Autoblog Toyota http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Toyota http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Automakers donating money, vehicles and supplies to Oklahoma tornado relief effort]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Oklahoma City-area tornado damage - helicopter overview

Judging by the destruction the Oklahoma City area experienced earlier this week, residents are going to need a lot of help in coming months. Fortunately, a number of automakers - including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Honda and Toyota - have stepped up to donate money, supplies and vehicles to aid in the recovery and rebuilding processes.

Here's a quick rundown of which automakers have pitched in and what each contributed so far:
  • Ford Motor Company has donating $250,000 and a Transit Connect to the American Red Cross, and it will match all other donations made to the Red Cross (up to $250,000) using a special URL tied to the latter's website (link here). Additionally, its local Oklahoma dealers have thrown in an extra $150,000 for the United Way and the automaker will be offering an extra $500 toward the purchase of a new Ford vehicle.
  • GM has given $50,000 and a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado to a Detroit-area charity called Forgotten Harvest, which has set up a campaign called "Help 4 Oklahoma" to bring food, medical and hygiene products to the area.
  • Chrysler is donating $100,000 to First Response Team of America - a nonprofit that assists first responders and helps with disaster cleanup.
  • Toyota has announced that it is donating $250,000 to restore food service to the area, small businesses revitalization and home rebuilding, and in addition to this amount, it will also be matching employee contributions.
  • The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Honda is donating generators to the Red Cross - a big advantage of having a power equipment division.
  • Volkswagen says it made a $250,000 donation to the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, but it isn't clear if that was a combined donation or that much was given to each organization. VW is also matching the funds of its employees.

Continue reading Automakers donating money, vehicles and supplies to Oklahoma tornado relief effort

Automakers donating money, vehicles and supplies to Oklahoma tornado relief effort originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 May 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> american red crosschryslerdonationsfirst response team of americafordForgotten harvestgeneral motorshabitat for humanityhondanatural disastersoklahoma disasteroklahoma tornadotoyota Fri, 24 May 2013 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20581683/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20581683/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/20581683/article-detail.xml 20581683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/oklahoma-city-area-tornado-13_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/oklahoma-city-area-tornado-13.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Toyota Prius spied inside and out]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/next-gen-toyota-prius-spied-inside-and-out/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/next-gen-toyota-prius-spied-inside-and-out/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/next-gen-toyota-prius-spied-inside-and-out/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2015 Toyota Prius hybrid prototype caught testing in camouflage

Toyota has built itself into the industry's standard-bearer when it comes to hybrids, and it isn't going to let the poster child for gas-electric vehicles get stale on the market. These spy shots captured in California are our first good look at the next-generation Prius, which could come to market wearing a 2015 model year designation.

Even though it looks like Toyota may have blown its annual camouflage budget on this mule, we can clearly see that it will have the same iconic half-moon design that has been with the car since 2003. If so, this goes against reports from last year that suggested the car would be getting a different look inspired by the 2013 NS4 Concept. Although, this could also indicate that the Prius family will continue to grow - adding a new sedan - to the existing Prius C, Prius V and Prius Plug-In lineup.

These spy shots also give us an indication as to what the interior will look like, with a more stylish three-spoke steering wheel and an instrument panel design that sort of reminds us of a BMW. On the other hand, all the tape, cobbled together pieces and lack of space for a center stack display screen has us thinking this isn't what the final product will resemble.

As for what will be powering the 2015 Prius, we hear that updated versions of the current electric system and engine will be employed, but it will carry over the nickel metal hydride batteries found in today's model. Still no word on the rumored possibility of all-wheel-drive system, either. In addition to a new design and updated powertrain, it sounds like production of the next-generation Prius could be making a move to the US, joining the line at Toyota's Tupelo, MS plant.

Next-gen Toyota Prius spied inside and out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 toyota priushybridspy shotstoyotatoyota prius Fri, 24 May 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20583374/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20583374/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/next-gen-toyota-prius-spied-inside-and-out/20583374/article-detail.xml 20583374 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2015-toyota-prius-spy-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2015-toyota-prius-spy-shots-628.jpg <![CDATA[Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Employing complex scientific formulas and methodologies probably best described as "Whatever we felt like choosing," Automobile has named its All-Stars for the 2013 model year. The 11 vehicles earned their trophies for being "the best and most significant" offerings to the mag's staff and contributors, and while we were surprised to see a couple of them on the list, none of them were shocking. In no particular order, they are: Random notes: The least expensive vehicle on the list was the Ford Focus at $16,995 however, it was the $24,495 Focus ST that was actually driven; the least expensive vehicle as-tested, when such indication was given, was the $28,265 BRZ; the most expensive vehicle as-tested was the $75,615 Porsche Boxster S, hurdling the price of the A7 by nearly $4,000; the greatest disparity between base and as-tested price was the Ram, from the $24,395 skin-and-bones truck to the $54,335 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab; the GTI was viewed through the history of its birthplace, Wolfsburg.

