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Toyota Developing a Prius Coupe Dubbed the MR2 to Compete with the Honda CR-Z?

toyota_ft_hs_concept_new.jpg
According to Auto Express the once loved MR2 is making a comeback, but not as the small mid-engined roadster like the last generation. Instead Toyota is going to apply the MR2 name to a new performance hybrid that would be similar to the upcoming Honda CR-Z.

The small coupe would feature rear-wheel-drive, a paddleshift gearbox and a specially developed version of the Prius’s hybrid powertrain.

Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto recently told Auto Express: “We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car.

“We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000), as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius’s, with greater responsiveness.”

It's also rumored that the revived MR2 hybrid will draw styling cues from the Toyota FT-HS sports car concept.



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Автор: SharaMoore на 20:01 0 коммент.
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2009 Toyota Camry - Still The Best Selling Mid-Size Sedan


2009 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has been one of the best-selling vehicles for over 20 years. Only the Honda Accord has a stronger street cred than the Camry. A reputation like the Camry’s doesn’t just materialize out of thin air, Toyota had to work for it. Low maintenance costs, reliability, a comfortable ride, a strong resale value, etc etc. It’s a quality vehicle, and consumers know it. The 2009 is no different.

The 2009 Camry is the biggest version yet, with tons of legroom in the front and rear. Plus it has more balls than any previous Camry, with an available 268-horsepower V6. That kind of power can rocket the boring old Camry from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, that’s well within the sport sedan zone; in fact it makes it one of the fastest mid-priced sedans out there. On top of that (in spite of that?) the V6 version still gets 19 city/28 mpg highway.

If you opt for the base 4-cylinder engine, you’re still getting a fairly respectable zipper, with a 0 to 60 time of 8.9 seconds. And great fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

There are four trim levels: base, LE, SE, and XLE, each for a different consumer. The base is, well, the base model, bare bones; it’s for people who want a Camry but can’t afford a Camry. The LE is the base model with keyless entry and a few electrical upgrades, it’s the run-of-the-mill standard Camry for most people. The SE model is what us RideLust-er want, with a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and the quality interior and exterior styling details. And the XLE is the luxury model. It has the softer suspension of the LE, and all the necessary gadgets: a JBL sound system, dual-zone climate control, moonroof, leather, Bluetooth, and reclining rear seats.

The price is the only thing that is worrisome. The Toyota Camry carries a premium over the other cars in it’s class. The Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion Hyundai Sonata, and the better quality Honda Accord all cost less than the Camry. A base model starts off at just under 20k, and you can end up almost paying 30k for a top of the line XLE. That really is pushing it. Overall though, the Camry still lives up to it’s quality reputation, but the competition is upping it’s game. With Hyundai and Chevy pumping out high quality mid-size sedans, I’m not sure how much longer Toyota can hold on to it’s title as king.



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Автор: SharaMoore на 22:21 0 коммент.
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Tommy Kaira and ASI Prius


Really Japan? Has this what it has come to? All tuning news and innovation coming out of Japan seems to be either R35 GT-R or Prius/Insight. The rest of the tuning scene has very little news coming out. Can we get a little variety please? I’m already holding back on some GT-R blog posts because we have so many as it is, thats the big news these days.

Although you’ll find me being a huge supporter and fan of the R35 GT-R tuning scene, the Prius tuning scene is a bit different for me.

Dont get me wrong, I really respect the Prius (and Insight) for what they are (nature saving, efficient and affordable daily drivers). In fact I wouldnt be opposed to getting a Prius for a daily driver and if I did I’d probably be looking at one of these two companies for modifications (and Top Secret as a great third option for more simple lip kits). There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Prius and absoultely nothing wrong with making it look cool and perhaps even improving aerodynamics for better performance and economy (although these two probably worsen rather than improve Cd).

Continue reading after the jump!

Tommy Kaira and ASI Prius

So what’s my beef? I like the Prius, I’d rock these kits…why the negativity? I’ll tell you why. Because this year for Tokyo Auto Salon I’m bringing my whole crew with me, as I usually do. This year we’re rolling 8 deep to Tokyo to see what is new at TAS. And you know what, when I ask my industry insider friends in Japan they all are telling me that TAS wont be the same and it’ll be dominated by “green” cars and eco cars with much less sports car tuning.

