Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Avalon to Get First-Ever Hybrid
Toyota’s big new Avalon will be getting a hybrid drivetrain for the first time, the remake of the full-size sedan to share the powertrain line-up offered in the Japanese maker’s smaller Camry model.
The move underscores Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda’s goal of offering a gas-electric alternative in virtually all products sold for the Japanese giant.
Beyond the addition of a first-ever hybrid, the new Avalon is a significant departure for Toyota. First shown at this year’s New York Auto Show, the 2013 Avalon was developed entirely in the U.S. and features a striking new shape that’s a distinctive new look that’s a striking shift away from Toyota’s traditionally plain vanilla approach to styling.
Set to go on sale late this year, the Avalon will be one of six new models or variants to get a hybrid. The maker earlier this year unveiled the compact Prius C, as well as a plug-in version of the original Prius hatchback.
The gas-electric drivetrain in the new Avalon will be shared with the current Toyota Camry. That means a 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with two electric motors. In combination they will produce 200 horsepower and the maker claims the Avalon Hybrid will be able to launch from 0 to 60 in just 8.5 seconds, reasonably quick for its class and one of the faster hybrids, in general.
Fuel economy is expected to come in at 40 City, 39 Highway and 40 Combined, though the EPA isn’t expected to make that official until closer to the launch of the 2013 Toyota Avalon line. Like other Toyota hybrids the full-size sedan will be able to creep along in electric vehicle mode at speeds up to about 25 mph for a maximum of approximately 1 mile.
Toyota is sticking with its familiar nickel-metal hydride battery chemistry, rather than migrating to more advanced lithium-ion, as many of its competitors have been doing. According to Avalon Chief Engineer Randy Stephens, NiMH batteries have proven their reliability and have a lower cost than lithium technology. But they also store less energy – limiting battery-only range, for one thing – and take up more space. In a vehicle as big as Avalon, however, space shouldn’t be much of an issue.
The Avalon Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy also reflects efforts to improve the sedans aerodynamics while also reducing its weight. The basic sedan is about 120 pounds later than the 2012 Avalon, despite plenty of added content. Even the Hybrid weighs about 23 pounds less than last year’s model.
The full-size sedan market has been undergoing some radical and unexpected changes in recent months. Hyundai kicked things off with a more lavish and stylish remake of its Azera. Chevrolet will follow for early in the 2014 model-year with an all-new Impala. And Ford is making some notable improvements in the big Taurus sedan.
The Avalon will, however, be the only hybrid in the segment, at least for now. That will get it a significant mileage advantage. The closest any competitor comes in terms of space and fuel economy is the Volkswagen Passat. Though officially designated a midsize it offers virtually as much interior space as the 2013 Toyota Avalon and, with its TDI diesel and a manual gearbox, yields 31 mpg City, 43 Highway.
Camry’s non-Hybrid XLS with a 2.5-liter I-4 will deliver 21 mpg City, 31 Highway and 25 Combined. The bigger 3.5-liter V-6, rated at 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, is expected to get 21/31/24 mpg – while yielding 0 to 60 times of around 7 seconds.
Toyota won’t release pricing until closer to the launch of the 2013 Avalon.
Courtesy of the Detroit Bureau
Monday, June 25, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Toyota Names Julie A. Hamp as New Chief Communications Officer for North America
Monday, June 18, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Toyota and Lexus Enters Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with EVs
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Toyota and Lexus are all set to debut in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, by introducing electric vehicles that signify the current culture surrounding the two Japanese auto giants. Toyota announced that it enters the race with the TMG EV P002, an all electric and high performance electric vehicle set with two electric motors, which generates 469 horsepower alongside 664 lb-ft of torque with a top speed of 149 mph. Piloted by Japanese rally driver Fumio Nutahara, the TMG EV P002 will be competing against other cars including an EV conversion E36 BMW M3, a modified Mitsubishi i-MiEV and another EV being run by storied driver Monster Tajima. To prove its efficiency, Toyota tested the vehicle in May at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France.
