The redesigned 2011 Toyota Highlander has made its official world debut at the 2010 Moscow Motor Show and we have to say… Toyota is finally getting some emotion and aggressiveness back into its styling.

The new 2011 Highlander receives a total new front end design with new headlamps, a new grille and a new front bumper. While it is a total redesign, the overall theme of the front still resembles the other Highlanders of the past. The back of the 2011 Highlander still remains very close to the current generation model but gets new tail-lights.

Those looking to purchase the 2011 Toyota Highlander in Russia and Ukraine will have the options of 3.5L gasoline V6 producing 273-hp mated to a five-speed automatic transmission . The United States should get the redesigned Highlander very soon but it may have some minor design changes. However, powertrain choices are expected to remain the same with the 187-hp 2.7 4-cylinder and the 270-hp 3.5L V6. The Hybrid Highlander will also continue on as is.

Source: egmCarTech

Toyota Europe has confirmed that the automaker’s popular Highlander crossover will go on sale in Russia and the Ukraine for the first time ever. Why should Statesiders care? Because the new-look model above will be unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show on August 25, and it’s almost certain to be the refreshed CUV that we will receive in North America.

From the looks of things, the 2011 Highlander will retain its strong body lines, but ditch the conservative front fascia of the 2010 model in favor of a leaner, more aggressive nose with angry looking headlamps. With appropriate helpings of chrome in all the right places, the new Highlander is downright handsome. As this is the only shot that we have, we don’t know what’s going on at the rear, but we would expect redesigned taillamps and perhaps some revamped trim. From what we can see, the Highlander’s profile appears unchanged, save perhaps for a new wheel pattern and a very discreet set of turn signal repeaters in the mirrors.

While there is  no confirmation that the States will receive this same model, European officials believe that it will make it to North America with “more or less the same look.” The Highlander is only built in three places at the moment – China, Japan and in Indiana, so it doesn’t seem likely that Toyota would bother to develop new sheetmetal for select European markets without disbursing it elsewhere.

Unfortunately, there isn’t too much knowledge about what’s going on under that hood or in the cabin. So far, the only thing that Toyota Europe has confirmed is that the hybrid version of the Highlander won’t be available in those markets.

Source: AutoBlog

Tesla Motors and Toyota Motors announced that they have signed an agreement to begin making an electric version of the Toyota RAV4. It is due to go on sale in 2012. Tesla developed a prototype that is being tested and they plan to produce more this year.

“CEO Akio Toyoda of Toyota and Elon Musk of Tesla had announced in May the partnership that includes Toyota buying a $50 million stake in the electric-car company and selling it an assembly plant in Fremont, Calif.

Tesla said July 10 that it will deliver two prototype vehicles to Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, without identifying the models. While Toyota also aims to test an electric Corolla compact sedan, the RAV4 is better suited to the weight of Tesla’s battery pack, a person familiar with the matter said last week.”

PRESS RELEASE: Tesla Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation Formalize Agreement to Develop Electric Version of RAV4

PALO ALTO, Calif. & TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–TESLA MOTORS, INC. (Tesla) and TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) today announced that the two companies have signed an agreement to initiate the development of an electric version of the RAV4 as announced in May of this year by Elon Musk and Akio Toyoda. With an aim to market the EV in the United States in 2012, prototypes will be made combining the Toyota RAV4 model with a Tesla electric powertrain. Tesla plans to produce and deliver a fleet of prototypes to Toyota for evaluation within this year. The first prototype has already been built and is now undergoing testing.

In May, Tesla and TMC announced their intent to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support. Tesla seeks to learn and benefit from Toyota’s engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise, while Toyota aims to learn from Tesla’s EV technology, daring spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility.

TMC has, since its foundation in 1937, operated under the philosophy of “contributing to society through the manufacture of automobiles,” and made cars that satisfy its many customers around the world. TMC introduced the first-generation Prius hybrid vehicle in 1997. The company also plans to introduce EVs into the market by 2012.

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars for mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components, and is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production.

