24hcar: Toyota

Superbowl

Audi S5 Sportback Grand Prix with 375HP by ST

ST has unveiled a new performance package for the Audi S5 Sportback.Designed to give the engine a healthy kick in the pants, the package consists of a revised ECU, a sport air filter, and a stainless steel exhaust system. Thanks to these modifications, the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 produces 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS) and 495 Nm (365 lb-ft) of torque - increase of 42 hp (31 kW / 43 PS) and 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). While the company declined to release performance specifications, they stated...

Superbowl

BMW Sports Coupe Concept by Krasnov Igor

You might remember talented Russian designer Krasnov Igor from 2 of his previous concept studies, a 4-door Ferrari-badged sport saloon and the Marussia supercar. This time, Krasnov has come up with a conceptual proposal for a BMW sports coupe with an unusual, yet stylish asymmetrical design. The unnamed design study appears to be partly inspired from BMW's fabric-skinned, shape-shifting Gina concept while borrowing some styling cues such as the tall double kidney grille...

Bond with a vengeance

Gold Bugatti Veyron 1:18 scale model costs £2 million

At what point does a conspicuous display of wealth become obscene?Well, a solid gold, diamond-encrusted model of a Bugatti Veyron, if it doesn't cross the line, certain comes close.It is called, officially, the Bugatti Veyron Diamond Limited Edition and it's a scaled replica of a true Veyron (1:18) in solid 24-carat gold, platinum and adorned with 7.2 carat single cut flawless diamonds.The model is a creation of Munich-based Robert Gulpen and Stuart Hughes from Liverpool (UK), both known...

Speed race

StopTech BMW M3

For those BMW M3 owners who would like to tune their car without going to extremes, APP Europe is now offering a new package comprising of performance and styling upgrades sourced from other tuning firms. Starting with the M3's naturally-aspirated VG8 engine, a kit from Collaction AG bumps output by 30HP and 40Nm to 450-horsepower and 440Nm / 325 lb-ft of torque. Stopping power is improved through a new lightweight brake system from Stoptech that includes 6-piston calipers with two-piece 380mm...

Showing posts with label Toyota. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Toyota. Show all posts

Toyota to invests $50 million in Tesla, co-develop EV technology

Posted by Mr Dung Friday, May 21, 2010

[Toyota]

In a surprise move, Toyota has teamed up with Tesla to develop new electric vehicle technology.

While details are limited, the companies will create a specialized team to design parts and production systems for future EVs. As part of the agreement, Toyota will also purchase $50 million dollars worth of Tesla stock (as soon as the company goes public).

According to Toyota's President, Akio Toyoda, "I've felt an infinite possibility about Tesla's technology and its dedication to monozukuri (Toyota's approach to manufacturing). Through this partnership, by working together with a venture business such as Tesla, Toyota would like to learn from the challenging spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility that Tesla has."

The warm and fuzzy feeling was echoed by Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, who said, "Toyota is a company founded on innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainable mobility. It is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Toyota would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla."

As you may recall, Daimler has also joined forces with Tesla "to accelerate the commercialization of electric drives globally."

Toyota May Release Hydrogen-Powered Sedan by 2015, Priced Around $50,000

Posted by Mr Dung Friday, May 7, 2010

According to Bloomberg, Toyota's first attempt at a retail hydrogen vehicle will be a four-door with the range of a conventionally (i.Baby steps.The primary issue lies with covering costs, something hydrogen technology has failed to do.GM has 100 fuel-cell powered Equinox SUVs that it "loans to individuals and fleets" and Honda has been leasing its FCX Clarity to a select few customers in California since 20 As for expected response to a $50,000 hydrogen Toyota, Masuda says the market would likely be small.However, Toyota isn't there yet.Some of the companies already onboard include GM and Honda.And no sticky accelerators.Toyota claims it has helped lower the price of building fuel-cell-powered vehicles by up to 90%.Even though the brand has brought costs down from close to a million dollars per vehicle, Toyota "would need to cut current costs by about half before starting retail sales" according to Yoshihiko Masuda, Managing Director for Toyota's advanced vehicles.But that's always how it starts, isn't it?If Toyota can get the car to market (and offer a more affordable one, as they have suggested), it could be a huge step in getting more people on the hydrogen fuel train (ultimately leading to more investments and lower costs).

