Hyundai says no incentives in response to Toyota recalls

Hyundai Motor announced today that it would not introduce any temporary measures such as incentive programs to lure customers from Toyota, which shut down sales of some of its best-selling vehicles on Wednesday

"We will maintain our quality and price strategies and stick to the strategy of unveiling cars with competitive prices," Park Dong-wook, a senior vice president of Hyundai's treasury division, told a meeting with analysts after quarterly results.

"It is undesirable to link our strategy to the Toyota problems," he added.

[Source: Reuters]

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Beware Hyundai: Nissan and Toyota entering South Korea by 2009

I immigrated to Canada 7 years ago with my parents from South Korea. During my years in South Korea, I clearly remember that import cars were second to scarce. I would regularly pass by residential parking lots labelled "No Import Cars". Patriotism, perhaps? 7 years later, the scenario is completely different. Import cars are rapidly becoming cheaper and alongside premium makes such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, mainstream automakers like Honda and Ford have stepped onto the scene. The import plague is likely to continue as by 2009, Toyota and Nissan will be entering the South Korean market as well. In other words, it means the Japanese Big 3 has finally landed on Korean soil.

Nissan Korea has announced its plans to commence sales in the coming October. The initial models at launch are the Altima, Rogue, and Murano. Toyota, the automaker holding the crown in the Land of the Rising Sun, is slated to enter the market by 2009 - with the Camry and RAV4. This seems awfully similar to Honda's initial line-up in South Korea, which consisted of the Accord and CR-V. Both models have seen demanding sales, and the numbers prove that as the Honda CR-V is currently the best selling import car in the country.

This, in the view of consumers, is incredible news. The imminent threat of the strong selling Camry and Altima can possibly equate to lower prices for the Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata still holds the monopoly in the mid-size market, and the high local pricing has sparked criticisms for years. Will this announcement mark the demise of that domestic domination? 7 years ago, that would be a definite no. Today, however, that might as well change.

[Source: Joongang Ilbo]

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RECALL: 55,000 2008 Camrys and 2007 Lexus ES350s

Toyota is calling back 55,000 examples of the 2007 Toyota Camry and the Lexus ES350 for a defective floormat. Complaints of the mats getting jammed with the accelerator pedal, therefore causing unintentional acceleration, has prompted the automaker to issue the recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also asked owners of other Toyota models such as the Prius to check their floormats as well.

The recall involves 30,500 models of the 2007 Lexus ES350 and 24,500 models of the 2008 Toyota Camry. Toyota has commenced contacting the owners of the affected models and the recall will be settled with new floormats by November.

[Source: Toyota]

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Trick or Treat: Toyota unveiling 2009 Corolla and Matrix at SEMA

Children all across the world are prepping for the spookiest day of the year, Halloween. While they will be wandering around the neighborhood for their treat, we, car enthusiasts, will only have to stay next to the computer for our treat. So, what's our treat? Toyota will be unveiling the next-generation 2009 Corolla and Matrix at the SEMA show. The current Corolla and Matrix has been on the market since 2002. Sales didn't show any lagging, but nonetheless, they looked like a beater compared to the new offerings by Honda and Nissan.

Toyota chose October 31st, or Halloween, for the official unveil of the duo. The new Corolla is said to be available in two powertrains. The base model will be equipped with a new 1.8L 128 horsepower I4, while the top models are said to get the 2.4L 158 horsepower I4 found in the Camry. The same engine choices will apply for the Matrix.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading to view the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE:

Toyota To Stage U.S. Premiere Of 2009 Corolla And Matrix At 2007 Sema Show

09/25/2007 Torrance, CA

September 25, 2007 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (TMS), Inc. will stage the U.S. premiere of the all-new 2009 Corolla and Matrix at a press conference at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, held October 30 - November 3, 2007 in Las Vegas.

Originally launched in 1966, Corolla first arrived in America in 1968 to instant success. For nearly four decades, Corolla has been synonymous with Toyota quality, style and value, earning a distinction as one of the most trusted cars in America. Over that span over 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling cars of all time.

Toyota’s press conference will be held on Wednesday, October 31 at 10:10 AM in Pavilions nine,10 and 11 of the Las Vegas Hilton. It will be simulcast live to the Toyota display area on the second floor of South Hall. A video clip of the press conference will be available for viewing following the event on the Toyota.com website.

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2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota released the first official images of the 8th-generation Land Cruiser. Toyota has chosen the Sydney Motor Show to fully unveil the car for the first time in public. However, Toyota went on and released the official images and pricing of the US-spec Land Cruiser. The 8th-generation Land Cruiser is totally redesigned from the ground up, and grows in every dimension.

The new Land Cruiser is powered by a 5.7L V8 that produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.ft of torque. It is the same engine found in the Tundra. The Land Cruiser is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Land Cruiser can tow 8500lbs of whatever, a full 2000lbs more than its predecessor. The Lexus LX570 shares the same base as the Land Cruiser.

The Land Cruiser is priced a full $6985 more than its predecessor, or 12.4% more. Starting at a hefty $63,200, the Land Cruiser will arrive in US dealerships next month. No word on Canadian availability, but it was always like that since its first generation.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading for a hi-res image gallery and the official press release.



PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Announces Pricing For All-New Land Cruiser

September 18, 2007 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2008 Land Cruiser full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV). Now in its seventh generation, the legendary Land Cruiser continues to carry its incomparable reputation for quality, durability and reliability.

