Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Thank you Nicholas for sharing this wonderful review! Way to go team!
- no hassle on "you must drive this one" "you gotta decide today" laid back and listened to my needs, confirmed them and gave feedback
Monday, December 19, 2011
Thank you Lynette for sharing this great review! Great work team!
- I have a car service and I use Lexus in my fleet. I have been taking my cars to Toyota of Santee for about a year and a half and I really appreciate all the service they provide, timely repairs and the prices beat Lexus any day of the week. Scott is my service provider and we work very well together. He understands that my cars are my business and makes sure I get the necessary repairs.Thank you... -Lynette E.
Friday, December 16, 2011
The Camry has been on the road for the past 30 years.
We think it's been part of more first kisses, job interviews, midnight snack runs, college road trips, soccer practices and tailgate parties than in any other car in America. Huge claim, we know, and we need your help to prove it. We want to hear about your experiences with Camry.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion Vehicles Earn Top Safety Pick Awards
Courtesy of Toyota NewsRoom
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thank you to Kelly for sharing this great review with us! Keep up the great work Rudy!
- I liked the fact that I dealt with 1 salesman (Rudy) and he was great. There was no pressure at all. And everyone was friendly -Kelly
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Toyota Prius GT300 coming to SuperGT
Courtesy of AutoBlog
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Thank you Nicholas for sharing your feedback with us! Keep up the great work team!
Toyota Certified Center of Santee - (4) Star Review on Yahoo Local
- Great Certified used cars. They listened to the things I needed in a car and helped me narrow it down to the car the best fit my needs. I left very happy with my new 2010 car. -Nicholas
Check out the review here!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
New Toyota FCV-R Fuel-Cell Concept Heading for Production in 2015
Toyota's conceptual products at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show are a bit more than crowd pleasers as both the FT-EV III mini and the FCV-R study pictured here, are slated to enter production. 
The FCV-R is a next-generation fuel-cell concept model fueled by hydrogen that Toyota says is planned for launch in 2015.
According to the Japanese automaker, the fuel-cell unit is located beneath the specially designed body thus saving space with the concept being able to accommodate up to four passengers and their luggage.
The next generation fuel cell stack consists of a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, which said to provide a driving range of approximately 700 km or about 435 miles.
Being that the FCV-R not only resembles the Prius in looks but is also very similar in size at 4,745 mm long, 1,790 mm wide and 1,510 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm, it is possible that the two cars share the same platform architecture.
Courtesy of CarScoop
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Toyota Fun-Vii is rolling, customizable weirdness
Courtesy of AutoBlog
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Toyota releases new FT-86 teaser footage ahead of Tokyo reveal
Toyota has released a new teaser for the company's upcoming FT-86 that gives us all a glimpse into the vehicle's design process. The quick spot depicts designers as they slave over both exterior and interior details by choosing wheel and material options for the two-door sports coupe. We're guessing the same level of attention to detail went into crafting its North-American-bound twin, the Scion FR-S. The video also gives us a quick glance under the hood, where we see a very familiar-looking naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer engine.
A fairly stout strut-tower brace is also clearly visible in the ad, though it looks as if Toyota has kept the vehicle's battery under the hood instead of kicking it to the rear of the vehicle for slightly better weight balance. It's also worth noting just how low the Subaru flat-four sits in the engine bay of the FT-86. The top of the engine sits well below the strut towers, making for what looks to be a decidedly low center of gravity. While you're waiting for this car to debut at next week's Tokyo Motor Show, hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.
Courtesy of AutoBlog
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Toyota and Lexus Are Back on Top in Kelley Blue Book Resale Value Survey!
The distinction is based on how well new models are expected to retain their original list price after five years of ownership.
According to the used-car pricing service, the average vehicle, irrespective of brand, is expected to retain about 35.5 percent of its original value after five years, which means that a $50,000 new car today would be worth approximately $17,750 after five years. The average 2012 Toyota, however, would retain 41.5 percent of its original value, while a Lexus would retain 37.9 percent, according to the service.
Toyota and Lexus, which were winners in the report for the 2010 model year, were ousted last year by Subaru and BMW.
“Toyota has done well primarily with their trucks, which are holding value quite well,” said Eric Ibara, director of residual consulting at Kelley Blue Book, in a telephone interview.
Residual values in the survey reflect projected future auction values for vehicles in average condition with 75,000 miles at the end of a five-year lease or ownership period. Low-volume vehicles or vehicles with a list price of more than $60,000 are excluded from consideration for the awards, except in the luxury and high-performance categories.
Residual values improved across all surveyed brands, Mr. Ibara noted — on average they were 1.5 percentage points higher than last year.
The Jeep Wrangler is the vehicle with the highest resale value, at 55 percent. In dollars and cents, a base 2012 Sport model, with two-wheel drive and a list price of $22,845, would have a resale value of $12,564 after five years.
