News and Reviews
World’s best-sellling Hybrid now even better
Toyota has refined the quality, performance, owner appeal and value of Prius, the world's best-known and best-selling hybrid car.
The 2012 Prius comes with higher equipment levels and improved ride quality, steering feel and vehicle dynamics as well as fresh styling.
In addition to the upgrades and added features, Toyota has made Prius $1,000 more affordable at $33,990* - $6,000 below the price of the first-generation Prius when it was launched more than a decade ago.
Even the high-grade Prius i-Tech maintains its $45,990 price with the addition of substantial extra specification.
Prius now has a reversing camera on the entry-level car with the image viewed on a 6.1-inch EGA colour display.
The new model also incorporates daytime running lamps, power retractable mirrors and the power-saving JBL GreenEdge sound system with eight speakers.
Prius i-Tech gains 17-inch alloys as standard with solar moonroof, an eight-way power driver's seat, seven-inch VGA colour screen, hard-disk drive satellite navigation, digital radio and new leather-accented interior trim.
The revised front of Prius reflects Toyota's new design approach, while the cabin has new front seats, new upholstery and new soft-touch surfaces that combine to give a higher-quality feel.
Increased comfort and steering feel have been produced through a stiffer body and changes to the suspension and steering column.
Prius sales globally have surpassed 2.5 million, including more than 17,000 in Australia.
A more powerful version of the hybrid technology pioneered in Prius is fitted to the Camry Hybrid, which is built locally for the Australian market.
Over the next few months Prius will grow in Australia with the introduction of the compact Prius c city car and Prius v, the world's first seven-seat full hybrid car.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said Toyota's industry-leading hybrid technology was a vital part of the company's DNA.
“Toyota and Prius are the pioneers of hybrid technology, which will play an increasingly important role in reducing petrol usage and cutting carbon emissions,” Mr Callachor said.
“Prius continues to embrace the spirit of innovation while reaffirming Toyota’s commitment to providing excellent environmental performance and fuel efficiency,” he said.
“This ground-breaking technology is the future of cars and more hybrids are heading to Australia – both from Toyota and other manufacturers.”
“Prius has laid the groundwork for hybrid cars to be immersed into the mainstream and the latest improvements make it an even stronger proposition.”
New styling
Prius embraces Toyota's new, more assertive design approach with a stronger focus on the lower part of the car's front end.
A new bumper and a larger, trapezoidal lower grille give the vehicle a low and wide look.
LED daytime running lights have been placed in the bumper beneath the turn indicators, while the fog lights were repositioned within the lower grille.
New power-folding heated door mirrors, new rear-combination lamps and newly designed 15-inch alloy wheels and covers are also part of the revised Prius.
The styling changes add an extra 20mm to the car's length, but the wheelbase and highly efficient aerodynamic performance (Cd 0.25) are unchanged.
New colours are dynamic blue and scarlet, for a total of eight.
Interior
Inside, the look and feel of the trim, surfaces and upholstery raise the perception of quality.
The front seats offer better support and provide a more comfortable ride, with eight-way power adjustment for the high-grade driver's seat.
Toyota's attention to detail can be seen in the redesign of the centre console, which now has a built-in cupholder that can be used without having to open the console lid.
The 12V power socket, USB port and AUX audio input terminal have been moved to the front of the console for easier access.
New, darker materials are used throughout with silver inserts on the centre console and air vents. The hybrid system start button is now blue.
The multi-information display has been revised with sharper image resolution, making the readouts easier to view.
New functions include a monthly fuel consumption record with a rolling archive of five months' data and an ECO savings calculator.
The calculator works by the driver inputting a target consumption figure and fuel price; the system records the driving time during which consumption is lower than the target and calculates a monthly saving compared with the expected fuel cost.
Body and suspension
The Prius body has been made stiffer by increasing the number of welding spots and reinforcements.
Increased rigidity allows for softer suspension tuning, which improves ride comfort without diminishing the car's dynamic abilities.
Redesign of the bracing has also made the steering column more rigid, which has the effect of giving the driver better steering feel.
Additional sound-proofing materials have improved noise and vibration levels in the cabin.
Fuel economy and emissions
Prius has maximum power of 100kW from the hybrid system which combines a beltless and highly efficient 1.8-litre petrol engine, a 650-volt electric motor/generator and a 201.6-volt nickel-metal hydride battery.
With a full hybrid powertrain, Prius continues to deliver the lowest CO2 emissions in its class at 89 grams/km*. It also delivers outstanding fuel efficiency at 3.9 litres/100km*.
Prius technologies
Every Prius retains technologies that improve safety by providing ‘at-a-glance’ information, reducing the need for driver eye movement to allow better concentration on the road.
A head-up display provides speed and other information on the windscreen in the driver's line of sight.
When the driver touches the audio or information controls on the steering-wheel hub, Toyota's world-first touch tracer system displays a duplicate read-out on the instrument panel.
The multi-information display monitors fuel and energy consumption, providing feedback that helps the driver employ economical driving habits.
Other standard safety features include seven airbags, stability and traction control, active front head restraints and anti-skid brakes.