The Land Cruiser, with its incredible reliability and capability, is the iconic vehicle that helped Toyota gain its first foothold in the world automobile market. Over the years, it has evolved from a basic four-wheel-drive utility vehicle into an upscale vehicle with the capability of the original Land Cruiser with the comfort and convenience that would rival any luxury sedan. The new Land Cruiser takes those values several steps further than ever before.

The Land Cruiser cements its reputation as the "King of Off-Road" with systems and features that also make it the "King of On-Road." An all-new 5.7-liter V8 engine and six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with a sequential shift mode delivers unparalleled power, efficiency and smoothness. The most powerful V8 in the Toyota model lineup delivers 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque and carries a ULEV-II emissions status. Maximum towing capacity is 8,500 pounds, an increase of 2,000 pounds over the previous model.

The Land Cruiser receives a new high-mount double-wishbone independent front suspension and four-link rear suspension with a solid live axle. The front suspension includes tubular gas-pressure shock absorbers, a hollow stabilizer bar, and coil springs. The purpose of this system is to achieve a high level of off-road driving performance and suspension control while maintaining a high level of on-road driving comfort.

Enhancing this advanced suspension system is a sophisticated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for an improved ride and off-road capability. A Toyota first, KDSS affectively varies the stiffness of the anti-sway bars to provide a unique mixture of optimal on-road roll stiffness and off-road suspension compliance.

Applying all of Land Cruiser's new technology to the driving surface are P285/60 R18 mud-and-snow steel-belted radial tires mounted on 18 x 8.0-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a high-gloss finish.

The Land Cruiser comes replete with a wide variety of systems designed to help maintain the safety and security of the vehicle's driver and passengers. Like all Toyota SUVS, the Land Cruiser comes standard with the STAR safety system featuring a four-wheel multi-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

The new Land Cruiser features 10 airbags, the most airbags found in any Toyota vehicle. These include driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags; driver and front passenger knee airbags; front- and second-row seat-mounted side airbags; and three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags with a roll-sensing cutoff switch.

To this arsenal of impressive safety tools, the Land Cruiser adds other new standard safety features: CRAWL Control, a direct tire pressure monitor system (TPMS), and front active headrests.

The CRAWL Control system improves Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities and allows the driver to further concentrate on choosing a line without also having to manage momentum. With the transfer case shifted into low range, CRAWL controls engine speed and output, along with braking force, to propel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of three low-speed settings.

The Land Cruiser also features many more thoughtful standard details. These include a JBL premium audio system with an in-dash six-CD/DVD changer and 14 speakers; Smart Key keyless entry; anti-theft security system; push-button start which allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle by simply carrying the key fob on their person; engine immobilizer; cruise control; power moonroof; electrochomic rearview and side mirrors; HomeLink®; steering wheel-mounted audio, telephone, and voice recognition controls; heated, power front seats with driver's memory; and power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory.

With its vast array of additional standard equipment and numerous technological upgrades, the MSRP for the 2008 Land Cruiser is $63,200, an increase of $6,985, or 12.4 percent over the previous model.

The seventh-generation Land Cruiser will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships in mid-to-late October.

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Frankfurt: Toyota IQ Concept

Toyota has an answer to every vehicle in the market. Now, you can add the undoubtedly unique Smart to the list. Toyota unveiled the super-mini IQ Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Unlike many concepts, the IQ Concept will see its daylight in parking garages and driveways rather than design centers and studios. Toyota has confirmed an ultra-compact car to be released in the next two years.

The IQ is short, VERY short. In fact, it is 425mm shorter than the already diminutive Toyota Aygo and 770mm shorter than the Yaris. Unlike the Smart which consists of a few unattractive quirks here and there, Toyota managed to do a stunning job in designing the IQ Concept. The IQ retains a roomy interior by utilizing a 3+1 seating arrangement albeit being a speck shorter of 3 meters.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading to view a hi-res image gallery and an official press release.



PRESS RELEASE: Toyota IQ Concept

Toyota’s revolutionary ultra-compact IQ concept

- The intelligent solution to urban transport
- Designed within the Vibrant Clarity philosophy
- Less than 3 metres in length
The IQ concept represents a paradigm shift in small car design, a concept car that challenges conventional thinking of automotive hierarchies: small yet spacious, premium yet small. Realized through the vision of an ultra compact, highly space efficient, environmentally friendly vehicle that maximizes the urban lifestyle of Europe’s fashionable metropolitan dwellers.

The IQ concept was created at ED2, Toyota’s advanced European design studio in the south of France, working under the Toyota design philosophy of Vibrant Clarity – design that is forward looking, intelligent and energetic while retaining a clarity of purpose and function.

Managing officer of Toyota Motor Corporation’s Design activities, Wahei Hirai, says:

“The IQ concept is designed to reflect and enhance the lifestyle of its owners. In an urban environment, people want to express themselves through dynamic and on-the-edge design, but at the same time rational factors such as size, functionality and CO_ emissions cannot be ignored. Bringing these contradictory aims together in synergy was critical to the IQ concept, and is a way of thinking we call the ‘J-factor’, a philosophy at the heart of all our activities.”

Just a palm shorter than three meters in length – at 2.98 meters precisely - the IQ concept is a radical new approach to vehicle packaging and design. It challenges the current limitations of ultra-compact urban transport by offering an interior capable of seating four or three adults and luggage space - a unique versatility within a minimal footprint.

The unveiling of the IQ concept also reinforces Toyota’s commitment to reducing vehicle emissions through vehicle concept innovation. With increasing traffic congestion in urban areas, and rising concerns about vehicle emissions, the IQ concept presents a step change in vehicle packaging and footprint, to ensure a sustainable future.

