Toyota will start producing hybrid cars in Australia amid growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, according to local media reports.
The Japanese auto giant plans to make the Toyota Camry Hybrid in Australia in 2010 by using existing production lines for its standard Camry model, the Nikkei business daily said.
It would also start production at its Thailand plant, scheduled for later this year, it said.
The news comes as the Rudd Government urges the nation's car industry to adapt to climate change, after Holden moved to cut up to 531 jobs by ceasing production of four-cylinder engines by the end of next year.
Holden was criticised for slashing the jobs before the completion of the Bracks review into the car industry but the company insisted reduced export demand for its Family II engine had resulted in its four-cylinder Melbourne operation being reduced to less than 50 per cent capacity.
While Holden said the 27-year-old engine had reached the end of "its life cycle", Industry Minister Kim Carr said the engine would not be able to meet emission standards in its key export markets.
"This highlights the pressure on the industry as a whole to adapt to climate change and the need for fuel efficiency," he said.
Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson said it was important that every possible measure was taken to ensure Australia continued to have a car manufacturing industry.
"We think that governments need to do everything that they reasonably can to support car manufacturing in Australia," he said.
Nikkei says Toyota aims to lift production of hybrid vehicles to 10,000 units within three to four years at both the Australian and Thai plants.
The Japanese automaker was the pioneer of hybrids, which deliver power by switching between a regular engine and an electric motor. Hybrids have proven a hit, particularly in North America, at a time of skyrocketting oil prices.
Toyota is widely expected in the current year to become the world's top automaker, surpassing US giant General Motors which is in the midst of restructuring.
Toyota introduced the hybrid in 1997. Production is largely in Japan, although it has also made them in the United States and China.
Toyota's hybrid output jumped 25 per cent to 430,000 units in 2007 and is expected to soar to one million units in the early 2010s.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi planned to launch an eco-friendly electric vehicle based on its subcompact small car in Japan next year, Nikkei said.
Annual output is estimated at 2000 cars at the start and will be raised to 10,000 in 2011, it said.
Exports were to start in 2010 to Britain, France and other parts of Europe as well as to Australia, Singapore and the United States, it said.
Officials of the two companies could not immediately be reached for comment.
Sales of eco-friendly cars have been rising not only in Japan and the United States but also in developing countries in South-East
Toyota to make Electric and Gas cars
2009 Porsche 911 Carrera
In the race for change, the Porsche 911 could lose to an Icelandic glacier. But as with most evolutionary processes, it doesn’t stop. Such is the flow of new product from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Less than one year since the GT2, the last variation of the 997—phase one—was launched, the next 911 is here. It's still called the 997, though, indicating that changes to the legendary sports car are modest.
The body remains unchanged, but Porsche apparently thinks the 911 needs daytime running lights so it won't be overlooked on the road. Admittedly, these LED units also look cool . . . maybe not as cool as those on the Audi R8, but cool nonetheless. The new LED rear lights look aggressive on the road, and their shape is slightly altered. The dashboard is also modified with redesigned knobs and buttons, which makes for a more rounded, less technical appearance.
No 911 ever feels underpowered—it is one of the lightest cars in its class—but Porsche is catching up with the competition in the horsepower department. The 911 Carrera's 3.6-liter engine jumps from 325 horsepower to 345 horsepower, the 3.8-liter unit in the Carrera S gets 385 horsepower, up from 355. Both engines are equipped with direct-injection technology, an expensive and complex technology that significantly improves fuel efficiency. The base 911 Carrera is rated at a remarkable 24 mpg in the European cycle.
New Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission
More significant even than the bump in horsepower is the new seven-speed dual clutch transmission, which replaces the previous five-speed Tiptronic automatic. Known as “PDK” (Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe), the new transmission is the latest evolution of the same basic technology developed by none other than Porsche in the early '80s for racing applications, as it saves time by providing seamless upshifts and downshifts. It debuted in 1983 in the 956 and was subsequently used in the 962 race cars. The technology was then largely forgotten until, supposedly, Ferdinand Piëch thought of it again and launched it in a series of VW and Audi models.
