Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Maintenance Tip: Wax The Lights
Here's an easy two-minute drill: Make sure the headlamps are clean of dirt, rub car wax (any type will do) on the lamps, let it dry and buff it off. Repeat. For bonus points, do the taillights.
The slippery surface you leave behind will be less likely to build up an "icicle" coat when road slush refreezes on your car -- and will make it easier to remove it if it does.
Courtesy of www.kiplinger.com
Monday, December 17, 2012
2012 Toyota Prius C - Lease for $199/month
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Toyota and Microsoft working on driver gesture recognition
Raise your hand, palm up, and the radio volume in your car goes up. Toyota sees gesture recognition as one way to reduce the complexity of cars. Not for steering and braking, but to deal with the secondary controls such as infotainment, navigation, or your cellphone. So says Jim Lentz, head of Toyota in the US. The goal is to reduce driver distraction.
Toyota’s Board of Awesomeness (seriously) research team is working with Microsoft, a company that has spent years trying to reduce crashes. Their research vehicle is an electric skateboard with a Windows 8 tablet and Kinect motion sensing software (pictured below). In this case, raising or lowering the rider’s hand changes the speed. So, probably, does falling off.
This is all theoretical research right now while Toyota and Lexus soldier ahead in production cars with touchscreens, voice recognition, the Entune/Enform infotainment interface, and Remote Touch, the haptic feedback joystick-like device on some Lexuses that controls the LCD display. “Imagine a dashboard where there are no buttons to push… no screens to tap… and your eyes can remain focused on the road. That’s exactly what Toyota is working on,” Lentz said in a speech at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show.
“This could potentially work in conjunction with voice recognition which sometimes can be hindered by accents or mispronunciations. Hand gestures are pretty universal,” Lentz added. “I’ll wait for a few seconds while you insert your own punch line.”
Separately, Lentz said Toyota in Japan is prototyping the Smart Insect (pictured right), a single-passenger electric vehicle with cameras facing inside and outside the car, gesture and voice recognition, motion sensors, and behavior predictions. For instance: Walk up to the car and it recognizes the driver’s face, blinks the headlamps, and unlocks and opens the doors. Sit down and the car says “Hello” or whatever the driver desires. Think custom ringtones-plus. Gesture recognition and the Smart Insect, Lentz says, “are just a few examples of the many types of mobility automakers are creating for a better tomorrow.”
Courtesy of extremetech.com
Toyota and Microsoft working on driver gesture recognition
Toyota’s Board of Awesomeness (seriously) research team is working with Microsoft, a company that has spent years trying to reduce crashes. Their research vehicle is an electric skateboard with a Windows 8 tablet and Kinect motion sensing software (pictured below). In this case, raising or lowering the rider’s hand changes the speed. So, probably, does falling off.
This is all theoretical research right now while Toyota and Lexus soldier ahead in production cars with touchscreens, voice recognition, the Entune/Enform infotainment interface, and Remote Touch, the haptic feedback joystick-like device on some Lexuses that controls the LCD display. “Imagine a dashboard where there are no buttons to push… no screens to tap… and your eyes can remain focused on the road. That’s exactly what Toyota is working on,” Lentz said in a speech at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show.
“This could potentially work in conjunction with voice recognition which sometimes can be hindered by accents or mispronunciations. Hand gestures are pretty universal,” Lentz added. “I’ll wait for a few seconds while you insert your own punch line.”
Separately, Lentz said Toyota in Japan is prototyping the Smart Insect (pictured right), a single-passenger electric vehicle with cameras facing inside and outside the car, gesture and voice recognition, motion sensors, and behavior predictions. For instance: Walk up to the car and it recognizes the driver’s face, blinks the headlamps, and unlocks and opens the doors. Sit down and the car says “Hello” or whatever the driver desires. Think custom ringtones-plus. Gesture recognition and the Smart Insect, Lentz says, “are just a few examples of the many types of mobility automakers are creating for a better tomorrow.”
Courtesy of extremetech.com
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
How tall can a Lego tower get?
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
It's a trivial question you might think, but one the Open University's engineering department has - at the request of the BBC's More or Less programme - fired up its labs to try to answer.
"It's an exciting thing to do because it's an entirely new question and new questions are always interesting," says Dr Ian Johnston, an applied mathematician and lecturer in engineering.
Looking on the internet, he expected to find the answer, but was surprised to find only a lot of speculation.
Perhaps that's because not everyone who has pondered the question has ready access to a hydraulic testing machine.
