The Japanese automaker Toyota has introduced at the Geneva Motor Show the FT-Bh concept which has just about the same size as the company’s Yaris model, measuring 3,985 mm long, 1,400 mm tall and 1,695 mm wide. It weighs only 1,732 lbs (786 kg) and has a wheelbase of 2,570 mm.
Toyota FT-Bh
The Toyota FT-Bh comes with a hybrid powertrain that consists of a small 1.0-liter, 2-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine and an electric motor which allows the car to return 111.9 mpg (134.5 mpg UK or 2.1 liters / 100 km) and have CO2 emissions of only 49 g/km. This hybrid powertrain is heavier in comparison to the 3-cylinder 1.0-liter engine used in the Yars so they lowered the curb weight of the FT-Bh by about 750 lbs (340 kg) by reconfiguring the chassis, electronics, interior trim and the bodyshell.
The Japanese automaker Toyota has unveiled two special editions of the Aygo, known as Fire and Ice. Both cars are motivated by the company’s updated 1.0-liter VVT-I gasoline engine that manages to return 65.7 mpg UK and has CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.
The Toyota Aygo Fire comes with 14-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, LED daytime running lights and leather steering wheel and gear knob. Clients are able to get their Aygo with a new Burnt Orange exterior paint.
As far as the Ice version is concerned, this brings updates to the Aygo’s interior where we find Alcantara and leather trim, air conditioning, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Aygo Fire starts from 9,595 pounds for the 3-door model that comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the top-spec, 5-door Aygo with the company’s Multimode transmissions has a base price of 10,750 pounds.
The Toyota Aygo Ice starts from 9,895 pounds while the most expensive model will set you back at least 10,750 pounds.
Both versions of the Aygo are going to be available starting with next month.
Japan-only Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT-86 purist-spec versions announced
Subaru BRZ RA purist-spec version
Subaru and Toyota have announced the other day that they will be launching a stripped down version of their BRZ/GT-86 sports coupes for the domestic market. Both cars will be available next month for a base price of 2,058,000 yen (about $26,940) for the Subaru BRZ and 1,990,000 (about $25,625) for the Toyota GT-86.
Subaru BRZ RA purist-spec version
This purist package comes with an interior cabin that doesn’t have air conditioning, cup holders, stereo and speakers, hand brake and shift knob, leather wrapped steering wheel, door lamps, stainless still plates, decorative silver trim inside, aluminum pedals or a trunk lamp.
Subaru BRZ RA purist-spec version
Toyota will be offering for its GT-86 model an unpainted flat black front + rear bumpers, door handles and side mirror housings. You can forget about the fog lamps, rear spoiler and the retractable side mirrors because these have also been removed. Instead of the standard 17-inch alloys, the car rides on 16-inch steel wheels that have 205/55R tires.
Toyota GT-86 RC purist-spec version
Other modifications include the removal of the plastic engine cover which in the standard model sits on top of the intake manifold, while the ventilated brake discs have been eliminated from the rear wheels. Now, all of the disc brakes measure 15 inches, making them one inch smaller than the ones available for the R and S spec models. Another significant change would have to be the removal of the car’s torque-sensitive rear differential. Instead of this, the cars feature a mechanical differential. All of these changes have managed to shave off 88 lbs (40 kg) from the car’s curb weight.
Source: Subaru, Toyota via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Subaru, subaru brz, Toyota, toyota gt 86
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Geneva Preview – Toyota Yaris Hybrid
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
One of the many eco-friendly cars that we’ll see next month at the Geneva Motor Show is the Toyota Yaris Hybrid. The car will feature a 1.5-liter gasoline engine which will be 10% smaller and also 16.5 kg lighter than the 1.8-liter engine found in the Prius and the Auris models. Combined with the electric motor, the car will be able to provide a decent 99 hp.
Also reduced in size will be the electric driveline components, including here the motor itself, the transaxle and the Power Control Unit. All of these parts will be lighter, while the nickel-metal hydride battery has been installed by Toyota’s engineers under the rear seat which means that you get the same boot space as the conventional-powered Yaris.