The Tokyo Motor Show will be graced with the second generation Mark X, a rear-wheel drive Toyota sedan. As reported on by Egmcartech:

Here in the U.S., if you want a rear-wheel drive sedan from Toyota, you’ll have to buy a Lexus. That’s not the case in Japan. There the motor buying public can opt for the Mark X, the second generation of which will be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show this week.

Based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as our own Lexus GS, the new Mark X gets a redesigned exterior and interior, the latter of which also benefits from increased interior volume. Two engines will be available: a 2.5-liter V6 producing 203 horsepower and a new, larger 3.5-liter V6 reportedly producing a healthy 315 hp. Both models will come with a six-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, though only the 2.5-liter model is available with all-wheel-drive.

It’s pretty snazzy looking, no? Compared to the Toyota-branded large sedans we have to choose from here in North America (*cough – Avalon – cough*), we’d say the new Mark X is an exciting proposition indeed. Think of it as Toyota’s answer to the Chrysler 300C or now-defunct Pontiac G8, or even the FWD/AWD Taurus. But alas, the big T would rather you look to Lexus and buy a GS than they spend the time and money to offer the Mark X to Americans.

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota Launches Redesigned ‘Mark X’

Tokyo – TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the redesigned “Mark X”, which furthers the series’ “sporty and luxurious” concept by offering enhanced quality in an authentic rear-wheel-drive sedan.

The Mark X features a dynamic low center of gravity that is combined with powerful driving performance made possible by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine. The style and driving performance of this upscale vehicle are in tune with adult sensibilities, delivering in-touch-with-the-road steering that responds instantaneously to the driver’s every wish, stability at high speeds and a smooth comfortable ride.

In addition, the vehicle’s environmental performance is at the top of its class1. The fuel efficiency of the Relax Selection two-wheel drive models exceeds the 2010 standards by 15%, qualifying them for incentives and subsidies under the Japanese government’s taxation system for environmentally considerate vehicles.

The new Marx X, starting at an appealing 2.38 million yen, comes in a diverse lineup-standard type, sports type and premium type-to allow drivers to show their individuality.

Monthly sales target for Japan: 3,000 units

Assembly Plant: Motomachi Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

Vehicle Outline

Rear-wheel drive package offers dynamic styling and exciting cruising

The design concept behind the Marx X is “glam tech”-combining the visual “glamour” conveyed by the vehicle with the “high-tech” expression of its modern and precise feel. The result is subtle contrast as well as a dynamic and stylish form.

The vehicle’s silhouette is smooth and elegant, with expansive front and rear pillars to emphasize integration with the underbody.

The 1,435 mm height and 20 mm expansion for both width and track give the vehicle a low center of gravity.

Rear-wheel drive allows a front-and-rear weight distribution ratio of 54:46 for stable driving.

The bumper’s wide opening and deep-set fog lights emphasize the face’s low center of gravity and wide stance, while the three-lamp linear layout of the headlights and a mesh grille enhance the sense of vitality.

The combination taillights also have a three-lamp linear layout, while lights built into the lid of the trunk serve as a statement of class.

Six refined body colors are available, including the new Ice Titanium Mica Metallic.

The interior is sporty and dynamic, combining quality and precision that evokes a feeling of driving pleasure.

The leather-covered steering wheel’s thicker ergonomic grip and a leather-booted gearshift add to the sporty feel.

The angles of the seat cushion and sides of the front seats have been optimized for superior hold. The driver’s seat also features a switch-operated motorized lumbar support function that shifts the seatback forward or back to improve back comfort during driving.

The shoulder portion of the door trim for the front and rear seats has been pushed outward by 25 mm (total for left and right), while the distance between the front seats has been increased by 20 mm, resulting in a roomier interior.