In addition to driving like a conventional car, the hybrid system in Prius offers three driver-controlled modes: EV (electric vehicle), ECO and Power.
In EV, the vehicle stays in electric-only mode for longer at lower speeds. The vehicle can operate up to about 50km/h for approximately 1-2km, depending on the state of charge.
In ECO, the throttle is managed for fuel economy and the air-conditioning is strictly controlled.
Power mode provides maximum acceleration response.
As with its predecessor, the new range is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with services capped at $130 for each of up to six standard services in the first three years or 60,000km#.
* Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
** Fuel consumption and emissions data will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/02 combined cycle. 17-inch wheels: 4.0 litres/100km.
#Maximum payable for standard scheduled servicing (normal operating conditions) until first of 3 years or 60,000kms (up to the first 6 services). Excludes Government & Rental vehicles. Contact your Toyota Dealer or go to toyota.com.au/advantage for other exclusions and eligibility.
Smart, stylish and affordable: Toyota’s new Prius c
Toyota has combined dynamic styling with clever engineering to deliver Australia's most affordable hybrid car and the best fuel economy in the city for any petrol or diesel car.
The new Prius c - compact and dynamic with a fun and youthful attitude - brings hybrid technology to the market from $23,990*, or $6,000 less than any other hybrid vehicle.
Inheriting a family resemblance from Prius, the world's premier eco brand, Prius c exhibits a unique personality designed to attract an entirely new audience of singles, couples and young families.
Toyota now offers three hybrid cars in Australia, with Prius c joining the flagship Prius and the locally manufactured Camry Hybrid.
The new car's hybrid system, derived from Prius, delivers maximum output of 74kW from the combination of a highly efficient 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a battery-powered electric motor and an electronic automatic transmission with infinitely variable ratios.
In city traffic, where Prius c is expected to spend most of its life, it is the new fuel-economy champion for vehicles that do not require a power socket for charging.
The proven hybrid system returns just 3.7 litres/100km** on the city cycle - even better than Prius - and 3.9 litres/100km on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 90 grams/km**.
Clever downsizing and packaging of major components has resulted in a car that is shorter, lower and narrower than Prius, yet still has ample space for five adults and their luggage.
Prius c is also up to 285kg lighter than Prius and - in a Toyota first - the hybrid battery and fuel tank are placed under the rear seat, ensuring more head clearance than in Corolla sedan, more luggage space and allowing for a full-size spare wheel.
Based on the Yaris platform, Prius c has a longer interior and more legroom and hiproom front and rear than Toyota's popular compact car.
Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said Prius c delivers a compelling value proposition.
“Prius c combines a compact exterior, spacious interior, desirable features, engaging driving dynamics, advanced technology and five-door hatchback utility with aggressive pricing,” Mr Callachor said.
“It is designed for people who want a dynamically styled, fun-to-drive city car and the undeniable ‘cool’ factor of driving a car with cutting-edge technology and fantastic fuel economy.”
“Prius c adopts the name of the world's best known and best selling hybrid vehicle, Prius, to communicate it has the advanced features and excellent fuel efficiency unique to Toyota's hybrid vehicles.”
“Prius c is further evidence of Toyota's commitment to achieving greater market penetration for hybrids by making this core technology more attainable for a wider audience,” he said.
Standard features include smart (keyless) entry and start, automatic air-conditioning, 6.1-inch touch-screen display audio, CD player, Bluetooth™ audio streaming and phone connectivity^, USB port with iPod® connectivity^^, a 3.5-inch colour thin-film transistor multi-information display, 15-inch wheels with a full-size spare, cruise control, foglamps, power windows and mirrors, and 60/40 split-fold rear seat.
Safety is also standard with seven airbags, reversing camera, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, and hill-start assist control.
Prius c is expected to be awarded a five-star safety rating.
High-grade Prius c i-Tech is $26,990* - just $3,000 extra for upscale features including satellite navigation with live traffic updates#, alloy wheels, self-levelling LED headlamps with washers, power retractable exterior mirrors, a larger rear spoiler, premium seat coverings and interior trim.
Engineers adapted Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology to the smaller Prius c platform by reducing the size and weight of major components, while also improving efficiency.
Weight reductions include more than 40kg from the redesigned hybrid system, including more than 8kg each from the transaxle and the redesigned nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery.
The air-conditioning unit is thinner, lighter and more efficient.
More efficient routing of the refrigerant contributes to power consumption savings at the compressor of 12 per cent.
More than half the Prius c body shell is made from high-tensile steel, which cuts weight and contributes to fuel economy.
The engine has no accessory belts and can be operated in Eco mode to reduce energy consumption by governing the throttle and electric air-conditioner.
EV mode allows Prius c to be driven solely by electric power for short distances (1-2km) at low speed (under 40km/h) - providing quiet driving in suburban neighbourhoods
A quick-acting catalyst reduces warm-up time to help lower emissions while the battery has been redesigned for faster recharging in slow-moving traffic.
Key drivetrain components are located within the chassis to help provide optimum interior space and handling as well as enhancing weight distribution.
The Prius c centre of gravity is low, contributing to its flat ride and nimble handling, while its strong body creates a stable platform for the long-travel, all-coil suspension.
