Autoblog

REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest issue of EVO hasn't dropped into our laps yet, but our favorite Brit pub apparently got the scoop on another variant of the Toyota FT-86 -- one that's supposedly track tuned and considerably cheaper than the model due to arrive in 2011.

Powered by the same Subaru-sourced, Toyota-tuned boxer four, this supposedly stripped out variant could dispatch some of the standard model's amenities and come equipped with upgraded brakes and suspension components specifically designed for track work and drifting duty. According to EVO, a fully optioned FT-86 would carry a price tag of around $27,000, while this budget-oriented performance model will retail for around $22,000 -- a similar setup to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe RSpec.

EVO goes on to report that Toyota's crosstown rivals are working on a one-make race series for the Honda CR-Z and plan to campaign the hybrid hatch at the 24 hours of Nurburgring enduro in May. The more the merrier we say...

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio

[Source: EVO via FT86Club via Jalopnik]

REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Toyota Prius and 2011 Camry pricing rises a bit

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has released pricing for their extensively upgraded 2011 Sienna and although the starting prices were down a bit compared to the current models, we can't say the same for the Prius and Camry. Tacked to the bottom of the Sienna presser was a chart showing that prices will be going up for the 2010 hatch and its 2011 sedan sibling. The new-in-2009 third-gen Toyota Prius will be $400 dearer, with base MSRPs ranging from $21,400 for the level I model all the way up to $28,070 for the level V. Those prices don't include delivery, processing and handling charges of $750.

The 2011 Toyota Camry prices will go up $200 across the board, while Camry Hybrid prices rise $250 to a starting price of $26,400. The base Camry with a stick now starts at $19,595, while a top-of-the-line V6 XLE is still under thirty grand, at $29,245. Those figures are up by about one percent for the Camry and 1.7 percent for the Prius. The 2011 Toyota Camry will go into production on January 6 in Japan with U.S. production starting February 1. The 2011 models should start showing up in dealerships by the end of January. The Prius price increase becomes effective January 24, 2010. Make the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Toyota Camry

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2010 Toyota Prius and 2011 Camry pricing rises a bit

2010 Toyota Prius and 2011 Camry pricing rises a bit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Toyota Sienna pricing announced, starts at $24,260; sporty SE $30,550

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Minivan/Van, Performance, Toyota, Luxury

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

This is our last Sienna post. We promise. Until we have something else we think is worth sharing. Toyota just released pricing details for the 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan and as expected it will indeed start lower than the 2009 model. Whereas the cheapest version of the current model rang in at $24,600, the newly available four cylinder allows Toyota to offer the significantly upgraded '11 model at a starting price of just $24,260 plus delivery. Hey, $340 is lower.

We recently had a chance to drive the whole range of Siennas and were quite impressed with their road manners, clever use of space, smart safety and infotainment features and yes, even their styling. But the model we came away most impressed with was the sporty new SE. Stepping up to this stiffened, carbon-fiber trimmed SE brings the asking price up to $30,550, while the range-topping Limited with AWD starts just short of forty grand at $39,770.

When Siennas start reaching dealerships next February, V6 models will only be available initially, with the four-cylinder base Sienna and LE joining the lineup in April, along with the SE. It looks like the V6 will add between $1,250 and $3,555 to the price of the base Sienna and LE, the only models available with the Venza's four-banger. In fact, the four-cylinder LE undercuts the V6 base Sienna by a few bucks.

Although Toyota expects to sell just two percent of Siennas equipped with all-wheel drive, the feature is available on LE, XLE and Limited models with a premium of $2,230, $2,340, and $1,270 respectively, over the front-wheel drive versions. Part of the AWD package is those great new Bridgestone runflats we'd love to see standard across the entire Sienna range. Prices, unfortunately, were not released for the options, so there might just be another Sienna post in our future. For now you can read all of the details after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2011 Toyota Sienna pricing announced, starts at $24,260; sporty SE $30,550

2011 Toyota Sienna pricing announced, starts at $24,260; sporty SE $30,550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Supra HV-R GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's pulled out of F1, but that doesn't mean the company has lost its will to win with cutting edge tech. Rumors suggest it's dusting off the underpinnings of the Hybrid Supra HV-R it used to win the Tokkachi 24-Hour race two years ago, and staring at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a glint in its eye.

