News and Reviews
Toyota Camry pace car for Daytona
Toyota Camry will lead the field to the green flag as the official pace car for the 54th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday February 26.
The new Toyota Camry will lead the field as the official pace car for the 54th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday week (February 26).
It will be the first time a Toyota has led the field to the green flag for the "Great American Race".
The specially equipped pace car is fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric tyres mounted on BBS RS 8.5 x 19 wheels, a StopTech Big Brake Kit, TRD custom stainless steel exhaust and Tein adjustable suspension – as well as special graphics and warning lights.
Safety equipment includes a roll cage, four-point Simpson racing seat belts, Whelen LFL Liberty LED lightbar and an on-board fire extinguisher.
Ed Laukes, vice president of marketing communications and motorsports for Toyota in the United States, said the Daytona 500 was the perfect place to showcase the new Camry.
"We're thrilled to be able to feature the new Camry in Daytona at the season's biggest race," Mr Laukes said.
"We knew when the opportunity arose to partner together with Daytona that it would be an extraordinary way to highlight our new Camry, as well as reinforce Toyota's commitment to NASCAR and its fans," he said.
Camry has been the best-selling car in America 14 of the past 15 years and for 10 years running.
In Australia, Camry has been the best-selling mid-size car for the past 18 years in a row.
The latest Camry, released late last year, features a bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, improved driving dynamics and an even quieter ride than the previous generation.
Toyota has previously provided pace vehicles at several other NASCAR tracks, including a Camry Hybrid in 2009.
In 2004, Toyota began participating in NASCAR competition by fielding Tundra trucks in the Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).
In 2007, Toyota began competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) and the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) with the Camry.
Toyota has won three consecutive manufacturer's titles in the NNS (2008-2010) with the Camry, and Toyota racers have earned one driver's title (Kyle Busch in 2009).
In eight seasons participating in the NCWTS, Toyota has captured five consecutive manufacturer's championships (2006-2010), and Tundra drivers have won driver's titles with Todd Bodine (2006 and 2010) and Johnny Benson (2008).
At Daytona International Speedway, Toyota drivers have recorded eight NASCAR wins across NASCAR's three national touring series, including one NSCS win (Kyle Busch in 2008), two NNS wins (Denny Hamlin in 2008 and Tony Stewart in 2008) and five NCWTS wins.
In 2008, Hamlin claimed Toyota's first-ever NSCS victory in a non-points qualifying event to determine the Daytona 500 starting line-up.
Toyota dominates vehicle dependability study
Four Toyota vehicles - more than any other brand - are rated as being the most reliable cars in their segments in the latest J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.
Toyota’s sister brands Lexus and Scion each garnered two top rankings, bringing the Toyota group’s total to eight awards - a performance equal to all other vehicle brands combined.
The Toyota group finished one-two in two segments and made the podium in 12 of the 14 segments included in the study.
Vehicles sold in Australia that won awards are Toyota Yaris, Prius, Scion xB (Rukus) and Lexus RX350.
Corolla is ranked second behind Prius in the compact-car segment while Corolla, Camry and Highlander (Kluger) are in the top three of their segments.
The study found Toyota is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate, tying for third place overall.
Lexus scored the best of 32 brands and Scion achieved its highest ever position at fifth place, jumping up 17 positions.
The study, published annually since 1990, measures problems experienced by the original owners of three-year-old vehicles.
The rankings are determined by the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles; the lower the number, the more positive the score.
Additional examples of Toyota’s commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:
Lexus was the highest ranking nameplate in the industry in the 2011 J.D.
Power Initial Quality Study and earned more segment awards than any other premium brand.
Toyota and Lexus won 11 awards - more than half the 21 total awards - in IntelliChoice.com’s Best Overall Values of the Year.
Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than any other automaker. The 2012 models include Camry, Corolla, Highlander (Kluger), Prius, Prius v, Yaris and Scion xB (Rukus).
The 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid and Prius earned the maximum five stars for overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Prius c Australia’s most affordable hybrid
Toyota expects to have the most affordable hybrid car on the market when it launches the Prius c hatch late next month.
The company’s executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said Prius c will have an advantage in the “thousands of dollars” over the $29,990* price of the best–priced rival hybrid car.
“Prius c will bring Toyota’s renowned Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology to a new segment of buyers at a more accessible price,” Mr Callachor said.
“It will appeal to consumers seeking spirited driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and technology in a compact yet spacious city car.
“In addition to its price advantage, Prius c will deliver more power, better fuel economy and more relaxed cruising from its bigger 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor.
“Toyota’s new hybrid car is also taller for excellent head clearance, including in the rear, and has a smaller turning circle – ideal for tight city streets and car parks,” he said.