The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut design and the rear rides on a tuned torsion beam. Coil-spring and shock-absorber characteristics have been tuned to enhance handling, flat turning and smooth ride comfort.
Exterior colours include two new vibrant mica metallic paints - Sunrise (orange) and Aqua - and a crystal pearl White Mist.
The futuristic yet passenger-friendly interior uses black as the basic interior colour with contrasting lighter colours for the door trims, seat surfaces and the instrument panel.
Prius c, like all new Toyota vehicles, is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with a capped price of $130 for each of up to six scheduled services in the first three years or 60,000km##.
Owners of Prius c wishing to keep their vehicle in pristine condition can choose from a range of Toyota Genuine Accessories specifically designed to protect their car.
Toyota Genuine front and rear park assist+ is available to help drivers negotiate tight parking spots and avoid bumps and scrapes.
Also available are Toyota Genuine carpet floor mats, bootliner, headlamp covers, and door handle and bumper paint protection.
* Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
** Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/02. Fuel consumption and emissions data will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories.
^ The Bluetooth™ word mark is owned by The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device.
^^ iPod® is a trademark of Apple, Inc. Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device.
# Available in the following metropolitan areas: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney; it operates from information provided by Intelematics Australia and may not cover all road incidents and congestion. Please see www.sunatraffic.com.au for details.
## Maximum payable for standard scheduled servicing (normal operating conditions) until first of 3 years or 60,000kms (up to the first 6 services). Excludes Government & Rental vehicles. Contact your Toyota Dealer or go to toyota.com.au/advantage for other exclusions and eligibility.
+Park assist is designed as a driver assist device only and should not be used as a substitute for skilled driving and/or safe parking practices. The area into which the vehicle is to be driven must be visually monitored by the driver.
Toyota Takes Prado To New Heights
Toyota has developed a special edition LandCruiser Prado with more than $10,000 of added multimedia, technology, comfort and family-friendly features.
For just $5,000 over the price of a Prado GXL, the seven-seat Prado Altitude gains satellite navigation, a seven-inch touch-screen display and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The expanded features list also includes a tilt-and-slide moonroof, leather-accented seat trim, privacy glass and easy-to-read Optitron instruments.
Prado Altitude's sound system has been upgraded to 14 speakers (from six in GXL) and gains a six-disc in-dash CD/DVD changer with remote control.
The rear-seat entertainment system comes with a nine-inch monitor mounted from the ceiling, a DVD player, 5.1-channel surround sound and three wireless headphones. It can be operated from the touch-screen display in the front seats and by remote control from the rear seats.
A back-guide monitor provides added guidance when using the reverse camera# while four sonar parking sensors have been added at the front to the four already fitted to the rear.
Produced only until the end of April, the Prado Altitude is offered with either a 4.0-litre quad cam V6 petrol or 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, both with a five-speed automatic transmission and gated shift.
Prado Altitude incorporates other GXL features including three-zone climate-controlled air-conditioning, audio controls on the steering wheel, smart entry and start, cruise control and long-range fuel tanks (87-litre main and 63-litre sub).
There are seven airbags, stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, hill-assist control and downhill assist control.
Prices for the LandCruiser Prado Altitude start from $68,490* for the petrol V6 model and $69,490* for the diesel.
Prado Altitude is offered in four exterior colour choices - Crystal Pearl (previously reserved for Kakadu and VX grades), Ebony, Silver Pearl and Graphite.
All exterior colours can be matched with black interior trim while Crystal Pearl and Ebony also come with the choice of ivory trim.
Naturally, the special-edition model sports an Altitude badge at the back.
#Back guide monitor is designed as a driver assist device only and should not be used as a substitute for skilled driving and/or safe parking practices. The area into which the vehicle is to be driven must be visually monitored by the driver.
*Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
New Camry Hybrid Trifecta - Power, Economy and Value
Toyota's new Camry Hybrid has scored an impressive motoring trifecta with boosts to power, economy and value.
As the flagship of the seventh-generation Camry range, the hybrid sedans deliver a power surge of 7.8 per cent over their predecessors, with a fuel-economy improvement of up to 17 per cent* on the city cycle.
Camry Hybrid now has more equipment and enhanced styling, aerodynamics, interior space, safety, ride comfort, handling and luggage space.
Despite the significant advances, the starting price for the entry-level Camry H has been lowered to $34,990** - a reduction of $2,000 or 5.4 per cent.
Value has also been enhanced for high-grade Camry HL at $41,490** with equipment gains of at least $4,500 for a price rise of just $1,500.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the new Camry Hybrid demonstrated the benefits of Toyota's long history with petrol-electric hybrid vehicles.
"New Camry Hybrid is a leap forward in performance, refinement and efficiency," Mr Callachor said.
"Our flagship hybrid sedan is in a class of its own, with an unrivalled combination of spirited power and seamless acceleration while using substantially less fuel.
"We expect all these benefits - in addition to the noticeable enhancements to styling, dynamics and value - to increase sales of Camry Hybrid in Australia."
Camry Hybrid debuts a highly revised version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, including a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a high-torque electric motor.
