Toyota

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 5, 2013 Auto Express has learned that Lexus will unveil a new compact crossover at the Geneva Motor Show next March. This new model will be heavily influenced by the LF-NX concept shown at the Frankfurt and Toyko Motor Shows. The production version will likely be toned down, but expect the sharp lines to stay. Powertrains will include a hybrid that uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, and a new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Interesting thing about these two engines is that both were shown in the LF-NX concept. Auto Express says the new compact crossover will go on sale next summer. We'll keep a close ey…

Pricing: 2007 Lexus LS460/L October 6, 2006 – Torrance, CA - Lexus today announced pricing for the all-new 2007 LS 460 and the company’s first-ever long-wheelbase model, the LS 460 L. The fourth-generation LS blends new levels of performance, sophistication, contemporary styling, and luxury refinements while redefining the full-size luxury-sedan segment. With a base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $61,000 for the LS 460 and $71,000 for the LS 460 L, Lexus’ new flagship luxury sedans will represent a compelling value in their segments. "The new LS continues the heritage set by our original flagship luxury sedan by setting new standards in its class," sa…

http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/ • 410 hp • 11,000 towing • "d" cab larger than Dodge Mega Cab Hopefully just a rumor...

Drew Dowdell Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com September 4th, 2013 In the lead up to the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, Lexus has premiered their LF-NX crossover concept. Up front is the boldest interpretation of Lexus' spindle grille with an updated version of their L-finesse design language following behind. The highly futuristic interior design features electrostatic switches and a new touch pad remote interface. Surfacing includes carved metal trim, yellow and black leather with contrast stitching, and blue instrument lighting. The LF-NX concept is powered by a new variant of Lexus' hybrid drive tuned for SUV performance, though specific details are unavailab…

The latest issue of Wheels has an article amongst its Car of the Year feature detailing an accident that occurred during testing. They were testing the new Kluger (Highlander) along a gravel left-hand bend at 100km/h at the Lang Lang testing ground (a bend they use to test high-speed stability, and which they've used with countless other cars). They had two Klugers, both with ESP, one FWD and one AWD. The FWD was regarded as having dodgy dynamics by all the testers, having "inconsistent steering and ESP all over the place, alternately over intervening, and at other times nowhere to be seen". The AWD was taken out along this bend and it started drifting, but the ESP …

http://fjork_duf.jalopnik.com/cars/news/th...cles-220629.php

Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid The 2008 Highlander Hybrid is an exceptionally versatile package that allows you to haul the kids and their lanky pals in happy comfort without experiencing unnecessary gas pump trauma. It's always quiet and hassle-free, just like the neighbor's kid (not your own), and its green-friendly powertrain takes some of the guilt out of the constant motorized errands that are part of raising a young family. It's comfortable and useful without being so precious that you're afraid of parking it somewhere a rogue supermarket cart might find you. You might even be able to cancel that summer math tutor if you can get the kids involved in runnin…

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 par…

http://wardsauto.com/home/Toyota_negative_headlines_091214/

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 c…

Toyota slows delevopment process to preserve reputation Worried about slipping quality, Toyota is slowing down its product development. Toyota Motor Corp. will build more prototype vehicles, hire more engineers and spend more money in an effort to ensure that quality doesn't slip. The company also will take more time between project approval and production of the first salable vehicle. For several years, Toyota has taken pride in reducing vehicle development time and adopting time-saving innovations such as virtual prototypes. But those measures have lowered the quality of Toyota vehicles, engineers and executives acknowledge. "We were missing our internal targets,"…

Lexus goes after BMW's 3-series It's a nimble little rear-wheel-drive four-door car with sophisticated engineering to protect you from yourself when you realize how easy it is to drive fast. Photos and Video at Link: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?...MTGEHJ1JBT1.DTL Michael Taylor, Chronicle Staff Writer Friday, May 26, 2006 The real question about the Lexus IS350 could be: Would the Toyota/Lexus design team that came up with this swoopy little, un-Lexus-like car take umbrage if we said this car resembles a BMW three-series sedan? Has Lexus been around long enough to have carved out a reputation as prestigious as the one BMW has garnered (or thought it's…