There you have it. Head on over to Automobile for the full story and the adventures they created to test each winner.

Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audi a7automobileautomobile magazineautomobile magazine all-starsbmw 3 serieschevrolet camaro zl1ford focushonda accordmazda cx-5porsche boxsterram 1500scion fr-ssubaru brzvolkswagen golf gti Wed, 22 May 2013 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578483/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578483/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/20578483/article-detail.xml 20578483 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevrolet-camaro-zl1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevrolet-camaro-zl1.jpg <![CDATA[Expedition drives from Russia to Canada over North Pole...]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/expedition-drives-from-russia-to-canada-over-north-pole/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/expedition-drives-from-russia-to-canada-over-north-pole/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/expedition-drives-from-russia-to-canada-over-north-pole/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Bus expedition from Russia to Canada via North Pole - shot on ice

No, a Ford Expedition did not drive from Russia to Canada via the North Pole, but that's exactly what a team of intrepid explorers accomplished recently. Using specially-modified buses with massive tires, the group slowly drove 2,485 miles in 70 days over drifting ice, occasionally using a pickaxe to clear a path and staying on guard for chasms that could open up and plunge the team into the frigid arctic waters. Average speeds were about 6 mph, "at the speed of a (farm) tractor." While the big tires technically allowed the buses to float if the need arose, the team preferred to stay out of the water to keep the suspension from getting coated in thick, hard ice. Falling in on foot would mean almost certain death.

According to Phys.org, the buses were powered by Toyota diesel engines, but were built with prototype parts from a previous driving expedition to the North Pole. Right now, the machines are parked in a garage in Canada's Resolute Bay while the the team rests up with family back home. They plan to continue their trek to back across the Bering Straight to Russia. If successful, the team may eventually offer a version of their buses for commercial sale.

Expedition drives from Russia to Canada over North Pole... originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bering straightcanadadriving to the north poleexpeditionnorth poleresolute bayrussiatoyotavassili Ielaguine Wed, 22 May 2013 08:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576712/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576712/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/expedition-drives-from-russia-to-canada-over-north-pole/20576712/article-detail.xml 20576712 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/russia-canada-arctic-expedition-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/russia-canada-arctic-expedition-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota passes BMW as most valuable car brand]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/toyota-passes-bmw-most-valuable-car-brand/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/toyota-passes-bmw-most-valuable-car-brand/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/toyota-passes-bmw-most-valuable-car-brand/#comments Filed under: , ,

Akio Toyoda and Norbert Reithofer shake on it

An annual market study of the strongest brands across various industries has seen Toyota leapfrog BMW as the world's most valuable automotive brand. Toyota's 2013 brand value rose to $24.5 billion, up 12 percent versus 2012 numbers according to market research company Millward Brown's BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands list. BMW's value fell slightly; down by 2 percent to a total of $24 billion.

Mercedes-Benz finished in third place in the automotive category, up 11 percent from 2012 for a valuation of $18 billion. Honda ($12.4 billion, down 2 percent) and Nissan ($10.2 billion, up 3 percent) rounded out the top five for the category. Volkswagen was the only other auto brand that finished in the top 100 overall, in 100th place. Audi made the greatest percentage gain over 2012, up 18 percent to $5.5 billion, but finished outside of the top 100.

Technology companies dominated the overall list, with Apple, Google and IBM ranking one through three. Couture brand Prada was 2013's biggest gainer, rising by 63 percent over 2012.

