Toyota – Page 31 – Automobiles Review

2013 Scion FR-S Sports Car – now at dealerships

2013 Scion FR-S Sports Car is now available in dealerships. This is an exceptional high-performance coupe, which is the fifth model joining the family of the brand Scion and plays an integral part in it.

First of all what FR-S will provide to its drivers is genuine sports feel. And secondly – it can be experienced at not so costly price: the price of this Scion model begins at $24 200.

The FR-S can be equipped with either six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic one which includes paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology.

A fact that you might not know is that the FR-S stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport. And the name is proven by the engine that is at the heart of the vehicle: a 2.0-liter boxer one which produces an impressive 200 horsepower (147 kW) and 151 pound-feet (205 Nm) of torque. The flat engine is mounted extremely low, giving the car a dynamically low center of gravity.

Furthermore, the designers of the car made it in such way that it is quick and nimble which going into and out of corners, with dynamic maneuverability and confident handling. In addition, the Scion has low weight, which is combined with a dynamically tuned suspension setup comprising of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear.

A standard feature here is the Torsen® limited-slip differential, apportioning power to the rear wheels with precision and immediacy. The FR-S runs on lightweight 17×7-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes.

The interior is also performance focused. It includes a 2+2 seating. The front seats are comfortable and assertive, and include deep bolsters. They are also mounted extremely low, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space.

Source: Scion

June 5, 2012

2012 Toyota 86: full specifications and pricing announced

2012 Toyota 86 is a sportscar which is much appreciated and awaited and more importantly which now goes on sale. In fact the 86 model is an aim for a grand return to Toyota’s sporting roots. And the brand does this with the world’s only combination of a front-mounted, free-revving, horizontally opposed “boxer” petrol engine and rear-wheel drive!

The car is indeed unique, because it combines a one-of-a-kind powertrain format, compact design, light weight and a low centre of gravity. All this results in the best possible power-to-weight ratio. Of course, this also contributes to a maximum driving pleasure – lively, accessible performance and highly engaging dynamic abilities with minimal electronic intrusion.

2012 Toyota 86 is being offered in two grades – GT and GTS, which are both powered by a 2.0-litre flat-four engine. In addition, Toyota‘s D-4S direct-injection technology enhances the throttle response, power and torque over a wide range of engine speeds.

In details, the maximum power the vehicle is 147kW – equivalent to 100hp per litre – and peak torque of 205Nm (151 lb-ft). Additionally, fuel economy is absolutely remarkable for a sports car: it is only 7.8 litres/100km for manual variants – and even better for automatic versions at just 7.1 litres/100km. CO2 emissions are 164 grams/km (auto) and 181 grams/km (manual).

Both engines can be mated to a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox, which offers quick, precise shifting through closely stacked ratios. The other option in terms of gear box is the Lexus IS-F-inspired six-speed automatic transmission, with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel, combines direct response with an extremely fast shifting speed of only 0.2 seconds.

The 86 includes an aerodynamic and stylish body design built around a low, highly compact chassis for optimum handling and performance. The vehicle also comes equipped with wide array of standard equipment: seven airbags, a five-mode stability control system, traction control, anti-skid brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning, CD sound system, daytime running lamps (DRLs) and a multi-information display.

The 86 GTS runs on 17-inch alloy wheels, and has in its equipment a 6.1-inch display screen, satellite navigation with live traffic updates, auto-levelling HID headlamps, leather-accented front seats, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, aluminium pedals, LED DRLs and red stitching highlights.

The unique visual identity of Toyota’s cars is due to the distinct T-mesh pattern in the front grille, door-switch base, instrument panel, meters, triangular rear-centre foglamp and spare-wheel cover. The models in both grades also include numerous exclusive sporting details through both the exterior and interior, including a conrod motif to the HID headlamps, twin exhausts, instrument dials, air vents and gear-lever base.

The 86 piston logo can be see on the car’s front wing and is based on the car’s unique front boxer engine, rear-wheel drive powertrain format. It also is a representation of the vehicle’s tyres sliding in a four-wheel drift, highlighting the perfect on-the-limit balance of the 86.