The Supra HV-R used a 473-horsepower V8 that gets help from regenerative braking, a quick-charging capacitor, and three additional electric motors: two in the front wheels, one in the back of the car. Toyota would need to upgrade the tech, prep the car for the GT1 class, and test it, so a 2012 race entry is hypothesized were such a thing to happen.

As far as we're concerned, anything that could lead to bringing back a Supra -- even if only in race trim to begin with -- is all right with us. Especially one with 473 horses, gobs of torque and a date with the Mulsanne straight. Toyota, please do this...

Gallery: Denso SARD Supra HV-R

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step

Chris Paukert — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Toyota

Toyota/Lexus gas pedal recall modification - click above for gallery

Late last month, Toyota announced that it would begin its biggest recall action ever, summoning 3.8 million cars and trucks back to its dealers to combat "pedal entrapment" by cutting down the accelerator pedals of customer cars to avoid them getting hung-up on floormats, resulting in "unintended acceleration." Although Toyota plans to eventually substitute redesigned units for the shaved pedals (beginning in April), for the moment, it's shaved pedals or nothing.

Up until now, we didn't know what went into the modification process or how the finished pedal looks, as Toyota has worked hard to keep this process confidential. However, thanks to an anonymous Autoblog reader who happens to work in service at a Lexus franchise, we now have a much better idea of what goes into the process. Our source reveals that he's only witnessed the alteration carried out on a ES350, not the IS or any other Toyota model, but we imagine the process is quite similar for other vehicles.

In any case, the procedure is surprisingly involved, with the automaker providing the following tools to every dealership: A cutter, an electric sanding wheel, a gauge to measure how much of the pedal is to be removed and a smaller foam block to go under the carpet. Lexus is disbursing people from its area offices to train dealer technicians on the process, and Toyota is undoubtedly doing the same.

We'll let our source take it from here:

"We will have to remove the gas pedal from the vehicle and place it on a vise. Using the gauge, we are to mark the amount to be removed and cut it off. After this, we take the sanding wheel and angle the edges to make a smooth contoured surface that both looks nice and will not stick to the floor carpet or floor mat.

Also included in the repair is to replace a foam block under the floor carpet with a smaller one to lower the height of the floor slightly behind the gas pedal. What was explained to us is the foam block is glued to the bottom of the floor carpet from the factory. The block will need to be removed by heating the top side of the floor carpet with a hair dryer - not a heat gun. This is to prevent burning of the floor carpet.

(Click through to the jump for the rest of the process and more details)

Gallery: Toyota/Lexus gas pedal recall modification

Continue reading Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step

Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna tries to make the minivan cool

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Performance, Toyota, First Drive, Luxury

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan minivans revolutionized family transportation when they were introduced back in 1983. Nevermind that Volkswagon had been selling people-friendly vans for decades, it was Chrysler's "magic wagons" that came to define the minivan for Americans. With decent car-based road manners, easy-access sliding doors and clever packaging, minivans quickly replaced the station wagon as our favored Wally World-bound chariots. Minivan sales peaked at more than 1 million sales in 2002, but the following year, customers discovered something else: The SUV.

The minivan has a chance at a comeback... cool or not.

Overnight, minivans and their drivers turned into punchlines - an emblem for those who'd given up on driving excitement. Despite the traditional minivan's utility, drivability and fuel efficiency, the masses flocked to Hummers and GMC Denalis, but the SUV's reign was short-lived. Skyrocketing fuel prices have made family-friendly crossovers the new hot commodity, but Toyota - even with its line of competent CUVs - hadn't given up on the minivan just yet. In fact, Toyota predicts that the minivan market will grow by 30 percent over the next few years (to about 600,000 units), as young families and empty-nesters once again discover the inherent merits of a car-based box with sliders. But while minivans are no doubt practical, they're far from cool.

