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Chicago 2011: 2011 Toyota Matrix is… umm… sorta refreshed?

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchback, Toyota

2011 Toyota Matrix

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

Look very closely and you may notice the subtle changes Toyota has made to its Matrix for the 2011 model year. If your eyes are still failing you (as were ours at first glance), we’ll point them all out. There are new wheels across the board, Smart Stop technology has been added to curb pedal misapplication complications, and the automaker’s “Toyota Care” complimentary maintenance plan is now standard. That wasn’t too difficult, was it?

As was the case last year, the 2011 Matrix is again offered in Base and S trim levels with a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder (132 horsepower) or a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder (158 horsepower). The standard powertrain is front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional on the higher trim level with the larger engine. Those seeking a bit more driving excitement (well, at least visual excitement) need to add the optional Sport Package to their S model, as it adds 17-inch alloy wheels, underbody spoilers, and a painted rear spoiler. Oh, we almost forgot… a new color, called Spruce Mica, joins the exterior palate for 2011.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Matrix: Chicago 2011

2011 Toyota Matrix

Chicago 2011: 2011 Toyota Matrix is… umm… sorta refreshed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota debuts modestly refreshed 2011 Matrix in Chicago

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchback, Toyota

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

Toyota will not be having a formal press conference at this week’s Chicago Auto Show, but the automaker will still have something fresh on its stand. The 2011 Matrix hatchback has officially bowed, with a slightly retouched exterior (new wheels, different paint choices, etc.), a touched-up interior with a new steering wheel and seat fabrics, and a new standard brake-override system called Smart Stop.

The 2011 Matrix is only available in two trim levels – base and S – and is powered by either a 132-horsepower 1.8-liter or 158-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Transmission choices include a four- or five-speed automatic, as well as a five-speed manual, and all-wheel drive is available on the Matrix S when paired with the 2.4-liter powerplant.

New sport packages are available for both Matrix trims, with the S Sport Package incorporating things like 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear underbody spoilers, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and, of course, ‘S’ badging. Pricing has not been released for the 2011 Matrix as of this writing, but we expect the starting MSRP to be just under $17,000. Follow the jump for the official details.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Matrix

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota debuts modestly refreshed 2011 Matrix in Chicago

Toyota debuts modestly refreshed 2011 Matrix in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feds find no evidence of faulty electronics in Toyota models

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Toyota

Toyota car emblem with dealer sign

The ongoing saga of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles has taken another turn today as Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood released a statement indicating that no evidence of electronic problems in runaway Toyotas has been found.

“The jury is back. The verdict is in. There is no electronic-based cause for unintended high-speed acceleration in Toyotas. Period.” said LaHood in a prepared statement. This finding comes at the end of a 10-month investigation carried out jointly by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and NASA that was requested by Congress.

Over 280,000 separate lines of code embedded in the electronics of potentially affected Toyota vehicles were examined by NASA, none of which contained any flaws capable of causing runaway acceleration, says the report.

This isn’t to say that the government has found that Toyota is not at fault in any way. LaHood added, “Our conclusion – that Toyota’s problems were mechanical, not electrical – come after one of the most exhaustive, thorough and intensive research efforts ever undertaken.”

Those mechanical problems, namely sticky accelerator pedals and pedals that got trapped under faulty floor mats, “remain the only known causes for these kind of unsafe unintended acceleration incidents,” says NHTSA. It should prove interesting to see how the courts – both of public opinion and of law – react to these findings.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Ramin Talaie/Getty]

Feds find no evidence of faulty electronics in Toyota models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota confirms Yaris HSD concept gas-electric for Geneva

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Etc., Europe, Technology, Hatchback

2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris – Click above for image gallery

Toyota has big plans to wade into the hybridized B-segment in Europe, and it looks like we may get a peek at the automaker’s first effort in that department at the Geneva Motor Show. The Japanese manufacturer has confirmed that it will unveil its Yaris HSD Concept in March. The company is keeping the details of the concept to itself for the time being, so there’s little information on what kind of powertrain or fuel economy the car will boast when it takes a bow next month. Toyota did say that the Yaris HSD Concept will wear some very hybrid-specific design cues, so expect more than a little Prius influence outside.

