Tag: toyota

Report: Two new RWD Toyota sports cars to join FR-S?

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Scion, Toyota, Rumormill

2013 Scion FR-S

Toyota as we know it could become a thing of the past. According to Australian site Car Advice, the Japanese brand known for bland cruisers like the Camry and Corolla is preparing to bring two new rear-drive cars to market that would slot above and below the Scion-badged FR-S. This is very, very good news.

Car Advice spoke to the GT86/FR-S’ chief engineer, Tatsuya Tada, who claimed, “Akio Toyoda always says to me, Toyota sports car [family] should be three sports car brothers. 86 is in the middle.” The oldest “brother” would be the spiritual successor to the Supra, even if it doesn’t wear that name. Tada is in charge of that project, while a sub-GT86 project is being headed-up elsewhere.

Tada refused to comment on names (CA specifically mentions MR2 and Celica) for the new small car, but did say that, “Yes it is rear-wheel drive and that’s Toyota’s strong position – Toyota sports car must be rear-wheel drive.” Perhaps the juiciest bit of information obtained from Tada’s interview with Car Advice was his hinting that both new sports cars would be joint ventures, like the GT86/FR-S/Subaru BRZ triplets. Tada wouldn’t say who Toyota was in bed with on the smaller model, but did mention that the Supra would be a product of the world’s largest automaker’s partnership with BMW.

Now, things can and do change often, so we’d advise taking this information with a grain of salt. Still, the above report basically confirms a 2012 story on the return of the MR2 and Supra, while filling in a few blank details, like the fact that both cars will be join projects with other manufacturers. Looks like the next few years will be exciting for Toyota fans.

Two new RWD Toyota sports cars to join FR-S? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Aug 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota Hilux Invincible sounds as robust as it looks

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Work, Off-Road

Toyota HiLux Invincible

The Hilux might not be the only Toyota product that we Americans don’t get, but with respect to our collective want for JDM jewels like the Alphard, Aygo and of course the noble Crown, it’s the forbidden-fruit pickup that we most lust after. As you’d suspect, announcing a new Invincible trim-level for the truck doesn’t make us want the thing any less, either.

Toyota Europe announced some specifics of the HiLux Invincible in a press release today, noting that the new grade adds a does of style to match the trucks hard-won reputation for toughness. Chrome accents, two-tone alloy wheels and an all-black leather package don’t exactly scream “indomitable” to us, but the Hilux does look pretty spiffy.

In terms of function, the Invincible should still prove plenty rugged. The truck can be had with two-or four-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmissions and with the buyer’s choice of a 2.5-liter or 3.0-liter diesel engines. Follow on to find a brief press release from Toyota Europe.

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Toyota Hilux Invincible sounds as robust as it looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Aug 2013 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota promises Hybrid-R concept for Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Technology, Toyota

Toyota Hybrid-R Concept badge

Toyota will be bringing a new concept car to the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Dubbed Hybrid-R, Toyota says the concept will feature the same Toyota Hybrid System-Racing tech found in the automaker’s latest endurance car, the TS030 Hybrid.

That car took second place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with a gas-powered, 3.4-liter, naturally aspirated V8 and a capacitor-based hybrid system. The result was 530 ponies from the engine and an extra 300 horsepower from the electric motor and batteries.

Toyota’s press release came with but one image, a new Hybrid badge which is a far cry from the Hybrid Synergy Drive label found on the automaker’s other offerings. There’s really not much else to go on yet, but the news that Toyota is already adapting its racing tech for a concept bodes well for the future of exciting, hybridized offerings from the automaker. We’ll be at Frankfurt live, and will be sure to bring you all the news on this new concept as it becomes available.

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Toyota promises Hybrid-R concept for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Aug 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Toyota Tundra gets five grades priced from $25,920*

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Work, Toyota, Off-Road

2014 Toyota Tundra front three-quarter view

Toyota has announced pricing details for its refreshed 2014 Tundra, with the fullsize pickup offered in five grades. Naturally, that doesn’t include the buyer’s choice of three cab styles, the option of two- or four-wheel drive, and a choice of a 4.0-liter V6 base engine or 4.6-liter and 5.7-liter V8s.

The base SR starts at $25,920, while the volume SR5 model starts at $29,465. Toyota notes that all SR5s ordered with the big V8 hold the line on pricing from 2013 while including a further $650 in standard equipment. The first of three high-end trims, Limited, starts at $36,940, while the Platinum and 1794 Edition both start at $44,270, with all prices subject to a $995 destination charge. Also noteworthy on the cost-savings front, Limited CrewMax 4×4 models are priced $2,000 less than their 2013 equivalents, (4×2 buyers save $1,900).

As is typical for a model as as customizable as a pickup, Toyota’s pricing structure is far from simple. Adding the 5.7-liter V8 at one trim level can cost several hundred dollars more or less than another trim level – the same goes for adding four-wheel drive. So, rather than break out the Enigma Machine to try and decipher what options cost what on which trim, we’ve just rolled the whole pricing chart in. Scroll down for a look, including Toyota’s full press release, and then check out our recent First Drive feature of the truck.

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2014 Toyota Tundra gets five grades priced from $25,920* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Aug 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Toyota builds world’s first ‘outdoor website’ for RAV4 promo

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota

toyota rav-4 outdoor website with bike rider

This whole thing started with the premise that Toyota’s target RAV4 buyers are people who spend their time cycling, hiking, and generally not in front of computer screens. These people are therefore not able to benefit from the full website experience that Toyota has built for the RAV4. We should clarify that the video below is for Toyota South Africa, and maybe RAV4 buyers there really are the disgustingly outdoorsy ideal that us bacon-eaters are not living up to.