Designed for fashion and function

- Three elements of Vibrant Clarity
- Dynamic and daring exterior
- Functional and aesthetic interior
- Edgy urban colour contrast

All aspects of the IQ concept are designed to convey a confidence, and vibrance that belies its size. All are working to give the car energy and character that will stand out and enhance its premium fashion position in the urban environment.

Within Toyota’s Vibrant Design philosophy three core design values are utilized to guide the design process:

Perfect Imbalance in its proportion

The exterior is simple and daring with a stable and robust stance enhanced by the width of the vehicle contrasting with its short length. In side profile the ultra-short overhangs and cab-forward silhouette suggest a dynamic pose but at the same time interior space is kept to a maximum. The confident character of the front juxtapositions with the small, yet strong structure give the vehicle an iconic value.

Integrated Component Architecture

Expressing the structure and construction of the vehicle is vital to keeping the design simple yet at the same time energized, it also serves to clearly express the concept of the car. The structures around the 17 inch tyres form part of the minimal front and rear overhangs, a synergy that conveys both strength and agility.

In the interior the basic geometric structure of the instrument panel creates an open and wide environment. The manta-ray-styled centre console, a simple yet flowing structure that envelops the instruments to create a clear and vivid focal point. The air conditioning vents are constructed from a cylindrical form clearly relating to their function. The overall impression is of components in harmony, forming a new emotional expression.

Freeform Geometrics

The exterior surfaces of the IQ concept are almost mathematical in their cleanliness and precision, but at the same time have movement and emotion to keep the design fresh and unlikely to date. The character lines of the window opening flow smoothly and harmonize with the surfaces supporting them.

In the interior the freeform lines of the manta-ray-styled centre cluster are echoed in the door trim. Soft and inviting they encourage touch and contact, a combination of uncompromised aesthetics and functionality.

Overall, the IQ concept has a ‘on-the-edge’ style ready for the streets of tomorrow’s urban environment. This sense of vibrant, urban sub-culture is carried forward by the unique exterior colour; pearlescent white with flecks of purple shimmer hinting at the darker interior treatment. The senses are further stimulated by the touch of the mock snake-skin steering wheel trim, purple interior accents and purple styling themes carried over into the seats, door trims and dashboard.

Compact but not compromised

- Intelligent use of space
- Versatile 3+1 seating
- Fascinating blend of form and function
- Full safety features

The IQ concept sets out to be, and succeeds, as the world’s smallest four seat passenger concept car. At less than three metres in length (2980mm) it is 425mm shorter than the Toyota Aygo and more than 770mm shorter than the Toyota Yaris. Yet, in width and height (1680mm x 1480mm) it is comparable to Yaris – so the ultra compact exterior dimensions hide a big interior heart.

At the same time, the IQ concept is versatile and practical. It will seat four with space for three adults and a child – or the fourth seat can be utilised for luggage space. To achieve this, a radical and intelligent 3 + 1 seating concept has been applied. With a dashboard that swoops away from the front passenger, this seat has been given extra freedom of movement.

In regular use, driver and passenger sit side by side. But, to accommodate a third adult or adult and child, the front passenger seat can be moved in a more forward position allowing more room and easier access to the rear area.

In addition, extensive use of intelligent, space saving design themes and miniaturised technology helps maximise space within the passenger compartment. The ultra-compact heating and ventilation unit frees up space in the centre console and allows the dashboard to adopt its unique shape.

Atop the main dashboard sits the instrument pod, dark and mysterious with the swoops and curves of a manta-ray; its tail flashing in silver-chrome trim as it reaches down to form the cleanly-styled centre console. A single central dial provides control of interior environment with temperature and ventilation displayed on the central panel, clearly placed in the driver’s eye-line.

The three-dimensional, 3-in-1 display of speed, engine rpm and fuel status is mounted above the steering column while controls for audio and navigation functions are on the steering wheel itself. In an intelligent, hi-tech solution to urban navigation, a stand-alone, head-up display of the GPS route-finder is placed within the driver’s vision but is see-through when turned off.

A panoramic glass sun-roof ensures plenty of light and adds to the sense that passengers are not confined within a conventional compartment. At night, the darkened interior is mysterious – further emphasising the high fashion sense of the concept car.

Despite its ultra-compact design, it makes no compromises on safety in the urban environment. Indeed, safety is at the core of the concept strategy. A strong passenger compartment safety cell will ensure optimal impact energy absorption.

In presenting the IQ concept, Toyota reveals an intelligent new design and technology package - a radical solution to the challenge of personal urban transport. The IQ concept represents the ultimate refined urban mode of transport offering a revolutionary package, intelligent design, and environmental friendliness.

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Toyota unveils Auris/Corolla 3-Door for Europe

Toyota unveiled the Auris 3-door hatchback for European consumers today. The car will bear the Corolla name in other markets in the coming months. The 3-door offers the same amount of space as its five-door sibling, as they both have a 2.6m wheelbase. Standard features of the three-door Auris include electronic stability control and a MP3 capable CD player.

Powertrain options remain the same as the five-door: two petrol engines (1.4L 97HP/1.6L 124HP) and two diesel engines (2.0L 126HP/2.2L 177HP).
Some possible options of the Auris 3-door in the coming months include an optional AWD system and a V6 engine. The 3-door will be cheaper than its 5-door variant, costing €700 less than the equivalent latter. What may possibly be the best-looking Corolla won't reach our shores anytime soon. Follow the jump to view more images of the three-door Auris.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Toyota gives go-ahead for FSC production

The crossover segment is growing quickly with competent offerings already on sale from Dearborn and Hiroshima. Toyota is set to join the crew with a production version of the FSC Concept. The FSC Concept is a combination of SUV and station wagon, and sits on the Camry platform. The FSC was unveiled in 2005 at Tokyo. The rumored name of the production FSC is Mark X Zio. The Mark X Zio will be powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder or an optional 3.5L V6, similar to the powertrain options of the Camry.

