Toyota Avalon First And Second Generations

The Toyota Avalon was a uniquely American project, with a number of ex-GM engineers were involved in lengthening the Camry, upgrading its interior, and improving its ride to create the Avalon.

All Avalons are made in the United States (Kentucky), even those exported to other parts of the world, where they are not quite as popular, due to their size and thirst. (The Camry itself is considered large in most areas, but is merely mid-sized in the United States.) The Avalon was also the first Toyota to be classified as a ‘domestic’ vehicle by the EPA, for CAFE purposes.

The Avalon didn’t take off when first introduced; it looked like a long, wide Camry, which was what it was, and the somewhat plain interior didn’t help. Critics praised the interior space, comfort, and quietness, but slammed the gas mileage, acceleration, and cornering.

The redesigned 2000-2006 Toyota Avalon was styled at Toyota’s Calty Design Center in Newport Beach, Calif. The next generation would take hints from the Crown Victoria around the grille, from the Lincoln in the rear, and from Buick in the dashboard, while dropping all visual cues linking it to the Camry. It had a single engine, a 3.0-liter V6 engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) for excellent fuel efficiency and lower emissions.  The engine produced 210 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 220 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm.  Estimated fuel economy was an admirable (for the size) 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The engine had a new electronically controlled Active Control Mount (ACM) designed to reduce engine idle vibration; it drove the wheels through a four-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence. 

0-60 times dropped down to just below 8 seconds (7.9), on par with the Chrysler big cars which were then popular (Concorde, 300M, LHS) and similarly priced (Avalon sold for around $26,000 to $32,000).

The width increased by an inch, the front seat was moved up an inch, the roof moved up an inch, and the rear seat went back and up by an inch. At the same time, the instrument panel moved up four inches. The overall effect is American-style space; not quite Intrepid, but Impala size at least.

The cruise control was on the steering wheel, and there was a large trip computer section in the middle of the car (optional on the lower trim line). The instrument layout was completely different. The center console included warning lamps, the odometer and trip meter, clock, and outside temperature. The XLS version included a compass, trip computer, and calendar. Dual climate control was new to the Avalon for 2000, with vents for rear passengers on XLS models with bucket seats. An integrated dust and pollen filter was optional. The sound system went up to 120 watts, with a standard CD and cassette player.

The Avalon's handling still reflected its Camry base: not bad, but not exceptional, either. The ride was very nice with little road noise. The Toyota suspension was complemented by increased body stiffness and refined tuning. The comfortable ride of the second generation Avalon was accompanied by better cornering - admittedly still not top of class, but a far more acceptable compromise given the gentle ride.

Second-generation Toyota Avalon safety features included skid control, traction control, and Brake Assist (optional on XLS models).  Brake Assist detected emergency braking and applied supplemental pressure. The rear-view mirror was also made larger. The body design absorbed energy in a crash, with energy absorbing material in the roof rails, front pillars and center pillars; and an in-trunk release handle for 2001. 

The Avalon's cab-forward styling, steep windshield angle, rounded A-pillars, thicker glass, and recessed wiper blades all contributed to a significant reduction in wind noise.  The Avalon used injection molded rocker-trim and a foam underbody coating to help prevent "stone pecking” noise. 

We liked the straight-line acceleration of the second-generation Avalon, while finding the cornering ability to be far below many similarly sized cars — particularly the Eagle Vision and Dodge Intrepid — with the suspension focused on absorbing bumps rather than turning corners. The Avalon plowed into turns, rolling its body and often squealing its tires, but it wasn’t designed for that. It also provided the kind of smooth ride most cars can only dream of, isolating its passengers in Lexus-style luxury. The interior to be surprisingly and gratifyingly quiet; only the dashboard, which appeared to have been taken straight from an early-1980s Chevrolet, seemed out of place.

The Avalon XL had a trip meter, clock, and thermometer in the instrument panel; the Avalon XLS adds a compass, instant fuel economy, average speed, average fuel economy, trip time meter, fuel range meter, and and calendar. A dual climate control system provides independent heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) temperature adjustment between driver and passenger. On XLS bucket seat models, the system includes ventilation outlets for the rear seat occupants. Standard on the Avalon XLS, and available as a dealer-installed option on the XL, is an HVAC-integrated micron dust and pollen filter system.  

