Toyota – Page 32 – Automobiles Review

2012 Toyota Aurion – Specifications and Pricing Announced

2012 Toyota Aurion features the new 3.5-litre V6 engine and will soon conquer many hearts. The engine is powerful and delivers 200kW at 6200rpm on 91 octane fuel. In addition, this model of Toyota delivers the best fuel economy in the 3.5-litre class in the large passenger segment – six per cent better than the first generation.

This model is an upgraded one and in fact is an attainable luxury car.

Furthermore, the Aurion incorporates advanced technology in drivetrain and active and passive safety strategies. It has seven air bags, including for the first time a driver’s knee air bag.

In addition, the ride and handling has been enhanced in all areas. User-friendly modifications have been made in many important ways.

The centre console storage area is longer, and the boot loading lip is lower to the ground for easier loading.

Moreover, the interior dimensions have been enhanced and now the car provides even more legroom and greater headroom for rear seat occupants.

There are five trim levels in the 2013 Toyota Aurion Range, which are all equipped with the 3.5-litre quad cam V6 engine mated to a six-speed electronically controlled transmission.

All models come with seven SRS airbags (including driver’s knee airbag for the first time), seatbelt warnings on all five seats, vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control (TRC), dual-zone automatic climate-controlled air conditioning, reversing camera, five alloy wheels, 60/40 split-fold seats for the first time, multi-information display, Eco indicator, display audio with USB input and iPod* connectivity, acoustic windscreen, dual exhaust, chrome rear garnish and rocker moulding, Optitron instruments and integrated side indicators in the exterior mirrors.

These features are all include in the AT-X model. As an option to this model are the leather-accented interior and 17-inch Sport alloy wheels, or both.

The Prodigy model features all that is included in the AT-X one, however it adds the following: premium four-spoke steering wheel, leather-accented interior with premium door trim, electro-chromatic interior mirror, electric rear sunshade, driver’s seat memory (including exterior mirror settings), power-operated front passenger’s seat and smart entry/smart start.

The exterior of the Prodigy trim level includes 17-inch alloys, rain-sensing wipers, exterior mirror dipping in reverse, front foglamps, chrome door handles, front and rear clearance sonar, and metallic/mica paintas standard.

As an option comes the moonroof.

Thirdly, the Presara model adds JBL premium audio with seven-inch screen display, digital radio, satellite navigation with live traffic updates, back-guide monitor, HID headlamps with the Toyota adaptive front-lighting system (AFS), automatic high beam, blind spot monitor (BSM), moonroof and additional woodgrain-look inserts in the instrument panel, door trims and gear shifter area.

Next, the Sport-grade models build on the features of the Aurion AT-X.

For instance the new Sportivo SX6 has the additional exterior features over the AT-X of sports suspension, 17-inch sport alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, sports diffuser, front fog lamps and metallic/mica paint.

The interior of this model adds the following: quick response paddle shift, sports pedals, premium three-spoke steering wheel, sports front seats, power front passenger’s seat, sports Optitron combination meter and smart entry/smart start.

The other sport model – the high-grade Sportivo ZR6, adds includes in addition the automatic high beam, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, HID headlamps with AFS, BSM, front and rear clearance sonar, and exterior mirrors dipping in reverse.

Furthermore, regarding the interior it also adds sports leather-accented interior with premium door trims, driver’s seat memory including exterior mirror settings, JBL premium audio with seven-inch display, digital radio, satellite navigation with live traffic updates, electro-chromatic interior mirror and back-guide monitor.

Here again the moonroof is available as an option on both Sportivo models.

This second-generation 2013 Toyota Aurion has been built around the philosophy of efficiencies in materials, construction techniques and ergonomics to provide a substantially improved package.

Its weight is significantly reduced and its chassis comes with increased rigidity. This results in improvements ranging from reduced fuel use and emissions to greater cabin noise attenuation.

In details, Aurion’s body in white is made from high tensile steel, providing not only reduced weight and better rigidity but also better suspension and engine mounting points.

All this results in reduced fuel consumption which now is estimated 9.3 litres/100km.