Toyota passes BMW as most valuable car brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> akio toyodabmwbrandz top 100millward brownnorbert reithofertoyota Tue, 21 May 2013 15:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20577995/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20577995/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/toyota-passes-bmw-most-valuable-car-brand/20577995/article-detail.xml 20577995 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/akio-and-norb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/akio-and-norb.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Toyota Corolla shows just enough to keep us interested]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2014-toyota-corolla-shows-just-enough-to-keep-us-interested/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2014-toyota-corolla-shows-just-enough-to-keep-us-interested/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2014-toyota-corolla-shows-just-enough-to-keep-us-interested/#comments Filed under: ,

2014 Toyota Corolla teaser - S badge and taillamp

To date, the best idea we have of what the 2014 Toyota Corolla will look like is the shape and styling of the Furia Concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show. Obviously the compact car will turn down the wick a fair bit from that orange machine, and now we have one more scintilla of an idea of what the final product will look like.

Published today on Toyota's official Facebook page, the image above clearly shows the rear quarter of the 2014 Corolla S. Though the low angle is pretty wonky, we can make out that the shape of the taillight cluster is very similar to that of the Furia, albeit without the same LED treatment, A hint of a trunk-lid spoiler is also in evidence, and also follows the Furia's lead.

Toyota points out that the new Corolla will be shown in earnest on June 6. Expect to see the full version of the car by that date at the latest - online leaks have a tendancy to speed these things up.

2014 Toyota Corolla shows just enough to keep us interested originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 toyota corollacorolla teasertoyotatoyota corolla Tue, 21 May 2013 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578252/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578252/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/2014-toyota-corolla-shows-just-enough-to-keep-us-interested/20578252/article-detail.xml 20578252 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/toyota-corrola-teaser-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/toyota-corrola-teaser-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW-Toyota sports car heading towards Tokyo debut]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/bmw-toyota-sports-car-heading-towards-tokyo-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/bmw-toyota-sports-car-heading-towards-tokyo-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/bmw-toyota-sports-car-heading-towards-tokyo-debut/#comments Filed under: , ,



Earlier this year, BMW and Toyota confirmed a four-part joint venture mostly focusing on increasing improving vehicle efficiency using fuel cells, lightweight materials and better battery technology. Also tucked into the announcement was a "feasibility study" for a shared platform to underpin a future midsize "sports vehicle."

In terms of the latter, it seems that things have stepped up from the feasibility stage to the conceptual stage, as Motor Trend reports we could see a pair of new sports car concepts debut later this year in at the Tokyo Motor Show. There isn't much information about the new program, but the article suggests the sports cars could be all-wheel drive hybrids, with electric motors powering the front wheels and a gas engine powering the rear wheels. While a partnership between Toyota and BMW might not lend itself to a catchy portmanteau like "Toyobaru," here's hoping it will bear fruit that is as exciting as the ones produced by the Toyota/Subaru tie up.

BMW-Toyota sports car heading towards Tokyo debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw toyotasports carsports vehicletokyo motor showtoyotatoyota bmwtoyota bmw partnership Mon, 20 May 2013 18:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576593/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576593/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/bmw-toyota-sports-car-heading-towards-tokyo-debut/20576593/article-detail.xml 20576593 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/toyota-bmw-partnership-execs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/toyota-bmw-partnership-execs.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

XCAR Supra Retrospective - video screencap

Our friends at XCAR have taken the time to train their lenses on the iconic Toyota Supra. With Toyota finally back into the performance car game, it seems only logical to remember one of the brand's most legendary sports cars. While we're all busy ladling praise onto the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins, it's important to remember that Toyota used to produce all manner of fun-to-drive machinery. The Supra once sat at the top of that list, its most recent iteration giving buyers the option of a ludicrous forced-induction inline six, gorgeous styling and plenty of presence.

Of course, the legend didn't stop once the Supra fell off American order sheets in 1998. Always an aftermarket darling, the Supra has gone on to become a tuner favorite in nearly every corner of grassroots motorsport. From drag racing to road racing and everywhere in between, the Supra is remains a force to be reckoned with nearly 15 years after it last prowled the US auto market. You can catch the tribute from XCAR below.

Continue reading Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup

Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> toyotatoyota supravideoxcar Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576180/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576180/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/20576180/article-detail.xml 20576180 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xcar-supra_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xcar-supra.jpg <![CDATA[Car thief caught in McDonald's drive-thru after placing order with owner]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-thief-caught-in-mcdonalds-drive-thru-after-placing-order-wi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-thief-caught-in-mcdonalds-drive-thru-after-placing-order-wi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-thief-caught-in-mcdonalds-drive-thru-after-placing-order-wi/#comments Filed under: , ,

McDonald's drive-thru

If you're going to drive a stolen car in a town of roughly 77,000 people - about the same size as Scranton, Pennsylvania or Ogden, Utah - you want to be very careful about where you drive that stolen car to eat. That's the lesson Katherine York of Kennewick, Washington learned when she was arrested for being in possession of a stolen Toyota 4Runner that also happened to have a bunch of stolen clothes from JC Penney and Sears in it.