The top 10 cars from the 2012 model year expected to achieve the best resale value were the Audi Q7, Chevrolet Camaro, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Infiniti FX, Jeep Wrangler, Lexus RX, Nissan Frontier, Toyota FJ Cruiser and Toyota Tacoma.
There are also winners in 19 categories, ranging from subcompact car to full-size pickup. They are, in alphabetical order: Audi A5 and Q7; Chevrolet Camaro V-6, Camaro SS, Traverse and Volt; Ford F-Series Super Duty; Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Fit and Odyssey; Jeep Wrangler; Lexus IS and RX 450h; Nissan Maxima; Subaru Outback; and Toyota Camry, FJ Cruiser and Tacoma.
A number of vehicles singled out Wednesday were winners in their categories or were among the top 10 last year as well. When a vehicle is included two years in a row, it is an indication that its value is not a fluke, Mr. Ibara said.
“A good example is the Mini Cooper,” he said. “It was the top vehicle in its segment for nine years in a row. That’s a very strong record.”
A new, catch-all category for electric cars, which does not discriminate between purely electric cars or plug-in hybrids, was added this year. The 2012 winner in this segment was the Chevrolet Volt, with a projected residual value of 27 percent. The only other vehicle in the running was the Nissan Leaf, with a residual value of 25.5 percent.
These residual values were lower than the 35.5 percent average, Mr. Ibara said, because a $7,500 federal tax credit would lower the $39,995 Volt’s transaction price. That, in turn, would push its residual value lower, he said.
From: TheNewYorkTimes
Thank you Joe for sharing this great review of your service experience with us!
- I've had the guys at Toyota certified work on my (Ford) truck, since they are convenient to my business. The work was done well, and Scott was efficient and helpful. -Joe B.
For more great reviews click here!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
New Toyota FCV-R Fuel-Cell Concept Heading for Production in 2015
Toyota's conceptual products at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show are a bit more than crowd pleasers as both the FT-EV III mini we showed you earlier today and the FCV-R study pictured here, are slated to enter production. 
The FCV-R is a next-generation fuel-cell concept model fueled by hydrogen that Toyota says is planned for launch in 2015.
According to the Japanese automaker, the fuel-cell unit is located beneath the specially designed body thus saving space with the concept being able to accommodate up to four passengers and their luggage.
The next generation fuel cell stack consists of a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, which said to provide a driving range of approximately 700 km or about 435 miles.
Being that the FCV-R not only resembles the Prius in looks but is also very similar in size at 4,745 mm long, 1,790 mm wide and 1,510 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm, it is possible that the two cars share the same platform architecture.
We'll know more when Toyota officially reveals the car at the Tokyo show on November 30.
From: CarScoop
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program Helps Fill Need for Mobility Vehicles
A total of 100 nonprofit organizations were selected by the public to receive a new Toyota vehicle
Providence TrinityKids Care, the only children’s hospice program serving Los Angeles and Orange counties, will receive a Toyota Sienna minivan, courtesy of Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program, which awarded 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving non-profit organizations. The Sienna minivan for Providence is one of 16 donated vehicles that have been specially built by Toyota to better assist those who are mobility-impaired, whether due to illness, age or disability. The delivery took place at Toyota’s Torrance campus.
Providence TrinityKids Care is a pediatric hospice service for critically ill children and their families, whose team of medical experts provide their expertise to help keep children comfortable at home. The organization is the only dedicated in-home children’s hospice and palliative care program in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The organization plans to use its Toyota Sienna to develop its Transportation Program, which will help families get to and from medical appointments.
Toyota introduced the U.S. auto industry’s first factory-installed, power rotating lift-up seat in the Sienna, which is the minivan selected by Providence TrinityKids Care. Toyota calls this feature Auto Access Seat, a lift-up seat designed to assist passengers to get in and out of the vehicle with ease and safety. Ten other winning organizations will also receive a Toyota Sienna with this equipment. Five of the winners will receive a Toyota Sienna Rampvan®, a lowered-floor minivan with a power ramp for wheelchair access. These five Sienna minivans were converted by BraunAbility, a Toyota business partner, and the largest manufacturer of wheelchair-accessible vans and wheelchair lifts worldwide.
Program Overview
Winners of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program were determined based on voting from the public. Each day, five organizations were profiled on Toyota’s Facebook page where the public was invited to show their support by voting to determine the winning non-profit organization. Each daily winner was awarded a new Toyota vehicle to help the organizations continue to do “good” in their local communities. The remaining finalists each received a $1000 grant from Toyota.
Public voting for the 100 Cars for Good program opened May 9, 2011 and continued through August 16. Voters were allowed to place one vote per day, each day, over the course of the program. Each day, the previous day’s winner was announced and five new nonprofit organizations were featured for voting. Winning organizations could choose from the following vehicles: Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna or Sienna Mobility. Toyota Financial Services will provide a six-year, 100,000-mile Toyota Vehicle Service Agreement to provide extended protection beyond the vehicle warranty.