The 2011 Toyota Sienna was designed to challenge that assumption.

Patterned after the F3R concept, the new Sienna apes the Honda Odyssey's square shoulders but grafts on a Venza-like nose and tail. There's something for everyone with five different trim levels, two different engines, front- or all-wheel drive, and even a sport-tuned SE edition. Yep, Toyota thinks the world is ready for a sporty minivan. They recently invited us down to sample their new range of people movers, and we spent a day driving them up and down the coast, along freeways and around neighborhoods, and even down one of Southern California's famed canyon roads, all in an effort to prove that the minivan is ready to be thrust back to the top.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna tries to make the minivan cool

First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna tries to make the minivan cool originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota releases full product information guide for 2011 Sienna

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Toyota, Luxury

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has just released the full spec sheet for their 2011 Sienna minivan. This third-generation people hauler should be in dealerships by February with your choice of five different trim levels, the carryover 266-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 or a newly available 187 horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder, and front- or all-wheel drive. They ride on an updated version of the current platform but feature extensive reinforcements to increase rigidity and drastically revised suspensions. They also use a new hill-logic-equipped six-speed automatic transmission. While the Sienna hasn't grown externally, there is more space inside and the Sienna has gained about 100 pounds.

The lightest four-cylinder models weigh in at 4,275 lbs., while the V6 adds just 30 pounds to that total. With mileage ratings that are only 1-2 MPG better than the bent six and such a small weight penalty, we question how many people will opt for the four-banger. It will surely come down to pricing (which has not been announced yet). Sienna AWD buyers will pay a 200-pound penalty, but they are the only ones to get third-gen Bridgestone runflats. While no towing figures were released for the 2.7-liter, the 2011 Sienna is rated at 3,500 pounds with the V6.

Toyota has announced that they will be simplifying their vehicle combinations with the Sienna, so there are fewer individual options and more packages. Major options packages include Preferred Packages for LE and SE that add XLE-like features, and Entertainment (16-inch Dual-View rear video screen) and Premium Packages for XLE and Limited that consist of the Entertainment package plus a touch-screen navigation system and a JBL sound system. Navi can be ordered separately on XLE and Limited as well. The slick Lounge Seating equipped Limited can also be ordered with a Convenience Package (HIDs with auto-off and automatic high beams as well as rain sensing wipers) and the Advanced Technology Package, which adds such Lexus-like features as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Pre-Collision System (PCS), Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM), and Hill Assist Control (HAC). If you can't wait, you can read all of the stats and features in the lengthy press release after the jump, or you can just wait until around 12pm Eastern time when we publish our first drive. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota releases full product information guide for 2011 Sienna

Toyota releases full product information guide for 2011 Sienna originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Subaru spokesman concerned that RWD Toyobaru could dilute brand identity

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Subaru, Toyota

Subaru Sports Coupe Renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

It should come as no surprised that Subaru -- a brand that's made its name in the States for offering rugged, all-wheel drive vehicles -- is a little wary about bringing its own version of the RWD Toyobaru to the U.S.

Speaking with Wards Auto, Subaru spokesperson Michael McHale said, "We're an all-wheel drive brand," going on to say that, "If it doesn't affect the core of the brand, maybe we'd bring it in as an interesting option."

Although we've yet to seen the Subaru variant of the Toyota FT-86, the rebodied version is expected to debut sometime in 2010, with both examples going on sale in Japan later next year or in early 2011. Power is supposedly supplied by Subaru-sourced, Toyota-tweaked flat-four, putting out around 200 horsepower in naturally aspirated guise.