Rumorpile: Toyota FT-86 To Come Under 2,500 lbs? William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com October 19, 2011 At next month's Tokyo Motor Show, we'll finally see the production versions of the often teased Toyota FT-86 coupe. But that isn't stopping details of the new vehicles from leaking out. Autocar is reporting today that the FT-86 will have a curb weight close to 1,100 kg, which is about 2,425 lbs. To put that into prospective, the Hyundai Genesis coupe is 800 lbs heavier when equipped with it's turbo-4. Source: Autocar

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 24, 2012 2012 was supposed to be the year that Toyota would begin selling the electric version of the iQ minicar called the eQ. When it introduced the vehicle back in 2010 expected, Toyota said it planned to sell several thousand of the vehicles per year. "Two years later, there are many difficulties," said Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota's vice chairman and the engineer who oversees vehicle development. Now, Toyota is planning to only sell about 100 of the eQ vehicles in the United States and Japan in an extremely limited release. "The current capabilities of electric vehicles do not meet society's needs, whether…

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/...0718&ID=5873092

December 20,2011 black-knight CheersandGears.com If you've been following the news about the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, you'd already know that Lexus was planning to pull the wraps off of a brand new concept car that would showcase their upcoming design direction for all future vehicles. Lexus previously released two teaser images that revealed the driver's side headlamp and a portion of the interior of the car. Thanks to Road & Track, though, you don't have to wait until next month to see the entire car. Someone blew the lid on the whole thing through R&T's YouTube account with a video that intended to preview the cover of next month's issue. What's revealed…

Link to Automotive Digest article 1. Some Prius owners report problems of unintended acceleration 2. NHTSA is aware of complaints and monitoring situation 3. Toyota officials not responding to media inquiries Significant Points 1. Owner of slightly damaged 2007 Prius says dealer will not take vehicle in trade 2. Prius reportedly accelerated while owner was pulling into garage 3. Owners report problems at stoplights as well as freeways 4. Some say problem seems to go away after vehicle is turned off, turned on Says "I was pulling into my garage. Suddenly my Toyota Prius accelerated out of control and drove into the wall of the garage damaging my nerves, the…

Twelve Lexus dealers in the U.S. are part of a pilot program of offering haggle-free pricing as a way to improve customer satisfaction. “While negotiation-free pricing is not revolutionary, we strongly believe the concept will further elevate transaction transparency and customer care,” said Jeff Bracken, general manager of Lexus at the CAR Management Briefing Seminars. Wards Auto says the program works by dealers setting prices that will be relative to their local market. “They’ll drive it based on what they think is a reasonable sale price and they really do stick to that price,” said Bracken. From there, a buyer comes into the dealership and pays the pr…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 3, 2013 Ten years ago, Toyota introduced a new brand that promised young buyers fun and funky vehicles. That brand was Scion. Today, Scion is in a bit of a struggle. Originally conceived as a brand for young buyers, Scion has struggled to keep them in the fold. According to The Detroit News, 15 percent of Scion customers are under age 35. Meanwhile, 14 percent of Scion customers “We’re still a good 15 years or more below the average industry age,” said Scion chief Doug Murtha. While that is true, that number has been shrinking. In 2008, more than 20 percent of Scion customers were under 35 and less than 8 percen…

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 stan…

World Car Fans

http://www.kpho.com/video/14310861/index.html (video...'07 Tacomas across the country are having this happen) http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/co...rintVersion=YES

UAW committed to organizing Toyota workers reuters Well, seems like toyota's arrogance and quest to cheap out has caught the ire of the UAW........seems like some of the current workers got P'oed.........consider Toyota officially above the radar now....LOL!!!!!! translation, "it's really up to them if they want to sign their own deathwish.......they might want to think twice, we could always close the plants..."