Even Speedier than Before
Even though Porsche pioneered dual-clutch technology, this new unit is supplied by ZF. We predict that not every Porsche fan will be pleased that the dual-clutch unit accelerates better than a perfectly driven manual version. However, we do expect most to enjoy the 13 percent increase in fuel economy thus equipped.
Acceleration depends on the transmission: In the Carrera S coupe, 0–60 mph comes in 4.7 seconds with the manual transmission, but with the optional dual-clutch transmission, the figure improves to 4.5 seconds. And if you opt for the Sport Chrono Plus package, time drops further to 4.3 seconds thanks to Launch Control. Top speed for the 911 Carrera S is 188 mph. Not entirely coincidentally, that’s one mile per hour faster than the R8. Now that Porsche officially controls VW Group, and thus Audi, it seems that Porsche is establishing exactly who’s on top.
Sales of the upgraded 911 start in September, with prices ranging from $75,600 for the Carrera coupe to $86,200 for both the Carrera cabriolet and the Carrera S coupe to $96,800 for the Carrera S cabriolet. That's modest if you consider that the standard 911 Carrera now is almost as powerful as the previous 911 Carrera S. Just don't start adding options if you hope to hang onto any money.
With phase II of the 997, the inevitable launch cycle starts all over. A few weeks from now, the 4WD Carrera 4 versions will follow. Look for wide-body versions, Targas, and upgraded GT3, Turbo, Turbo Convertible, and GT2 models down the road.
Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series
This is the 76 series gxl wagen. Its a weapon hey. a truly aussie inspired bush bus. love it.
The 32-valve V8 puts out a not too shabby 151kW at 3400rpm and peak torque of 430Nm at 1200rpm. Pulling and climbing are what this vehicle does best! new 4.5 litre V8 turbo-diesel, single turbo the 200 series gets twin.
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79 Series
76 Series
HISTORY
The Toyota FJ70 is the model designation for a Toyota Land Cruiser made from 1984 until present day. In 1984/1985, Toyota introduced an entirely new design to replace the aging and now 25 year old 40 series Land Cruiser. What Toyota came up with was a most appropriate replacement. Although completely new in styling, every off road positive aspect of the original 40 series was retained. The all new 70 series was introduced.
1984 - 1999: The 70 / 75 series [Toyota Land Cruiser] also known as Toyota Prado and Toyota Land Cruiser 2 in most parts of the world, took over from the 40 / 45 series of workhorse four wheel drives in 1984. The styling maintained a family resemblance to the 40 / 45 series but became more angular. The 70 / 71 series is the short wheel base (SWB), the 73 / 74 is the medium wheel base (MWB) and the 75 series is the long wheel base (LWB). The latter comes as cab-chassis/utility with a "panelled" tray, and "troop carrier" hard-top (HT).
2000-present: In 2000, the pick-up version was designated the 79 series and the Troop Carrier became the 78 series. The principal changes were - coil sprung live axle in front instead of leaf sprung, redesigned steering wheel, redesigned front indicators and, in the cab-chassis, a longer wheel base which increased the rear storage capacity.
2007: The updated 70 series began production in January for market release in late February / early March 2007. Changes involve minor frontal design adjustments which incorporate the headlamps into the front profile of the vehicle due to the chassis rails being moved outwards to accommodate the new V8 turbo-diesel engine - a dramatic change nonetheless considering the exposed lamps and wheel arches have been a signature design component of the 70 series from day one. Only one engine is now on offer - a 4.5L V8 turbo diesel 1VD-FTV, while the cab-chassis / tray back (LWB) and Troop Carrier (LWB) bodies will remain; new to the range is the 76 series, a four door MWB wagon variant.
The suspension, interior and basic layout of these models are nearly identical to the more famous longer wheelbase 75 series Land Cruisers, but the frame and body is much shorter. This allows the Land Cruiser to be more nimble off road. This model was popular as a personal off road transport, but because the Land Cruiser was marketed almost exclusively as a commercial and government vehicle and because these were never sold in the largest auto market in the world, the US, few were built, compared to other Land Cruiser models.