Prius c is already a hit in its home market of Japan with Toyota holding orders for more than 120,000 cars – or 10 times the monthly sales target.
Mr Callachor said the initial allocation of cars for Australia had not been affected; however, the overwhelming demand in Japan was likely to result in tight supply throughout 2012.
He said Prius c was the result of smart thinking and clever packaging of Toyota’s proven hybrid technology, which now has spent more than 14 years on world markets.
“The Prius c fuel tank and hybrid battery are located under the rear seat, ensuring plenty of legroom for all occupants and abundant luggage space.
‘The hybrid system’s major components are small, light and efficient, contributing to a low centre of gravity and agile dynamics that help make the Prius c a fun–to–drive car,‘ he said.
Prius c is the newest member of the expanding Prius family that includes the third–generation Prius hatch already on sale in Australia and the versatile Prius due here in the second quarter of 2012.
* Recommended retail price excludes dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
Future Hybrids and driving fun from Toyota at Geneva
The rejuvenation of Toyota can be witnessed “in the metal” at the Geneva motor show, with a display of future showroom and concept models.
Geneva marks the world debut of the Toyota FT-Bh concept, which showcases a “total vehicle” approach to reducing emissions in an affordable city car.
The ultra-lightweight, full hybrid city car study is designed to achieve low emissions within an economically viable production framework.
The team that produced FT-Bh purposely avoided expensive materials and complex manufacturing processes, instead working only with those that are already commonplace in the auto industry.
Full details will be revealed at Toyota’s press conference on its stand at the Geneva motor show at 10.15am on Tuesday, 6 March (8.15pm AEST).
Toyota’s stand will also feature the new 86 sports coupe, which rekindles the pure passion and excitement of sports car driving at an affordable price.
The 86 is due on sale in Australia this winter.
Toyota’s NS4 and FCV-R concepts will also be shown in Geneva.
NS4 is a next-generation plug-in hybrid vehicle designed to address customer demand for added value from hybrid motoring, together with advanced design and a more involving drive.
FCV-R represents Toyota’s next step towards mass production of hydrogen-powered vehicles, paving the way for the launch of a fuel-cell vehicle by 2015.
Another featured vehicle is the Toyota diji concept, first shown at last year’s Tokyo motor show as the Fun-Vii.
The vehicle is all about personalisation: the entire body, inside and out, serves as a display, with the driver being able to change colour and content at will.
The process of displaying images or information is as simple as downloading an app.
The car can also link to nearby vehicles and infrastructure to create an even more connected driving experience.
Finally, also making its world premiere in Geneva is the Yaris Hybrid, which will be sold in the European market.
Toyota confirms FIA world endurance championship entry
Toyota Racing has expanded its plans for the 2012 season and has entered the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The team had originally planned only to take part in selected races - fewer than required to be considered a full-time entrant - but revised its program after unexpected changes faced by the championship.
This means the Toyota TS030 Hybrid will make its racing debut at the Six Hours of Spa Francorchamps on May 5.
Toyota Racing has also confirmed it will enter two cars for the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 16-17.
The regular driver line-up of Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazui Nakajima are confirmed for the race, with details of the line-up for the additional car to be announced shortly.
"The circumstances for the championship changed suddenly in recent weeks and Toyota Racing considers it important to work together with the FIA* and ACO** to establish a successful future for endurance racing," team president Yoshiaki Kinoshita said.
"We have done everything we can to show our support and we look forward to an exciting season, including the opportunity to race two cars at Le Mans."
* Federation Internationale de l'Autosport - world governing body for many motorsport events
** ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest) - Le Mans organisers
Toyota brings seven-seat addition to Prius family
Toyota Australia announced today it will offer Australian customers a versatile new member of the Prius family – the seven-seat Prius v.
The new Prius v will be the first Toyota production vehicle in Australia fitted with a lithium-ion battery – placed under the centre console between the driver and front passenger.
Toyota’s lithium-ion battery is smaller and lighter than the nickel-metal hydride battery in Prius, but has similar storage capacity.
Prius v, due on sale in May this year, will join an expanding Prius family that includes the standard Prius hatch and the Prius c city car.
Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the seven-seat Prius v will broaden the appeal of Toyota’s hybrid technology and environmental credentials.
"The Prius v is all about versatility – it is larger and roomier to meet the needs of growing families while retaining the Prius DNA of environmental performance and fuel economy," Mr Callachor said.
"Due to the placement of the lithium-ion battery pack between the front seats, there is minimal compromise to the MPV-style seven-seat passenger accommodation or the load space," he said.
"Families will have the flexibility of using all seven seats or folding down the third-row seats to convert the car into a five-seater with extra luggage space.
Customers can also fold down the second-row seats to accommodate more cargo than many SUVs and wagons on the market today."
