Toyota Press Release
"Now, more than ever, while we are so focused on the pressing issues of the moment, we cannot lose sight of our future," said Irv Miller, TMS Group Vice President, Environmental and Public Affairs. "Nowhere is this more important than with our industry's duty and commitment to provide true sustainable mobility with vehicles that significantly reduce fuel consumption, our carbon footprint and overall greenhouse gases."
The FT-EV concept shares its platform with the revolutionary-new iQ urban commuter vehicle. Already a huge hit in Japan, the iQ is lightweight and seats four passengers in comfort and security, while delivering exceptional mileage, sporty performance, unique refinements and a fun, youthful image.
Toyota's FT-EV concept imagines an urban dweller, driving up to 50 miles between home, work and other forms of public transportation, such as high-speed rail. Although, for now, the FT-EV remains a pure concept, it represents a natural pairing of product strategies.
Although BEVs and new smaller vehicles like the iQ will be a key component of Toyota's sustainable mobility strategy, the conventional gas-electric hybrid, like the all new third-generation Prius, is considered Toyota's long-term core powertrain technology.
Last year, Toyota announced that it planned to sell one million gas-electric hybrids per year sometime during the early 2010s. To accomplish this, Toyota will launch as many as 10 new hybrid models by the early 2010s, in various global markets. The new third-generation Toyota Prius and all new Lexus HS250h, both debuting in Detroit, are the first two examples of that effort.
Also, last year, Toyota announced that it would roll-out a large number of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) to global lease-fleet customers in 2010. That schedule has been moved up.
Beginning in late 2009, Toyota will start global delivery of 500 Prius PHVs powered by lithium-ion batteries. Of these initial vehicles, 150 will be placed with U.S. lease-fleet customers.
The 500 PHVs arriving globally in late 2009 will be used for market and engineering analysis. Lease–fleet customers will monitor the performance and durability of the first-generation lithium-ion battery, while offering real world feedback on how future customers might respond to the plug-in process.
"Future customers will have high expectations for these emerging technologies. This Prius PHV fleet program is a key first step in confirming how and when we might bring large numbers of plug-in hybrids to global markets," said Miller.
"Our business is no longer about simply building and selling cars and trucks. It is about finding solutions to mobility challenges today and being prepared for more daunting challenges in our very near future."
Source: Toyota Press Releases
2009 Toyota FT-EV Concept
2009 Panasonic Toyota TF109
Panasonic Toyota Press Release
The team's eighth season in Formula 1 sees major rule changes so the TF109, revealed exclusively on www.tf109-premiere.com, looked considerably different to its predecessor, featuring wider front wings and narrower rear wings among other modifications.
Today's world premiere completed an exhaustive development process which began in October 2007, when the 2009 regulations were confirmed. The TF109 begins pre-season testing on 19 January at Algarve Motor Park in Portugal.
Despite the TF109's fundamentally different appearance, Panasonic Toyota Racing's ambitious goals remain, as Chairman and Team Principal Tadashi Yamashina states: "Our target this year is to fight to win the first race for Toyota in Formula 1."
Panasonic Toyota Racing achieved two podiums, one front row start and, with 56, scored more points than in 2006 (35pts) and 2007 (13pts) combined. A Toyota was in the top 10 on the starting grid for 14 of the 18 Grands Prix, finishing in the points 12 times, with nine top-six finishes.
President John Howett says: "We have gained a huge amount of knowledge and improved considerably. There are many elements of our team which are at the very highest level so the challenge now is to fill any gaps and ensure the entire organisation is performing at the very top. Then we must put all the elements together and deliver the success we are all fighting so hard for."
Source: Panasonic Toyota Press Releases
2009 Toyota Camry
- MSRP: $19,145 - $28,695
- Invoice: $17,516 - $25,536
- Market Price: $18,031 - $26,720
- Local Dealer Price:
- Fuel Economy Range: 31 mpg Hwy, 21 mpg City
- NHTSA Driver's Crash Rating:
- Basic Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles
- Fuel Type: regular unleaded
- User Rating :
2009 Toyota Camry Overview
Introduction
The benchmark Toyota Camry sedan continues its reputation of safety, reliability, and quality while offering fuel efficiency, space, and power.
The Camry is a front-wheel drive, five-passenger, four-door sedan featuring four trims: CE, LE, SE, and XLE. A 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission is standard; a five-speed automatic transmission is optional. Optional for LE, SE, and XLE models is a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting. ABS brakes, driver and front-passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags are standard. Stability control and traction control are optional.
The 2009 Toyota Camry is a carryover from 2008.