Sports type (250G S package, 250G S package Relax Selection, 350S)

* Sporty feel enhanced through tinting of headlights and combination taillights and through spoilers on front and rear bumpers and trunk lid

* Interior features modern and robust black theme

* Paddle shifter gives feel of manual transmission

Premium type (Premium, Premium L package)

* Special plating on front grille, rocker moldings and front bumper enhance upscale image

* Steering wheel and shift knob ornamentation boast wood-grain finish

* Heated front seats effectively warm shoulders, lower back and legs

* Power Easy Access System slides driver’s seat back and tilts steering wheel upward and forward, increasing ease of ingress and egress

* Refined velour-moquette seat covers are treated with mite-suppressing agent that also prevents static electricity, adding to passenger comfort

Sporty cruising performance and high-quality, comfortable ride

The new 3.5-liter V6 engine is paired with a 6 Super ECT with a driving response and acceleration management system to provide the ample and comfortable cruising characteristic of a full-scale rear-wheel drive sedan.

The 2.5-liter V6 engine (two-wheel drive) models offer outstanding acceleration, going from zero to 100km/h in just 8.4 seconds2.

Reduced friction resistance in the suspension and higher arm rigidity enhance maneuverability and provide in-touch-with-the-road steering and a smooth, comfortable ride. The sports type models are equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension, which combines mono-tube shock absorbers and computer control of damping force, delivering an exceptional ride, superior handling and stable cruising performance.

Depending on the driving conditions, the driver can-at the flick of a switch-choose between the Sport, Snow and Eco driving modes to optimally control drive force.

The newly adopted Variable Gear Ratio Steering system, which controls the angle of the front wheels according to vehicle speed to improve steering performance, is coupled with optimized electric power steering, resulting in outstanding handling.

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management coordinates the drive power, steering and brakes to ensure excellent stability and improve preventive safety.

Expanded use of vibration-dampening materials limits noise penetration, resulting in a quiet and comfortable cabin.

Improved safety features

Outstanding safety performance is achieved by equipping all vehicle models with seven airbags, including SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) side airbags, SRS curtain shield airbags, and a driver’s seat knee airbag; VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) to control skidding; TRC (Traction Control) to minimize wheel spin when accelerating; and Active Headrests up front to reduce stress on the neck in a rear-end collision.

The vehicle’s Pre-Crash Safety System uses millimeter-wave radar to detect potential collisions and alerts the driver through a warning buzzer and display. In line with the possibility of collision, the Pre-Crash Brake Assist system, Pre-Crash Brake system and Pre-Crash Seatbelts minimize collision damage to achieve a higher level of safety.

When cornering with the headlights on, the Intelligent AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) shifts the low beams to match the steering angle and vehicle speed, thereby enhancing visibility in the direction the vehicle is moving.

The new Radar Cruise Control system, equipped with a brake-control function, detects and monitors the preceding vehicle, maintaining a fixed distance, in line with the preceding vehicle’s speed, within a preset speed range.

Hill-start Assist Control prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when switching from the brake to the accelerator during a start on a steep hill.

Comfort features enhance driving pleasure

The multi-information display, which indicates average fuel efficiency, possible cruising distance and other data, features enhanced visibility through the adoption of a high-contrast white, organic electroluminescent (EL) display.

Fully automatic independent temperature controls for the driver and passenger sides-standard on all models-feature a function to remove pollen, dust and other impurities from the air in the cabin. Meanwhile, Plasmacluster Ions®3 technology combats bacteria and creates a comfortable cabin atmosphere through the balanced release of positive and negative ions.

The 480-liter4 trunk is roomy enough to accommodate four golf bags.

An HDD navigation system (compatible with the G-BOOK mX telematics service) features multimedia and other advanced functions such as Map on Demand, which provides automatic map and information updates and door-to-door guidance that pinpoints directions to a destination.

The premium models come with a G-BOOK mX telematics service-compatible HDD navigation system with built-in terrestrial digital TV tuner and gear-shifting functions for driver support in merging and exiting and at intersections; 12 speakers optimally placed to provide sound quality comparable to a live performance.

The Intelligent Parking Assist system uses ultrasonic sensors installed in the front of the vehicle to detect parking-space parameters and help the driver parallel park or back into a parking space by informing the driver when to turn the steering wheel and where to start backing up.

Reduced environmental impact

Efforts were made to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. The 2.5-liter two-wheel-drive models have a fuel efficiency of 13.0km/l5, while the 3.5-liter two-wheel-drive models have one of 10.2km/l5, thus placing both at the top of their vehicle classes1.

