TOYOTA

2010 Toyota Avensis Preview Toyota will launch the third generation Avensis at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and sales will begin later that year. The 2010 Avensis will be offered in two different body versions: sedan - to be launched first - and station wagon - that will be launched six months after the sedan version. Both version have been already caught testing by the spy photographers.
Although, since the launch of the second generation in 2003, the Avensis won the European Car of the Year award in 2004 and sales were up to 156,000 units, people say Avensis has a wiping design, with no dynamism. But the third generation Avensis will change this aspect. The 2010 model will feature a more dynamic and ascending side line, big head lights curved along the corners and a new grille.
There will also be a panoramic roof in the wagon, basicly a 4-foot glass panel instead of a metal roof. It is rumoured that there will be a Toyota Auris inspired raised gear stick in the Avensis too.
The technical part has never been a problem for Avensis, so Toyota will keep the current engines line-up: both petrol and diesel a, but will also offer a hybrid version starting 2010. As an options, the company will also offer a FWD version.

2010 Toyota Camry The 2010 Camry and Camry Hybrid made their world debuts today at the Detroit Auto Show. Sales will begin in March 2009 and prices will be announced at a later date.
The 2010 Camry comes with new design, inside and out and also an upgraded standard powertrain. On the exterior, Camry gets a newly designed grille and front bumper, an enlarged lower intake, larger projector headlamps and restyled tail lamps. The Camry and LE grades feature restyled standard wheel covers. The XLE grade will run on new 16-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, while the SE grade adds new 17-inch sporty alloy wheels.
The LE and XLE version will get a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that produces 169 hh, while the SE version will get 179 hp. A powerful 3.5-liter V6 delivering 268 hp is also available.

2010 Toyota Prius The third generation Prius made its world debut today at the Detroit Auto Show. With better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features, the 2010 Prius will go on sale in the spring.
The new Prius is powered by a new 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine that delivers 98 hp and a peak torque of 105 lbs-ft. Prius has been a "full" hybrid since introduction. This allows it to run on engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both.
The design of the new Prius’ front and rear corners are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the glazed geometric shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance.
Dimensionally, the new Prius has the same wheelbase as the current generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward.

2010 Toyota Tundra Toyota revealed today in Chicago the 2010 full-size pickup truck and an all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine. For 2010 Toyota added two new models: Tundra Platinum Package and the recently announced Tundra Work Truck.
The new 4.6-liter V8 engine, available in the 2010 Tundra models, will deliver 310 hp and a peak torque of 327 lb-ft. of torque. Like Tundra’s optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, the new 4.6-liter V8 will be mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Platinum Package includes a new Limited grade billet-style grille with chrome bumpers, unique 20-inch alloy wheels and tires, daytime running lamps, door sill protectors with a Platinum logo, and Platinum badging. The Platinum Package will be available in four exterior colors that include Black, Silver, Slate, and Salsa Red.

2009 Toyota Matrix The Toyota Matrix, the sporty five-door vehicle that helped redefine the concept of a crossover utility vehicle, has been redesigned for the 2009 model year to offer performance that matters for driver enjoyment.
"The Matrix concept was based on blending the functionality of an SUV, the style, image and performance of a sports car with the affordability of a subcompact sedan," said Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager. "For 2009, it’s all that, and more. It may have the body of a five-door hatch, but it comes with the soul of a two-door sports car."Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like styling with enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. It was made wider with a lower stance than the current model while maintaining its interior space. The result is a sporty, dynamic shape that contains room for five people to ride in comfort. As a result of significant changes to the Matrix’s profile, the theme is flowing and dynamic. The design expresses a low center of gravity, and coupe-like style with a fun-to-drive image. From the rear, the Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.Matrix will be available in three grades – Standard, S and the XRS. And Matrix will offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler. A rear deck spoiler will be standard for all XRS models.