With that in mind, the recently-tarnished Japanese manufacturer thinks it will be able to release a hydrogen car in the $50,000 range by 2015 (a time frame other manufacturers are playing by, as well).

Toyota Hilux Tackles Iceland's Eyjafallajökull Volcano Hours Before Eruption

Posted by Mr Dung Sunday, April 18, 2010

A team of scientists took a specially prepared Toyota Hilux pickup truck for a ride on the wild side of Iceland's fiery Eyjafallajökull volcano just hours before its eruption on Wednesday grounded thousands of flights across Europe.

And if you're wondering what they were doing there, the scientists scrambled to the volcano to set up monitoring equipment before the long-dormant mountain blew its hat off sending a vast cloud of ash 30,000 feet into the sky.

Aside from the guards, winch and additional lights, the most prominent upgrade on Toyota's Hilux were the giant low pressure 38-inch tires.

Follow the jump for the complete gallery.

Toyota Temporarily Suspends Sales of 2010 Lexus GX 460

Posted by Mr Dung Tuesday, April 13, 2010

[Scoop]

It looks as if Consumer Reports' GX 460 "Safety Risk" story is picking up steam in a bad way.Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager, has just added a little bit to Lexus' press release regarding the GX's rollover stats.

Owners, now's the time to call: 1-800-255-39 As one website put so well, it seems like Toyota has hit rock bottom and then found a shovel.

Here's what Templin-san has to say: "At this time we have asked our dealers to temporarily suspend sales of the 2010 GX 4" Furthermore, he adds that Lexus engineers are "vigorously" reevaluating the GX SUV using the same testing methods used by Consumer Reports "to identify how we can make the GX's performance even better.

Mazda Will Use Toyota Technology To Sell Hybrid Cars By 2013

Posted by Mr Dung Monday, March 29, 2010

Mazda has entered an agreement with Toyota in regards with hybrid technology. The Mazda brand is looking to use the Prius technology in a car of their own, and this is a massive attempt to try and stay ahead—or even in—the electric game.The deal was announced earlier today, and it will allow the brand to use the hybrid system and all of its key components. Toyota’s Prius system will be connected to the next-generation SKY engine range, and this will allow for a sale date in 2013.Toyota might also consider leasing technology to other companies,depending on the money involved—most probably.

Lexus CT 200h Hybrid Announced for US

Posted by Mr Dung Thursday, March 25, 2010

Both North America and Europe have an evolving premium compact segment and the first hybrid variant from the category, the Lexus CT 200h will make it to the US market in early 2011. The hybrid commuter is scheduled for a debut at the upcoming 2010 New York International Auto and it is a likely Audi A1 contender. The front wheel driven CT 200h will come with a combination of a 1.8 liter four-cylinder VVT-i gasoline engine and a magnet synchronous electric motor powered by nickel-metal hydride batteries. The exact performance details are not yet available but it is expected to better the 134bhp that the Prius puts out.

Congressional Memo Casts Doubt on Runaway Toyota Prius - Emerging as Possible Hoax

Posted by Mr Dung Monday, March 15, 2010

Doubts have been raised about one of the runaway Toyota Prius incidents from last week.

Federal investigators have been unable to reproduce the sudden acceleration experienced by a Toyota Prius that James Sikes said went out of control as he drove on a California freeway in the San Diego region last Monday.

"In this case, knowing that we are able to push the car around the shop, it does not appear to be feasibly possible, both electronically and mechanically, that his gas pedal was stuck to the floor and he was slamming on the brake at the same time," reads a report by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the congressional body investigating claims of uncontrolled acceleration by Toyota models.

