Tag Archives: toyota
Toyota Cars are Not Boring
Toyota cars are not boring. Well, that’s what the company’s CEO Akio Toyoda said in his recent speech.
In a report from USA Today, Toyoda admitted that there have been times when Toyota cars were referred to as boring and lacking in character. However, he reminded the audience that their autos have received favorable reviews from customers when it comes to driving dynamics and design. Then again, he stated that there’s still room for improvement in their vehicles.
The statement of Toyoda came as he announced the financial results of the company for the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2017.
It was during the event where it was revealed that Toyota’s revenue fell. According to the source, the company already relinquished its title as the world’s largest automaker by a slight margin to Volkswagen.
The revenue of the company went down 2.8 percent to $24.2 billion. On the other hand, its operating expenses slumped 30.1 percent to $17.5 billion.
Toyota foresees a 2.5 percent fall in revenue and 18 percent decrease in net income for the current fiscal year, which ends in March 2018. In addition, the Japanese firm projected retail vehicle sales to remain flat at 10.25 million.
Among the factors blamed for the unfortunate performance of Toyota in 2016 were the tough currency rates. The company reflected a 20.8 percent drop in net income to 1.831 trillion yen or $16.1 billion in the present day’s rates.
Toyoda added that they should expect a paradigm shift in the industry too, which is slowly gearing towards self-driving vehicles. The CEO defended the unfavorable financial results of his company by saying it was only a proof that Toyota puts more priority in stabilizing and continuously improving their investments in the future, rather than concentrating on short-term profit.
Toyoda pointed out that to safeguard the future of the company, they have created an internal division called the Toyota Research Institute to work on futuristic technologies.
Toyota Land Cruiser Claims the World’s Fastest SUV Title
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is hailed as the most powerful American-made sport utility vehicle. However, the Toyota Land Cruiser just snatched the distinction of being the world’s fastest SUV.
The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser carries a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The unit produces 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The power is distributed to all four wheels of the vehicle via an 8-speed automatic gearbox with manual shifting mode. The configuration of the auto allows it to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds and gain a top speed of 130 mph.
However, the Land Cruiser that we are referring here is not the standard type. According to a report from CNN Money, Toyota modified the vehicle by adding two turbochargers in its power unit, among other upgrades. The result was a massive 2,000 hp under the auto’s hood. The max speed was also increased to more than 200 mph. To complement the engine boost, the automaker lowered the SUV’s suspension and installed wider tires tires for it. The Land Cruiser was rechristened as the Land Speed Cruiser.
Carl Edwards, a former driver for NASCAR, took the modded Land Cruiser for a drive to see how fast it can go. He cruised through the 2.5-mile runway of the Mojave Air and Space Port in California with the vehicle during testing.
On the first run of Edward, he was able to take the Land Speed Cruiser up to 211 mph. After that, the engineers tinkered with the turbocharger of the auto to boost its power. With that, it achieved 230 mph on its next run, making it the fastest SUV in the world.
It should be noted though that the Bentley Bentayga remains as the fastest unmodified production SUV in the world. In 2015 the maker of the auto announced that they were able to take achieve 187 mph with the vehicle.
Testing of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Toyota Cars in China Will Start in October
Toyota Motor Corp said during the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show that it will begin testing its hydrogen fuel cell cars in China by October. The move is for the company evaluate the feasibility of bringing the Mirai in the giant Asian country’s market.
According to Reuters, Hirohi Onishi, Toyota’s head of business in China, revealed that the automaker is planning to construct a hydrogen fuel station in Changshu City in the eastern part of Jiangsu province during the testing phase. He stated that promotional activities will be made in line with the arrival of their product in the country to gauge how receptive are the Chinese consumers to the vehicle.
The Japanese brand finds putting the hydrogen fuel cell-powered Toyota cars in China challenging though. Automotive News reported that there are only five hydrogen stations in the country. The facilities are centered around the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The Toyota station would be the first in Changshu.
Presently, the Toyota Mirai is sold in Japan, United States of America and Europe. From the said regions, the company has sold 3,000 units of the car. Australia, United Arab Emirates and Canada will also be the location of the other testing areas for the hydrogen fuel cell Toyota cars.