The 500 finalists, from which the 100 winners were ultimately selected, were chosen by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. To learn more about all the finalists, including winning organizations, visit www.facebook.com/toyota and click on the 100 Cars for Good tab.
Quotes
“Toyota is proud to add these modifications for the 16 winners of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program that serve those who live with mobility impairment. We know that these changes will help each of the winning organizations further the ‘good’ they do each day. Being a part of this program has been a joy and an honor as we got to know each of the winning organizations and the work they do. They all represent truly the best of human compassion, ingenuity and dedication, and we thank them for their ongoing service.” – Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
“We are so grateful to Toyota for the generosity they have shown to organizations like us through the 100 Cars for Good program. The Sienna will help us provide safe, reliable transportation to families in need, and since mobility is a challenge for many, the Auto Access Seat makes it that much more valuable. We know that all of the winners of 100 Cars for Good feel the same appreciation we do!” – Terri Warren, Chief Executive, Providence TrinityCare Hospice.
“The Braun Corporation was delighted to play a role in the 100 Cars for Good program. We see the need for mobility vehicles every day, and the enormous impact just one of these cars can make. We applaud Toyota for making this investment for 16 of the program’s winners, and congratulate each of the organizations.” – Nick Gutwein, President, The Braun Corporation.
The other winning organizations that will receive a specially built Sienna minivan are:
| ORGANIZATION | LOCATION |
| ACDS – Association for Children with Down Syndrome | Plainview, New York |
| Alaska Christian College | Soldotna, Alaska |
| Aleethia Foundation | Washington, DC |
| Any Baby Can, Inc. | Austin, Texas |
| Arbor Day Farm / Lied Lodge & Conference Center | Nebraska City, Nebraska |
| Carolina Canines for Service | Wilmington, North Carolina |
| Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center | Chicago, Illinois |
| Children’s Specialized Hospital | Mountainside, New Jersey |
| Dream Power Animal Rescue Foundation | Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Hills & Dales Child Development Center | Dubuque, Iowa |
| Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s Foundation | Louisville, Kentucky |
| My Angel with Paws | Deland, Florida |
| Redwood | Fort Mitchell, Kentucky |
| SafePlace | Austin, Texas |
| Sandhills Children’s Center | Rockingham, North Carolina |
| The Hope Institute for Children and Families | Springfield, Illinois
|
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants, including one under construction. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.
Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $500 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S.
For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit http://www.toyota.com/community.>>;
About Toyota Financial Services
TFS is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota in the United States, offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and extended service contracts through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). Lexus Financial Services is the brand for financial products for Lexus dealers and customers. TFS currently employs over 3,300 associates nationwide, and has managed assets totaling more than $87 billion. It is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. For more information, please visit www.toyotafinancial.com.
About Providence Health & Services, Southern California:
Providence Health & Services, Southern California, is a Catholic, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing quality and compassionate health care and reaching out to the poor and the vulnerable in the communities it serves. Providence Southern California operates five acute care medical centers in the Los Angeles area: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, Providence Tarzana Medical Center and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Centers in Torrance and San Pedro. The region also has numerous ancillary facilities including Hospice care for adults and children, long-term care, numerous outpatient clinics and a high school. For more information, please visit http://providence.org.
About The Braun Corporation
The Braun Corporation is the largest manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans, ramps, and wheelchair lifts worldwide and enables people with physical disabilities to regain mobility and lead active and independent lives. The Indiana-based company was founded by Ralph Braun, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at a young age and unable to walk by age 15. Ralph was motivated by his disability to invent the world’s first electric scooter (the Tri-Wheeler) and wheelchair lift (the Lift-A-Way) in his parents’ garage. Word spread and demand for the product increased, resulting in the birth of Save-A-Step Manufacturing, which ultimately became The Braun Corporation. The company offers the most diverse line of vehicle platforms in the industry, including the most popular minivan models from Dodge/Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota. For more information, or to find a dealer near you, please visit www.braunability.com or www.facebook.com/braunability.
Courtesy of Toyota.com
Thursday, November 10, 2011
New 2012 Prius v Features Pandora
Latest Prius Model Delivers Integrated Pandora Experience Through Entune System
OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 10, 2011 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Pandora (NYSE: P), the leading personalized radio service, announced today that the newest model of the Prius Family, the Prius v, will feature Pandora. The Prius v is arriving at Toyota dealers nationwide and is the third Toyota vehicle model to feature Pandora personalized radio in the head unit, joining the Camry and the Tacoma.
The Prius v is equipped with Entune, Toyota's platform for in-car infotainment solutions. With Entune, Pandora controls are made available via the radio touchscreen, allowing drivers to easily select stations, skip songs, or give songs a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down using the vehicle's existing controls. The key to connecting Pandora with Entune is the smartphone.
Executive Vice President of Business and Corporate Development Jessica Steel said, "We are delighted to have Pandora become part of the very popular Prius. The combination of these two forward-looking products paints an exciting picture of the future of the driving experience."