The system's combined output has been lifted to 151kW (from 140kW) with power varied between the petrol engine and electric motor, or combined as needed.
The new 2.5-litre engine, like the 2.4-litre it replaces, uses the Atkinson cycle to achieve maximum efficiency while producing more power and torque than the previous engine.
Camry Hybrid's already thrifty fuel consumption tumbles approximately 17.4 per cent further in the city to just 5.7 litres/100km (down from 6.9 litres/100km)* - substantially better than the best-selling mid-size diesel rivals as well as smaller diesel-powered cars.
On the highway, fuel use drops approximately half a litre to 4.9 litres/100km* (down from 5.4 litres/100km) while the combined fuel-economy figure improves to 5.2 litres/100km* (down from 6.0 litres/100km).
Carbon-dioxide emissions have been cut to 121 grams/km* from 142 grams/km.
Camry Hybrid has substantially better fuel economy and lower emissions than many small cars - and even compact cars - with considerably less powerful petrol engines displacing just 1.2 to 1.5 litres.
Camry Hybrid uses one-third less fuel on the combined cycle* than the already efficient petrol Camry.
With fuel at $1.50 a litre, that would translate into fuel savings of $2,340 over three years for someone travelling 20,000km a year.
Exclusive exterior and interior designs and badges differentiate the Camry Hybrid from other Camry models.
An exclusive radiator grille with a chrome upper section and a "hybrid blue" Toyota badge is flanked by headlights with blue-accented extensions.
The rear design expresses a solid stance and a wide feel, featuring the hybrid blue Toyota badge and, for the HL grade, a bootlid spoiler and chrome garnish.
Inside, there are refined touches with attention to detail, including soft-touch padding, quality stitching and a three-dial Optitron instrument panel with chrome-accented outer rings and metallic-blue meter gradations.
Hybrid-exclusive brushed silver inserts ornament the upper console panels, door-switch bases and around the gear selector. Camry HL also features a brushed silver shift knob.
A comprehensive safety package includes stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and a reversing camera with the image displayed on a 6.1-inch touch-screen.
There are now seven airbags with the addition of a driver's knee airbag plus seatbelt indicators for all five occupants.
Camry Hybrid is even quieter than the petrol models with new sound-absorbing materials in the engine compartment in addition to its acoustic windscreen.
The proven nickel-metal hydride battery, located in the boot behind the rear seats, now features enhanced air cooling.
Its more compact size, along with moving the DC/DC converter to the engine bay, results in a boot that is more than eight-per-cent larger than in the current-generation car.
The new model has been engineered with a towing capacity of 300kg+ - enough to provide owners with the flexibility to tow a small trailer.
New Camry Hybrid incorporates several measures to improve fuel economy and lower emissions, including a new EV (electric vehicle) drive mode.
Depending on the battery's state of charge and certain other factors, EV drive mode may allow the driver to operate the car on the electric motor alone for up to 2km at lower speeds (below approximately 45km/h).
An electric water pump, a roller-rocker type valvetrain and a variable-output oil pump boost economy by helping to reduce internal friction.
A new water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation system helps to ensure low emissions at all vehicle speeds and helps increase fuel efficiency.
Air-conditioning and power-steering systems are driven electrically.
A lighter body and optimised aerodynamics contribute to better performance and fuel economy while lower rolling resistance tyres also boost fuel efficiency.
ECO drive mode optimises throttle response and air-conditioning output to prioritise maximum fuel economy.
The hybrid-exclusive instrument cluster has features that help the driver to operate the car as economically as possible.
Instantaneous fuel economy is shown with LEDs (light-emitting diodes) around the outside of the average fuel-economy gauge.
A hybrid system indicator included in the multi-information display can also show energy flow and cruising range information.
Applying the brake converts the motor to a generator that captures the kinetic energy from the wheels, storing it in the hybrid battery pack.
New hill-start assist control helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting off on an incline when the brake pedal is released.
Camry Hybrid is offered in two grades - Camry H and Camry HL.
Compared with the current model, the Camry HL variant also gains a 10-speaker JBL premium audio system with a seven-inch touch-screen display, satellite navigation with live traffic updates#, digital radio, 17-inch alloy wheels, an electric rear sunshade, exterior mirrors that dip when reversing and memory settings for the electric driver's seat.
New Camry Hybrid is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with the cost of services capped at $130 for each of up to five services in the first four years or 75,000km^ (whichever comes first) - identical to the petrol Camry range.
* Fuel consumption and emissions data will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/02 combined cycle.
** Retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
+ Towing capacity subject to regulatory requirements, towbar design, vehicle design and towing equipment limitations.
# Current navigation mapping database encompasses major capital and primary national road networks as well as offering some coverage in regional areas.
^ Excludes Government & Rental vehicles. Contact your Toyota Dealer or go to toyota.com.au/advantage for other exclusions and eligibility.
New Heart For Toyota Landcrusier
A new V8 petrol engine, advanced off-road technology and updates to styling and equipment extend LandCruiser 200 wagon reputation as "king off the road" (LandCruiser Sahara shown).
Toyota has heralded an affordable compact hybrid car that will cut fuel use and emissions in half without resorting to expensive technologies or manufacturing methods.