When it will come out, the new Toyota Yaris Hybrid will be able to return 80 mpg UK which is going to make it more efficient than both the Auris (74 mpg UK) and the Prius (72 mpg UK) hybrids. No word at the moment about the CO2 emissions, but taking into consideration that the Prius and the Auris have 89 g/km CO2 emissions, the Yaris Hybrid should be able to hit the 85 g/km mark. One of its main competitors, the Honda Jazz Hybrid, is capable of returning only 62.8 mpg and has CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.
After its debut in March at the Geneva show, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid will be arriving in dealerships where it should be priced at somewhere around 15,000 pounds, making it approximately 1,000 pounds more affordable than the aforementioned Honda Jazz Hybrid.
Source: Toyota
Post tags: Tags: geneva, Green, Hybrid, Toyota, toyota yaris, toyota yaris hybrid
The U.S.-spec 2012 Toyota Prius c made its debut last month during the Detroit Auto Show where the Japanese automaker said that it will have a base price of less than $19,000. A few days ago they’ve unveiled the price list for the car and indeed it will cost less than $19k. The cheapest version of the Prius c (Level One) will set you back $18,950, but this doesn’t include the $760 for delivery & handling.
2012 Toyota Prius c
The car is scheduled to go on sale next month and it is going to be available in four grade levels. Level Two costs from $19,900, Level Three from $21,635 while the high-end Level Four costs $23,230 and comes with 15-inch, 8-spoke alloy wheels, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, Softex-trimmed heated front seats and integrated fog lamps.
Scheduled to hit the dealerships in the United Kingdom this June, the Toyota GT 86 will have a starting price from 24,995 pounds, marking the ending of more than two years of speculation when the car got various rumored price tags from only 15,000 pounds to as high as 30,000 pounds.
The car is already available on order but we don’t know for sure the exact specifications. The GT 86 is motivated by a 2.0-liter boxer engine that pumps out 197 hp and a peak torque of 151 lb.-ft. This power unit will be mated to a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission, and it will come as standard with a limited slip differential.
This 2+2 coupe has a curb weight of 1180 kg and it will be able to reach a maximum speed of about 155 mph, while the 0-62 mph sprint should be done in about 7 seconds. The dimensions of the car are 4240 mm in length, 1775 mm in width and 1285 mm in height, which makes it probably one of the most compact cars in the world that can accommodate four people. The center of gravity of the GT 86 is very low, rated at only 475 mm.
The engine and the driving position of the coupe have been configured as far back and as low as possible in order to optimize the car’s balance, allowing for a weight distribution of 53:47. It comes with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a rear double wishbone suspension, and it will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels.
At the moment we don’t have official details coming from Subaru regarding its BRZ model but rumors say that it will be about 5,000 pounds than the GT 86.
2013 Toyota Land Cruiser heading to Chicago Motor Show
2013 Toyota Land Cruiser
The Japanese automaker Toyota has announced this week that the 2013 Land Cruiser will be officially unveiled at the Chicago Motor Show on February 8th. The new model year brings a bunch of moderate updates, including a new design for the grille, additional chrome trim and LED-infused headlights.
Inside the cabin it has perforated leather seats, metallic accents and a high gloss wood trim. As standard, the Land Cruiser will come with a 14-speaker JBL audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system and an Entune infotainment system with GPS.
The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser is motivated by a V8 5.7-liter engine that produces 381 hp (386 PS / 284 kW) and a peak torque of 401 lb.-ft (543 Nm). The power unit is linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and a 4WD system that allows the vehicle to return 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway (US cycle).
At the moment we don’t have any details about the price tag of the new Land Cruiser, but it will hit the dealerships towards the end of February.
Have you missed this year’s edition of the North American International Auto Show? Well, Toyota invites you to do a virtual tour of its booth at the NAIAS event where you will be able to have a look at all of the vehicles that were on Toyota’s booth. It feels like you’re really there, without having to worry about the noise and crowd.
The highlight of Toyota’s booth this year was probably the NS4 plug-in hybrid which previews the next generation of hybrids. Here’s a teaser with the car.