Other comfort and convenience features included:

• Illuminated entry system
• One-touch auto-down/auto-up driver's window with jam protection
• Standard universal remote garage door opener (XLS only)
• Available one-touch power tilt/slide moonroof with jam protection
• Dual double sun visors with extensions
• Power door locks with auto-lock function

The standard audio system had a 3-in-1 combination of CD, cassette and AM/FM receiver with 120 watts of power.  The premium grade audio was developed in conjunction with JBL and includes exceptional high and low frequency extension and clarity.  This is achieved by adopting a separate five-channel, 250-watt amplifier.  The system includes 3-in-1 functions with an available integrated six-CD changer on XLS models.

Further comfort and convenience features include front and rear cupholders, the large center console bin includes a 12-volt power point and a socket is incorporated for easy charging and storing of a cellular phone.  An optional 115-volt A/C outlet - - capable of powering small electronic devices - - is located behind the center console on bucket seat models and on the instrumentation panel on bench seat models.  A locking pass-through door behind the fold-down rear seat armrest allows long items like skis to be easily transported inside the vehicle.

Toyota Corolla Engine Reviews

The 2AZ-FE engine, standard across the Camry grade lineup (and now used in the Toyota Corolla), is based on the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine from last year, but is substantially upgraded. This redesign employs optimized intake and exhaust systems, as well as strategies that reduce internal friction and enhance engine-block/crankcase rigidity. The result is improved power output with exceptional fuel economy and reduced noise and vibration levels.

This engine is based on bore/stroke dimensions of 3.48 x 3.78 inches (88.5 x 96mm) for a displacement of 2,362 cc, or 144.1 ci, and develops 158 SAE horsepower. During their revision of the existing engine, engineers boosted the compression ratio slightly to 9.8:1, altered the cam profile and paid particular attention to reducing friction through strategies such as reducing the tension of the piston rings while increasing their tensile strength. Finally, they reduced piston weight, optimized the balance shaft, improved sound insulation performance of the engine cover and improved the engine mounts. With this engine, Camry buyers have the choice of either five-speed manual or electronically operated five-speed automatic transmission.

For those looking for more power, the new 2GR-FE engine – a 24-valve, DOHC 3.5L V6 - is available in the LE, SE and XLE. This engine is designed to deliver up to 40 percent better acceleration over the 2006 model year Camry 3.3-liter V6. The V6 is based on bore/stroke measurements of 3.70 x 3.27 inches (94.0 x 83.0 mm) for a displacement of 210.9 ci, or 3,459cc, and uses a compression ratio of 10.8:1 to generate 268 SAE horsepower. The dual camshafts, which are chain-driven, employ Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) for optimal cam timing – and therefore maximum power production - at all RPM levels.

Engineers improved airflow through every element of the engine’s intake tract. This includes improving air-cleaner shapes, intake ducts and the intake manifold and cylinder head intake ports. In addition, valve openings were enlarged and exhaust pressure loss was reduced from the exhaust manifold to the muffler. Engineers modified the shape of the Camry’s taper-squish combustion chambers to make maximum use of that air. And they provided exhaust manifolds that incorporate catalytic converters for greater efficiency.

Harnessing this engine’s output is an all-new six-speed automatic transmission that uses 21 percent fewer parts than the conventional five-speed automatic transmission it replaces. This new transmission, which can be shifted sequentially, relies upon a newly developed gear train that uses a Ravigneaux-type compound planetary gear for reduced size, weight and friction.

This new transmission also uses a quick-response, low-friction clutch pack for enhanced fuel economy; an ultra-flat, low-inertia torque converter for high transmission efficiency; a set of high-response, low-slip clutch packs and new electronic and hydraulic control systems that incorporate an intelligent shift control that learns driver’s driving style and selects gears based on that style.