Toyota's iconic LandCruiser 200 wagon has received a heart transplant with the introduction of a more powerful and more efficient V8 petrol engine.
LandCruiser's new 4.6-litre V8 features variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust ports, lifting power and torque while improving fuel economy and lowering emissions.
The new V8 leads a series of improvements to the LandCruiser 200, which remains true to its off-road heritage with uncompromising, go-anywhere capability.
LandCruiser, the top-selling vehicle in its class for decades, gains new and updated equipment for 2012 that adds to its looks, performance and customer appeal.
Off-road technology has advanced across the range with a new multi-terrain anti-skid braking system that detects and automatically adapts to off-road conditions, supplementing the standard vehicle stability control and active traction control.
The two top grades, LandCruiser VX and Sahara, gain Multi-Terrain Select that regulates wheel-spin in tough off-road conditions with five driver-selectable modes: rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, mud and sand.
Top-of-the-range Sahara adds to LandCruiser's reputation as "king off the road" with Multi-Terrain Monitor, utilising four wide-angle cameras for checking "blind" spots and revealing terrain hazards and apexes that are normally hidden from the driver's view.
Other LandCruiser Sahara features include air-conditioned front seats, upgraded navigation system, power-operated tailgate, and three-position memory for the power driver's seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors
All grades feature fresh exterior styling, including a new front mask with revised bumpers and grilles, and interior upgrades incorporating the latest audio systems.
Landcruiser's new V8 petrol engine is fitted with an acoustic control induction system that enhances performance at high engine speeds and improves torque lower in the rev range.
Engine capacity is reduced by 56cm3 to 4608cm3, yet power increases by 12.9 per cent to 228kW at 5500rpm and torque by 7.1 per cent to 439Nm at 3500rpm.
To help reduce cold-start emissions, a new single-pump air injection system speeds the warming of the catalysts by inducting air through the exhaust ports.
Fuel economy has improved by 6.2 per cent to 13.6 litres/100km while CO2 emissions are down by 8.2 per cent to 313 grams/km*.
Designated 1UR-FE, the new engine has a six-speed automatic transmission instead of the five-speed in the previous petrol engine.
This is the same AB60F six-speed unit fitted to 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel LandCruiser 200 variants. The final gear ratio is taller in the petrol models (4.300:1 v 3.909).
The transmission has artificial intelligence control, which allows its computers to select the appropriate gear ratio by estimating road conditions and predicting the driver's intention.
LandCruiser 200 GXL, VX and Sahara customers can choose between the new petrol engine and Toyota's 195kW/650Nm 4.5-litre V8 twin-turbo common-rail diesel engine. The GX grade is offered with the diesel engine.
All LandCruiser 200 variants now have 138-litre fuel-tank capacity with 93-litre main and 45-litre sub tanks
The latest LandCruiser range has nine exterior colours with the addition of shimmer (metallic silver) and black mica. There are three interior trim colours - grey, black and shell beige.
LandCruiser has evolved over time, from a basic four-wheel drive utility vehicle in its early years to an upscale eight-passenger SUV now sold in 188 countries.
LANDCRUISER GX
Toyota's rugged five-seat LandCruiser GX is powered by the 4.5-litre V8 twin-turbo diesel engine, six-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD with Torsen® limited-slip centre differential and two-speed transfer case.
It gains centre wheel caps for the 17-inch steel wheels and is distinguished by rear combination lamps with large dual LED lamps and a new black grille.
Toyota's off-road cruise-control system, CRAWL, has been improved from three low-speed settings under 25km/h to five settings.
CRAWL automatically controls the engine output and brake hydraulic pressure to maintain a low uniform vehicle speed with minimal wheel spin or lock-up, allowing the driver to concentrate fully on steering.
The system now includes an Off-road Turn Assist function that makes it easier to negotiate sharp bends by, for example, automatically applying the inside rear brake.
New computer logic has resulted in a Multi-Terrain ABS that adapts to driving conditions (including sand, mud and gravel) by detecting engine output, acceleration and wheel speed.
Inside, GX gains an economy meter in the instrument cluster - a feature progressively being fitted to Toyota vehicles to encourage fuel-efficient driving.
Other standard GX features includes six airbags (1 x driver, 1 x front passenger, 2 x front side, 2 x curtain shield), vehicle stability control, active traction control, hill-start assist and multi-terrain anti-skid brakes.
For customers who tend to torture, not just drive, their LandCruisers, the GX is fitted with vinyl floors, twin barn doors at the rear (vertically hinged), 17u-inch steel wheels, a snorkel, 93-litre main and 45-litre auxiliary fuel tanks and under-body protection plates.
Manual air-conditioning, power windows with driver's auto up/down and power-operated exterior mirrors are among the creature comforts.
Fuel economy for the common-rail twin-turbo diesel remains at 10.3 litres/100km with CO2 emissions at 273 grams/km*.
Available exterior colours are glacier white, silver pearl, graphite and ebony - all with the grey fabric interior.
The GX price is unchanged at $77,990**.
As with its predecessor, the new range is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with services capped at $210 for each of up to six standard scheduled services in the first three years or 60,000km***.