Aside from the NS4, Toyota also brought the Prius family of efficient vehicles, including the Prius c, Prius v, Prius Plug-in hybrid and the third generation of the Prius. Aside from these, the Japanese automaker brought the FCV-R and the Fun-Vii. The first one is a next-gen fuel-cell practical sedan-type concept fueled by hydrogen, while the latter previews a future in which cars and society are linked to one another.
You can take the virtual tour by heading down to the Toyota Global website
Post tags: Tags: motor-show, naias, Toyota, virtual tour
Set to go on sale in March, the 2012 Toyota Prius is going to have a base price of 21,350 pounds in the United Kingdom. It will be offered in three trim levels, the most expensive one being Prius T Spirit which will cost 24,620 pounds. This revised model was revealed in September 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and comes with a bunch of updates inside and out.
The 2012 Toyota Prius comes with a new look for the front bumper that now features daytime running lights, clear headlamps that have an updated LED lamp configuration, along with new tail lamp graphics and new designs for the alloy wheels. Inside, the car comes with new seats in the front, new upholstery and softer-touch surfaces.
2012 Toyota Prius
The Japanese automaker has raised the equipment levels, and now the company’s touchscreen control system is offered as standard on all three trim levels. The automaker mentioned that they’ve also updated the steering column and the suspension in order to improve steering and comfort feel.
The hybrid hardware has remained the same, consisting of a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine that has a CVT gearbox and also an electric motor that allows the 2012 Prius to return 72.4 mpg UK in the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 89 h/km. The models that run on the 17-inch alloys can return 70.6 mpg UK and have CO2 emissions standing at 92 g/km.
Set to go on sale in the United Kingdom on March 1st, the 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 will have a base price tag of 62,285 pounds. It will come with an extensively revised 4.5-liter engine that is Euro 5 compliant. The diesel engine now has a diesel particulate filter which allows the main exhaust silencer to be reduced in size in order to lower fuel consumption, as well as diminish the level of vibrations and noise.
2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8
The automaker’s Crawl Control is now working with a Turn Assist system that is capable of braking the inside rear wheel when under 6 mph and in low-range, allowing the SUV to execute tighter turns. The braking force increases with the car’s steering angle, thus reducing the turning radius.
2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8
As for the multi-terrain Select, this is capable of modifying the brakes, throttle and the traction control for suiting a wide variety of off-road environments. There are four camera which work in conjunction with MTS for showing views of the rear, front and sides of the Land Cruiser for highlighting blind spots and avoiding the hidden obstacles.
2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8
On the outside, the facelifted Land Cruiser comes with a new design for the headlamps that now incorporate LED daytime running lights. The car now has chrome side mouldings and revised rear lights. In order to avoid compromising off-road approach angles, the SUV’s front bumper now features a sharply-trimmed lower section.
2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8
Inside the cabin, the 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 comes with a color TFT multi-function display, a new audio panel and chrome-plated details. The car’s front seats feature a cooling function, aside from the incorporated heaters. We should also mention that the 40:20:40 rear seats can slide fore and aft independently, while the center seat can work as an armrest.
2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8
Those who are willing to spend more money can opt for the optional premium entertainment package that brings two 8-inch seatback-mounted displays which promise to be resilient to vibration and have been designed in such a way so that they offer a clear view from wide viewing angles. Also on board is the Toyota Touch Pro that grants connection to Google Local Search as well as Google Maps through a compatible smartphone.
At this year’s edition of the Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota affiliated tuning design and race engineering companies have unveiled no less than 15 showcase race cars and customized production models. The recently unveiled GT 86 model was exhibited at the show in two different versions, one from TRD and one from Modellista.
Toyota GT 86 TRD
The one developed by TRD comes with a full body kit, front and rear anti-roll bars, 18-inch alloy wheels, additional cross-member braces, carbon front strut brace and a sport exhaust system. Inside the cabin there are new instrument gauges and sports seats.