ABOUT PANDORA
Pandora (NYSE: P) gives people music they love anytime, anywhere, through connected devices. (OK, we've added comedy as well so we're also up for playing some jokes you'll love.) Personalized stations launch instantly with the input of a single "seed" - a favorite artist, song or genre. The Music Genome Project®, a deeply detailed hand-built musical taxonomy, powers the personalization of Pandora® internet radio by using musicological "DNA" and constant listener feedback to craft personalized stations from a growing collection of hundreds of thousands of recordings. Tens of millions of people in the U.S. turn on Pandora to hear music they love. www.pandora.com
SOURCE Pandora
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Toyota Prius Plug-in named 2012 Urban Green Car of the Year
The Urban Wheel Awards panel spent months to identify the most stylish, practical and attainable new vehicles for 2012 by evaluating dozens of cars and trucks in a variety of North American urban settings before selecting the three winners including the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in. Each of the three Urban Vehicles of The Year will be featured online at decisivemagazine.com.
The Hyundai Veloster was picked as the 2012 Urban Car of the Year with runners up including the Chevrolet Sonic and MINI coupe. The Range Rover Evoque took Urban Truck of the Year edging out the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Mercedes-Benz M Class. The Toyota Prius Plug-in took Urban Green Vehicle of the Year title by outdistancing the Infiniti M35h and Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
“This is the Prius everyone has been waiting for,” said Lyndon Conrad Bell, editor-in-chief of Decisive magazine. “Endowing the world’s favorite hybrid with the ability to run purely on electric power for significant distances and recharge itself from an AC outlet remade and exceptional urban green car into the ideal urban green car.”
“We are pleased with the recognition of the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in as a well-designed, smart and attainable vehicle, especially in an urban environment,” said Jim Colon, vice president of Toyota product communications at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. “We’re confident that the Prius Plug-in’s extended electric range, selectable EV mode, expected 87 MPGe and quick home charging are among the features that helped Toyota secure this distinction.”
The multicultural Urban Vehicles of the Year panel is comprised by Camilo Alfaro of Auto Proyecto, freelance reviewer Mary Chapman, Arv Voss of Auto Impressions, and Frank Washington of AboutThatCar.com.
The 16th Annual Urban Wheel Awards (UWA) will be held on January 8, 2012, in the MotorCity Casino Hotel's Sound Board Theater in Detroit, MI.
Notably, the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) executive committee has named the 16th Annual Urban Wheel Awards, hosted by the Emerging Diversity Education Fund (EDEF) and Decisive Media, the Official Multicultural Event of NAIAS.
From: TorqueNews
Monday, November 7, 2011
Video: Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda races in NASCAR Camry
When Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda came out from Japan a couple months ago to introduce the all-new Camry, he found a way to get out and have a little fun -- on a raceway.
While in Las Vegas, he took a spin in the 850-horsepower NASCAR version of the Camry. Toyota is posting a video of the experience today. From the looks of that video, he had a fine time.
He was also on hand at the Georgetown, Ky., plant that will produce the Camry in the U.S. when the car was formally introduced to the world.
Toyota has a lot riding on the new Camry. It's coming in both conventional and hybrid versions. Oh, and a NASCAR version.
From: USAToday
Friday, November 4, 2011
Toyota Announces Plans to Export U.S.-Built Sienna to South Korea
Expands Exports of American-Built Vehicles to 19 Countries around the World
November 1, 2011 – New York, NY – Toyota today announced plans to begin exporting U.S.-built Sienna vehicles to distributors in South Korea.
The Sienna is produced at Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Princeton, IN. A top seller in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, this is the first time the vehicle will be exported outside of North America. Shipments are scheduled to begin in early November.
Toyota began exporting U.S.-built vehicles in 1988. These exports increased 30% in calendar year 2010 to about 100,000 units. With the start of these shipments to South Korea, Toyota will now export U.S.-assembled vehicles to 19 countries around the world.
Other export vehicles include the Georgetown, KY-produced Avalon sedan, the Princeton, IN-produced Sequoia SUV and the San Antonio, TX-produced Tacoma and Tundra pick-up trucks. Combined, these three U.S. plants directly employ more than 12,500 team members. They are also responsible for an estimated 65,000 other U.S. jobs at vendors and suppliers.
“Toyota’s North American operations are constantly working to identify and expand new export opportunities for the vehicles we produce here, building on our extensive investments in auto production, research and development in the U.S. and helping to maintain a strong, stable base of jobs,” said Yoshimi Inaba, president and COO of Toyota Motor North America, Inc. “With this development and other possible achievements in the future, we hope to continue boosting exports from our North American operations.”
Sienna exports to South Korea are initially forecasted at approximately 600 units annually.