All vehicles in the series achieve emission levels 75% lower than the 2005 level required under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.

The Relax Selection two-wheel-drive models have fuel efficiency that exceeds by 15% the level stipulated in the Japanese 2010 standards set out under the Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy, thereby qualifying them for incentives and subsidies under the Japanese government’s taxation system for environmentally friendly vehicles.

All 2.5-liter models meet the Japanese 2010 standards and qualify for subsidies6.

An Eco Driving Indicator that lights up to signify fuel-efficient vehicle operation and an Eco Zone Indicator that shows throttle use-standard on all models-raise driver awareness of environmentally considerate driving.

Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System)-Toyota’s original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system-was implemented to efficiently reduce overall environmental impact throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.

A review of the materials, processing methods and adhesives used for interior parts helped reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, as well as the discomforting odors sometimes resulting from such materials, to levels below those outlined in the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association’s “Vehicle Cabin VOC Testing Methods (for Passenger Cars)”, which are the industry’s voluntary standards.

The door trim and carpet are made of low-VOC materials and the front console box is made from VOC-free water-based urethane synthetic leather.

Source Egmcartech

According to Egmcartech, the rumors of a new $20,000 Toyota and Subaru sports car that has been under lock and key was finally validated with a Concept making its debut in the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The Toyota FT-86 will carry a 2.0L boxer Subaru engine sending power to the rear-wheels.

Since last year, we’ve been hearing about a new sports car from Toyota and Subaru that will be priced around $20,000 and would give the two brands something to be proud about. However, both automakers were very good at keeping their upcoming sports coupe out of way of spy photographer lenses and never really talked much to the media about it in terms of when it will be available or what it would be called. In fact, the car’s nickname eventually became “Toyobaru,” which to say the least, we hated.

However, today we get our first look at what Toyota and Subaru have been working on with the new Toyota FT-86 Concept, which will make its world debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Inspired by the sporty 1980s Corolla AE86, the production version of the FT-86 will carry a 2.0L boxer Subaru engine sending power to the rear-wheels.

Developed jointly with Fuji Heavy Industries, which owns Subaru and which Toyota owns 16.7 percent of, most of the mechanical work on the production FT-86 will be completed by Subaru while the overall design will be created by Toyota’s ED2 styling studio in France (who also worked on the FT-86).

Toyota and Fuji Heavy plan to have the FT-86 on the roads by 2011. Subaru will get its own version of the car. Prices are expected to start around 3 million yen ($33,700 USD) in Japan and around $20,000 in the United States.

Source Egmcartech

The 2010 Land Cruiser is here and it finally loses some of the weight it put on in the past 60 years. Ready to make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show tomorrow, the 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser carries on the torch from its predecessor with better off-road capability, a more refined on-road performance, more equipment and better looks.

The 2010 Land Cruiser will go on sale in the UK later this year and will be offered exclusively as a 5-door model with seven seats. Power will come from a 171-hp 3.0LD-4D diesel engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The three door models will be offered with a 4.0L V6 dual VVT-i gasoline engine and will be available in other European markets except for the UK.

For 2010, the Land Cruiser comes with a new feature called Multi-terrain Select, which automatically controls power and braking to optimize performance for different types of off-road conditions. The system also provides real-time images to the driver with information about the immediate surroundings.

We’ll get more U.S. spec details at a later date. Pricing and availability details will be announced closer to launch.

Source Egmcartech

We’ve already received a sneak peek at some early images of the Toyota Auris HSD concept, but Toyota was woefully tight-lipped about disclosing on any actual details at that time. No longer, as the Japanese automaker has just dropped all the pertinents and a bunch of new images of its upcoming hybrid ahead of the car’s official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

As we noted, there are solar panels installed on the Auris HSD’s roof that Toyota says are a further development of the solar-powered ventilation system which debuted on the 2010 Prius. Additional solar panels on the car’s dashboard develop enough juice to recharge mobile phones and portable electronics using built-in charging trays.

