Toyota Aqua Heads Concept for Detroit Auto Show

Toyota Aqua Heads Concept for Detroit Auto Show
auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show had witnessed many charming production and concept models from vehicle manufacturers around the world. Of them, Toyota’s Aqua models caught the interest of many.

Now, at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2012, these Aqua models will serve as the Prius C in the United States. This vehicle would feature a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.

This slender and elegant model car would be equipped with a smaller engine and is expected to give a mileage of over 50 mpg in the city.

Aqua Kiriri Version and Aqua Piriri Version, the two bright colored models, joined the production lines. We have to wait and see how these Aqua models would perform in the market. Some might even wonder whether these models are worth going for, considering the fuel economy of these vehicles.

Meanwhile, do let us know what you think about these.

• Toyota Prius C Coming to Japan in January 2012; To be Called Aqua
• Toyota Prius C Gears Up for Tokyo Show [Video]
• Ford Vertrek Concept Shown at Detroit Auto Show; Soft on the Environment
• Volkswagen Up! Heads for Frankfurt Show

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Toyota Prius C Gears Up for Tokyo Show 2011

Toyota Prius C Gears Up for Tokyo Show 2011
auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

It is a known fact that Toyota has a slew of new offerings in the green terrain. The Japanese auto giant is now planning a smaller hatchback version of the Prius. Referred to as Prius C, this smaller vehicle will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, which is round the corner.

However, we hear the US will have to wait a while after the January Detroit Motor Show to get to drive the Prius C.

This agile hatchback is hardly the size of a Yaris, but has impressive specifications under the hood. Toyota will couple the hybrid powered engine with yet to be exposed “high-output” electric motor with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine.

The car will boast less centre of gravity than its predecessor, thereby giving it better maneuverability and luggage space.

Meanwhile, reduced weight and a smaller, less powerful powertrain will ensure better fuel economy as well. Toyota boasts that the car can return over a 50 miles per gallon in the city rides, which would be matching the record fuel economy for any non-plug-in vehicle.

• Toyota Concept Aqua Heads for Detroit Auto Show
• Mitsubishi Gears Up for Tokyo Show with Green Wheels
• Toyota Prius C Coming to Japan in January 2012; To be Called Aqua
• Toyota Prius Plug–in Hybrid to Start Sale in Jap

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Updates Mark 2012 For Toyota Tundra

Updates Mark 2012 For Toyota Tundra
auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

Minor tweaks headline changes to the Toyota Tundra as it enters the 2012 model year. Updates to the full-size pickup include new components that improve performance in extreme use, added standard equipment and a trim level reshuffling designed to make it easier for buyers to choose the right Tundra.

For 2012, the Tundra includes more standard equipment, including heated power mirrors and daytime running lights for all models. The full-size pickup also gains several new components designed for extreme use, including a heavy-duty battery and starter, a windshield wiper de-icer and standard mud flaps for front and rear wheels.

Toyota also announced the Tundra will see streamlined trim levels for the upcoming model year. Formerly offered with different equipment based on the truck's body style and bed length, the 2012 Tundra will be offered in just two trim levels: Tundra and Limited. The automaker says base Tundra models come standard with a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic transmission, while a 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic is optional.

Buyers selecting the Tundra Limited get the V8 engine standard, along with a host of luxury and convenience features. Standard items include automatic climate control, Bluetooth, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, steering wheel audio controls and 18-inch alloy wheels. From there, buyers can pick Regular, Double or Crew Max cabs, plus choose between short, standard or extended-length beds.

Despite the simplification of the Tundra's trim levels, buyers interested in heading off road will be happy to know the popular Rock Warrior package was also carried over for 2012. Featuring Bilstein shocks, 17-inch wheels and off-road tires, the package was upgraded for the new model year to include a standard backup camera, which is displayed in the pickup's auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Toyota has not yet announced pricing for the 2012 Tundra, which is expected to arrive in dealerships nationwide by the end of the year...READ MORE

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Toyota Release T/X Baja for Tacoma Special Edition

Toyota Release T/X Baja for Tacoma Special Edition
auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

Toyota is launching a new hardcore special edition of its Tacoma pickup, built for the off-road racing enthusiast in all of us.

The new pickup, called the Tacoma T/X Baja Series, is inspired by desert truck racing like Mexico's grueling Baja 1000- A race where Toyota trucks have taken the win twice.

The T/X in the truck's name stands for Toyota Extreme, a pretty fitting name for Tacoma's newest and most hard core off-roader model. The T/X Baja trucks come with the TRD off road package, which includes an electronic locking differential, special traction control, hill start and hill descent controls.