TOYOTA CARS ENGINE REVIEWS

The team turned its attention to maximizing interior space – in particular, fore-and-aft space - without significantly enlarging the Camry’s exterior. It started by pushing the cowl, the bottom of the car’s windshield, forward for an increased sense of openness and room in the Camry’s passenger cabin. Redesigned front seats also played a role in adding a feeling of spaciousness to the Camry cabin. Seat-slide length was increased to accommodate comfortable driving positions for larger drivers and passengers. Manual seats have a range of 10 inches, and power seats offer 10.2 inches of travel. A place on which to position one’s hand for support while entering and exiting the vehicle- was added to the outboard side of each front power seat-bottom surround panel.

In an expansion of a seat technology first seen on the Toyota Prius, the Camry’s seats use Toyota’s Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat design. That means that each seat is designed to help manage whiplash injury.

The 2007 Camry’s door trim was redesigned for improved ease of use of the door handles and switches. Designers maximized the size of the space around the door handles for easier access.

Footwell space for the rear seat was enlarged, and additional rear seat legroom was provided. Available rear legroom now measures 38.3 inches, up from 37.8 inches in the previous generation Camry. To enhance comfort for rear-seat XLE passengers, seatbacks now recline eight degrees from their standard position. Alternately, a 60/40 non-reclining fold-down rear seat is standard on CE and LE grades. Rear-seat passengers also get dedicated personal reading lamps on moonroof-equipped Camrys.

Used exclusively on the top-of-the-line XLE four-cylinder model, a new standard fabric is treated by the Fraichir process. In this process, fabric is coated with a naturally occurring component called Sericin, which is extracted from silkworm cocoons and refined. This substance is used because it contains a natural moisturizing component.

With the 60/40 fold down rear seats, the trunk has 15 cubic feet of luggage space. With the reclining or fixed rear seats, it delivers 14.5 cubic feet of storage space. It is equipped with a grocery hook, a utility box and a luggage net (on XLE) for added convenience.

The revised interior involved a complete redesign of every detail of the dash and console, in part to avoid the impression that the dash crowds the Camry’s passengers, and also to improve instrument visibility and ease use of all controls.

The dash itself uses a two-level configuration with the upper level moved toward the front of the vehicle to improve the impression of roominess.

In the instrument panel, instruments are larger than before, with larger lettering and longer needles. The speedometer is marked in five-mph increments, a step that is important to American buyers because speed limits of 55, 65 and 75 mph are very common. Additionally, the odometer and trip meters are illuminated at all times to improve daytime visibility.

Special attention was paid to the audio/HVAC control panel. The control panel features switches that are slimmer and neater than previously, with larger lettering, and with surface luminescence for easier use at night.

A standard multi-information display offers outside temperature readings, possible cruising range, average speed, average fuel consumption and trip odometer.

Designers built in many storage spaces around the front-passenger area, including console side-pockets, marking the first use of this storage option in a sedan. Storage options also include a large front console box equipped with an accessory power socket and an auxiliary audio jack - this box is big enough to store eight CD jewel cases. Other storage areas include an accessory box behind the shift lever containing another accessory power socket, a 354 square inch rear-console box with a card holder and a movable tray, and, adjacent to the shift lever, holders for two large cups.

Toyota Cars Gallery

The CE gets many standard features, including a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a six-speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack, 16-inch wheels, seven airbags, a vehicle immobilizer, and four-wheel disc brakes. The Camry LE adds a long list of features, including an in-key remote keyless entry and eight-way-adjustable power driver’s seat. A V6 engine with dual exhausts is also available.

As was the case in previous years, LE and XLE use basically the same chassis specs while the SE uses springs, antiroll bars, shocks and bushings with firmer, sportier values than those used in the other two grades. But for 2007, the SE is 0.4-inches (10mm) lower, and a V-shaped brace added between the trunk and cabin, with stabilizing braces added to the underbody, increase the body’s torsional rigidity. Underbody aerodynamics were also examined, to smooth the airflow under the car, and also to increase the speed of the airflow. Engineers also carefully adjusted the balance between front and rear downforce. The result is better stability at elevated speeds.

Features standard on the SE include sporty 17-inch aluminum wheels, its own distinct black, honeycomb-style grille, ground effects body enhancement, smoked tint halogen headlamps, unique sport-trimmed interior in dark charcoal or medium gray with a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel and amber-colored optitron gauges.