Furthermore a new lock-up-at-start mechanism on the six-speed transmission and the adoption of electric power steering has also lead to the decrease in energy use.

The electric power steering now substitutes the hydraulic assistance and makes for better, more progressive steering.

Moreover, the models seats are new, larger, more encompassing. Nevertheless they are still able to provide greater interior room for occupants.

Next, the exterior of the Aurion Sportivo’s is designed specifically to appeal to young customers.

This model has an exclusive blacked-out grille incorporating body-coloured accents. A large front bumper has blacked-out air intake extremities incorporating fog lights.The two portals are angled and flank a wider air intake across the car to provide a startling front view. The rear is equally confronting. A low mounted wing rear spoiler spans the upper boot.An exclusive rear bumper section replicates the front with two extremity portals flanking a central black splitter.Dual exhaust tips emerge beneath the bumper.

Furthermore, the model rides on 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

The interior of this sports model has exclusive bolstered seats, steering wheel with paddle shift and exclusive silver-metallic instrumentation.

The Aurion range offers nine exterior colours. The new five added colours are Eclipse Black, Graphite, Silver Pearl, Magnetic Bronze and Reflex Blue.

Moreover the 2012 Aurion has an improved front seat design with a new seat frame for enhanced ride comfort and a more stable posture.

The Sportivo SX6 model adds a power-operated front passenger’s seat.

In addition the Prodigy, Presara and Sportivo ZR6 have the additional features of leather-accented seat trim, power-operated front passenger’s seat and driver’s seat memory, including exterior mirror settings.

Aurion now comes with 60/40 folding rear seats across all grades.

The instrument cluster includes a liquid-crystal display (LCD) multi-information display (MID) and, for the first time in Aurion, an Eco indicator.

The left LCD includes three sections: coolant temperature, outside air temperature, shift position and rheostat brightness level on the left.

At the centre the LCD includes: MID with range, average fuel consumption, elapsed time and average speed.

The right-hand LCD shows odometer and trip-meter readings.

The new-generation Toyota Aurion has many storage locations: four cup holders, six bottle holders, front and rear door pockets, and front seat-back pockets.

More importantly, Toyota has boosted Aurion V6’s fuel economy by 6.1 per cent and reduced CO2 emissions by 7.7 per cent.

As stated the official combined-cycle fuel economy of the model is 9.3 litres/100km and the CO2 emissions are cut to 215g/km.

Aurion’s powerful engine produces 272 hp (200kW) of power at 6200rpm and 336Nm (248 lb-ft) of torque at 4700rpm.

This unique V6 engine is mated to electronically-controlled six-speed sequential-shift transmission, with paddle shift on Sportivo models.

Key features of the engines include dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and an intelligent electronic throttle. It also adds the following: an electronic acoustic control induction system (ACIS), direct ignition system (DIS) and a lightweight cast-aluminium cylinder block.

Next, Aurion’s new tyres reduce rolling resistance and increase grip in wet and dry conditions. Moreover, they also increase damping feel, while reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

In addition, the performance has been improved in braking, ride and handling.

The model rides on new alloy wheels, including a full-sized alloy spare wheel.

AT-X has 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 R16 Michelin tyres.

Prodigy and Presara have 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 Bridgestone tyres.

Sportivo SX6 and ZR6 have five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 Bridgestone tyres.

The Sportivo wheel is available as an option on AT-X.

The vehicle also comes with improved stopping power and brake feel. Toyota has completely redesigned Aurion’s brake-control hardware to give the driver a more secure and confident feeling when braking. This redesign includes the following: variable-ratio link-type brake pedal, to reduce pedal stroke and improve feel; ABS/vehicle stability control actuator and the brake booster; BOS (brake over-ride system) which prioritises the action of the brakes and suppresses engine output if the brake and accelerator pedals are pressed simultaneously.

In addition, Toyota has boosted Aurion’s safety package, fitting seven SRS airbags as standard equipment, including a driver’s knee airbag for the first time.