Lately, the Chinese government has implemented strict measures to curb the alarming pollution in the country. As a result, more automakers are investing into bringing their electric cars in that location. Recognizing the strong demand for EVs, even luxury car makers like Mercedes-Benz and Audi are taking their game into the electric car segment of the Chinese market.
With such a stiff competition looming in the electric car business, it remains to be seen how the Mirai will be received by China’s consumers. Everything will be made clear once it arrives in the Chinese roads for testing.
3 Things To Note About The Off-Road Trucks From Mercedes and Toyota
There are three new off-road trucks that you can choose from—the Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4², the Toyota Arctic Trucks Hilux AT 35 6×6, and the Toyota Arctic Trucks Hilux AT 35.
Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4²
The German automaker is adding to its already spectacular G-Class lineup with the G500 4×4². With an all-wheel-drive powertrain, this is the perfect companion for all your off-the-road adventure. It comes with a new 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine coupled with its lightweight construction and promises high efficiency. Just how efficient and comfortable it is to ride on the G500 4×4²? Passengers will feel like they are riding in a sports car instead of a cross-country vehicle.
Toyota Arctic Trucks Hilux AT 35
With a 35-inch tires, an off-road vehicle doesn’t get any better than this (except the Arctic Trucks Hilux AT 35 with the 6×6 package), The suspension system in this particular Arctic Truck has been completely re-engineered and the exterior has been upgraded to provide a “macho” appearance. What sets this apart, though, is the color-coded fender flares, although the humongous tires can make their own case.
The 35-inch tires help the trucks better ram through snow, sand, and mud. It ensures the ultimate off-road performance.
Toyota Arctic Trucks Hilux AT 35 6×6
If you think the Toyota Arctic Trucks Hilux AT 35 is good, try fitting it with Toyota’s 6×6 conversion package. This gives the truck higher load capacity and improved towing ability, so if you ever need to haul something across the desert, this package is for you. With a total of six tires, your Toyota Arctic Trucks Hilux AT 35 6×6 will have greater pulling capacity regardless of the road conditions.
5 New Features Of The 2017 Toyota Kluger
The Toyota Kluger has been updated for the 2017 model year. Set to arrive in Australia this February, the Japanese automaker fitted the Kluger with more style, a new set of standard features, and a boost in power and fuel efficiency.
All of these can make the Kluger one of the better bets in its segment.
1. Powertrain
The engine will remain the same: a 3.5-liter petrol V-6, though Toyota now added a direct injection for the engine and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Owners will also get to choose between a front-wheel or an all-wheel drive. Similar to before, the Kluger is available in three model grades: the GX, the GXL, and the Grande.
The direct injection will pump up the power to 218kW and 350Nm from the previous 201kW and 337Nm. Fuel consumption is better at 9.1L/100km for the two-wheel drive GX up to 9.5L/100km for the all-wheel drive Grande.
2. Interior
The Kluger will enjoy enhanced interior features, thanks to premium materials and metallic touches. On top of that, the Grande, the top of the line, will be receiving a blue LED ambient lighting.
GXL owners will get a new 8.0-inch touchscreen audio system with navigation, DAB+ digital radio and power, and a power tailgate with an independent-opening glass hatch.
3. Safety Features
The good thing about this refresh is that the new safety features come standard to all Kluger variants. That means the three model levels will receive the following: seven airbags, reverse parking sensors, rear view camera, electronic traction and stability control, and ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.
The Grande will have an additional—rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with steering assistance and sway warning.
4. Exterior
On the outside, you will notice some new designs on the grille and the new alloy wheel that comes in 18 inches for the GX and GXL, and 19 inches for the Grande.
5. Pricing
Pricing will be revealed during the model’s launch next month, though we’re seeing a $40,000 price tag here.
3 Things To Look Out For In The 2018 Toyota Yaris
There are few vehicles in the history of automobiles that has a race car tag and Toyota’s logo on it. It just doesn’t happen that way. Instead, the Japanese automaker is known for efficiency, affordability, and reliability.
Recently, Toyota announced that a new Toyota Yaris is on the works, and that it will be revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March. That’s pretty exciting for those who cannot wait to get their hands on a new hatchback from the Japanese automaker.