2012 Toyota 86 Pricing:

Grade	Price
86 GT manual	$29,990
86 GT automatic	$32,490
86 GTS manual	$35,490
86 GTS automatic	$37,990

2012 Toyota 86 Specifications:

Engine
Engine type	2.0L-Boxer 4
Capacity (cm³)	1998
Cylinders/valves	Boxer 4/16V
Description	Four cylinders, horizontally opposed, 16-valve, DOHC, four valves percylinder and alloy cylinder block
Bore x stroke (mm)	86 x 86
Compression ratio	12:5:1
Max. output	147kW @ 7,000rpm
Max. torque	205Nm @ 6,400-6,600rpm
Recommended fuel type	98 or more Octane
Fuel-tank capacity (L)	50
Transmission
Type	Six-speed manual	Six-speed sequential-shift automatic (with paddle shift on GTS 86)
Ratios: 1st	3.626	3.538
2nd	2.188	2.060
3rd	1.541	1.404
4th	1.213	1.000
5th	1.000	0.713
6th	0.767	0.582
Reverse	3.437	3.168
Final drive	4.100:1	4.100:1
Steering
Turning circle	10.8m (tyre), 11.4m (body)
Type	Rack and pinion Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Suspension type
Front	MacPherson strut with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and rose-jointedstabiliser bar
Rear	Double wishbone with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and rose-jointedstabiliser bar
Capacities
Seating	4
Cargo space height	391mm
Exterior dimensions
Overall length (mm)	4,240
Width (mm)	1,775
Roof height (mm)	1,285
Wheelbase (mm)	2,570
Tracks (mm)	Front: 1,520 Rear: 1,540
Interior dimensions
Front to rear couple distance (mm)	700
Front legroom (mm)	1065
Rear legroom (mm)	759
Driven wheels
	Rear
Wheels and tyres
GT	16 x 6.5J alloy with 205/55 R16 tyres
GTS	17 x 7J alloy with 215/45 R17 tyres
Brake type
GT	Ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes with anti-lock braking system(ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA) and vehiclestability control (VSC). Front disc size: 277mm diameter by 24mm thick Rear disc size: 286mm by 10mm thick
GTS	Ventilated front and ventilated rear disc brakes with ABS, EBD, BA andVSC. Front disc size: 294mm diameter by 24mm thick Rear disc size: 290mm diameter by 18mm thick
Performance
0-100km/h (s)	7.6 (manual), 8.2 (auto)
Max. speed (km/h)	226 (manual), 210 (auto)
Coefficient of drag	0.27
Fuel consumption (L/100 km)^*
Combined	7.8 (manual), 7.1 (auto)
Urban	10.4 (manual), 9.6 (auto)
Extra urban	6.4 (manual), 5.7 (auto)
CO₂ emissions (g/km)^*
Combined	181 (manual), 164 (auto)

Source: Toyota

June 4, 2012

More goodies for 2012 Toyota GT 86

Toyota has announced some very nice upgrades for their latest model – the sports car GT 86. These goodies are available only in Germany.

Thanks to its affordable price from € 29 990 sports car fans this is still much room for customization.

The exterior boasts decorative films in black or silver, mirror caps in carbon optics and 18” alloy wheels. The black matt varnish costs €389, fully polished wheels in Himalayan Grey are €399 and shiny graphite “Ultraleggera” set is €529 (excluding tires). An even more intense driving experience allows the lowering of the body by 30 mm – a set of springs for €189.

The interior can be upgraded with a Touch & Go navigation systemwith Google local search and Bluetooth/USB/iPod connectivity. This pleasure is €695 and if you want the JBL sound system, you have to search deep in your pockets for another €1045.

Source: Toyota

June 1, 2012

2012 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid with ECOcar Awards

2012 Toyota Camry and its Hybrid sibling have achieved great success at the ECOcar Awards this year. In particular, the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid has been awarded the first place as the ECOcar of the year, leaving its petrol brother at second place.

In fact this is very important success for the model line-up because it is the first major award it achieves. Both cars have bee launched in the last six months of the year.

In the competition took part 31 vehicles, among which were the both Carmy vehicles. The prices of the cars which were competing ranged from $16 000 to $90 000. The judges assessing the cars were from specialist national magazine ECOcar.