However, these models were sold all over the world, except North America, in the 1980s and early 1990s. They can be found in Japan, Asia, Africa, New Zealand and South America. The short wheelbase models are not quite as common in Australia, but they are very popular in the homeland of Japan, where compactness and rugged 4X4 are a welcome combination.
Square-bodied Land Cruiser utility 4x4 two door with steel doors and top, slanted windshield. The front-clip styling remains much like that of the 40 Series. The grille can be mesh or can consist of three horizontal bars.
Both have three additional horizontal slots in a single line under the grille. Front turn signals are square with triangular white lens elements underneath, and are affixed to the vertical edge of the front clip above the fenders and just outboard of each headlight. The top can be hard or soft. The doors are hard, with roll-up windows. Taillights are long, vertical rectangles inset low into the rear bodywork. Rear doors are paired swing-out 'barn doors'. Windshields of some military versions will fold atop hood. Available in many forms, including , a four-door semi-long (J77V → J76V), a pickup (J75P → J79P), and long wheelbase utility wagon (J75V → J77V / J78V).
Today, few short wheelbase 70 series can be purchased new. Some are still in production today in some select South American countries and possibly still in the Japanese homeland.
2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Silver
Rolls-Royce Press Release
Rolls-Royce has produced a limited edition, named Phantom Silver, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Silver Ghost. The special model, of which only 25 will be made, pays homage to the one of the most famous automotive names of all time.
First built in 1906, specifically to publicise the then new Rolls-Royce 40/50 hp six-cylinder model, the Silver Ghost established the Rolls-Royce reputation for reliability and engineering excellence. The name was coined in 1907 by Rolls-Royce Managing Director, Claude Johnson, by virtue of its silver coachwork and its 'extraordinary stealthiness'. The original Silver Ghost, registered AX-201, competed in the 1907 Scottish Reliability Trial, for which it won the gold medal in its class for hill climbing speed and reliability. The Silver Ghost went on in that year to break the world record for a non-stop motor run, covering a London to Glasgow route 27 times, with mileage totalling 14,371 miles.
More than 6,000 "Silver Ghosts" were built between 1907 and 1925, and sold in every corner of the world. The majority are still in good running order.
In tribute to the specifications of the original, the Phantom Silver is finished in a new Bespoke paint, Metallic Ghost Silver. The 21-inch wheels have chrome centres and on top of the grille sits a hallmarked solid silver Spirit of Ecstasy. Inside, Rose Leaf or Creme Light leather is accompanied by seat piping and headrests embroidered with the Rolls-Royce interlinked RR badge. Straight grained Santos Palissander wood veneer is used throughout. The same veneer is also used on a specially designed presentation box that houses the key, two solid silver key fobs and a specially commissioned solid silver Conway Stewart fountain pen.
Rolls-Royce Chairman and Chief Executive, Ian Robertson, said, "The Silver Ghost is such a significant model in the history of Rolls-Royce that we felt marking its 100th anniversary was entirely fitting. Its extraordinary reliability, refinement, comfort and virtually silent running were as important to Rolls-Royce in 1907 as they are today."
Source: Rolls-Royce Press Releases
2009 Toyota TRD Aurion
Toyota Press Release
Toyota Australia has adopted a premium sporty design for its upcoming TRD Aurion because a "plastic fantastic" image would not appeal to the target market, the company's head designer said today.
Mr Paul Beranger, corporate manager of Toyota Style Australia, said research showed potential customers are more likely to be attracted by a subtle blend of technically enhanced styling cues.
He said the car's premium design would be complemented by the new engineering package developed by TRD.
"We didn't want to build a car that has a lot of plastic bits on it - or simply throw another body kit on it," Mr Beranger said.
"People who pay for a premium performance car definitely don't want to be followed by every police car on the road.
"There are a lot of people around who want a sophisticated design. They don't necessarily want to be seen driving a 'Batmobile'.
"What we are going to offer is a complete package that will align it more closely to a sophisticated market rather than outright brute performance.
"The challenge is to balance technology, styling and features at a realistic cost.
"We think we've nailed it," he said.