The car’s suite of active safety systems features: vehicle stability control, traction control and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

Furthermore, there is also added a reversing camera, which comes as standard equipment on all Aurion models.

Presara and Sportivo ZR6 have the added feature of Back Guide Monitor.

Prodigy, Presara and both Sportivo models have front and rear parking sonar as well as dipping exterior mirrors when reverse gear is selected.

Aurion’s top-of-the-range luxury and sport models have the new Toyota blind spot monitor (BSM) system. This system warns the driver if there is a vehicle in the ‘blind spot’ on either side. It utilizes sub-millimetre radar, which detects other vehicles in adjacent lanes.

The BSM is standard equipment on Aurion Presara and the Sportivo ZR6 model.

In particular, the system signals of the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot by illuminating indicators in the relevant exterior mirror. The mirror indicator will remain illuminated as long as the vehicle is detected, and will flash when the turn signal is operated. In addition, this system includes a radar detector located on both sides of the car. It also uses the steering angle sensor, vehicle speed sensor and main switch.

2013 Toyota Aurion Pricing:

Grade	Pricing
AT-X	$36,490
Prodigy	$41,490
Presara	$49,990
Sportivo SX6	$40,990
Sportivo ZR6	$47,990

Specifications:

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Overall length	4835mm (Sportivo 4855mm)
Overall width	1825mm
Overall height	1470mm
Wheelbase	2775mm
Front track	1575mm
Rear track	1565mm
Turning radius (kerb to kerb)	5.5m
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Length	2080mm
Width	1525mm
Height	1210mm (1145 with optional moonroof)
Front head room	986mm (962mm with optional moonroof)
Front shoulder room	1473mm
Front leg room	1057mm
Rear head room	967mm (964mm with optional moonroof)
Rear shoulder room	1439mm
Rear leg room	989mm
Luggage volume	515L (VDA method)
WEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES
Kerb weight	1525-1555kg
GVM	2100kg
Towing capacity	1600kg with trailer brakes; 500kg without

Fuel tank (L)	70

Coefficient of drag	0.29
ENGINE
Type	3.5 litres; 60-degree V6 2GR-FE
Capacity	3456cm3
Bore x stroke	94.0 x 83.0mm
Compression ratio	10.8:1
Power	200kW @ 6200rpm

Torque	336Nm @ 4700rpm

Fuel system	Multi-point EFI into intake port
Min fuel octane rating	91 RON
Australian emissions	Euro IV
TRANSMISSION
Type	Toyota U660E electronically controlled 6-speed with paddle shift on Sportivo
Ratios
1st	3.300
2nd	1.900
3rd	1.420
4th	1.000
5th	0.713
6th	0.608
Reverse	4.148
Final drive ratio	3.458:1
PERFORMANCE
Fuel economy (litres/100km)#	9.3
CO2 emissions (g/km)#	215
# Fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/02 combined cycle.
BRAKES
Front	296 x 28mm ventilated discs
Rear	286 x 10mm solid discs
Parking brake	Foot pedal
Brake systems	ABS with brake assist and EBD
SUSPENSION
Front	MacPherson strut system
Rear	Dual link system
STEERING
Type	Rack and pinion with electric power steering (EPS)
Overall steering gear ratio	16.9
Turns lock to lock	3.12
ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS
Type	Vehicle stability control, traction control
WHEELS
AT-X	16” x 6.5J alloy
Prodigy, Presara and Sportivo	17” x 7J alloy
TYRES
AT-X	Michelin 215/60R16
Prodigy, Presara and Sportivo	Bridgestone 215/55R17

Source: Toyota

April 17, 2012

Toyota 86 takes part in 24 Hours Nuerburgring endurance race

Toyota 86 is the new sports car produced by the brand and on which a lot of expectations are put. The car will make its Australian debut in June this year.

However the vehicle will take part in very serious racing a month before its first appearance.

Toyota just announced that not only one but two of the 86 sports cars examples are going to compete in 24 Hours Nuerburgring endurance race. The racing will take place in May.

In details, the racing cars are currently in preparation for the big event. The care for this is provided by Toyota’s partner GAZOO Racing. The goal is to reach and support a new generation of car admirers all over the globe.