About the Toyota Sienna
Toyota introduced the third-generation Sienna family van for 2011 model year with a sharper focus on comfort, versatility, style and fuel efficiency. The 2011 Sienna also introduced a four-cylinder engine choice and remains the only van in the segment to offer an all-wheel-drive option. For 2012 model year the XLE grade adds a standard power passenger seat and auto on/off headlights.
Sienna was completely redesigned last year to cater to traditional family van needs while also meeting growing demands for more responsive driving character and onboard “infotainment” technology. The Sienna SE combines sportier exterior styling with more dynamic driving performance from a sport-tune suspension system.
The Sienna was designed primarily by Toyota’s Calty Design Research in California and Michigan, developed at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana.
###
Courtesy of Toyota.com
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
SEMA Preview: New Toyota Yaris Suits Up for Club Racing
Toyota said that Bestwick will try to qualify for and compete in the 2012 SCCA National Championship Runoffs, held at the Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wiscosnin.
Built by SportsCar Magazine, Toyota's new racer is based on the all-new, second generation 2012 Yaris hatchback and features a special livery that pays homage to the Japanese firm's 1998 LeMans pole-winning GT-One racecar.
The three-door hatch has been stripped down and fitted with a roll cage as well as race-spec steering wheel and bucket seat for the driver. Other changes include performance upgrades to the chassis and engine while the car rides on P205/50ZR15 racing tires.
TOYOTA YARIS CLUB B-SPEC CLUB RACER FEATURES
EXTERIOR
- Toyota Le Mans GT-One inspired graphics
- OMP tow hooksINTERIOR
- Autopower Industries 8-point SCCA-spec roll cage
- Autopower window net
- OMP AFFF 2.8L fire system
- OMP HTE FIA race seat
- OMP 805 6-point FIA harness
- OMP WRC steering wheel
- RLC Racing Track Commander data acquisition systemTIRES/WHEELS
- Hoosier Racing Tire A6 P205/50ZR15
- Enkei RPF1 15x7SUSPENSION
- Cusco Zero-3 Series Suspension kit
- Cusco Center Lock Pillowball Upper MountsBRAKES
- Pagid RS29 brake pads
POWERTRAIN
- Toyota 1NZ-FE 1.5 liter with VVT-i
- AEM Performance Electronics EMS Series 2
- Beta Motorsports cat-back exhaust
- Church Automotive Testing custom tune
- Joe Gibbs Driven XP1 Racing Oil
- Joe Gibbs Driven Super Speedway Gear oil
- K&N air filter
- K&N oil filter
From: CarScoop
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Toyota FT-86 leaked in Modellista parts catalog?
From: AutoBlog
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Don't miss these great parts specials at Toyota Certified Center of Santee!
Toyota Developing 600+ Mile Battery; Nissan Says Long Range EV’s Unnecessary
As the world’s automakers slowly move to embrace electric vehicles, each brand or group is taking a decidedly different approach to EV’s and hybrids. Just look at the vastly different approaches of Toyota and Nissan. While Toyota is working to develop a battery with 600+ miles of range, Nissan says that 95% of Americans only need 100 miles of range a day.
Driver’s Don’t Need Long Range EV’s…
Batteries are by far the biggest expense factor when it comes to electric cars, and contribute to the bloated MSRP’s of cars like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt. Another supposed shortcoming of electric vehicles are their limited range, with the Leaf officially rated at just 73 miles in average driving. And while many consumers claim they want more range, according to Nissan, they don’t actually need it.
Nissan cites data it collected from Leaf drivers that shows the average Leaf driver only travels about 37 miles per day, and the average trip was only seven or so miles. Nationwide, 72% of drivers travel less than 40 miles a day, and 95% of Americans travel less than 100 miles a day. The problem is that if you do want to travel a significant distance, you are limited by an EV’s range. American consumers may not need that extra range…but they want it available should they need it, some day.
…But Consumers Want Long Range EV’s
Toyota meanwhile is taking the opposite approach. Japan’s largest automaker is close to finishing a solid-state battery with 600 miles or more of range on a single charge in a compact electric vehicle. In “existing” vehicles the battery would only provide 124 miles or so of range…but that’s still a major improvement over just 73 miles provided by the current Nissan Leaf. T
he battery could be ready for production between 2015 and 2020, though there is no mention of costs or charging time, two huge factors in EV acceptance. And while 600 miles of range on a single charge sounds nice, the huge difference in range between “compact” and “existing” cars raised my eyebrows. When they say compact, do they mean a car…or a golf cart?
Source: Gas 2.0 (http://s.tt/13DmW)
As the world’s automakers slowly move to embrace electric vehicles, each brand or group is taking a decidedly different approach to EV’s and hybrids. Just look at the vastly different approaches of Toyota and Nissan. While Toyota is working to develop a battery with 600+ miles of range, Nissan says that 95% of Americans only need 100 miles of range a day.