However, the judging criteria crossed all price groups and looked on fuel efficiency, performance, comfort, refinement and driving enjoyment. And here the two Toyotas were unsurpassed.

No other car could beat the 2012 Camry Hybrid, which has a combined fuel economy of 5.2L/100km. The second place went for the petrol model for a reason. Its combined fuel economy is 7.8L/100km.

What is so unique for those cars is that they offer identical refinement and engine choices depending on drivers’ needs. Nevertheless, the judges’ choice was mainly influenced by the operating economy of the cars. And yes, we definitely see a tendency in the automotive world, where people look for more fuel efficient vehicles.

Source: Toyota

May 29, 2012

2013 Toyota Venza Crossover with announced price

2013 Toyota Venza Crossover has an announced price already and will be seen at dealerships this week. The new Toyota crossover will offer its customers more luxury and spaciousness in terms of interior and added styling to all its features. Furthermore it will add value with the help of several new standard convenience features and updated option packages.

What is new here is that Venza comes with a new more aerodynamic shape. The latter has been achieved through the modified upper and lower grille, fog lamps and rear taillights. Of course, no update in body style can go without an update in the wheels. This Toyota crossover runs on new 19-inch wheel design.

In addition, the exterior colors which now are being offered are complemented by three new ones, namely: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica. Moreover, there are also included three interior color choices: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. The latter is absolutely new for the model range. Each color is offered in fabric on LE and leather on XLE and Limited.

The trim levels in which the 2013 Venza is being offered are: LE, XLE and Limited grades. In particular, the LE and XLE models are available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Both engines are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

In contrast the Venza Limited is powered by the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Here as well the engine goes with the six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

Furthermore, the additional features that the new model will include will delight any customer. Some of them for instance are the standard blind-spot mirror and outer mirror turn signals with puddle lamps, which will go as a standard on all trim levels.

Other key standard features are: dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second-row-seat vents; eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar; 3.5-inch LCD multi-information display; a tilt/telescopic adjustable wheel with integrated audio controls; an overhead console with map lights; rear-seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets.

2013 Venza will now come equipped with unique feature – the new Toyota Entune multimedia system. Entune gives power to the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

Additionally, the audio systems that go along with the Entune include conversational voice recognition system which will help the driver to stay focused by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands.

The base price for the 2013 Toyota Venza LE will start from $27 700 for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) four-cylinder engine. The detailed pricing of the other trim levels are listed below.

2013 Toyota Venza Pricing:

Model	Grade	Engine	Drivetrain	Price ($)
2810	LE	L4	FWD	$27,700
2812	LE	V6	FWD	$29,520
2820	LE	L4	AWD	$29,150
2822	LE	V6	AWD	$30,970
2830	XLE	L4	FWD	$31,360
2832	XLE	V6	FWD	$33,180
2834	XLE	L4	AWD	$32,810
2836	XLE	V6	AWD	$34,630
2842	Limited	V6	FWD	$37,420
2846	Limited	V6	AWD	$38,870

Source: Toyota

May 29, 2012

The GT 86, Toyota’s Headline Car of 2012

The car Toyota fans have been waiting for is finally here. The GT 86 was announced to a lot of hype way back in 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show, and since then the Japanese automaker (in partnership with Subaru) has kept us cooling our heels waiting to drive its fastest accelerating sports car.

Hailed for its incredible 1239kg weight, the GT 86 still manages to pack a powerhouse under the hood. Equipped with the Toyota Subaru “D-4S” boxer engine, which is a 2.0-litre engine that accelerates from 0 to 62 in 7.7 seconds, the Toyota also has plenty of cruising speed, reaching up to 137mph. Although it probably won’t win awards for its powertrain, the GT86’s performance is totally satisfactory considering its visual appeal and trappings.

Built to classic coupe proportions, this Toyota has a long bonnet and low roofline, with sporty touches like the tailgate spoiler, twin-exit exhausts and contoured roofline. Taking design cues from the earlier FT-HS concept, which was a hybrid sports car concept released in 2007, the GT 86 certainly looks the part of an aerodynamic behemoth.

With the nickname of 2+2, and despite its “impressively comfortable” front seats, there’s also a little legroom in the back for passengers, although it’s probably a better fit for kids. Standard interior features are impressive and include dual-zone air-conditioning, leather wrapping on the steering wheel and gear lever, keyless entry and dash-mounted touchscreen with navigation and entertainment.