In addition, GAZOO Racing team will include a unique feature. In particular it is that it will include Toyota’s in-house employees as drivers and mechanics for the race.

The underlying reason for this participation is the goal of the brand, which is to make advanced vehicles which will satisfy enthusiasts and promote the joy of driving.

The 40th running of the 24 Hours Nrburgring will be held from May 17 to 20.

Source: Toyota

April 13, 2012

Toyota Avalon Revealed at New York

Let the mid-sized sedan showdown begin! As promised, the 2013 Toyota Avalon makes its debut at the New York International Auto Show…in its own way. What we mean is that everything is official, the car will go on sale before the end of the year, there’s a lot of talk about where on the center console the USB port is and how the stitching inside is hand-sewn but…where’s the good stuff? Other than the fact that it will be powered by a V6, we know nothing. Is Toyota embarrassed about it or is there a surprise coming? Keeping in mind that the Avalon is pretty much an intentional jab in face of Nissan’s Altima, one must assume that whatever’s inside the Toyota’s engine bay, must be at least 3-liters.

Let’s talk about the things that have been revealed. Designed at the Calty Design Research Inc centers in California and Michigan, engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich and set to be assembled at Toyota’s plant in Georgetown, Ky, the 2013 Avalon is a pure American-bred sedan. To set itself apart from its ancestors, this one is a bit shorter, a bit narrower and a bit lower. Essentially, the wheelbase remains the same. It’s the overhangs that have been trimmed. As a result it’s also lighter – 3,497 lbs as opposed to 3,616 lbs. Some neat design features include those LED lights at the back, the sloping roofline and the flaring wheel arches. At the front, the headlights are described as “square Double-eyed” that use a “Projector Ellipsoid System” (sounds like a bad day in geometry class). Then there’s the lower front grille which to us, looks big enough to suck in orangutangs.

The more technical stuff that we know about is the suspension. MacPherson struts and rebound springs. Less body roll is the result of stiffer sway bars and an overall increased rigidity of the body thanks to additional and strategically placed welds. The power steering is electric which goes easy on the fuel economy and yet it supposedly provides crisp feedback

As we have established, the 2013 Avalon is a bit more compact from the outside but does not prevent it from being, or feeling, more roomy inside. Due to some clever design tricks the occupants actually get some more headroom. Also the luggage space has been increased to 16.0 cubic feet – a 1.6 mark more voluminous when compared to the old one. Leather wrapped around the steering wheel, shift knob and seats creates a justified sense of luxury while the center console and instruments are treated with some chrome. In terms of equipment you get three color screens that read out the multi-information display, the audio/navigation interface and the climate control panel. By the way, the climate control, as an option, can be three zoned. Who needs three different temperatures in the same car?! Other options include the JBL Synthesis Premium Audio system, a 7-inch HDD Premium Navigation, a clever cruise control and heated seats that can cool themselves as well.

Much like the Altima, the Avalon also gets a Blind Spot Monitoring system along with a rear view camera. Then there’s the standard stuff you’d find in every car these days – ABS, traction control, stability control, brake assist etc. You know the story.

Source: Toyota

April 6, 2012

Toyota Prius+ for a Versatile Summer

This summer a new example of Toyota‘s hybrid know-how is coming to town…or Europe. It’s the Prius+ – Europe’s first full hybrid seven-seat MPV. Two trim levels will be available, the base T4 and T Spirit.

One can imagine for example, that in the UK, the sub-100 g/km of CO2 T4 version will be hugely popular as this will be the only MPV out on the streets with zero road tax and it can go in and out of London without paying a congestion charge. The T Spirit, which is kind of more equipped (17-inch wheels, 8, instead of 6, JBL speakrs, leather seats) spews out 101 g/km. Official figures for the fuel economy equal to 68.9mpg for the T4 and 64.2mpg for the T Spirit.

A pack of li-ion batteries lays within the center console so that no passenger or luggage space is compromised. Five separate folding rear seats are provided and with all of these in place there is 200 litres of luggage space. Remove the third row and you get 505 liters.