LANDCRUISER GXL (in addition to GX)
All other LandCruiser variants - GXL, VX and Sahara - offer drivers the choice of two V8 engines - the new 4.6-litre petrol or the 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel.
GXL, fitted with eight seats and 17-inch alloy wheels, gains satellite navigation with a new 6.1-inch touch-screen audio system that includes a single CD and USB input.
An alarm system has been added as well as a 220-volt connector in the rear, while a reversing camera is standard.
New styling incorporates a black grille with chrome surround and newly styled halogen headlamps with an independently boxed clearance lamp positioned between the low and high-beam lamps.
Side turn indicators are integrated with the exterior mirrors while the rear adopts new dual-LED lamps. It also has a roof spoiler.
Petrol GXL costs $83,990 while twin-turbo diesel GXL is $88,990**.
The Australian-invented KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) is standard on the petrol version and a $3,250 option on the diesel.
KDSS provides longer wheel articulation for the most challenging off-road driving and the roll control needed for confident on-road driving.
LANDCRUISER VX (in addition to GXL)
LandCruiser VX and Sahara offer new off-road technology, convenience features and styling improvements.
Both grades introduce Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) to the LandCruiser line-up - the next step beyond active traction control and all-terrain ABS.
MTS regulates wheel-spin, while multi-terrain ABS regulates lock-up to ensure optimum traction in any off-road scenario.
VX and Sahara have a new grille with chrome surround and a grey metallic painted inner profile, chrome surrounds for the foglamps, parking sensors front (two) and rear (four).
They feature newly styled auto-levelling high-intensity discharge headlamps with washers and daylight running lamps with six power-saving LEDs (light emitting diodes).
Both grades are fitted with rain-sensing wipers, newly styled 18-inch alloy wheels and power retractable exterior mirrors.
Inside, they have leather-accented trim, chrome highlights and a revised multi-information display that adopts colour graphics. The diesel variant has seven seats and the petrol variant has eight seats.
VX models are fitted with a 3.5-inch thin-film transistor screen for viewing the multi-information display.
Other standard features on VX and Sahara include KDSS, driver and front-passenger knee airbags, side airbags for the second row, moonroof and power-adjustable front seats.
Prices are $94,990 for the petrol and $99,990** for the twin-turbo diesel.
LANDCRUISER SAHARA (in addition to VX)
Key features already mentioned above include:
- Four-camera Multi-Terrain Monitor (wide angle front, rear, left and right side)
- Climate-control front seats
- Power‐operated tailgate
- Multi-Terrain Select
- Driver's seat three-position memory settings
Additional new features for Sahara include a body-side moulding with chrome highlights, seat heaters for the second-row seats in addition to the two front seats, and hard disc drive map data for the navigation system.
Sahara's multi-information display now shows the steering-wheel angle, digital speed and turn-by-turn display linked to its electro multi-vision navigation system.
Other standard Sahara luxury items include four-zone climate-control air-conditioning, a cool box, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.
Prices are $113,990 for the petrol and $118,990 for the twin-turbo diesel.
* Fuel consumption and emissions data will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/02 combined cycle.
** Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
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Toyota unveils super-efficient and affordable hybrid future
Toyota has heralded an affordable compact hybrid car that will cut fuel use and emissions in half without resorting to expensive technologies or manufacturing methods.
Toyota's FT-Bh Concept, which is having its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, is about the same size as a Yaris but has shed well over 200kg to tip the scales at a miniscule 786kg.
The FT-Bh, which stands for Future Toyota B-segment hybrid, targets fuel economy of just 2.1 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of just 49 grams/km – almost twice as good as today’s hybrid flagship, Prius.
The ultra-light concept features exceptional aerodynamic quality, very low driving resistance and a highly efficient petrol-electric system – as well as exploring compressed natural gas (CNG) hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains that would produce even better efficiency.
Toyota Motor Europe president and CEO Didier Leroy said the FT-Bh shows what can be achieved when every aspect of the car is designed to reduce emissions.
"One year ago we challenged our engineers and designers to come up with a small super-efficient car at an affordable price, reinforcing our environmental leadership in the coming years."
"FT-Bh is the result: a full hybrid four-seater less than four metres long," Mr Leroy said at the concept's unveiling.
"It combines full hybrid efficiency, advanced aerodynamics and ultra-lightness – all achieved at a cost-level appropriate for a high-volume B-segment car."
"Having achieved such impressive results in a small car, we will be able to transfer the benefits to larger Toyotas."
The design team, on a mission to achieve the best possible fuel economy and emissions, focused on five key areas: reducing weight, driving resistance (including aerodynamic and tyre performance), powertrain efficiency, thermal energy management, and electricity savings.
Toyota recognises that a real-world reduction of total global vehicle CO2 emissions is possible only if an affordable, ultra-low emissions vehicle can be manufactured and sold in sufficiently high volumes.
That made it important that the concept did not require exotic, expensive materials or complex manufacturing procedures, but used instead only those that are already commonly available in the motor industry.
Design
"Ecomotion" was the theme for styling FT-Bh, with its shape demonstrating a new approach to bodywork design. Key panels, such as the roof, are formed to represent the way fabric can be stretched taut between fastening points, to reflect their ultra-light weight.
