As America seems to be pulling back from EVs, Toyota is moving forward with the 2027 Highlander with all-new style, comfort and electric powertrain delivering on many features that have been already offered by competitors like the BMW iX3. Can they succeed where others have failed?

This all-new SUV will be assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky plant. Here is a quick list of what the 2027 Highlander brings to the competitive table of electric SUVs.

• Toyota's first three-row BEV model
• Two trims, Limited or XLE with FWD or AWD
• XLE and Limited AWD models equipped with a 95.8 kWh battery pack with an estimated 320-mile driving range
• Equipped with NACS charging port
• Vehicle-to-Load technology allowing for the BEV to be used as a backup power source (a feature also found in the Ford F-150 Lightning EREV)
• Latest Toyota Audio Multimedia and Safety sense systems
• 338 combined system HP and 323 lb-ft of torque

Exterior Design

The new Highlander’s modern new look features clean lines, broad fenders, full-length LED daytime running lights, and flush door handles for an aerodynamic appeal. Inside, a tech-forward cabin with a large 14-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch driver’s display, customizable ambient lighting, and ample device charging in every row give it comfort and convenience. It will also have an available fixed glass panoramic roof that will be the largest in the Toyota lineup, adding an open, bright feeling to the cabin.

Powertrain and Trim Levels

The 2027 Highlander will have a Battery Electric powertrain standard and be available in two grades, the well-appointed XLE or the top-of-the-line Limited. The XLE grade will be available in front- or electronic all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD); XLE FWD models will have a 77.0-kWh battery, standard; XLE AWD models will have a choice of 77.0-kWh or 95.8-kWh battery. The Limited grade will have AWD and 95.8-kWh battery, standard. AWD equipped models will also have features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. All grades will have the latest in safety and entertainment, with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) and Toyota Audio Multimedia, standard.

Interior and Seating

Designed to provide a comfortable space for the whole crew, the Highlander has a spacious interior with three-row seating for up to seven when equipped with an available bench seat. This Highlander joins the Toyota bZ, bZ Woodland, and C-HR models as the fourth BEV in Toyota’s lineup.

25 Years of Highlander Heritage

The Highlander has been a key part of the Toyota SUV family since it was introduced at the New York International Auto Show in April 2000. For more than 25 years, the Highlander has been a staple of Americans family hauling needs and has been built on a modified unibody platform from the Toyota Camry. A hybrid version was introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model. 

The second-generation was introduced in 2009, third generation was introduced in 2013 with the fourth generation in 2019. This 2027 Highlander is the kickoff of the fifth generation and is delivered on an all new electric platform that evolves the style, usability, comfort and efficiency that Toyota says customers have come to expect from them.

Chief designer Masayuki Yamada stated the following: “Our design mission was to create a new Highlander that pursued the robust proportions of an SUV while also capturing the sophisticated, high-tech aspects of all-electric performance. To accomplish that goal, we designed a model that balanced aerodynamics, interior space, and capability so it is equally suited for elegant urban or outdoor enthusiast lifestyles.”

The all-new 2027 Highlander is built on Toyota's next generation architecture-k (TNGA-K) platform designed to house a high-capacity battery pack with maximized passenger space. This platform was designed to minimize noise and vibration from every part of the vehicle so as to give a serene relaxing experience.

Dimensions and Cargo Space

The highlander delivers the following proportions:

• Overall height of 67.3 inches
• Overall width of 78.3 inches
• Wheelbase of 120.1 inches
• Overall length of 198.8 inches
• Cargo volume of 15.9ft with third row up
• Cargo Volume of 45.6ft with third row folded down

Battery Range by Trim

Range estimated for the highlander based on model trim and powertrain:

• XLE FWD with 77.0-kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 287-mile total driving range rating* 
• XLE AWD with 77.0-kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 270-mile total driving range rating*
• XLE AWD with 95.8 -kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 320-mile total driving range rating*
• Limited AWD with 95.8 -kWh battery with a manufacturer-estimated 320-mile total driving range rating*

Available Colors

The 2027 Highlander will launch with the following color options:

Single tone colors:

• all-new Spellbound
• Wind Chill Pearl
• Heavy Metal
• Everest
• Reservoir Blue
• Midnight Black Metallic

Two tone paint combinations:

• Spellbound with a black roof
• Wind Chill Pearl with a black roof
• Heavy Metal with a black roof
• Everest with a black roof

Interior colors:

• Black
• Portobello
• all-new Misty Gray

Technology and Connected Services

From available HUD (head up display) to 64 color ambient lighting to USB-C charging ports throughout the three rows of seating, Qi wireless charging and multi-zone HVAC with ample cup holders (18 total) there is comfort from front to back for everyone.

Advanced technology is found from the latest Audio Multimedia system that supports standard wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto to the AT&T 5G network connectivity. This includes even a standard built-in Drive Recorder that uses the vehicles 360 camera system to record both manual and triggered events.

The 2027 Highlander comes with a long list of connected services that begin on the date of purchase or lease except for the WiFi trial that begins upon activation.

Connected Services:

• Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant
• Cloud Navigation with 3D Maps
• Destination Assist
• Safety Connect
• Service Connect
• Toyota mobile application Remote Connect
  • enables remote charging capabilities
  • check charging status
  • start/stop charging
  • edit charging schedules

The Toyota app also provides an easy-to-use map to find charging station locations near you or along your route, making it easier than ever for customers to managing their charging needs.

Toyota Safety Sense 4.0

The 2027 Highlander will come with their TSS 4.0 or Toyota Safety Sense system. This features the following:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward-collision warning under certain circumstances. If you don’t react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking.
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is an adaptive cruise control system that is designed to be set at speeds above 20 mph. DRCC uses vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) detects lane markings or the road’s edge at speeds above 30 mph. LDA w/SA is designed to provide an audible/visual warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If no corrective action is taken, Steering Assist is designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.
• Automatic High Beams (AHB) are designed to detect headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles. AHB automatically toggles between high and low beams as appropriate.
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) is designed to help keep the vehicle in the center of a lane. LTA assists the driver with steering control while DRCC is in use.
• Road Sign Assist (RSA) uses the forward-facing camera to recognize specific road signs such as speed limits and stop signs. RSA provides road sign information to the driver via the Multi-Information Display.
• Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) uses the vehicle’s camera and radar, when system operating conditions are met, to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks such as distance control between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle

In addition to TSS 4.0, the 2027 Highlander is equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PKSB) is also standard.  Other available convenience technologies include Panoramic View Monitor and Advanced Park.

The 2027 Highlander also has great standard convenience features like a rear seat reminder system, backup camera with dynamic gridlines, smart key with push button start, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure read-out and individual tire location alert, and Hill Start Assist Control.

For many the electric Toyota Highlander not only appears to deliver on the family SUV needs but clearly is taking families into a very modern 21st century driving experience.

For years, the RAV-4 has been the bestselling SUV in the US. Now in its sixth generation, the Toyota RAV-4 is one of the original compact crossovers. Once with a V6, the RAV-4 will now be available only with hybrid power, but that doesn't make it slow. Even the lowest power RAV-4 makes more horsepower than that V6 from 2005 while the new GR Sport trim PHEV can produce 320 horsepower.

Powertrain and Performance

All powertrain versions in the 2026 model are upgraded units from the previous generation. The base setup is a 226-horsepower front-wheel drive model (previously, the hybrid was only offered in all-wheel drive) while adding all-wheel drive to the spec sheet adds a third electric motor and another 10 horsepower for the rear wheels. What was previously known as the RAV-4 Prime, the Plug-in Hybrid model now makes 320 horsepower instead of 302. Driving range for the PHEV is up too from 42 miles to 50. In certain trims, namely the Woodland and XSE PHEV can use their CCS port to DC fast-charge, refilling the battery pack from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. The maximum towing capacity for some AWD Hybrid and PHEV models is now 3,500 lbs while the base FWD and LE AWD Hybrids remain at 1,750. Toyota's electrification push extends across the lineup — see also the 2026 Toyota bZ updates with improved range and charging.

Design Inside and Out

Being one of the most popular models on the market, the design formula is updated but familiar. The C-shaped headlamps from Toyota's recently updated Camry appear while the grille feels familiar like a Toyota 4Runner. Inside, the controls have been minimized. In modern parlance, that means more screens and fewer buttons. HVAC controls appear to have lost their knobs and are likely now located in the center control screen.

Seven Trims: Core, Rugged, and Sport

With such high sales — Toyota sold over 475,000 units in the US last year and over 1 million worldwide — they are making a trim for everyone with 7 trims to choose from. There are three groupings of Core, Rugged, and Sport.

• Core (LE, XLE, Limited): The well-known trims that are by far the most popular. For 2026, they are only available as a hybrid without the option to plug in.
• Rugged (Woodland): Standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, faux skid plates, and rugged styling tweaks. Available as a standard hybrid or the plug-in version. Shoppers comparing rugged compact crossovers should also look at the 2026 Mazda CX-5.
• Sport (SE, XSE, GR Sport): The SE and XSE can be optioned with either powertrain. The GR Sport, not previously offered in the US (Europe got a GR Sport on the previous model starting in 2022), only comes with the 320-horsepower plug-in setup.

Pricing and Availability

While pricing hasn't been released yet, Toyota builds the RAV-4 in the United States, so we expect only a minimal increase in price over the outgoing Hybrid RAV-4, currently a base price of about $33,600 after delivery.

The 2026 Toyota RAV-4 goes on sale later this year.

More Toyota and Compact SUV Coverage

• 2027 Toyota Highlander EV: Specs, Range, Price & Trim
• Toyota Brings Back the C-HR as the Little Stylish EV That Can
• Toyota bZ4X EV Grows Up with Range, Charging and Updates for 2026
• The Mazda CX-5 Grows for 2026
• 2021 Toyota RAV-4 Prime Has 302 Horsepower

The year is 2018, Toyota introduced the C-HR to the North American market with a futuristic look, lots of tech goodies for the time but sluggish acceleration that after five years had it end in 2022 with a 144hp motor mated to a CVT or continuously variable automatic transmission that based on reviews said it struggled to achieve a combined 29 MPG in FWD form.

Fast Forward to 2025, Toyota debuts the all-new C-HR electric vehicle with standard AWD, 338 combined HP and range of an estimated 290 miles from a 74.7 kW battery pack and built on the Toyota e-TNGA platform. The 2026 C-HR will come with class leading soft touch materials, customizable lighting and a 14-inch touchscreen with fast charging from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes using an NACS port. The C-HR has a five-person configuration with a 60/40-fold flat rear seat allowing up to 25.4-cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

While the C-HR rides on the same platform as the bZ, the C-HR is 4 inches shorter than the bZ and gets a fastback coupe-style rear-end. While the bZ gets a variety of motor choices, the C-HR as stated has only AWD with the combined 338 HP that allows 0 to 60 sprints in 5 seconds, which is 1.1 seconds faster than the Toyota GR86 gas car.

The C-HR will come in two models, the SE and XSE with a wide assortment of standard interior features.

• 14-inch touchscreen with the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system
  • six-speaker audio system standard
    • Optional - JBL Premium audio system with nine speakers, 8-channel 800-watt amplifier, 9-inch JBL subwoofer
• Standard Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Fully digital gauge cluster
• Dual wireless chargers in the center console
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system
  • Includes a 5-year subscription to Safety and Service Connect
  • Vehicle Stability Control
  • Traction Control
  • Anti-lock Brake System
  • Electronic Brake-force distribution
  • Brake Assist
  • Smart Stop technology
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Three USB-Type C ports (one front, two rear)
• Front and Rear Parking assist with automatic braking
• Blind spot monitor
• Cross Traffic Alert
• Safe Exit Alert
• 8-way power drivers and passengers' front seat on XSE
• Driver Memory seat on XSE
• Digital rearview mirrow with homelink XSE
• Traffic Jam assist XSE
• Lange change assist XSE
• Panoramic view monitor XSE

The 2026 C-HR will come to North America Dealerships Q1 2026 and be covered by a 36-month / 36,000-mile for normal wear and tear warranty, 60-month or 60,000 miles powertrain and no mileage limitation on corrosion. The electrical driving components, including the battery pack are covered by 8-year or 100,000 miles whichever comes first. The C-HR also comes with 2-year or 25,000 miles ToyotaCare factory scheduled maintenance and 3-year roadside assistance, with no mileage limitation.

Pricing and final details will be released close to the on-sale date.

Toyota has been late to the EV or electrical vehicle market around the world. Toyota finally launched a full lineup in China, but people have been wondering what they have in store for the rest of the world.

Welcome the 2026 bZ battery electric vehicle. 

The bZ starts off the 2026 model year with a higher capacity lithium-ion battery that comes in at 74.7-kWh capacity good for a manufacture-estimated range of 314 miles.

Toyota then packs on the updated features as you have an industry standardized NACS charge port that allows access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Toyota goes farther by adding a Plug & Charge capability that allows this industry standard protocol to automatically identify, authenticate, and authorize at select charging networks, reducing the need for multiple mobile charging applications to one in the Toyota smartphone app. Charging goes from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes when using a DC fast charger.

The 2026 bZ gets an updated instrument panel that is 14-inch in size and is an audio multimedia touchscreen with customizable ambient lighting.

The interior changes continue with a much slimmer dashboard that has dual wireless chargers, soft touch materials throughout, 64-color customizable ambient lighting allowing for a premium feel through the interior.

Toyota did not stop on refreshing the interior and battery pack. They increased the combined horsepower of the AWD system from 214 to 338 net hp allowing for the EV to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The upgrades continue in that Toyota changes to lightweight energy-efficient eAxles that now use silicon carbide (SIC) semiconductors that contribute to the new horsepower rating of the AWD system and even the FWD system that has gone from 201 hp to 221 hp. Toyota offers both the XLE and Limited trim in FWD or AWD configurations.

Last year's model had what many called a quirky style, Toyota has restyled the exterior. The front-end has new lighting and fascia designs along with color-matched overfenders that used to be black plastic only giving the bZ a sleeker look.

2026 bZ will arrive in the second half of 2025 with pricing and full details released closer to on-sale date.

Toyota corporation is made up of two divisions for the most part, Toyota, their mainstream brand and Lexus their luxury arm. While very late to the EV party, Toyota Motor Corporation has had the deep funding pockets to catch up. Did they succeed?

Toyota has started with a Blitzkrieg in Europe first for 2025 before they will be rolled out to the rest of the world.

Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota had their World Premiere of the New "RZ" EV with an amazing strike at Tesla in offering Toyota Quality and build.

RZ points of interest:

• Continuously pursuing the 'The Natural' driving concept to further refine the Lexus Driving Signature
• Optimizing the battery EV system to achieve a 20% increase in driving range and shorter charging times
• Expanding the lineup with the high-output motor-equipped RZ 550e F SPORT
• Accelerating the 'Dialogue between Driver and Vehicle' with the adoption of a Steer-by-Wire System for a new driving experience
• Introducing Interactive Manual Drive, a feature enabling manual-like control of drive force for an engaging driving experience

Lexus has stated that electrified vehicles make up 52% of their global sales and as such they will continue a full on press of BEV, HEV, and PHEV options as Toyota drives towards carbon-neutral society.

The 2025 RZ is a fully redesigned BEV system, that delivers increased horsepower, extended driving range and reduced charging time. The 2025 RZ is also the introduction of the steer by wire system tied to a refined DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system that Lexus believes delivers class leading experience.

RZ will continue with their feature packed RZ 350e, 500e EV and add a RZ550e performance F Sport model. The all new RZ lineup will have exclusive color options, exclusive aerodynamic wheels that enhance performance along with luxury interior exclusive choices.

Main Features of the New RZ

1. Fully redesigned the BEV System, thoroughly pursuing fundamental performance.
   1. Improved dynamic performance through higher output, while offering more options tailored to customer needs.
   2. Extended driving range, prioritizing practical usability for customers.
   3. Shortened charging time through an optimized charging system.
2. Deepening the Lexus Driving Signature and delivering a new driving experience.
   1. Enhanced dynamic performance through refinements to the dedicated BEV platform and vehicle fundamentals.
   2. Incorporating Lexus' first-ever Steer-by-Wire System.
   3. Enhanced DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system to deliver a driving response that faithfully reflects the driver's intent.
   4. New Interactive Manual Drive, providing a more engaging and enjoyable driving experience.
   5. Exceptional quietness unique to Lexus BEVs, achieved through source-level noise and vibration suppression
3. F SPORT exclusive design for a more engaging driving experience.
   1. Aerodynamics focused F SPORT exclusive exterior design.
   2. A clean, open cabin space designed to meet customer preferences.
   3. F SPORT-specific interior, featuring a exclusive steering wheel and sporty design elements.

The entry level RZ350e is a FWD EV that will weight from 4,398 lbs to 4,520 lbs depending on option packages.

• Wheel size - 18/20 inch options
• Cruising Range - 357 miles estimate
• Electrical consumption is estimated at 144 Wh/km
• Performance 223 HP / 198 lb-ft of torque limited to 221 HP total output.
• 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds

The  mid level RZ500e AWD will weight from 4,630 lbs to 4,751 lbs depending on option packages.

• Wheel size - 18/20 inch options
• Cruising Range - 310 miles estimate
• Electrical consumption is estimated at 166 Wh/km
• Performance is front and rear motor 223 HP each for a total of 446 HP / 396 lb-ft of torque. Limited to 375 HP total output.
• 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds

The top level RZ550e F Sport AWD will weight from 4,707 lbs to 4,806 lbs depending on option packages.

• Wheel size - 20 inch only
• Cruising Range - 279 miles estimate
• Electrical consumption is estimated at 184 Wh/km
• Performance is front and rear motor 223 HP each for a total of 446 HP / 396 lb-ft of torque. Limited to 402 HP total output.
• 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

The RZ comes with a 77kWh battery pack based on Rapid charging port of CCS/NACS depending on market. The battery pack is a liquid cooled / heated battery pack to optimize range and charging speed. Charging speed at home will be handled by a 22kW controller for optimized charging.

With a steer by wire system, Toyota has optimized the steering wheel to allow minimal input to maximize the driving enjoyment. This is just one of many improvements Lexus has incorporated into their autos for comfort in Daily driving.