2009 Toyota Corolla Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, the 2009 Corolla will continue to offer the quality and value for which the brand has long been known," said Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager. "In style and substance, the tenth-generation Corolla will have a strong, new identity, all its own. It will be far more than merely the next-generation Corolla and will position itself perfectly above our entry-level Yaris and below our sales leader, the Camry."
Originally launched in Japan in 1966, Corolla first arrived in America in 1968 to instant success. For nearly four decades, Corolla has been synonymous with Toyota quality, style and value, earning a distinction as one of the most trusted cars in America. Over that span more than 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling cars of all time.The new Corolla remains true to the brand’s role as a subcompact sedan, with dimensions similar to the model it replaces. But it offers an all-new body with a lean, stylish shape, and it delivers increased interior and luggage room, more power, more economical engines and an all-new chassis and suspension.The all-new Corolla will come in five grades – Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS.
The Corolla’s wide, low profile was developed by Toyota Design in collaboration with styling studios in Turin, Italy. Its foundation was set by the search for a lower, sportier shape than that of the previous Corolla. That search drove the decision to move the bottom of the A-pillar forward and the bottom of the C-pillar aft to increase the angle of the window glass and to improve the Corolla’s aerodynamic performance.The standard body kit on S and XRS models helps to modify aerodynamics and enhance the Corolla’s sporty look – these include a front underbody spoiler, fog lamps, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and for improved air management under the car, engine undercovers.The 2009 Corolla’s interior is sporty and distinctive – with roomy-feeling comfort. While Corolla maintains the same headroom, legroom and shoulder room as the previous model, it feels larger, thanks to a design that enhances comfort and improves utility, usability and storage.

Toyota Venza Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 2009 Venza crossover sedan at a press conference here today at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Venza will raise the crossover vehicle to new levels by combining a unique blend of sedan refinement and sport utility vehicle (SUV) functionality.
"The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "This winning combination will be ideal for active ‘boomers’ and young couples with small families."
All aspects of Venza’s engineering and design were targeted specifically for the North American market where it will be sold exclusively. Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and designed at Toyota’s Calty design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. Venza will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky.The development focus of the Venza design team was to create a new crossover vehicle that shifted away from the more traditional SUV styling themes that tend to dominate the segment. Calty designers leaned more heavily on a sleek sedan concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior and premium comfort interior but would also be equipped with important SUV attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drive performance.

2009 Toyota IQ Toyota unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show the production version of the IQ Concept unveiled last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The IQ will go on sale late 2008, with production expected to be around 100,000 units during its first year.
The iQ delivers dynamism and stability despite its small size. It challenges conventional thinking through a design that is forward-looking, intelligent and energetic, while retaining clarity of purpose and function.
iQ is 2,985mm long and 1,500mm high. Its compact ingenuity lies in its comparatively long, 2,000mm wheelbase.
iQ will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. These, together with the compact design, low weight and aerodynamic shape of iQ, will contribute to outstanding fuel economy and exceptionally low CO2 emissions, which are anticipated to start at around 100g/km.

2009 Toyota Hilux
Toyota today revealed official details on the 2009 Hilux (there are only minor differences between the Euro-spec Hilux and the U.S. Tacoma.) The pick-up gets a new trapezoid front grille, redesigned bumper and newly designed 15” alloy wheels on Double Cab SR models and new 17’’ alloys on Double Cab SR-X.

The biggest engine news for the 2009 Hilux are the two diesels: 2.5-liter and the 3.0-liter. The 2.5-liter engine, has 120 hp and 325 nm of torque, is available as two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive versions, both with 5-speed manual transmission. The 3.0-liter, only available on the Double Cab, is rated at 171 hp.
Press release after the jump.
Press release
In 2007, three years after its European launch, the Toyota Hilux segment share climbed to 22% with 38,957 vehicles sold, reaching almost three times its 2005 volume in Europe. The sixth generation Hilux achieved worldwide cumulative sales of 1,269,799 vehicles at the end of 2007, with annual sales of 508,107 in the same year.Of ever-increasing appeal to leisure drivers, the Hilux range stretches from the basic Single Cab workhorse to the SUVstyle Double Cab pick-up. Now new features and upgrades on the 2009 model are set to make Hilux Europe’s leisure pick-up of choice. With a sales target of 47,000 units in 2009, Hilux is expected to become an even stronger volume and image contributor to Toyota SUV-leadership position in Europe.