As expected, the Auris HSD is powered by a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine mated to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology as used in the Prius. Toyota expects the run to 60 mph to take about 10 seconds and carbon emissions to be below 100 grams per kilometer. LED lights join a slew of aerodynamic tweaks that reportedly drop the car’s drag coefficient to .28 round out the exterior features unique to the concept.

Inside, blue Gaucholino leather joins a pearl white console to offer a unique showcar appearance. We’re not sure how many of these touches will make it into production (which is scheduled to begin next year at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in England with sales scheduled to start during the second half of 2010), but we’d like to see the mobile chargers make the leap. Click past the break for the official press release and be sure to check out our updated gallery below.

Source Autoblog

There’s a new sheriff in town at Toyota, and he’s wasting no time in making his presence felt at the World’s Largest Automaker. Fortunately, that finally means a return to building fun-to-drive cars after years of offering virtually nothing to tempt the enthusiast market. We can only hope that some of that sporting DNA finds its way into the rest of the automaker’s staid lineup as well.

“The severe drop in the economy and auto market has created some of the most challenging times Toyota has ever faced,” says new Toyota Prez Akio Toyoda. “I aim to take us back to what made Toyota successful for many years – making high-quality products at an affordable price.”

According to Toyoda, two of the most eagerly anticipated (non-hybrid) vehicles from Toyota in years are moving ahead at full steam. First of all, the seemingly forever-delayed Lexus LF-A sportscar is back on track and headed Stateside. Secondly, Toyoda reconfirmed earlier reports that the planned affordable sportscar made in partnership with Subaru is on its way within the next few years. Finally, change we can believe in!

Source Autoblog

When Toyota unveiled the FT-EV Concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, it confirmed that it will launch a full battery-electric vehicle by 2012. According to a report by AutoCar, Toyota’s iQ-based electric car is now scheduled to be launched as early as next year. However, instead of looking like the iQ, the model will get its own body style and will be a stand-alone model as Toyota’s first all-electric car.

Known as the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) by Toyota engineers, the car will ”get its own bodywork”, according to the iQ’s chief engineer, Hiroki Nakajima. “We wanted to position the iQ as premium – but not so the BEV.”

The iQ-based electric-car will be the first mass-production Toyota model to use lithium-ion batteries. Charging time will be around eight hours, which should allow for a driving range of 93 miles.

As for the iQ, Nakajima says that the current model is due for an upgraded interior ”A lot of buyers think it is much too plasticky,” he said.

Source: AutoCar

As previously reported, Lexus will unveil a new concept at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show that aims to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series in Europe.

The new model – rumored to carry either the “BS” or “CS” nameplate – won’t be built atop the Lexus HS250h’s architecture, but it will utilize the gas-electric hybrid’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder to deliver around 185 hp to the front wheels.

Although the model we’ll see in Frankfurt is technically a concept, according to Lexus insiders, it will be “a 90% match for the real thing” which will debut in production form at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe in the fall of 2010.

Source Autoblog

Toyota’s new president admits the automaker needs an excitement-infusion, and to that end – and in order to match the upcoming Honda CR-Z tit-for-tat – Toyota is rumored to be working on a two-door version of the Prius.

The latest reports out of Japan indicate that a shortened, 2+2 Prius-based hybrid sports coupe is under development, packing an uprated version of the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE four-cylinder putting out around 134 hp – 36 hp more than in its sedan counterpart. Naturally, Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system will carry over and the additional power boost will have an adverse impact on fuel mileage – albeit a minor one.

If the Prius coupe does come to fruition, expect it to be around 100 mm shorter than the sedan, carry over the standard Prius’ interior and debut sometime in mid-2012. Conveniently, there’s no word on a name and whether or not the coupe will be sold in the States, but we wouldn’t be surprised to find out that this would be a JDM-only affair.

Source Autoblog

As expected, Toyota’s youthful Scion division will indeed get a version of the diminutive iQ for the North American market, possibly by either the end of 2010 as an ‘11 model or in early 2011 as a ‘12 model. According to Motor Trend, the car will cost about the same as the Yaris and get the usual modifications for the American market, such as slightly extended bumpers and recalibrated airbags.