Toyota GRMN iQ 130G
Another interesting model showed at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon is the GRMN iQ Supercharger which features a new bodykit, sports seats, rear spoiler, along with a new set of 16-inch Enkei alloys. The 1.33-liter supercharged engine generates 128 hp (129 PS / 95 kW) and a peak torque of 133 lb.-ft (180 Nm) which is a little bit more compared to last year’s model that had 119 hp (121 PS / 89 kW) and 117 lb.-ft (158 Nm). The engine is mated to a 6-speed close ratio gearbox, while other features include a tuned suspension, beefier brakes and a sport exhaust transmission. GRMN will be making only 100 units of this model starting with the end of 2012.
Toyota GRMN Vitz Turbo Concept
GRMN also brought the Yaris Turbo Concept which has an upgraded 1.5-liter turbo engine that pumps out 178 hp (179 PS / 132 kW). In addition, the suspension is track-prepared while hiding behind the 18-inch alloy wheels are bigger brakes.
Toyota Engineering Society TES-ERA EV
There were other cars exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon this year, like the FT-86 race car, the G Sports Mark X, a solar-powered version of the 2000GT, along with the TES-ERA EV, a futuristic EV coupe developed by the Toyota Engineering Society.
Created in partnership with Tesla Motors, Toyota unveiled this week at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show the EV version of the RAV4. As you would expect, the electric model is based on the conventional-powered RAV4 and has a front-wheel drive configuration.
It features a 150 hp electric motor that is linked to a big 50 kWh battery. We say big because the one that the Nissan Leaf has is able to store up to 24 kWh so it’s more than double the size. Charging from a conventional plug socket takes about 12 hours due to the size of the batteries.
With a full charge, the Toyota RAV4 EV is able to provide a range of up to 150 miles and should offer similar performances to a 6-cylinder-powered cars. It will be able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in a decent 9 seconds, on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 100 mph. These are some pretty good figures coming from an electric vehicle.
The good news is that Toyota has already started the production of the car but the thing is that they will make only a few hundred of them while the company evaluates the batter technology provided by Tesla. In addition, they also have to figure out the customer driving habits. The company’s purpose is “to grow trust in the product, and gain experience.”
Aside from this EV, Toyota is also working hard on an electric version of the petite iQ which in the United States will be sold as a Scion starting with this year. This one offers a range of only 50 miles so it probably won’t be sold to the general public. Instead, it will most likely be leased to car sharing schemes and clubs, in an attempt to learn more about how these cars manage to do in today’s harsh traffic conditions. As we reporter in previous articles, the car will be manufacture at one of Toyota’s factories, not at Tesla Motors.
It seems that the automotive industry is going greener and greener, which some consider to be a good thing. We will let you be the judge of that.
The Japanese automaker Toyota has brought to this year’s edition of the NAIAS show an advanced future plug-in hybrid sedan which they’ve called the NS4. This can be considered as a preview of the company’s future design language.
Toyota NS4
We don’t have any details regarding the powertrain of the car but the company said that it is lighter and smaller in comparison to current plug-in hybrid systems, including the firm’s system which can be found in the Prius plug-in model. According to Toyota, this new system is capable of improving fuel economy, the all-electric range and the acceleration of the car, while at the same time shorten the time necessary for recharging.
Toyota NS4
The front grille of the Toyota NS4 has a bold look, while the front bumper is sculpted. We also notice a lower spoiler and the inclusion of LED daytime running lights. At the back we find wraparound lights that have been designed to look like a rear spoiler. The car also features powered swan-wing doors and a trick roofline for optimizing the interior cabin.
Toyota NS4
This interesting concept from Toyota is also fitted with an advanced infotainment system and also a quick preview of the company’s new generation of safety equipment. The center console of the NS4 holds a touchscreen display that has been created to imitate a smartphone. From this touchscreen the driver can control just about all the available controls.
Toyota NS4
We’ve mentioned new safety equipment so let’s talk about the inclusion of a new blind-spot monitor, next-gen pre-collision detection system and adaptive headlights. In addition, it also has a clever pop-up hood so that in case of a pedestrian collision it can automatically raise the rear of the hood in order to help prevent head injuries.