Both of the models get various goodies such as rear-view camera, Smart Entry and Start, climate control, electric windows and heated folding mirrors, panoramic roof with aoutmatic shade, rain sensing wipers, LED daytime running lights and more.

Quite a bundle considering the projected starting price of $41,578 for the T4. The T Spirit stands at $46,814 and it does not sound like a bargain.

Source: Toyota

April 5, 2012

2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid: Prices and Specifications Announced

2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid is a breakthrough in the development of technologies. The reasons for this are several, but probably some of the most prominent ones are the low emissions, refined performance and reliability of full hybrid technology.

This hybrid model is available to order now and can be seen on the UK roads, starting from 1^st of July this year. Its price starts from £14 995, which makes it Britain’s lowest-priced hybrid car.

What is more important here however is that it is equipped with range of technologies which are significant in terms of improvement on many levels. First, the hybrid system has been made smaller and lighter so that it can be fitted to the Yaris without reducing the space available in both the cabin and the boot.

Secondly, the new development of Toyota’s smooth, quiet and highly efficient Hybrid Synergy Drive system, uses a 1.5-litre VVT-i petrol engine, nickel-metal hydride battery pack and CVT (continuously variable transmission). This results in CO2 emissions of just 79g/km for the T3and T4 models and 85g/km for the T Spirit. The fuel consumption respectively is estimated 80.7mpg and 76mpg.

Furthermore, the Yaris Hybrid range offers three grades available: T3, T4 and T Spirit, which all come with five doors.

Key equipment features of each grade:

2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid T3:	2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid T4 adds:	2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid T Spirit adds:
Dual-zone air conditioning	15-inch alloy wheels	16-inch alloy wheels
Front electric windows	Rear privacy glass	Cruise control
ABS with EBD and brake assist	Front fog lams	Smart start system
VSC (switchable) with TRC	Toyota touch audio control	Electric rear windows
Seven airbags, including driver’s knee airbag	Bluetooth	Rain-sensing wipers Auto dimming rear-view mirror Dusk-sensing headlights
	USB port/Aux-in socket	Ventilated glove box
	DAB-ready tuner	Leather parking brake trim
	Rear-view camera	Part-leather upholstery
	Leather steering wheel and gear knob trim	Passenger seat height adjustment
	Color-matched door mirrors and door handles	Front foot-well illumination Rear spoiler

In addition, four option packs are also at hand for T4 and T Spirit versions of Yaris Hybrid. They give the models more style or enhanced protection. In details, the Protection Pack provides mudflaps, Hybrid-branded floor mats, black side mouldings and a boot liner. Next, the Protection+ Pack provides the same items, plus rear parking sensors and a black rear bumper protector.

On the other hand, the Style Pack offers Hybrid-branded aluminium scuff plates and chrome-finished side sills and tailpipe trim.

Additionally, there can be also added the Toyota Touch system which comes with satellite navigation and advanced Bluetooth features, plus the ability to access Google Local Search and connected services (as live parking and fuel price information and local weather forecasts).

2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid is available in great range of colours: Cirrus White, Eclipse Black (mica), Glacier Pearl (pearlescent), Tyrol Silver (metallic), Burning Red (metallic), Decuma Grey (metallic), Sintra Blue (metallic) and Deep Aqua (metallic); which can undoubtedly satisfy any customer.

On-the-road prices for the range are detailed below. All models are in Band A for Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax), which means a zero annual charge; likewise their sub-100g/km emissions gain exemption from the London congestion charge. For company car drivers the benefit-in-kind tax rate is just 10 per cent. Insurance groups are due to be announced in June.

Model	Price
2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid T3	£ 14 995
2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid T4	£ 15 895
2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid T Spirit	£ 16 995

Source: Toyota

April 3, 2012

2012 Toyota GT86 – Price £24 995

Toyota UK has priced the new GT86 sports coupe – £24 995 for the manual version and the automatic is £26 495. The car is already available to order and the first deliveries will be in July, this year. There are no trim levels and no engine choices.

