Autoblog

Toyota Camry lineup gets interior and tech updates one year in

Danny King — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST

When it debuted last year, the Toyota Camry came in for some criticism over its interior, most centered on material choices - both in quality (not enough) and variety (too much). Thus, Toyota has responded after just one model year, updating both materials and features on its gas-powered and hybrid family sedans for 2013.

The LE version appeared to get the lion's share of the improvements. Specifically, the LE is getting "soft-touch" door materials as well as armrests that match the rest of the interior color (instead of being black). The LE model also gets Toyota's six-inch display screen that helps folks get a better gander at the car's energy usage and fuel economy, among other things. Other changes include adding cross-traffic alert for models equipped with blind spot monitoring

Toyota introduced its latest version of the Camry and Camry Hybrid in the fall of 2011 as a 2012 model. Sales have been solid, and in particular, the Camry Hybrid has improved its fortunes, bumping its US sales almost fivefold to more than 45,000 units. So far in 2013, the latter has carried over much of that momentum, boosting January 2013 sales from a year earlier by 81 percent to 3,826 units.

Looking for more details? Toyota happily goes into a ton of detail on the interior improvements in the press release below.

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Toyota Camry lineup gets interior and tech updates one year in originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Dan Roth — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Toyota, New Car Reviews

Giving Vanilla A Good Name

"Vanilla." Taken in modern context, that's not a compliment, but it should be. Vanilla actually has exotic origins, and as spices go, only saffron is more costly. Despite the realities, calling something "vanilla" is not whistling in admiration. The Toyota Camry has been called "vanilla" countless times since its debut, but both the car and the bean have something up their sleeves.

Scoff all you want, but vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor, and there is no mainstream sedan that outsells the Camry. Apparently, vanilla has an underlying tinge of filthy lucre. We didn't feel rich, exactly, wheeling around in the Camry Hybrid, but we came away impressed, nonetheless.

"When I go to an ice cream parlor for the first time, I always order their vanilla," says Ralph Hannabury. Why vanilla? "When you're making ice cream, everything builds off vanilla. If they have that right, you know they know what they're doing," Ralph explained. Who is Ralph Hannabury? For more than two decades, he made ice cream for Russo's Candy House in Saugus, Massachusetts. Ralph knows vanilla, and good vanilla is hard.

It's the same thing with cars. Supercars are easy compared to a good, bland sedan that starts faithfully every day for hundreds of thousands of miles and exhibits none of the bad habits that are "features" when you're talking exclusive machinery. The Camry is a riot of dispassion to car people, and the Hybrid only moreso with its Hybrid Synergy Drive sopping up whatever visceral treats you can find in the standard Camry.

Continue reading 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalls slew of models for possible airbag calibration defect

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota is recalling sixteen models from the 2009 to 2013 model years over a potential issue with passenger seat airbag calibration. In spite of the large number of different Toyotas covered by the recall, just 3,235 units are included. These were vehicles installed with accessories like leather seat covers and headrest DVD systems by Southeast Toyota Distributors, and during the modifications the passenger seat occupant sensor system might not have been calibration tested. If the sensors aren't set up properly, the passenger airbag might not work as it should.

Affected models include: Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius V, Rav4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra and Venza. Scroll down for the relevant model years for each.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the recall will begin this month. Southeast Toyota will inform owners, at which time they can take their Toyotas to dealers for testing and repair. The complete bulletin from the NHTSA with more information is below.

Continue reading Toyota recalls slew of models for possible airbag calibration defect

Toyota recalls slew of models for possible airbag calibration defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota hawks Avalon Hybrid on Home Shopping Network

George Kennedy — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Toyota, TV/Movies

"But wait, there's more!" You may be accustomed to hearing that line during an infomercial for a steak knife sharpener, but what about when the talking head is pitching a brand new car? Toyota is doing just that in a new partnership with HSN. The result of this partnership is a show called "Discover Toyota," which first aired on Sunday, October 7.

HSN has been around for more than three decades, and Toyota is the first automaker to appear on the network. The aim of the show is to highlight Toyota's hybrid lineup, including the Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, all-new Avalon Hybrid, and of course, the Prius family.

According to Toyota Motor Sales VP of Marketing Communications and Motorsports Ed Laukes, "HSN has a really loyal and engaged base of viewers, so it was a natural partner to help us expose out growing lineup of hybrids to people across the country." Appearing on the show were Micah Muzio of KBB.com and Tara Weingarten of Vroomgirls.com. The two appeared as the program's auto experts - one must carefully consider the objectivity of any subject matter expert brought on to a program this is so clearly backed by Toyota, however.

The show apparently also featured quizzes and Toyota-themed games, allowing fans to earn point towards sweepstakes to win a new Avalon Hybrid. Do you think this is a smart move for an automaker? Is Toyota targeting the Avalon's target demographic with the HSN program? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Continue reading Toyota hawks Avalon Hybrid on Home Shopping Network

Toyota hawks Avalon Hybrid on Home Shopping Network originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA expands Toyota fire probe to 1.4M cars and trucks

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, Toyota

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has grown its investigation into certain Toyota models to cover a full 1.4 million cars and trucks. Reuters reports the government safety agency has upgraded the investigation to a full-blown engineering analysis, which may eventually lead to a recall. NHTSA has received a number of complaints concerning fires tied to models built between September 2006 and August 2008 that use the same power window master switch design. All told, customers have reported nine injuries and 161 crashes or fires, though no deaths have been tied to the issue.