Space is the final frontier and yet in this case it is giving plenty of room forward and back for the occupants to spread out and enjoy the drive. Better yet is the availability of various two-tone interior choices. The 350e version will come with a standard steering wheel thus allowing those that might not be ready for a steer by wire with yoke steering wheel to still get an 

RZ Images

Now that we have covered the Lexus RZ, let's take a look at what Toyota has revealed for the global market.  Again, Europe will be the starting point with the all-new Toyota C-HR+ and bZ4X.

Toyota C-HR+

The C-HR+ will come with the following specifications:

• Performance choices
  • FWD 164 hp or 221 and AWD 337 HP
  • Range based on the above HP - 282 miles FWD, 372 Miles, and AWD 326 miles.
  • 0 to 60 mph is 8.6 seconds for entry level, 7.4 seconds for mid-level and 5.2 seconds for AWD.
  • Base entry has a 57-kWh battery pack, top level FWD and AWD will have a 77-kwh battery pack.

Toyota bZ4X

The bZ4X will come with the following specifications:

• FWD 164 hp or 221 and AWD 337 HP
• Range based on the above HP - 276 miles FWD, 356 Miles, and AWD 323 miles.
• 0 to 60 mph is 8.6 seconds for entry level, 7.4 seconds for mid-level and 5.1 seconds for AWD.
• Base entry has a 57-kWh battery pack, top level FWD and AWD will have a 73-kwh battery pack.

The interior is something of a branding badge job that will be interesting to see if customers like it or not 

Toyota C-HR+ Interior

Toyota bZ4X interior

Toyota will be releasing more details about all their EVs as they get closer to the launch date for the European market.

Toyota Images

So the question based on what you see here, did Toyota do enough to succeed against the Chinese, Europeans and Americans?

Toyota Motor North America and LG Energy Solutions has announced a long-term supply agreement for Lithium-ion/high-nickel NCMA battery modules starting with 20 GWh of production in 2025 for 2026 model year EVs.

These pouch type battery cells are a nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum cell design that will be produced at LG Energy Solutions Michigan facility and shipped to Toyota's Kentucky assembly site for all Toyota and Lexus EVs.

Tetsuo "Ted" Ogawa has stated this is the start of securing a long-term supply of lithium-ion pouch cells to help us reach our goal of contributing to Toyota's expected year sell of 3.5 million EVs globally by 2030.

LG Energy Solutions has committed to investing $3 billion U.S. dollars in their Michigan facility for a new production line that will produce these pouch cells for Toyota.

This agreement leaves open the opportunity for expanded production as Toyota needs down the road based on EV sales.

Toyota has had for the rich and powerful their Century car for the Japanese market only for decades. This chauffeur-driven car was a coveted auto that never was allowed to be exported out of Japan.

Today, Toyota has announced a new chauffeur-driven Century for the 21st century in meeting the demands of a new age, new generation while maintaining the inheritance of the history of what made Century so special. The Century SUV while being a new shape, combines elegance, comfort and functionality as demanded in this new age of automotive excitement.

Toyota streamed the launch making a statement of the following:

• A bold design with an elegant and graceful silhouette that incorporates Japanese aesthetic elements.
• Based on a concept of human-centeredness, the interior space is designed to provide an even more safe and comfortable travel experience for rear-seat passengers as well as the driver.
• The newly developed plug-in hybrid system, which inherits the quietness of the Century and delivers both environmental performance and powerful, exhilarating ride befitting the future of chauffeur-driven vehicles.

The Century chauffeur-driven sedan debuted in 1967 as the premium Toyota executive car. The market had been dominated by U.S. and European luxury brands till now. Embodying the unrivaled spirit of omotenashi, or hospitality, ensuring that the important passengers reached their destinations safely and in comfort. The Century Sedan has been doing this for the last 5 plus decades.

Today's Century SUV is launched with the following outline:

1. Majestic, dignified body design with both horizontal and vertical form features. From the hand engraved phoenix emblem to the mirror finish.
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2. Interior space designed with the concept of being human-centered to realize comfortable travel time. From the fully reclining rear seats to the finely hones audio system and the rear doors that open to a wide 75-degrees allowing for elegant entry and exit of the SUV. Be it that the Century SUV is chauffer-driven or owner-driven, the cockpit is designed for ease of use by all, allowing focus on their driving with minimal distractions.
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3. Powertrain of the 21st century, delivering performance while exceeding expectations. The all new 3.5-liter V6 hybrid system achieves both performance and a quieter drive for both driver and passenger.
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4. The all new Century SUV is built on the Toyota TNGA platform with a high-rigidity body. This allows superior handling along with noise-reduction as well as privacy quietness associated with a chauffer-driven vehicle.
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The 2024 Century SUV has the following specifications:

• Length - 5,205mm or 205 inches
• Width - 1,990 mm or 78 inches
• Height - 1,805 mm or 71 inches
• Wheelbase - 2,950 mm or 116 inches
• Couple distance - 1,220 mm or 48 inches
• Weight - 2,570 kg or 5,666 pounds
• Capacity - 4 persons

While Toyota talks about this as being a Japan only auto, the all-new Century SUV is built on their global TNGA platform, a first for the Century line and it has their global all-new Hybrid system. Both would imply that this auto which is slated for just 30 hand built per month could become a global auto designed to take on the top Luxury SUVs in the world such as the Mercedes EQS SUV, Cadillac Escalade, etc.

Check out all the images and details here in the press release folder of images:

Toyota Century SUV - Cheers & Gears (cheersandgears.com)

Toyota Launching New Century in Japan

Today, Toyota released a more detailed teaser image of the nearly reborn Land Cruiser.  Featuring a boxy, egg crate grille, and a profile similar to the new Lexus GX, we have a pretty good idea what the Land Cruiser will look like. Since the two will share most of the body, only the front fenders, grille, and rear tailgate will offer much in terms of styling differentiation.

Old and New Land Cruiser Silhouettes - Via Toyota

We expect the Land Cruiser to be powered by the same 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 349-hp  and 479 lb-ft of torque in the GX. Lexus will later be adding a hybrid to the line-up based on the Toyota Tundra i-Force Max that can produce up to 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.  Like the Lexus, which now offers the GX in an off-road trim called Overtrail, there will almost certainly be a TRD Pro version of the Land Cruiser with increased ride height, locking rear differential, and oversized off-road tires.

2024 Lexus GX550 - Via Lexus

The previous Land Cruiser shared its platform with the larger Lexus LX, but the new GX has grown in size, just a few inches smaller in overall length and sharing the same wheelbase as the LX. This gives Toyota room with the Land Cruiser to keep it above the Sequoia in the lineup.

The Land Cruiser will be officially unveiled at 9:20 p.m. on August 1st.  Keep it here for details!

Toyota, June 13th 2023 held a technical briefing session that is supposed to support Toyota Motor Company transforming into a mobility company. 

CTO Hikoki Nakajima was the first to present to the industry and news about how Toyota will be changing to a mobility company through embracing a wide range of technology.

The following is what will make Toyota Motor Company, become Toyota Mobility Company.

• All Solid-State batteries for all EV products coming between 2026 and 2030
• Aerodynamic technology based on rocket hypersonic technology.
• Use of Giga-casting in all Toyota products
• Use of Small eAxle motors
• True EV platform that supports multi-pathways for various global market needs from subcompact cars to full size trucks and SUVs.
• Water electrolyzer systems
• Next generation voice recognition
• Manual BEVs
• On-demand self-modified autos for various driving tastes
• Standard steer-by-wire
• Highly Efficient Transportation Operation Support System for fleets
• e-Palette, self-driving autonomous systems for mass transit
• e-Palette, freight movement system
• One-touch wheelchair fixation devices for auto driving
• JUU (Electronic Wheelchairs

Toyota is a multi-faceted company that has always built more than just auto's and with this presentation they have re-enforced that they will continue to be focused on everyone from those in wheelchairs to the most able-bodied human.

Toyota seems to have looked at the GM portfolio in that their e-Palette mass transit system resembles the GM Cruise self driving system, but currently the Toyota e-Palette requires a human driver.

Cruise

e-Palette

Toyota was more than happy to show off their e-Axel motors next to current generation electric motors.

This was followed by their Giga-casting examples of how things will get simplified and better quality in building autos.

Here Toyota also took time to introduce others that have critical roles in the future of Toyota Mobility such as Takero Kato, newly appointed president of the BEV factory. Toyota released a whole slew of videos from various leaders talking about the wide range of areas in the company and the future.

Toyota reinforced the Toyota mobility concept three approaches that were presented in April 2023 at an executive and investor briefing. Toyota Mobility believes that the key to the future is electrification, intelligence and diversification.

Toyota believes that their Solid-State batteries will allow them to have some EVs that can travel 900 miles on a single charge with this tech going into select EVs by 2027 or 2028. They also reinforced that a full EV lineup will be launched in 2026 with BEV production from the BEV factory in Japan to produce 1.7 million EVs a year out of a global production of 3.5 million EVs they expect to produce and sell in 2030.

Toyota also stated that energy-dense batteries will go into EVs in 2026 that will have a 1,000km on a single charge, fully charge in 20 minutes or less and cost 20% less than todays batteries found in the bZ4X.

Toyota also stated that they would offer LFP or low-cost lithium-ion phosphate batteries in EVs starting around 2026 or 2027 that would have a 20% increase in range over current bZ4X battery packs and be 40% less expensive.

Toyota released the following briefs:

• Electrified Technologies - Batteries, Fundamental technologies to improve BEV product appeal (global.toyota)
• Electrified Technologies - Hydrogen, Carbon neutral (CN) fuel (global.toyota)
• Intelligence Technology (global.toyota)
• Diversification Technology (global.toyota)

This brings up the question that many will ask, is Toyota playing catch up to VW, Audi, Porsche, Ford and GM?

Toyota does have a deep bank account to handle dwindling sales as consumers move over to EVs as Toyota now sees what they thought was the future of consumer autos in Hydrogen now go to Commercial use and the future of consumer autos is EVs.

What do you think about Toyota Mobility?

Toyota Unveils New Technology That Will Change the Future of Cars | Corporate | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Clearly Toyota is playing catch up to everyone else, but can they truly make a difference and catch up to where Tesla, GM and Ford are in regard to battery production, EV productions in the U.S. if they want to capture IRA incentives?

The new much younger CEO is making the changes that should see Toyota survive, but at what size and what cost? The boomer leadership of Toyota motor corp clearly missed out on this global change.

Sound off on your thoughts about Toyota's plan.

The Toyota Tacoma has been the best-selling mid-size pickup in the U.S. for nearly 20 years. Holding such an important place in the lineup, Toyota has been very conservative with updates in the past.  The outgoing generation ran for a full 7 years, but even that was based on a platform that dates all the way back to 2004.  For 2024, the Tacoma sheds the old platform entirely and joins the Tundra and Sequoia on Toyota's new TNGA-F global truck platform.  The 2024 Tacoma is the latest (and final) updated entry to the US mid-size truck market, joining the Ranger, Canyon, Colorado, Ridgeline, and Frontier, all of which have been recently redesigned.

Tacoma is coming out swinging with powertrains, with a 278 horsepower 4-cylinder making 317 lb.-ft of torque as the base engine for consumer models.  This bests the base 4-cylinders from GM and Ford, and just about matches the V6 in the Honda. Frontier's 3.8 liter V6 does make more horsepower at 310, but Toyota has an answer for that too with an available 2.4-liter turbo-charged hybrid making 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft of torque. To put that in perspective, that is more torque than the new Ford Ranger Raptor with a 3-liter turbo V6 (410 lb.-ft) and the high-performance 2.7-liter 4-cylinder fielded by GM with 430 lb.-ft. Power is routed through an all-new eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual with automatic rev-matching, and anti-stall technology is also available.  Models with the manual transmission only get one engine choice at 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft to torque. Entry-level SR grades usually sold to fleets get a 228 horsepower / 243 lb.-ft turbo 4-cylinder instead.

The i-FORCE Max hybrid uses a 2.4-liter turbo four mated to a 48 hp electric motor integrated into the transmission. The battery is relatively limited at only 1.87-kWh and uses NiMH instead of Lithium-Ion technology.  But this setup allows the system to nearly double the torque output of the outgoing V6. Toyota says that the i-FORCE Max can ascent an 8% grade at interstate speeds without needing to downshift. Fuel economy estimates will be revealed later, but expect them to be better than any other competitor.

Rear-wheel drive models have an automatic limited-slip differential while four-wheel drive models have a two-speed transfer case and active traction control. Upgrade to one of the TRD trims includes an upgraded electronically controlled locking differential. The new top-zoot Limited trim gets full-time four-wheel-drive with a center locking differential when equipped with the i-FORCE Max hybrid engine.

Choices Abound

There was once a time when truck buyers could order a vehicle as bespoke as anything coming from an ultra-luxury car manufacturer. While other manufacturers have reduced option combinations, Toyota has kept the old truck-buying process alive with an engine/cab/bed/options combination list longer than we could possibly post here. Each grade of Tacoma gets a uniquely tuned suspension with special shocks, coil or leaf springs,  and electronic stabilizer bars available. 

The two cab styles available are both offered with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. The four-door double cab offers seating for five, while the new two-door XtraCab is built for two with storage behind the seats. Bed volume has increased 7 percent and the alluminum tailgate has an available power open and close function. Gas-only models can be equipped with a 400W ac outlet in the bed and rear of the center console while i-FORCE Max hybrid models come standard with a 2400W power outlet.

Tacoma is available in SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. Returning for 2024, TRD PreRunner is available in the XtraCab configuration with two-wheel drive only. It has a lifted front suspension, larger diameter BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, and an electronically locking rear differential. For a sportier look and feel, TRD Sport gets black 18-in. TRD wheels, color-keyed door handles and overfenders, hood scoop, black exterior badging, and aluminum pedals. The TRD Off-Road grade is more capable than ever thanks to the new Bilstein remote reservoir monotube shocks for better heat dissipation and the available front stabilizer bar disconnect system.

Limited grades offer more sophistication than ever with a luxurious interior and standard tech including power retractable sidesteps, head-up display, 14-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, digital rearview mirror, and a power moonroof along with the new smooth-riding adaptive variable suspension and full-time four-wheel drive on i-FORCE MAX-equipped models. Trailhunter is also all-new for 2024 and offers a well-equipped overlanding rig that’s adventure-ready right from the dealer.

Buyers will be able to choose from Supersonic Red, Blue Crush Metallic, Underground, Wind Chill Pearl, Solar Octane, Celestial Silver Metallic, Black, Ice Cap, and Bronze Oxide colors, plus an additional TRD Pro exclusive color being announced later this year.

All the Latest Tech Inside

The all-new Tacoma is filled with the latest technology and information screens that bring significant updates to the cabin. A new 8-inch or available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system that debuted on the 2022 Tundra pickup and is designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and pairs well with the available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. A USB-C data and charging port is integrated on the right side of the display, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for the rear passengers. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with four different styles is standard on higher grades while a 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades.

All 2024 Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety and convenience systems. New-to-Tacoma TSS enhancements are made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. This suite of features includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Proactive Driving Assist

Proactive Driving Assist is new to Toyota Safety Sense. When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, this system is designed to provide gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma was designed in the US and will be built in Toyota's Plano, Texas facility.

Toyota believes there is a need in the market for a mid-size SUV that prioritizes interior comfort for all-three rows and their answer is the Grand Highlander.

Lisa Materazzo, group VP of Toyota Marketing made this statement: “This 3-row model takes the Highlander legacy to an entirely new space while also keeping on our promise to deliver on electrification. Highlander was the first model in its segment to offer a hybrid powertrain back in 2006 and Grand Highlander further expands on our electrification leadership.”

Toyota is clearly standardizing their auto lineup with a standardized powertrain lineup as used in their Crown family and now will be used across the SUV family. The Grand Highlander will have an entry-level, efficiency level and performance level choices all packaged into one package. This trio package will be available in three powertrains, across three grades of Grand Highlander.

Grand Highlander powertrains:

• Grand Highlander XLE powertrain - 2.4L Turbo Gas Engine
• Grand Highlander Limited Hybrid - 2.5L Gas Engine Hybrid system
• Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max - 2.5L Turbo Gas Engine Hybrid system
  • 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds
  • Towing capacity of 5,000 lbs

All three powertrain options come with the following default Drive modes of Sport, Eco, and Normal. Multi-Terrain Select will offer three modes of Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt and Snow are offered on the gas AWD and Hybrid Max powertrains.

The Grand Highlander is built on the TNGA-K platform that allows the ability to have with passengers, seven carryon suitcases behind the 3rd row and yet when the seats are down a total of 98 cubic feet of cargo space.

The interior comfort and access to ports is the big news here according to Toyota as they say this will accommodate three-rows of adults.

As one will notice here, the interior is Toyota traditional black with a copper accent that is also found across the Crown family of products. The Grand Highlander has a standard 12.3-inch screen while big for Toyota, competition has options that are even bigger but without all the physical controls that Toyota has clearly chosen to keep. Toyota has stated there are 13 cupholders and 7 USB-C charge points with an OTA enabled system on the auto.

Toyota has also in the back cargo area behind the 3rd bench seat row included 110 outlet.

Toyota has stated that the standard center console can fit a tablet, features wireless charging in addition to the USB-C ports and cup holders. This center console is a very versatile system for both the driver and front passenger.

Available conveniences depending on the model is heated steering wheel, power folding mirrors, heated and ventilated seats front and second row, 1,500-Watt power outlets and hands-free power back door.