A Toyota official who also attended the inspection of the car said that an electric motor would "completely seize" if the stop-start system fails to shut off the flow of gasoline to the engine when the brake pedal is pressed.

Reporters have been looking into Sikes' past and have found reasons to doubt his veracity, including a recent bankruptcy filing.

But according to the California Highway Patrol, which first investigated the incident, they're taking Mr. Sikes at his word until it is proven otherwise. And a CHP officer who first caught up with Sikes' speeding Toyota said that he had smelled burning brakes.

Sikes has hired an attorney to represent him.

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration continues to look into more that 60 reports of runaway Toyota's that were already said to be repaired as part of a recent recall.

Toyota Remembers its Past as it... Accelerates into the Future with FT-86 Coupe

Posted by Mr Dung Sunday, March 7, 2010

Knowing that "the past is only the future with the lights turned on", Toyota hopes to learn from its mistakes and take only the best from its times of yore and apply the lessons to its future products like the highly anticipated production version of the FT-86 concept study.
Or at least that's what the troubled Japanese automaker wants us to believe with the release of this family portrait that places the FT-86 (Future Toyota-86) Sports Concept alongside its closest relative, the Corolla AE86 as well as the Celica and Supra sport coupes.
The FT-86 study, which was designed at Toyota's ED² studio in Nice, France, had its European premier this week at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.
The compact sized coupe measures that 4,160mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,260mm tall, with a 2,570mm wheelbase, is being co-developed with Subaru that will also present its own variant of the 2+2 seater sports model.
As a reminder of Subaru's involvement in the project, the near production-ready FT-86 prototype uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine from the Impreza while power is sent to the rear-wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. The study rides on 19-inch wheels shod with 225/40R19 tires.
According to Toyota, the FT-86 is scheduled to be launched into the market towards the end of 2011 with Subaru's variant to follow later on.

Lawmaker Accuses Toyota of Withholding Crash Evidence

Posted by Mr Dung Saturday, February 27, 2010

Toyota may just have been caught with its hand in the proverbial cookie jar. Corporate blower of whistles and former Toyota Motor Sales USA (a "product liability group") managing counsel Dimitrios Biller has apparently brought a few documents to light - documents the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee finds "troubling".

According to panel chairman Ed Towns (D-NY), the documents "indicate Toyota deliberately withheld records that it was legally required to produce in response to discovery orders in litigation... [The] documents concern 'rollover' cases in which a driver or passenger was injured, including cases where victims were paralyzed."

Furthermore, "the Biller documents indicate [Toyota's] systematic disregard for the law and routine violation of court discovery orders in litigation... Moreover, this also raises very serious questions as to whether Toyota has also withheld substantial, relevant information from NHTSA."

It seems as if a court in Texas put a gag order out on Mr. Biller (do I sound like a lawyer or what?), but a Congressional subpoena came in and took over in order to get to the truth. Towns says he hopes Biller will bring to light information regarding Toyota's hiding "evidence of safety defects from consumers and regulators, and foster[ing] a culture of 'hypocrisy and deceit."

For people keeping up with this debacle, you may hear the term "Books of Knowledge". This refers not to the Indiana Jones trilogy, but to digital records "in which Toyota engineers kept their design and testing data across all vehicle lines and parts."

Sounds normal; companies keeping their secrets secret. Not really a problem, until evidence is found that Toyota may have settled multiple multi-million dollar lawsuits when they learned that victims' lawyers were on the path of discovering the "Books".

Towns asked Toyota to respond to the issues raised by the documents by Friday, March 12, with the Japanese automaker saying that it would.

Toyota pedal fix satisfies U.S. regulators

Posted by Mr Dung Monday, February 1, 2010

Engineers with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have given their approval to a Toyota plan to fix vehicles that may be subject to sudden, uncontrolled acceleration. The problem has been linked to 19 deaths and roughly 2,000 complaints, leading the world's largest automaker to recall nearly 2.5 million vehicles while halting production on eight models.