The XLE’s list of standard features includes an upgraded dual-zone automatic climate controlled system with steering-wheel controls, a premium 440-watt JBL audio system with Bluetooth™ technology for hands-free calling, wood-style trim, moonroof, rear reclining seats, fog lamps and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Four-cylinder models are equipped with standard special seat fabric designed to be gentle on the skin, while V6 models feature standard leather-trimmed seats.

TOYOTA CARS REVIEWS

While designers optimized the Camry’s visual image, they also paid attention to generating a sense of excitement in the driving experience without sacrificing ride quality. To do that, they increased wheelbase (109.3 in., up from 107.1 in.) but maintained the same overall length, with a shortened rear overhang. Even with this lengthened wheelbase, engineers delivered a reduced turning radius.

The chassis was made more rigid by connecting the cowl front to the upper suspension towers. Additionally, the Camry’s hood, fenders and their brackets, and cowl are designed to crumple and absorb impact energy.

Toyota Camry Car 2008

Wheels for all four Camry grades were upgraded to a sixteen inch mininum; the SE gets aluminum 17-inch wheels with six spokes, optimized for brake-heat dissipation. Brake discs were enlarged for improved feel and stopping power. Up front, ventilated 11.65-inch discs are used, with solid 11.06-inch discs at the rear. A new brake pad provides a 10% higher coefficient of friction for increased stopping power. Finally, Toyota’s Brake Assist, an electronic function that senses an emergency stop and applies increased braking power once the driver touches the brake pedal, is standard.

Front suspension is via MacPherson struts. At the rear, a dual-link strut system helps provide an optimal balance between smooth ride and secure handling. To help improve the Camry’s handling and driver feel, all lower control arms were lengthened, all spring, shock-absorber and antiroll-bar values, and all suspension geometries, were rethought and recalibrated.

The revised chassis was lab-tested using specs simulating the road surfaces in every country in which Camry is sold. Then, to add real-world verification to their new design, engineers road-tested the new suspension design for more than 600,000 miles in more than a dozen countries.

GRMN Toyota iQ Concept

We have a strange looking little car here from Toyota, who has exclusively debuted this tuned, track-ready conversion of the smart Toyota iQ city car. Tuning was performed by MN specially for Gazoo Racing, and the cubic iQ is the latest concept of the brand’s compact model. Most evident is the addition of a large front air dam, lower air intakes, and new racing wheels. A roll cage was custom built for the interior and track use, while the Toyota urban mini car reaps benefits from a supercharged engine. Now this is still a concept, it looks like the design and power could work since the car is so small. However, traction seems like the major issue because the short wheelbase. We’ll see what the Toyota tuning guys and GRMN can put together.

Toyota Sienna Swagger Wagon

I had to post this car on the site because it gave me a good laugh with the name “Swagger Wagon” based off the Toyota Sienna. The all new Sienna has been a huge success so far for Toyota, and this project is straight over the top. It has been stretched and modified by taking a family functional minivan and turning it into a limousine. Customizations include new 20-inch KMC chrome wheels, Brazilian hardwood floors, HP TouchSmart computer, Xbox, and an all new audio system. The sound comes from 10 JBL GTO 428 speakers, two JBL GTO 804 subwoofers, and four amplifiers with 1700 watts of power. This swagged out Toyota Sienna Swagger Wagon will also be seen at the upcoming auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, and Chicago.

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Gets Tundra Power

At the upcoming SEMA Show, Toyota will release a unique Tacoma X-Runnerpick-up truck called the RTR. Ready to Race is what it stands for, and the tuned Tacoma comes powered by a modified Toyota Tundra 5.7-liter V8 engine. With the addition of a new supercharger and intake kit, the custom truck now delivers an impressive 504 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. It will come with a fabricated steel driveshaft, relocated exhaust behind the passenger rear wheel, and livery inspired tuning by the unique 1968 Dan Gurnery Mercury Cougar XR7-G pony car.