Fortunately, the Big Wheels body kit fitted to the conceptual Scion iQ shown off at the New York Auto Show won’t come to the States as standard equipment. We’re not entirely sure what powerplants Toyota plans to use in the American iQ, but in other markets it’s available with three engines displacing between 1.0- and 1.4-liters, and no hybrid iQ is currently planned due to cost and packaging considerations.

Interestingly, MT also reports that the Toyota FT-EV electric car concept from this year’s Detroit Auto Show, based on the iQ minicar, will hit the market by 2012. At this time, the Japanese automaker may still be deciding between tried-and-true nickel metal hydride batteries or more powerful but unproven lithium ion units. Regardless, Toyota’s aiming for a 50-mile range and an eight-hour recharge from a standard wall outlet.

Source Autoblog

Luxury carmaker Aston Martin has forged an innovative alliance with Toyota to develop what could be the world’s first luxury city car.

Aston Martin released today a photo of the Cygnet, which is a Toyota iQ with restyled front sheetmetal.

Although officially billed a concept, reports in Britain say that Aston Martin will put the Cygnet on sale next year. At first, it will be offered to current Aston owners or those who have a car on order. But it will be offered to the public later.

The price is about 23,000 euros. That’s a step up from the iQ’s base price, which is 12,700 euros in Germany.

Aston says a key part of the Cygnet is a new grille design for the automaker. There also are slight changes to the shape of the headlamps, and the addition Aston’s signature vents on the hood and front quarter panels.

Aston won’t make mechanical changes to the iQ. Toyota will build the cars and ship them to Aston’s assembly plant in Gaydon, England. There, Aston will trim out the car’s interior with leather.

Reports say that Aston will build up to 2,000 copies of the Cygnet a year.

One important note: The addition of the Cygnet to Aston’s vehicle fleet will improve the automaker’s emissions ratings.

Toyota launched the iQ in Europe in January.

ASTON MARTIN PRESS RELEASE: The Innovative Commuter Concept Car; ‘Cygnet’ by Aston Martin

Gaydon, Monday 29 June 2009. Aston Martin has developed a new luxury commuter concept; the ‘Cygnet’ which will offer customers a distinctive, intelligent and exclusive solution for urban travel in style and luxury.

The concept will offer Aston Martin trademark design in a commuter car package based on the critically acclaimed Toyota iQ with a Euro NCAP 5-star safety package.

The ‘Cygnet’ concept represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence – and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin’s luxury brand ownership.

Aston Martin, the world leader in exclusive niche engineering is collaborating on this concept with Toyota the world leader in volume, quality and reliability. Although vastly different in size, Toyota and Aston Martin share the philosophy of engineering excellence and innovation underlined by a strong passion for cars.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project – made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota’s stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ.”

“Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future. This concept – akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht – will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market.”

“The offering of a ‘Cygnet’ with a DBS, DB9 or Vantage is a unique combination of opposites and a novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility on an exclusive and innovative level.

The MR2 is making a comeback, Auto Express can reveal. Toyota is developing an exciting performance hybrid which would revive the much loved sports car and rival Honda’s upcoming CR-Z.

It’s set to swap its predecessor’s roadster shape for that of a compact coupé. Under the skin will be a rear-wheel-drive chassis, a paddleshift gearbox and a specially developed version of the Prius’s hybrid powertrain.

The new model will boast an amazing blend of performance, economy and low emissions, all wrapped up in a stunning body. It would be a fitting successor to the MR2, which ceased production in 2007.

Speaking exclusively to Auto Express at the Geneva Motor Show, Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto said: “We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car.

“We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000), as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius’s, with greater responsiveness.”

These artist’s impressions give you an idea of how it will look. At the front it mixes cues from Toyota’s FT-HS sports car concept with a deep lower air intake, while the side has a kick up on the door towards the roof. At the rear are lights from the FT-HS and a neat diffuser-style lower bumper.

The key challenge for Toyota will be developing a powertrain that’s sporty to drive. It will have to improve the rate at which the batteries charge and discharge, for razor-sharp responses.