Parts related to the sticking accelerator were produced by Indiana firm CTS Corp. Both CTS and Toyota developed a fix for existing cars, which will require a mechanic to install a shim/spacer in the accelerator pedal assembly to prevent it from sticking, according to published reports. A new part is also expected to be installed in vehicles at the factory once assembly begins again.

Although the repair is almost finalized, new vehicles are not expected to be delivered again until mid-February.

The NHTSA was obliged to reject the repair action if they found it to be insufficient. A further 5.5 million vehicles have been recalled for faulty floor mats that cause the accelerator to jam. Separately, the automaker is also developing new floor mats to help prevent the problem.

The automaker has recalled 2 million vehicles in Europe, and 75,000 vehicles in China as well.

Toyota's share price on the New York Stock Exchange has dropped nearly 16% from its January peak, sparked by a recall announcement on Jan. 21. Share value could fall even further if the recall action led to new car customers avoiding Toyota because of the problem. Toyota is expected to announce their January sales figures this week.

The models affected include:

2005-2010 Avalon
some 2007-2010 Camrys
2009-2010 Corolla
2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Matrix
2009-2010 RAV4
2008-2010 Sequoia
2007-2010 Tundra

Lexus South Africa Adds The Revised GS Range

Posted by Mr Dung Friday, January 29, 2010

[Easycarblog]

Lexus has added the updates GS range to the local South African market. The new model will boast a new front grille, revised alloy wheels and subtle styling upgrades. There will be unique clear lens rear tail lamps as well.

“The addition of the GS300 EX to the range complements this minor facelift and fills a widening gap between the S and SE,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. “The GS300 EX gives customers an additional opportunity when it comes to selecting the level of specification they require – a level that we have found has worked very well with the recently introduced IS250 EX.”

The GS range will have 18-inch wheels, Multi Vision display, a seven-inch colour display with a 40gb had drive, navigation and Park Distance Control. Following this will be a full on sound system with 10 speakers, MP3 support, USB ports and a six-CD changes.

Technology such as ABS and EBD will also be available. The engine range includes a 218kW 3.5-litre V6 unit in the GS450h, which is a hybrid model.

Pricing: (incl. VAT)

GS300 S R560,800

GS300 EX R588,300

GS300 SE R625,400

GS450h SE R744,100

Press Release

Lexus GS range more compelling than ever
Enhanced styling, an additional EX model, and improved features specification identify the 2010 Lexus GS range that includes the country’s only PERFORMANCEHYBRID executive sedan
29 January 2010
The Lexus GS300 wears a new face for 2010, as shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show late last year. The new front grille freshens the executive sedan’s L-finesse styling, while revised alloy wheel styles complete the subtle styling upgrade. The only PERFORMANCEHYBRID in the class, the GS450h is further distinguished by unique grille treatment and clear lens rear lamps.
“The addition of the GS300 EX to the range complements this minor facelift and fills a widening gap between the S and SE,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. “The GS300 EX gives customers an additional opportunity when it comes to selecting the level of specification they require – a level that we have found has worked very well with the recently introduced IS250 EX.”
The GS300 EX offers many of the appealing features of the luxuriously appointed GS300 SE within a more value conscious proposition. Visually it shares its appearance with the SE, now running on 18-inch alloy wheels and including an aerodynamic boot lip. Over and above the already comprehensive features specification of the GS300 S, the EX adds Lexus’ Electronic Multi Vision (EMV) display including a seven-inch full colour touch screen that operates upgraded 40GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with voice command and Park Distance Control (PDC) as standard.
The GS range continues to usurp its competition in terms of features at the price. Standard features across the range include automatic High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and fog lights front and rear. Soft close doors have been added, while heated electric seats with memory, electric steering column adjustment, smart entry, a reverse camera, dual climate control, Bluetooth, and cruise control all remain. Lexus’ Premium Sound System includes MP3 capability, a USB port, six-CD changer and 10 speakers to offer brilliant audio quality.
SE models benefit from rain sensing wipers, seat ventilation with semi-analine leather, a moon roof, electric rear sunshade, and acclaimed Mark Levinson 14-speaker digital surround sound that can store up to 2 000 songs on the hard drive for the discerning executive car driver.
Safety remains of the highest order with 10 airbags, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), active headrests for the front seats and Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) that controls all the dynamic safety systems holistically, including ABS, Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC).
The two powertrains remain, including the only PERFORMANCEHYBRID available in the segment. The GS450h combines a 218kW 3,5-litre petrol V6 with 147kW of electric power to offer V8 levels of performance with comparable turbodiesel torque and economy along with the obvious emissions advantages – just 180g/km. The 250kW combined system output allows an electronically limited 250km/h top speed and 0-100km/h acceleration of 6,2 seconds, but combined cycle economy of just 7,6 l/100km.
The GS300’s refined 3,0-litre V6 develops 183kW at 6 200 rpm and 310Nm at 3 500 rpm. Driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, the GS300 uses 9,5 l/100km on a combined cycle and tops 240km/h with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7,9 seconds.
“The GS range continues to offer a beautiful blend of luxury and space with dynamic performance, especially in PERFORMANCEHYBRID guise, for the intelligent executive car buyer,” says Flynn. “Its specification is difficult to match at the price, and with the enhancements for 2010 and additional choice provided by the GS300 EX, the GS remains a compelling proposition.”
As with the rest of the Lexus range, the GS300 and GS450h are covered by a four-year/100 000km warranty and full maintenance plan. For more information or to arrange a drive experience, visit www.lexus.co.za or call 08611 LEXUS.