Here is a complete list as of this global product release of the trim's levels:

XLE Grade

• Exterior:
  • 18″ Alloy Wheels
  • Black Painted Grille
  • Roof Rails
  • Heated Outer Mirrors
• Interior:
  • Softex®-trimmed Seating
  • 10-way Power Driver & 8-way Power Passenger Seats
  • 7-Passenger Capacity w/ 2nd Row Captain's Chairs or 8-Passenger Bench
  • Heated Front Seats
  • 2nd Row Sunshades
• Multimedia/Technology:
  • Digital Key (requires active Remote Connect trial or subscription)
  • 12.3” Touchscreen
  • 7” MID
  • 6 Power USB / 1 Media USB
  • Wireless Charger
• Safety & Convenience
  • TSS 3.0
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • 5 Door Smart Key
  • Power Liftgate
  • Garage Door Opener
  • Auto-dimming Mirror

Limited Grade

• Exterior:
  • 20″ Alloy Wheels
  • LED DRL
  • Power Fold Outer Mirrors
  • LED Fog Lamps
• Interior:
  • Leather Seating
  • Heated & Ventilated Front Seats
  • Heated 2nd Row Seats
  • Memory Seat function for 1^st row
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Power outlet (100W Gas) (1500W HV/Hybrid MAX)
  • Ambient Lighting
  • Removable 2^nd row center console storage
• Multimedia/Technology:
  • 12.3″ Premium Multimedia w/ 11 Speaker JBL Audio
  • 12.3″ Full Digital MID
• Safety & Convenience
  • Parking Sensors w/ Automatic Braking
  • Rain Sensing Wipers
  • Kick Power Liftgate
  • Puddle Lamps

Platinum Grade

• Exterior:
  • 20″ Clad Alloy Wheels
• Interior:
  • Heated & Ventilated 2nd Row Seats
  • Panoramic Moonroof
  • Paddle shifters (AWD Gas and Hybrid MAX)
  • Dial Multi-Terrain Select (AWD Gas and Hybrid MAX)
• Safety & Convenience
  • Head Up Display
  • Puddle Lamps
  • Panoramic View Monitor
  • Digital Rearview Mirror
  • Traffic Jam Assist (requires active Drive Connect trial or subscription)
  • Front Cross Traffic Alert

Inside, Grand Highlander’s spacious interior offers a variety of options based on customer needs. The XLE and Limited grade options include a bench seat and Panoramic Moonroof – while the Limited grade adds the option of a Panoramic View Monitor.

For interior color options, the 2024 Grand Highlander is offered in:

• XLE Gas and Hybrid: Softex®-trim in Light Gray or Black
• Limited Gas and Hybrid: Leather-trim in Light Gray or Black
• Platinum Gas: Leather-trim in Portobello, Light Gray or Black
• Limited Hybrid Max: Ultrasuede®- and leather-trim in Light Gray or Black
• Platinum Hybrid MAX in Ultrasuede®- and leather-trim in Portobello, Light Gray or Black

Safety

The 2024 Grand Highlander will come standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense generation, TSS 3.0. This suite of safety features includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Proactive Driving Assist

Proactive Driving Assist is new to the Toyota Safety Sense package. When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, this system provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist. Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.

The Toyota Safety Sense features has been enhanced for TSS 3.0:

• The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection has enhanced detection capabilities thanks to new system sensors. It receives enhanced intersection support with improved detection capability in certain circumstances. It also adds the capability to detect a motorcyclist, in addition to a bicyclist and pedestrian.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist has enhanced lane recognition that includes detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane.
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adds a fourth following distance setting, from the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.
• Like Lane Departure Alert, lane recognition is enhanced for Lane Tracing Assist. This system now also helps provide more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving path with minor steering adjustments while keeping the vehicle within its lane.
• An Emergency Driving Stop System has been added to Lane Tracing Assist. It’s designed to monitor the driver’s inputs, such as steering operation, to determine if they’re inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control.
• Road Sign Assist gets expanded sign detection capabilities that now include certain intersection signs and warning signs, like pedestrian crossings.

Welcome to the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, available early 2023 at a Toyota Dealership near you.

Toyota is promising the public the ultimate road tripper in their all-new Grand Highlander, three-row SUV.

The 2024 Grand Highlander will be the most sophisticated and spacious Grand Highlander leading the 44-vehicle lineup, largest ever shown at an auto show. Chicago will be the start of a massive blitz of ICE and Hybrid new and updated autos. The car show will have from production vehicles to NASCAR and SEMA specialty autos such as the Trailhunter Concept Vehicle and SEMA specialty products.

A trio of all-new production autos starts with the 2023 Prius, 2023 GR Corolla and 2023 Crown. The Prius is the most fuel-efficient Prius ever with an estimated 57 MPG combined. The first-ever GR Corolla is the newest member of the Toyota GAZOO Racing car family. The GR Corolla embraced lightweight racing cars with a race proven G16E-GTS Turbocharged, three-cylinder engine pumping out 300 horsepower. GR Corolla will come in three performance levels: Core, Circuit Edition and Limited, track-focused, MORIZO edition.

Engineered to standout at the most luxurious sedan of the Toyota family is the 2023 Toyota Crown, available in three trim levels of XLE, Limited, and Platinum, two-hybrid powertrains and standard AWD on all. The Crown will have their base Hybrid powertrain on the XLE and Limited. Hybrid MAX will be on the Platinum.

Full details can be found here: 

Toyota will have a Sports Festival during the Auto Show next to the Toyota auto booth. To quote their press release:

 the automaker will also host a fully interactive Toyota Sports Festival during the auto show, with versatile events and combine-style activities for participants to show off their skills. The Toyota Sports Festival concept was born from Toyota’s mission to create meaningful experiences that energize consumers in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, elevate Paralympians and support athletes at every level. With a variety of Olympic and Paralympic offerings, this booth activation will feature a sport court for wheelchair basketball, a skate park for skateboarding, a 40-yard dash area and photos opportunities around USA Swimming and USA Speedskating.

Toyota has also next to these spaces created an electrified Drive for All Seasons ride and drive course. This four-seasoned themed demonstration area will provide passenger-only access to Toyota's hybrid vehicles covering Prius, RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia and Tundra.

The big start for Toyota at the February Chicago Auto Show is the introduction of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. Check out the show @ McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive. Full information can be found here: https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/

1955 Toyota Motor Corporation introduced the Toyota Crown sedan to the Japanese market and holds the distinction of being the longest-running passenger car nameplate affixed to any Toyota model, along with being the first vehicle to be exported to the U.S. in 1958.

1955 Toyota Crown

The Toyota Crown was on sales in the U.S. in both 2-door and 4-door till 1972 when it was discontinued for the U.S. market.

1972 Toyota Crown

Official Marketing Image

Upon being pulled back to the Asian rim and specifically the Japanese market, the Toyota Crown moved up stream to be the top-of-the-line auto for executives while a lower trim levels with self-opening and closing rear doors are used to this day in Japan as Taxis.

Crown History

July 15th, 2022 Toyota announced the return of the Toyota Crown to the U.S. with Bold Style and a New Hybrid Max Powertrain. Specifically at the time Toyota released the following details:

• Reimagined Sedan with Bold Styling, Premium Comfort and Elevated Ride Height
• Three Grades, XLE, Limited and Platinum, All with Standard Electronic On-Demand AWD
• Hybrid Powertrain Standard with Choice of First-Ever HYBRID MAX or Toyota Hybrid System
• HYBRID MAX on Platinum Pairs a 2.4-L Turbo Hybrid Engine with Rear eAxle for 340 HP
• Spacious Interior and Quiet Ride, with Standard Adaptive Variable Suspension on Platinum
• Platinum Grade Offers Unique Bi-Tone Paint and Standard 21-inch Wheels
• Toyota’s All-New Audio Multimedia System with 12.3-inch Touchscreen Standard

On October 25th, 2022 Toyota released further details about the Toyota Crown specifications for the Hybrid Max platform and some of the interior. See link for full details of exterior and interior by trim level in attached PDF: 

2023-Toyota-Crown-Product-Information_FINAL_11302022.pdf

Crown Product-Information

• Hybrid - XLE & Limited - 236 combined net HP - 0 - 60 mph (91-octane fuel) 7.6 seconds
• Hybrid Max - Platinum - 340 combined net HP and 400.4 lb-ft combined net torque - 0 - 60 mph (91-octane fuel) 5.7 seconds
• Hybrid XLE & Limited - 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder paired with electric motors
• Hybrid Max Platinum - 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo charged with electric motors
• AWD Hybrid XLE & Limited electric motors torque
  • Front - 88 kW / 149 lb-ft
  • Rear - 40 kW / 89 lb-ft
• AWD Hybrid Max Platinum electric motors torque
  • Front - 61 kW / 215.4 lb-ft
  • Rear - 58.6 kW / 124 lb-ft
• Battery Pack
  • Nickel-metal hydride battery
  • 230.4V
  • Capacity 3hr 5.0Ah
• Drivetrain layout and transmission type
  • Hybrid - Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive with ECVT
  • Hybrid Max - Full Time Electronic All-Wheel Drive with Direct Shift 6AT speed automatic transmission
• Auto Weight
  • Hybrid - Curb weight 3980 lbs. / GVWR 5020 lbs.
  • Hybrid Max - Curb weight 4343 lbs. / GVWR 5285 lbs.
• Basic Limited Warranty Coverage
  • 3-year / 36,000-mile Comprehensive
  • 5-year / 36,000-mile Powertrain
  • 5-year / unlimited mileage Corrosion Perforation
  • 10-year / 150,000-mile Hybrid Battery
  • Toyota Care - Complimentary maintenance plan with purchase or lease of every new Toyota. For 2-years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, every new Toyota will be covered for all normal factory scheduled service, as well as 24/7 roadside assistance.

Toyota Crown will be available on dealer lots this early 2023 with the following starting prices:

• Crown XLE Hybrid AWD - Starting from $39,950
• Crown Limited Hybrid AWD - Starting from $45,550
• Crown Platinum Hybrid Max AWD - Starting from $52,350

Full 2023 Toyota pricing can be reviewed here in their 2023 Toyota Full-Line Pricing:

2022-2023-Toyota-Pricing.pdf

Toyota says that their Crown Hybrid AWD system found in the XLE and Limited will have a manufacture-estimated 38 MPG. The E-Four AWD Hybrid system is a drive-by-wire system with CVT and has a front / rear wheel driving force distribution starting with 100:0 and 20:80 ensuring enhanced fuel efficiency and comfortable driving performance.

Crown XLE/Limited Exterior / Interior

Toyota Crown Platinum Exterior / Interior

E-Four Advanced AWD, paired with Hybrid Max on the Platinum trim delivers power to the front and rear wheels via a front mounted hybrid motor and to the rear wheels via through a rear-mounted eAxle electric motor. The front and rear wheel drive force is precisely controlled between 70:30 and 20:80. Toyota says their rear motor, which generates power through water cooling, makes it possible to maximize torque to the rear wheels. This new AWD system enhances the drive force for the rear wheels providing a feel of RWD maneuverability, straight line stability with comfortable turning and responsive acceleration.

The interior has a large two panel sky roof and upgraded interior materials and electronics.

Toyota Crown overall height comes in at 60.6 inches, compared to the Camry at 56.9 inches. Overall length of the Crown is 194 inches, 72.4 inches wide, and a wheelbase of 112.2 inches.

Toyota is calling the Crown a First Class Cabin with standard 8-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats. Heated front seats are standard on all three trim levels. Limited and Platinum have standard ventilated front seats and heated back seats. The XLE comes with Softex and back woven fabric for the seats where leather is standard on the Limited and Platinum.

All Crowns come standard with dual zone climate control and a 12.3 color MID. The panoramic roof is standard on the Platinum and Limited models, optional on the XLE. All trims come with in-cabin LED lighting. Various charge ports can be found throughout the Crown and a Wireless vertical-type charging spot is on the driver's side.

The Platinum comes standard with a Bird's eye View camera with Perimeter Scan which offers a panoramic overhead view of the auto's surroundings. This can be purchased on the Limited as part of the Advanced Tech Package. All three trims have a standard backup camera system. Limited and Platinum come standard with a Smart Key System that works on all four-doors.

According to hotcars.com, they are reporting that the all-new Crown family of autos that is rolling out across the Asian rim has had a new addition to the U.S. market. 

Many have known that the Toyota Avalon is a dead product for Toyota. The Crown Cossover that we have covered above here is the Avalon replacement. What was not known till now according to the hotcar.com website is that the Crown family is coming to the U.S. The Crown Family has the following four Hybrids from Left to Right in the photo below.

Crown Crossover, Crown Sport in red is a smaller compact SUV, Crown Orthodox sedan in grey and then the Crown Estate SUV in a golden yellow.

Crown Crossover aimed at everyone, especially families.

Crown Sport has a target audience of the youthful out of college crowd.

Crown Orthodox sedan is the larger mature sibling focused on luxury and smoothness, aimed at those that love the back seat, preferring to be chauffeured around. This car is the popular choice for executives across the Asian rim.

Crown Estate full size SUV is your conventional SUV aimed at the larger families, those liking a lifestyle SUV.

All four Crown models are expected to be rolled out over the next 18 months.

All four models will be built on the Toyota TNGA platform that is a Hybrid / ICE platform. Toyota has promised that the Crown family of autos will have the highest standard for minimal vibration for the smoothest ride possible along with Toyota Safety Sense making the Crown family of autos the safest, driver assisted top-notch fun to drive autos on the market.

This is a global launch in 40 countries with expected sales of 200,000 first year.

Toyota's President Toyoda stated: " Customers from around the world will now get a chance to drive this historic Japanese nameplate... born out of passion, pride and progress."

Toyota corporation and it's CEO has been very clear from the start that they do not think people want EVs and have stated this with their dedication to Hydrogen cars that have bombed in their limited sales, fuel infrastructure and more.

Toyota then came out with their first EV the bz4x that was a full-on recall / buy back only months later after production started in 2022.

Now as Toyota is changing leadership as the current CEO moves to the board as Chairman and a younger by a few years takes over the CEO leadership of the company, Toyota is doing a radical shift. 

Toyota Motor Corp. in an interview with "The Asahi Shimbun" has stated that they plan to develop a pure EV-only platform to cut costs, raise production efficiency and competitiveness with the rest of the automakers globally with a focus on Tesla.

To date, Toyota has used a hybrid platform that supports ICE, Prius and their first EVs, the bz4x by Toyota and the Lexus RZ450e, a rebadged version of the bz4x.

Due to the sharing of the current platform to support both internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains, these first EVs are a complicated mess of design and space. This means that there are parts used that are totally unnecessary for EVs and more complex due to the needs of Hybrids/ICE autos. This also means that these EVs are more expensive to produce and support. It also means that Toyota has limited choices on where and how to mount battery packs, electric motors, internal space and more when compared to the competition.

Toyota has rising production costs at a time that Tesla has started to cut prices globally. Toyota has acknowledged that they cannot generate profits and sales while competing with automakers that use a dedicated skateboard platform.

While Toyota is expected to rank #1 in global auto sales for 2022, they are not even in the top 10 EV sales leaders for 2022.

As per the latest auto sales for EVs, the U.S., Europe and China are dominated by Tesla in First place and in China second place is BYD, where VW is second in Europe and Hyundai/Kia has taken the second place of EV sales in the U.S.

Toyota has stated that this new EV dedicated platform will go into production either mid 2027 to mid 2028 and that they will still be able to produce 30 electric models starting in 2030 with production capacity of 3.5 million that same year.

Retiring CEO but New Chairman Akio Toyoda believes that the U.S. target of 50% EV sales by 2030 is very difficult if not impossible to achieve. The Toyota Chairman says 85% of Toyota sales in the U.S. will still be ICE even though sales figures show California sales at the end of 2022 had 16% EVs and other states are approaching 10% with expected gains in 2023.

With California, the largest auto market in the U.S. already past that 15% sales point that Toyota thinks EVs will only be at by 2030; GM Ultium platform, Hyundai/Kia E-GMP platform and other automakers having dedicated EV Platforms going into production makes one think that Toyota could end up losing their crown at Global auto sales leader Especially at Europe and China move ahead to hit 50% EV sales by 2030 if not sooner as some countries move up ending ICE sales to 2028.

This makes one wonder how relevant Japanese auto companies will be by 2030 as many other auto companies in Japan are either joining to get a single EV out or none at all in a very conservative approach to a changing global market.

One only has to look at Honda which has a single EV for Honda and Acura by using GM's Ultium platform and coproducing an EV with Sony on a Sony platform. Then you have Mazda that thinks an EV with a rotary generator is the way to go.

End result is we live in interesting times for the Auto Industry and the auto buyers.

Toyota Motor Corp has teased this year an all-new Prius for 2023. Some have wondered including this writer if it would be an EV rather than a Hybrid. 

The night of November 16th, 2022, we got our answer. Toyota is keeping the Prius name in Hybrid format only. Welcome to Toyota's Hybrid Reborn. Toyota wants the Prius name to carry on Toyota's commitment to Carbon Neutrality and gave the following bullet points about this all-new ride.

• All-New Sporty Exterior Styling with Flowing, One-Motion Silhouette
• Most fuel-efficient Prius ever with up to Manufacturer-Estimated 57 Combined MPG
• Fifth Gen Hybrid Powertrain with up to 196 horsepower

22 years ago, Toyota rolled out a quirky high-tech sedan to U.S. dealerships that has forever changed the automotive industry. Prius is Latin for "To Go Before" and with this name, the 2001 Prius became the first global mass-produced hybrid car. 

Tonight, Toyota revealed the all-new 2023 Prius and Prius Prime on the eve of the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center. Prius has sold over 5 million units in North America and over 20 million Globally. 

Prius kicks off the 2023 model year with a manufacturer estimated 57 MPG combined fuel economy rating for the LE FWD model.

The 2023 Prius will come in the available LE, XLE and Limited models. This Prius is built on the second-generation TNGA-C platform, offering a low center of gravity with reduced weight and increased rigidity in comparison to the previous generation. This wider stance, lower center of gravity with lower driving position gives a nimble, yet comfortable ride.

The all-new Prius is a modern style, progressive and understated from the outside to the inside. The piercing silhouette has a level of airflow and a more athletic look over the last generation. The roofline is 2 inches lower with a 1-inch wider stance.

Larger wheels are available on the XLE and Limited for an eye-catching sporty look that gives the driver an added performance and handling boost according to Toyota. The battery pack has been relocated to the center of the car giving enhanced luggage capacity while being the optimized placement for the low center of gravity.

The new hybrid powertrain enhances both fuel economy and driving performance with increases to both engine and battery output. Acceleration feel and vehicle handling have been enhanced, providing a drive feel and accelerator response that has been unique to EVs yet in a hybrid package.