While the B-segment is one of the hottest auto markets in Europe, Toyota may be facing a bit of an uphill battle with the notion of a hybrid Yaris. Buyers in the Old Country have been notoriously cold toward gasoline hybrids due to the popularity of high-efficiency diesel engines. Combine that hurdle with the difficulty of making a hybrid drivetrain affordable and Toyota will have to pull some pretty impressive tricks to make this car a viable competitor in Europe. That doesn’t mean we can’t wait to see it on the stage in Geneva, though. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota confirms Yaris HSD concept gas-electric for Geneva

Toyota confirms Yaris HSD concept gas-electric for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota’s unstoppable Land Cruiser turns 60

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Japan, Toyota, UK

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser turns 60 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The year was 1951 and Toyota was hard at work creating a new all-terrain vehicle for military use. After much development, the Toyota BJ was the result of the Japanese automaker’s hard work, and the go-anywhere SUV quickly established itself as a capable workhorse. In fact, it was the first vehicle to be driven to Mt. Fuji’s sixth hill station, a climb rising 2,500 meters. After that feat, the Toyota BJ was applied to police fleets around the country. Sixty years and a name change later, the Toyota Land Cruiser is still running strong around the world.

The Land Cruiser name was applied to the BJ in 1954 and five million of these tough trucks have now been sold around the world. Evolving from the beloved FJ through the 20 Series and on to the 200 Series, the Land Cruiser has gained a level of luxury far removed from its distant BJ ancestor. However, it remains a capable off-road vehicle suited for tackling whatever this planet can throw at it.

Turning 60 is a big deal and Toyota has created two 60th anniversary models of the 2011 Land Cruiser, though these special edition models are currently being built for the UK only. Essentially, the anniversary Land Cruisers are fully-loaded versions of the well-to-do SUV sporting special badging and trim pieces. Follow the jump for Toyota’s official press release.

Gallery: Toyota Land Cruiser turns 60

Toyota Land Cruiser BJ soft top Type 25 BJ Land Cruiser Toyota Land Cruiser 20 Series Toyota Land Cruiser 50 Series Toyota Land Cruiser 60 Series

[Source: Toyota]

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Toyota’s unstoppable Land Cruiser turns 60 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Videos: James Lipton tries to find plural of Prius in Toyota ‘Wordliness’ series

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota, Humor

James Lipton and William Shakespeare

James Lipton and guests work out the correct plural of Prius – Click above to watch video after the jump

Toyota is still working hard to find the plural for the word Prius. Joining in to lend a hand is James Lipton, host of Inside the Actor’s Studio. Lipton sits down with William Shakespeare, Randall the Octopus, MC Flossary, a group of cheerleaders and a spelling bee champion.

Each guest casts their vote for the correct plural of Prius and voting is still open on Toyota’s Prius Family site. Currently, Prii is leading strongly with 40 percent of the vote. Priuses sits in second with 27 percent while Prius, Prium and Prien bring up the rear. We still think a group of the hybrids should be called a smug of Prius, but that’s just us.

The winning word will be revealed on February 20th, 2011 but you still have time to cast your vote. Click past the jump to see what James Lipton and his guests think the correct choice should be.

[Source: Toyota, YouTube]

Continue reading Videos: James Lipton tries to find plural of Prius in Toyota ‘Wordliness’ series

Videos: James Lipton tries to find plural of Prius in Toyota ‘Wordliness’ series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zipcar gets Toyota Prius plug-ins ahead of the car’s official launch

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

Zipcar Toyota Prius PHEV

Want some data sharing with your car sharing? On Thursday, Zipcar added eight Toyota Prius plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) to its car-sharing fleet. The plug-in Priuses, which are not available for purchase until 2012, will be accessible to Zipcar members in Boston, MA, Cambridge, MA, San Francisco, CA, and Portland, OR. Zipcar’s newest additions are part of a broad pilot program aimed at assisting Toyota in obtaining real-world data prior to the plug-ins’ 2012 launch. On the flip side, Zipcar hopes to analyze the use of plug-in hybrids and assess the potential for a broader fleet rollout.

Back in 2009, Zipcar teamed up with the city of San Francisco to test a plug-in Prius. That car, which utilized a plug-in conversion kit provided by A123 Systems, offered up to 40 miles of pure electric range. The battery-only range of Toyota’s plug-in Prius is limited to 13 miles, but Scott Griffith, Zipcar’s chief executive officer, points out that “approximately one-third of our reservations are made for trips equaling less than 13 miles,” which implies that those jaunts could be made in a Prius PHEV without using a drop of gas, as long as there’s enough time to rechage between rentals.