We have no information on whether the Mark X Zio will cross the Pacific and arrive in North America. The domestic version will likely debut in Tokyo this October.

[Source: Autoblog]

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Next-gen Toyota Prius production delayed

Every automaker suffers obstacles in their ambitions to bring something revolutionary to our market. Toyota seems to have suffered that with their development of the next-generation Prius. The new Prius will be equipped with lithium-ion battery technology, which replaces the previous nickel-metal hydride battery. The lithium-ion battery would cost less and save a lot of weight, in which will improve the performance of the car and reduce the price.

We speculated that the next Prius would be out by late next year, but sources say that could be pushed further to 2009. Apparently, the company developing the new battery, Matsushita Industrial, needs to tweak the battery a bit for safety concerns as well as how it will react during an accident or a fire.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Milestone: Toyota reaches 1 million hybrid sales

Toyota announced today that they have surpassed the one-million mark in sales of their hybrid vehicles. Since 1997, Toyota pioneered the gasoline-powered hybrid-electric technology and now, it is common to see hybrid offerings from many different automakers.

Of the 1.047 million units sold around the world, 345,000 were sold in Japan and 702,000 throughout the rest of the world. Of the million units, the Prius accounted for 757,600 units. As Toyota aims to improve their hybrid systems, so is the global perception on rising fuel prices and climate changes. Toyota claims all of their vehicles will be hybrids by 2020.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Supra successor?: Rumors of Toyota FT-HS production for 2009

Automobile Magazine is reporting that the FT-HS Concept has been green-lighted for production as early as 2009. The FT-HS Concept made its debut in Geneva this year, featuring a hybrid powertrain.

Toyota let it slip at the Detroit Autoshow when they mentioned the concept could provide cues to its Supra successor, coming in 2009. It's unclear whether it will retain the Supra name. The speculated pricing for the production FT-HS is between $30,000 to $40,000. It is also unclear whether the production FT-HS, if it's produced ever, will feature the hybrid powertrain, also found on the Lexus GS450h. The concept features a 50:50 weight balance and a 0-to-60 time of under 4 seconds.

[Source: LLN]

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Toyota Tundra gets top frontal crash test rating

The new Toyota Tundra received a four-star rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last month. Toyota, of all, expected the highest rating of five stars as it excelled in their inner developmental crash testings. Toyota would have a sigh of relief as the Tundra received a Good, the highest rating, by the Insurance Institute Highway Safety. IIHS has been known to take more extreme testing than NHTSA, but proved otherwaise so with the Tundra.

The two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive Tundra Doublecab was tested and both scored Good. Also tested was the newly redesigned 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer which also received a rating of Good.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

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Toyota to debut Smart Fortwo-sized minicar in Frankfurt

With all this mini-car craze that is starting to rise in the US, it couldn't have come at a better time for Toyota. At this year's Frankfurt International Autoshow this September, Toyota will unveil a new minicar, sized similarly to the minicar icon Smart Fortwo, which is aimed at European markets. Automotive News Europe reports that the car should go on sale in Europe by the middle of 2008.

Toyota showcased many minicars in Europe, such as the Aygo subcompact and the Yaris. Both of them proved successful by the numbers. The Endo Concept (pictured above), shown in 2005, was Toyota's one of many concept cars that displayed super efficiency for urban living, especially in congested cities.

There were no reports regarding a US release. Nonetheless, there is no saying that there is no possibility of it arriving into our shores, especially with the rising concern of fuel efficiency these days.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Used Honda Civic more fuel efficient than a new Toyota Prius?

A columnist for The Economist confirms what many of us thought was obvious. New is not necessarily better and it's good to keep your nose clean.

Moving from London to Texas (what a shock that must have been), the writer needed a car, and wanted one of the (what was then) shiny new Priuses. But not even a bright green nature could persuade the frugal side to part with $30k.

A little research turned up a previously-titled Honda Civic LX 5-speed for just under $11k. At first, the little Honda got 34 MPG, impressive, but not the 60 MPG claimed by the Prius. But after some basic maintenance (new air filter and an oil change) the Civic's highway numbers jumped to 40 MPG. Sweet. The writer's aunt boosted her hybrid Civic's numbers from 46 mpg to 50 mpg just by properly inflating her tires and setting the cruise control.

So by forgoing the latest and greatest, the author saved almost $20k. By spending $25 on an oil change and $10 on an air filter, the Honda burns fewer gallons of gas. No, the columnist hasn't discovered some ancient automotive secret, but the writer does show how small, inexpensive choices can positively affect the wallets and environments of Prius and H2 drivers alike.

[Source: Autoblog]

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Toyota boosts incentives on Tundra to $2000

At the risk of piling on, we bring you more news from the Toyota Tundra camp. Earlier this month Toyota told dealers they would be allowed up to $1,500 in incentives on the base-model Tundra in an effort to take some market share from the Big 2.5. Now, ToMoCo is offering Toyota, Lexus, Scion and Hino Motors Ltd. truck dealers $2,000 toward the purchase of a base-cab Tundra.

[Source: Autoblog]

Continued- Article

In the past, dealers had to go through "channels" to acquire such vehicles, but in addition to the cash, the new program is apparently intended to allow dealers to skip some of the red tape.