For Toyota to make a business case for putting the FT-86 into production, it's been all but assumed that the RWD coupe would go on sale in markets outside of Japan -- specifically in Europe and North America. However, the Subaru version's fate isn't quite as clear. If earlier reports are any indication, offering an AWD coupe could be a possibility given the coupe's underpinnings. But if it's strictly RWD, McHale hopes consumers can, "forgive us a one-off exception."

Gallery: Subaru FT-86 Sports Coupe renderings

[Source: Wards Auto]

REPORT: Subaru spokesman concerned that RWD Toyobaru could dilute brand identity originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin shows off completed Cygnet, Euro sales in 2010

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Aston Martin, Toyota

Aston Martin Cygnet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year, we saw photos of Aston Martin designers working on a clay-covered Toyota iQ in the studio and applying typical Aston styling cues to it. Creating a leather clad urban commuter car struck us as a dubious proposition for an upscale brand like Aston Martin, but nevertheless the Cygnet is now complete and Aston has released a fresh batch of photos.

While the Aston Martin face is well suited to the extended nose of a DBS or Rapide, we think it looks more than a bit overwrought on the front of the tiny Toyota. On the inside, virtually all of the available surfaces have been covered in red and black premium leather. For the time being, the Cygnet is a concept only, but Aston says it hopes to have it in production in 2010 for European and UK customers. There's no word yet on price, but in the meantime, you can check out our high-res gallery below and brief press release after the jump.

Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin shows off completed Cygnet, Euro sales in 2010

Aston Martin shows off completed Cygnet, Euro sales in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Truck, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Electric

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of The Autoblog Podcast, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an electric SLS supercar. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an all new hybrid that we'll see at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and today's announcement of a PHEV Prius. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the BMW's Z4 sDrive35is and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up.

For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Hybrid Concept teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota, the Undisputed Heavyweight Hybrid Champion of the World, has just announced that it will unveil a new gas-electric concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Beyond that, details are decidedly scarce. As a dedicated model, this apparently won't be a hybridized version of a current Toyota model but a new vehicle entirely, and, judging by the two teaser images released with the announcement, it doesn't appear to be quite like anything the automaker has shown us before.

With that out of the way, let's speculate a bit. We've been hearing that Toyota is considering expanding its Prius range with both a sporty coupe and a roomier wagon, so this could be a conceptual version of one of those models. Or not. We'll find out for sure on January 11 when we point our own DSLR lenses at the concept in Detroit. In the meantime, feel free to hit the jump for the extremely brief press release and peruse the two high-res teaser images in our gallery below.

Gallery: Toyota Hybrid Concept Teaser

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle

Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Australian Yaris ad gets banned for being raunchy

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST

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

"Clean Getaways" - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Controversy's rearing its tawdry head Down Under as a Toyota film contest has got some laughing, others crying foul play. The Clever Film Competition solicited contestants to come up with 30-second commercial clips for the Toyota Yaris, awarding $7000 (well, Australian dollars anyway) to the winning entry. And while the rules stated that the entries cannot be "immoral" or "contain any obscene language," one contestant evidently felt the boundaries ought to be pushed a little. And the judges evidently agreed.

The winning entry - entitled "Clean Getaways" - portrays a young Yaris driver picking up his date and encountering her father at the door. The exchange between them is packed with more innuendo than a porn star's Lamborghini, and though Toyota's local spokesman says they're not distancing themselves from the clip, public outcry has resulted in it being pulled from the contest website. Fortunately, we've got it posted after the jump for your enjoyment... just don't watch it with the boss hovering around. Or the wife, for that matter. On second thought, better watch it when no one's around. But watch it just the same. Cheers to Mark and Oleg for the tips!