Driver’s Don’t Need Long Range EV’s…
Batteries are by far the biggest expense factor when it comes to electric cars, and contribute to the bloated MSRP’s of cars like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt. Another supposed shortcoming of electric vehicles are their limited range, with the Leaf officially rated at just 73 miles in average driving. And while many consumers claim they want more range, according to Nissan, they don’t actually need it.
Nissan cites data it collected from Leaf drivers that shows the average Leaf driver only travels about 37 miles per day, and the average trip was only seven or so miles. Nationwide, 72% of drivers travel less than 40 miles a day, and 95% of Americans travel less than 100 miles a day. The problem is that if you do want to travel a significant distance, you are limited by an EV’s range. American consumers may not need that extra range…but they want it available should they need it, some day.
…But Consumers Want Long Range EV’s
Toyota meanwhile is taking the opposite approach. Japan’s largest automaker is close to finishing a solid-state battery with 600 miles or more of range on a single charge in a compact electric vehicle. In “existing” vehicles the battery would only provide 124 miles or so of range…but that’s still a major improvement over just 73 miles provided by the current Nissan Leaf. T
he battery could be ready for production between 2015 and 2020, though there is no mention of costs or charging time, two huge factors in EV acceptance. And while 600 miles of range on a single charge sounds nice, the huge difference in range between “compact” and “existing” cars raised my eyebrows. When they say compact, do they mean a car…or a golf cart?
Source: Gas 2.0 (http://s.tt/13DmW)
As the world’s automakers slowly move to embrace electric vehicles, each brand or group is taking a decidedly different approach to EV’s and hybrids. Just look at the vastly different approaches of Toyota and Nissan. While Toyota is working to develop a battery with 600+ miles of range, Nissan says that 95% of Americans only need 100 miles of range a day.
Driver’s Don’t Need Long Range EV’s…
Batteries are by far the biggest expense factor when it comes to electric cars, and contribute to the bloated MSRP’s of cars like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt. Another supposed shortcoming of electric vehicles are their limited range, with the Leaf officially rated at just 73 miles in average driving. And while many consumers claim they want more range, according to Nissan, they don’t actually need it.
Nissan cites data it collected from Leaf drivers that shows the average Leaf driver only travels about 37 miles per day, and the average trip was only seven or so miles. Nationwide, 72% of drivers travel less than 40 miles a day, and 95% of Americans travel less than 100 miles a day. The problem is that if you do want to travel a significant distance, you are limited by an EV’s range. American consumers may not need that extra range…but they want it available should they need it, some day.
…But Consumers Want Long Range EV’s
Toyota meanwhile is taking the opposite approach. Japan’s largest automaker is close to finishing a solid-state battery with 600 miles or more of range on a single charge in a compact electric vehicle. In “existing” vehicles the battery would only provide 124 miles or so of range…but that’s still a major improvement over just 73 miles provided by the current Nissan Leaf. T
he battery could be ready for production between 2015 and 2020, though there is no mention of costs or charging time, two huge factors in EV acceptance. And while 600 miles of range on a single charge sounds nice, the huge difference in range between “compact” and “existing” cars raised my eyebrows. When they say compact, do they mean a car…or a golf cart?
Source: Gas 2.0 (http://s.tt/13DmW)
As the world’s automakers slowly move to embrace electric vehicles, each brand or group is taking a decidedly different approach to EV’s and hybrids. Just look at the vastly different approaches of Toyota and Nissan. While Toyota is working to develop a battery with 600+ miles of range, Nissan says that 95% of Americans only need 100 miles of range a day.
Driver’s Don’t Need Long Range EV’s…
Batteries are by far the biggest expense factor when it comes to electric cars, and contribute to the bloated MSRP’s of cars like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt. Another supposed shortcoming of electric vehicles are their limited range, with the Leaf officially rated at just 73 miles in average driving. And while many consumers claim they want more range, according to Nissan, they don’t actually need it.
Nissan cites data it collected from Leaf drivers that shows the average Leaf driver only travels about 37 miles per day, and the average trip was only seven or so miles. Nationwide, 72% of drivers travel less than 40 miles a day, and 95% of Americans travel less than 100 miles a day. The problem is that if you do want to travel a significant distance, you are limited by an EV’s range. American consumers may not need that extra range…but they want it available should they need it, some day.
…But Consumers Want Long Range EV’s
Toyota meanwhile is taking the opposite approach. Japan’s largest automaker is close to finishing a solid-state battery with 600 miles or more of range on a single charge in a compact electric vehicle. In “existing” vehicles the battery would only provide 124 miles or so of range…but that’s still a major improvement over just 73 miles provided by the current Nissan Leaf. T
he battery could be ready for production between 2015 and 2020, though there is no mention of costs or charging time, two huge factors in EV acceptance. And while 600 miles of range on a single charge sounds nice, the huge difference in range between “compact” and “existing” cars raised my eyebrows. When they say compact, do they mean a car…or a golf cart?