2009 Toyota Avensis
The 2009 Avensis made its world debut at the Paris Auto Show. The Avensis it is in its third generation and comes with new level of superior quality, dynamic handling and refined ride comfort to Toyota’s European flagship.
The new 1.6-litre Valvematic benefits from a brand-new 6-speed manual transmission, which provides a great improvement in shift feeling. The 1.6 Valvematic power has been increased by 20% compared to the previous 1.6 VVT-i – up to 132 DIN hp, with torque up by 10Nm to 160 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The CO2 emission level is reduced by 12% to 152 g/km (sedan body type).
The new 1.8-litre Valvematic offers a choice of a new 6-speed manual transmission or a brand-new Multidrive S transmission, Toyota’s latest continuously variable transmission technology. The 1.8 Valvematic power has been increased by 14% compared to the previous 1.8 VVT-i – up to 147 DIN hp, with torque up by 10 Nm to 180 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The CO2 emission level is down by 10% to 154 g/km when combined with the manual transmission version and by 16% to 157 g/km when combined with the Multidrive S transmission (sedan body type).
At the top of the petrol range is the 2.0-litre Valvematic, which also comes with either the 6-speed manual transmission or the brand-new Multidrive S transmission. Its improved performance gives 152 DIN hp, an increase of 3% compared to the 2.0 D-4, and 196 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm. The CO2 emission level is down by 15% to 163 g/km when combined with the manual transmission version and by 26% to 164 g/km when combined with the Multidrive S transmission (sedan body type).
Designed, engineered and built in Europe, the all-new Avensis makes its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. Built on the success of the previous two models, the 3rd generation Avensis brings a new level of superior quality, dynamic handling and refined ride comfort to Toyota’s European flagship.As Takashi Yamamoto, Chief Engineer of the new Avensis, explains: “From the start, we have put a strong European mark on the project. A total of 35 engineers from Toyota Motor Europe were invited to Japan to join forces with the Toyota Motor Corporation development team. When the project team returned to Europe for finalisation, these engineers played a key role inthe knowledge transfer between the two development teams. I think this is one of the key reasons why today we can look back at a highly efficient development process and be proud of our achievement, that I believe is nothing less than “Cutting Edge” of the D-segment”.The all-new Avensis will also contribute to reduce Toyota’s CO2 fleet average to 140 g/km by 2009. The new ‘Toyota Optimal Drive’ philosophy is applied to this model through a powerful new range of petrol engines, upgraded diesel engines and new advanced transmissions offering customers reduced emissions, yetwithout compromising on power and driving pleasure.

2009 Toyota Urban Cruiser
The Urban Cruiser made its official debut today at the Paris Auto Show. Sales will begin in May 2009 and Toyota hopes to sell 30,000 units a year.
The Urban Cruiser has a length of 3,930 mm, a wheelbase of 2,460 mm and cargo capacity of 314 litres or 749 litres with rear seats folded down.
It is offered in two versions: 2WD model equipped with sliding, reclining and fold-down mechanisms similar to the RAV4 seating system and AWD model featuring reclining seats and the double fold down system.
It will be launched with a choice of two extremely fuel efficient and clean engines: a re-engineered 1.4-litre D-4D engine (90 hp for both the AWD and 2WD versions) and a brand new 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine (100 hp) with Stop & Start system. Both drive a new 6-speed manual transmission that delivers an optimum combination of driving pleasure and class-leading fuel efficiency.
Toyota introduces a new Stop & Start system with the launch of the Urban Cruiser, further enhancing its top-class environmental performance. This advanced Stop & Start system comes standard with the 1.33 Dual VVT-i petrol unit. The 1.33 Dual VVT-i petrol engine with Stop & Start system has a CO2 emissions level of just 130g/km.
Press release
Demand for fuel-efficient urban vehicles, that are just as at home on winding mountain roads as they are in the city, is growing strongly. However, Europe’s urban customers are very demanding too. They want individual looks; they want cars that do not take up too much space in the city. And, ever increasingly, they want cars with a small carbon footprint.The scene is therefore set for a new kind of urban allroader, and the timing perfect for the world premiere of the new Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.4 D-4D All Wheel Drive at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Since the preview of its breakthrough design at Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the Urban Cruiser production model has been eagerly awaited.