[Sources: news.com.au; Toyota via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Australian Yaris ad gets banned for being raunchy

VIDEO: Australian Yaris ad gets banned for being raunchy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

Toyota Prius PHEV - click above for high-res image gallery

In Japan today, Toyota officially launched its Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) lease program. Over the next six months, Toyota will be building and deploying 600 examples of the plug-in Prius for testing primarilly in Japan, United States and Europe. The Japanese market will get 230 units, with 150 coming to the States and 200 going to Europe. The cars will be leased to government, commercial, and university fleets for field testing that help to gather more data on how PHEVs are used in the real world.

To accommodate plug-in charging the Prius gets a 5.2 kWh lithium ion battery pack in place of the standard nickel metal hydride unit. The battery and associated charging hardware appear to be the only significant mechanical changes to the PHEV. The motor and other hybrid hardware are apparently carried over intact. Even with the standard motor, Toyota claims a maximum EV speed of 62 mph.

On the Japanese JC08 cycle, the Prius can run about 14.5 miles before depleting the battery. It's not clear what the performance level will be in EV mode and what sort of driving will trigger the engine to start up while the battery still has available power. Based on that driving cycle, the PHEV is rated at 72 mpg (U.S.) in post-EV hybrid mode which compares with the 50 mpg or so that we typically see in real use. Since the hybrid system is essentially unchanged, the 14 mile range is probably a bit optimistic. The combined efficiency based on a utility factor of .436 (43.6 percent of driving in EV mode) the Prius is rated at 134 mpg (U.S.). The PHEV Prius will undoubtedly get very good mileage, but we suspect that triple digits are unlikely for most people. During the presentation, Toyota also announced a target of retail sales for the PHEV of late 2011 at an "affordable" price. Video of the presentation and the press release are after the jump.

Presentations:

Gallery: Toyota Prius PHEV concept

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011

Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota running all North American plants on overtime to meet demand

Chris Shunk — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Toyota

2009 Toyota RAV4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For over a decade, Toyota had been frantically building up its North American infrastructure to build more and more cars and trucks. The plan was going smoothly until the new car market collapsed, leaving barren plants in its wake. But it appears as though Toyota is getting back on its feet. Automotive News now reports that the Japanese automaker is now running all of its North American plants on overtime to meet demand and replenish depleted vehicle reserves.

Among the Toyota plants cranking at full steam is the company's Woodstock, Ontario plant that produces the RAV4. Compact crossovers are hot in the market right now and the Japanese automaker is reportedly looking to add a second shift to crank out more copies of its popular (not so) little CUV. Adding a second shift to the facility will result in 800 new hires at the plant; news that is sure to be well received in the region. The plan is to get the workers trained and have both shifts running at an annualized rate of 150,000 vehicles by April 1. Toyota has even increased Corolla production by adding Saturday shifts at its soon-to-close New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. facility in Fremont, California. In spite of the increased demand for its efficient compact, Toyota reportedly doesn't plan to reverse its plan to close the factory by the end of March, and the move could be a case of Toyota stockpiling production as it adjusts to life without NUMMI.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota RAV4

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

REPORT: Toyota running all North American plants on overtime to meet demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study

Chris Shunk — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Lexus, Toyota

J.D. Power has released its 2009 Sales Satisfaction Index, and 29 of 38 brands improved their standing versus last year's numbers. The industry watchdogs at Power say that sales people improved the most over 2008, which isn't surprising given the fact that fewer vehicles are flying off dealer lots and every customer is a precious commodity. Even with the improved standing versus 2008, J.D. Power says that brands still lost 12% of sales on average due to poor service at the dealer level, a statistic that could have automakers cringing.

Jaguar took top luxury honors for the second straight year with an 898 index score, beating second place Cadillac by a scant five points. J.D. Power says Jaguar excels in both salesperson interactions and the handling of the dreaded financing/paperwork. The top five rounds out with Lexus, Mercedes Benz and Land Rover. Audi performed most poorly of any brand studied, while Infiniti and Volvo also fared poorly.