Prius v has been newly designed from the ground up – an evolution of Prius, not merely an elongated version. All exterior body panels are new.
It is 135mm longer, 30mm wider and 100mm higher than the Prius hatch with the wheelbase extended by 80mm, making it possible to accommodate adults in all three rows.
Prius v showcases the latest generation of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain, which employs a 73kW 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine and a powerful 60kW electric motor. Total system power is 100kW.
Since 1997, Toyota Motor Corporation has sold more than 3.5 million hybrid vehicles worldwide.
This represents more than 80 per cent of all global hybrid sales, giving Toyota an unquestionable lead in the drive towards sustainable mobility.
Toyota tops car sales for January
Toyota Australia has kicked-off 2012 with a strong market-leading sales performance despite a severe shortage of its top-selling HiLux.
The company was number one in sales of passenger cars, SUVs and light-commercial vehicles for January.
Toyota sold more than 14,000 vehicles for the month, giving it a lead of more than 55 per cent or 5,000 sales over its nearest rival.
This was despite fewer than 1,100 HiLux being sold – about one-third the normal level – due to lack of supply.
Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the overall result showed the strength of Toyota’s diverse range.
"Camry celebrated the arrival of the new seventh-generation range with sales up 22 per cent on the same month last year," he said.
"With a new Camry Hybrid due inside two months, the new Camry range is set to extend its 18 consecutive years as Australia’s best-selling medium car.
Toyota also had strong results with Kluger and Prado taking the top two positions in the large SUV segment and LandCruiser 200 Series continuing its leadership of the upper-large SUV segment," Mr Callachor said.
"Corolla topped 3,300 sales for the month to be Australia’s second most popular vehicle, while HiAce performed well as the best-selling van and best-selling light bus.
"Even with low supply, HiLux was the most popular 4x2 ute and we expect all HiLux stock to improve in February and beyond."
Toyota HiLux on the podium in Dakar rally
Toyota HiLux has completed a dream run in the world's toughest off-road race, achieving a podium finish in the 2012 Dakar rally.
Toyota HiLux has completed a dream run in the world's toughest off-road race, achieving a podium finish in the 2012 Dakar rally.
The double-cab petrol HiLux clinched third spot in the gruelling endurance event after two weeks of competition in the wilds of Argentina, Chile and Peru.
Dakar is the ultimate endurance test with this year's rally covering 8,300km, including 4,200km of special competitive stages through some of the toughest terrain in the world.
The Toyota Motorsport HiLux was prepared by the Imperial Toyota team and piloted by South African Giniel De Villiers and German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz.
Toyota HiLux also finished in outright sixth and 11th place.
In the T2 production class, Toyota dominated with seven of the top eight finishers, including class victory for Spaniard Javier Foj in a Toyota LandCruiser.
Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the result confirmed the reputation of Toyota and HiLux for rugged, dependable vehicles that thrived in the toughest conditions.
"Just to finish the Dakar is an achievement, so to have three HiLuxes in the top 11 placings is remarkable in an event renowned for breaking vehicles," Mr Callachor said.
"Success at Dakar demonstrates why Toyota HiLux has a well-deserved reputation for being 'unbreakable'," he said.
Competing in the 33rd Dakar were 465 drivers and riders with 171 cars, 185 motorcycles, 76 trucks and 33 quads.
The world's longest and toughest motor race consists of 14 special stages cover 4,200km of rugged terrain that includes river crossings, narrow mountain tracks, spectacular canyons, dry river beds and sand dunes.
It includes a high-altitude crossing of the Andes from Argentina into Chile at 4,700 metres above sea level and temperatures as high as 45 degrees Centigrade in the dry and arid Atacama Desert in Chile.
The competition stages are linked by 4,100km on normal roads.
Prius c best fuel economy in the city
Toyota expects its dynamically styled Prius c hatchback will have the best fuel economy in city driving of any vehicle without a charging plug.
Toyota expects its dynamically styled Prius c hatchback will have the best fuel economy in city driving of any vehicle without a charging plug.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the fuel-economy rating for Prius c on the city cycle will be even better than the third-generation Prius.
“We expect Prius c will be the fuel-economy champion in city traffic for vehicles that do not require a power socket for charging," Mr Callachor said.
“In the city - where Prius c is more than likely to spend most of its life - we expect it to be rated at 3.7 litres/100km*," he said.
“This compares with 3.9 litres/100km for the regular Prius and 4.2 for the thriftiest diesel.
“On those figures, Prius c will use almost 12 per cent less fuel in city driving than the current most economical diesel in Australia.
“That should add up to huge savings on fuel for customers of the city-friendly Prius c."