I understand the Japanese consumers demand eco tuning and styling, thats cool…but it is so overboard at this point that it feels like the Japanese government must have made a mandate that all tuners ARE REQUIRED to offer a tuning package for either the Prius or the Insight. I mean, who isnt doing parts for these cars right now? Enough already! (and it’s just begun) I’m telling you, if I see a JUN stroker kit come out for a damn Prius I’m throwing in the towel!

So now on top of having a Top Secret Prius demo car (picture that along side the monstrous Nardo Supra) we now have ASI’s demo Prius (picture that alongside their monsterous Tetsu widebody Bentley GTR or their slick Ferrari F430) AND we now have Tommy Kaira’s Prius demo car (picture that alongside their intense looking R35 GT-R car in development).

See what I’m getting at? Where’s the hardcore? Where’s the sports car tuning? Lets enjoy the Prius for what it is (a great eco car) but for my sanity’s sake, PLEASE DO NOT REPLACE OUR SPORTS CAR TUNING FUTURE WITH THIS. I understand Eco is the future for the masses, but can we keep our sports cars too? I thought the point was to have a sports car for the weekends and a Prius to daily drive. Lets keep it that way, keep the R&D coming on sports car tuning parts too please! I really dont want this blog to be required to feature hybrid news 3 days a week because there is nothing else fresh coming out.

Know what I’m saying?

Let me hear what you have to say on this please…

Ending rant, nobody can argue that this rear end of the Prius (below) by Tommy Kaira (under new management in Japan) is the most amazing thing we’ve ever seen on a hybrid. This is as good as it gets design wise for the Prius. If I was an aero parts manufacturer, I wouldnt even bother making a rear under spoiler for the Prius after seeing this by Tommy Kaira. Game over.

Tommy Kaira and ASI Prius



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Автор: SharaMoore на 12:38 0 коммент.
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Four Foreign Cars Vandalized In Michigan [Carpocalypse Now]

Owners of four foreign-made cars parked in a suburban Detroit shopping center found their tires slashed and the words "Buy USA" scrawled on the windows. Merry Carpocalypse.

Four cars in the Michigan city of Woodhaven were the victims of vandalism targeted at owners of foreign-made cars, including a 2009 Toyota Camry almost certainly assembled in the company's Georgetown, Kentucky plant. Though no one has been arrested in connection with the attacks, highly circumstantial evidence points to distressed autoworkers.

First, the choice of target and the use of the words "Buy USA" gives a fairly clear indication of motive. Second, the incidents took place near a Ford stamping plant. Finally, a middle-aged man driving a red Ford Escape was reportedly seen doing the deed. Of course, it could be anyone.

This event covers stage five (jingoism) and stage three (anger) of the five emotional stages of the Carpocalypse. With prayer already covered, clearly only rioting is left.

[Click on Detroit]



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Автор: SharaMoore на 09:41 0 коммент.
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Toyota recommends driving less to save money on gas

Logically, you would think Toyota and other automakers would use the high gas-prices to pitch their small and more fuel-efficient cars at consumers. However, Toyota is taking a different approach -...



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Автор: SharaMoore на 17:01 0 коммент.
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The New Toyota Hybrids: They Tryin’ To Stop Me Ridin’ Dirty

As much as I singularly resent the level of obnoxious elistism that seems to enshroud the Toyota Prius, I have to admit - if Toyota manages to produce a hybrid vehicle that isn’t as ugly as the Prius or as tiny as the Chevrolet Volt, there is a distinct possibility that I will succumb to the siren song of Toyota’s cost-effective fuel efficiency.

Say what you will, but those guys at Toyota know how to churn out a quality, eco-friendly automobile. Their first hybrid car on the market, the Prius, was introduced in North America in 2001 and was met with almost instant success. Even though it wasn’t the only one of its kind, the fact that it’s price tag was so consumer-friendly gave it a significant competitive edge. Over the years, the Prius has become an image representative of the hybrid car movement, and its sales have obviously been very successful. So much so, in fact, that Toyota is “upping the ante”.