Here’s what we know about the car so far based on a source:
1. Exterior And Interior
According to hints and sources from Toyota, the new Toyota Yaris will gain a new front and rear styling (possible a new bumper or fascia). There will also be a modernized interior with a host of upgraded technologies to improve the handling and driving capability. Comfort and handling are two things that Toyota never compromise on.
2. Power
The 2018 Toyota Yaris will be more powerful at its full capacity of 210 horsepower. That’s faster than most sedans in the market today. That’s also pretty impressive, considering that the Yaris is only a hatchback and could not haul anything at all.
The range-topping Yaris will loosely be based on the three-door version. The 201 horsepower is not bad at all. Right now, the most powerful Yaris can produce 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet, thanks to the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
3. Handling
Aside from the horsepower it can produce, there’s not much we know about the 2018 Toyota Yaris. The Japanese car maker has yet to release specifications of the new engine, or whether there will be a new upgrade.
What’s clear is that Toyota wants the new Yaris to have a sportier appearance and performance. To do that, Toyota must add a bespoke, quick-shifting transmission. We also expect the Yaris to come out with a more muscular chassis that can deliver a sportier driving experience.
3 Things We Noticed About The Subpar 2017 Toyota Prius C
Whatever changes Toyota has been bragging about the 2017 Toyota Prius C cannot change the fact that it’s a subpar gas-electric vehicle. The same powertrain will produce the same speed and reaction time, and that was the major contention on the previous generation of the Prius C.
And although it is priced much lower than its competition—Chevrolet Volt ($34,095 – $38,445), Toyota Prius Prime ($27,965 – $33,965), and Toyota Prius ($25,550 – $30,880)—the changes on the 2017 Prius C remains to be too minimal.
1. Safety Features
In the previous generation, safety features are an option. That changed with the 2017 Prius C line because safety equipment is now packed as standard features on the vehicles. Named the Toyota Safety Sense-C moniker, the standard safety items are: forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.
2. Powertrain
As mentioned above, the powertrain will remain the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a two AC motor/generators. Combined together, they can produce a paltry 99 horsepower that enables the Prius C to go 0 to 60mph in a lengthy 10.9 seconds.
The larger generator is provides the propulsion that generates electricity during deceleration while the smaller AC unit power the wheels with electric-controlled drive ratios (electronic CVT).
3. EPA Ratings
If you’re looking for better EPA ratings for the Prius C, sad to say that’s not going to happen. Compared with the 2016 EPA ratings, the 2017 Prius C dropped by 5 mpg around town and 3 mpg on the freeway. It now has a 48 mpg city and 43 mpg highway ratings.
The truth is, this might not be about the mechanical differences in the two generations. EPA now has a tougher fuel-economy testing guidelines. Compared with the regular Prius with 54 mpg city and 50 mpg highway, the Prius C’s EPA ratings are clearly lacking.
Photos
Check out some of the official photos of the 2017 Toyota Prius C in the gallery below:
3 Major Expectations With The High Performance Toyota Yaris
When it comes to the Toyota Yaris, not many people give it attention these days. It is, after all, merely a car, something that gets you from Point A to Point B. Nothing more, nothing less. But that’s about to change as Toyota previewed a high performance (unnamed) Yaris that will soon be available for the European market.
There is not much information available for this new Yaris. It doesn’t even have a name at this point. What we do know is that it’s going to produce more than the 106 horsepower the current generation can.
Powertrain
At 2,400 pounds for the hatchback, the redesigned Yaris can apparently produce 207 horsepower based on a report. That’s a pretty good pull for such a heavy hatchback, but we’ll see more of that once the car got tested on the road.
Based on these specifications, we’re guessing that the power will come from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That would only be the only possible reason that the subcompact can pull off a 207 horsepower.
According to Toyota, the car also has an upgraded chassis that will improve the handling. We are not sure yet what it means this time, though.
Exterior
The new Yaris fits the European market nicely. It looks sportier than the current model and it has that edge that almost makes it look like a (lesser) Mini Cooper, in a way.