The 5th generation hybrid powertrain coupled with a larger 2.0L engine and an all-new lithium-ion battery continues to deliver on the desire for ultimate fuel efficiency and performance.  AWD models get an Electric On-Demand AWD system that has been adopted which uses a motor to drive the rear wheels, enabling stable driving performance when starting off on slippery roads or driving on them. The new lithium-ion battery pack offers 15% increase in comparison to the last generation model.

Engaging acceleration is how Toyota coined the FWD models with a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds, which is a 28% improvement over the outgoing FWD model that had a 9.8 second 0 to 60 time.

Colors will be available as Wind Chill Pearl, Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Black, Supersonic Red or Reservoir Blue.

The AWD models get a 0-60 time of 7.0 seconds, and the Prius offers three driving modes, Normal, ECO and Sport mode. All three of the drive models are tuned to deliver the ultimate drive force based on the drive mode one selects.

• ECO - Drive force increase in response to accelerator operation is suppressed slightly to enable finer accelerator control and enhance the fuel economy.
• SPORT - This power mode allows the drive force in the low to mid accelerator opening to increase throttle responsiveness

Toyota gave the following details per trim level.

LE grade

• Standard Features
  • 17-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers
  • 8-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
  • 6 USB-c ports
  • Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
  • SofTex leather steering wheel
  • Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Optional features
  • Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)

XLE Grade

• LE Standard Features+
  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • 8-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
  • Digital Rear-View Mirror & Home Link
  • Two additional cup holders for rear seat passengers
  • Driver and front passenger heated seats
  • 8-way power driver’s seat
  • SofTex seats
  • Rain sensing wipers
  • Smart Key
  • Qi wireless charger
  • Direct light illumination
  • Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)
• Optional Features
  • 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
  • Fixed glass roof
  • Digital Key

Limited Grade

• XLE Standard Features+
  • 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
  • JBL® Premium Audio System with 8 speakers
  • Fixed glass roof
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Driver and front passenger heated and ventilated Seats
  • 8-way power driver’s seat with driver memory
  • Digital Key
  • Power back door
• Optional Features
  • Advanced Park
  • Digital Rearview Mirror
  • Heated rear seats
  • Panoramic View Monitor

Technology is a big part of the all-new 2023 Toyota Prius. This hybrid is equipped with an available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota's Texas-based Connected Technologies team. This system will offer a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including OTA updates.

This intuitive touch and voice-controlled system uses Intelligent Assist with Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist just by saying "Hey Toyota" to awaken the voice command system.

This new Toyota Audio Multimedia system uses dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Prius also has available Wi-Fi Connect and comes with the first month free of 4G connectivity for up to five devices turning your Prius into an AT&T Hotspot. HD Radio, USB Data, and SiriusXM Platinum are all included in this multimedia system. Wi-Fi Connect enables the ability to use Apple and Amazon Music subscriptions onboard.

For those wanting to have enhanced audio, an upgraded JBL Premium Audio system with eight speakers allowing any music genre to sound its best.

Toyota has ensured that all the charging needs are handled by including six USB-C type ports.

Safety and convenience features are aplenty for the 2023 Prius as you have Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) standard on all trim levels. A Panoramic 360-degree view monitor, hands-free parallel parking and backing into a parking space is available on the Limited model.

Safety is front and center for the 2023 Prius with a slew of standard features.

TSS 3.0

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Proactive Driving Assist

The Toyota Safety Sense feature from the prior generation Prius has been enhanced for TSS 3.0:

• The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection has enhanced detection capabilities thanks to new system sensors. It receives enhanced intersection support with improved detection capability in certain circumstances. It also adds the capability to detect motorcyclists, in addition to bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist has enhanced lane recognition that includes detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane.
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adds a fourth following distance setting, from the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.
• Like Lane Departure Alert, lane recognition is enhanced for Lane Tracing Assist. This system now also helps provide more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving path with minor steering adjustments while keeping the vehicle within its lane.
• An Emergency Driving Stop System has been added to Lane Tracing Assist. It’s designed to monitor the driver’s inputs, such as steering operation, to determine if they’re inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control.
• Road Sign Assist gets expanded sign detection capabilities that now include certain intersection signs and warning signs, like pedestrian crossings.

Prius Prime was introduced as "Poised for Performance"

• All-New Sporty Exterior Styling with Flowing, One-Motion Silhouette
• Over 50% Increase in Zero Emission Driving Range from Prior Generation Model (37 miles)
• All New Standard Traffic Jam Assist

This 2023 Prius Prime will continue the "beyond zero" drive of plug-in hybrids. Pricing and on-sale date will be released in the first-half of 2023.

Prius Prime will come focused on Sporty with an eye on efficiency yet with attitude according to Toyota. Prius Prime will have a new sport lineup of SE, XSE and XSE Premium. Performance will from a 100HP increase to 220hp with a 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds.

The color lineup will be as follows, Wind Chill Pearl, Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Black or Supersonic Red and the following standard features by trim:

SE grade

• Standard Features
  • 17-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers
  • 8-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
  • 6 USB-c ports
  • Softex and leather trimmed heated steering wheel
  • Rain sensing windshield wipers
  • Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
  • Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • Traffic Jam Assist
• Optional features
  • Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)

XSE grade

• Standard Features
  • 19-inch unique wheel
  • 8-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
  • 6 USB-c ports
  • Softex and leather trimmed heated steering wheel
  • Rain sensing windshield wipers
  • Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
  • Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • Clear taillight
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror & Home Link
  • Two additional cup holders for rear seat passengers
  • Driver and passenger heated seats
  • 8-way power driver’s seat
  • Perforated SofTex sport seats with red accents  
  • SofTex seats
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Smart key
  • Wireless charger
  • Direct light illumination
  • Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)
  • Traffic Jam Assist
• Optional features
  • 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
  • Fixed glass roof
  • Digital Key

XSE Premium grade

• Standard Features
  • 19-inch unique wheel
  • 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
  • JBL^® Premium Audio System with 8 speakers
  • 6 USB-c ports
  • Softex and leather trimmed heated steering wheel
  • Rain sensing windshield wipers
  • Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
  • Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • Driver and passenger heated and ventilated seats with memory
  • Fixed glass roof
  • Digital Key
  • Power back door
  • 8-way power driver’s seat
  • SofTex seats
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Smart key
  • Wireless charger
  • Direct light illumination
  • Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)
  • Traffic Jam Assist
• Optional features
  • Advanced Park
  • Digital rearview mirror
  • Rear seat heater
  • Panoramic View Monitor
  • Solar glass roof

2023 Prius Prime will come with Upgraded Convenience

Prius Prime comes standard with some additional features made possible by the equipped front corner radar sensors and a driver monitor camera. These features include Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced Park and, a first among the Toyota line-up, Traffic Jam Assist.

• Lane Change Assist works in collaboration with Lane Tracing Assist, meaning it also only operates when DRCC is activated. When a driver partially engages the turn signal, the system sensors monitor to confirm there are no vehicles in the path of the lane change, and then provides steering support into the new lane with the driver’s hands on the steering wheel.
• Front Cross Traffic Alert uses the front corner radar sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the side in situations such as when stopped at an intersection. Arrows are displayed to warn the driver, and if the driver attempts to proceed when there’s cross traffic, the vehicle provides an audible alert and warning on the MID.
• Advanced Park executes the necessary steering and brake controls to navigate the vehicle into a selected parking space. Advanced Park is capable of parallel parking, backing into a perpendicular parking space, and can assist in exiting a parking space, all hands-free under the driver’s supervision.
• Traffic Jam Assist is a first to Toyota and Prius Prime and can help take some of the stress out of the low-speed, stop-and-go driving in a traffic jam. When driving on a highway with DRCC and LTA activated, if the system sensors detect traffic is slowing, and if operating conditions are met, this system will assist by providing acceleration, braking and hands-free steering control under active supervision of the driver. This system is designed to operate only under speeds of approximately 25 miles per hour, and the driver monitor camera must confirm the driver has their eyes on the road to allow for hands-free operation. If operating conditions are no longer met, or if the speed of traffic increases beyond 25 miles per hour, the system will prompt the driver to take control of the vehicle.

October 2022 was the startup again of production of the bZ4X as well as the announcement of the bZ3, the second EV in the bZ series. This second electric sedan was jointly developed between Toyota, BYD and FAW Toyota of China. Many would have thought that Toyota was finally on the bandwagon for moving forward with EVs as they had announced 30 new EVs to be produced and released by 2030. This in comparison to companies like Hyundai or GM where they have committed to having EVs replace full portfolios by 2025.

So why then is a reboot in order for Toyota?

Per an exclusive story released by REUTERS, "Exclusive: Toyota scrambles for EV reboot with eye on Tesla"

We need to take a few steps back first to understand a little history. The 1970's and the world's first oil issues with the Arab countries forced America to change almost overnight from gas guzzling V8's to 4 banging econoboxes for autos and Japan was new on the scene with fuel thrifty little cars and trucks.

This actually began in the 1960's when two individuals, W. Edwards Demming (renowned statistician and management expert) and Peter F. Drucker (father of modern management thinking) offered American manufacturing a concept of better productions through lean manufacturing and a transformation of management to get greater innovation, higher productivity and quality, joy in work and better jobs overall. At America's peril U.S. companies ignored these two visionaries and they left for Japan where Toyota's management system was designed based on their ideas. To quote Shoichiro Toyoda, Honorary Chairman and director of Toyota: "There is not a day I don't think about what they meant to us. Deming's 14 Points is the core of our management."

Lean manufacturing is the Deming and Drucker core to how Toyota has become the most efficient manufacture of autos to this day.

So, one can understand the thought on this, here is the core of these two men's thinking.

At this point, Toyota was moving into very efficient manufacturing processes with modern management training that would make teamwork between management and assembly line workers a success for all.

Fast Forward 6 Decades and now you have Toyota, stuck in that past, still doing the same thing they have done over and over but with a twist. Toyota moved forward with Hybrids showing the world you could have very efficient autos, but this is also where the path to the future diverges. Toyota moved into Hydrogen as the fuel of the future where they would continue to have mass produced auto's that would have hybrid systems that ran on Hydrogen. 

Another company based in California at the time called Tesla believed electric vehicles was the future. EVs was the way to go and with it a cleaner way to live with autos that were less complex and less toxic liquids that had to be used to run. Tesla not only won this battle of EV versus Hydrogen but was showing the way by allowing a large set of their patents to be used globally to get others to build EVs.

Toyota then corrected their course to embrace EVs with a plan to have 30 EVs out around the globe by 2030 as launched in 2020 and with their first EV the bZ4X being released on their complex eTNGA electric platform. This was supposed to support this modern portfolio that was shown off by Toyota.

This was supposed to be a very efficient future platform to standardize the whole company on globally for the 21st century.

eTNGA electric platform

This is where the big problem lay in that this is still based on traditional ICE production of many parts to build an auto and Tesla was not sitting still in how they produced EVs.

Tesla was the first company to move to MEGA Cast parts and this is what has destroyed this second change of course for Toyota as the eTNGA platform is based on building many little parts into an auto, still very complex and time intensive at a time that Tesla has reduced costs by using Mega Casting.

They Model Y went from a 70 piece hand assembled rear end to a single piece by way of Mega Casting.

The physical pieces look like this:

70 piece assembled unit

Mega Cast Unit

Now that you have been brought up to speed on why this is a Reboot of Toyota's EV plans are that four individuals per the REUTERS story talked on how Toyota is allowing into production those autos, bZ4X and bZ3 to move forward as they have halted all other EVs due to the fact that Tesla is more profitable and efficient compared to Toyota's eTNGA platform of old-world thinking.

Internally at Toyota, there is a proposal under review that would make a dramatic shift for Toyota and rewrite their $38 Billion dollar EV rollout plan to better compete with Tesla and GM who has just started to use Mega Cast in their EVs.

An internal working group at Toyota has been charged to outline plans for improvements to the existing EV platform or if needed a new architecture these four individuals have stated. Current work on the 30 EV projects announced last December 2021 has been suspended. This includes according to REUTERS the documents they were allowed to see that included the Toyota Compact Cruiser Crossover and the battery-electric Crown autos.

Toyota has committed to be carbon neutral and to achieve this, the current programs will not allow Toyota to achieve this and as they work with their range of partners and suppliers, it will be essential to initially slow the work on EVs to allow Toyota to put in place what is needed to make EV manufacturing more efficient as industry-wide EV sales run past Toyota's earlier projections.

Green investors and environmental groups have argued that Toyota, once a darling of environmentalists for their hybrids has been slow to embrace the EV revolution and ignored cleaner ways of doing business due to an outdated thinking from the 60's.

Even the Deming and Drucker groups have moved on from where Toyota is today as Toyota in this internal review that was triggered by younger engineers and executives has realized that Toyota is losing the factory cost war to Tesla on EVs and other legacy OEMs that have embraced changes such as Mega Casting.

Toyota's plan was that EVs would not take off for 2 to 3 decades and the eTNGA platform could be built alongside ICE autos and hybrids on the same assembly line. This was based on Toyota selling 3.5 million EVs by 2030 a year or 1/3rd of their global production to stay competitive according to these internal sources.

EVs are now on pace to replace 50% of global auto production by 2030 at a pace that Toyota is not ready to deal with nor the industry-wide investments that now total $1.2 trillion dollars by 2030.

According to these four internal sources, Shigeki Terashi, Toyota's former chief competitive officer is the person now leading this Toyota EV review team. Terashi was contacted by REUTERS for comment, and he declined to comment at this time.

According to the internal sources, Mr. Terashi team is designated BR or Business Revolution group which has only been used twice, once in the 1960's and again in the 1990's as Toyota went through internal revolution in changing business to increase profits and growth.

This BR team is looking at how to fix the eTNGA platform in the short term to be profitably competitive with Tesla but retire it for an all-new EV dedicated platform that takes into account efficient processes like Mega Casting. This new EV platform would not be ready for 3 to 5 years as why a fix to eTNGA is needed.

Areas of improvement to be made is a massive change in how thermal management is done. Tesla has already moved to heat pumps and a very efficient way to manage the temp of the battery pack and the internal cabin area. On top of this is the need to simplify and reduce the size and weight of an EV battery pack which are currently being made by Denso and Aisin for Toyota. 

A decade ago, when Toyota took a financial stake in Tesla and the two collaborated on battery-electric technology which was used in the RAV4 Hybrid, many of Toyota's engineers believed that Tesla technology was no threat to Toyota with the attitude of "There was not much to learn" Toyota concluded in 2014 and Toyota sold their stake in Tesla in 2017.

Today, 2022, Toyota now recognizes that as the Worlds Biggest Automaker, they have been surpassed in factory efficiency as Tesla is the new benchmark for EV manufacturing costs and this marks a major reversal from 2014.

Toyota much like many other Asian, European and American auto companies now find themselves playing catch up to Tesla and having to reboot their EV plans to take new age thinking again into account on how to build EVs far more efficiently and cheaper.

Tesla has today already informed the world that their goal is a 3-piece base frame that allows for various battery pack sizes in the middle, add on the front and rear piece and then the body panels allowing a very efficient build of an EV.

With Texas having taken delivery of a 130 ton Mega Cast, they have not only been producing the rear sections but have also started to produce front sections having Tesla on track to build a 3 piece platform for their auto's in 2023.

Model Y front end cast.

Toyota brought out the Prius Hybrids and believed that Hydrogen was the future. Hydrogen lost out for many reasons and Toyota had to reboot to get EVs going using processes they have honed to perfection some would say from the 1960's to today with the eTNGA platform. Now realizing they are losing out big time in profitability and simplicity of auto building to Tesla, reboot 2 is under way for making a short-term fix to eTNGA and for a long-term platform that will be competitive against Tesla and GM who have moved to Mega Casting as just one process of building better EVs.

Toyota today is now rebooting again on EVs and it will be interesting to see if they can catch up to keep their crown as the largest global auto builder or if it is lost to someone else who never had it or might have lost it but could take it back.

O-Uchi Kyunden System or Large House system, a home battery system has been released by Toyota Motor Corporation based on the following mantra of "safe, long service life, high-quality, good value for price, and high performance" so that global customers can have peace of mind. Pre-orders starting June 2, 2022, are able to be placed with the Japan market getting deliveries starting in August 2022 through home builders and general construction companies and globally at a later date to others.

O-Uchi Kyuden System Configuration is as follows:

Using Toyota's established battery technology with the Toyota's battery control software, the O-Uchi Kyuden System provides a rated capacity of 8.7 kWh and a rated output of 5.5 kWh. Toyota believes this will provide a safe constant supply of electricity to an entire household during times of natural disasters as well as normal times.

Toyota believes by using solar power on the roof of a residential home, encouraging renewable energy, this system can supply the appropriate amount of electricity based on a customer's needs throughout the day and night.

The system not only allows for charging of EVs, but also for using the power in an EV (HEV, PHEV, BEV, FCEV) as 100V AC as a backup power source during power outages especially long-term outages giving users peace of mind.

As of now for the Japanese market at the start, the Toyota App running on iOS 14.2 or Android 7.0 or later allows one to monitor and manage their system for power capacity, operation mode, and other settings to be viewed and set in real-time via one's smartphone or tablet.

Toyota Releases Storage Battery System for Residential Use Based on Electrified Vehicle Battery Technology | Corporate | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Toyota bZ4X is their start of catching up to the rest of the auto industry in having BEVs. Toyota announced the details of this new BEV with the following bullet points per their press release:

• Contribution to SDGs based on the concept of "home planet"
  Toyota's approach to carbon neutrality is "practical and sustainable," aiming to reduce CO2 with products that are easy to use and highly appealing.
• The TOYOTA bZ series adopts a BEV-dedicated platform that aims for a value greater than zero ("beyond Zero"). The bZ4X has the excitement of an SUV-style BEV, driving appeal, and is the first model of the Toyota's bZ series, which emphasizes safety and peace of mind. It will be launched worldwide in the middle of 2022.
• Toyota is promoting the deployment of BEVs in its full lineup, starting with the bZ4X.

For those auto fans that want the fine details, here they are on their first BEV, an FWD/4WD suv. Compared to competition, much slower, heavier and very questionable about delivering on the battery range based on this info provided by Toyota.