The T/X Baja trucks shouldn't be too hard to spot on the road, each truck will get a relatively aggressive set of BF Goodrich tires, bead lock off-roading style wheels, a TRD exhaust and a massive graphic package.

A re-worked suspension gives the front end a two-inch lift, but make no mistake, the new setup is more than just looks. The normal equipment has been swapped out for some racing inspired Bilstein shocks and springs that give the truck more wheel movement and more sensitive damping.

Truck lovers will be able to pick up a Baja Series in two different flavors. The package is being tested on the Access and Double Cab versions of the Tacoma, and Toyota says it is considering a PreRunner model as well.

Under the hood, the T/X Baja trucks will be packing Toyota's 4.0 liter V6 engine which can be paired up with either an automatic or six speed manual gearbox.

The Baja comes with the other changes that were done to the Tacoma for 2012. All of the new pickups will sport a new hood, grill, headlights and front bumper. Tacoma interiors are set for some tweaking as well: The steering wheel, gauges and instrument panel are all different in the new trucks...READ MORE

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Top 30 Ranking best selling cars japan 2011

Top 30 Ranking best selling cars japan 2011

Bad news keep coming from Japan. As predicted, the new car market plunged even further in April, down 51% year-on-year to 108,824 units, the lowest monthly volume since records started in January 1968. Toyota is hit hardest at -69%. More details here.

The models ranking is surprisingly stable amidst this chaos, with the Honda Fit reinforcing its leadership at 8,574 sales, down ‘only’ 30%, well ahead of the Toyota Prius at 4,876 units (-82%) and the Toyota Vitz at 4,644 (-49%). The Honda Freed (-38%) and Toyota Corolla (-57%) follow and are both up one spot.

Mitsubishi Delica D2

Only 4 models in the Top 30 are up year-on-year: the new gen Nissan March (+3%) and 3 Subarus: the Impreza (+13%), Legacy (+8%) and Forester (+38%). The Mitsubishi Delica D2, launched in February, breaks into the Top 30 for the first time at #27, and the Lexus CT200h is up to a best-ever 21st position.

Full Top 30 Ranking Table below.

Japan 2011:

Pos	Model	Apr	/10	Mar	2011	Pos	2010
1	Honda Fit	8,574	-30%	1	62,607	1	2
2	Toyota Prius	4,876	-82%	2	57,399	2	1
3	Toyota Vitz	4,644	-49%	3	46,061	3	3
4	Honda Freed	3,761	-38%	5	24,675	5	5
5	Toyota Corolla	3,268	-57%	6	22,060	6	4
6	Honda StepWGN	3,082	-58%	9	18,053	10	7
7	Nissan March	2,770	3%	7	17,408	11	17
8	Mazda Demio	2,591	-39%	8	18,565	8	11
9	Nissan Serena	2,349	-43%	4	25,167	4	8
10	Toyota Passo	2,319	-67%	10	18,321	9	6
11	Nissan Note	2,217	-41%	13	14,299	13	10
12	Suzuki Swift	1,933	-49%	15	10,480	20	20
13	Toyota Voxy	1,906	-65%	12	15,314	12	9
14	Suzuki Solio	1,810	new	17	13,509	14	-
15	Toyota Ractis	1,795	-43%	11	20,915	7	19
16	Nissan Cube	1,794	-39%	18	10,921	18	15
17	Toyota Wish	1,496	-56%	14	11,910	17	13
18	Nissan Tiida	1,414	-55%	24	7,998	25	18
19	Toyota Noah	1,361	-65%	16	12,078	16	14
20	Subaru Impreza	1,204	13%	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
21	Lexus CT200h	1,184	new	26	n/a	n/a	-
22	Nissan Juke	1,161	new	23	9,852	22	32
23	Honda Insight	1,099	-62%	n/a	n/a	n/a	23
24	Subaru Legacy	1,094	8%	29	6,629	28	29
25	Subaru Forester	946	38%	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
26	Toyota Estima	931	-68%	21	10,402	21	16
27	Mitsubishi Delica D2	927	new	n/a	n/a	n/a	-
28	Nissan X-Trail	910	-56%	22	8,538	23	24
29	Mazda Premacy	907	-20%	27	7,244	26	-
30	Toyota Crown	852	-75%	20	10,543	19	22