The 2x2 Lego brick looks vulnerable, placed on top of a metal plate, which a hydraulic ram is pushing upwards. On top of the brick is a second plate, with a load cell on top of it, measuring the force being exerted.
Safety glasses on, the engineers begin to nervously edge towards the door.
"We're setting it up automatically, so that we can all back out of the room, so none of us is in range when the thing goes bang," Johnston explains - positioned, I notice, slightly behind me.
And the load on top of the brick gets larger and larger. We reach 3,500 newtons (N) of force - the equivalent of having 350kg (770lbs) sitting on top of the brick - more than a third of a tonne.
I'd be delighted to meet a Lego builder who could make a 3.5km tower”
Ian Johnston Open University
The force climbs on, above 4,000N. And then...
Nothing.
Well, not much. There is no big bang. The brick just kind of melts.
It looks like a small square of warm camembert.
This, Ian Johnston explains - noting that the computer also shows the load is no longer increasing - is a "material failure".
"The material is just flowing out of the way now and it's not able to take any more. We're getting a plastic failure. It means the brick keeps on deforming, without the load increasing. Metals can be plastic, and this plastic is being plastic," he says.
So - how many Lego bricks, stacked one on top of the other, would it take to destroy the bottom brick?
Ian Johnston and the team do two more tests to be sure we hadn't just happened upon the strongest Lego brick in existence. And in fact they were impressed at the consistency of Lego manufacture.
The average maximum force the bricks can stand is 4,240N. That's equivalent to a mass of 432kg (950lbs). If you divide that by the mass of a single brick, which is 1.152g, then you get the grand total of bricks a single piece of Lego could support: 375,000.
So, 375,000 bricks towering 3.5km (2.17 miles) high is what it would take to break a Lego brick.
"That's taller than the highest mountain in Spain. It's significantly higher than Mount Olympus [tallest mountain in Greece], and it's the typical height at which people ski in the Alps," Ian Johnston says (though many skiers also ski at lower altitudes).
"So if the Greek gods wanted to build a new temple on Mount Olympus, and Mount Olympus wasn't available, they could just - but no more - do it with Lego bricks. As long as they don't jump up and down too much."
Monday, December 3, 2012
Monday Maintenance Tip: Check your tire pressure
Here are two good reasons to get down there with the gauge and unscrew the valve caps as the weather cools:
1) Tires lose a pound of pressure for every drop of 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
2) An underinflated tire won't "bite" through snow down to the pavement as well as one at pressure. It's similar to hydroplaning on water -- and just as dangerous. You may have heard the guidance to let air out of your tires for sand or snow to get more contact surface area. That only applies only if the surface is bottomlessly soft, like a beach or foot-deep, unplowed snow -- not the mix of cleared road, ice and packed snow most of us encounter in daily driving.
Don't forget to put the valve caps back on (or, buy new ones) when you're done. Letting in moisture, which then freezes, could let the valve core leak out air.
Courtesy of Kiplinger.com
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Toyota Named Best Resale Value Brand for 2013 by Kelley Blue Book
In achieving the award for the top brand, Toyota earned six Best Resale Value Awards for specific 2013 model year vehicle categories In addition, four Toyota models (FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma and 4Runner) earned spots on KBB.com’s 2013 Best Resale Value: Top 10 Cars list. “We are thrilled that KBB.com has selected Toyota for its Best Resale Value Brand award, and we appreciate Kelley Blue Book’s efforts to help increase consumer awareness as to the importance of resale value when purchasing a car“, said Bill Fay, Group Vice President and General Manager of Toyota division. 2013 KELLY BLUE BOOK BEST RESALE VALUE BY VEHICLE CATEGORY:
| FULL-SIZE CAR: | Toyota Avalon |
| MID-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: FULL-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: | Toyota FJ Cruiser Toyota Sequoia |
| MID-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK: FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK: | Toyota Tacoma Toyota Tundra |
| MINIVAN/VAN: | Toyota Sienna |
Since vehicle depreciation (or loss of value) is typically a car buyer’s primary expense during ownership, these awards, like all of KBB.com’s new and used vehicle information, are designed to help consumers make more informed car-buying decisions.
Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book® Official Residual Value Guide, determined by a skilled staff of automotive analysts. These prestigious awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) after five years of ownership. Low-volume vehicles and vehicles with a MSRP of more than $60,000 are excluded from award consideration, except in the luxury and high-performance categories.
Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com
Monday, November 26, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Lease $159/month on a 2013 Toyota Corolla LE
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Monday Maintenance Tip: 9 Ways to Ruin Your Paint Without Knowing It
Keeping your car looking good isn’t just a matter of enhancing its resale value, although that’s important too, it’s also your car’s only line of defense between the sheet metal and the elements. You already know parking lot dings, gravel roads or an angry ex can ruin your car’s paint in the blink of an eye, but a lot of things out there can do just as much, if not more, harm to the exterior of your car.
We contacted Mothers for advice on how to deal with common paint-damaging situations. While their specific advice is below, time and time again, they recommended keeping a good coat of wax on your car. Not only does it keep it looking pretty, it helps prevent most paint damage, or at the very least, buys you some time to get your car professionally washed. Mothers also recommended keeping a bottle of quick-detail spray and a microfiber cloth in your trunk. As you’ll see, a lot of these common problems can be prevented with a quick wipe of this solution.
The Source: Wildfires
The Problem: When wet, ash forms an alkali that can ruin your car’s finish.
The Solution: Keep your car covered, use a car duster for white ash, wash thoroughly if it’s soot.
These days it seems like every state is burdened with wildfires. The ash gets everywhere, and your car’s finish is no exception. While your instinct may be to hit the windshield washers, or just hose down the whole car, water mixed with ash can create powerful alkalis, which will ruin your paint. White ash can be removed with a car duster, or just by driving away and letting it blow off. Black ash can scratch your paint, even when you use a duster, so you’ll need to wash it off using a car wash solution, and dry thoroughly. Once the fires are out, get your car professionally washed, and put on a new coat of wax.
The Source: Tree sap
The Problem: Ancient peoples used tree sap as glue for a good reason.
The Solution: Bug and tar remover, mineral spirits, clay bar treatment
Just wiping sap off when it’s still gooey only smears it around a larger area. Instead, get a bottle of bug and tar remover from your local car parts store, and use it as directed. If the sap dries, mineral spirits can dissolve it, and remaining residue will come off with a clay bar treatment. Just be sure to wax the car after you’re done.
The Source: The gas pump
The Problem: Spilled gasolineThe Solution: Don’t top off, and clean up accidental drips
Times are tough, but “topping off” your gas tank and accidentally letting it overflow is a surefire way to damage your car’s paint. If left alone, gasoline will leave a stain on your car’s finish that’s nearly impossible to get off. If you do happen to spill gas by accident, the best solution is to grab a bottle of instant detailer and a good, clean microfiber cloth and clean up the gasoline before it does any harm.
The Source: Fingertips and mischief
The Problem: Writing or rubbing on dirty paint causes permanent marks.The Solution: Keep your car clean.
We’ve all seen “wash me” written on a car’s finish, but the well-intentioned tagger actually just made things worse. Dirt acts like sandpaper when it’s dragged across paint, and it can make the marks last long after the dirt is gone.
Get yourself a long-handled duster and wipe down your car every day to prevent accidental sanding. If it’s too late, most small scratches come out with a polish or scratch remover. Just always be sure to clean the car well before waxing or polishing.
The Source: Your morning coffee
The Problem: Coffee and sodas contain acids that can etch your clearcoat.The Solution: Wash it off immediately
Driving off with your coffee cup or soda bottle on your roof isn’t just a day-ruiner, it can ruin your paint. Many beverages are acidic, and since any acid can hurt your car’s finish, you’ll want to get it washed off as soon as you can. Letting it sit will only give it more time to do damage, and letting it dry will only make it harder to get off later. If it’s a soda, or if you take a lot of sugar in your coffee, then you’re going to be dealing with a sticky residue in addition to corrosive chemicals. If you can’t hit a car wash, then break out your bottle of quick detailer and your microfiber cloth and wipe it up.
The Source: Dirt on your car-wash tools
The Problem: Unseen dirt can scratchThe Solution: Keep an extra mitt handy.
Washing your own car can be fun, but a common mistake can cause more damage than you think: dropping your sponge. Even the finest, most expensive microfiber wash mitt on the market can be ruined if it touches the ground. The bits of grit and sand it inevitably picks up can’t be entirely washed off, and you’ll have swirl marks and other scratches before you know it. The solution is to never drop anything. But if you’re like us, it’d be best to keep a spare washing mitt or two on hand to avoid the resulting expenses from car detailing or repainting.