2009 Toyota Prius Hatchback Indepth Review
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2009 Toyota Prius Hatchback
As with many of Toyota's vehicles, the Prius has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers have yet to even develop a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, Toyota is already on its second generation of the Prius. This four-door hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, relatively uncompromised driving and acceleration characteristics and reasonable price.
The Toyota Prius (its name comes from Latin and means "to go before") exists as a partial solution to the automobile's problem of tailpipe emissions. The Prius, like other hybrid vehicles, has a special powertrain that combines a gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This powertrain, along with other advanced features, allows the Prius to deliver higher fuel economy and lower emissions compared to regular cars.
Due to its popularity and relatively long sales history, Toyota's original hybrid car is a strong candidate for a shopper interested in a used hybrid vehicle. So far, it seems Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability is holding true for the Prius. Early concerns about long-term durability have turned out to be mostly unfounded. However, potential buyers of a used Prius should take extra care during the research process. As the Toyota Prius is quite complex, future repairs and part replacements could be quite expensive.
Current Toyota Prius
The current and second-generation Toyota Prius was introduced for the 2004 model year. It features a four-door hatchback body and can seat up to five people. The car's hybrid powertrain features a small 1.5-liter gasoline-fueled engine that's used in conjunction with two electric motors and a special planetary gearset that functions as a continuously variable transmission. The result is adequate power, high fuel economy and reduced tailpipe emissions.
Under full acceleration, both power sources work together to provide maximum oomph. But under lighter load conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, the Prius alternates between the two, often running on battery power alone. A regenerative braking system converts energy normally lost as heat into electricity to charge the car's battery pack. The gas engine produces 76 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motors generate the equivalent of 67 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
In most other ways, the Toyota Prius functions like a regular family car. The interior is comfortable for four adults and comes standard with most modern convenience features. On the Prius's dash, there's an information display that can be used to show the operational status of the hybrid system. The vehicle's hatchback design provides extra versatility in terms of carrying items, and the rear seat can be lowered flat.
In our Toyota Prius reviews, our editors have cited outstanding mileage, ultra-low emissions, hatchback utility and a reasonable price as the car's greatest strengths. Downsides include soft handling characteristics at highway speeds and, compared to regular midsize sedans, unimpressive maximum acceleration. Most Prius owners say their cars typically achieve real-world mpg ratings in the mid-40s. The current Prius model hasn't been subject to any major update as of yet, though 2006 and later models have a few improved features. Also, a "standard" trim level, which lacks cruise control and heated mirrors but in exchange has a significantly lower base price, was added in 2008.
Past Toyota Prius Models
The original Prius debuted in the North American market for the 2001 model year. However, Toyota had been selling it in Japan since 1997. This model was the second hybrid vehicle available to U.S. consumers after the Honda Insight. In just about every aspect, the original Prius has been eclipsed by the second-generation car. The first-generation Toyota is slower, smaller and not as comfortable. But this in no way means that it is to be avoided. For a consumer interested in a used hybrid vehicle, this first-gen Toyota Prius could be a smart choice.
Though less advanced than the one in the current model, the older Prius's powertrain still paired a gasoline engine with an electric motor. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine made 70 hp at 4,500 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The electric drive motor was worth another 44 peak hp.
Selecting a used Prius based on year shouldn't be too difficult. Models built for 2002 and 2003 might have more of a draw, as it was then that Toyota started to offer additional optional features, such as a navigation system, side airbags and cruise control. Most first-generation owners seem quite happy with their cars and overall reliability has been very good. For additional peace of mind, these models came with an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery pack.
MSRP:
$21,500 - 23,770
Invoice:
$20,210 - 21,816
Class:
Midsize Car
Expert Rating Summary
| Category | Base w/navigation Rating Ratings) | Midsize Car Average Rating |
| Acceleration | 3 | 5.6 |
| Fuel Economy | 10 | 5.6 |
| Ride Quality | 7 | 6 |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | 6 |
| Quietness | 6 | 6 |
| Controls | 4 | 6.3 |
| Details | 5 | 5.5 |
| Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) | 6 | 6.7 |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | 5.1 |
| Cargo Room | 3 | 4 |
| Value within Class | 6 | 6.2 |
| Total Score: | 60 | 63 |
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
Meantime, the current Prius is apparently selling now without the long waits and padded sticker prices of the past couple of years, this despite heightened public concern over long-term fuel prices. So if you can't wait for the new one, you should be able to get a decent deal right now, though probably not much of a discount.
Toyota to make Electric and Gas cars
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 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.
View images in separate windows for full resolution:
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.
2009 Toyota TRD Aurion
Toyota Press Release
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.
"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