Like all of the other hybrids in Zipcar’s fleet, the plug-in Prius can only be reserved by the hour, with sixty minutes of seat time costing approximately $7.00.

[Source: Zipcar]

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Zipcar gets Toyota Prius plug-ins ahead of the car’s official launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota taking “devil’s advocate” approach to product development

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, Design/Style

Toyota engineers discussing the design of a seat

If you don’t get pinched by the wiper arm on the new Toyota Yaris, you have the company’s new “devil’s advocate” product development philosophy to thank. The approach entails a team of engineers doing things with the car that Toyota wouldn’t normally be able to fathom. The events of the past year have shown that people will do wacky things with their cars, like making floormat layer cakes, and this spurred management changes like more local authority for North American operations.

Toyota has installed more executives in its American plants and given the U.S. arm of the business its own decision-making power on recalls, rather than waiting for word from the home office. A single database of internal and external vehicle quality discussions is also being put together to make Toyota’s reaction more nimble.

There are critics of the efforts. Clarence Ditlow of the Center for Auto Safety doesn’t find a new attitude in Toyota’s response to quality complaints much of a departure from the past, calling it “pretty much the same-old, same-old.” Sean Kane of Safety Research & Strategies opines that Toyota is “biding their time” and still tends to blame the victims rather than solve issues like the ones recently plaguing the company.

Whether Toyota’s reactions are percieved critically or complimentary, there is at least the indication of a desire to rectify a damaging situation, and you can now be sure that many engineering mules are undergoing strange experiments deep in the bowels of some Toyota R&D bunker to quantify the effects of ECU pins shorted by a french fry.

[Source: Advertising Age]

Toyota taking “devil’s advocate” approach to product development originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota-based Subaru Trezia hatchback headed to Europe

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Subaru, Toyota

Subaru Trezia hatchback

Subaru Trezia hatchback – Click above for high-res image gallery

When we think about Toyota-Subaru collaboration, the first thing that comes to mind is the highly anticipated rear-wheel-drive “Toyobaru” project. But while the FT-86 and its Subie sibling are first in our thoughts, it wasn’t number one to market.

Automotive News reports that Subaru is set to unveil the Trezia hatchback in March at the Geneva Auto Show. The roomy five-door, which closely mirrors the Honda Fit in most every measurement, will be a near spot-on match of the Toyota Verso it’s based on, but with an Impreza-style grille slapped on the front clip and some Subaru badging sprinkled throughought. Both the Toyota Verso (named Ractis for JDM consumption) and Subaru Trezia are being sold in Japan now, and both vehicles are destined for Euro showrooms this spring.

In Japan, the Trezia is powered by a choice of 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engines mated to a CVT, but in Europe the 1.5 will be replaced with a 1.4-liter diesel. In Japan, the Trezia can be had with all-wheel-drive provided car buyers check off the box for the more powerful engine, which will likely be the turbodiesel in Europe.

With its roomy interior and diminutive footprint, the Trezia will likely do well overseas. But will we ever see Subaru’s Fit-fighter in North America? With gas prices once again on the rise, it might not be a bad idea.

Gallery: Subaru Trezia

[Source: Automotive News sub. req.]

Toyota-based Subaru Trezia hatchback headed to Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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S&P: Toyota still flush with cash reserves

Filed under: Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Toyota has money

Record fines from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pending litigation from a number of private individuals and insurance agencies and the largest recall in its history haven’t managed to impact Toyota’s bottom line all that badly. According to the Standard & Poor’s Valuation and Risk Strategies group, Toyota still has the most cash reserves of any automaker in the world. The total? Well over $48 billion.

In fact, Toyota is listed as having the second largest-cash pile of all companies, regardless of what market they play in, though Apple would push Toyota to third if S&P counted the tech giant’s money differently. Other automakers with lots of dough on hand include Volkswagen (seventh), General Motors (eighth) and Ford (thirteenth). For what it’s worth, General Electric tops the list with enough coin to keep Scrooge McDuck busy for days.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

S&P: Toyota still flush with cash reserves originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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