 5,200rpm; Fuel system SFI D-4 direct-to-cylinder injection with secondary port injectors

DRIVETRAIN: Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive system; Transmission 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode

EXTERIOR: Orange mica exterior paint; Reinforced monocoque (with roll cage); Carbon fibre hood, door handles, front fender, front spoiler, front canard, rear spoiler, ventilator; Polycarbonate windows; Lightweight door

WHEELS/TYRES: SSR (18×8.5J, off-set 30 front; 18×9.5J, off-set 40 rear); Yokohama /ADVAN NEOVA A050 tyres (245/40 R18 front; 255/40 R18 rear)

BRAKES: Brake cooling system; Racing brake kit; Stainless steel mesh brake hose

SUSPENSION: Adjustable camber front upper arm; Modified race suspension; Reinforced bushings and mounts

EXHAUST: Racing exhaust system

OTHER MECHANICAL: Engine oil cooler; Transmission oil cooler; Differential oil cooler; Mechanical LSD

RACING EQUIPMENT: 120-litre fuel cell; Air jack system; Fire extinguishing system; Data logger; Kill switch; Tow strap

INTERIOR: Carbon fibre dashboard, centre console, door and interior trim; HANS compatible full bucket driver’s seat; Lightened interior (removed power windows, door locks, rear seats, roof lining, etc); Six-point seat belt; Small-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters

Source: Lexus

June 7, 2012

2012 Toyota Prius V, Camry and Sienna selected as Best Family Cars

Three Toyota models have been chosen as Best Family Cars of 2012. The choice was done by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com, bounding together to make their fifth annual list.

Namely the Toyota vehicles which were picked are: 2012 Toyota Prius V – in the high-mileage category; 2012 Toyota Camry Sedan in the sedan category; and at last but not least, the Toyota Sienna minivan in the large vehicle category.

The vehicles were evaluated based on several criteria, some of which for instance, are safety, fuel economy, and kid-friendly features, ride comfort, styling and handling. In other words, features which are mostly appreciated by large families.

In fact, this is the fifth consecutive year I which the Japanese brand has been included in the list of best family cars. Hence, the Toyota stands as a synonym for safety, quality and durability and of course convenience, when it comes to making the life of the family better.

2012 Toyota Prius V was in the high-mileage car category, and was appreciated for its stable ride and ample cargo space and was praised for its versatility and standard technology features including the Entune® mulitmedia system and a hands-free smart key, which unlocks the driver’s side door as one approaches the door handle.

The 2012 Toyota Camry was even picked as the best sedan in its category. This vehicle model was entirely redesigned for 2012, which played crucial role to be chosen as the best vehicle. In addition, the seventh generation Camry was picked its convenient technology including Entune, excellent fuel economy, quiet ride and ample trunk space.

The last Toyota included in the list is in the large vehicle category and is the Toyota Sienna minivan. It was included in the list, because it has flexible configurations, which can fit every type of trip, family and cargo combination. The Sienna model was entirely redesigned back in 2010 and now has more responsive driving characteristics, contemporary styling and onboard entertainment technology.

Source: Toyota

June 6, 2012

Tag: Toyota