From: AutoBlog
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Toyota FT-86 leaked in Modellista parts catalog?
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.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's Superman! Actually, It's a Yaris. So... IT'S A CAR!
Can you guess how many airbags the 2012 Yaris will be sporting? Watch the video to find out!
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