If the company gets it right, the car could do 0-60mph in seven seconds, yet return 60mpg and emit less than 100g/km of CO2. A new MR2 would be a desirable addition to the range, but Toyota is concentrating more on family hybrids at the moment, with 10 being launched over the next 12 months.

Source Autoexpress

The wagons we all know, love and grew up with gradually fell out of favor as the minivan took hold in the ’80s. Led by Chrysler’s practical little boxes, the van became the king of Mt. People Mover, only to be usurped by the SUV, which took the wagon formula and added a heaping dose of machismo. The wagons have all but vanished, and today, both SUVs and minivans resemble Hollywood stars whose salad days are clearly behind them.

The so-called “crossover” is the new king, at least according to marketers who coined the maddeningly broad term, which now applies to everything from large, car-based pseudo-SUVs to what are – by all rights – traditional wagons, albeit with tall roofs and occasionally all-wheel drive. When Toyota elected to make the Highlander a substantially larger vehicle with three rows of seating, it left a void in its line-up for people seeking a utilitarian five-seater. The lack of a Camry wagon, which has been dead for ages, meant there was an opportunity for Toyota to fill-in the blank with something to compete against the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano and rest of the CUV set. And so we have the Venza

Surprisingly stylish, particularly for a Toyota, the Venza is essentially the new Camry Wagon. It’s derived from the bread-and-butter sedan’s architecture and uses its familiar 3.5-liter V6 in its top level trim (a four-cylinder is also offered, and truth be told, we tried to acquire one as a tester. No dice – only sixes were available). Toyota’s designers were obviously trying to stay away from the traditional Lego-brick wagon profile, and it looks as if they may have had a little fun carving out the Venza. The car’s face features an ornate chrome grille that comes across as being a bit Edgy in a Ford sort of way. It’s sure to polarize, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Either way, it’s not like the other visual sleeping pills that Toyota has pumped out as of late.

In profile, the Venza’s slick wagonoid shape is ornamented with bulging wheel arches in front and powerful, rear-drive-looking haunches in back. There’s a pronounced indent along the lower portion of the door panels that adds a veneer of muscle to the sheetmetal and keeps the Venza from looking overly slab-sided. The same goes for the wheel package: 20-inchers wrapped in 50-series rubber are standard equipment on the V6. Visually, this makes the Venza look like something you just ripped out of a Hot Wheels blister pack. While the dubs admittedly work well within the overall styling theme, they’re certainly not a practical choice for a family capsule.

Unassuming buyers will be in for a surprise when it comes time to replace the tires, as 20-inch rubber doesn’t come cheap (the four-cylinder buyers are in a similar boat – they get 19-inch hoops standard).

Our all-wheel-drive V6 Venza started at $29,250 and got expensive in a hurry. It was loaded: fancy panoramic roof, leather, JBL premium audio, navigation, etc. All of that kit worked out to a rather off-putting $38,493 bottom line. (A copy of the Monroney is in the accompanying photo gallery.) As you’re probably aware, that kind of scratch can put you into something bigger and/or more practical if those are your priorities. You can also just as easily spend less and get similar to equal utility.

Admittedly, our Venza’s option packages were very pricey – $4,345 for the Premium Package, another $2,590 for the upgraded audio and navigation system, and yet another $1,050 for the panoramic roof. The Venza’s a classy, good-looking, and enjoyable wagon, but our car’s lofty as-tested price simply makes it tough to swallow. Is it worthy of your consideration? Absolutely – if you can exercise enough restraint to keep the options in check. Otherwise, once you get to the higher end of the scale, you run into some solid competitors. This makes the Venza less of a slam dunk and more like a pretty lay-up.

Toyota unveiled the 2010 Prius today in Detroit. The highly anticipated third generation Prius came with months of teasing, photos and finally a press leak.

We already heard many of the mechanical details over the past year or so, but today it was confirmed that the Prius will get a combined EPA rating of 50 mpg. That’s 50 mpg under the new tighter EPA testing method, mind you. The engine has been up-sized to 1.8L with an output of 98 hp and the total net output of the hybrid drive system is 134 hp.