2012 Toyota GT86 is powered by a front-mounted 2.0 liter boxer engine delivering all power to the rear wheels. It also features a rear spoiler, 17” light alloy wheels, chrome-finished dual exhaust tailpipes and a signature “T”-mesh grille. That T motif is repeated in the shape of the rear foglight, set centrally between the tailpipes.

A LSD (limited-slip-differential) is mounted as standard giving the GT86 unique driving pleasure.

Among the standard equipment you’ll find: bi-xenon high intensity discharge headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps and electric folding door mirrors with housings matched to the car’s body colour.

The customers can’t choose between trim levels and engines, but there are seven exterior colors – Dark Red, Silver metallic, Black metallic, Blue metallic, Dark Red metallic, Orange metallic and Pearl pearlescent. Optional side, roof and bonnet decals are available in black or silver to add an extra dimension to GT86’s sporting appearance.

The 2+2 seater boasts front sports seats, aluminium pedals and contrasting red stitching around the black leather trimmed steering wheel, gear knob and parking brake. Black cloth upholstery is standard, but customers have the option of black leather and Alcantara, or black leather with red Alcantara and additional red leather styling details on the door grips, steering wheel, gear knob and parking brake. Both of these options also include heaters for the front seats.

The extras feature an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control, hill-start assist, scuff plates and the Toyota Touch touchscreen control system for controlling the six-speaker audio system, with Bluetooth for phone connection and music streaming, and a USB port.

As an option, the system can be upgraded to Toyota Touch and Go, with satellite navigation and advanced functions such as speed and safety camera warnings, on-board connection to Google Local Search and (via subscription) connected services providing data such as live parking and fuel price information and local weather forecasts.

Active safety provisions include a switchable VSC stability control system, which can be adjusted through three driving modes to suit driver preference, and a torque-sensing limited slip differential. Seven airbags are provided, including a driver’s knee airbag.

The 6-speed automatic transmission available for GT86’s includes paddle shifts to give the driver the option of making manual gear changes.

Check out the price list below.

Source: Toyota

March 30, 2012

Best Selling Cars in February 2012

There are cars being sold every day, with thousands of people buying a car every day. This means that almost every type of vehicle is on the market at any given time. Different people are seeking cars for various needs. It may be for fuel efficiency, work vehicles, vehicles that can carry a large number of passengers, for safety concerns, or for power. No matter what type of car someone might be looking for, there are particular models that are always selling hotter than others. Usually, these vehicles are highly versatile to suit many different types of people and needs. Below are the ones which were the hottest as far as February 2012 was concerned and topped the charts.

Ford F-Series

Many of the top selling cars are generally the average sized cars or sedans- however, the Ford F-Series is high on the list. These vehicles are a line of full sized pickup trucks, which can be used for many different objectives. All are capable of work related hauling or loading, while many are fairly efficient on fuel. They can also come with full sized cabs, some of which can seat up to six people. These full sized trucks are very spacious, and are also able to go off road. The high versatility of these vehicles makes them incredibly popular. Over 47,000 were sold in the last year.

Toyota Camry

This model has been popular for several years, and really made a mark for the 2012 line up of new models. It is no wonder that this model has sold over 34,000 units. The Camry is a classical family car, and is highly dependable. It is also a great choice for fuel economy. This car has continued to sell in strong numbers for years, and will probably continue to do so for many years to come.

Nissan Altima

Although this model of car does not exactly rival the quality or performance of many other vehicles, it has still managed to make a high number of sales for the 2012 models. Almost 33,000 of these cars were sold, and it is probably associated with its price. The Altima is quite a popular car, and is rather quite cheap compared to the other popular vehicles. It does have many great features, but it may not provide all of the fuel economy features or power that other cars can provide.

Chevrolet Silverado

This is another popular pickup truck, but did not claim the top position in relation to sales for Ford. This model sold just over 32,000 for the 2012 year. Chevrolet plans to take the top spot when it comes to the 2013 line of Chevy Silverados.