Source: Gas 2.0 (http://s.tt/13DmW)
From: Gas2.0
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Toyota Maintains World’s Number One Spot in Global Value Report
Toyota may have lost the first place in global sales to GM, one of the reasons being the lack of supply after the March earthquake, and it has seen the VW Group relegating to third place, but it still has a number one position to brag about.
Branding consultancy Interbrand has placed the Japanese carmaker in the top spot among carmakers, and sixth overall, in its latest global value report that was released today.
The report praised Toyota’s handling of the 2010 quality issues as well as the aftermath of the devastating March earthquake and Tsunami. It said: “Even though Toyota faced both an internal and an external crisis, the company forged ahead by focusing on safety and quality, modifying its leadership structure and capitalizing on its world-renown green efforts"
Interbrand’s overall brand value rankings are based on three aspects: the financial performance of products and services, the role of the brand in purchasing decisions, and the strength of the brand in securing earnings for its company.
From: CarScoop
Monday, October 17, 2011
Toyota Redesigns The Camry, Aiming To Stay On Top
Toyota recently lost market share and has suffered through bad PR due to recalls, in addition to dealing with the continuing aftereffects of the Japan earthquake. Toyota executives are betting on the new Camry to jump-start the company's future.
The new Camry is so important to Toyota and the industry, I wanted to test one myself and get the opinion of wide-ranging experts.
When I got a test car, I first rolled up to a valet stand in Dearborn, Mich., where I met Ali Nehmi, a hotel valet. Nehmi drives a lot of cars and says the Camry is one of the nicer ones considering it's a Toyota and it's affordable.
"It's a lot [sharper] than the older model. It's a lot more aggressive," Nehmi says. "[It] stands a lot nicer. And it's a lot ... sportier, a lot more edgier."
Nehmi joked that he'd consider buying one but would first have to move out of Dearborn, home to Ford's headquarters.
Toyota's Crown Jewel
The new Toyota Camry looks lower to the ground, is less rounded and has slightly more masculine styling. But the thing is, it still looks like a Toyota Camry.
Goeff Wardle, who teaches car design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., says it's much harder designing a Camry than, say, a Ferrari, by a lot.
"You're looking at small improvements in many, many areas," Wardle says. "[You're] trying to get a little bit more headroom, a little bit more legroom, trying to make the vehicle get better fuel consumption and at the same time, be very, very aware of what your competitors are doing."
Wardle says Toyota is constantly tweaking and re-tweaking the Camry. It's the company's crown jewel, and Toyota cannot get it wrong, he says.
"They have to tread this really fine line between making the car more attractive, more desirable and more usable for their intended audience," Wardle says. "They've got to get it just right. So they don't take too many risks, but at the same time it can't be a mediocre vehicle either."
Chasing Evolving Tastes
If there's a person who knows how tough it's been for Toyota, it's Bob Carter. Carter has been with the company for 30 years and now heads the Toyota brand in North America. He's been the one to steer the brand during some of the roughest times.
They've got to get it just right. So they don't take too many risks, but at the same time it can't be a mediocre vehicle either.
Carter says the company has to focus on the cars that consumers want to buy.
"Camry is the No. 1 one seller in the U.S.," Carter notes. "Camry is our No. 1 volume vehicle. So it's critically important, but consumer tastes evolve over time. "
Baby boomers have always been kind of taken with the Camry, but that's not necessarily true of Generation Xers or millennials. Carter believes that the Camry will eventually lose its crown as America's top car but says he's working to make sure the next one is a Toyota. In the next 34 months, the company will introduce or completely overhaul more than 20 vehicles.
'Not Interested In Making A Statement'
In the parking lot of an industry conference, I took Rebecca Lindland, an analyst with IHS Automotive, for her first viewing of a 2012 Camry. (And let me note here that when Toyota lent me the new Camry for a test drive, it made sure it was in my favorite color — red — and that the radio was tuned to NPR.)
"Keep in mind: The Camry buyer is an appliance buyer," Lindland said as she walked around the car. "God love 'em, but they're appliance buyers. They're not as interested in making a statement on the road."
Lindland says the conservative redesign of the Camry will be very reassuring to existing Toyota owners. The question is whether the Camry can lure new buyers to the brand, because that, she says, is what Toyota needs.
From: NPR by Sonari Glinton
Friday, October 14, 2011
Toyota to Return to Le Mans in 2012 With Hybrid Racecar
Toyota has not fielded a car for the series since 1999, when its GT-One cars were among the fastest in qualifying laps at Le Mans. The cars suffered on raceday, however, with just one of the original three managing to finish, racing to second place behind BMW.
The new car, which will compete in the premier LMP1 class, will use a hybrid powertrain built in Japan, and a chassis developed in Cologne at Toyota Motorsport. Preliminary testing will begin early next year, and the car’s race schedule will be determined in coming weeks, the team said.
“We want to write a new page in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours, as well as in the FIA World Endurance Championship, through our use of hybrid technology,” said Tadashi Yamashina, the Toyota Motorsport chairman, in a media release.