The Source: Automatic sprinklers
The Problem: Water leaves hard-to-remove spots on your paint.The Solution: Stay away from sprinklers whenever possible
That primo parking spot right next to the planter may look good, but if it has automatic sprinklers, you could be in for trouble. You wouldn’t think that plain water would be such a problem, but the minerals left behind bond to your car’s paint, making them very difficult to remove. Your best bet is to avoid parking where sprinklers can do their damage, but that’s not always possible. If you do get water spots, it’s best to take it to a professional detailer.
The Source: Avian digestion
The Problem: Bird poop is acidic
The Solution: Wash it off immediately
The Solution: Wash it off immediately
Bird poop isn’t just unsightly. It’s also acidic. Just look at the number of ruined marble statues in pigeon-infested cities and you’ll see what we mean. Not only that, but birds eat seeds and bits of gravel that can scratch your paint.
The solution is to wash bird droppings off as soon as you see them. Use a bottle of quick detail and a soft microfiber cloth to wipe it up. Be sure to use a lifting action, since you don’t want to grind any grit onto your paint.
The Source: Bugs
The Problem: Bug guts are acidic.
The Solution: Get to the car wash
You’re heading home from a road trip when suddenly the eighth plague of Egypt strikes, with thousands of bugs splattering your windshield. But just cleaning the windshield isn’t enough. Bugs are surprisingly acidic, and if you do hit a swarm, don’t let the bugs get the last laugh as their remains slowly etch your paint. Wash your car as soon as you can with a good car wash solution, and for the more stubborn guts, use a bug and tar remover.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Toyota Produces 25 Millionth North American-Built Vehicle
GEORGETOWN, Ky., (Oct. 30, 2012) – Toyota celebrated the 25 millionth vehicle manufactured in North America today at a ceremony at its Georgetown, Ky., plant coinciding with the start of production for the all-new 2013 Avalon. The milestone vehicle – a Classic Silver Hybrid Avalon – represents 26 years of manufacturing, a direct investment of nearly $24 billion in North American operations and 365,000 jobs created in the United States.
“Toyota’s 25 millionth vehicle signifies the tireless work of thousands of Toyota team members, hundreds of North American supplier partners, and great dealers giving their best every day,” said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. “We continue to evolve as a company thanks to their commitment to build the best vehicles in the market.”
Wil James, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., the company’s largest manufacturing operation in North America, emceed the event. “This is a pivotal time in Toyota’s history,” James said to an enthusiastic crowd of manufacturing team members. “What better way to cap off 26 years of manufacturing excellence than with the all-new Kentucky- built Avalon, a shining example of what our customers have to look forward to in the future.”
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and University of Kentucky Men's Basketball Coach
John Calipari also addressed the audience. Toyota’s Georgetown plant employs approximately 6,600 and builds the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Venza, and manufactures 4-cylinder and V6 engines. Toyota’s North American production includes 12 models representing 70 percent of U.S. sales.
"We thank the millions of customers, some of the finest team members in the world, hundreds of excellent North American suppliers and our outstanding dealers who have supported us in reaching this milestone,” said Bill Fay, Group Vice President and General Manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
The following are rounded production figures for North American Toyota plants by vehicle:
| Manufacturing Site | Model | Total Production |
| Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) | Sienna | 551,000 |
| Solara | 210,000 | |
| Avalon | 1,264,000 | |
| Camry | 6,779,000 | |
| Camry Hybrid | 200,000 | |
| Venza | 243,000 | |
| Total | 9,247,000 | |
| New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI)
| Voltz | 10,000 |
| Corolla | 3,237,100 | |
| Tacoma | 2,550,000 | |
| Total | 5,797,100 | |
| Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. (TMMI) | Tundra | 989,000 |
| Highlander | 319,000 | |
| Sequoia | 517,000 | |
| Sienna | 1,418,000 | |
| Total | 3,243,000 | |
| Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. (TMMC) | Solara | 215,500 |
| Corolla | 2,951,000 | |
| Matrix | 653,000 | |
| RX 350 | 661,000 | |
| RAV4 | 514,000 | |
| RAV4 EV | 400 | |
| Total | 4,994,900 | |
| Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, Inc. (TMMMS) | Corolla | 111,000 |
| Total | 111,000 | |
| Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California (TMMBC) | Tacoma | 336,000 |
| Total | 336,000 | |
| Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX)
| Tacoma | 198,000 |
| Tundra | 608,000 | |
| Total | 806,000 | |
| Subaru Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) | Camry | 465,000 |
| Total | 465,000 | |
| Total North American Vehicle Production | Grand Total | 25,000,000 |
North American Manufacturing Locations
Vehicles
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. (TMMC), Cambridge, Ontario and Woodstock
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. (TMMI), Princeton, Ind.