Honda Civic

This car is incredibly popular, mostly due to its fuel economy, long lasting engine, and dependability. For years it has continued to provide buyers with contentment in their purchase. Honda only managed to sell just over 27,000 of these cars, but they are still high in popularity.

In conclusion, these models are some of the top selling vehicles in the country. If I wanted to sell my car, I would probably opt for one of these models. The numbers do not lie, and if these particular vehicles are so incredibly popular, the manufacturers must be doing something right!
This is a guest post by Raj. Wondering how to sell your car online?

March 30, 2012

Lexus ES Teaser – Debut at NYIAS

So, this year’s New York International Auto Show will become the venue of the descending sedans…from Japan. First there’s the Nissan Altima with its dreary ad/teaser campaign. Then yesterday, Toyota announced their plans to reveal a “stunning” sedan. And now… Toyota tease another Sedan. Well, I’m saying Toyota, but I actually mean Lexus – It’s the new, sixth generation of the ES.

There’s not much to be said really. We are looking at a typical spindle grilled, LED laden thing. Lexus say that the new ES is bound to deliver a “new dynamic driving experience“ yet, if they stick to the old 3.5 V6 Toyota engine used in the previous generation, that would be questionable. It’s not a bad engine by any means but the aspect of “new” is what bothers us here. Luckily, rumor has it that now the sixth gen range may get a hybrid drivetrain. While, that makes us hardly excited, it is a glimmer of diversity.

The Lexus press conference will take place on Wednesday, April 4th at 11:20 a.m. EDT at the New York International Auto Show. Then, the Lexus ES will be all ours to look at. Until then we can carry on with our lives.

Source: Lexus

March 29, 2012

Toyota FT-Bh Explained [VIDEO]

The Toyota FT-Bh concept already did it’s premiere at the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show but the talk is still on. Here’s a clip of Alain Uyttenhoven, Product Management Vice President of Toyota Europe, explaining the ideas behind this B segment thing of the future.

Apparantly, the FT-Bh started in life as a set of goals – make it compact…er, retain the Yaris-ness nevertheless, keep the CO2 emissions bellow 50g/km but somehow provide an entertaining ride and an agile performance. We’ll have to wait and see about that last bit. Oh, yes. There’s a hint that the FT-Bh is production ready.

What we find particularly interesting is that Mr. Uyttenhoven talks about five key concepts behind the FT-Bh. “Pillars” he calls them. Coincidentally (or is it?), the FT-Bh seems to have five structural Pillars that support the roof. He does get to explain only three of them – lightness (Standing at 785 kg, the concept weighs 25% less than the ongoing Yaris hybrid), slipperiness and smartness of the drivetrain works. Power will come from a 1.0-liter, 2-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and a pack of Li-ion batteries that will charge an electric motor.

Any ideas about the two other pillars?

httpv://youtu.be/G4mD7v7Alos

Source: Toyota

Video Source: ToyotaEurope via YouTube

March 29, 2012

2012 Toyota BTCC Race Cars

Toyota has announced their line-up for the new season. The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship begins this weekend and the manufacturer will take place in it with independent racers Frank Wrathall, Tony Hughes and Adam Morgan.

The new race car is based on the latest update of the British-built road-going Avensis, introduced late last year. Like its showroom sister, the race car is produced at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in Derbyshire, making it a very British contender in the country’s most popular national racing championship.

The exterior is slightly changed by restyling the front, a fresh look at engine installation and cooling, and has also helped them improve chassis stiffness.

Dynojet’s Wrathall is hoping to build on the dramatic late-season form he showed in 2011 and believes the off-season works carried out in the team’s Lancashire workshops will make all the difference.

“The developments we have made will allow us to move on to the next level,” said the 25-year-old from Garstang, last season’s Rookie of the Year.”, he said.

“I hope it will mean that we can be regularly fighting for the podium. That is my aim, but of course the opposition will be strong and everyone else will be out to do the same thing.”, Mr. Wrathall added.

Frank scored four podium results in 2011, the best of them a second, and three Independents Trophy wins on his way to championship 12^th. His sterling efforts have been recognised by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, which has awarded him SuperStar status for the coming year.