The Coupe car joins a line-up of eco-friendly cars this year that includes the Prius Plug-in, the Prius+ and the Yaris hybrid, all of which are set to hit showrooms sometime from mid-2012.

May 28, 2012

2012 Toyota Prius v – spacious and efficient

2012 Toyota Prius v is the next model to join the Prius family. It comes to offer spaciousness, economy and excellent performance.

If you wonder what the “v” behind the Prius stands for, well it stands for “versatility”. This is because this Toyota model is the first one to offer the flexibility and roominess of seven seats combined with a hybrid powertrain.

What differs the Prius v from a standard Prius model is that it is longer, wider and taller and has an extended wheelbase. This is what makes possible for the vehicle to accommodate adults in all three rows. The latter were successfully added to the car, because its design now saves space from the highly compact, space-saving lithium-ion battery pack, which is placed under the centre console between the front seats.

In particular, the new car’s seven-seat format includes three independent sliding, reclining and split-folding second-row seats and a 50:50 split-folding third tier. This ensures large range of seating and cargo-carrying combinations.

Moreover, Prius v comes equipped with array of advanced features including a 6.1-inch display-screen audio system, automatic air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, energy monitor, head-up display, keyless entry and ignition, daytime-sensing headlamps, electric power steering, cruise control and daytime running lamps.

The interior equipment of the car includes multi-information display, four-spoke premium steering wheel with Touch Tracer sensitive controls for audio, air-conditioning temperature and trip display, and a tilt/telescopic-adjustable column.

In terms of safety and security, the future customers will be delighted to hear that this model has seven airbags, a reversing camera, hill-start assist, stability and traction control, and anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard.

More importantly, Prius v includes the latest and best generation of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain. It uses 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a powerful 60kW (82 hp) electric motor for a combined system output of 100kW (136 hp).

The Prius v 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle 2ZR-FXE engine delivers alone 73kW (99 hp) of power at 5200rpm and 142Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque at 4000rpm. On the other hand the vehicle’s 650V electric drive motor has 60kW of power and 207Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. This results as already mentioned in combined maximum power of 100kW (136 hp).

In details, the engine uses the Atkinson cycle, which has a higher expansion ratio than a conventional Otto cycle engine. This basically means that it offers improved fuel economy and emissions.

This unique system ensures low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well. It is supported by low weight and strong aerodynamic performance, thus offering class-leading fuel economy of 4.4 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 101g/km.

In addition, at the convenience of the drivers is the 6.1 inch display-audio screen, where they can observe the power flow between the engine, motor generators, battery and wheels on an energy monitor.

Being a true Prius, the “v” one includes three “on-demand” drive modes which increase the capabilities of the full hybrid powertrain. The first one – EV mode, runs alone the electric motor ultra-quietly for up to two kilometers. This of course effects in zero fuel consumption and emissions.

The second Eco mode prioritizes fuel economy by slightly damping throttle response and restricting power consumption from the air-conditioning system. The last one, the Power mode boosts system performance.

