Posted: May 9th, 2012 | Author: qldtownp | Filed under: environment, future, general, latest news, rav4, technology | Comments Off
Toyota today revealed the all-new Toyota RAV4 electric vehicle at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles.
The RAV4 EV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 160km and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger.
The RAV4 EV's driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the petrol-powered RAV4 V6.
Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota in the United States, said the RAV4 EV did not compromise on performance, comfort or versatility
"It’s all about blending the best of two worlds," Mr Carter said.
"The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV – in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market."
The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation.
Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers have succeeded in bringing the vehicle to market.
The RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota's popular SUV.
The front-wheel-drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal.
In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
Normal mode achieves 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of about 137 km/h (85mph).
Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 115kW @ 2,800 rpm.
RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low centre of gravity.
At 0.30 Cd, RAV4 EV achieves the lowest coefficient of drag of any SUV in the world.
Compared with the petrol-powered RAV4, Toyota re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grille, side mirrors, rear spoiler and under body design to provide optimum air flow around the vehicle.
The RAV4 EV's battery pack is mounted low and to the centre of the vehicle, contributing to a more sedan-like ride.
The vehicle will go on sale in the United States late in the northern hemisphere summer. There are no plans to sell it in Australia.
"We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius," Mr Carter said.
"It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance."
In July 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors jointly announced an agreement to develop an all-electric version of the RAV4, with the intent to bring the vehicle to market in 2012.
Tesla contributed its EV technology expertise, daring spirit, quick decision making and flexibility.
Toyota contributed design, engineering, manufacturing and production expertise.
In an industry where development cycles are typically five years, Toyota and Tesla brought a dynamic product to market in less than half that time.
TOYOTA/TESLA DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES
- May 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce collaboration to develop electric vehicles, parts, production systems and engineering support
- July 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce development of RAV4 EV.
- November 2010 – Toyota reveals RAV4 EV Phase Zero prototype at LA Auto Show
- February 2011 – Tesla begins delivery of 31 converted RAV4 EV Phase Zero demonstration program vehicles
- April 2011 – Toyota provides first media drive opportunity of Phase Zero demonstration program vehicle at 2011 Sustainable Mobility Seminar
- August 2011 – Toyota/Tesla announce RAV4 EV manufacturing location: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc., Woodstock, Ontario
Posted: May 3rd, 2012 | Author: qldtownp | Filed under: camry, general, hilux, latest news, prado, prius c, Yaris | Comments Off
Toyota's popular HiLux has grabbed the crown as Australia's best-selling car with an emphatic victory revealed by sales figures released today.
A total of 3,565 customers bought a HiLux in April, marking a return to normal supplies of the popular workhorse following shortages caused by natural disasters in Japan and Thailand.
The victory margin of well over 500 vehicles placed HiLux more than 18.6 per cent ahead of any other vehicle on the local sales chart.
It is the sixth time HiLux has been the top-selling vehicle in Australia – and it is the only ute to have achieved this landmark.
HiLux led a strong Toyota result in April with the brand cementing market leadership with 16,568 deliveries – more than 8,800 ahead of its nearest rival.
Toyota outsold the combined totals of its nearest two competitors, bringing its 2012 sales tally to 63,945 vehicles – an overall lead of more than 27,000.
In addition to HiLux 4x2 and 4x4, Toyota vehicles that led their segments were Yaris, Camry, LandCruiser Prado, LandCruiser 200 Series and HiAce bus.
Prado moved into the national top 10 (seventh) with 1,725 deliveries, joining HiLux (first), Corolla (third) and Camry (eighth). Prius c debuted with 405 sales.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said HiLux was the most desirable vehicle of its type and had the highest awareness among people looking to buy a 4x2 or 4x4 ute.
“Consumers rate HiLux above any other vehicle for its off-roading capability and other attributes, including performance, lifestyle and value,” Mr Callachor said.
“Almost one in two HiLux buyers already own a Toyota while more than half say they are likely to choose another Toyota for their next vehicle,” he said.
Toyota has been market leader for 83 of the past 85 months – a run broken only by production disruptions caused by last year's Japan tsunami.
Posted: May 3rd, 2012 | Author: qldtownp | Filed under: camry, general, hilux, latest news, prado, prius c, Yaris | Comments Off
Toyota's popular HiLux has grabbed the crown as Australia's best-selling car with an emphatic victory revealed by sales figures released today.