41st Tokyo Motor Show

At the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru and Toyota have partnered together to release the Toyota FT-86 Concept. Both companies will produce their own versions of the car, but right now they are sticking with the Toyota name. It should launch at the end of 2011 and will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. Sporting a rear wheel drive, the Toyota FT-86 Concept car shows performance numbers of 146 hp and 190 Nm of torque. Hopefully there will be a turbocharger available for those tuning enthusiasts wanting extra power for their Toyota or Subaru. Delivering maximum driving performance will be a 6-speed manual transmission, and the affordable sports car will be priced around $20,000 USD.

Toyota Prius Tommy Kaira

Japanese car tuning specialists Tommy Kaira have created a modified version of the third-generation Toyota Prius, which is one of the top selling hybrids. All of the customizations are cosmetic because the tuning company didn’t want to hinder fuel economy, since that is the reason people buy the Prius in the first place. The front end received a completely redesigned look with the addition of a front lip spoiler and air intake vents. Lowering the ride height of the Toyota Prius is an aftermarket suspension kit to add to the new sporty look. It also received new larger wheels and tires because the wheels on most hybrid models are pathetic.

Hot Car Toyota And Tesla Combinitions

Toyota and Tesla will work for production and development of electric vehicles. Thus, Tesla will bring on market Model S in 2012, and Toyota will meet its plan to launch an electric range vehicle on the market until that year.

The Toyota officials have announced a collaboration with the Americans from Tesla to produce electric vehicles. The partnership between the two companies involving the Japanese obligation to buy Tesla shares by 50 million dollars. The guys from Tesla have announced that they will take Nummi plant in Fremont, California, which will be used for Tesla Model S production.

The Tesla Model S production will begin in 2012 and the price of this model should be located at around $49,000. According to first information, the autonomy of Tesla Model S is 300 miles, obtained from a load of 3-5 hours. Elon Musk, Tesla Motors chief, said that will present closely prototypes of production this year.

The NUMMI plant in California produced Toyota Corolla and Tacoma models. This featureis one the largest of this kind in the world and has the capacity to produce 500,000 units per year. With the entry of Tesla Model S production, the number of units will leave the automaker gate of electric vehicles should increase significantly, they will be limited only of the number of the electric batteries which can be obtained.

TOYOTA ELECTRIC PM CONCEPT CARS

Toyota PM Concept Car

Toyota PM is highly maneuverable thanks to its castor like wheels capable of rotating through 180 degrees. The front wheels are also notable because of their hub-less design.
The futuristic Toyota PM concept from 2003 is a personal transport concept.
The PM's cockpit opens by touching one of the unusual stalk mounted headlights, this then glows green to announce the impending opening of the glass canopy.
Another interesting feature Toyota has built into the PM is its adjustable ride height and attitude. As the PM's speed increases it lowers to the ground to increase stability and improve aerodynamics.
Inside the PM information regarding vehicle performance and the location of other PM's is relayed to the single occupant by a floating virtual display.
Power for the concept comes from an electric motor

Toyota Hybrid X Concept Cars Reviews

Toyota will provide a vision for the future of hybrid cars when it unveils the Hybrid X concept car at this year’s Australian International Motor Show. Hybrid X proposes a new design language for Toyota’s hybrid models while also acting as a technology showcase for future hybrid cars.

Created and developed by Toyota’s European styling centre ED² in the south of France, Hybrid X is a four-door, four-seat concept that is spacious and comfortable.It is a step closer to Toyota’s vision of the ultimate environmental driving technology.

Its design will influence the entire Toyota brand and its hybrid models in the future.A vision for future environmentally friendly motoring, the appearance of Hybrid X comes soon after Toyota announced it would build a hybrid Camry in Australia from 2010.

Hybrid X is the latest concept to demonstrate Toyota’s world-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology, which is at the core of the company’s strategy to develop the ultimate eco-car.

Toyota Hybrid X Concept Cars

The show car fits clearly within Toyota’s environmental strategy of offering sustainable mobility for modern families. It has the dimensions of a conventional family car with an overall length of 4,500mm and wheelbase of 2,800mm. The width is 1,850mm and height 1,440mm.

It proposes unconventional creative solutions that will potentially become the signature points of a specific hybrid identity. Hybrid X features a futuristic body shape that is dominated by two ‘U’ shapes created by the upper glass frame area and the unconventional A and C pillars.