2012 Toyota Prius v starting price is $ 35 990.

2012 Toyota Prius v Specifications:

ENGINE
Type	Petrol
Capacity (cc)	1798
Code	2ZR-FXE
Description	Four cylinder Atkinson cycle, DOHC, four valves per cylinder with variable intake valve timing and cooled EGR
Bore x stroke (mm)	80.5 x 88.3
Compression ratio	13.0:1
Max. power	73kW @ 5200rpm
Max. torque	142Nm @ 4000rpm
Fuel system (petrol)	Electronic multipoint fuel injection with Electronic Throttle Control System
Fuel type	95 RON or higher
Fuel tank capacity (L)	45
Fuel economy (L/100km)*	4.4 (Combined)
	4.2 (Urban)
	4.3 (Extra urban)
Carbon dioxide (g/km)*	101 (Combined cycle)
HYBRID SYSTEM
Type	Series/parallel
System output	100kW (Combined)
Electric motor	60kW AC synchronous
Maximum voltage (V)	650
High-voltage battery	Lithium-ion
– Voltage (V)	201.6
TRANSMISSION
Driven wheels	Front
Transmission description	Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT)
Transmission code	P410
Final drive	3.703:1
STEERING
Type	Rack and pinion, Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Turns lock to lock (m)	3.31
Minimum turning radius (m)	5.5 (kerb to kerb)
SUSPENSION
Front	Independent, MacPherson struts, L-arms, coil springs, gas dampers and stabiliser bar
Rear	Semi-independent torsion beam, coil springs, gas dampers
FRICTION BRAKES
Front	296mm x 28mm ventilated discs, with sliding callipers
Rear	290mm x 12mm solid discs
Stability control	Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB), ABS with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Body Control with Torque Demand
WHEELS
Rims	16 x 6.5J aluminium with full size cover
Tyres	P205/60 R16
BODY
Body type	Monocoque 5DR liftback
Length (mm)	4615
Width (mm)	1775
Overall height (mm)	1590
Wheelbase (mm)	2780
Front track (mm)	1540
Rear track (mm)	1545
Coefficient of drag (Cd)	0.29
Running clearance	160mm
WEIGHTS/LOADS
Kerb weight (kg)	1565
Gross vehicle mass (kg)	2115

Source: Toyota

May 22, 2012

Toyota GT86 and Lexus LFA to compete in Nuerburgring 24 Hours

Toyota GT86, in fact four units of it and one of the Lexus LFA are going to compete in the Nuerburgring 24 Hours from 17th till 20th of May. It is a well known fact that the Nürburgring has played an important role in the development of Toyota’s latest generation of high-performance cars.

Hence, it is the perfect time for the demonstration of the powers of those two exceptional models the Lexus LFA and the GT86. At the disposal of the brand for the racing will be Gazoo Racing team. It will field the LFA (in the SP8 class) and two new race-prepared GT86 (SP3 class).

In the team of course are included technicians and drivers, which will take care for the unique racing vehicles and apply their skills and craftsmanship where needed. Furthermore, they will also gain information and experience which will serve as a means of feedback directly into the work developing future vehicles.

Gazoo Racing has already achieved much success by winning the two shorter-distance races at the Nuerburgring. There the Lexus LFA won two times in its class and the GT86 showed promising progress.

In addition to this, the Toyota Swiss Racing Team will also be taking part, fielding two GT86 race-prepared by Toyota Motorsport. Those tow sport cars will take part in the competition class (V3) for production models.

Source: Toyota

May 16, 2012

2012 Toyota Yaris delivers exceptional blend of fuel economy and performance

2012 Toyota Yaris has achieved sales up 140 percent in April and 70 percent for the year. This means that the subcompact Toyota vehicle is one of the most frequent choices customers make, when they have in mind characteristics such as performance, comfort, fuel efficiency and safety.
The new Yaris is now being offered in two variants – with three- and five-door. Both are available with five-speed manual or four-speed electronic automatic transmissions.

More importantly, the vehicle is propelled by the efficient 106 hp (78 kW) four-cylinder engine which in addition has a Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Thank to this the car achieves 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with the manual and 30 city/35 highway with the automatic transmission.

Another benefit of the Yaris is the safety it provides for its occupants. It has a reinforced cabin which integrates front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing materials in the roof and doors.

Furthermore, the seating positions are equipped with height-adjustable head rests and three-point seatbelts. There is also a set of airbags included as a standard: driver and front passenger advanced dual-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, driver- and front-passenger seat-cushion airbags and first and second row side-curtain airbags.

In addition to all this as a standard, the brand has decided to include the Toyota’s Star Safety System on all its models. The latter system features: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

Next, an advantage to be mentioned is the comfort of the car. Yaris’ cabin provides rear seating for three persons with headrests in all positions. In addition to this, the interior is driver orientated and includes easy-to-reach controls, high center-mounted instrument cluster for excellent on-road visibility, and an array of storage spaces and cup holders.

Further features as standard equipment are: air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, rear-window defogger and intermittent wipers.

And if the customer wants to have an additional space for the luggage, Toyota has made the rear seatback foldable, so that the cargo capacity becomes from 9.3 cubic feet to 25.7 cubic feet. A 60/40 split rear seatback comes as a standard on LE and SE grades.