A total of 3,565 customers bought a HiLux in April, marking a return to normal supplies of the popular workhorse following shortages caused by natural disasters in Japan and Thailand.
The victory margin of well over 500 vehicles placed HiLux more than 18.6 per cent ahead of any other vehicle on the local sales chart.
It is the sixth time HiLux has been the top-selling vehicle in Australia – and it is the only ute to have achieved this landmark.
HiLux led a strong Toyota result in April with the brand cementing market leadership with 16,568 deliveries – more than 8,800 ahead of its nearest rival.
Toyota outsold the combined totals of its nearest two competitors, bringing its 2012 sales tally to 63,945 vehicles – an overall lead of more than 27,000.
In addition to HiLux 4x2 and 4x4, Toyota vehicles that led their segments were Yaris, Camry, LandCruiser Prado, LandCruiser 200 Series and HiAce bus.
Prado moved into the national top 10 (seventh) with 1,725 deliveries, joining HiLux (first), Corolla (third) and Camry (eighth). Prius c debuted with 405 sales.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said HiLux was the most desirable vehicle of its type and had the highest awareness among people looking to buy a 4x2 or 4x4 ute.
“Consumers rate HiLux above any other vehicle for its off-roading capability and other attributes, including performance, lifestyle and value,” Mr Callachor said.
“Almost one in two HiLux buyers already own a Toyota while more than half say they are likely to choose another Toyota for their next vehicle,” he said.
Toyota has been market leader for 83 of the past 85 months – a run broken only by production disruptions caused by last year's Japan tsunami.
Posted: May 1st, 2012 | Author: qldtownp | Filed under: 86, ft-86, future, general, latest news, motorsport | Comments Off
Toyota has succeeded in its aim of recapturing the classic sports car experience in its new 86, according to the expert judges of the 2012 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards.
The global panel of specialist engineers, technologists and journalists have named the sports coupe Car of the Year (jointly with the Subaru BRZ) and honoured its chief engineer Tetsuya Tada as Dynamicist of the Year, alongside Toshio Masuda, his Subaru counterpart on the project.
Toyota's commitment to producing cars that are more rewarding to drive, championed by its president Akio Toyoda, has also earned it the accolade of Dynamics Team of the Year.
The Toyota 86 arrives in Australia next month as a standard bearer for a revival of Toyota's sports car heritage, a machine that has been designed in every aspect to be a true driver's car
Its character is determined by its classic front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration and the use of a compact, lightweight, free-revving 2.0-litre “boxer” petrol engine. Combined with a low centre of gravity, low inertia and overall light weight, the result is pure driving pleasure.
Vehicle Dynamics International magazine’s editor Graham Heeps said this simple approach helped earn 86 its Car of the Year status.
“In the face of rising power outputs and ever-greater levels of complication in the drivetrain, suspension and steering, cars from major manufacturers that take a less-is-more approach and offer fun at legal speeds have been thin on the ground,” he said.
Among the judges' comments on the Dynamicist of the Year title, Matt Joy, the Press Association's motoring editor, said: “By sticking to a tried and tested formula, Tada and Masuda have created a car that enthusiasts have been crying out for one that eschews the never-ending quest for ultimate grip in favour of balance, response and driving pleasure at realistic road speeds.”
The judging panel gave much credit to Akio Toyoda for inspiring a new direction in dynamics in both Toyota and Lexus models. Phil Morse from the USA said: “A quick look at Toyota's vehicle line-up should remove any doubt that there is a fierce competitor in the company driver's seat, and that the tenets of motorsports – superior technology and the enjoyment of driving – serve as his guiding light.”
Posted: April 17th, 2012 | Author: qldtownp | Filed under: all toyota news, aurion, general, latest news | Comments Off
The launch of 3.5-litre V6 quad cam Toyota Aurion has completed the roll-out of Toyota's portfolio of new locally made models.
The substantially upgraded five-model Aurion range has been capped at a price beneath $50,000#.
It is Toyota's locally made flagship and is being promoted as an attainable luxury car.
Aurion's distinctive styling and occupant comfort levels provide clear differentiation.
Second generation Aurion is the most powerful Toyota made in Australia.
It generates 200kW at 6200rpm on 91 octane fuel.
Aurion delivers the best fuel economy in the 3.5-litre class in the large passenger segment - six per cent better than the first generation*.
Tailpipe emissions have been reduced by eight per cent*.