One of the rumors that has been floating around for the past year or so was the Scion FR-S (Toyota GT86) possibly getting a hybrid powertrain as a way of boosting power. "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 Tetsuya Tada, chief engineer of the FR-S last August. Well it seems that the hybrid powertrain is out. According to Autocar, Toyota is having a tough time trying to make a business case for a hybrid FR-S. "We can create…

G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - CheersandGears.com Racing Hybrid or Not? The question of the day would make one wonder if I was nuts. Can hybrids be the new Racing formula? We have plenty of new hybrids on the market to show that nothing is off limits, but does it really make sense and in AWD form to boot? Toyota is prepped, locked and loaded to show off at the Frankfurt motor show the Yaris Hybrid-R. This three door Yaris comes packed with a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder driving the front wheels and a 60hp electric motor on the rear wheels. Yet the engineers did not stop there as they added a third electric motor between the six-speed transmission and engin…

Here are some pictures of the new Toyota Tundra from the Barrie Auto Show in Ontario, taken by Polish_Kris. Big and brutish in person. Ugly grille. Blends in well with other newer Toyotas.

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…

Taking a page from the tuners, Toyota said a sporty Touring Edition of its popular Prius hybrid sedan will hit showrooms later this month, with a base price of $23,650, including a $580 shipping charge. Link The 2007 Prius Touring Edition will feature 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear spoiler, foglamps and high-intensity-discharge headlamps. A tuned suspension will be standard equipment. Toyota also raised prices for the base Prius by $450 for '07. The Prius will start at $22,755, including a $580 shipping charge.

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...41/TOC01ARCHIVE Long America's best-selling car, the newest Camry has cranked things up a notch By MARK RECHTIN | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS AutoWeek | Published 08/28/06, 7:47 am et LOS ANGELES - The best-selling car in America is hot. Dealers have a slim 10-day supply of the redesigned 2007 Toyota Camry, which hit dealerships in March. The Georgetown, Ky., plant is running overtime and weekend shifts. Sales executives are begging for the Japanese Camry plant to export more. The car has no incentives. "Customers are following the car carriers to the dealership," says Toby Hynes, president of Gulf States Toyota, which distribute…

HD Tundra in Limbo Christie Schweinsberg Link to Original Article @ Ward's AutoWorld A heavy-duty version of Toyota Motor Corp.'s new fullsize Tundra pickup truck is in limbo, an executive says. “It's not green-lighted; it's not red-lighted,” Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager-Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., tells Ward's at a Toyota media event. Carter, who took up his post recently after leading Toyota's Lexus luxury division in the U.S. for two years, would like to see such a vehicle, noting there is a market for a heavy-duty Tundra. “Not only is there a market, but it's a great addition to the whole truck lineup,” Carter says. Although…

It is amazing to read articals like this and observe the obvious media bias in favor of toyota. They make excuses for toyota and then say that these screw ups, which have led to the death of some people, won't affect people's perception of the quality of toyota vehicles...?? Then, in the middle of the article, they have to state that Ford had the largest single recall back in 1996. It was for ignition switches. Nobody was killed or injured in the problem Ford had with those switches, so I think that it is yet another example of how the media folks love those foreign cars and try to talk people in to disliking American vehicles. Toyota to r…

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 th…

Lexus is giving its performance brand a couple new additions in the near future. A source tells Auto Guide that at the recent Lexus USA National Dealer Meeting in Los Angeles, the luxury automaker announced the convertible version of the RC F would be coming in the near future. There was no mention of whether or not the standard RC would be getting a convertible as well, but we wouldn't be surprised if there are plans for it. Lexus also confirmed that the long rumored GS-F would be heading into production in the near future. The model will share some of the styling cues from the RC-F and pack the 5.0L V8 producing close to 500 horsepower. Source: Auto Guide William Mal…

I would take a foreign made brand over any day over these poorly made pos american cars. They are built buy lazy unionized workers who could care less if the part they put in is right. At least the Asisns have good work ethics and you people would find any reason to bad mouth these cars. At least Toyota didn't neeed the government to come in and bail them out.