Toyota Venza AS V By Five Axis Next to the Venza Sportlux By Street Image, Toyota will also display the Five Axis Venza Active Sports Versatility, which was created to illustrate the versatile applications of the new 2009 Toyota Venza with an emphasis on active sports. It is outfitted with several features offering unique solutions for the transport and storage of all types of winter sports equipment.
ASV exterior body enhancements include new front and rear bumpers and over-fenders for a more rugged appearance. Wider 20 x 10.5-inch wheels and larger diameter tires also complement the new look of the Venza AS V.
Press release after the jump.
To illustrate the versatility of the new 2009 Toyota Venza a specially modified show vehicle by Five Axis will make its public debut at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas from November 4-7.The Five Axis Venza Active Sports Versatility (AS V) was created to illustrate the versatile applications of the new 2009 Toyota Venza with an emphasis on active sports. It is outfitted with several features offering unique solutions for the transport and storage of all types of winter sports equipment.The rear of the vehicle houses a very unique utility system. Created by Magna Car Top Systems, an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) stow away rack system provides numerous opportunities for transporting a variety of wet and dry goods such as skis and bicycles.To complement the ICC system, Five Axis designed and created a multi-purpose rear cargo unit that allows for storage of various items. This hideaway design offers both privacy and protection from other heavier items that can be easily stored on top of the unit. The system also allows for isolated storage of messy items, offering further protection to the interior.ASV exterior body enhancements include new front and rear bumpers and over-fenders for a more rugged appearance. Wider 20 x 10.5-inch wheels and larger diameter tires also complement the new look of the Venza AS V.To best illustrate the active sports theme, an emphasis on winter sports was chosen. The Magna Car Top Systems’ ICC unit is fitted with a unique snowboard and ski carrier. At the SEMA Show the Venza ASV will be hitched to a trailer mounted with a snowmobile to display its towing capability.Finally, a Five Axis custom-blended earth tone color palette of Lunar White and Bronze accents finish off the exterior for a fresh reference to some of latest trends in winter fashion.

2009 Toyota Tundra Ducati Transporter Looks like Toyota may be trying to on-up Honda at SEMA with the truck/motorcycle combo. Where Honda was able to fit an off-road bike into the bed of the Ridgeline, Toyota has shown up with a truck that can carry the bike and all the accessories. The Tundra Ducati Transporter is based on a Tundra CrewMax, which has been modified to accept a 6.5-inch bed.
The truck comes with flip up bedsides, a motorized loading ramp by Rampage, integrated tool and spares storage, and popup solar panels for accessory power.
It is powered by a supercharged version of the Tundra’s 5.7-liter V8, making a total of 500 hp. It comes with TRD Lowering Kit, TRD Dual Exhaust and TRD Sway Bar.
Press release after the jump.
The Ducati Desmosedici RR is the only street legal MotoGP bike ever produced. The ultimate track day bike requires the ultimate transport; that’s where Toyota comes in with the 2009 Tundra Ducati Desmosedici transporter.The Tundra/Ducati Transporter is built on a Tundra CrewMax, which has been modified to accept a 6.5-inch bed. The transporter is tied thematically to the bike, incorporating Ducati Corse style along with high tech materials and execution to create synergies for two companies obsessed with quality and performance. Additional features include major bed innovations such as flip up bedsides, a motorized loading ramp by Rampage, integrated tool and spares storage, and popup solar panels for accessory power.Performance is enhanced through the full catalog of TRD Performanceparts such as supercharger, exhaust, intake, suspension and brakes. The interior treatment by Fast Ed’s Interiors combines high tech style with Italian flair.