Should it be necessary to offer incentives to your dealers to buy the very product you're trying to sell? With more than 1,200 dealers, sales numbers wouldn't spike all that much, actually. But the image boost of all those shiny new Tundras would surely be a plus. Maybe Toyota should also consider offering special incentives to the behind-the-scenes crews of its commercials and, what the heck, those NHTSA workers too. Couldn't hurt.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/17/toyota-offers-tundra-deal-to-dealers/

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Toyota Tundra fails to score five stars in NHTSA frontal crash test

Toyota's not having an easy time with the Tundra so far. It's been criticized for lacking a fully-boxed frame, the internet is alight with Tundra-hate, and now along comes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both Regular and Double Cab variants of Toyota's intended domestic-fighter were crashed by the agency, and both only managed four stars.

[Source: Autoblog]

Continued- Article

While a four star crash test rating isn't horrible, the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado / GMC Sierra and Dodge Ram all have the strength to ring the 5-star bell and win the stuffed bunny. The likelihood of injuries in a Tundra could be up to 10-percent greater than the domestic brands because of its one-star deficit. The difference could also be as small as one-percent, however, so this news may not be as significant as it sounds at first blush. All we can really say with certainty is that the Tundra performs worse when crashed into a concrete barrier at 35mph than its competition.

No doubt the Tundra's performance in this test will again focus scrutiny on the truck's frame, which is not fully boxed like its competition. According to Mike Levine from Pickuptruck.com, the Tundra's frame is split into three parts and the front piece actually is boxed. However, the frame under the cab and bed are C-channel, and they are also affected by a frontal crash. As Levine told us, the rest of the Tundra's competition now has some ammo to aim back at the Tundra in their marketing efforts.

We expect that acceptance of the brawny fullsizer from Toyota will take a little while, and it may not come until the current generation Tundra is dead and buried, but when Toyota wants something, they don't mess around. They were up front in expecting the Tundra to receive five stars and a Best Pick from the IIHS, so don't expect this 4-star rating to last long.

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New York Preview: Lexus to reveal all-new LX570

The LX 470 is the grandest of luxury sport utes from Lexus. Today the Japanese luxury brand announced that an all-new LX will debut at the New York Auto Show in a few weeks. Dubbed the LX 570, the vehicle's new nomenclature clearly indicates a larger 5.7L V8 will replace the current model's 268-horsepower 4.7L V8. The 5.7L V8 will be the largest engine ever offered by Lexus, eclipsing in displacement even the 5.0L V8 producing 400 horsepower that will be used in the upcoming high-performance IS-F. We doubt the new LX 570 will produce as much as 400 horsepower, but expect something in the mid-300 horsepower range with torque even more abundant.

[Source: Autoblog]

Continued- Article, official press release

The current LX (shown above) is based on the more pedestrian yet still capable
Toyota Land Cruiser, so one would assume that the debut of an all-new LX will also preview an upcoming replacement for the Cruiser, as well. We'll wait until the show starts where more information and images will be available for us to show.

PRESS RELEASE:

Lexus to Reveal All-New LX 570 at 2007 New York International Auto Show

March 13, 2007 – Torrance, Calif. - Lexus will stage the world debut of the all-new LX 570 luxury utility vehicle at a press conference during the 2007 New York International Auto Show.

The third-generation LX 570 will reach new heights in performance via a powerful new V8 engine while achieving elevated levels of comfort, style and safety.

The Lexus LX 570 press conference is scheduled for April 4 at 1:55 p.m. EDT in the Special Events Hall at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It will be simulcast in the Lexus display area on the show floor. A video clip of the press conference will be available via www.Lexus.com and http://pressroom.lexus.com following the event.

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Toyota offering $1,500 rebate on all-new Tundra

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Toyota dealers are offering as much as $1,500 cash back on the base model of the all-new Tundra full-size pickup throughout the month. Before “the sky is falling” comments start flooding in, let us say that the base model, single-cab truck is not the most popular Tundra.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Continued- Article

Dealers have reported the more-expensive double cabs are selling well. Toyota representatives did tell the Journal that the company is concerned it may miss its initial sales goal of 200,000 for the Tundra this year.

The fine print: Toyota dealers in the Southeast — Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina — are offering the full $1,500 cash back. Other regional stores are offering anywhere from $250 - $1,000.

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/03/tundra_rebate.html

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Geneva: Toyota Hybrid X Concept

Toyota brought forth the vision of their future hybrid lineup and its name is Hybrid X. The concept car is a styling exercise meant to simultaneously showcase Toyota's industry-leading hybrid drive technologies and preview the company's future styling direction for hybrid models.

You've undoubtedly noticed that carmakers pursuing hybrid technology have taken one of two directions with their styling: make them all but completely indiscernible from their conventional counterparts, or make them stand out as alternative energy vehicles. While its premium Lexus division has opted for the former, Toyota has gone for the latter, as demonstrated by the iconic Prius. Anyone who sees a Prius knows it's a Prius. The Hybrid X previews what could be the evolution of Toyota's hybrid design language.

As you can tell from the images, the styling is dominated by two large U-shaped pillar structures forming an X (hence the name) over the enormous glass cabin that blurs the lines between interior and exterior, even blending the headlights into the dashboard (yes, into the dashboard). In styling the Hybrid X, Toyota's European designers also incorporated two design themes called J-Factor and Vibrant Clarity – seriously, we couldn't have made this up – which you can read about more in the press release after the jump.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Hi-res image gallery and official press release after the jump.