Next Toyota Avalon Rumored To Have Looks Of A7, XJ (Stop Laughing) William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com August 5, 2011 The Toyota Avalon; the official car of AARP. Ok, not really, but the Avalon has become the Japanese Buick and Toyota isn't happy about it. At gathering of Toyota dealers in June, Toyota showed off the next gen Avalon due out next fall. Toyota says the Avalon's design borrows from the Audi A7, Jaguar XJ, and upcoming Lexus models. The Avalon will keep its 3.5L V6 and FWD layout but Toyota says the handling will be improved. We'll be holding our breath to see if this comes to any fruition. Source: Automotive News (Subscri…

Lexus announced pricing for the 2013 Lexus GS350 this week, with pricing starting at $46,900 and the AWD model beginning at $49,450. For a quick refresh, the GS350 uses a 3.5L V6 producing 306 HP and achieves 19 City/28 Highway. Power goes through a six-speed automatic with four driving modes: ECO, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+ (only on F Sport model). Lexus will offer two packages on the GS; Premium and Luxury. Premium will add $1,400 to the price and come with rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, and power rear sunshade. Luxury adds Adaptable Variable Suspension, Adaptive Front Lighting, unique high gloss linear espresso wood accents, semi-aniline le…

By Drew Dowdell With the North American International Auto Show just around the corner, expect the pre-show leaks to start pouring out. The first big leak of the season is the 2014 Lexus IS, shown here in F-Sport trim. The Lexus IS will be powered by the familiar 2.5 liter and 3.5 liter V6es with a hybrid 4-cylinder available later. The Hi-Po IS-F could be powered by a 470 horsepower 5.0 liter V8 that gets the car to 60mph in 4.5 seconds. Stay tuned to CheersandGears.com for full coverage of the 2013 North American International Auto show in Detroit. Click the Album below for a full spread. Update: Lexus has released the full press release and official photos. Pre…

I can't say why I need to know, but suffice it say, I would like your honest opinions about this dashboard. Do you like it, do you hate it, or have no feelings about it, one way or another? Let me know. Thanx!

Read the full article here

Pricing: 2007 Toyota Tundra January 24, 2007 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new second-generation Tundra full-size pickup truck. Significantly bigger, more capable and more technically advanced in every metric of comparison, the 2007 Tundra is available in 31 models. The Tundra offers a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, three cab styles, three wheelbases, three bed lengths, three engines, and three trim levels. Tundra has been engineered for “true truckers” and is versatile enough to be a highly capable truck for work or for personal use. The 2007 Tundra offers three levels of pow…

So I had to go to a group eligibility review for my UI benefits yesterday along with 6 other people. During the class, someone was asking about temp work and how it affected drawing unemployment etc. To make a long story short, an older lady behind me (probably in her late 50s) was talking about people she knew that worked temp work for Toyota for up to 2-3 years and then being told that there were not being hired. The lady over the class said that its becoming a problem with the Georgetown plant, Toyota will hire a load of temp workers, telling them that they may get hired after the temp work is done, but really they just keep recycling temp workers. People will…

Toyota lags General Motors in second-quarter sales Associated Press | Link to Original Article @ Detroit News TOKYO -- Toyota slipped behind General Motors in global sales in the second quarter but retained its lead for the first half of the year, numbers showed today, as the two companies jostle for the title of world's biggest automaker. The figures -- and sales growth rates -- indicate that Toyota could overtake GM as the No. 1 automaker, a title the U.S. giant has held for 76 years. Typically, rankings are determined by full-year production figures, not sales, so that distinction will have to wait until data is tallied for the entire year. Toyota Motor Corp. said…

Toyota announced today that they will be increasing their plan for a $10 billion investment in North America over 5 years to a $13 billion investment in the same time period. Part of that will be an additional $749 million investment in plants in 5 states that will add 600 jobs to the roles. The changes include adding the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Lexus ES Hybrid to vehicle production in Georgetown, KY, adding engine and hybrid transmission capacity in Huntsville, AL and Buffalo, WV respectively, as well as adding casting capacity in Tennessee and Missouri. These additions are on top of a $1.6 billion investment into a new joint venture facility with…

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser I dunno about you guys, but for me, this is

Check out this doozy of a post that can be found here. Not to mention the 55 page thread on slipping gears in 2007 Camry that can be found here. Poor fit and finish: And last, but not least, rattles... All these responses came from the owners on a Toyota board.I doubt this car will be receiving any customer satisfaction awards anytime soon.

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 …