Source: JADA

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2012 All New Toyota Camry

2012 All New Toyota Camry

Toyota, the name that will be taken into account in the automotive industry, has become a torch bearer for the world all the major car manufacturers continue to improve the car by design and features as expected by the customer. It made its debut almost three decades ago and have been quite successful with a Toyota Motor Company. After the last reform of the Camry in 2007, Toyota is now giving a new lease for the design and features re-branding as the Toyota Camry in 2012 and will race with Honda Accord, Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata. Initially, and still continues, is designed as a 4 door compact sedan, will be launched in the right range of models from one of the basic premium for the XLE and everything will become very apparent after a review of the following cars.2012 Camry architecture will be based on the dimensions of the previous models with some minor changes. The new Camry is expected to roll out with a slightly larger wheelbase that facilitates a comfortable cabin area. Designed aerodynamic styling would include the low roofline and ground clearance rate will also decrease as a result will offer a convenient transit through the sedan along with a comfortable head room. This design offers a sleek look for vehicles make an appearance more courageous.

Under the aggressive front metallic sedan supported to produce 169 horsepower momentum. This is facilitated by the power pack of 2.5-liter displacement along with the four-cylinder 16 valve DOHC affiliated with and operate on the technology. Toyota will offer a 2012 Camry with the latest assembly of the 3.5-liter V6 engine that powered to generate momentum around 268 horsepower. Both mechanisms are believed to be engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission with the freedom to choose even a six-speed automatic transmission in accordance with the interests of automobile enthusiasts. The design of this machine to achieve smoothness with front-wheel drive system. 2.5-liter engine with a displacement offers the highest performance of 33 miles per gallon on city streets and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

2012 Toyota Camry is offered with a variety of standard and optional innovative features. Optional features may be standard with some models trim, while the same can be optional for others. Standard features include power lock, power windows and power mirrors mounted in the rearview mirror. Dashboard offers a sophisticated look with the presence of tilt and telescopic steering wheel is loaded with audio system controls, USB connection to facilitate the functions of the iPod and MP3 player and Bluetooth connectivity which offers the luxury of communicating via telephone to keep your hands free. Driver's seat can be adjusted easily command over the sedan. In addition the rear seats feature a split function to provide extra comfort. An array of optional features including a key-less start a remote controlled, moon-roof or sunroof, navigation system with touch screen and features leather upholstery that gives a luxurious feel.

The 2012 Toyota Camry is believed to come up with innovative safety features such as overwrite technology. This technology works by cutting off fuel flow through the valve if the brake and acceleration applied at the same time. The addition of security features including cruise control, traction control and vehicle stability control is supported by the anti-skid system and anti-lock disc brakes offer over poor road grip. The new Camry will come up with the security of a unique star system from Toyota.

The elegant, sophisticated look for 2012 Camry is expected to come early next year, bringing the deal to beat rolling from $ 21,400 to $ 25,700. This innovative design with advanced style tradition of supporting the reputation of Toyota.

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2012 Toyota Prius v

2012 Toyota Prius v

The Prius v’s 134-horsepower (98 from the 1.8-liter gas engine) hybrid powertrain is unchanged from the regular Prius. A shorter final driver ratio (3.70 vs. 3.27) compensates for the larger car’s heftier curb weight (3,274 vs. 3,042 pounds), so acceleration is about the same. As in the regular Prius, the powertrain mode makes a big difference. Select “eco” and acceleration is couldn’t be more leisurely. Though accelerating very slowly feels surprisingly good in the Prius v because the powertrain in this mode is so smooth and so quiet, the drivers in your rearview mirror clearly find the experience much less relaxing. In the default mode, the powertrain feels substantially more responsive, and in “power” it feels almost quick. Work the powertrain hard, though, and it makes quite a bit more noise and has the unnatural, non-linear feel common with a CVT.

EPA ratings are much lower with the Prius v, 44/40 vs. 51/48. The differences compared to the regular Prius aren’t large—a little less slippery (the drag coefficient is 0.29 instead of 0.25), a little more frontal area, a little more weight, a shorter final drive ratio—but they apparently add up, at least within the EPA’s lab. Perhaps the Prius v wasn’t as thoroughly tweaked to gain a few tenths here and a few tenths there?

Suspension tweaks for the Prius v focused on ride quality, and the car does ride more smoothly and quietly than the regular Prius. Handling, not a Prius strongpoint to begin with, is a little less sharp but still more controlled than with the first- and second-generation Prii. Understeer and lean in hard turns are moderate. The tires rather than the suspension are very much the limiting factor. When they slide they do so progressively and without much audible fuss. Given its role as an efficient appliance, the Prius v handles well enough. Those seeking a more involving driving experience should check out the similarly functional, similarly efficient Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI.