Toyota Accelerator Pedal Recall Spreads to Europe, 1.1 Million More Cars Added to U.S. Recall

Posted by Mr Dung Thursday, January 28, 2010

Toyota's sticky accelerator woes are turning into a global nightmare as the world's largest automaker said today that the large-scale recall would spread to Europe while the company revealed that an additional 1.1 million vehicles in the States are being added to last November's recall of 4.3 million vehicles.
The move comes only a few days after the Japanese automaker issued a different recall of 2.3 million Toyota cars and trucks in the United States for the same matter and in a supposedly separate case, but again for sticky accelerators only this time, even without the presence of floor mats, the maker temporarily suspended sales of eight cars in the States.
In what concerns Europe, Toyota said that the models and exact number of potentially affected vehicles is still under investigation.
However, the automaker noted that there is no "need or intention to halt sales production in Europe as a running change in production using different parts has already been implemented model-by-model in the European production."
According to Toyota, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms in European models may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.
"The details of corrective action and implementation will be communicated directly to customers with vehicles potentially affected," the company said in statement.
As for the expansion of last fall's recall of 4.3 million vehicles in the States by an additional 1.1 million units, the affected vehicles are: 2008-2010 Highlander and 2009-2010 Corollas, Venzas, Matrixes and the Pontiac Vibe, which was jointly developed by Toyota and GM.

Toyota suspends sale of 8 models due to pedal recalls

Posted by Mr Dung Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Toyota has announced that they will halt North American production of eight models, including the top-selling Corolla, until an issue related to the accelerator is resolved. The company also expanded a recall related to a sticking gas pedal that has been linked to 20 deaths and 2,000 complaints, according to safety experts.

Although the problem has been reported in Europe, the recall and stop-sale order only affects North America.

In addition to the Corolla, the world's largest automaker is freezing sales and assembly of the Avalon, Camry, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sequoia, and Tundra. 56% of Toyota's December U.S. sales came from one of those eight models. The company is also closing seven factories in North America for at least a week while the situation is investigated internally.

Toyota first linked the sudden acceleration problem to faulty floor mats, which led to the recall of 2.5 million vehicles. This week's announcement expands the recall to cover 4.8 million vehicles sold since 2005. The complaints were first reported to Toyota by Tundra owners in 2007.

Despite one Toyota PR flack saying that the problem is rare, Toyota U.S. sales chief Bob Carter said, "This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized." The uncontrolled acceleration is believed to be caused by a part in the accelerator that swells over time in humid conditions, but until recently the company had disregarded the problem as a "drivability issue unrelated to safety."