With the basic details done, lets hit on how Toyota is marketing this BEV and the message they are trying to transmit to the world.

Practical and Sustainable

Toyota is using this phrase to talk about their reduction in C02 emissions with a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This they believe can be achieved by building a global portfolio of HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs and FCEVs.

"bZ" Toyota's New Value Provided by "beyond Zero"

This is Toyota's way of establishing the following four target values.

1. You & Others

In addition to comfortable cabins, Toyota bZ offers a new lifestyle and the opportunity to spend precious time with family and friends.

1. You & Your Car

Toyota bZ delivers the BEV's unique joy of driving and excitement at anticipated possibilities.

1. You & the Environment

Toyota bZ will not only reduce CO2 and other emissions―it aims to contribute positively to the environment.

1. You & Society

Toyota bZ aims to create a safer society where everyone enjoys greater peace of mind.

bZ4X Vehicle Overview

1. Cars that are more than just a means of transport, able to provide enjoyable time and space for passengers, with the "activity hub" concept

2. Toyota bZ4X adopts a BEV-dedicated platform (first for Toyota) based on e-TNGA philosophy, to achieve impressive driving performance through a low center of gravity and greater rigidity.

3. Performance Focused on Safety and Peace of Mind

Details of the bZ4X

This is an interesting area for Toyota as they try to copy Rivian with marketing this as "new lifestyle and the opportunity to spend precious time with family and friends."

They say this is part of the You & Others section with a spacious, quiet, relaxing space, extra wide cabin, home-like comfort, a space to stimulate conversation.

Seems the focus is on performance for safe, convenient driving. Heat pump AC, seat and steering wheel heaters, front-seat radiant foot-heating (first for Toyota) and they top it with a 150-kW compatible quick charging, recharging 80% of the battery pack in 30 minutes.

Toyota then goes on to the You & Your Car, how the bZ4X delivers joy of driving and excitement due to the following points.

• Low center of gravity innovations
  • Thin high-capacity battery pack placed flat under the floor
  • E-axle, integrating motor, transaxle and inverter (a Toyota first)
  • Electricity Supply Unit (ESU) consolidating charging and power distribution functions (a first for Toyota)
• Greater rigidity innovations
  • Hot stamp materials used in key framework parts, adoption of a lightweight, high-rigidity body structure partially made of high tensile steel
  • Enhancement of rigidity of various parts including around the battery pack, areas where the BEV unit and radiator are installed, and around forward and rear suspension
• Driving that leverages motor drive characteristics
  • Agile response, sense of linear acceleration, high-precision output control (Lightening of acceleration/deceleration control and driver pedal operation, slip suppression control on slippery roads, etc.)
  • Improved turning and stability through independent control of front and rear motors (AWD)
  • Adoption of Subaru's AWD technology and X-MODE (AWD vehicle, a first for Toyota). Also, Grip-Control was newly developed and installed as a new feature for X-MODE. By leveraging motor drive characteristics, it is suited to everything from everyday driving to light off-road driving and more, achieving off-road performance exceeding expectations in BEVs

Interesting observation is that Toyota seems to cling to the ICE age in poorly routed wiring and keeping a transmission tunnel that is used for the core wires. At a time when they are using a new platform built from scratch, this is a poor engineering design by not incorporating it into the floor better IMHO.

Toyota then continues this conversation of a new driving experience.

Cockpit that emphasizes meter visibility

• Meters are positioned to be visible through the upper part of the steering wheel (top-mounted meters, a first for Toyota) Emphasizes ease of viewing by reducing eye movement and enabling a distance point of focus
• Modularized driving controls including a steering column, adopting a wing-shape that promotes eye guidance from hands to meters

One-motion grip^*4 combining steer-by-wire system and uniquely shaped steering wheel (A Toyota first)

Some models adopt the steer-by-wire system, where there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tires. Characteristics of this are listed below

• Lock-to-lock is set at around 150 degrees, eliminating the need to change grips when steering, greatly reducing the burden on the driver for U-turn, garage parking and on winding roads
• The steering feeling is improved through independently controlling the steering torque that the driver feels and the steering angle of the tires. Steering characteristics can be changed with drive mode select
• Blocks unnecessary vibrations from tires and only transmits necessary vibrations such as road information. System controls tire movement to ensure vehicle stability when driving on uneven surfaces or when Lane Tracing Assist is activated
• One-motion grip provides more legroom, improving driving position freedom and ease of entry and exit

Dial type shift (a first for Toyota)

• Pursuing a simple and easy-to-operate impression

Styling that expresses the innovation of BEV and the impact of SUV

As many people have stated, styling is a very subjective area on an auto and the bZ4X is an ECLECTIC style to say the least and not necessarily in a good way, yet there are those that seem to be very smitten with Toyota's current styling direction.

Latest infotainment system

You & the Environment

Energy-generating BEVs

• Roof Solar Panel that can generate the equivalent of 1,800 km of driving distance per year.

Proactive initiatives of recycling to reduce CO2 creation. Auto's that are built by reuse, recycle of materials from the outside to the inside.

One can only hope that with the use of recycled materials that the interiors will be of a competitive quality level, yet the above picture of the rear storage area makes one go Hmmmmmmmmmm. 

You & Society

Latest preventive safety performances

Pursues Collision safety performance expected of BEVs

Battery safety

External power supply function

More photos of the all-new Toyota BEV bZ4X can be viewed here:

All of this is provided via the extensive press release at the link below if you are wanting even more information and is the property of Toyota.

Details of All-New bZ4X BEV Announced | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Toyota is not new to auto electrification, but they have found themselves on the far side of the moon in comparison to other OEMs in being ready to sell electric autos to the global public.

Toyota sued California CARB in attempts to stay ICE with their hybrid Prius line-up and Hydrogen as Toyota had bet big on Hydrogen over electric autos to the extent of selling Hydrogen autos in California and building some Hydrogen fueling stations. Yet while this could be the way for Semi trucks or what is known as Class 8 heavy haulers that use hydrogen generators to power an electric power train, it seems the public has chosen to endorse BEV or battery electric autos.

As such, Toyota has had to make a massive change and went on a hiring spree of engineers to support a global electric auto lineup for Toyota and Lexus and with that, they have announced the following:

• Akio Toyoda announces 30 battery electric models by 2030
• Total global battery electric vehicle sales to reach 3.5M within same timeframe
• Lexus aims for 100% battery electric mix in Europe*, N. America and China by 2030
• Announcement underpins Toyota Motor Europe plan for 100% CO₂ reduction in all new vehicles sales by 2035 in West Europe
• bZ battery electric family in Europe to expand with introduction of a small crossover as follow up to bZ4X launch

They also had a Media Briefing on their battery EV strategies:

It would appear that the Toyota Tacoma electric pickup is their most complete concept EV that could go into production.

Sadly, for some weird reason, I cannot download the press release images from their website, please look at the images here:

Electric Auto Portfolio

It would seem Bugatti has rubbed off on Toyota / Lexus for one of their electric super cars.

Strangely I find the future design directive of Toyota / Lexus to be a very Angular style.

I did find that all the extra-large images have been posted here:

Toyota Pickup EV Concept Likely Previews Electric Tacoma (insideevs.com)

Toyota unveils full global battery electric line-up

Video: Media Briefing on Battery EV Strategies | Corporate | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Toyota has decided "Born From Invincible" is the new marketing message for the all new Toyota Tundra 2022!

From the African Savanna to the Australian Outback or the asphalt of NASCAR, Toyota Trucks has taken people places for over 70 years. The global debut of the All-New 2022 Tundra builds on what Toyota brought to the world starting in 1950 with the first Land Cruiser building on the unique heritage to take Toyota into an even more exciting future per their press release.

To quote their Invincible press release:

“Born from Invincible” showcases an unparalleled international truck history in a wild ride down memory lane. Toyota’s rich history of building world-class body-on-frame vehicles is highlighted in an action-packed montage that culminates with the global debut of the star of the show, the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra. In addition to the next-generation Tundra, Toyota trucks featured in the spot include: the 1987 4Runner SR5, 1960s Australian Troopy FJ45, 2007 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Tundra SR5, 2012 Tundra Platinum, 2021 NASCAR Trucks, 1985 Tacoma SR5, 1991 Australian FJ75 and Baja Truck. Keen viewers might even catch a glimpse of a 1980s icon that took us back to the future. For a deeper dive into Toyota’s truck history, click here.

Toyota starts the All-New 2022 Tundra with the following bullet points:

• Standard i-FORCE 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 produces 389 HP / 479 lb-ft of torque
• Available i-FORCE MAX Hybrid V6 producing 437 HP / 583 lb-ft of torque
• Both engine options mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission
• 12,000-pound maximum towing capacity
• 1,940-pounds payload capacity
• Bold Exterior style complementing spacious, well-equipped interior
• Available 14" touchscreen with all-new Audio Multimedia system
• 12.3" and 8" Instrumentation panel display available
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 active safety standard on all grades.

As the third generation Tundra, Toyota is looking to improve upon everything, from performance, capability, multimedia, comfort and more. 

Toyota will offer two different four-door layouts and have three bed lengths, 5 1/2, 6 1/2 and an 8.1 foot bed length. The all-new Toyota Tundra pickup truck starts with a high-strength steel chassis to increase rigidity over previous generations. Frame crossmembers are double the size of previous generations adding reinforcement and rigidity and yet Toyota has introduced aluminum in key areas to reduce overall weight. Engineering designs have moved forward to give enhanced handling dynamics on steering input for for the driver by constructing the front cross brace also hold the steering gear box. The truck beds are built of extremely strong SMC (Sheet Molded Compound) construction using aluminum. The over all double wall construction of the bed and gate reduce weight by 20% over the outgoing model while protecting the outside of the truck from impact dings, rust, etc. from material put into the bed. Standard on all models is that the tailgate release is built into the key fob.

Storage is enhanced via cabin storage under the back seat.

Toyota has also continued the all-new changes as they have complimented the all-new chassis with an all-new multi-link suspension, ditching leaf springs in favor of coil springs.

Toyota has left no area untouched as they built a new double-wishbone front suspension, enhanced twin-tube shocks front and rear with triple -oil seals and extended dust covers for added durability and protection. TRD packages get Monotube Bilstein shocks. TRD Pro get FOX internal bypass shocks as standard. So many details in the suspension that if you are interested in these details, click the link below for the Press release.

Toyota is retiring their V8 engine as they go with a Twin Turbo V6 or Twin Turbo V6 Hybrid engine. These are Dual overhead cam, chain driven motors featuring Dual VVTi systems. The twin turbo system is water-cooled. This same cooling system is used to cool the exhaust to lower exhaust gas entering the turbo chargers to improve reliability and performance.

Both motors are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with intelligence (ECTi). This transmission will feature sequential shift mode to optimize uphill and downhill shifting and yet also having a special programmed TOW/HAUL mode. Two TOW/HAUL modes are given with the first one programmed for small trailers, boats, etc. Second TOW/HAUL mode is for towing large trailers such as RVs, Large 5th wheel box trailers and larger boats. When in the TOW/HAUL mode, start/stop is disabled.

Toyota has multiple interiors depending on if you have the TRD Pro, TRD, Limited, etc. You have three screen size choices, 14", 12.3" and 8" size screens are available with multiple choices in multimedia and audio systems. These systems will come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the systems will take advantage of over the air software updates.

The A.I. of the systems will allow voice control for human like conversation. Blue tooth connectivity is available for smartphones or tablets and even with the use of the Toyota App you can store User Profiles allowing each user upon entering the auto to have their own profile set for the vehicle. Toyota also will offer WiFi connection of 4G connectivity for up to 10 devices allowing the truck to be an AT&T hot spot.

Be it in 4x4 or 4x2 models, the all new 2022 Tundra offers options aplenty with your choice of Crewcab or Double Cab configurations and available in 11 different colors.

Quote: Super White, Wind Chill Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Super Sonic Red, Army Green, Lunar Rock, Blueprint, Smoked Mesquite (Limited and 1794) and Solar Octane (TRD Pro exclusive).

2022 Toyota Tundra will come with a standard bumper to bumper 36 month / 36,000 mile warranty with the powertrain having a 60 month / 60,000 mile warranty and 24hr roadside assistance for the first two years or 25,000 miles.

More images inside and outside of the 2022 Tundra can be seen here:

While not every detail has been covered here in this writeup from their press release and much more is available for you to read at the links below, this writer does wonder if this truck outside of traditional loyal Toyota owners will be able to increase full size truck sales to get conquest buyers with what is being offered here in this all-new pickup truck.

Absolute Powerhouse: Next-Generation 2022 Toyota Tundra - Toyota USA Newsroom

2022 Toyota Tundra is ‘Born from Invincible’ - Toyota USA Newsroom

Toyota Motor Corporation announced their Toyota bZ line-up of BEVs at the Shanghai Auto Show. The first to be unvealed is the Toyota bZ4X, an AWD in the bZ series. This CUV plays off the success of the Toyota Rav 4 hybrid series in style.

Toyota had 4 key points that they made with tonight's product reveal:

1. Toyota intends to contribute to SDGs based on the perspective of "home planet" that responds to environmental issues of global scale above and beyond the concepts of "hometown" and "home country" that the automotive industry has long continued its business in. Toyota intends to fully concentrate on achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, in accordance with the energy and industry policies in different countries.
2. Toyota is establishing a full line-up of electrified vehicles, which has worked in reducing carbon emissions, based on the concept of introducing sustainable vehicles practically to the market. The number of electrified models will reach around 70 by 2025.
3. In establishment of a full line-up of electrified vehicles, Toyota is underway to introduce 15 BEVs, including seven Toyota bZ models, by 2025.
4. Toyota is working together with Subaru Corporation (Subaru) to promote car-making that takes advantage of the strengths of both companies. Toyota hopes to begin worldwide sales of the Toyota bZ4X, a new SUV BEV, by the middle of 2022.

You can find additional photo's and videos of the product release at the company link below.

Toyota announces its new BEV series, Toyota bZ, in establishment of a full line-up of electrified vehicles | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

According to L'argus.fr a french news reporting site, they have uncovered that the first 100% electric SUV from Toyota is to be called BZ4X with X standing for AWD. This BZ4X will be a class equal in size to the current Toyota Rav4. This news site states that Toyota will unveil the BZ4X on April 19th 2021.

As stated, Toyota a strong Hybrid auto builder and strong believer that Hydrogen is the real future has found itself playing catch up to an industry that is now dominated by European and Chinese having declared for personal auto's that BEV is the future.

Built on the e-TNGA platform Toyota has filed the following family line of names:

• BZ1, BZ2, BZ3, BZ4 and BZ5 expected to be either FWD or RWD.
• BZ2X, BZ4X are expected to be AWD.

The sneek peak image that Toyota has released is expected to be what the production BEV will look like of their 6 BEV lineup with the BZ4/BZ4X being the first out equal in size as stated earlier to the Toyota RAV4 in both ICE and Hybrid form.

The product line will be totally built on the e-TNGA platform of either 1 or 2 motors. This product line will also be sold at Subaru under their new BEV product line called Evoltis as well as an undefined name for Lexus.

This product line of BEV to be sold under three name plates will have a range of 110 to 220 or 300 HP for a sporty version based on past comments from Toyota.

Welcome to "Beyond Zero"

Toyota BZ4X (2022). Le premier SUV 100 % électrique bientôt dévoilé (largus.fr)

The Toyota Yaris and Yaris Hatchback will be no more in the U.S. come the end of June. That's according to a leaked memo posted to Reddit and found by CarBuzz. Sent to "All Southeast Toyota Dealers and General Managers" by Toyota, the memo says the Yaris will "cease production" at the end of June.

"The Yaris sedan and Yaris Hatchback will not be available for model year 2021. Model year 2020 will be the last year for Yaris. June 2020 will be the last month of production for the Yaris sedan and Yaris Hatchback for the US," wrote Christine N. Henley, Toyota North America's Western Communications Manager in the memo.

Toyota confirmed the memo, and gave Car and Driver this statement;

"The entry-subcompact segment has new regulations that require additional homologation. Those regulations, coupled with declining sales in the segment, are some of the reasons behind the decision."

(Author's Note: We're wondering what Toyota means by the statement we bolded here, and we'll update if we get some sort of clarification. -WM).

The declining sales makes sense as Toyota only moved 21,917 Yaris models in 2019, down 5,293 units when compared to 2018. To give more perspective, the Corolla moved 304,850 units last year.

So if you're interested an affordable Toyota, we would hurry down to your nearest dealer ASAP.

Source: CarBuzz, Car and Driver

According to the Rumorpile, Toyota is working on bringing back the Venza, a car that went out of production after 2015. The original Venza did not sell very well, partially due to its wagon-like shape and also relatively high pricing.  It also lacked any off-road pretense that typically comes with a crossover.

The problem for Toyota is that there is a large Venza sized gap in their SUV lineup between the RAV-4 and Highlander. This time around, the Venza would ditch the wagon looks and instead be a true crossover along the lines of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda Passport, and Ford Edge. There is a possibility that the Venza would come in only hybrid form using the same 2.5-liter setup with rear electric motor that the Highlander uses. 

If the rumors prove true, you could see a new Venza hit the auto show circuit as early as 2021. 

Toyota announced today that the Toyota Avalon and Camry would be getting an all-wheel drive option. It's the first time the Camry has offered all-wheel drive since 1991 and the first ever for Avalon.  AWD will be available as a standalone option on Camry LE, XLE, SE, and XSE trims and on the Avalon XLE and Limited trims.

In both models, the car is powered by a 202 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and an 8-speed automatic. Camry XSE AWD and both Avalon AWD trims get 205hp with their dual exhaust. 

The AWD system is borrowed from the Toyota RAV-4 and is called Dynamic Torque Control AWD. It is designed to help with traction in slippery weather but not drag down fuel economy when the weather is clear. The AWD system can direct up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear wheels.  When AWD isn't needed, the system can disengage the drive shaft from the differential to lessen the drag on fuel efficiency. 