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK), Georgetown, Ky.
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX), San Antonio, Texas
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, Inc. (TMMMS), Blue Springs, Miss.
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California (TMMBC), Baja California, Mexico
Parts and Materials
- Bodine Aluminum, Inc., St. Louis, Troy, Mo. and Jackson, Tenn.
- Canadian Autoparts Toyota, Inc. (CAPTIN), Delta, British Columbia
- TABC, Inc., Long Beach, Calif.
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama, Inc. (TMMAL), Huntsville, Ala.
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California (TMMBC), Baja California, Mexico
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. (TMMWV), Buffalo, W.Va.
All-New 2013 Avalon
Toyota’s 25 millionth vehicle, the all-new, North American designed and engineered 2013 Avalon, comes equipped with either a powerful V6 gasoline powertrain or Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive. The efficiency offered by the new hybrid model will help the all-new premium mid-size sedan achieve excellent fuel economy with an EPA-rating of 40 mpg combined.
In addition to offering a hybrid powertrain, the new Avalon features a stunning design, improved dynamic performance, a greater degree of refinement, and a highly spacious, comfortable interior experience with an abundance of outstanding convenience technologies.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
10,000 Scion Fans Donate 25,000 Items to Toys for Tots at Annual Customer Appreciation Event
TORRANCE, Calif., (Oct. 18, 2012) – Scion owners and their family and friends gathered at Southern California theme park Knott’s Berry Farm on Oct. 17, 2012 to donate a Toys for Tots gift and gain entry to haunted mazes, music performances and rides. It was the ninth year of Scion Night at Knott’s Scary Farm, the carmaker’s largest owner appreciation event. Park entry was free for the first 10,000 people who arrived in a Scion, wore a seatbelt and donated a toy worth at least $10 to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. A total of 50 Marines from Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach (Calif.) were on-site to accept the donations. “Each year we appreciate the generosity of Scion and its owner community to include Toys for Tots in this event,” said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Willie McClendon. “The 25,000 toys donated this year means more children will smile a little brighter during the holiday season.” Hours before the park opened for Halloween events, Scion owners gathered in the parking lot for aftermarket exhibits, food trucks, carnival games, music performances and hot lap driving demonstrations from Scion’s veteran drifter Ken Gushi. “Scion Night is an opportunity to bring our customers together and say ‘thank you’ for the energy and enthusiasm they bring to this brand,” said Amit Chandarana, Los Angeles region Scion and e-commerce manager. “By also partnering with Toys for Tots, we leverage the incredible generosity of our owners and give back to our children in our communities.” The parking lot was packed with more than 2,500 Scion vehicles with guests coming as far as Arizona and representing at least six Scion car clubs from the Southern California area.
Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com 
Monday, October 22, 2012
Congratulations to Lenn on this awesome review!
"We were really pleased with the whole experience. Our salesperson Lenn Barnes was very easy to work with and help us to look at several options for a car." - Kevin
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
2012 Camry Special Lease Offer: $199/Month
Get a great deal on the 2012 Camry with this special lease offer for only $199/month. Hurry, this offer won’t last long!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Toyota Truck to Tow Shuttle Endeavour to Calif. Exhibit Home
Space shuttle Endeavour has been moved by rockets, its own engines and thrusters, tank-like transporters and industrial tows. Now retired and museum- bound, the NASA winged orbiter will add another, perhaps unexpected form of locomotion to its well-travelled history: a Toyota Tundra pickup truck.
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. announced on Wednesday (Sept. 12) that its Tundra full-size pickup truck is slated to tow Endeavour during its delivery to the California Science Center (CSC), where both the space shuttle and truck are destined for display. Endeavour will travel the 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the science center on city streets, with the Tundra towing the shuttle during the last quarter mile (400 meters).
Beginning Friday (Sept. 14), NASA will prepare Endeavour to fly atop its modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX. The three-day ferry flight is scheduled to arrive in L.A. on Sept. 20, weather permitting. NASA and the CSC will then spend a few weeks readying Endeavour for its Oct. 12-13 road trip.