Mercury was the top non-luxury make with a score of 867, followed by Smart, Buick, Pontiac and Chevrolet. Mercury reportedly scored well on all five categories tested, though we're a bit puzzled how Mercury could beat Lincoln by four points in spite of the fact that the two makes usually share a common dealership. Japanese and Korean brand-dealers scored poorly in the survey as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Kia and Mazda all scored below the industry average of 832.

General Motors and Ford dealers fared very well in the survey, with all of their brands except Lincoln coming in over the industry average. Chrysler brands, however, did not do as well, with all three makes falling under the industry Mendoza line. Mitsubishi was by far the worst dealership to deal with, with an industry-low 778 index score. Hit the jump to read over the J.D. Power press release and click on the gallery below to view the survey scores for both luxury and mass market offerings.

Gallery: JD Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction Study

[Source: J.D. Power]

Continue reading Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study

Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Lexus, Scion, Toyota, Design/Style

Toyota's Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, CA - Click above for high-res image gallery

In anticipation of the debut of the all-new 2011 Toyota Sienna at the 2009 LA Auto Show in December, the folks responsible for the minivan invited us to take a peek inside their Calty design center in Newport Beach, California. Calty Design Research is the Toyota design center that created production cars like the '78, '90 and '00 Toyota Celica, '07 FJ Cruiser, '07 Tundra, '08 Highlander, '08 Scion xB, and '09 Venza, as well as the Lexus LF-C, FT-SX, Scion t2B, Scion FUSE, FT-HS and A-BAT concepts.

It's not very often that they open the doors of this design center to the public - let alone journalists - so we jumped at the chance. We spent a day with the group directly responsible for the 2011 Sienna and also met with Calty and Toyota officials. It was an enlightening day in which we learned about what inspired this third generation people-hauler, what Calty offers to differentiate it from other Toyota design houses, and why full-size clay models are still so important in the world of design, among other things.

Follow the jump to travel with us past the velvet rope and into Calty.

Gallery: Calty Design Research Tour

Continue reading Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center

Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports: Over 40 percent of 'sudden acceleration' claims involve Toyota

Chris Shunk — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Ford, Toyota

We're guessing you've heard about Toyota's massive 3.8 million vehicle recall for unintended acceleration. It appears to be an issue that could have potentially resulted in several deaths and reports of hundreds of accidents. Consumer Reports wanted to dig deeper on the matter, studying National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data for the 2008 model year. CR chose 2008 because the claims occurred prior to the widespread media coverage that has resulted in a flood of new complaints.

In studying NHTSA's accumulated 5,916 reports CR found that 166 involved unintended acceleration complaints. Of those, 128 were reported prior to August 28, 2009, when a California family was killed in a Lexus sedan experiencing uncontrollable acceleration. Of those 128 complaints, 47 came from Toyota and five from Lexus, representing 41 percent of overall unintended acceleration complaints. That's obviously a disproportionate amount of reports for an automaker with 16 percent of the US market's overall share. Here's one complaint logged by NHTSA.

"I felt the vehicle [2008 Lexus ES 350] increasing in speed to about 90 mph, without depressing the accelerator. I had been on cruise control at about 73 mph... [A] passenger screamed at me to slow down. I was unable to do so, even after stepping forcefully on the brakes."

While Toyota had a disproportionate amount of unintended acceleration claims, the Japanese automaker wasn't alone. Ford received an also high 36 overall complaints, or 28 percent of all U.S. models. The F-150 appears to have been one of the Blue Oval's main culprits, and complaints ranged from a gas pedal that was too wide to an engine that decided to go buck wild.

"The engine immediately increased in rpm to the point where the rear tires began spinning on the gravel. I put the transmission in Neutral and the engine rpm increased. I removed my foot from the brake and the engine continued at a very high rpm. I then depressed and released the accelerator and the engine returned to a normal idle."

While Toyota and Ford have the lion's share of unintended acceleration claims, other automakers have a disproportionately low amount of complaints. Chrysler came in with 11 complaints, GM had seven, Honda had five and Nissan had three. Head over to Consumer Reports for its full report and more information on unintended acceleration.