Since the Prius v shares its powertrain and many other parts beneath the skin with the regular Prius, reliability should be excellent. Prius owners participating in TrueDelta’s Car Reliability Survey have consistently reported very few repairs. Critics of the car have often stressed the danger of expensive battery pack failures, but these are hardly ever needed before 150,000 miles. A new battery pack runs about $2,500, but people have paid only a few hundred for packs out of wrecked cars with low miles.

Toyota hasn’t yet announced pricing for the Prius v, but suggests it will cost only be a little more than the regular Prius. The difference had better be $1,000 at most, for the Prius v doesn’t offer much more than the regular car. There’s significantly more cargo space, better outward visibility, and a less constricted driving position, but fuel economy takes a hit and the rear seat is surprisingly less comfortable. The Prius v doesn’t risk damaging the brand—it’s too similar to the regular Prius for this—but since the car is essentially a Prius wagon it’s hard to see why Toyota went through the trouble of developing an all-new exterior and interior. With a largely clean sheet and more inches to work with, why aren’t the exterior and interior more attractive, and why isn’t the rear seat much roomier? Unlike with the regular Prius, no one was swinging for the fences. The Prius v certainly isn’t a bad car, but it is nevertheless an opportunity squandered.

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Toyota Etios Liva Shocking Price in India set Launchings for June 27 2011

Toyota Etios Liva Shocking Price in India set Launchings for June 27 2011


Toyota Etios Liva to take on Swift, Ritz, i10, i20, Figo and Beat

NEW DELHI: The world's largest car maker Toyota on Monday forayed into the highly competitive India compact car segment with 'Liva', priced at Rs 3.99 lakh-Rs 5.99 lakh (ex- showroom, Delhi).

The company, which is present in India through a joint venture with the Kirloskar Group , has pitted the latest model against market leader Maruti Suzuki's Swift and Ritz, and some other best selling cars like Hyundai Motor's i10 and i20, Ford's Figo and General Motors' Beat, which are priced at a range of Rs 3.55 lakh to Rs 6.36 lakh in manual transmission.

"With Liva, we will now be a complete manufacturer in India, offering a full range of products from the luxury SUV Prado to the compact Liva, which is a very useful stylish and dynamic car," Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) Managing Director Hiroshi Nakagawa told reporters here.

The company had last year launched Etios, the sedan version of Liva in the country. "We will increase production of the second plant from 70,000 units to 1,20,000 units by next year to shorten the waiting period for Etios and to meet future demand of Liva," Nakagawa said.

The company is currently producing about 6,000 units of Etios and Liva per month and it will be increased to 8,000 units a month by September.

TKM is investing Rs 3,200 crore to set up its second manufacturing facility in Bangalore with an initial installed capacity of 70,000 units per annum and expanding its total production capacity to 2.1 lakh units by next year. Its first plant is also located in Bangalore.

Talking about targets, TKM Deputy Managing Director Sandeep Singh (Marketing) said: "This year our plan is to sell 60,000 units of both Etios and Liva. Out of which, more that 20,000 units will be Liva." He said with both the models, the company will now be competing with 13 products from different rivals in the 'B' segment of the car market.

"Out of the total passenger car market in India, the B segment is about 38 per cent. With the Etios, we are already enjoying 8 per cent of that market," Singh said. He, however, did not specify how much market share the company is aiming for after the launch of Liva.

When asked about introducing diesel variant of the two cars, he said the company is "ready with the technology", but the launch timeline will be decided on customers' demand.

On the possibility of exporting the car, Nakagawa said: "In India, customers' demand and expectations are very high. Our focus is to meet them. Once we meet that demand, we will study other markets, but there is no such plan as of now."

Besides, TKM is setting up a petrol engine plant in Bangalore that will be operationalised in 2012. After this, the localisation level of Etios and Liva will go up to 90 per cent from about 70 per cent at present. The company is also setting up its second gearbox plant, which will have a capacity to produce 2.5 lakh units annually and will be commissioned in mid-2013.

Toyota Etios Liva Launched with a shocking price tag

Toyota Etios Liva, Toyota Kirsolkar’s launch pad into the Indian small car market has finally hit the road today. The car has been introduced with a jaw dropping sticker price of Rs 3.99 Lakh for the base J variant, while the top end VX variant is priced at Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi).

This offering from Toyota marks Toyota’s entry into the highly popular and competitive premium hatchback segment. Etios Liva is powered by a 1.2 litre, 4 pot DOHC engine which pumps out 80 PS of power at 5600 rpm and 104 Nm of torque at 3100 rpm. The car also boasts of class-best fuel economy of 18.31 kmpl (ARAI tested). The diesel versions of the car is expected to be launched in India later next year.