The redesigned Yaris is based on the two-door version of the hatch. It will now come with sharp-looking wheels, a rear spoiler, and graphics in red and black. There are also revisions at the front and rear styling.
Competition
It’s not yet clear of this Yaris will be brought to the United States. If it does, it will compete directly with the Ford Fiesta ST, the Mini Cooper S, and the Fiat 500 Abarth.
5 Things We Noticed About The 2018 Toyota Camry Introduced In Detroit
The 2017 Detroit Auto Show is where Toyota finally unveiled its redesigned 2018 Camry. Being the only sedan that maintained huge sales in the American market, the Toyota Camry has always been impressive.
Now that it has been redesigned for innovativeness and style, we can only imagine how the Camry will once again come on top of sedan sales.
1. Dimensions
Curiously enough, Toyota made the Camry 0.7 inch wider with the wheelbase two inches longer, and the roof and hood height lowered by one and 1.6 inches, respectively. The front and rear hip points have also been lowered, giving the new Camry a sportier look than its predecessor. Inside, even the dashboard has been lowered significantly to maintain visibility.
2. Driving Dynamics
To provide better driving experience, the new Camry has been bolstered, something that the Japanese automaker already did for the model during its mid-cycle refresh back in 2015. There’s a new double-wishbone suspension and four-point engine that reduce noise, vibration, and harshness.
Toyota swore that drivers will notice the improved dynamics the moment they sit on the driver’s seat.
3. Powertrains
The vast majority in the lineup will get the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder “Dynamic Force Engine.” Compared to the current model with a 2.5-liter engine as well that produces 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, the new Camry is slated to be more powerful. It will also be competitive in terms of fuel economy.
There are two other powertrains: the 3.5-liter V-6 to be shared with the Highlander and Sienna and the Hybrid. Options for the V-6 include a four- or six-cylinder paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Camry Hybrid has the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a revised CVT that features a new Sport mode with simulated six gears.
4. Interior
The new Camry has these features: 7-inch gauge display, a 10-inch Head-Up Display, and a center stack controls with the latest Entune 3.0 touchscreen.
5. Pricing
There are no pricing details yet, but let’s wait and see if we’ll get something out of its introduction at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. The new Toyota Camry is expected to start its deliverables in late summer 2017.
Photos
Check out the photos of the new Camry in the gallery below:
3 Main Features Of The Lexus LC That You Have To Know
In Spring 2017, the United States auto market will be treated to the Lexus LC, a 2+2 performance coupe that aims to be defined as both a premium vehicle and a luxurious lifestyle brand. It boasts of its innovative design, engineering, performance, and technology.
Here are its three main features according to Toyota USA Newsroom:
Design
The Lexus LC is based on the LF-LC Concept, which won EyesOn Design award when it was first revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The engineers and design teams in Lexus worked together to bring a production-ready car with a new cabin and driver-focused cockpit that will surely be opening to passengers.
The LC maintained its low roof and hood lines from the LF-LC concept while accommodating a sport suspension and 21-inch forged alloy wheels. There are also new ultra-slim LED headlight units, chrome-plated moldings along the side of the glass roof, black-out finish on the roof, rear pillar and spoilers, and the iconic spindle grille design.
Interior
If you are impressed by the exterior, you’ll even be more excited to know that such elegance is extended to the car’s interior. The cabin area was designed to be extremely welcoming to the passengers. The driver’s cockpit was laid out for an excellent seating position that can easily reach the dashboard controls. The driver also enjoys a low-seating position because of the low hood line and low-profile instrument panel.
There is generous legroom both for the driver and the passengers, making getting in and out of the LC a breeze. The control zone is located around the steering wheel, enabling the driver to access starter button, shift lever, paddle shifters, Drive Mode select, and steering wheel combination switches.
Powertrains
There are two powertrains available for the Lexus LC: the 3.5-liter V-6 full hybrid with multi-stage hybrid system and the normally-aspirated 5.0-liter V-8. The multi-stage hybrid system transforms the torque, power, and acceleration all the while maintaining the smoothness of drive and efficiency that Lexus is known for.
The V-8 gasoline engine, on the other hand, is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that can produce 471 horsepower. This is a first for a passenger car.