Besides, Lexus introduces a stripped racecar version of the IS-F, which has not been altered. Despite racing exhaust system, there are no powertrain upgrades included in this model. By adding additional coolers for the engine and transmission oil, the car has been converted to compete at the Pikes Peak race. Other upgrades include changeable race suspension and a smaller steering wheel. Apart from these changes, the new IS-F is weightless compared to its predecessor and it lost almost 700 pounds, bringing the curb weight to 3087. The car enthusiasts are weighting to know how both cars finish the race at Pikes Peak.
via Egmcartech
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Maintenance Tip: Reduced Visibility Conditions
Tips For Driving Safely in Reduced Visibility Conditions Such as Twilight,Darkness,Rain,Snow,Fog,Smoke and Bright Sunshine.
Driving is always more difficult in reduced-visibility conditions.It’s hard to see your route clear.Reduced visibility conditions include twilight, darkness, rain, snow, fog, smoke, and bright sunshine.
- Use moderation in judging a safe speed. Drive slow enough to maintain a safe stopping distance.
- Don’t slow down so much that you become a risk to other drivers.
- Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them.
- If you must pull off of the road, pull as far off of the road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off of the brake pedal, and turn on your hazard lights.
- Make sure you have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle in case of bright sunlight.
Courtesy of Car-Use.net
Two more great reviews for Fred Anderson Toyota!
"This is by far the friendliest and nicest dealership I have been to. I dealt with Larry and he did not rush me or hassle me at all whereas other places do. If you need a new Toyota I would recommend going to see Larry because he will go above and beyond to help you get the vehicle you want for a great price." stevenb89
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
First 25 Winners Announced for Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program
DC Scores | Washington, DC | May 14, 2012 |
Cincinnati Zoo | Cincinnati, Ohio | May 15, 2012 |
Lehmi County Humane Society | Salmon, Idaho | May 16, 2012 |
Pibbles & More Animal Rescue | Ridgewood, New York | May 17, 2012 |
Recycled Doggies, Inc. | Cincinnati, Ohio | May 18, 2012 |
Hope for Paws Animal Rescue | Los Angeles, California | May 19, 2012 |
The Dream Center | Los Angeles, California | May 20, 2012 |
SPCA International's Operation Baghdad Pups | New York, New York | May 21, 2012 |
Petfinder Foundation | Tucson, Arizona | May 22, 2012 |
Together We Rise | Chino, California | May 23, 2012 |
The Children’s Lunchbox | Anchorage, Alaska | May 24, 2012 |
All Hands Volunteers | Carlisle, Massachusetts | May 25, 2012 |
Detroit Dog Rescue | Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan | May 26, 2012 |
Fences for Fido | Portland, Oregon | May 27, 2012 |
Central Vermont Humane Society | East Montpelier, Vermont | May 28, 2012 |
Operation Blankets of Love | Granada Hills, California | May 29, 2012 |
Kristie’s Foundation | Anaheim, California | May 30, 2012 |
K9 Services German Shepherd Rescue, Inc. | Middleburg, Florida | May 31, 2012 |
Animal Aid, Inc. | Oakland Park, Florida | June 1, 2012 |
Clark County Community Services | Winchester, Kentucky | June 2, 2012 |
Shore Hearts Golden Retriever | Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey | June 3, 2012 |
Special Olympics Illinois | Normal, Illinois | June 4, 2012 |
Last Chance Ranch | Quakertown, Pennsylvania | June 5, 2012 |
Rikki’s Refuge | Rapidan, Virginia | June 6, 2012 |
Feed My Sheep | Gulfport, Mississippi | June 7, 2012 |
Winning organizations can choose from the following vehicles: Camry Hybrid, Highlander SUV, Prius v Hybrid, Sienna minivan, Sienna Mobility or Tundra full-sized pickup. A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.
The 500 finalists, from which the 100 winners are ultimately selected, were certified by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
Follow 100 Cars for Good on Facebook at www.100carsforgood.com and on Twitter at #100cars.