Toyota NS4
To improve the NS4’s fuel efficiency, the Japanese engineers from Toyota have developed a new glass technology which is more aerodynamic and lighter, while at the same time being more resistant to fogging and rain for improving the visibility. The automaker has also ditched the conventional mirrors in favor of cameras that Toyota says provide a wider field of vision.
The Japanese automaker Toyota has officially unveiled the Prius C compact hybrid hatchback at this year’s edition of the Detroit Motor Show. This is the fourth member in the Prius family and will be the most affordable hybrid from Toyota, with a base price tag of less than $20,000.
The car is considerably smaller in comparison to the mid-size Prius hatchback and Toyota expects that it will have a combined EPA rating of 50 mpg. The automaker is highlighting the C’s 53 mpg EPA rating which is the highest one among non plug-in cars commercialized in the United States. Its highway rating is of 46 mpg, which means that the combined rating is 50 mpg.
2012 Toyota Prius C
Toyota has said that the new Prius C is a subcompact model and it is 19 inches shorter in comparison to the regular Prius hatchback, almost 2 inches lower and 2 inches narrower. It will also be more than 500 pounds lighter than the standard Prius hatchback. According to the automaker, every single element of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system has been redesigned in order to lower the weight and the size of the parts. This more compact hybrid system is also implemented in the European version of the Yaris Hybrid.
The company has installed the fuel tank and the nickel-metal-hybrid battery pack under the rear seat, allowing for a deeper rear load bay in comparison to the one available for the bigger Prius hybrid which has its battery pack located under the car’s rear deck. According to Toyota, the C is capable of offering 17.1 cubic feet of cargo.
2012 Toyota Prius C
Toyota’s new model features an Atkinson Cycle 1.5-liter gasoline power unit that generates 73 hp and comes with a 60 hp (45 kW) electric motor-generator, which means that the total output is of 99 hp. Just like all of the recent Prius models, the driver of the C can switch between Normal, Eco and EV drive modes. At speeds of up to 25 mph, the 2012 Toyota Prius C can travel for less than a mile.
Scheduled to go on sale this spring, the car will be available with four different trim levels, while the cheapest model will set you back somewhere around $19,000. As standard, the car will feature a generous 3.5-inch color TFT information display, as well as iPod connectivity via USB port and Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone capabilities.
2012 Toyota Prius C
Also in the car’s standard configuration will be the automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, along with telescoping and tilting steering wheel with built-in audio controls. Those who want extra goodies can get the Prius C with 16-inch alloy wheels, a navigation system and Display Audio with the company’s own Entune infotainment and connectivity system.
The Japanese automaker Toyota has revealed earlier this week the domestic version of the Land Cruiser 200. The changes brought to this model should make their way into the global version as well, starting with that boxier front bumper and those new foglamps.
JDM 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser 200
The headlamps have been redesigned and they now feature integrated LED strips located on the lower side. In addition, the front grille has a new look and comes with chrome slats. The new 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 features revised turning signals and a new design for the tail lamp graphics. The car now rides on a new set of 18- and 20-inch alloys.
JDM 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser 200
Inside the cabin, the instrument panel now has new graphics, while the TFT screen has been improved and it is located between the two main gauges. Customers will be able to choose from a longer list of colors and trim materials for the interior.
JDM 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser 200
With the launch of this facelift, the carmaker has revised the model’s Multi-Terrain Select system which gives the driver the possibility to modify the settings of the ABS and traction control for various driving situations. They also updated the Craw Control feature which works similar to a cruise control system for off-roading at low speeds on rough terrain.
JDM 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser 200
The car is going to be available with only one engine in the form of a V8 4.6-liter unit that produces 318PS @ 5,600 rpm and has a peak torque of 339 lb.-ft (460 Nm) available at 3,400 rpm. The engine is mated to an automatic gearbox and the all-wheel drive system.
JDM 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser 200
The 5-passenger GX model starts from 4,400,000 yen which is approximately $56,500, while the top-spec 8-passenger ZX has a base price of 6,300,000 which in dollars means about $80,900. Aside from the regular models, the Japanese automaker Toyota has also introduced two special packages, dubbed Luxury SUV and Urban Sports that come with their own set of bespoke styling elements for both the interior and the exterior.
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