PRESS RELEASE:

World premiere of Hybrid X concept

• New design language for future hybrid models
• Four door, four seat open-space concept
• Interactive interior design
• A step closer to zero emissions

Toyota presents a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show with the reveal of Hybrid X – a concept car that proposes a new design language for hybrid models, while also acting as an innovative technology showcase for future generation hybrid cars.

Hybrid X is a vision for future environmentally friendly motoring. It fits clearly within Toyota's environmental strategy of offering sustainable mobility for modern families. Hybrid X further extends the use of Hybrid Synergy Drive® which is becoming an enabler for vehicle concept innovation and allowing Toyota to push forward to new frontiers.

Hybrid X is designed as a four door, four seat open-space concept. It has the dimensions of a conventional family car with an overall length of 4,500mm and wheelbase of 2,800mm. The width is 1,850mm and height 1,440mm.
Hybrid X has been created and developed by Toyota's European styling centre, ED², in the south of France. It proposes unconventional creative solutions that will themselves potentially become the signature points of a specific hybrid identity.

Hybrid X follows the core values of the Toyota brand design philosophy under two consistent themes: J-Factor and Vibrant Clarity. J-Factor refers to the local and global acceptance of Japanese-inspired design and cultural form, while Vibrant Clarity is the design language used to express the J-factor. Through Vibrant Clarity, designers will infuse future vehicles with a completely original identity and emotional intensity that will be uniquely identifiable as coming from Toyota.

In this context, designers created an unconventional fusion of strength, lightness and emotion through the futuristic body shape. There is fusion of thought also – a symbiosis between the exterior and the interior so that, as you look at the exterior, you can imagine the interior with clarity and vision.

Interior designer, Laurent Bouzige, says: "Hybrid X is conceived as a multi-sensory experience. There is a formal style in the shape of the vehicle and the material used but every other reaction is linked to the passengers' senses of sound, smell, sight and touch through interactive ambience."

The strongest form element of the exterior shape is the two 'U' shapes created by the massive upper glass frame area and the unconventional A and C pillars. When viewed from above this gives the impression of a vast X – hence the name of the concept, Hybrid X.

The U-shaped pillars allow the general shape of Hybrid X to achieve a superior aerodynamic form which is further enhanced by smooth surface lines and the integrated rear spoiler.

At the same time the glass area greatly enhances visibility to create an 'open-space' concept which "frames the vision" in all directions, including up.

Access and innovation are features of the rear-hinged passenger doors which open electronically at the touch of a button. Dynamic hints of driving performance are provided by the customised 20-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 225/40 R20 tyres.

The smooth, aerodynamic lines of the front are unbroken by headlamps which are integrated into the dashboard and are now part of the interior of the car. These LED lamps are 'intelligent' and display graphic forms through animation, adopting the interactive concept of Hybrid X to communicate safety information to pedestrians or other drivers, such as safety distances, acceleration and braking.

Across the rear the energy-efficient LED lights form another U shape, reflecting the design signature of vehicle as a whole.

Fusion between exterior and interior styling is clear from the swooping curves of the interior surfaces. Here there are classic ergonomic solutions and the multi-sensory experience is most keenly developed as the car responds to human interaction. The human element is further emphasised by an artistic drawing printed on the inside door panel.

The driver can set the ambience within the car via an interface in order to control the four senses of sight, sound, touch and smell. LED lighting systems within the car provide a variety of illumination and are changing in harmony with different musical backgrounds. A perfume diffuser fills the air with gentle, relaxing aroma while the use of many different materials and textures on the interior surfaces provides variety to touch.

The drive-by-wire steering pad features a screen in its centre to relay vital energy information to the driver about the energy flow path, fuel consumption, gear position. Interactive navigation and Bluetooth connectivity is provided by a second screen in front of the driver.

A third touch screen, in the console, controls the ambience settings, such as the entertainment and audio systems, lightning operation and air conditioning. A sensitive touch on the steering pad allows the driver to switch information on the screens.

Space saving seats are formed using injected foam techniques which create comfort while reducing weight. In order to further promote human interaction, the two independent rear seats can swivel by 12 degrees to allow passengers to enjoy the scenery or a more intimate 'tête-à-tête'.
For now, it is clear Hybrid X is an innovative vehicle that conceives how Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology can deliver economical, cleaner and more comfortable motoring. It is a step closer to Toyota's vision of the ultimate environmental driving technology and its design will influence the entire Toyota brand and its hybrid models in the future. Hybrid X: a new landmark for Toyota hybrids.

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Melbourne: Toyota TRD Aurion/ TRD HiLux

Toyota is drawing on its motorsport heritage to unveil a new performance brand at the Melbourne International Motor Show - TRD. TRD will offer vehicles that focus on refined performance and athletic driving dynamics. Its first two vehicles will be launched this year.

A division of Toyota Australia, the company's local engineers and designers draw on Toyota's global resources to develop the TRD vehicles in Australia. The first TRD performance vehicle, on display at the Melbourne show, will be based on the Aurion sedan and is due to be launched in the third quarter of this year. TRD's second model will be derived from the TRD HiLux Concept 4x4 double cab being shown in Melbourne and will be launched by the end of the year. Both new TRD vehicles will feature supercharged engines and a range of engineering and styling enhancements. TRD plans to expand and develop its model line-up, but has not released details. The TRD product range will be sold through a select network of TRD dealers drawn from the Toyota network.

[Source: Toyota]

More images and official press release after the jump.