Aurion is lighter and slightly larger than the vehicle it replaces.
It incorporates technology advances in drivetrain and active and passive safety strategies which have only recently been developed.
Aurion, like its locally made stablemates, benefits from new computer numeric control (CNC) machines at Australia's Altona plant which allow even more precise manufacturing techniques.
Panel fit in many instances has been reduced from tolerances of 5mm to just 3.5mm - the domain of a very few true luxury cars.
Interior quietness will be a hallmark of second generation Aurion.
The articulation index of interior audibility has been improved by more than 10 per cent.
Ride and handling has been improved in all areas as a result of extensive local testing and development.
User-friendly modifications have been made in many small but important ways.
The centre console storage area is longer, and the boot loading lip is lower to the ground for easier loading.
Interior dimensions have been increased to provide even more legroom, and in particular, greater headroom for rear seat occupants.
Seats have increased in size while being made even more supportive.
Toyota has sought to refine its value proposition to Aurion buyers.
As well as capping Aurion's recommended retail price beneath $50,000, it has further improved its popular capped price logbook servicing proposition to four years/75,000km (whichever occurs first) up to the first five service periods^.
"Aurion has become a favourite amongst experienced motorists," Toyota's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said.
"Since its launch in 2006 Aurion has become something of a hallmark for private buyers who do not see the need to enter the market above the luxury car tax threshold, but who still want distinctive luxury features.
"Toyota's goal with second generation Aurion was to even better meet those requirements.
"There will not be a current generation Aurion owner who will not appreciate the improvements in the new vehicle and who won't be tempted to trade-up."
Mr Callachor described second generation Aurion as an expansionary vehicle.
"Styling, technical and manufacturing improvements all point to Aurion expanding its market appeal," he said.
"There is a strong market for a powerful prestige vehicle.
"Aurion is rightly, and discretely, earning a reputation as a vehicle of quality.
"Second generation Aurion will enhance that position."
Owners can choose to emphasis the sporty lines of their Aurion with optional Toyota Genuine Accessories, including 17-inch alloy wheels, body side mouldings with chrome and a rear spoiler lip.
#Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
*Fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories.
^Excludes government and rental vehicles. Contact your Toyota Dealer or go to Toyota.com.au/advantage for other exclusions and eligibility.
Posted: April 13th, 2012 | Author: qldtownp | Filed under: ft-86, general, latest news, motorsport | Comments Off
Toyota's new
86 sports car will undergo serious track time ahead of its Australian launch in June.
The company has announced that two 86 sports cars will compete in next month's 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race.
The race cars are being prepared by Toyota's partner GAZOO Racing to reach and support a new generation of car lovers around the world.
By competing in such events, Toyota aims to make even better cars that satisfy enthusiasts and promote the joy of driving.
A unique feature of the GAZOO Racing team is that it will include Toyota's in-house employees as drivers and mechanics for the race.
The 40th running of the 24 Hours Nürburgring will be held from May 17 to 20.
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Posted: April 4th, 2012 | Author: qldtownp | Filed under: all toyota news, camry, FJ Cruiser, general, hilux, latest news, prius, Yaris | Comments Off
Toyota's HiLux has resumed its best-seller status with stock arrivals back to normal for the first time since last year's Thailand floods halted production.
HiLux 4x2 and 4x4 were the top-selling vehicles in their respective segments last month with combined sales of more than 3,500 vehicles.
This was more than three times the January total, well above twice the December figure and up 57 per cent compared with February.
In fact, March was the best month for HiLux since the same month in 2011 when Japan was hit by a deadly tsunami that also disrupted HiLux production.
With shipments now back to normal levels, the resurgent HiLux helped lift Toyota Australia's overall total sales in March to 18461 vehicles - 81 per cent more than its nearest rival.
Camry sales, including the new-generation petrol and hybrid models – were up by 42.8 per cent over the same month last year.
Other double-digit percentage improvers compared with March 2011 were FJ Cruiser, Prius, Yaris and Landcruiser 200 Series .
Yaris was the best-selling compact car with sales up 20 per cent compared with the same month a year ago.
LandCruiser 200 Series recorded a March-on-March sales increase of 37.8 per cent.
Toyota Australia's executive vice president David Buttner said Toyota and its dealers were working overtime to get the popular HiLux to customers as quickly as possible.