Neither of these cars was originally planned to have AWD, but given the flexibility of the TNGA architecture they and the RAV4 all ride on, Toyota's R&D department in Saline Michigan was able to modify the cars for this new option.  The body of the Camry and Avalon was combined with the drivetrain of the RAV-4. Floor structure modifications were required, plus the use of an electronic parking brake.  The gas tank was modified, and despite of the addition of a rear differential, the trunk floor height remains the same.  The addition of AWD adds 165lbs to the Camry while the Avalon's weight remains the about the same as the FWD V6 model. 

Camry AWD will be arriving for model year 2020, while Avalon AWD arrives in 2021. 

The current generation Toyota Mirai has never been a "looker". It seemed like some sort of Prius with a glandular problem.  Toyota hopes to change that and make the fuel cell vehicle sexy with the new 2021 Toyota Mirai Sedan Concept.

The new concept sits on a rear-wheel drive platform and sports an new, more powerful fuel cell powertrain.  Toyota claims a 30-percent increase in driving range with increased hydrogen capacity. 

Most importantly thought, Toyota un-weirded the Mirai so that it now looks like something that might sit in a Lexus showroom rather than Toyota. 

The next generation Toyota Mirai will go on sale in late 2020.

Toyota has announced that they will be bringing a new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid to the Los Angeles Auto Show this year.  The difference for this hybrid is that it will be a plug-in and it will also be more powerful. Toyota promises "spirited acceleration" in their press release.  As we get closer to the show, we'll get more details on range, power, battery size, etc. 

The RAV4 is already the best selling crossover in the segment and that could mean that the RAV4 PHEV could end up being the most popular PHEV for sale. Globally that title currently belongs to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. 

Toyota has twice previously made full EV versions of the RAV4, but limited their sales primarily to California where they enjoyed limited success as "compliance vehicles" with 1,484 sold of the first generation and 2,600 copies of the 3rd generation.  There was no second generation RAV4 EV.

Toyota has released an update to its funky little crossover/hatchback, the C-HR.  The changes are slight and include a (slightly) revised front fascia, new wheels, two new colors, Android Auto and Apple Car play standard, and on the Limited trim, an adaptive front lighting system and 8-way power seats. 

The C-HR already comes with Toyota Safety Sense - P, a suite of safety technologies that include  a multi-feature advanced active safety suite that bundles Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The C-HR is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 144 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 139 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. A CVT puts the power to the wheels, though in sport mode it simulates a 7-speed automatic. The C-HR has a EPA-estimated MPG of 27 city / 31 highway / 29 combined. 

We reported back in April that the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma would be consolidated to a single modular platform for their respective next generations. Now Toyota is making a $391 million dollar investment into its San Antonio production line to help smooth the way.  The investment is not expected to create any new permanent jobs. 

The new platform, internally called F1, will first appear in the next generation Tundra expected in 2021 and eventually spread to all of Toyota's pickups worldwide.  Tacoma will move to the F1 platform in 2023 or 2024. The new platform will be capable of electrification. One of the engines rumored for the Tundra is a Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid with 450 hp and 500 lb.-ft of torque

The Tundra is the oldest full-size pickup on the market today, first debuting in 2007 with the last major update done in 2014. 

Last week we reported that Toyota and Suzuki are forming an alliance to share technology and small-car platforms between the two companies. The deal, however, looked great for Suzuki but with not much in it for Toyota. Today brings some clarity to the arrangement. 

India is currently the 4th largest new car market and is expected to leapfrog Japan to number 3 in the near future.  Being such a large and growing market has outsiders clamoring to get in, but one company is already there in a big way.  Suzuki's local subsidiary Maruti accounts for 46 percent of the sub-contienent's new-vehicle sales.  We reported earlier that Suzuki agreed to provide Toyota with two compact vehicles to sell in India and will produce one of its SUVs in a Toyota factory in India. 

Toyota has taken a rather hands-off approach to the companies it buys a stake in. Subaru, Mazda, Daihatsu all enjoy relative autonomy from the Toyota juggernaut. The same remains to be seen with this tie up with Suzuki.

Toyota and Suzuki have announce plans to formalize a technology alliance.  Suzuki will purchase approximately $454 million of Toyota stock while Toyota will acquire approximately $908 million in Suzuki shares for a 4.94 percent stake in the company. 

The two companies will share technology and platforms.  Toyota will provide technology for electrification while Suzuki will provide platforms for small vehicles.   Both companies will collaborate in the area of autonomous driving technology.

The two companies already have an agreement where Toyota will provide Suzuki badged variants of the RAV-4 and Corolla Estate for the European market, while a Suzuki model will be built at Toyota's Derbyshire plant in the UK. Toyota will get Suzuki's new compact vehicle engines for the Euro market, while both will co-develop hybrid vehicles for the Indian market. 

From the sounds of it, none of the technology swap will be seen here in the U.S., but it does make us wonder about the small car agreement that Toyota has with Mazda to build the Toyota Yaris.

A rumor has been leaked that the next generation of Toyota Tundra, coming in 2021, would have a twin-turbo V6 combined with an electric motor for its top trim trucks.  The tipster posted to TFLtruck.com saying that the new motor would be based on the existing 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 found in the Lexus LS and LC 500h.  It would have around 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque and able to achieve over 30 mpg highway. 

In the Lexi, the engine produces 354 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and manages 33 mpg highways.  Our suspicion is that Toyota is making up the deficit by filling the bigger Tundra with bigger electric motors and adding an expected 10-speed automatic, up from the current 6-speed.

Currently, the Tundra uses two V8s for its powertrain, a 4.6 liter making 310hp and 327 lb-ft of torque and a 5.7 liter making 381hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. Neither engine gets better than 20 mpg currently. 

The next generation Toyota Tundra will be using an all-new platform dubbed F1 and will likely remain in Texas for production.

According to an article in Automotive News, Toyota plans to move the Tundra and Tacoma to a shared platform, internally called "F1".  The platform is to be used globally and will require a bit of modularity.  The platform is said to be nearing completion and the next Tundra could be debuting for the 2021 model year. 

The Tacoma will likely join later as it was redesigned in 2015 and given a refresh for 2020 at the Chicago Auto Show along with a bunch of other TRD models like the Sequoia TRD Pro. 

For US consumption, all Tundras and most Tacomas are built at the company's San Antonio, Texas plant. Moving to a single platform would make things easier and cheaper on Toyota.   But what of the other SUVs built on the same platforms?   The Sequoia is largely based on the Tundra and the 4Runner is related (distantly) to the Tacoma.  Those vehicles would likely be refreshed right behind the trucks.  In any case, Toyota is planning on putting some electrification into the new platform. 

A few weeks back we reported that the Toyota Yaris hatchback that we all knew and ...er... loved... would be ending production but we also found out that there was a possibility that the model name would continue in the form of a rebadged Mazda 2 hatchback like the Yaris Sedan. 

Yesterday, those suspicions were confirmed.  Toyota released details ahead of the New York International Auto Show of the coming 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback.   Like the sedan, it is based on the Mazda 2 but with a Toyota front clip and badging.  Surprisingly, it is larger than the old model. Wheelbase is up by 2.4 inches over the outgoing model and features a trunk area with almost 16 cubic feet of room. 

Toyota describes the styling as "Cab-Rearward", giving the hatchback a hunkered down bulldog like look.  The interior is standard issue Mazda with Toyota badging and we expect it to be excellent for the class.  Toyota claims the Yaris Hatch will be a hoot to drive due to its use of ultra-high tensile steel frame.  The high structural integrity combined with a MacPherson Strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension have been tuned for handling agility and comfort. 

The Yaris will come in just two trims, LE and XLE, both equipped with Navigation hardware (SD card with Maps sold separately), but you could also use the standard Apple Car Play or Android Auto for navigation on the standard 7-inch touchscreen.  Stepping up to the XLE brings faux leather in gray or black, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlamps, and leather trim on the steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake. 

Both trims of the Yaris will be equipped standard with low-speed pre-collision safety system, dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS, brake assist, and brake override systems. 

Powering the Yaris will be the same engine as in the Yaris Sedan, a 1.5 liter inline 4-cylinder that produces 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque.  This engine has direct injection and a 12.0:1 compression ratio.  A 6-speed automatic is the only transmission choice.

No word yet on pricing, but expect a small bump over the $15,450 of the Yaris Sedan. 

The Yaris will debut on April 17th at the New York Auto Show and go on sale later this year. 

With the introduction of the Toyota Supra, rumors have been swirling that the 86/BRZ twins might not be replaced when their production lives were up.  Autocar UK has a quote from Toyota's European Marketing Chief saying "[the GT86] has been a successful halo product for us" and added that "...the Supra is not to replace that car."

The 86/FR-S/BRZ was released in 2011 as a co-development between Toyota and Subaru.  It uses Subaru's boxer engine and transmission.  It is highly likely that the next generation model would continue to use the signature engine. The new car would continue sit below the Supra in the Toyota lineup. Akio Toyoda has stated interest in building a full lineup of sports cars.

Whatever comes from the next generation 86, we're just glad that SUVs haven't killed yet another sports car.

Toyota and Suzuki are teaming up to share platforms and parts for markets other than the U.S.   

Suzuki will get two hybrid platforms for Europe.  Toyota will build vehicles on their RAV4 and Corolla Wagon platforms and also supply hybrid powertrain tech to Suzuki for use in other vehicles. 

Toyota will get access to Suzuki's new engine range designed for use under the new stricter EU emissions standards. Toyota will build the engines themselves in Poland. 

The two automakers are working together to build a two new compact vehicles for the India and four for the Africa markets. 

It came as no surprise that Toyota decided to drop the Yaris Liftback for 2019 - they only sold 1,940 models last year. In our original report, Toyota spokeswoman Nancy Hubbell dropped an interesting bit of information by revealing they would have news on the 2020 Yaris at New York. Car and Driver has a possible guess as to what it could be - a rebadged Mazda2 hatchback.

Some quick background: The current Toyota Yaris sedan is just a rebadged version of the Mazda2 sedan sold elsewhere in the world. It was introduced back in 2016 as the Scion iA and then became the Yaris iA a year later.

Car and Driver is expecting the hatchback version to get the same front end as the Yaris sedan, while the rest of the body is unchanged. Power will remain the 1.5L inline-four teamed with either a six-speed manual or automatic.

Source: Car and Driver

In news that will likely not shock a lot of people, Toyota has dropped the Yaris Liftback for 2019. This was confirmed by Toyota spokesperson Nancy Hubbell to CarsDirect. No reason was given as to why the liftback variant was being dropped, but we have to assume falling sales were the key reason. In 2018, sales dropped 77.6 percent to 27,209 models - only 1,940 of those were the liftback.

Toyota is keeping the sedan variant but has dropped the price to $16,380.

CarsDirect speculates this might have been a tough decision based on fleet documents that list the 2019 Yaris Liftback production as "TBA" for a number of months after issuing order guides.

Interestingly, Hubbell told CarsDirect that Toyota has an announcement concerning the 2020 Yaris at the New York Auto Show in April.

Source: CarsDirect

Toyota is reading to launch their high-performance sub-brand GAZOO Racing (GR) with the upcoming Toyota Supra - debuting next week at the Detroit Auto Show. But what comes next?

"We have lots of requests from different countries, so it's really, really challenging to decide on the order [of performance models]," said Tetsuya Tada, chief engineer of the Toyota 86 and Supra.

"It's not just Hyundai. Other car brands are doing this too, so we are researching this and we have to create the brand strategy."

According to Carsales, Australian executives are pushing hard for a GR version of the Corolla Hatchback to bring the fight to the Hyundai i30N hatchback. No mention was made as to what could be changed, but we're guessing some changes to the suspension and possibly some sort of forced-induction. But judging from Tada's comments, this may be one idea relegated to the back for some time.

Source: Carsales.com.au

It has been a long time coming, but finally, we have gotten our first look at the upcoming 2020 Toyota Supra. The SupraMKV forums obtained a photo of the upcoming sports car in a transporter with most of the car cover removed from it.

Comparing this photo with the FT-1 concept from a few years back, Toyota's designers toned down the front end. The nose isn't as pointy and the bumper has three large intakes - not two like the concept. It also appears the bubble roof has carried over onto the production model. 

As we reported back in June, the Supra will come with two engines from BMW; the 2.0L turbo-four (265 horsepower) and 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six (335 horsepower). This will be paired with an eight-speed automatic.

Toyota will be revealing the Supra next month at the Detroit Auto Show. In the meantime, we have pictures of the FT-1 Concept, a camouflaged Supra prototype, and the production model for your perusal.

Source: SupraMKV.com
Pic Credit: SupraMKV.com

The past couple of years has seen a lot of talk about consumers are turning away from cars towards trucks and utility vehicles. U.S. automakers have responded to this trend by announcing cuts to their car lineup - General Motors being the latest one. But other automakers are being more cautious.

Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America told a gathering at the Detroit Economic Club last week that car sales are reaching the point of bottoming out - just under 30 percent in November sales. Unlike the American brands, Lentz isn't giving up on cars as they represent more than 4 million compact, midsize, and near-luxury cars sold to buyers.

"There’s no way I’m going to walk away from that. We are always going to have a bias toward passenger cars,” said Lentz.

The Associated Press reports that sales of passenger cars "are on pace to be 800,000 vehicles below 2017, while truck and SUV sales should increase by the same amount."

Source: Associated Press

Beginning next month, Toyota will slow down one of its three assembly lines at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant. Aside from building the Avalon and Lexus ES, Georgetown is home to the Camry - the best-selling car in the U.S. for the past 16 years.

“The auto industry is cyclical, and our normal process is to proactively plan months in advance for volume adjustments,” said Rick Hesterberg, a Toyota spokesman to Bloomberg.

Hesterberg declined to comment on how much production would be reduced by the slowdown. He did say that none of the 8,000 permanent workers or 1,500 temps will be laid off during this slowdown.

Demand for the Camry has been slipping for the past few years as buyers are opting for SUVs and trucks. So far in 2018, Camry sales have 6.1 percent when compared to the same time last year.

Source: Bloomberg

Toyota isn't immune to the falling sales of passenger vehicles as more buyers trend towards trucks and SUVs. In the first ten months of this year, cars are down 11.1 percent. Meanwhile, trucks are up 7.7 percent. This has the Japanese automaker considering dropping some models.

"We are taking a hard look at all of the segments that we compete in to make sure we are competing in profitable segments and that products we sell have strategic value," said Jim Lentz, Toyota's North America CEO after the automaker reported an increase in quarterly profits.

Unlike Ford which is revamping its lineup to changing consumer tastes, Toyota isn't planning to "abandon passenger cars," instead "scrutinizing offerings in some areas, such as convertibles or coupes." No mention was made of the models on the chopping block, but we have a possible few candidates.

• Yaris: Sales have dropped 38 percent this year
• Prius C : Not big a seller and hasn't really been updated aside from the 2018 model Pruis C we reviewed last month.
• Lexus RC: Sales down 52 percent so far in 2018
• Lexus GS: Been long rumored to be heading to the gallows

As the Toyota Supra continues its slow march to production, the automaker is considering adding another sports car that may revive an iconic nameplate.

"We want to have Celica back, we want to have the MR2 back," said Masayuki Kai, Assistant Chief Engineer on the Supra project.

The biggest was Supra. Supra was number one, the biggest demand from the market. Now that we've brought Supra back, what will come next depends on the market needs."

Kai suggested that nothing is set in stone, but did hint that the Celica could be an all-wheel drive performance coupe. The MR2 could keep its mid-engine layout if a business case could be made.

There lies within the problem for Toyota - making the business case for either model. Kai said that today's market makes it quite challenging  "to introduce niche, small-volume performance models."

"Sports car are becoming more and more expensive to develop. So a single company cannot afford to invest in all the tooling for parts and components, because the volume of sports car is quite small. A sports car requires a lot of specific components that you cannot share with other cars. The suspension components we're using on the Supra, you can't use on a sedan like Camry or Corolla. And as you know, all the homologation issues are also getting more and more complex and difficult," he said.

One possibility is for Toyota is to forge a partnership like they did with BMW with the Supra, or Subaru with the 86/BRZ.

Source: Road & Track

Toyota has announced that it will be recalling 1.03 million vehicles worldwide to fix an issue that could start a fire.

According to Reuters, the problem deals with a wiring harness that connects to the hybrid system's power control unit. Vibrations and accumulating dirt can wear down the wire insulation at the connection point. This will expose the bare wires and possibly cause an electric short - increasing the chances of a fire. Toyota has told the news service they have one report of a vehicle in Japan that went up in smoke.

The majority of vehicles involved in the recall are located in Japan. In the U.S., around 192,000 examples of the 2016-2018 Toyota Prius are involved. 

Owners of the affected models will be notified later this month by Toyota. Dealers will inspect the harness in question and, if any wires are exposed, replace it with an updated harness with a protective sleeve, If none of the wires are exposed, dealer technicians will apply a protective coating to the harness.

Source: Reuters

Toyota is planning a big push with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. According to Reuters, the Japanese automaker is doubling-down on investments for fuel cell vehicles by making improvements to reduce costs and building different models including commercial trucks.

“We’re going to shift from limited production to mass production, reduce the amount of expensive materials like platinum used in FCV components, and make the system more compact and powerful,” said Yoshikazu Tanaka, chief engineer of the Mirai.

Currently, Toyota hand builds the Mirai at a plant in Toyota City. Everyday, about 6.5 cars roll out of the plant. This is due to the detailed inspections that partially assembled models go through. The parts comprising the Mirai are quite expensive as well. According to analysis done by Strategic Analysis Inc., it costs Toyota about $11,000 to produce each of the fuel cell stacks. Blame the use of the platinum, titanium, and carbon fiber for the stacks.

Toyota has been building up production capacity as it expects sales of FCVs to increase from about 3,000 to over 20,000 after 2020. This will help reduce the cost of each fuel cell stack to $8,000.

“It will be difficult for Toyota to lower FCV production costs if it only produces the Mirai,” said a source,

That's where an expansion of FCVs come in. Toyota is planning a "phased introduction' of other FCVs, including SUVs and commercial trucks starting around 2025. Toyota declined to talk about future products, but did reveal that it has built prototypes of small delivery vehicles and transport trucks with fuel cell powertrains.