2009 Toyota Yaris Tailback Even the little Toyota Yaris is getting in on the fun of SEMA with a concept called the Tailback. Toyota says that the suicide doors added to the pint sized five door are for functionality, but it’s obvious it is just going for cool points. Other modifications include front and rear fascia with a center exit exhaust, grille, and widened front and rear fender flairs that incorporate new full length side rocker panels.
The car does have some practical function, too. The Yaris 5 Door Tailback is powered by a compressed natural gas system (CNG) and offers the possibility to switch from the vehicle’s combustion engine to its CNG system with the push of a button.
Press release after the jump.
Based on the all-new 2009 Toyota Yaris Five-Door Liftback, the Yaris Five-Door Tailback concept highlights functionality and youthful styling.Functionality is emphasized through the automated rear suicide doors and rear split tailgate. The exterior features aggressively styled modifications including a custom wide body kit that enhances the front and rear fascia with a center exit exhaust, grille, and widened front and rear fender flairs that incorporate new full length side rocker panels. The custom hood and newly designed rear spoiler add to the youthful styling of the Yaris 5 Door Tailgate concept. Accompanied by the redesigned body is a set of DPE wheels that feature eleven inch wide rear wheels with a five and a half inch lip and are covered in Nitto rubber, Rotora big brake kit, and Tanabe lowering springs. Custom mixed green with gold metal flake exterior paint, provided by Sherwin Williams, further enhances the sporty styling.The Yaris 5 Door Tailback concept also features a compressed natural gas system (CNG). As an eco-friendly tuner, this bi-fuel concept offers the ability to switch from the vehicle’s combustion engine to its CNG system with the push of a button. The CNG tank and custom casing is housed in the rear of the vehicle and is unveiled as the rear tailgate is powered open.The vehicle’s interior boosts an impressive Pioneer audio/visual system. While the lower monitor displays a variety of digital gauges, both monitors have the ability to display movies and videos which can be played through the integrated iPOD®.The trunk area houses a custom amplifier and subwoofer casing. Additionally, custom upholstery adorns the interior with gray suede and black leather front and rear seats with yellow stitching that adds to the youthful appeal of the concept. Gray suede is carried throughout the vehicle on the headliner, sun visors, and doors. The rear seats showcase 60:40 split functionality and reclines, slides and folds flat, a feature available on the Yaris 5-Door Liftback.

Toyota CNG Camry Hybrid Concept Toyota unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show the compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid concept vehicle. According to the company the car features "just one of the many alternative fuels we’re exploring in our ongoing advanced technology research and development."
The CNG Camry Hybrid Concept is powered by a 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine with Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive and the gasoline fuel system has been replaced by CNG system. The maximum output is 170 hp (Engine + Electric Motor + Generator + Power Storage).
The CNG Camry features a sporty look: a sleek custom front fascia and front bumper cover eliminate the grill opening, while a custom rear bumper covers the tail pipe and visible exhaust system. The vehicle is fitted with 19 x 7.5 alloy wheels and Bridgestone Potenza 225/35ZR19 run-flat tires to accommodate the lack of a spare tire.
Full details in the press release after the jump.

Toyota FT-EV Toyota revealed at the Detroit Auto Show the FT-EV concept, a preview version of the future urban commuter battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by set to be revealed 2012.
The FT-Ev is build on the same platform as the iQ and according to the company will be used for driving up to 50 miles. Toyota did not released any details on the concept’s specificatioN.
The iQ and the future BEV will be a key component of Toyota’s sustainable mobility strategy, and the conventional gas-electric hybrid, like the all new third-generation Prius, is considered Toyota’s long-term core powertrain technologvf.
The Toyota V6 RAV4 The Toyota V6 RAV4 Performance Sport revealed at the SEMA Show features 22-inch Alloy Wheels, hood scoop, and customized designed performance front with flared fender side. It also gets front and rear fascia, LED headlights, panoramic glass roof, billet door handles. Inside the car gets an Alpine Electronics Audio/Visual System.
Press release after the jump
After creating a new definition in the small sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment, the RAV4 Performance Sport goes a step further by setting a new design standard. With its glass roof and enhanced seating configuration, audio, and NAV systems, this vehicle creates a contemporary sporty interior design not seen before.Bold aggressive exterior styling, accented by 22-inch Alloy Wheels, hood scoop, and customized designed performance front with flared fender sides creates the impression that the RAV4 Performance Sport is ready to set new speed records.