“We understand the importance of HiLux to businesses and to individual customers, whether it's being bought for workhorse or family duties, or both,” Mr Buttner said.
“I would like to thank all our HiLux customers for their understanding and patience as well as the remarkable loyalty they have shown,” Mr Buttner said.
Posted: March 28th, 2012 | Author: qldtownp | Filed under: future, general, latest news | Comments Off
Toyota will debut an all-new US-designed sedan at next week's New York International Auto Show.
The global premiere will take place at 3:30am AEST on April 6, 2012 (New York time: 10.30am, April 5).
The sedan's exciting new design features an elegant yet athletic look.
Posted: March 27th, 2012 | Author: qldtownp | Filed under: camry hybrid, general, hybrid, latest news, prius, technology | Comments Off
Toyota has refined the quality, performance, owner appeal and value of Prius, the world's best-known and best-selling hybrid car.
The 2012 Prius comes with higher equipment levels and improved ride quality, steering feel and vehicle dynamics as well as fresh styling.
In addition to the upgrades and added features, Toyota has made Prius $1,000 more affordable at $33,990* - $6,000 below the price of the first-generation Prius when it was launched more than a decade ago.
Even the high-grade Prius i-Tech maintains its $45,990 price with the addition of substantial extra specification.
Prius now has a reversing camera on the entry-level car with the image viewed on a 6.1-inch EGA colour display.
The new model also incorporates daytime running lamps, power retractable mirrors and the power-saving JBL GreenEdge sound system with eight speakers.
Prius i-Tech gains 17-inch alloys as standard with solar moonroof, an eight-way power driver's seat, seven-inch VGA colour screen, hard-disk drive satellite navigation, digital radio and new leather-accented interior trim.
The revised front of Prius reflects Toyota's new design approach, while the cabin has new front seats, new upholstery and new soft-touch surfaces that combine to give a higher-quality feel.
Increased comfort and steering feel have been produced through a stiffer body and changes to the suspension and steering column.
Prius sales globally have surpassed 2.5 million, including more than 17,000 in Australia.
A more powerful version of the hybrid technology pioneered in Prius is fitted to the Camry Hybrid, which is built locally for the Australian market.
Over the next few months Prius will grow in Australia with the introduction of the compact Prius c city car and Prius v, the world's first seven-seat full hybrid car.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said Toyota's industry-leading hybrid technology was a vital part of the company's DNA.
“Toyota and Prius are the pioneers of hybrid technology, which will play an increasingly important role in reducing petrol usage and cutting carbon emissions,” Mr Callachor said.
“Prius continues to embrace the spirit of innovation while reaffirming Toyota’s commitment to providing excellent environmental performance and fuel efficiency,” he said.
“This ground-breaking technology is the future of cars and more hybrids are heading to Australia – both from Toyota and other manufacturers.”
“Prius has laid the groundwork for hybrid cars to be immersed into the mainstream and the latest improvements make it an even stronger proposition.”
New styling
Prius embraces Toyota's new, more assertive design approach with a stronger focus on the lower part of the car's front end.
A new bumper and a larger, trapezoidal lower grille give the vehicle a low and wide look.
LED daytime running lights have been placed in the bumper beneath the turn indicators, while the fog lights were repositioned within the lower grille.
New power-folding heated door mirrors, new rear-combination lamps and newly designed 15-inch alloy wheels and covers are also part of the revised Prius.
The styling changes add an extra 20mm to the car's length, but the wheelbase and highly efficient aerodynamic performance (Cd 0.25) are unchanged.
New colours are dynamic blue and scarlet, for a total of eight.
Interior
Inside, the look and feel of the trim, surfaces and upholstery raise the perception of quality.
The front seats offer better support and provide a more comfortable ride, with eight-way power adjustment for the high-grade driver's seat.
Toyota's attention to detail can be seen in the redesign of the centre console, which now has a built-in cupholder that can be used without having to open the console lid.
The 12V power socket, USB port and AUX audio input terminal have been moved to the front of the console for easier access.
New, darker materials are used throughout with silver inserts on the centre console and air vents. The hybrid system start button is now blue.
The multi-information display has been revised with sharper image resolution, making the readouts easier to view.
New functions include a monthly fuel consumption record with a rolling archive of five months' data and an ECO savings calculator.
The calculator works by the driver inputting a target consumption figure and fuel price; the system records the driving time during which consumption is lower than the target and calculates a monthly saving compared with the expected fuel cost.