Virginia Maiden woke up Tuesday, May 14 to find her 1995 4Runner - that she thought she forgot to lock - swiped from her apartment building. At 3 PM that afternoon, while working her shift at the drive-thru at McDonald's that day, she saw her truck in line. York hadn't even gone far - the McDonald's is not even five miles from Maiden's apartment. Maiden called the police, they showed up just as York was leaving, and York made another vehicle switch, this time into a black-and-white for a trip to the Benton County jail. They don't have McDonald's there, but she won't have so far to go to eat.

Car thief caught in McDonald's drive-thru after placing order with owner originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> katherine a yorkkennewickstolentoyotatoyota 4runnervirginia maidenwashington Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575043/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575043/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/car-thief-caught-in-mcdonalds-drive-thru-after-placing-order-wi/20575043/article-detail.xml 20575043 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mcdonalds-drive-thru_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mcdonalds-drive-thru.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Toyota Yaris

Our tiniest Toyota (Scion iQ notwithstanding) is about to get a little French flair. The Japanese automaker announced Thursday that its Toyota Motor Manufacturing France facility would begin building Yaris models destined for North America - specifically, the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. This will mark the first time in history that Toyota has exported vehicles to North America from Europe.

Initially, Toyota will export roughly 25,000 Yaris models to North American markets from France each year. In order to handle this additional production, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France has invested 10 million euro into its French facility.

Despite being somewhat of a snooze-fest (it's a car!), the Yaris carries on in North America with a 106-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with prices starting at $14,370 for the three-door and $15,395 for the five-door, not including $795 for destination.

Continue reading Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America

Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> francetoyotatoyota yaris Fri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574228/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574228/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/20574228/article-detail.xml 20574228 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-toyota-yaris628opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-toyota-yaris628opt.png <![CDATA[Toyota sudden acceleration class action may cover 22 million owners]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-sudden-acceleration-class-action-may-cover-22-million-own/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-sudden-acceleration-class-action-may-cover-22-million-own/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-sudden-acceleration-class-action-may-cover-22-million-own/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Distorted Toyota logo

A total of 22.6 million current and former Toyota owners have been sent notices that they may be eligible to receive compensation from the automaker for damages related to the unintended acceleration fiasco that has dominated headlines in 2009 and 2010. The total payout may be as high as $1.63 billion, according to The Detroit News.

Steve Berman, a lawyer for the owners, calls the potential deal "a landmark, if not a record, settlement in automobile defects class action litigation in the United States." Still, there's some debate about whether or not Toyota's proposed settlement is fair, as it includes $30 million for safety research and driver education programs - in other words, Toyota seems to be suggesting that drivers need more education on how to drive their correctly working and fully functional vehicles. For those keeping track, Toyota would also be paying lawyer fees of $200 million.

A US District Judge in California is scheduled to hold a so-called "fairness hearing" on June 14 that could decide the fate of this particular settlement. Further courtroom wrangling will be required to hash out any wrongful death suits levied against Toyota stemming from unintended acceleration claims, as those are not part of this class-action suit.

Toyota sudden acceleration class action may cover 22 million owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> class actionsudden accelerationtoyotatoyota settlementunintended acceleration Thu, 16 May 2013 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568838/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568838/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/toyota-sudden-acceleration-class-action-may-cover-22-million-own/20568838/article-detail.xml 20568838 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/toyota-distortion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/toyota-distortion.jpg <![CDATA[1967 Toyota 2000GT most expensive Asian car ever sold at $1.2M]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/#comments Filed under: , ,



Toyota's agelessly beautiful 2000GT has been sold by RM Auctions for $1.16 million, making it the new record holder for the most expensive Asian car ever sold. As always, rarity played a big factory in driving up the price; just 351 2000GT models were built, and only 62 left-hand-drive cars (like this one). The classic Toyota, standout member of Texas car-collector Don Davies' paddock, was originally a US-delivery car that spent time in a collection back in a Japan before returning to Texas just a short time ago. The car last sold in March of 2011, for just $650,000.