Viewed from above, this gives the impression of a large X – hence the name of the concept, Hybrid X. Dynamic hints of driving performance are provided by the customised 20-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 225/40 R20 tyres.

LED headlamps are integrated into the dashboard and are now part of the interior of the car and can communicate information such as safety distances, acceleration and braking to other drivers and pedestrians.

The driver can set the ambience within the car, controlling sight, sound, touch and even smell.
A drive-by-wire steering pad features a central screen to relay information to the driver about the energy flow path, fuel consumption and gear position.

Space-saving seats are formed using injected foam techniques, which create comfort while reducing weight. The two independent rear seats can swivel by 12 degrees to allow passengers to enjoy the scenery or conversation.

Mob Toyota Sports Cars Concept

Mob Toyota Sports Cars Concept

The Mob is the proposal to Toyota Sports Cars Concept. Toyota MOB concept car, was designed by Spanish designer Jorge Marti Vidal. The Mobius strips have been involved into these cars. The Mob Toyota Sports Cars Concept is the work of Spanish designer Jorge Marti Vidal. The concept was developed during his final year of the Masters degree course in automotive design at the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia.

Mob Toyota Sports Cars Concept

The “Toyota MOB” is a cars concept that inspired by the idea of the Mobius strip incorporates unusual bodywork. There are the two films also available to change the interior and the exterior structure of this sports cars.

These two films are also responsible to form the dash board and the seats of the car. The main central area, where the driver is use to be seated, is transparent to feel real sensation of the car racing. With the help of the transparent central area, the driver of the Mob can view the ground closely. The wheels emulate the shapes of the blossoming flowers. The car was made of an organic material “liquid wood,” which is created using the waste product of lignin, left after the manufacture of paper.

The liquid wood is from one of the organic materials that can easily be modified into various shapes. The zero-emission car carries two continuous panels, which weave their way back and forth to form the body and the chassis. Moving on the wheels with built-in motors, the racing car includes an all-electric drivetrain to ensure an in-wheel drive. Measuring 3,643 x 1,787 x 1,063mm (LWH) in dimensions, the electric vehicle tout dynamic eco credentials without compromising the thrill.

To further improve the Toyota MOB’s eco-friendly credentials, the proposed drivetrain is all-electric – with each wheel getting its own dedicated motor. Vidal envisaged the Toyota MOB as a environmentally responsible racing car, but it could just as easily act as a lightweight sports cars. As such the car is fitted with a small cargo area for storing personal items.

Mob Toyota Sports Cars Concept

Adding more to Concept’s green factor is an all electric drivetrain, wherein all the wheels have individual motors to propel the car. Coming to its construction, the car is made of two panels that weave back and forth. The panels not only give this vehicle a perfect shape, but make up everything from the bodywork and chassis, to the seats and dashboard. The designer has envisioned an eco friendly and lightweight race car that makes environment feel happy.

Mob Toyota Sports Cars Concept

Toyota and Nissan continued to cut production

Toyota And Nissan Togather

Toyota Motor and Nissan Motor recorded in June, the maximum reduction in the volume of production among Japanese automakers in the decreasing sales due to rising unemployment.

Toyota, Japan's largest automakers, had decreased production of the 11 th consecutive month. The volume of production decreased by 24% compared to the same month last year.Nissan, the third-largest automakers country has produced 22% fewer vehicles than in June 2008. Production of Honda Motor, the second largest Japanese automakers, fell by 20%.

Japanese automakers in the past month have reduced production in North America to reduce inventories, as sales in the U.S. in the first half of 2009 decreased by 35%. Companies have also cut production in Japan, despite the launch of the Government program of tax incentives to stimulate sales of baby car, including the new hybrid models of Toyota and Honda.

"At the global level, the sale of the vehicle, apparently reached the lower limit and begin to recover, but recovery will be slow - believes manager Intelligence Automotive Asia Ashvin Chotai. - In the medium term, sales in the United States did not reach the level of 2005 and 2006. It also is difficult to expect a substantial recovery sales in Japan. "

Intelligence Automotive predicts decline in sales in the United States to about 9.8 million vehicles in the 200 - year to 13.2 million vehicles a year earlier, and then - rising to 10.8 million vehicles in 2010.