The front end of the car conveys Toyota's design language with its large lower grille, together with a sculpted bonnet and headlamps that are integrated into the front wings. Ultra-slim roof pillars provide maximum visibility and a greater sense of space in the cabin.
The way in which the cabin merges seamlessly into the rear of the vehicle, with an uplifted rear bumper and chevron-shaped corner elements, helps achieve the best possible aerodynamic performance and deliver a drag coefficient of just 0.235.
The stretched fabric-look carries through to the minimalist interior, with a concave centre console creating a driver-focused cockpit, while maintaining the overall feeling of light and space.
The FT-Bh is 3,985mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,400mm tall with a 2,570mm wheelbase.
Weight saving
Starting with the 1,030kg kerb weight of a Yaris powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine (not available in Australia), the concept car’s weight was trimmed to 786kg by using high-tensile steel, aluminium and magnesium.
As the hybrid powertrain is heavier than the petrol engine alone, the combined mass of the bodyshell, interior trim, chassis and electronics had to be reduced by around 340kg – one third of the Yaris weight – to achieve the target.
Such a large saving in the weight of cabin parts has had a ripple effect in weight reduction in the rest of the vehicle.
For example, it means there is less load applied on the body structure and suspension, allowing components to be downsized – and less weight means a smaller displacement engine can be used, further saving weight and thermal energy losses.
Powertrain
FT-Bh's full hybrid system – a masterpiece of downsizing with substantial weight savings in every driveline component – is almost 90kg lighter than the Hybrid Synergy Drive system in today’s Prius.
The lightweight two-cylinder, 1.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine combines high efficiency with low thermal capacity. It benefits from detailed measures to increase combustion efficiency and reduce friction.
The car's light weight makes it agile and responsive to throttle and brakes while the electric motor delivers maximum torque from standstill.
FT-Bh demonstrates the adaptability of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology by using two alternative powertrains: a CNG hybrid with 38 grams/km CO2 emissions and a plug-in hybrid emitting just 19 grams/km.
Lower driving resistance
Next-generation aerodynamic techniques include air intakes on the front extremities of the bodywork, air-stream alloy wheels, cameras instead of airflow-disrupting door mirrors and door latches in place of handles.
A pagoda-style roof with a dropped rear section, a sharply cut rear end that incorporates an air outlet slit and an under-floor spoiler contribute to smooth air flow
The co-efficient of drag of just 0.235 compares with 0.25 for Prius and an average of about 0.29 for a B-segment car.
FT-Bh rides on 18-inch wheels fitted with narrow, large diameter 145/55 low-rolling resistance tyres.
Thermal energy management and electricity saving
Further goals for FT-Bh were improvements in the recovery of thermal energy and a 50 per cent reduction in electricity consumption. The cabin uses thermally efficient components and the air-conditioning focuses only on parts of the car where people are sitting.
The amount of electricity used by the LED headlamps, interior lighting and other electrical components has been drastically reduced, to the extent that power consumption is half that of conventional cars.
Glazing has been designed for maximum thermal efficiency and even the matte paint has been chosen for its excellent heat-insulation characteristics.
Bates and Taylor Start 2012 Arc Season on Winning Note
Neal Bates and Coral Taylor took top honours in the Australian Classic Rally Challenge category at Rally Calder aboard their fully-restored 1980 Toyota Celica RA40.
Neal Bates and Coral Taylor gave their restored 1980 Toyota Celica RA40 the perfect debut on the weekend, with class victory in the opening round of the 2012 Australian Rally Championship at Rally Calder.
The four-time ARC championship-winning duo battled difficult weather and kept the Porsche 911 of Jeff David and Grant Geelan at bay to take top honours in the Australian Classic Rally Challenge category, run for pre-1986 rally cars.
Bates said the rear-wheel-drive Celica did not miss a beat in the mixed-surface event, held on and around the Calder Park racing circuit near Melbourne.
“From the moment we arrived at Calder last week the car performed superbly and was a real pleasure to drive even in such wet conditions,” Bates said.
“We only put it through one real shakedown test last week in Canberra but throughout all the stages we didn’t have an issue with it at all.
“The car really is something special both to look at and to drive – the guys did a beautiful job building it and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Rally Calder also marked Bates’ and Taylor’s return to competition as a duo after a two-and-a-half year hiatus.
“We enjoyed every minute of the rally and being back amongst the ARC scene,” Taylor said.
“It was especially enjoyable for us that everyone, including fans and fellow competitors, loved seeing and hearing the Celica perform.
“The car ticked every box throughout the weekend and we can’t wait to run it on other rallies this year.”
The next round of the 2012 ARC is the Quit Forest Rally in Western Australia at the end of March.
Toyota Outsells Rivals By Half
Toyota says the imminent arrival of the Toyota Prius c will help make 2102 the “year of the hybrid”. (Overseas model shown)
Toyota sold at least 50 per cent more vehicles in Australia last month than any other automotive company, according to official figures released today.
Dealers delivered more than 14,800 cars, SUVs and light-commercial vehicles to customers during the shortest month.