Enthusiasts will recognize the 2000GT as perhaps the most heralded Japanese classic of all time. The Toyota was a contemporary of the Jaguar E-Type - though one that obviously sold in a fraction of the English car's numbers - that was well reviewed by the motoring press of the day. Sometimes referred to as Japan's first supercar, the 2000GT boasted a 150-horsepower, dual overhead cam, 2.0-liter straight-six engine; a five-speed manual transmission; and a reported top speed of over 135 miles per hour.

RM described this record-setting example as, "the finest and most authentic 2000GT to come to market in recent years," equating it with blue chip classic exotics like the Ferrari Daytona and Lamborghini Miura.

1967 Toyota 2000GT most expensive Asian car ever sold at $1.2M originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1967 toyota 2000 gt1967 toyota 2000gtauctionstoyotatoyota 2000 gttoyota 2000gt Fri, 10 May 2013 17:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565140/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565140/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/20565140/article-detail.xml 20565140 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1967-toyota-2000gt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1967-toyota-2000gt-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Toyota Corolla details leaked]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/2014-toyota-corolla-details-leaked/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/2014-toyota-corolla-details-leaked/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/2014-toyota-corolla-details-leaked/#comments Filed under: , ,

Toyota Furia Concept

Toyota will launch the 2014 Corolla later this year, and thanks to the ever-leaky internet, a couple of key details about the new sedan have been revealed. Car and Driver was able to uncover these bits of information thanks to someone at a Toyota dealer in Kansas who has seen the car, as well as its order guide, though the dealer's site has since removed its original posting.

We got our first glimpse at the next-generation Corolla's design at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, where Toyota unveiled the Furia concept, pictured above. Yes, it looks all sporty and aggressive, but fear not, appliance shoppers, C/D says that the production car should have a couple of Furia bits mixed in with a huge helping of Camry-inspired styling.

The 2014 Corolla will reportedly continue to use a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, though the mill has been massaged a bit, adding Toyota's Valvematic continuously variable valve timing. A four-speed automatic (yep!) will be offered in the base model, though the manual transmission now has six gears, and higher trim levels can be had with a CVT. Both engine output and fuel economy numbers should improve slightly over the 2013 model. Currently, the Corolla produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, and achieves 27/34 miles per gallon (city/highway) with the five-speed manual 'box.

Trim levels will now be called base, LE, S and Eco, and a couple of improvements have been made to the materials and equipment offered inside the cabin. Softex leather will be available for 2014, as will a push-button start and a navigation system.

Toyota has not confirmed any of this information, but we won't have to wait too much longer before getting the official details on the fully freshened Corolla.

2014 Toyota Corolla details leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 toyota corollatoyotatoyota corollatoyota furia concept Thu, 09 May 2013 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563593/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563593/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/2014-toyota-corolla-details-leaked/20563593/article-detail.xml 20563593 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-toyota-furia-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-toyota-furia-concept-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota recalling FJ Cruiser due to excessively bright headlights]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/#comments Filed under: , ,



Now, hold on. This recall isn't quite as serious as it sounds. Yes, Toyota is recalling 11,489 FJ Cruiser models from the 2007 to 2013 model years, and yes, it's because the vehicles, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states, "fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, 'Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.'" But read the fine print and you'll see the catch: This recall is only for vehicles fitted with the automaker's auxiliary lighting kit that can be mounted to the front bumper.

Basically, the auxiliary lamp assemblies use 55-watt bulbs, and when these are turned on in conjunction with the upper beam headlamps, it's a pretty blinding sight. NHTSA states that excessively bright lights can blind other drivers, increasing the risk for a crash.

To remedy the situation, Toyota will replace the 55-watt bulbs with cooler 35-watt units. The recall is expected to begin later this month. Scroll down for the full details in the NHTSA report.

Continue reading Toyota recalling FJ Cruiser due to excessively bright headlights

Toyota recalling FJ Cruiser due to excessively bright headlights originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> headlightsnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecalltoyotatoyota fj cruiser Sun, 05 May 2013 11:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557364/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557364/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/20557364/article-detail.xml 20557364 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/004-toyota-fj-cruiser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/004-toyota-fj-cruiser.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota's production fuel cell car to cost between $50-100k]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/toyotas-production-fuel-cell-car-cost-between-50-100k/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/toyotas-production-fuel-cell-car-cost-between-50-100k/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/toyotas-production-fuel-cell-car-cost-between-50-100k/#comments Filed under: ,

Toyota FCHV-adv

While the cost of building a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle continues to go down over time, reports over the last few years have steadily maintained that the first Toyota hydrogen-powered vehicles for customers should ring up for around $50,000. Company officials cited this figure way back in 2010, and have reiterated it in subsequent years.