Japan's automakers association expects that the outcome of the current fiscal year, sales in the domestic market will be the lowest in three decades. Wide sales are projected association will drop in the fiscal year ended at March 2010, compared to the previous year at 8.5% - up to 4.3 million vehicles. The peak value of sales was recorded in 1990 - 7.78 million vehicles.

Hybrid Toyota Supra Will Be on the Move in 2011

New Toyota Car

Certainly one of the most popular models ever developed by a Japanese car, a Toyota Supra. But, despite the fact that officiallySupra ceased production in 2002, it enjoyed great popularity until now.

In turn, the Toyota will never forget the loved many sports car and going into next year to release a hybrid version of Supra and sell it as model 2011.

It is clear that this is still rumor and no technical details about the new items yet. However, as it became known portal 4, Toyota Suprawill be based on a hybrid FT-HS Sports, which was first shown in 2007, the engine for the model can be derived from the Lexus 450h, and it is 3.5 liters. V-6 and is connected to a hybrid system, Toyota Crown, so that power can achieve Toyota Supra 400 HP

However, the sports car will not be «fully green», because Toyota is planning to create more sporting version of Supra, which is possible without the cost of hybrid systems. There is information that a prototype of a future business model will be shown in this year's motor show in Tokyo.

Hybrid FT-HS Sports was originally created as a separate model, and was to appear this year, but «thanks» economic situation, Toyota has decided to curtail the project until better times.

All fans are, a sort of anticipation, or at least hint from Toyota, that really is scheduled to release of a new Supra.

Toyota Cars

New Toyota Mark X in October

Toyota Cars

New Toyota Mark X in October


In October at the Tokyo MOTORSHOW expected to premiere a new generation Sedan Toyota Mark X.

Previously, went the rumors that Mark X may get turbocharged engine, but the Japanese magazine Holiday Auto refuted this information. According to recent data, sedan will be equipped with 2,5 - and 3,5-liter engine V6 (3,5-liter engine will replace the current 3.0-liter engine). Exterior design will be less aggressive, and the interior - more comfortable, high-tech and luxurious.

The new Mark X will be built on the platform of the current generation to produce a rear wheel drive versions, and Full power version. Expected that the sedan will be the global market, that is, its implementation will take place in many countries, not only in Japan and China.

Toyota Interior

Toyota recall vehicles because of the labeling

Toyota Car

Company Toyota recall 1348 vehicles to fix an error in labeling. Under the recall of fall 2010 model year Tundra, Yaris 2009 model year, Tacoma, Sienna, RAV4, Highlander and the Scion xB and TC 2009 model year.

According to the NHTSA, an incorrect marking load carrying capacity can lead to overloading the vehicle and increase the risk of accident, writes Japancar. Each car will receive a special sticker with the correct data.

On some machines (there are less than 50), correct markings can not be, because after the installation of additional equipment the weight of the car changed. Service campaign starts in late June.

Toyota Highlander in 2009

The company Toyota announced that Highlander SUV in 2009 will be equipped with a completely new 2.7 - liter engine, which at high productivity should be increased cost will be different. Since its official launch in the sale, scheduled for early next year, the new power unit Highlander promises to be one of the best in the class of off-roadsters. 

The new engine will produce 187 horsepower at 5 800 rpm and 242 Nm torque at 4 100 rpm when using conventional 87 - octane gasoline. Optimized torque and increased productivity are achieved by the introduction of a dual exhaust system of highways. In addition, the new engine differs Highlander extremely low level of harmful emissions and is ready posorevnovatsya in this area with the leaders of medium sector off-roadsters. More detailed data on its environmental performance will be announced after the official launch. 

Complementing the new engine will be the newest intellectual six-speed automatic transmission with electronically controlled ECT-i. The new transmissions will ensure smooth and extremely rapid acceleration, which is not peculiar vehicles with such engines.

2009 Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander

Photo © Toyota
2009 Toyota Highlander
The 2009 Highlander is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger sport-utility, available in 7 trims, ranging from the Base 4X2 I4 (equipped with a standard 2.7-liter, I4, 187-horsepower engine) to the Limited 4X4 (equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 270-horsepower engine ).
price: $25,705 - $34,520