At the end of Endeavour's journey from LAX to the CSC, a "finish-line" celebration at Exposition Park is planned for the evening of Oct. 13. The public will be able to watch as the Toyota Tundra tows the shuttle the final way to its new temporary home, the CSC's Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion, which will mark the finale of the orbiter's cross-country and cross-cities voyage.[How NASA Flies Shuttles on 747 Jets (Photos)]
Toyota tested
Once on the ground at LAX, Endeavour will be hoisted off its carrier aircraft and then lowered onto a modified NASA overland transporter originally used to move the shuttles from their Palmdale, Calif. assembly plant to the nearby air force base where they were mounted atop the SCA and flown to Florida to be launched.
For the majority of Endeavour's parade through the streets of Inglewood and Los Angeles, its transport will be driven by four self-propelled, multi-axle vehicles. These modular movers are computer controlled; an operator walking with the shuttle will steer all four of the vehicles using a single joystick. Capable of moving sideways or spinning in place, these vehicles will enable precision maneuverability as the shuttle rolls past buildings, utility poles and trees.
But when the Endeavour reaches Bill Robertson Lane and Exposition Park, a quarter of a mile (400 meters) from the science center, the Toyota truck will take over towing duty for the four modular machines.
The shuttle Endeavour will be towed using a Tundra CrewMax half-ton pickup, identical to 2012 models currently found in Toyota dealerships, with no additions to increase towing capacity or provide more power. The Tundra CrewMax is equipped with Toyota's 5.7L V8 engine, producing a maximum tow capacity of 10,000 pounds.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) has done extensive testing to lead up to its announcement and worked with The Sarens Group, a heavy lifting and engineered transport company, to develop a dolly specifically for hauling Endeavour.
"There is no larger or more recognizable icon of the U.S. space program's success than the shuttle, and to have it towed by the Toyota Tundra is not only an incredible example of the capabilities of the truck, but an honor to be part of history," said Ed Laukes, Toyota Motor Sales' vice president of marketing communications, in a release. "The entire journey is something the world will be watching, and gives us a chance to prove that the 'overbuilt' Tundra is built to do any job — even tow the space shuttle."
Tweet drive
Toyota's participation transporting the shuttle continues a partnership between TMS and the CSC to provide support and awareness of the space program and education of the public through exhibits and programs.
Toyota currently has a Tundra truck on display at the CSC in an exhibit demonstrating the physics of leverage. The Tundra used to tow Endeavour will replace the Tundra now on exhibit and will be on display after the shuttle pavilion opens on Oct. 30.
To further support the move, Toyota has developed a host of online resources and activities that provide behind the scenes videos, photos, activities for children, and details about the Tundra Endeavour project. The special website will debut on Monday (Sept. 17), the same day Endeavour is scheduled to depart Florida for Los Angeles.
Visitors to the site can share content, sign up for email alerts and use Twitter to the spread word about the Toyota Tundra's role in Endeavour's delivery. For the first 10,000 "re-tweets" the site registers, Toyota will donate $50 to the California Science Center to support building the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, the permanent home for the space shuttle Endeavour.
Courtesy of space.com
Monday, September 17, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Toyota Camry knocks out Ford F-150 as top-selling vehicle in the U.S.
Ford may build tough cars, but it got some tough news on Tuesday.
There’s a new king of the road.
The Detroit auto giant’s flagship F-150 pickup is no longer the top-selling vehicle in the U.S., according to a report from Experian Automotive.
The popular truck was unseated by the Toyota Camry, which overcame supply shortages due to last year’s tsunami in Japan, several parts recalls and the risk of a design overhaul.
Toyota sold 209,000 Camrys from January to June this year, outselling F-150s by just 7,000 vehicles, Experian said.
The F-150 had been No.1 and the Camry ranked second in the first six months of 2011.
Honda Civic was a distant third this year, with 158,000 sold.
Experian, which based its findings on new vehicle registration figures, also found that midrange cars were the highest-selling category this year, with 27.4% of all sales, led by the Camry.
Courtesy of nydailynews.com
Monday, September 10, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Hey Toyota fans! Check out the latest manufacturer’s incentive for the 2013 Corolla. Deals have never looked this good!
0.0/1.9/2.9 annual percentage rate financing on new 2013 Corolla with respective terms of 36/48/60 months. All offers require approved credit through Southeast Toyota Finance. Payments for the first 90 days are deferred. Interest is deferred for 90 days for the 48- and 60-month terms. Monthly payment for every $1,000 financed is 0.0% - 36 months = $27.78; 1.9% - 48 months = $21.72; 2.9% - 60 months = $18.01. No down payment. Excludes tax, tag, registration, title and dealer fees. Dealer fees vary by dealer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must complete retail sale and take delivery between 09/01/12 - 10/01/12.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
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