Mr Callachor said Prius c - due in local showrooms within three months - will be the gateway to an expanding Prius family that will build on the strength of the world’s premier eco-vehicle brand.
"Prius c will introduce Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology - the world’s most proven hybrid technology - to buyers who are looking for a smart, fun and affordable city car," Mr Callachor said.
As the first additional member of the expanding Prius family, Prius c will sit alongside the third-generation Prius already on sale in Australia.
They will be joined by the versatile new Prius v during the second quarter of 2012.
Prius c will be smaller and lighter than Prius, offering engaging driving dynamics with superior urban manoeuvrability from its proven hybrid powertrain.
Toyota has adapted its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to the Prius c platform, redesigning the system’s major components to make them smaller, reduce weight and improve efficiency.
Smart packaging has resulted in key drivetrain components being located within the chassis to produce optimum interior space and handling.
Placement of the compact 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine, transaxle and power-control unit is designed to enhance weight distribution and lower the centre of gravity.
The hybrid battery and fuel tank are positioned together beneath the rear seat, ideally distributing their mass within the wheelbase to improve weight distribution and roominess.
Maximum power from the petrol-electric hybrid system is expected to be 74kW.
Standard safety features in Australia will include seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes with brake assist, hill-start assist control and front seatbelt force limiters.
Global Prius sales have topped two million with more than 17,000 sold in Australia.
* 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 city cycle as at January 16, 2012.
Toyota Reveals NS4 Advanced Hybrid Concept
Toyota today revealed the NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept vehicle at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The NS4 presents a Toyota vision for future mobility with a focus on connectivity and the human interface.
Toyota engineers were challenged to design a new mid-sized concept for potential global market introduction by 2015.
The NS4 concept is a dedicated plug-in hybrid, separate from the Prius family, designed with future mobility requirements in mind.
'In this digital age, cars are becoming another spoke in the wheel of our electronic connectivity,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
'NS4 demonstrates Toyota's take on the human connection to the car with technology that considers both emotional and rational relationships, person-to-car and car-to-society.
'The continued success of our conventional hybrid vehicles has laid strong groundwork for market acceptance of future advanced technologies.
'NS4 demonstrates Toyota's ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety, efficiency and convenience of future mobility for people everywhere."
NS4's advanced powertrain targets a next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system that is smaller and lighter with improved fuel economy, better acceleration and longer electric range, while maintaining a short charge time.
Sleek, futuristic styling
The NS4 concept signals a new styling direction for Toyota, aimed at creating an emotional connection with consumers.
Styling lines reflect a new take on aerodynamics with a low vehicle height and cabin-forward tilt.
The distinctive open trapezoid grille is accented by a floating lower spoiler and wing-like daytime running lights wrapping around to a sculpted fender.
Rear lamps wrap around the sides of the vehicle to quarter sections layered into blistered fenders, while the rear lamp wings create a sharp edge and the effect of a rear spoiler.
The A-pillars are ultra thin for improved driver visibility while maintaining roof-crush integrity. The roof-line profile, liftback design and powered swan-wing doors create greater accessibility and efficient functionality.
Increased connectivity
The NS4 concept has a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that is built around a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a smartphone.
Simple and intuitive, it conveys information quickly with minimum distractions and maximum driver awareness. It will also direct air-conditioning, audio, battery-charge and navigation functions.
The HMI system is even capable of 'learning” driver preferences and habits to anticipate driver responses in specific environments and situations.
State-of-the-art safety features
The NS4 introduces a next-generation Pre-Collision System (PCS) with lane departure, rear-end and pedestrian collision-avoidance technologies designed to predict collisions under certain circumstances and help avoid them.
Using millimetre-wave radar, stereo cameras and near-infrared beams, it can help avoid collisions by applying the brakes and manipulating steering.
Adaptive Driving Beam headlights help prevent blinding glare to oncoming drivers and pedestrians at night.
NS4's pop-up bonnet structure automatically raises the rear of the bonnet to increase the space underneath, helping to reduce pedestrian head injuries caused by a collision with the front of the vehicle, within certain speed ranges.
A Blind Spot Monitor detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane and visually alerts the driver with indicators in the upper dash.
NS4 introduces four new glass technologies to improve driver visibility and reduce fuel consumption:
- Hydrophobic coating – Fluorine-coated glass causes rain drops to form into semi-spherical shapes for improved visibility.
- Anti-fog film – A high-performance resin with anti-fogging characteristics and increased durability.
- ofHigh ultraviolet (UV) absorbing inner-layer – Removes 99 per cent of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
- Anti-solar film with radio-wave transparency – Reduces the internal vehicle temperature and improves electronic device functionality
Inner and outer rear-view mirrors have been replaced with cameras that provide the driver with a wider view than conventional rear-view mirrors.
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