According to Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe, Toyota is planning the release of two more hybrid vehicles. Although production of the Prius will continue as usual, in 2010 Toyota plans to introduce two new members to the Toyota and Lexus fold (respectively). In addition, Toyota has also announced its new partnership with Panasonic EV Energy Co. and subsequent plans to begin manufacturinglithium-ion batteries. The new breed of batteries will initially be used for testing purposes, but long-term goals call for the mass production of the lithium-ion batteries for use in Toyota’s plug-in hybrid vehicle, set for release in 2010.

But wait, it gets greener still…

Toyota’s unbending commitment to the environment also includes immediate plans to begin research in pursuit of a cleaner, even more efficient battery than the lithium-ion. Toyota has also declared that, by 2010, they will effectively cut emissions produced by their manufacturing plants since 2001 by 35%.

[Source: Automotive News]



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Автор: SharaMoore на 11:22 0 коммент.
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BMW leads in quality survey, Toyota Corp. comes in fifth

According to survey conducted by a California based research company, Strategic Vision, luxury brands have once again dominated the U.S. automobile quality survey. To us it would make sense - after...



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Автор: SharaMoore на 07:23 0 коммент.
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Toyota A-BAT

Toyota A-BAT
Toyota has designed a modern compact pickup that allows tall cargo in and takes the family on a camping. The Toyota A-BAT, ruggedly-designed on the outside with a translucent roof panel has a four-passenger interior with a seven-inch diagonal screen and WiFi Internet. The solar panels on the dash recapture energy from the sun to assist in the charging of the navigation unit, portable power pack and backlit information displays. The future versatility lies on the A-BAT, the strong-looking flexible cab.
Toyota A BATToyota A BATToyota A BATToyota A BATToyota A BAT

Toyota A-BAT
Toyota A-BAT

Toyota A-BAT
Toyota A-BAT

Toyota A-BAT
Toyota A-BAT


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Автор: SharaMoore на 10:09 0 коммент.
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Lexus gets aggressive with the 2008 IS-F

Lexus IS-F

After years of being known as builders of quality cars with luxury comforts Lexus is now poised to put some “F” in its cars - FUN. When Lexus put out their IS 250 and IS 350 they drew some immediate approval from me for having a sedan with some parts aggression mixed with some class and Lexus reliability. However, with the IS-F Lexus has their sites on the Grand Pooba of sporting sedans - the BMW M3.

In order to challenge the 2008 M3 and its new 400-hp V8 Lexus has grabbed one of their own V8’s out of their inventory. While Lexus is still keeping wraps on which V8 they intend to use the speculation is out there that the 5.0 Liter V8 from the LS 600h L is a likely candidate. The target output for whatever V8 they choose is said to be 400-hp with an intended zero-to-sixty time less than 4.9 seconds. Anything above 4.8 seconds would pair the IS-F with the BMW 335i, and apparently that would not be aiming high enough for Lexus. (more…)



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Автор: SharaMoore на 17:59 0 коммент.
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2009 Toyota Avensis

Look at this first official photo of the upcoming Toyota’s Avensis, which has been leaked on the net. The next generation Toyota Avensis mid-size sedan will make a debut at the 2008 Paris International Motor Show on October 2. The Toyota Avensis has been fully redesigned featuring a crispier and more dynamic styling than the outgoing model. It is rumour that new Toyota Avensis will get a new line-up of engines with lower consumption and reduced CO2 figures.



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Автор: SharaMoore на 09:56 0 коммент.
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Deadline Nears for Toyota Hybrid Tax Credit

2007toyotaprius

Want to claim the full federal tax credit for a new 2006 or 2007 Toyota hybrid? You have two days left to do so. Toyota has surpassed the sales figure set by the U.S. government under which consumers can receive a tax credit of up to $3,150 when they purchase a hybrid vehicle. The credit for Toyota hybrids purchased on or after Oct. 1 will be cut in half. After April 1, 2007, the credit will be cut in half again, and no credits will be given after Sept. 30, 2007. The only good news is that new 2007 models are also eligible for the same credits as the 2006s, depending on when they’re purchased. For a full rundown of vehicle models and their credits before and after the deadline, read below.

Toyota Prius 
$3,150/$1,575*

Toyota Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid
$2,600/$1,300

Lexus RX 400h
$2,200/$1,100

Lexus GS 450h
$1,550/$775

*Credit if purchased before Oct. 1, 2006/credit if purchased on or after Oct. 1, 2006



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Автор: SharaMoore на 20:50 0 коммент.
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