In August, the team set a manufacturer-confirmed time of 7 minutes 47.8 seconds in a purely electric racecar based on a chassis developed by Radical, the boutique British manufacturer. Toyota did not announce whether outside partners would be brought into the development process for the LMP1 car.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Toyota FT-86 by Gazoo Racing Snagged Testing, will Debut this Saturday on the 'Ring!
In a move that sounds very similar to what Lexus did with the LF-A some two years ago, Toyota and its motorsports partner Gazoo Racing are preparing a specially modified version of the upcoming FT-86 rear-wheel drive coupe that will make its racing debut before the official presentation of the production model at the Tokyo Motor Show in early December. 
Our man with the long lens not only caught the FT-86 by Gazoo Racing, but he also told us that it will break cover this Saturday, October 15, at the VLN endurance racing championship at the Nürburgring.
We checked the entries and can confirm that the FT-86 has been officially listed with Masahiko Kagayama and Minoru Takaki taking the driver's seat.
The racing prototype of the FT-86 coupe is heavily based on the production model that will follow later in the year.
Among other changes, the car is fitted with racing tires and alloy wheels, huge brake discs and an aero package that comprises of large rear wing, a front apron, rear diffuser and race-spec mirrors.
The pictures also reveal the bucket seats and the necessary to compete in the race, safety roll cage. There's no information about the mechanics, but our guess is that the prototype is powered by a tuned version of the standard model's 2.0-liter boxer engine.
From: CarScoop
Come see us for a complete window tint installation for $100 under our normal price!
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
We Want to Hear From You! What is the Craziest Thing Your Toyota Has Been Through?
Alright, maybe you haven't had an encounter with Nessie, but we would love to hear your craziest stories about your Toyota vehicle!
Thank You To Shari Kay T. For This Kind Review!
- They really went above and beyond to get me financed -Shari Kay T.
For more reviews like this one click here!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Toyota Prius Project's Concept Bike Lets you Shift Gears With Your Mind
From: Engaget
Friday, October 7, 2011
The new Toyota Supra conceptualized
There have been rumors of late that Toyota Motor Co has approved the next generation Toyota Supra and while the Japanese automaker has offered no idea as to what the new sports car would look like, Swedish designer Andreas Fougner has put together an amazing conceptualization of what the next Supra could look like when it sees production.
We need to point out that the design shown on the right has no connection to Toyota Motor Co and it is strictly a rendering by artist Andreas Fougner. Fougner’s design takes some of the lines of the current Toyota FT-86ii Concept and applies them to his more muscular Supra design. Like the MKIV Supra that was laid to rest after the 2002 model year (1998 for American buyers), Fougner’s Supra is low and wide with a roofline that flows all the way to the back of the car; although Fougner’s Supra forgoes the huge rear spoiler in favor of a molded, low profile unit. Across the front of this Supra design, we see a large lower opening (reminiscent of the last generation Supra) while the high tech modern headlights similar to those seen on the FT-86ii while being larger to bolster the muscular lines. There are also large openings just below the headlights – presumably to allow for proper brake system cooling.
Along the sides of the Supra design, we see bold wheel flares that offer a 21st century take on the rounded sides of the 2002 Supra and across the back, we see more super-modern lighting systems and dual integrated exhaust – on a rear end that gives the Supra the look like it is ready to pounce. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Fougner’s is that it looks great and, honestly, it isn’t that farfetched in its overall design. While some features, like the sharply angled door windows, might not be ideal for production from a cost standpoint Fougner has done a beautiful job of take the shape of the Supra MKIV and applying a little FT-86 and a little LFA to make for one gorgeous Japanese muscle car.
It has been a regular rumor that the Toyota Supra would return since the Japanese automaker ended production of the model in 2002 and even though those rumors have intensified lately, there has been no indication at all from Toyota that a new Supra is on the way. Many believed that the car that we now know as the Lexus LFA was originally intended to be called the new Supra but badging it as a Lexus puts it at a much higher price point so there is more potential to make money.
While many shudder at the suggestion that there has ever been a Japanese muscle car, as a lover of American muscle cars I consider the Supra to been as close as Japan has ever been at offering a true competitor to the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and now the Dodge Challenger. The Supra offered comparable performance to the higher end American muscle cars when it was removed from the US market in 1998 and if Toyota was to come up with a new Supra that looks anywhere near as sharp as Andreas Fougner’s design shown on the right – the import scene could finally have a coupe that will go head to head with America’s modern muscle cars.
We had a chance to speak with the artist behind this Toyota Supra design, Andreas Fougner. Andreas lives in Stockholm, Sweden and works as an artist in the 3D gaming industry for Electronic Arts. Fougner would like to see his Toyota Supra powered by a high revving, naturally aspirated engine but he also sees the beauty of a lag-free turbocharged powerplant – the second of two probably being the likely engine of the Supra should it return to the market.
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