The Etios Liva will be sold in five variants J, G, G special edition, V, and VX. The prices of different variants are as follows: J: 3.99lakhs, G: 4.59lakhs, G Special edition: 5.05lakhs, V: 5.49lakhs and VX: 5.99 lakhs.....read more

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Toyota Etios Liva set launchings for June 27 2011

Toyota Etios Liva set launchings for June 27 2011

Toyota's new small car Liva is all set for launch on June 27, the company said on Thursday.

At a press meet, the Japanese car giant said the much-anticipated Liva will be launched in the hatchback category by the end of this month, spiking a price war. It, however, didn't share how much the car would cost.

Toyota also said it will miss its sales target for 2011 in India by about 10,000 units, on account of production cut that it undertook following the disastrous earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

"Earlier we had set a target of 1,50,000 units for this year. But now that has been reduced to 1,40,000 units due to the one month production cut following the tsunami in Japan," Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) Deputy Managing Director (Marketing) Sandeep Singh told reporters in the national capital.

SPECIAL: Stiff competition ahead as Maruti and Toyota enter each other's territory

Speaking at the launch of the new variant of the premium sedan Corolla Altis, he said TKM hopes to sell 60,000 units of its sedan Etios and upcoming small car Liva.

"We are looking to produce 2.1 lakh units in 2012 and will also try to sell all the vehicles," Singh said.

TKM on Thursday launched a new variant of its premium sedan Corolla Altis in both petrol and diesel options in the country, priced between Rs 10.53 lakh and Rs 14.77 lakh (ex showroom Delhi).

"Since the launch of the first Corolla in India in 2003, we have been getting very good response for the car. So far we have sold 70,000 units of the car across the country," TKM Managing Director Hiroshi Nakagawa said.

FIRST LOOK: Pictures from the meet when Liva was announced

The company sold 10,400 units of Corolla Altis in 2010, and is expecting to sell 11,500 units this year.

The new Corolla Altis will come with a 1,798 cc engine. The petrol variant is priced at Rs 10.53 lakh to Rs 14.77 lakh, while the diesel option will be available for Rs 11.46 lakh to Rs 14.55 lakh.

On the issue of long waiting periods, Singh said: "When we launched the Etios, we had about six months of waiting period, which has come down to about two months now, after starting the second shift of production in March. By the end of this month, it will come down to less than a month."

Besides, the company has recently increased the output of its multi utility vehicle 'Innova' to 4,800 units per month from about 4,000 units a month earlier, he added.

Currently Innova has a waiting period of about three months, while customers wait for up to two months to take the delivery of the sports utility vehicle Fortuner.

TKM had earlier announced to invest Rs 300 crore to ramp up its production capacity by 60,000 units to 2.1 lakh units annually by mid 2012.

When asked if the company would export Etios, Nakagawa said: "Our focus is India. But we are currently studying the option."

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Toyota Yaris Japanese Spec first drive 2012

Toyota Yaris Japanese Spec first drive 2012

Sales of the Toyota Yaris (called Vitz in Japan) took a header last year in the American market, dropping almost 40 percent over 2009, which was one of the worst sales years in forever. To say that Toyota needs to give its small car some love is an understatement, and that makes the U.S. debut of the new 2012 Toyota Yaris all the more important .

“We need to stand out more,” says deputy chief engineer Yoshinari Toyomura. “That is one reason why the new Yaris has grown in size and taken on an edgier look compared to its predecessor.”

Recently, we had a chance to check out the Japanese-spec version of the new car, and we immediately saw what Toyomura meant. The new B-segment bigwig is 3.5 inches longer with a wheelbase that gains 2 inches. Toyota is hoping the new car’s more aggressive edges will appeal to a larger audience (read: males). The car does feel bigger, but the company’s efforts to minimize costs while improving packaging are met with mixed results.

The engine lineup gets new versions of the 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter gas variants as well as a revised 1.4-liter diesel for Europe (expect the 1.5-liter version to continue as the base engine for the U.S., although a 1.8-liter and a hybrid model are also rumored). The highlight of the lineup is undoubtedly the car we tested: the 1.3-liter Smart-Stop Package. Taking just 0.35 seconds to restart after seamlessly cutting the engine at idle, the smart-stop works to improve fuel economy by some 2 mpg, thus achieving 61.5 mpg in the Japanese mpg cycle. But the start-stop is only offered on the 1.3-liter due to its hefty $700 price tag. More strikingly, VSC and TRC traction controls, which are standard on the 1.3-liter version, are not even offered as options on other models, although we’re guessing that will change for the U.S. market version...... READ MORE

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