Toyota TRD Aurion






Toyota TRD HiLux Concept







PRESS RELEASE:

Toyota to unveil new brand, new vehicles

Toyota is drawing on its motorsport heritage to unveil a new performance brand at the Melbourne International Motor Show - TRD. TRD will offer vehicles that focus on refined performance and athletic driving dynamics. Its first two vehicles will be launched this year.

A division of Toyota Australia, the company's local engineers and designers draw on Toyota's global resources to develop the TRD vehicles in Australia. The first TRD performance vehicle, on display at the Melbourne show, will be based on the Aurion sedan and is due to be launched in the third quarter of this year. TRD's second model will be derived from the TRD HiLux Concept 4x4 double cab being shown in Melbourne and will be launched by the end of the year. Both new TRD vehicles will feature supercharged engines and a range of engineering and styling enhancements. TRD plans to expand and develop its model line-up, but has not released details. The TRD product range will be sold through a select network of TRD dealers drawn from the Toyota network.

"This is a world first for Toyota - and it is happening in Australia," said David Buttner, Toyota Australia senior executive director sales and marketing. It is the first time TRD has been established as a separate brand under Toyota. It is the first time anywhere in the world Toyota will engineer and market a range of complete vehicles under the TRD banner. We will increase the desirability of the Toyota brand by drawing on Toyota's motorsport heritage. TRD will add a new dimension to the Toyota brand in Australia."

The launch of the first TRD performance vehicles coincides with the 50th anniversary of Toyota's global involvement in motorsport. To mark the establishment of the performance-vehicle division, Toyota's rally team was last year renamed Team TRD.

"Motorsport is the ultimate test-bed for engineers," Mr Buttner said. "The lessons learnt by Team TRD in the forest will be applied to the development of the TRD range of performance vehicles. While Toyota will undertake all design and engineering development for TRD vehicles, final assembly will be carried out by our production supplier, Prodrive."

TRD Aurion at Melbourne Motor Show

Toyota's new performance sedan is one step closer to fruition with the TRD Aurion on display at the Melbourne International Motor Show. Toyota Style Australia finalised the look of the TRD Aurion under the direction of exterior designer Lee Moran and interior designer Anthony Cheung. The exterior aesthetic took inspiration from Toyota's Formula One car. Those influences are most evident in the graphic of the front splitter, the wheel design and the 'diffuser'-style rear. Mr Moran described the TRD Aurion as a vehicle that projects a "powerful and dynamic presence". To continue the F1 theme, Mr Cheung said the team worked on performance-oriented styling with a European flavour.

"The entire vehicle has a purposeful, high tech style with refinement and attention to detail," he said. "The graphic break-up on the steering wheel echoes the hand grip areas on the Toyota F1 wheel." The vehicle's seats suggest a styling evocative of a racing seat, with high lateral support and material changes that work with the driver. "We have incorporated high-grip materials in key areas to brace the occupant," said Mr Cheung. "The interior is performance-focused, but in a very refined way."

Toyota chief engineer Stephen Castles completed mechanical specifications for the vehicle, which include the use of a locally developed supercharger assembly. "At the planning stage of the TRD Aurion we analysed where best to spend our development dollars to give the maximum benefit to the TRD customer. The most immediate differences are the styling enhancements to the exterior and interior: but it's the dynamic performance of the TRD Aurion that really separates it from the standard vehicle. We have put a lot of effort into improving the engine performance and driveability, brake performance and vehicle handling. Most importantly, we concentrated on integrating all of the elements which impact on the driving experience into a balanced and agile vehicle package," he said.

TRD Aurion will boast a supercharged 3.5-litre dual VVT-i V6 engine that has been developed with a target of producing at least 235kW. Power will be transmitted via a six-speed automatic transmission and through multi-spoke 19-inch wheels. Upgrades to braking and suspension systems have also been incorporated.

Mr Castles explained that the vast majority of components developed for the TRD Aurion were sourced locally. "There is a great amount of experience and expertise within the local supplier base in developing and manufacturing performance products. Our engineering team has worked closely with a number of suppliers to develop designs, manufacture and evaluate prototype components and conduct on-vehicle evaluation. Two of these suppliers are Harrop Engineering, who developed the application of the Eaton TVS supercharger, and PBR, who developed an outstanding brake package for this vehicle."

Vital testing and integration of components was completed by Toyota with technical assistance from the Orbital Engine Company. "The work of Orbital Engine Company in testing our engine modifications and working with our calibration engineer to establish engine ECU mapping has been critical to the success of this project. We see the collaboration with key local suppliers as crucial to maintaining the Toyota DNA of Quality, Durability and Reliability," said Mr Castles.

He said the TRD engineering team is made up of car enthusiasts who "embrace the additional freedoms of working on a niche vehicle when compared with mass-production vehicles". "We are all passionate about the TRD Aurion; it is such a wonderful product. The quality of vehicle, the way it drives and handles, are a direct result of the skills of the TRD engineering team," he said. The TRD Aurion is scheduled for launch in August 2007.

TRD HiLux Concept debuts at Melbourne Motor Show

TRD will showcase its new vision for a tough truck at the Melbourne International Motor Show with the first showing of its TRD HiLux Concept double cab 4WD. The TRD HiLux Concept takes the TRD badge into another sector of specialised vehicles. It is designed to appeal to Australia's SUV and commercial vehicle buyers. Styling cues for the TRD HiLux Concept's design were inspired by the TRD Aurion, which is also on display at the Melbourne International Motor Show.