Mr Beranger said the TRD Aurion has an international design with links to TRD's motorsport heritage.
"We are targeting a sophisticated market that offers a higher-quality product. We are not in the V8 market.
"If this car were imported from Japan, it would fit naturally into the Toyota family - rather than having some people wrongly try to position it as an almighty V8-killer."
Mr Beranger said Toyota is the only company manufacturing in Australia that has a Formula One connection.
F1-linked aspects of the TRD Aurion include the integration of the exhaust, the twin rear wings for improved airflow, front lip spoiler, greater airflow through the radiator and aero panels under the car for better downforce and road-holding.
"Components on the car that affect the airflow are designed with aerodynamics in mind rather than simply bolting additional plastic onto the car," he said.
Mr Beranger said the styling of the TRD Aurion would have global appeal.
"That immediately sets us apart from other locally produced cars."
Toyota Australia plans to launch the TRD Aurion in August 2007.
Source: Toyota Press Releases
2008 Toyota Camry
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Toyota Camry has claimed the title of the best-selling Australian-made car.A record number of 111,891 Camry sedans were produced last year at Toyota's Altona plant in Melbourne's west and sold on domestic and export markets.
Camry was the only Australian-built car with annual production exceeding 100,000 vehicles.
Of these, Australian motorists bought more than 26,300 Camry sedans - making it the country's best-selling mid-size car by a margin of more than two-to-one over its nearest rival.
But local sales are just part of the story.
The vast majority of Australian-made Camry sedans - more than 85,500 cars - were exported and sold in more than 20 countries.
Domestic and export sales combined to make Camry the top-selling Australian-made car.Now Toyota is adding to the appeal of the four-cylinder Camry on the local market.
It has released a Camry Ateva L special-edition model, which features more than AUD$2000 of equipment for no extra cost.
Special-edition features include leather seats and door trim, 17-inch alloy wheels, a lip spoiler and badging.
The price remains the same as a standard Ateva at AUD$33,750.
Toyota has also made a running upgrade to the Camry Grande, adding 17-inch alloy wheels as standard with no change to the AUD$39,990.
Camry is the only four-cylinder car produced in Australia.
It has been the country's best-selling mid-size car for the past 14 years.
Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the Australian-made Camry was popular with motorists locally and overseas due to its style, size, dynamics and value.
Source: Toyota Press Releases
2009 BMW 335i Coupe
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BMW Press Release
Introducing the latest expression of individual style - the all new BMW 3 Series Coupe. With totally new looks, the newest BMW Coupe once again sets the benchmark for elegant design, luxury and value. In true BMW tradition, it also establishes a new standard of performance and driving dynamics with the introduction of an exceptional engine: the first inline six cylinder with twin turbochargers, high precision fuel injection, and an all aluminium crankcase.
The performance potential of this new 300 horsepower engine ensures that the 335i Coupe offers a significant improvement in performance while maintaining a level of efficiency for which the BMW 3 Series is renowned. The 335i Coupe will be joined in the U.S. by the 230 horsepower 328i Coupe.
In addition to the standard six speed manual, both models will be offered with an available six speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. Designed for responsiveness, the new automatic enhances driving dynamics without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
An additional dimension of driving dynamics, with the benefit of outstanding traction, will be offered with the introduction of BMW's xDrive all wheel drive. BMW xDrive is the most sophisticated and responsive all wheel drive system on the market. It has proven its merits, in terms of agility and safety, in the ten models currently offered with xDrive in the U.S. Beginning this fall(In the US) these merits will become available to Coupe drivers for the first time.
The premium character of the newest BMW Coupe is recognizable from the very first glance. Over and above the basic shape of the car and its elegant lines, the graphic design of the headlights, the detail of the rear taillights, the interior and even the exterior mirrors were specifically crafted for the new Coupe. These unique design elements reflect the unique character of this elegant and sporty new car.
The buyer who chooses a Coupe wants a car that satisfies their demand for elegant looks as well as driving dynamics. With all this in mind, BMW engineers and designers set out to create a unique yet unmistakable blend of design, features and - most particularly - driving pleasure.
Source: BMW Press Releases