Body and suspension
The Prius body has been made stiffer by increasing the number of welding spots and reinforcements.
Increased rigidity allows for softer suspension tuning, which improves ride comfort without diminishing the car's dynamic abilities.
Redesign of the bracing has also made the steering column more rigid, which has the effect of giving the driver better steering feel.
Additional sound-proofing materials have improved noise and vibration levels in the cabin.
Fuel economy and emissions
Prius has maximum power of 100kW from the hybrid system which combines a beltless and highly efficient 1.8-litre petrol engine, a 650-volt electric motor/generator and a 201.6-volt nickel-metal hydride battery.
With a full hybrid powertrain, Prius continues to deliver the lowest CO2 emissions in its class at 89 grams/km*. It also delivers outstanding fuel efficiency at 3.9 litres/100km*.
Prius technologies
Every Prius retains technologies that improve safety by providing ‘at-a-glance’ information, reducing the need for driver eye movement to allow better concentration on the road.
A head-up display provides speed and other information on the windscreen in the driver's line of sight.
When the driver touches the audio or information controls on the steering-wheel hub, Toyota's world-first touch tracer system displays a duplicate read-out on the instrument panel.
The multi-information display monitors fuel and energy consumption, providing feedback that helps the driver employ economical driving habits.
Other standard safety features include seven airbags, stability and traction control, active front head restraints and anti-skid brakes.
In addition to driving like a conventional car, the hybrid system in Prius offers three driver-controlled modes: EV (electric vehicle), ECO and Power.
In EV, the vehicle stays in electric-only mode for longer at lower speeds. The vehicle can operate up to about 50km/h for approximately 1-2km, depending on the state of charge.
In ECO, the throttle is managed for fuel economy and the air-conditioning is strictly controlled.
Power mode provides maximum acceleration response.
As with its predecessor, the new range is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with services capped at $130 for each of up to six standard services in the first three years or 60,000km#.
* Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
** Fuel consumption and emissions data will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/02 combined cycle. 17-inch wheels: 4.0 litres/100km.
#Maximum payable for standard scheduled servicing (normal operating conditions) until first of 3 years or 60,000kms (up to the first 6 services). Excludes Government & Rental vehicles. Contact your Toyota Dealer or go to toyota.com.au/advantage for other exclusions and eligibility.
Posted: March 22nd, 2012 | Author: qldtownp | Filed under: general, landcruiser, latest news, prado | Comments Off
Toyota has developed a special edition
LandCruiser Prado with more than $10,000 of added multimedia, technology, comfort and family-friendly features.
For just $5,000 over the price of a Prado GXL, the seven-seat Prado Altitude gains satellite navigation, a seven-inch touch-screen display and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The expanded features list also includes a tilt-and-slide moonroof, leather-accented seat trim, privacy glass and easy-to-read Optitron instruments.
Prado Altitude's sound system has been upgraded to 14 speakers (from six in GXL) and gains a six-disc in-dash CD/DVD changer with remote control.
The rear-seat entertainment system comes with a nine-inch monitor mounted from the ceiling, a DVD player, 5.1-channel surround sound and three wireless headphones. It can be operated from the touch-screen display in the front seats and by remote control from the rear seats.
A back-guide monitor provides added guidance when using the reverse camera# while four sonar parking sensors have been added at the front to the four already fitted to the rear.
Produced only until the end of April, the Prado Altitude is offered with either a 4.0-litre quad cam V6 petrol or 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, both with a five-speed automatic transmission and gated shift.
Prado Altitude incorporates other GXL features including three-zone climate-controlled air-conditioning, audio controls on the steering wheel, smart entry and start, cruise control and long-range fuel tanks (87-litre main and 63-litre sub).
There are seven airbags, stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, hill-assist control and downhill assist control.
Prices for the LandCruiser Prado Altitude start from $68,490* for the petrol V6 model and $69,490* for the diesel.
Prado Altitude is offered in four exterior colour choices - Crystal Pearl (previously reserved for Kakadu and VX grades), Ebony, Silver Pearl and Graphite.
All exterior colours can be matched with black interior trim while Crystal Pearl and Ebony also come with the choice of ivory trim.
Naturally, the special-edition model sports an Altitude badge at the back.
#Back guide monitor is designed as a driver assist device only and should not be used as a substitute for skilled driving and/or safe parking practices. The area into which the vehicle is to be driven must be visually monitored by the driver.
*Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
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