Toyota’s agency partner, Hello Computer, set up a 1.8-kilometer track at a cycle park that replicated sections of the automaker’s website with real physical displays and interactive feedback. Riders were asked to leave their mouses and hit the trail on a mountain bike to experience the RAV4 Outdoor Website and learn about the vehicle.

That seems like a lot of effort for something that’s available on the smartphones of these hyper-active people who aren’t in front of computers, but hooray for creatively conquering a problem that didn’t exist. Hey, let’s not be complete wet blankets – maybe some of the cyclists that ran the Toyota gauntlet got a RAV4 for their to- and fro-ing after the experience. Check out the video of the outdoor website below.

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Toyota builds world’s first ‘outdoor website’ for RAV4 promo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalling 342k Tacomas due to faulty seatbelt pretensioners

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

2008 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab front three-quarter

Toyota is voluntarily recalling 342,000 Tacoma Access Cab pickups, produced between 2004 and 2011. The wide-ranging recall is due to faults in the screws that attach the belt pre-tensioner to the belt retractor. There are concerns that the screws can loosen themselves over time, especially if the access door is opened and closed with too much force. It’s important to note that the recall only covers the driver and front passenger seat, and is limited to just the Access Cab trucks. Other body styles aren’t affected.

If the screws come loose, the pre-tensioner and retractor spring could separate from the belt entirely, which would be bad news in a crash. There’s no mention of injuries or accidents due to the faulty pre-tensioners. Owners affected by the recall will be notified soon, and asked to come in for recall service.

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Toyota recalling 342k Tacomas due to faulty seatbelt pretensioners originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Aug 2013 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota Tacoma X-Runner dead

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Toyota

A report from last week indicated that Toyota will begin trimming models from its Tacoma lineup starting with the Regular Cab in 2015, but the popular pickup will lose its first variant even sooner than that. For 2014, the Tacoma X-Runner has been dropped, though the company’s SR Package could fill the need of those looking for a sporty pickup.

The X-Runner has been around since 2005 with its lowered stance, aftermarket-look body kit and bright paint colors, all of which are offered available only on V6-powered, two-wheel-drive Access Cab Tacomas. The new SR Package sounds like it will offer a somewhat similar appearance, though, with a monotone exterior paint scheme in limited colors accented with smoked headlights, but it will only be offered on Pre-Runner and 4×4 models. Other changes being made to the 2014 Tacoma include a new wheel option with black finish, a wider variety of Entune multimedia features, and the option to have the backup camera display moved from the rearview mirror to the audio system head unit.

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Toyota Tacoma X-Runner dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Aug 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota Matrix discontinued for 2014

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Toyota

Between its slow sales and the upcoming redesign of the closely related Corolla sedan, things haven’t been looking good for the Toyota Matrix (for some time now). After 10 years on the market, Toyota has officially announced that it will drop the Matrix from its US lineup following the 2013 model year.

The announcement was made as a part of a press release breaking down what’s new for Toyota in 2014, but for now, it doesn’t look like any Toyota-branded product will fill the Matrix’s spot. The Matrix and its sister car, the defunct Pontiac Vibe, were the final vehicles developed under the joint venture between Toyota and General Motors, an arrangement launched back to 1984.

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Toyota Matrix discontinued for 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Aug 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota reports huge quarterly profit increase, raises forecast for the year

Filed under: Toyota, Earnings/Financials

2014 Toyota Tundra Grille

Toyota isn’t just the world’s largest automaker – so far its the biggest winner for quarterly profits. With an enormous $5.5 billion take during Q2, Toyota took advantage of the weak Japanese yen and strong US demand to record a 94-percent improvement in profit over the same period from last year. So far, Toyota brought in larger profits than Ford and General Motors combined.

Toyota is showing no signs of slowing down either, as it has bumped up its forecast for full-year global production, going from 9.94 million to 10.12 million vehicles, on the back of a 13-percent drop in the buying power of the Japanese yen versus the US dollar. That strong exchange rate is largely responsible for Toyota’s big jump in profits, although it also managed to shift 1.3 million vehicles in the US market this year. Strong Camry sales have also helped. But while Toyota is raking in the cash, it actually saw a small drop in market share, down 0.1 percent to 14.3 percent of the US market.

As is the case with most automakers, Toyota seems flummoxed by Europe, where it recorded less than one percent of its revenue. Still, as Automotive News points out, Toyota only maintains a 4.5-percent market share in Europe and is far less dependent on the continent than other manufacturers. Toyota also struggled at home, much like Honda. With 525,777 units sold, JDM sales were down almost 51,000 units, although Toyota still saw its operating profit jump from $3.5 billion to $4.6 billion.

Scroll down for Toyota’s official press release.

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Toyota reports huge quarterly profit increase, raises forecast for the year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Aug 2013 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota to drop regular-cab Tacoma as small pickups take another hit

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Toyota

2013 Toyota Tacoma regular cab - white - front three-quarter view

Even as General Motors prepares to redesign its midsize pickups, the market for sub-fullsize trucks continues to shrink. The remaining competitors in the segment are the well-aged Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma, and now Truck Trend is reporting that the latter will be dropping its regular cab model due to poor sales.

According to the article, the available configurations for the Tacoma lineup will be whittled down in 2015, which apparently spells the end for the two-door Taco. The Tacoma is currently the last truck in its class to be offered in a regular cab configuration, with the Frontier no longer offering a standard cab model and spy shots of the next-gen Chevrolet Colorado not revealing any glimpse of a short cab, either.

Toyota to drop regular-cab Tacoma as small pickups take another hit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Aug 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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