“We’re going to use as many parts from existing passenger cars and other models as possible in fuel cell trucks. Otherwise, we won’t see the benefits of mass production,” said Ikuo Ota, manager of new business planning for fuel cell projects at Toyota.

Why is Toyota doubling down on fuel cells? Sources say that Toyota believes demand will increase as more countries, including China "warm to fuel cell technology". The company also sees FCVs as a hedge against battery materials such as cobalt becoming scarce.

But there is still one issue that Toyota, and other automakers build FCVs still need to solve; infrastructure. There aren't many hydrogen refueling stations around. For example, the majority of hydrogen stations in the U.S. are in California. Not helping is a current shortage of hydrogen at refueling stations in California. Green Car Reports says this issue is due to various problems with supplier Air Products. The company said that it hopes to restore hydrogen supplies sometime in early August.

Source: Reuters, Green Car Reports

Last August, we reported on a BMW document that revealed the next-generation Z4 and all-new Toyota Supra would have the choice of a 2.0L turbo-four and twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six. Now, a new document from German transmission maker ZF seems to confirm this.

The document in question is a "transmission catalogue" that lists the various implementations of the eight-speed ZF 8HP. For the Supra, it has two BMW engines listed - the 2.0L turbo-four with 265 horsepower and 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six with 335 horsepower. The Z4 will get the same engines, but will offer a more potent inline-six with 375 horsepower.

Testsuya Tada, the chief engineer on the Supra did confirm the turbo-four to R&T during the Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend. He explained that the turbo-four would offer " better weight distribution" and a sharper turn-in. 

Toyota used the Goodwood Festival of Speed to tease the Supra by running a prototype on the hill climb. Hopefully, Toyota decides to reveal the Supra sometime in the near future.

Source: Road & Track

Before the new Corolla hatchback hits dealers later this summer, Toyota has revealed pricing and fuel economy numbers.

The base SE will set you back $20,910 (includes a $920 destination charge), while the XSE begins at $23,910. That will net you a new 2.0L four-cylinder with 168 horsepower and a six-speed manual. A CVT is available for an additional $1,100.

This is what you get on either trim:

• SE:  Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning; 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay compatibility, and 16-inch wheels.
• XSE: 18-inch wheels, LED fog lamps, upgraded infotainment system, leather-and-fabric upholstery, and heated front seats. 

As for fuel economy, the SE with the CVT is the mileage leader with EPA estimates of 32 City/42 Highway/36 Combined. The XSE CVT is next with figures of 30/38/33. For the manual, Toyota only has figures for the SE which are 28/37/31. Numbers on the XSE manual are coming soon.

Source: Toyota

The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ coupes have earned a lot of praise agile and nimble handling. But many agree that they could use more power. The 2.0L boxer-four only produces 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Rumors have been swirling about possibly turbocharging the engine. But the chief engineer on the 86 and BRZ said that turbocharging is not in the cards for this generation.

“When we launched 86, I got literally millions of questions from around the world of ‘when would you be launching the turbo version? I believe that often times I answered that there won’t be a turbo version, and there were some articles in the media that Mr Tada doesn’t like a turbo," said Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer for the two coupes to CarAdvice.

“That’s not really true. I do like turbos, however if we come up with a turbo version of the 86 and boost up the power that would result in the necessity of changing the basic configuration completely, to come up with a car that I would be satisfied with.”

Emphasis ours. Tada said the current car's weight distribution was designed the 2.0L boxer-four in mind.

“One characteristic of the 86 is that in terms of the front balance its slightly front loaded so it makes the handling more fast and agile. So if we were to come up with a turbo version, we would have to go change the weight balance between the front and the rear. That means we have to come up with a completely new platform, so it’s not about just changing or slight modification in the engine parts,” said Tada.

But considering how much demand there is for a turbocharged model, it might cause Toyota and Subaru to look at it for the next-generation models, whenever that may be. In the meantime, there a number of aftermarket suppliers who are willing to add a bit of turbo for your current GT86 or BRZ.

Source: CarAdvice

Toyota's polarizing C-HR crossover went on sale earlier this year and it isn't doing so well in terms of sales. Through November, Toyota has only moved 21,889 units, way less than Chevrolet Trax (72,723 units) and Honda HR-V (86,491).

Speaking to Wards Auto, Toyota Motor Sales USA's president Bob Carter said a key reason the comes down to the C-HR not offering all-wheel drive in North America. Most subcompact crossovers sold in the U.S. have the option of AWD. But if Toyota was to AWD to the C-HR, it would highlight another problem. The C-HR carries a base price of $22,500, making it one of the more expensive models in the class.

The C-HR isn't the only crossover that will only come front-wheel drive. Nissan's upcoming Kicks crossover will also be FWD only. However, Michael Bunce, senior vice president-product planning for Nissan North America tells Wards that only offering FWD on the Kicks shouldn't dent sales due to the low price of under $19,000. Those who want AWD will need to step up to the Rogue Sport which begins at $22,470 for the base S AWD.

Source: Wards Auto

Over the course of this year, Toyota has unveiled three different crossover concepts; the FT-4X, TJ Cruiser, and the FT-AC. We figured that one of these concepts could make it into production and this was confirmed by a Toyota executive.

"It's like the 90s again, we can have more than one vehicle in each segment if they are different enough," Toyota Motor North America General Manager Jack Hollis told Motor Authority.

While the three concepts differ greatly in terms of design, Hollis explained this was done to "test the waters in the market and get feedback from consumers." No matter which design is chosen, there are certain details that have been confirmed. Hollis said this new model will sit alongside the C-HR and be based on the company's TGNA platform. Power will come from a four-cylinder, but don't count out a hybrid option. Unlike the C-HR, this model will have the choice of front or all-wheel drive. The new crossover will also influence the design of the next-generation 4Runner and RAV4.

Hollis said the model will have a price tag of under $20,000 and go on sale within the next two to three years. 

Source: Motor Authority

The Toyota Prius V is an odd duck in the Prius family. The wagon/van shape offered buyers more space to carry stuff while returning high fuel economy numbers. But its run in the U.S. will be coming to a close at the end of this year.

"After six years and nearly 160,000 units sold in the U.S., the decision was made to end Prius V production for the U.S. and Puerto Rico this December," said Toyota's East Coast communications manager Corey Proffitt to Green Car Reports.

Proffitt went on to say the Prius V would continue to be sold in other markets around the world, but it is unclear whether Canada will be part of that or not.

Declining sales is the key reason Toyota is pulling the Prius V out of the U.S.

• 2011: 8,399
• 2012: 40,669
• 2013: 34,989
• 2014: 30,762
• 2015: 28,290
• 2016: 14,840
• 2017 (YTD): 8,299

The reason for the massive drop-off in 2016 is due to Toyota launching the RAV4 Hybrid with sales of 45,000 models. In 2017, Toyota has moved around 41,400 units.

Source: Green Car Reports

Most vehicles sold feature an internal combustion engine running some type of fuel, but a Toyota executive believes this engine will be gone for vehicles by 2050.

“We expect that by 2050 we will have reduced CO2 emissions from vehicles by 90% compared to the figure in 2010. To achieve that from 2040 simple internal combustion engined cars will not be made, but they may be the basis of some hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars,” said Seigo Kuzumaki, Toyota’s head of advanced R&D and engineering.

Kuzumaki's reasoning for this comes down to governments tightening regulations on emissions. This, in turn, will cause automakers to accelerate development of alternative powertrains such as electrics.

Toyota's a latecomer to electric vehicles, instead choosing to focus on hydrogen. But the Japanese automaker is working on a new family of EVs that will launch in 2020. The models will use lithium-ion batteries and have a range of 300 miles. But Toyota hopes to launch solid state batteries only a few years later for their EVs. Solid state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid to hold a charge. This will provide better performance and a smaller size than the lithium-ion battery packs.

Source: Autocar

Toyota's Tj Cruiser concept is an interesting one. It takes elements of a van and SUV, and mashes them up into a capable and practical vehicle. Toyota in a press release announcing the concept hinted that it could go into production by saying it would be based on their TGNA modular platform, feature a hybrid powertrain, and have the choice of front or all-wheel drive.

According to Autocar, Toyota is serious about possibly bringing the Tj Cruiser to production. Design chief Hirokazu Ikuma told the outlet that if the concept gets enough of a positive reaction from those attending the Tokyo Motor Show, it may move on to the next step of taking this vehicle to various consumer clinics to gather reactions.

If the Tj Cruiser is given the green light, it would be underpinned by the next-generation TGNA platform due in 2022.

Source: Autocar

Toyota's European division wants to show there is another side to hybrid vehicles than fuel economy. Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Toyota Europe boss Johan van Zyl says they are planning to launch a lineup of hybrid vehicles that will boast more performance and be fun to drive.

“One will provide the traditional benefits of efficiency and fuel economy, like in the current offer. The second will build on this, adding more power and a more dynamic driving character,” said van Zyl.

Toyota previewed this with the C-HR Hy-Power concept this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The concept features a gloss black finish on various trim pieces, ‘Burning Orange’ finish on the front pillars, and the interior finished in black and orange. Oddly, Toyota doesn't provide any figures on the “higher powered” hybrid powertrain used in this concept.

More details on the high-performance hybrids will be revealed 'early next-year' van Zyl explained.

Hybrids currently make up 40 percent of Toyota's sales in Europe, with Western Europe being close to 50 percent.

Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)

The upcoming Toyota Supra is considered to be one of the most highly anticipated vehicles to come out. It has also garnered a fair amount rumors, partly due to it sharing some bits with the next BMW Z4. But some leaked internal documents may dampen some of that anticipation.

A member on the Supra MKV forums obtained a BMW model code document listing out the various combinations for the upcoming Supra and Z4, along with which market they will appear on. For the Toyota, the document shows that it will be offered with the 30i and 40i engines. This likely means the Supra will get BMW's 2.0L turbo-four (248 horsepower) and 3.0L turbocharged inline-six (335 horsepower). Interestingly, none of Toyota variants list a manual transmission. They all appear to be hooked up to an automatic. Compare it to list of BMW models where there appear to be some manual options.

Before you start panicking about the missing manual, the document is a few months and what is listed may change.

So for right now, take a deep breath and wait patiently for BMW and Toyota to reveal the models.

Source: Supra MKV

Toyota appears to be building out their sports car lineup with the 86 and the rumored Supra coupe. There is now talk of third sports that would mark the return of the 'Three Brothers'; MR2, Celica, and Supra.

Evo reports that Tetsuya Tada, chief engineer of the Toyota 86 and head of Gazoo Racing revealed that a spiritual successor to the MR2 is in the works. The successor would act as the starting point for the 'three brothers,' with the 86 serving as the successor to the Celica and the Supra as the top dog. Tada said the company hopes to have the trio in production together, "as soon as possible."

Details are slim, but Evo expects the model to be smaller and lighter than the 86 coupe. There is the possibility of a hybrid powertrain, using tech from Toyota's Le Mans prototype race car.

Source: Evo

Toyota and Subaru have been quiet on whether or not there would be a second-generation to the 86/BRZ coupe. But Toyota has broken the silence, telling Autocar there would be a second-generation model.

“The GT86 will carry on. The car serves a big purpose. We are not getting out of that business. Sporty cars go through their phases. It’s our intention to continue with that car,” said Toyota Europe boss Karl Schlicht.

Like the current model, it is expected that Toyota and Subaru will once again team up on developing the next-generation model. Schlicht did admit that there is no firm confirmation of Subaru coming back to this partnership. 

“Will it be with Subaru? I don’t know. But for the concept to carry on, with the low engine, we’d have to do that. There are a lot of reasons to continue with Subaru.”

Autocar says the next-generation 86 could arrive in late 2018 or 2019.

Source: Autocar

To say we were slightly disappointed to find out that the U.S.-Spec Toyota C-HR would only come with a 2.0L four-cylinder producing 144 horsepower would be an understatement. The European-spec C-HR has the choice of either a turbocharged 1.2L four or a hybrid, but neither of these powertrains will be showing up in the U.S.

Car and Driver spoke with the C-HR's chief engineer, Hiroyuki Koba to find out why. Koba didn't say why the turbocharged 1.2L would not come to the U.S., but we're guessing Toyota didn't want to put the effort in getting this engine certified for the U.S. Also, performance numbers between the 2.0L and turbo 1.2L are similar (11 seconds for the 2.0 to hit 60 mph, 11.1 seconds for the 1.2).

As for the hybrid, Koba said the decision comes down to the market, not engineering. At the moment, Toyota doesn't see the demand for this model in the U.S.

Koba did admit there is a possibility for a more powerful version of the C-HR, but quickly added there aren't plans for this at the moment.

Source: Car and Driver

While most auto manufacturers are betting on electrics as the future, Toyota believes that fuel cells are the answer. But fuel cells have a number of issues, with the biggest one being the lack of infrastructure. So it is surprising that Toyota announced yesterday that would be adding the development of electric vehicles to their green portfolio.

"We want to get ready to consider the future release of electric vehicles," said Toyota's Executive Vice President Takahiko Ijichi.

Ijichi said fuel cells are still the priority for the brand, but adding electrics is important as various markets have conditions surrounding energy and infrastructure. The Nikkei Asian Review says the company will start up an internal group focusing on the EV planning and development next year. Toyota will be accelerating development of various parts to play catch up with other automakers.

It is expected that the first Toyota EV will roll out in 2020.

Source: Nikkei Asian Review, 2

With the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal hanging a dark cloud over the fuel, many automakers are considering whether or not they want to continue with diesel.

Karl Schlicht, executive vice-president of Toyota Europe tells Autocar the company is wondering whether or not they should stop offering diesels. He uses the example of the Yaris Diesel. At the moment, the option makes "up less than 10%” of total sales for Europe. Dropping this model is a real possibility.

“I think that anyone looking at investing in a new diesel plant, which might have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, will have to look long and hard at whether they would get payback,” said Schlicht.

This comes as stricter emission standards and tests are on the horizon for Europe.

Source: Autocar

Tetsuya Tada, the man behind the Toyota 86 coupe (and sister models Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S) has some dreams that he would like the Japanese brand to take on.

One thing Tada-san is adamant Toyota should do is launch a dedicated high-performance brand.

“BMW has its M Division, Mercedes-Benz has Mercedes-AMG, Audi has quattro GmbH, so they have a stance of a sports car, but Toyota hasn’t,” Tada-san told CarAdvice.

“So I would like to build that major sports car brand within Toyota, like BMW’s M.”

The closest thing Toyota has at the moment is their TRD (Toyota Racing Development) arm. But Tada points to Gazgoo Racing - the group behind the racing efforts of the Lexus LF-A and Toyota 86 - as a possibility to reach this goal.

“BMW and M and Audi and quattro GmbH used to be like the Toyota relationship with Gazoo – it wasn’t really one body, it was two separate things. But because of the time and the continuous effort, now they are together. So, I’m wishing that Toyota puts effort continuously, and then someday later, Toyota and Gazoo will be one body. The important thing is to keep putting in the effort and continue – never give up,” said Tada-san.

Tada-san is also working on encouraging Toyota to build more vehicles with passion - see the upcoming Lexus LC 500 as an example. He is very much aware of the ‘opportunity’ to build a flagship sports car - the rumored Supra.

“We’re putting all the effort into making it happen. There is so much gossip about it may be happening or it may be produced, but amongst Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), much of the things people think, have already been tried. But trying [‘things’] and trying to reach production, are two different things. So, of the ideas from our team, maybe one tenth is the production car.”

Toyota and BMW currently have a partnership of developing various things, including a sports car platform. Rumor has it that next-generation BMW Z4 will share its platform with the Supra.

Finally, Tada-san revealed what he would like to do as a dream project.

“I would prefer a new Celica GT4 – turbo, four-wheel drive. [it’s a] really fun car and really fast. And [it was fast on] every type of road. [A new one is definitely] one of my dreams.”

Source: CarAdvice

Back in 2011, Toyota made a very bold prediction; the Prius would be the best-selling Toyota model in the U.S. by the end of this decade. This seemed legitimate as gas prices had been climbing a steady rate and the Prius was the most popular hybrid. But that meant beating the Toyota Camry which in 2010 sold 327,104 models (the Prius only sold 140,928 models in 2010). To do this, Toyota would create the Prius family with the introduction of the Prius C, V, and Plug-In Hybrids.

Five years on after this bold prediction, Toyota is reconsidering their plans. Thanks to lower gas prices (and in turn, consumers returning to pickups and crossovers) and models such as the Camry, Corolla, and RAV4 outselling it by a large margin, Toyota is now saying the Prius won't achieve that lofty goal.

"Given all the changes in consumers' preferences right now, I don't think we're forecasting the Prius to be our top volume seller anymore," said Bill Fay, Toyota Division general manager to Automotive News.

Part of the reconsideration deals with the Prius C and V. Fay said Toyota is planning to "reinvest" in the C and V. But whether or not a second-generation happens for either model is still too early to tell.

The V's future is in doubt more than the C because of a new hybrid model - the RAV4 Hybrid. While the RAV4 doesn't come close to matching the Prius V's fuel economy numbers (34 City/31 Highway/33 Combined for RAV4 Hybrid, 44 City/40 Highway/42 Combined for the Prius V), it does offer slightly more practicality and the option of all-wheel drive.

"We'll have to see how well the RAV4 Hybrid does. Because the RAV4 could really take the place of the Prius V," Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

To meet the growing demand for pickups in the U.S., Toyota will be boosting production of the Tacoma and Tundra in 2016.

Bill Fay, head of Toyota's U.S. division says a third shift has been added to their Baja California, Mexico plant (Tacoma) and an additional 250 workers, plus a more flexible work schedule to its San Antonio, Texas plant (Tacoma and Tundra).

The new workers and extra production will be in place in San Antonio by the middle of next year, said Fay.

At the moment, Toyota's dealers are sitting on a 20-day supply of the Tundra, while the Tacoma is at a 10-day supply.

"If you were to ask any of our U.S. dealers what they want, I'd say every one of them would say 'More trucks," said Bob Carter, senior vice president for U.S. Toyota operations.

Source: Reuters

The fourth-generation Toyota Prius has made an early debut thanks to spy photographer who caught the vehicle uncovered at a photo shoot.