This was an increase of 5.5 per cent on Toyota’s January total; its nearest rival sold fewer than 9,700 vehicles.
In just the first two months of the year, Toyota has built a commanding sales lead of more than 10,000 vehicles.
Topping their respective segments were Toyota’s newly launched Camry as well as the Prado and LandCruiser 200 Series SUVs, HiLux 4x2 ute and HiAce bus.
Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the February result appeared to confirm expectations for the industry to post another million-plus result in 2012.
“Toyota expects to benefit from at least six new-model launches as well as significant updates to other key models,” Mr Callachor said.
“The Prius family will soon be expanded to three models with the imminent arrival of the compact Prius c city car to be followed in a few months by the larger and more versatile Prius v.
“These two new fuel-efficient vehicles will join the world’s best-selling hybrid car, the Prius hatch, which itself is about to gain refinements to its quality, performance and overall appeal.
“Toyota is also gearing up to launch the new Camry Hybrid, built right here in Australia with an unbeatable combination of performance and economy.
“The arrival of these four ground-breaking Toyota cars means that 2012 is shaping up as the year of the hybrid,” he said.
Other new-model launches for Toyota in 2012 include the 86 sports car, the next generations of the award-winning locally built Aurion V6 and one of the country’s best-selling cars, Corolla, plus significant updates to the LandCruiser 200 range.
Bates returns to rallying with restored Toyota Celica RA40
Four-time Australian rally champion Neal Bates will return to competition this week driving a fully-restored 1980 Toyota Celica RA40 at the opening round of the Australian Rally Championship in Melbourne.
Bates, who completed testing over the weekend, has spent the past 18 months building the iconic Celica from a bare shell and will debut it at Rally Calder, which begins on Thursday March 1.
The car is a replica of the model the late Ove Andersson and Henry Liddon drove in the World Rally Championship during the early 1980s.
Bates will compete in the series alongside successful long-time co-driver Coral Taylor.
Bates and Taylor, who are Toyota ambassadors, have won four outright ARC titles, three of which were achieved in Celica (1993, '94 and '95) and one in Corolla (2008).
Bates said his fascination with Toyota motorsport history and a love of the RA40 model led him to taking on the project.
"Since I saw a photo in a magazine of Ove Andersson and Henry Liddon driving the RA40 at the 1980 Acropolis Rally I was inspired to find one to enter in the ARC," Bates said.
"We bought the car on eBay for a few hundred dollars, stripped it back to a bare shell and then built it from scratch."
"I’m very proud of how it turned out – it looks very pretty and the guys did an absolutely superb job."
The car is fitted with 2012-spec safety features including full roll cage, seats and harnesses, as well as new suspension, engine and gearbox.
The engine is a fully worked Toyota 3SGE Series 1 twin-cam 2.0-litre in-line four mated to an Australian-made Hollinger five-speed h-pattern 'dog' gearbox.
The engine is a fully worked Toyota 3SGE Series 1 twin-cam 2.0-litre in-line four mated to an Australian-made Hollinger five-speed h-pattern 'dog' gearbox.
"We put the car through a shakedown test last weekend and it ran really well," Taylor said.
"We are very excited and looking forward to getting back to competition, especially with such a beautifully prepared car that pays homage to Toyota's proud rallying history."
Bates and Taylor will compete in the 2012 Australian Classic Rally Challenge, an expansion of the invitational classic section that has run as part of the ARC since 2009 for pre-1986 rally cars.
The classic rally cars will run before the main competitors at each of the six 2012 Australian Rally Championship events and compete for points that go towards a dedicated series points tally.
Bates' Celica joins other purpose-built classic rally cars in the series such as Ford Escort RS 1800s, Porsche 911s and Datsun Stanzas.
Toyota Concept takes efficiency to new heights
Toyota's ultra-efficient FT-Bh concept will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6.
Toyota is set to unveil a concept car that breaks new boundaries in small car efficiency at an affordable price.
The FT-Bh concept is as spacious as an average five-door compact car, yet is projected to use half the fuel and produce half the emissions.
FT-Bh, which stands for Future Toyota B-segment (Yaris size) hybrid, will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show at 10:15am on March 6 (8:15pm AEST).
Safety equipment includes a roll cage, four-point Simpson racing seat belts, Whelen LFL Liberty LED lightbar and an on-board fire extinguisher.
Engineers focused on five key pillars to achieve maximum fuel economy and minimum emissions: weight reduction, optimum aerodynamics, powertrain efficiency, thermal energy management and electricity saving.
This “total vehicle” approach has resulted in a car that weighs less than 800kg – at least one-third less than most compact cars – with a downsized full hybrid powertrain and a 30 per cent gain in aerodynamic efficiency.
These feats have been achieved by adopting an economically viable production framework using common materials and procedures – not exotic materials or expensive techniques.
Camry has been the best-selling car in America 14 of the past 15 years and for 10 years running.
Other cars on the Toyota stand include the new 86 sports car, which is due on sale in Australia around the middle of the year.
The company will also display the NS4, a next-generation plug-in hybrid, and the FCV-R, which represents the next step towards mass production of hydrogen-powered cars.
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