What we’ve almost forgotten is the remarkable exterior of the Yaris, which combines contemporary vision with crisp character. Here the grill is accented by sharp character lines that flow into the sleek hood and windshield.

Now the vehicle is even more aerodynamic, because the outer moldings on the windshield and door glass have been eliminated.

And if one is more of a sportier type of person, Toyota has thought about them too! If one enjoys a dynamic driving experience and seek this, then 2012 Toyota SE is made for them. This model comes with five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic one, 16-inch alloy wheels and tires, sport-tuned suspension, quicker-ratio steering and integrated fog lamps.

2012 Toyota Yaris is available with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices starting at $14,115.

Source: Toyota

May 15, 2012

2012 Toyota RAV4 EV Revealed

As promised, Toyota have unveiled the RAV4 EV. The event took place at the 26th Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. The hopes are high as some expect it to be no less impressive than the current petrol RAV4 V6 in terms of “driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity. That’s amibtious.

The drivetrain inside it can provide power for 160 km once every charge. After that, you find a 240V/40A charger and “brim it up” fir six hours. Pretty much all the bits underneath have been made by Tesla. It took both companies 22 months to achieve this but eventually, we end up with the “only all-electric SUV on the market”

The torquey electricity powers goes to the front wheels in two manners – Sport and Normal. While on the former, the RAV4 can go from 0 to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in 7 seconds dead while the top speed climbs up to 160 km. A more leisurely way to drive up to the grocer’s can be the Normal mode – 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds and 137 km/h at best.

The maximum output of power has been estimated to be 115kW @ 2,800 rpm. The heavy battery pack buried deep down inside the car benefits the center of gravity while the electric motor purrs in a very serene way. Surrisingly, the RAV4 body is also slippery – a 0.30 drag coefficient is the very best among SUV’s apparently.

In terms of body design, there are some slight deviations from the standard look of the Toyota RAV4. The front bumper, upper and lower grille, side mirrors, rear spoiler and under body shape have all been restyled in favor of aerodynamics. Sales are expected to start somewhere around during the late summer of 2012. Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota in the United States, hopes that:

“…the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,”

We’ll have to see about that.

Source: Toyota

May 8, 2012

Toyota Debut RAV4 EV at the 26th EVS

Scant pieces of news come forth from Toyota. An all new RAV4 EV is set to appear pretty soon. The venue intended for the debut couldn’t be more appropriate – the 26th International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26) in Los Angeles. A news conference should elaborate on this fact. That would be Monday, May 7 at noon in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

That’s pretty much we know for now. To remind ourselves, two years ago, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota did bring out prototypes of the supposed second generation of EV RAV4s. They were developed jointly with Tesla (Tesla were responsible for the power plant and batteries). The earliest of them all had a 660-pound lithium-ion battery pack with 50 kWh capacity in total. The estimated single charge range varied from 80 to 120 miles.

Hopefully, those figures will be now even more impressive as the EV still has to win over many admirers of petrol and diesel RAV4 which are completely satisfactory on their own.

More on this topic will surely be coming next week.

Source: Toyota

May 1, 2012

Toyota reveals three new concepts in Beijing

Three new concept vehicles have just been unveiled by Toyota on their stage at the 12th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

The first one comes in two variant- a compact sedan and hatchback, which carries proudly the name Toyota Dear Qin. This is a global-strategic vehicle which includes attractive design and offers exceptional style.

In particular, the word Qin means “dear” or “intimate”. In the name lies the aim of the brand to make this model cherished by many.

The Dear Qin concept versions have different front end. Although slightly different in appearance, they both share the same name. Maybe in the future we can expect development on the direction of the two design strategies, however under different name.

The red version is standard four-door sedan which has a body design, very typical and familiar in China.

More importantly, both Dear Qin is said to be propelled by gasoline-electric hybrid engines.

The third world debut makes the second concept of Toyota, called Yundong Shuangqing. This is a China-only concept hybrid.

The model suggests “movement upon clouds” and its goal is to deliver innovation, dynamism and eco-friendliness to all customers of the brand.

In addition Shuangqing offers “dual support” and signifies the two power sources of the petrol-electric hybrid system.

Source: Toyota

April 23, 2012

Tag: Toyota