Tag: gains

Report: Toyota USA gains increased design control

Filed under: Etc., Toyota

2011 toyota tundra

2011 Toyota Tundra – Click above for high-res image gallery

The product development cycle at Toyota can be frustrating. More specifically, the process can be frustrating for North American executives who don’t have total control over vehicles specifically marketed to their country. Engineers, developers and executives all have a say, but the final decisions have been made in Japan. Until now.

According to a report from Automotive News, Toyota has changed its product development process for North American vehicles. An example of such a vehicle is the Toyota Tundra. That pickup caters to the desires and needs of the U.S. car-buying public, and now Toyota USA will be given the leeway needed to make sure it meets those desires and needs.

The Japanese automaker says it has always listened to its U.S. counterparts. However, the process was stifled due to the requirement that decisions be finalized in Japan. Now, this process can flow more freely. Expect to see the effects of this change beginning with the next generation of the Tundra.

Toyota USA gains increased design control originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi EVO gains sportier sounding exhaust, new equipment for 2011

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi has modestly warmed over its already hot Lancer Evolution for 2011. For the new model year, buyers can look forward to a host of styling and tech treats. As in the past, the rally heathen will be available in both GSR and MR trims, but the Japanese automaker is throwing in the company’s new FUSE system for handling calls via Bluetooth and integrating music players. Even better, those gadgets should be controllable by voice command. In addition, the Lancer Evolution will now ship with a real-time traffic system when equipped with navigation. But let’s be honest, no one is buying the Evolution for the infotainment.

Fortunately, Mitsubishi has also thrown in a few other changes for 2011, including a re-tuned exhaust system. The company isn’t saying whether or not the new pipes add any horsepower to the equation, but the press release does indicate that the car now has a more throaty bark. In addition, Mitsu has effected some subtle aero tweaks. In shoutier GSR trim, that continues to mean one very large, very high-profile wing (now with slightly tweaked uprights), while MR continues to make use of a more subtle lip spoiler. Hit the jump for the press release and check out the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

[Source: Mitsubishi]

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Mitsubishi EVO gains sportier sounding exhaust, new equipment for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gains SuperCrew, loses 5.4L V8 for 2011

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Off-Road

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford’s off-road beast, the F-150 SVT Raptor, has only been on sale for a year, but it’s already getting a few upgrades for the 2011 model year.

Many reports and a few spy shots indicated that Ford had been prepping a four-door SuperCrew version of the Raptor (you know, for when the family wants to do the Baja run with you), and the automaker has officially confirmed the details (again). The SuperCrew’s wheelbase is a full 12 inches longer than the standard Raptor, meaning it should provide a more comfortable ride along the way, and the 5.5-foot box can still haul everything you need when you get there.

Speaking of capability, all Raptors now come standard with more power on tap – the 6.2-liter V8 will be the only available powertrain for 2011 (sad trombone for the people who rushed out to get the 5.4). As we reported earlier, it stands to reason that the 2011 Raptor will get a price increase to account for the larger mill, but it’s a small price to pay for an extra 101 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque over the 5.4-liter V8.

From there, the other enhancements for 2011 are purely cosmetic. Raptors can now be had in a new color – Ingot Silver Metallic (pictured) – and matte black accent graphics are available on the hood. These new graphics can be ordered separately from the box side decals, too. Inside the cabin, Ford now offers a standard 4.2-inch LCD display (called the “productivity screen”) in the center of the revised instrument gauges, similar to what was introduced on the 2011 Super Duty.

Dealers will start taking orders for 2011 Raptors as you read this with the first examples hitting dealerships later this year. Ford’s detailed press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

[Source: Ford]

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Officially Official: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gains SuperCrew, loses 5.4L V8 for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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