UPDATE: Numbers and percentages mentioned in second paragraph further clarified.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports: Over 40 percent of 'sudden acceleration' claims involve Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota to add 850 more jobs in San Antonio to build more pickups

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

2007 Toyota Tundra Limited - click above for high resolution gallery

NUMMI's loss will be San Antonio's gain. Toyota is adding a second shift at its truck plant and looking to hire 850 workers for the production increase, and since Toyota's suppliers are located on-site, they're also adding a second shift and hiring.

The relocated Tacoma production from NUMMI is projected to roll 150,000 vehicles out per year, still below the 200,000 trucks Toyota wanted to be making when it launched the current Tundra. It's a way for Toyota to hedge its pickup bets. When the market for the biggies sags, Tacomas may be more appealing; the plant could adjust its mix and keep going. While Toyota's pickup volume is a small slice of the market, San Antonio may wind up loving the Tundra and Tacoma in a big way.

Gallery: 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Toyota to add 850 more jobs in San Antonio to build more pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIA gives Sauber the green light to fill Toyota's slot

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, BMW, Toyota

After months in limbo, the FIA has released a short statement to announce that it has approved the Sauber F1 team - formerly owned by BMW - to fill Toyota's vacant spot on the grid for next year's F1 championship.

The announcement puts an end to a long period of uncertainty for the Swiss team that started when BMW announced it would withdraw its support. A deal was then penned with a shady investment firm known as Qadbak. But after Qadbak emerged as little more than a shell company for a convicted fraudster, the team's founder and namesake Peter Sauber negotiated a deal to buy the team back from the departing Bavarian automaker.

BMW motorsport chief Mario Thiessen - who supervised the company's F1 participation from providing engines to Williams through its purchase of Sauber - has announced that he'll remain with BMW and not leave with Sauber, leaving old Peter in charge.

The newly independent team has reportedly negotiated a deal to run Ferrari engines next season, an arrangement that powered Sauber F1 cars for eight years, rebadged as Petronas under the sponsor's name. Reports also suggest that Giancarlo Fisichella - who raced for Sauber in 2004 alongside Felipe Massa - could drive for the team once again in parallel to his Ferrari test duties.

A revised entry list is expected within the next few days. Follow the jump for the FIA's official announcement.

[Source: FIA | Image: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading FIA gives Sauber the green light to fill Toyota's slot

FIA gives Sauber the green light to fill Toyota's slot originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Challenger tops Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey

Chris Shunk — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Toyota

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery

Consumer Reports has surveyed 380,000 subscribers to rank the most satisfied new car owners and a newcomer came in and dethroned the Toyota Prius. An amazing 92 percent of V8-powered Dodge Challenger owners said that they would definitely buy another Mopar pony car if they had the chance to do it all over again. That's a big-time win for Chrysler, as the Pentastar has been getting dinged badly in recent CR studies. Hybrids have been very popular in the satisfaction survey over the past few years, but the perennial champ Prius wasn't even the number one battery-assisted model. That honor goes to the new Ford Fusion Hybrid, which came in second overall with a 91 percent rating. The Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911 and Prius round out the top five. To make the top of the satisfaction list at least 80 percent of customers need to say that they would definitely buy the same vehicle again.

Detroit automakers substantially improved their standing in the annual survey versus last year, as nine percent of overall Motown models were at the top of the list. That's still down substantially against the 12 percent Asian automakers and 23 percent of European automakers scored in the top tier. While GM, Ford and Chrysler each found success at the top, each scoring a hit in the top five, two of the three automakers also filled out the entire bottom ten. Owners of the four cylinder Chrysler Sebring were the least satisfied among all surveyed. In all, GM had seven of the bottom ten while Chrysler had three unlovable losers. Head over to the Consumer Reports site for more details.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Dodge Challenger tops Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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