The basic design is still instantly recognizable as a Prius, but the body does have a bit more character than before. Nonetheless the shape is smoother with a drag coefficient of just 0.25. The peak of the roof has now been moved back 4 inches giving the car a slightly less egg-shaped profile and increasing rear headroom. Aside from optional extras like LED headlights and lane departure prevention, the most interesting new option is the solar roof. A roof-mounted photo-voltaic panel will power the air recirculation system when the car sits in the sun, reducing the internal temps and the subsequent load on the air conditioning system. The Prius goes on sale later this spring but pricing hasn’t been announced yet.

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota Reveals All-New Prius

• The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20 percent compared to the previous model.
• The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight.
• Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20 percent lighter.
• A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration.

Source Autoblog

At next week’s Detroit Auto Show, Scion will offer a tweaked version of its wares in the “Release Series” models, one of them being the Scion xB Release 6.0.

As is de rigeur for these special editions, the R.S. 6.0 will get its own paint color, “Absolutely Red” (it’s a standard color for the Yaris), along with a unique front grille and wheel covers (seriously, wheel covers?). Inside, a new Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation system is included on the R.S., along with matching red accents on various trim pieces and seat fabric, as well as four-color interior lighting.

Want one? Only 2,500 copies will be produced, so act fast and be prepared to drop an extra $1,743 over the base xB’s price of $15,750. Add an extra $950 for an automatic transmission (if you must) and an extra $320 for a color-matched rear spoiler.

Source Autoblog

Which one of Toyota’s cars is about to get an MPG makeover?

It’s been more than two years since the firm unveiled its seven-seat hybrid Estima concept. Yet the idea is by no means dead. One source told us: “We’re looking at a seven-seater based on the Prius. It would use a lithium-ion battery, and could be here by 2012.” But technicians behind the iQ say the newcomer could use the city car’s technology to squeeze seven seats into a Yaris! Chief engineer Hiroki Nakajima admitted: “We’re looking to transfer the clever engineering and packaging solutions to more Toyotas.

“For example, we’re working on a seven-seater that’s the size of the Yaris. We can do it, and give limo-like legroom in the back!” Toyota’s smallest seven-seater is currently the Verso, but it’s more than 50cm longer than the Yaris. The iQ’s thin fuel tank – hidden under the driver’s chair – could be carried over, as could the slim seats and compact air-con system

Source Autoexpress.co.uk

Toyota revealed the Camry CNG Hybrid at the LA Auto Show, even though it withheld a press conference. The car gets better fuel efficiency than the last CNG by a margin of 50%.

Toyota isn’t holding a press conference at the LA Auto Show this year, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have anything to show.

The Prius purveyors have built a CNG-fueled Camry hybrid. According to Toyota spokesperson Jana Hartline, the purpose of the CNG hybrid is to demonstrate the versatility of Hybrid Synergy Drive. The car gets 50% better fuel efficiency than the last production CNG vehicle offered by Toyota, which was based on the 2000 Camry. Hartline explained Toyota has no immediate plans to produce either CNG or CNG hybrid vehicles, but the company is looking at all alternatives for the future.

Source Autoblog

The Toyota Matrix replacement, 2009 Toyota Blade has major body structure changes, improvements on safety, lower noise, and uses an upgraded 2.4 liter engine.

Replacing the Toyota Matrix in the 2009 model year (or, in other words, in 2008) will be the Toyota Blade.

Major changes are a stiffer new body structure, dramatic safety increases, lower noise from better aerodynamics, and addition of variable valve technology to the exhaust valves as well as the intake valves. The most visible change other than styling is likely to be the use of a 2.4 liter engine instead of the current 1.8 liter powerplant; already in use in Japan and in other Toyotas, including an upcoming Scion, the 2.4 liter engine produces 158 horsepower. All wheel drive will reportedly come back as an option.

As one might expect, the Blade will be modified for the American market. Sheet metal will be changed, engine and suspension tuning are likely to be altered, and the character of the vehicle might be adjusted to target the Mazda3.

Hybrid power is expected for the new Blade, going along with Toyota’s commitment to make a hybrid version of each vehicle, but it seems unlikely there would be a hybrid at launch.

Source Toyoland