The newest recruit to the Toyota ranks is 23-year-old Adam Morgan, who won his place on the BTCC grid thanks to his victory in the Ginetta Supercup – the richest prize in British motorsport, worth in excess of £200 000.

Both the Speedworks Toyotas are powered by the 2-litre ‘spec’ engine developed by BTCC organiser TOCA.

This year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship starts and finishes at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, and between those 1 April and 21 October events will visit the Donington Park, Thruxton, Oulton Park, Croft, Snetterton, Knockhill, Rockingham and Silverstone circuits on its round-Britain tour. All 30 races will be screened live, with a minimum of six hours on ITV4 and ITV4 HD from each meeting, simultaneously broadcast on the itv.com website.

Source: Toyota

March 28, 2012

New Toyota Sedan Teased

Nissan won’t be the only company that shows back ends as teasers for the New York International Auto Show. Here’s something from Toyota as well. Supposedly it will be a “stunning” sedan that has been U.S.-designed. The global premiere will take place in the Galleria room within the Jacob Javits Center at 10:30 a.m. EDT on April 5, 2012.

Toyota are being quite quiet about it so we’ll just have to guess. “Elegant yet athletic” they say. Well, this sketch here does suggest the latter. Obviously, those wheel arches won’t be that full in real life, or will they? Whichever the case, the teaser does seem to work. We are deeply interested now of what this might be. That further works for the argument that one doesn’t need silly 8-second videos that show passing florescent lights over something, in order to inspire curiosity.

On the day of the reveal a live-streaming video chat with the designers is being scheduled. The public and the media can forward direct inquiries about this sedan via Facebook or Twitter.

Source: Toyota

March 28, 2012

2012 Toyota Prius in Australia

In a bid to attract even more buyers, Toyota have turned up, in Australia, with a bag of updates for the 2012 Prius. It now has a new face, some extra equipment, its suspension has been tweaked and is cheaper than ever.

Visually, the front lower end sees a new bumper and a larger, trapezoidal lower grille. LED daytime running lights find their place right beneath the indicators within the bumper while the fog lights have moved on the sides of the lower grille. Elsewhere, one would find that the taillight cluster has been changed, the mirrors are now heated and power-folding. The wheels remain 15 inches (17 for the i-Tech trim) but the design is new. Overall the 2012 Prius is 20 mm longer than the previous ones but that length seems to have gone to the overhangs as the wheelbase stays the same.

Inside we get new seats and more quality upholstery, the multi-information display is now more vivid than ever and even the entry level gets a rear view camera. There are some less useful features as well – an “ECO calculator” that apparently allows you to do math and estimate how much money you are dreadfully spending on fuel. Wasn’t it the whole purpose of buying a Prius to set yourself free from consumption worries? Why would I want to preoccupy my mind with that? Anyway, Toyota have also added a HUD readout on the screen and a touch pad sort of thing on the steering wheel so that you, or anyone else who might be driving, can remain focused on the road. In case you get lost however you can always refer to the HDD navigation system (i-Tech again). Other standard safety features include seven airbags, stability and traction control, active front head restraints and anti-skid brakes.

Sounds unimaginable when talking about a Prius, but, assuming you won’t be always driving around in ECO mode, performance and comfort may actually benefit from a now stiffer, better welded together body. The improve rigidity allows the installment of a softer and kinder suspension.

Underneath it all hides a hybrid system as usual – 100 kW of combined power coming from an 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle petrol unit and a 650-volt electric motor/generator powered by a 201.6-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack. In return you get 89 g/km of CO2 emissions and 3.9 liters per 100 km of fuel economy. In EV mode, the Prius is capable of covering road stretches of 1-2 km solely on a battery charge.

For the whole package, you have to pay $33,990 – almost $6000 less than the price of the first ever Prius. The i-Teck on the other hand, sticks to its price tag – $45,990. What do you think? A good buy? 17,000 in Australia alone seem to approve.

Source: Toyota

March 28, 2012

Tag: Toyota