There's a lot of the Mirai hydrogen vehicle in the new Prius' design. Such details include very busy front-end with split opening grille and forked headlights, to a similar side profile and blacked-out C-Pillar. The Prius will be keeping the liftback shape that it has been using since the seconf-generation model.

We don't know any details on the next-generation Prius hybrid powertrain, but Green Car Reports says the next Prius will use Toyota's new global modular platform and possibly have all-wheel drive as an option.

We'll get our first look at the next-generation Prius next month.

Source: Green Car Reports

It seems not a day goes by without someone saying that 'crossovers are the hot thing'. Yes, we are part of this group. Just consider the automakers who are currently selling a subcompact; Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3, and Nissan Juke. There is one automaker missing from this list, Toyota. However, the Japanese automaker could be joining in the near future.

A spy photographer caught a fully camouflaged Toyota subcompact crossover testing in the deserts of the American southwest. The overall shape seems to inspired from the C-HR concept shown at the Paris Motor show last year. Comparing the two, we can see some similarities such as a long hood and sloping roofline.

The subcompact crossover will use a new modular platform and come with a turbocharged four-cylinder with a CVT. No word if a manual transmission will be on offer.

One item still up in the air is whether or not this subcompact crossover will be sold as a Toyota or Scion in the U.S. Some believe it could be destined for Scion as some of the photos show a xB following the test mule.

Another item that is not known at this time, when we will see the subcompact in production form.

Source: Autoblog

It seems America isn't the only place that is interested in the Toyota Tundra. CarAdvice.com.au reports there is “enormous demand” for the Tundra in Australia. Speaking with Tony Cramb, Toyota AU's executive director of sales and marketing said there was room for a larger truck. But there are two key items withholding the Tundra from the Australian marketplace.

“We have an enormous demand for a Tundra here in Australia, there’s no doubt if we could get a diesel Tundra, then I think we’d sell 100 a month. But regrettably because it’s manufactured in the States, it’s unlikely to happen that way," said Cramb

“… We’ve had strong requests at dealer meetings to get the Tundra here, and we have made representation. But when it comes down to it, because it’s not LHD here, and because it’s petrol, in the end it’s very hard to make the case.”

For now, those who are interested in buying a Tundra in Australia can visit an importer and pick up one for around 120,000 AUD (about $94,000).

Source: CarAdvice.com.au

It has been quiet at Nissan and Toyota since General Motors introduced the new Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. But that appears to changing very soon at Toyota. Automotive News has learned that the company is planning to show off the next-generation Tacoma at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Bill Fay, Toyota's general manager says with the recent introduction of GM's new midsize trucks, it will spur interest and demand in the class.

“With the new entries coming in, the market should expand,” said Fay.

Despite being one of the oldest models in the class, the Tacoma is still a strong seller. Through November, the company moved 140,747 Tacomas, more than 66 percent of the total midsize truck marketplace.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Toyota is considering moving substantial parts of its U.S. headquarters from California to Texas. Bloomberg has learned from sources from the automaker that certain high-level employees were told of the move on Friday and that the company will make an announcement today.

“It would be very consequential for Southern California. There might be some brain drain and tumult for employees, though it should be largely seamless to the consumer. This kind of thing can create some disruption of momentum,” said Jack Nerad, executive market analyst for Kelly Blue Book.

Reasons for this move include putting Toyota USA's executives close by their manufacturing plants in San Antonio, Kentucky, and Mississippi. However, another reason for this move comes down to how expensive it is to live and work in California. Automotive News pulled some stats on California and they aren't pretty.

• Expatistan rates the Los Angeles metropolitan area as the ninth most-expensive place to live
  
• California is third in Tax Foundation's study in which states have the worst complex, non-neutral taxes with comparatively high rates
  
• Forbes rates California 36th in which states are best to do business
  

Meanwhile, Texas has been rated seventh in the same study done by Forbes. Texas also has a number of tax breaks and lower cost of living.

We'll keep you posted on this developing story.

Source: Bloomberg, Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Back in August, we reported that Toyota was possibly considering dropping in a diesel for its full-size Tundra pickup.

"The diesel engine is something that is on our evaluation list. Hybrid technology is something that is on our evaluation list. Either one of those alternatives could deliver some pretty good real world fuel economy,"said Rick LoFaso, Toyota's corporate manager for light trucks.

"I think Cummins would bring instant name recognition and obviously they are a leader in diesel engine technology. That is not the first time we would have a tie up with somebody else."

Well it seems Toyota has possibly made a decision and is turning to Cummins for help. Wards Auto reports that when the next-generation Tundra debuts in 2016, it will be available with a 5.0L turbodiesel V8 from Cummins. This is the same engine you'll find in the next-generation Titan. What's unclear is if the Tundra's version will have the same 300+ horsepower and 500+ pound-feet of torque as the Titan.

A source tells Wards that the Cummins engine is a possible placeholder as Toyota would use this to gauge customer reactions and see if it would be a good idea to restart their own diesel engine project. Back in 2007, the automaker was working on a diesel for the Tundra. However when the economy hit the fan in 2008, Toyota canned the project.

Source: Wards Auto

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 4, 2013

While the high price and slow sales led to end of the Aston Martin Cygnet last month, Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez said the decision to end the model is due to Toyota killing the iQ next year. The Cygnet was essentially a dressed up version of the iQ.

“We stopped the Cygnet as Toyota itself will stop the iQ in 2014 and we don’t want to invest any more,” Bez told Autocar.

“I think Aston did a good thing with the Cygnet and I’m disappointed it didn’t work out. It’s a great little car, particularly in London. It will be a cult car in the future and will be well looked after.”

Bez also said that he had big plans for the Cygnet, but they never came to fruition.

“I wanted to bring it to the US, but there was no support for it. I wanted a supercharged engine, but there was also no support."

When asked for a comment, Toyota said there are no plans to end iQ and declined to comment further.

Source: Autocar

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 17, 2013

The trend with powertrains is to do small-displacement engine with turbochargers to provide the performance of a larger engine with the fuel economy of the small engine. Toyota looks to be bucking the trend.

In a interview with Automotive News, Koei Saga, senior managing officer in charge of drivetrain research and development for Toyota said the company will be investing into turbocharged engines, but it will not "emphasize turbocharging across many product lines." Instead, Saga says the company believes that using large-displacement engines with the Atkinson cycle.

Here's why Toyota believes this is the right idea. Atkinson cycle engines keep the intake valves open longer than a normal gas engine, which cuts the length of the compression stroke and in turn cuts pumping losses. The end result is improve efficiency at the cost of torque. This is why you see Atkinson cycle engines used in hybrid vehicles since the electric motor can provide the low-end torque. When paired with a large-displacement engine, the hope is that you keep the efficiency while gaining back the loss in torque.

In addition to the large-displacement Atkinson cycle engines, Toyota will invest heavily into continuously variable and fixed-gear automatic transmissions, as well as its fuel-cell vehicle program.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 6, 2013

The roller-coaster ride of the Toyota GT86 Convertible rumors appears to have crested. According to What Car?, Toyota has canned GT86 Convertible project for the timebeing. No apparent reason was given for the cancellation, but there is speculation that the added rigidity needed could have added too much weight for the coupe, ruining it's perfect weight balance.

The report does say the project could be 'fast-tracked' if Toyota's management wants to restart the project once again.

Source: What Car?

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 12, 2013

The past couple of years has seen the return of performance to Toyota with the introduction of the GT86 (Scion FR-S), introduction of the F-Sport to Lexus, and rumors of the return of the Supra. But there could be more changes at Toyota to bring more performance into the fold.

Auto Express talked with Karl Schlicht, executive vice president at Toyota Europe who said the company is "Currently discussing sport lines for Toyota models”. Schlicht goes onto say there is “an appetite for Toyota to do credible performance cars”.

Source: Auto Express

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Drew Dowdell

Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com

September 9th, 2013

Toyota announced two voluntary recalls today totaling 235,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

The first recall of 133,000 vehicles includes 2006 - 2010 model year Highlander Hybrid and 2006 - 2008 model year Lexus RX 400h. In this recall, certain transistors in the hybrid system can be damaged by heat, forcing the vehicle into limp home mode in most cases and in some instances stop the vehicle completely while driving.

The second recall includes the Lexus IS 350, IS 350c, and GS350 from model years 2006 - 2011, totaling 103,000 vehicles. Bolts in the variable valve timing control device can come loose causing the vehicle to stop while being driven. An apparent early warning sign is an abnormal noise just after start-up.

Owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by mail.

More information is available at www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall or by calling 1-800-331-4331

Source: Toyota

Drew Dowdell is Managing Editor of CheerandGears.com and can be reached at Drew.Dowdell@CheersandGears.com or on twitter as @cheersngears

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 31, 2013

Nissan sent everyone in a tizzy a couple weeks ago when they announced that next-generation Titan pickup would be packing Cummins 5.0L turbodiesel V8. This has one automaker wondering if they should do the same thing.

Edmunds talked with Rick LoFaso, Toyota's corporate manager for light trucks. LoFaso said the company is looking into two different powertrains to boos the fuel economy in the Tundra. One of those happens to be diesel.

"The diesel engine is something that is on our evaluation list. Hybrid technology is something that is on our evaluation list. Either one of those alternatives could deliver some pretty good real world fuel economy," said LoFaso.

LoFaso went onto say,

"I think Cummins would bring instant name recognition and obviously they are a leader in diesel engine technology. That is not the first time we would have a tie up with somebody else."

No mention on when a decision would be made.

Source: Edmunds

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 23, 2013

Peeking into the Scion FR-S and Toyota GT86 rumorpile, we have a number of stories talking about more power via two different ways; turbocharging and using a hybrid system. Add a third option onto that list. Chief engineer of the GT86 family, Tetsuya Tada told Drive.com.au that they are exploring of using a larger displacement boxer-four engine. More interesting is that Tada said the company is testing all three.

"I hope to make an engine upgrade at least one time with this car. We [have] already tried all possibilities and there are several types of 86 prototypes at the Toyota proving ground now; one is a turbocharger, one is bigger displacement and [the other is a] special hybrid system," said Tada.

Tada declined to give any details about the larger engine, but insiders say the engine is likely a 2.5L flat-four with 254 horsepower, a noticeable increase over the standard 200 horsepower of the current 2.0L. This option has two advantages over the turbo and hybrid plans; cost-effective and maintains the lightweight-ness of the vehicle.

Source: Drive.com.au

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 11, 2013

The Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S could get be getting a big and small brother in the near future. Speaking with Car Advice, FR-S chief engineer Tatsuya Tada said,

“Akio Toyoda always says to me, Toyota sports car [family] should be three sports car brothers. 86 is in the middle.”

What are these two sports cars? We know the big brother will be the resurrection of Supra. The small brother will be sub-GT86 model. When asked about names for this new small model, Tada said its far too early for that.

Possibly the most interesting bit of information from Car Advice's story is Tada saying that the new sports cars might be done in a joint calibration. The GT86/FR-S was done by Toyota and Subaru, and the new Supra is reportedly being worked on by Toyota and BMW.

Source: Car Advice

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

July 1, 2013

For the past eleven years, the Toyota Camry has been best-selling car in America. But its title is being threaten by models like the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, and Honda Accord. However, Toyota isn't ready to give up the crown so easily.

"We will do what is necessary to get the vehicle into the hands of new and loyal customers. Incentives on Camry will remain as competitive as they need to be," said Bill Fay, Toyota Division General Manager in an e-mail.

Toyota has been increasing incentives on the Camry over the past few months. Earlier this year, Toyota was putting $2,300 on the Camry. Now, that number has jumped to $2,750. In comparison, the Altima and Fusion currently have $2,300 - $2,400 on the hoods. The Honda Accord has only $1,400 on the hood.

Toyota is also increasing fleet sales of the Camry. So far this year about 20 percent of Camrys have been going to fleets. While its more than the Hyundai Sonata (17 percent) and Honda Accord (1 percent), the Camry's total is lower than the Chevrolet Malibu (39 percent) and Nissan Altima (33 percent). Toyota says Camry fleet sales will go back down to their typical levels by the end of this year.

However, insiders at Toyota wonder if this is the right move for the Camry. At the moment, the Camry has one of the highest 36-month residual values in the class with 54.4 percent – trailing only the Accord's 55.6 percent. But with Toyota's move of keeping the Camry on top, this could have some drastic effects.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

March 8, 2013

Only being on sale for just over a year, Toyota is already working on a mid-cycle refresh on the GT86 coupe (Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ in the states). This news comes from the chief engineer Tetsuya Tada. Tada also revealed that Toyota is considering doing a high performance model.

“We are already working on a mid-life facelift for the car, and we are investigating both turbocharging and supercharging too. But an electric motor assistance solution is also possible, and would bring benefits that forced induction does not,” Tada told Autocar.

Using a hybrid system to increase the performance in the GT86 is an interesting option. Tada explains that using a hybrid system could provide a huge boost in low-rpm torque for the engine without affecting throttle response or compromising on fuel economy or emissions.

This would add weight to the coupe, but Tada said the weight could be offset somewhat by further weight loss of the vehicle.

“Our TRD tuning department has found it easy to take 100kg out of the kerbweight, and have developed certain underbody fins and plates that can be employed to alter the dynamic balance of the car, to increase or reduce oversteer at medium and high speeds. They have quite a pronounced effect."

Source: Autocar

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

January 28, 2013

Toyota has regained the world's largest automaker crown for 2012. The automaker was able to bounce back in 2012 after the earthquake and tsunami rocked Japan last year and a large amount of recalls that caused them to lose the largest automaker title in 2011.

Toyota and its subsidiaries delivered 9.75 million vehicles last year, ahead of General Motors which delivered 9.29 million vehicles and Volkswagen which delivered 9.09 million vehicles. Toyota sales grew worldwide by 23% in 2012, with Japan seeing the largest increase in sales of 35%. In the U.S., Toyota's market share grew to 14.9% in 2012.

Toyota forecasts that will deliver 9.91 million vehicles in 2013. This is due to company forecasting continued growth in the United States and a recovery in China where Japanese automakers saw a drop in sales due to a land dispute between the two countries. Toyota also expects a weakening Yen to help out as well.

Source: Bloomberg

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

January 27, 2013

Autocar is reporting that Toyota executives are considering building a competitor for the Nissan Juke. The inspiration for this possible contender is a twelve-year old concept.

The concept in question is the Toyota RSC (Rugged Sports Coupe) shown at 2001 Chicago Auto Show. While the concept was well received at the time, Toyota didn't really do anything with it.

Why are Toyota executives looking at RSC as a possible Juke competitor? Sales. The Nissan Juke has been doing very well in global sales. In the U.S. alone, Nissan moved 36,000 Jukes in 2012.

If Toyota decides to go forward with this, expect the vehicle to use either Yaris or Auris (Corolla) platform. The Yaris platform allows Toyota to build a direct competitor to the Juke, while the Auris platform lets Toyota build a somewhat larger vehicle. Using either platform allows Toyota to offer a hybrid model.

Source: Autocar

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 15, 2012

Work on the next-generation Toyota Prius is already underway. A few weeks ago, we reported on Toyota considering a new design for the Prius. Now, we have gotten word on some mechanical changes.

Auto Express is reporting that next-gen Prius and Prius Plug-In will come equipped with a e-4WD system.

“The rear wheels will be driven by a motor in an e-4WD system. Targeting snowy areas, they will operate at up to 37mph,” a source tells the magazine.

Also in the cards for the new Prius will be a weight drop of about 154 lbs thanks to a new platform. Other changes will include a more aerodynamic body, a modified 1.8L four-cylinder, and downsized inverter and electric motor. Those changes will make the Prius quicker and possibly deliver 90 MPG.

One item that won't change are the nickel-metal hydride batteries. Toyota engineers still believe the nickel-metal hydride batteries are still the best at managing power delivery during intensive use and charging.

Source: Auto Express

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Related Stories:

Rumorpile: Toyota To Change Design Of Next Prius?

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 5, 2012

There are vehicles that with a quick glance, you immediately recognize; the Porsche 911 and the Volkswagen Beetle are perfect examples of this. Another vehicle that follows this is the Toyota Prius. Since the second-generation model, the Prius has earned a place of being instantly recognizable due to its shape. Now, Toyota is pondering whether to change it or not.

“There’s an undercurrent among most people that they’re ready for a new Prius look. Maybe our architecture has been a little bit similar for the last two generations.” said Chris Hostetter, Toyota’s U.S. group vice president for strategic planning.

Hostetter told Bloomberg that the company is currently debating whether to keep the aerodynamic wedge-shape look or go towards something more dramatic. This possible change is due to Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda wanting to make the company’s cars more exciting, and make the Prius more appealing to buyers.

Source: Bloomberg

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

You will find some interesting information as Toyota moves forward with Fuel Cell's rather than pure electric auto's.

Sales of Plug in Vehicles, North America (2011 & 2012)

Type - 2011 ------ 2012 (YTD)--(Since 1/1/2011) Cumulative

HEV----268,807---322,516--------591,323

PHEV--8,272----- 25,944----------34,216

BEV----9,966----- 6,802-----------16,768

Source: Pike Research

Most BEVs skirt the edge of a 100-mile range, stretching up to the $100,000 Model S, from Tesla, which can go nearly 300 miles on a single charge. EV advocates and battery manufacturers have long insisted that a battery breakthrough on the horizon will triple battery ranges while drastically reducing battery costs. Regardless of how far the BEV can go on a full battery, however, it still takes hours to recharge instead of the minutes it takes to refill a conventional gas vehicle.

Toyota’s hydrogen vehicles can already achieve ranges and refill times comparable to conventional gas vehicles.

For more info go to:

http://fuelcellswork...ember_181315269

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 10, 2012

The Scion FR-S marks a return for Toyota of building a sporty RWD coupe, and it might not be the only one.

Top Gear Philippines had the chance to sit down with Tetsuya Tada, chief engineer for the FR-S and other members (Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ). Tada revealed that the FR-S was the first of three new sports cars being worked on by Toyota.

"The first is more mass-market and cheaper than the 86. And the third is more upmarket than the 86," Tada said.

When asked if the third vehicle is the successor the Supra, Tada said it could possibly be but that nothing is sure at the moment.

Source: Top Gear Philippines

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.