"We're making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible," Carter said.

Toyota models recalled include:

2005-2010 Avalon
some 2007-2010 Camrys
2009-2010 Corolla
2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Matrix
2009-2010 RAV4
2008-2010 Sequoia
2007-2010 Tundra

Toyota Are Planning A 6 Percent Increase In Global Sales

Posted by Mr Dung Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Toyota has said that they are expecting a 6 percent increase in sales for 2010. The global enhancement will be refreshing after it’s worst downturn. The automaker is hoping to maintain it’s lead over both Volkswagen and General Motors.

Toyota has said that they are planning to receive around 8.27 million sales through 2010, and this is a million short of its 9.37 million units sold in 2007.

The Japanese automaker is expecting their home market sales to increase by 9 percent, thanks to the Cash for Clunkers project.

Toyota Mark X G Sports Concept

Posted by Mr Dung Monday, January 18, 2010

The recently revealed 2010 Toyota Mark X was given a sporty makeover at the Tokyo Auto Salon with the presentation of the G Sports branded concept model. The rear-wheel drive sport sedan that's based on the Lexus GS boasted a full body kit with a new front bumper that incorporates LED daytime lights, hood and fender vents, chunky side skirts, carbon fiber roof and trunk spoiler, and a new rear bumper with side air outlets and a diffuser.

The carbon fiber exterior mirrors, four-pipe exhaust system and the 20-inch aluminum wheels in Yokohama Advan Sports tires complete the list of the exterior mods.

Inside, the sedan's cabin is spiced up with Recaro sport seats, a new leather steering wheel and transmission lever with red stitching and plenty of carbon fiber decorative trim.

Toyota's G Sport division kept the standard Mark X's 318HP 3.5-liter V6 engine but upgraded the mid-size saloon's braking system and suspension hardware while they also added underbody panels to improve the vehicle's aerodynamics.

The automaker is planning to launch G Sport versions of most of its JDM models starting from this summer. Aside from the Mark X, Toyota also showed G Sport concepts based on the FT-86 coupe, Noah and Voxy vans and the Prius Hybrid.

Toyota Prius G Sports Concept Revealed

Posted by Mr Dung

[TOYOTA]

Toyota has unveiled the Prius G Sports Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Looking like a fish out of water, the concept features numerous styling tweaks to improve its aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Modifications include new bumpers, revised side skirts, LED daytime running lights, a dual exhaust system, and 18-inch alloy wheels outfitted with high performance tires.

Inside, the car boasts a revised steering wheel, RECARO sport seats, aluminum pedals, black piano trim, and a new information display.

Like the standard Prius, power comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 73 kW (99 PS) and 142 Nm of torque.

While the engine is unchanged, Toyota made some minor modifications to improve the car's dynamics. They installed chassis reinforcements and a high performance ADVICS braking system.

VIDEO:Toyota Unveils MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept, Combines 3.3-liter V6 and Electric Motor for 400HP

Posted by Mr Dung Sunday, January 17, 2010

It may only be a concept for now, but Toyota's GRMN MR2 Sports Hybrid study that was unveiled today at the Tokyo Auto Salon may very well form the technological base for a similar production sports car in the very near future, according to reports from Japan.

Developed in cooperation with Toyota's racing and tuning partner Gazoo, the concept is a two-seater, all-wheel drive hybrid sports car based on a modified version of the platform used in the now obsolete MR2 roadster.

Underneath its widened body, the MR2 concept gets a mid-mounted 3.3-liter V6 petrol engine that drives the rear wheels and the company's THSII hybrid system with the electric motor propelling the front wheels.

The combined output of the hybrid system and petrol engine is estimated to be in the range of 400 horsepower

Power is transferred to the wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifts.

Toyota did not release any performance figures, but if you take into consideration that the 400HP plus roadster tips the scales at just 1,300 kg or 2,866 pounds (official data), this pocket rocket promises to be nothing less than fast.