TRD's family resemblance is easily recognised in the evolution of the Aurion's surface language around the vehicle's cooling slots, as well as in the lower 'mouth' area that on the HiLux incorporates openings for a nudge bar. The TRD HiLux has an added toughness that befits a multi-purpose utility vehicle. The TRD HiLux has 17-inch six-spoke wheels with machine-faced and organically sculpted painted centres. The wheel design was chosen to suggest motion even when the vehicle is stationary. TRD graphics feature prominently to clearly differentiate it from existing HiLux vehicles.

The rear of the vehicle features a vertical graphic and colour-coded bumper, while the front has an embossed TRD logo on the grille upper frame and a signature graphic on the mesh. Driving lights have been added and protected by a unique surround, while the B pillars have been blacked out to visually extend the glass side areas. A revised side step with the TRD logo also defines the vehicle's profile. To complete the tray area, a sports bar has been designed in black to pick up the colour cues evident on the sides and back of the vehicle. This sports bar also incorporates the TRD branding.

Production versions of the TRD HiLux will have a 4.0-litre V6 supercharged engine to boost performance, in line with TRD's mission to offer customers integrated performance vehicles. They will also have upgraded suspension, brakes and other performance enhancements. Toyota anticipates that TRD HiLux will be launched in Australia by the end of 2007.

Fifty years and still racing

Toyota celebrates 50 years in motorsport in 2007 - and as always it will compete in the world's leading categories, in doing so developing technology that directly benefits its production car range. Toyota's motorsport heritage has grown from humble beginnings in 1957, when a lone Toyopet Crown de Luxe set off from Melbourne to compete in the 17,000 kilometre Round Australia Trial. Crewed by two Japanese Toyota employees and assisted by an Australian navigator, the trio successfully completed the 19-day epic.

Their participation signalled the start of Toyota's longstanding relationship with Australia and proved the catalyst for Toyota's motorsport passion. Toyota scored its first win with a Toyota Crown in the 1958 Round Japan Rally, but its success blossomed with the opening of the Suzuka Circuit in 1962. Class wins for a Crown, a Corona and a Publica in the touring car event at the 1963 Japanese Grand Prix provided Toyota with the incentive to further develop its motorsport program. The legendary 2000GT was born in 1965, giving the company a true GT sports car that rivalled the best European machinery. Developed by an early incarnation of Toyota Racing Development (TRD), it recorded numerous international speed records, took third place in the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix and reached iconic status following its appearance in the James Bond Film You Only Live Twice.

Toyota then unleashed the Toyota 7 - its first dedicated race car. The Can-Am-based car powered by a 3-litre V8 won the Fuji 1000km race and the Japan Can-Am race in late 1969. After domestic economic conditions forced Toyota to switch its focus to overseas races, Toyota entered a 1.6-litre Celica in the World Rally Championship for the first time in 1972, piloted by Swedish driver Ove Andersson. The marriage of Toyota and Andersson would eventually pave the way to the birth of Toyota's Formula One program, but not before it set about dominating the World Rally Championship.

Rally great Hannu Mikkola handed Toyota its first victory in the 1975 1000 Lakes rally in Finland, the same year that Andersson formed Toyota Team Europe (TTE). TTE relocated from Brussels to Cologne in 1979 and major success followed, with multiple victories throughout the 1980s in the Ivory Coast and Safari rallies in Africa highlighting Toyota's strength and reliability.

Meanwhile, in 1985, Toyota Australia formed a new touring car team, Toyota Team Australia (TTA) which, with Corolla, went on to win its class in the Australian Touring Car Championship and the Bathurst 1000 each year until the team was disbanded in 1990 when the company turned its focus towards the Australian Rally Championship with Neal Bates. In 1990 Spaniard Carlos Sainz earned Toyota its first FIA Driver's World Championship at the wheel of a Celica GT-Four.

Meanwhile, Toyota entered the Le Mans 24-Hour with the TS010, finishing second in 1992 before narrowly missing victory in 1993 and again taking second in 1994. Toyota purchased TTE in 1993 and renamed it Toyota Motorsports GmbH. It won both the drivers' and manufacturers' world rally crowns in 1994 and 1995, before earning a third manufacturers' title in 1999.

In Australia, Neal Bates and Coral Taylor secured the first of three consecutive Australian Rally Championship (ARC) titles in 1993, and also claimed victory in Targa Tasmania. Toyota retuned to Le Mans in 1998 with the all-new GT-One, qualifying second and leading 1-2 for most of the race before mechanical difficulties scuttled their chances. Toyota announced in 1999 it would enter Formula One, using the Le Mans program based in Cologne as the foundation for its team. In the same year Martin Brundle secured pole at Le Mans with the GT-One, with the team's sister GT-One finishing second overall.

In 2000 Toyota secured its first CART series victory with Juan Pablo Montoya, before taking the championship in 2002 with Cristiano da Matta. Headed by Toyota stalwart Ove Andersson, Panasonic Toyota Racing debuted at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix with Mika Salo scoring a point after a tense battle with Australian Mark Webber.

In 2003 Toyota lead its first F1 race, secured the IndyCar title in its debut season and Toyota Team Racing (TTR) was formed, entering two Corollas in the ARC.
2005 saw Toyota finish fourth in the F1 constructors' title with both Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher securing the team's first podiums. In 2006 TTR was renamed TRD and Simon Evans secured the ARC drivers' crown and Toyota scored its first ARC manufacturers' title.

And in 2007, in the spirit of Toyota's core ideal of 'Kaizen' (or the spirit of continuous improvement) Toyota will undertake a new challenge in NASCAR.
Now in its 50th year in motorsport, Toyota has entered North America's premier racing series with the top-selling car for nine of the last 10 years in the US, the Toyota Camry.

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