So, while a recent Automotive News report about the cost of Toyota's 2015 Hydrogen car doesn't offer up any new figures, it does offer an interesting pricing wrinkle. According to the report, the "cost factor" for the hydrogen vehicles will be in the $50k ballpark, meaning the retail price could be anywhere from there, up to as much as around $100,000.

While certainly not inexpensive, being able to produce a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for fifty large is a pretty massive improvement over the prototype cost of a few years ago, when the sticker was about $1 million a pop. While these very expensive prototypes are based on previous-generation Highlanders (pictured above), we're told to expect that the final product will be a lot more in line with the Prius, as far as size and shape.

Toyota's production fuel cell car to cost between $50-100k originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fuel cellhydrogenhydrogen fuel celltoyota Fri, 03 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556254/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556254/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/toyotas-production-fuel-cell-car-cost-between-50-100k/20556254/article-detail.xml 20556254 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2009toyotafchv-adv-011-1282914372_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2009toyotafchv-adv-011-1282914372.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a Camry driver in full road rage]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/camry-driver-road-rage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/camry-driver-road-rage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/camry-driver-road-rage/#comments Filed under: ,



There are vehicles that, fair or not, will forever be associated with jerky drivers. But as this very recent footage from an in-car camera shows, even the most mundane of sedans can be piloted by an ass.

In this video, the driver of one very beige Toyota Camry is driving like a person choked with rage. Though we don't see which (if any) actions by our camera car might have lead up to the tirade, we do see the Camry driver swerving from lane to lane, in multiple attempts to get in front of and brake check the couple in the recording.

According to the text associated with the YouTube video, the offending incident took place last week, on a section of I-880 near Fremont, CA. The uploader has gone so far as to include the date, time and license plate number of the Camry driver, in hopes, we guess, that some kind of legal action can be taken against him. Take a closer look for yourself in the video below.

Continue reading Watch a Camry driver in full road rage

Watch a Camry driver in full road rage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bad drivingcamry road ragei-880interstate i-880road rageroad rage camryroadragecamrytoyotatoyota camryvideoyoutube Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20551970/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20551970/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/camry-driver-road-rage/20551970/article-detail.xml 20551970 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-camry-road-rage-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-camry-road-rage-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Toyota 4Runner revealed at Stagecoach Music Festival [UPDATE: w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2014 Toyota 4Runner

Toyota has just pulled the sheet off its updated 2014 4Runner at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival near Palm Springs, California. Toyota is the title sponsor at the festival, and claims that this is the first-ever global reveal of a new automobile at a major music festival. We're also guessing this is the first time that the 4Runner has seen duty inside what looks like a vintage circus act's cage.

We can see from the photos that the body-on-frame SUV has received a freshened look with new smoked light fixtures front and rear, along with a boldly reworked front fascia and grille. The profile view seems largely unchanged, though there are new wheel patterns on offer.

The 4Runner will continue to be offered in three trims, including SR5, more luxurious Limited, and off-road-ready Trail specification. Both 4x2 and both part- and full-time 4x4 models will continue to be available, all will be powered by the same 4.0-liter 270-horsepower V6 and five-speed automatic as last year.

Other changes for the 2014 model year include a retouched interior featuring new Optitron gauges, a multi-information display, and changes in trim. On the entertainment front, there are new head units with Toyota's Entune infotainment technology and an in-glass antenna replacing the previous mast unit. The optional navigation unit features a seven-inch screen.

Check out our gallery above and the official press release below for the full scoop.

UPDATE: A video has been added below to go with the press release. Enjoy!

Continue reading 2014 Toyota 4Runner revealed at Stagecoach Music Festival [UPDATE: w/video]

2014 Toyota 4Runner revealed at Stagecoach Music Festival [UPDATE: w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 toyota 4runnerbreakingstagecoachstagecoach music festivaltoyotatoyota 4runnervideo Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550760/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550760/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/20550760/article-detail.xml 20550760 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/003-2014-toyota-4runner628opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/003-2014-toyota-4runner628opt.png <![CDATA[Toyota maintains world's largest automaker crown, GM and VW close behind]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Toyota badge

Toyota still holds the title of World's Largest Automaker. The Japanese automaker ceded the claim to General Motors in 2011 following a series of natural and man-made disasters that stifled production in Asia. Production is back up to full speed and, coupled with the introduction of a new Camry midsize sedan, Toyota retook the title in 2012 and has so far been able to keep it by selling 2.43 million vehicles in the first quarter of 2013.

The race is still tight - General Motors reports sales of 2.36 million vehicles, earning it the second spot globally with Volkswagen's 2.27 million sales nabbing the German automaker third place. It's not all smooth sailing for Toyota, either, as the brand's first-quarter figures were down 2.2 percent when compared to last year. GM posted a 3.6-percent gain and VW managed a 5.1-percent gain over the same period.

Sales in China may be a deciding factor as to which automaker performs best in 2013. Toyota's figures were down 13 percent in China. Meanwhile, GM and VW are continuing their upward trajectories in the crucial Chinese market.

As ever, each of the automakers says publicly it doesn't care much about the title. Shino Yamada, a spokesperson for Toyota, told The Washington Post, "Rather than pursuing numbers, we try to sell one car at a time, producing good cars. We aren't focused on being number one." GM spokesperson Jim Cain echoed a similar note, saying, "A day doesn't go by that we don't try to increase our sales all over the world."

Toyota maintains world's largest automaker crown, GM and VW close behind originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> automaker salesgmtoyotavwworlds largest automaker Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548387/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548387/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/20548387/article-detail.xml 20548387 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-fascia-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-fascia-badge.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Me.We concept is a multifunction Tupperware car [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Toyota Me.We concept car on the beach

Not to be outdone by the Renault Twin'Z concept penned by Welsh designer Ross Lovegrove, Toyota has partnered up with French designer Jean-Marie Massaud to create the 2013 Toyota Me.We Concept. Unveiled at Le Rendez-vous Toyota in Paris, the Me.We Concept is an attempt to imagine a car that can be appreciated by owners across a wide variety of lifestyles while being courteous to the environment, too.

From a "Me" perspective, the concept is highly customizable with removable body panels, and even though it might look like just a small hatchback from the outside, Toyota claims it can also be used as a pickup (with an extendable rear panel), a convertible (with a neoprene roof panel) and even an off-road vehicle. As for the "We" part of the car, it's a fully electric vehicle with individual in-wheel motors and a battery pack mounted under the load floor. The concept has a weight of around 1,600 pounds kept low thanks to an aluminum chassis, but it also features renewable bamboo wood for the floor in addition to the fully recyclable polypropylene exterior body panels. Scroll down to see more in an official video and to check out Toyota's official press release.

Continue reading Toyota Me.We concept is a multifunction Tupperware car [w/video]

Toyota Me.We concept is a multifunction Tupperware car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 toyota me.we conceptle rendez-vous toyotatoyotatoyota concept carvideowe.me Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548305/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548305/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/20548305/article-detail.xml 20548305 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-me.we-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-me.we-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Prius line may not reach 2013 sales target]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/toyota-prius-line-may-not-reach-2013-sales-target/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/toyota-prius-line-may-not-reach-2013-sales-target/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/toyota-prius-line-may-not-reach-2013-sales-target/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2013 Toyota Prius C

2012 was a good year for the Toyota Prius line, the hybrid that started it all moving 236,659 units, being the best-selling model in California for the year and the Prius C (pictured) being deemed the most reliable car of 2012 by Consumer Reports. Then 2013 happened, and gas prices dropped more than expected, and people haven't been buying the little hybrids like they used to.

A report in Bloomberg says Toyota set 250,000 units as the Prius family's sales target for this year, but hits like the double-digit drop in year-on-year performance in February have helped lower 2013 sales by 8.4 percent compared to 2012, making the objective "a challenge" to reach. The declines in Prius sales come even as hybrid sales overall were up in the first couple of months this year, including sales of other Toyota and Lexus hybrids. Jim Lentz, Toyota's North American chief, said the Prius target would be adjusted if necessary.

Toyota Prius line may not reach 2013 sales target originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> hybridhybrid salesprius salestoyotatoyota prius Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546288/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546288/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/toyota-prius-line-may-not-reach-2013-sales-target/20546288/article-detail.xml 20546288 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/prius-sales-target_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/prius-sales-target.jpg -1 2