The analysis covers 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 and Yaris models as well as 2008 Highlander Hybrid crossover. Back in February, NHTSA opened an investigation into 830,000 Camry and RAV4 units, though today's announcement grows that number to over 1.4 million models.

NHTSA expands Toyota fire probe to 1.4M cars and trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota dominates Consumer Reports annual Top Picks list

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Toyota

Two years after Consumer Reports smacked Toyota by pulling its coveted Recommended label from the Japanese automaker's vehicles in the wake of safety concerns, the venerable consumer products testing magazine has slipped back into its comfortable role of being one of Toyota's biggest fans. In announcing its annual Top Picks list, CR lauded five Toyota models as best-in-class, meaning the once beleaguered brand captured fully half of the category awards.

The five triumphant Toyota models included the Camry Hybrid (hybrid), RAV4 (small SUV), Sienna V6 (family hauler), Prius (green car), and Highlander (Family SUV). It is the first time since 2003 that a single automaker has scored five class awards. Honda, the last automaker to do so, did not land a single vehicle on the list for the second time in three years.

Other vehicles landing a spot on the list include the Ford Mustang (sporty car), Hyundai Sonata (affordable family sedan), Infiniti G (sports sedan), Subaru Impreza (small car), and Chevrolet Avalanche (pickup truck).

CR says it evaluates vehicles for their road test performance, as well as reliability and safety, requiring that winners rank at least near the top of their category on the organization's overall road test scores while having average or better reliability on reader surveys and performing "well" on crash tests.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

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Toyota dominates Consumer Reports annual Top Picks list originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First 2012 Toyota Camry commercials look to burn up the interwebs

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota

Toyota has finally pulled the wraps off its all-new 2012 Camry, and the marketing machine is now in full swing. The automaker is hitting the virtual airwaves with a trio of commercials highlighting its newest midsize sedan, as well as Toyota's love for NASCAR. Kyle Busch helps out with some smoky burnouts, high-speed driving and general information about the Camry Hybrid, and yes, that does seem a bit incongruous.

The first spot posted after the jump is titled "Electrified", and shows the NASCAR Camry turning donuts before being hit with some electricity and turning into a Camry Hybrid. The other two showcase Busch showing off for the camera. We can only hope no police were on the scene...

Hop the jump to check out Toyota's first three commercials for the 2012 Camry.

Continue reading First 2012 Toyota Camry commercials look to burn up the interwebs

First 2012 Toyota Camry commercials look to burn up the interwebs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Alex Nunez — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:22:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Toyota

Toyota was busy introducing all flavors of the 2012 Toyota Camry to the media earlier this week, but since all that stuff's embargoed, there's not much to tell. Yet. But what isn't under embargo is this collection of spy photos showing the 2012 Camry Hybrid in its birthday suit while shooting a television commercial.

The new Camry's familiar roofline communicates practicality overall, but the updated sheetmetal has more crisp lines, with new fascias fore and aft. The hybrid's grille treatment apes that of the facelifted Highlander Hybrid, and yes, those headlights are indeed the ones Akio Toyoda teased a few weeks ago.

In a nutshell, it's still a conservative look, but decidedly less frumpy than before. Now, let's see what changes Toyota's made below the surface to bring the Camry in line with the current midsize family-sedan competition.

This is the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: (500) Days of the AU Toyota Camry Hybrid?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota, Australia, Humor

Toyota Australia Camry Hybrid advertisement - Click above to watch the video after the break

Here's a worthwhile goal: Let's see if we can get through this entire post without even mentioning unintended acceleration or recalls. Whoops. Let's talk about something else, shall we? How about the movie (500) Days of Summer, which we saw not too long ago on the big screen.

Perhaps our favorite scene from the movie, which was all-around pretty good, was when Tom Gordon, ably played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, danced his way through the city after, ahem... well, let's just say he had himself a good day. And that Zooey Deschanel is as cute as a button, assuming that brunette button were to have lovely light blue eyes and a great smile.

Anyway, it was a memorable scene. And Toyota's Australian arm seems to have noticed it as well, using a very similar tactic for a new commercial highlighting the new locally built Toyota Camry Hybrid. Have we mentioned how much we love ourselves some classic Hall and Oates? No? Well, never mind then. Just watch the video after the break for some classic '80s goodness. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

[Source: Toyota AU via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: (500) Days of the AU Toyota Camry Hybrid?

Video: (500) Days of the AU Toyota Camry Hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Refreshed 2010 Toyota Camry to start at $20,115

Chris Paukert — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Toyota

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Toyota Camry

Toyota has just announced prices for its facelifted-for-2010 Camry, and the best-selling sedan will range from $19,395 for a six-speed manual, four-cylinder model (*$20,115 including destination charges) to $29,045 for the high-content V6 XLE automatic ($29,765 w/dest.). Hybrid buyers can expect to pay $26,150 ($26,870) before hitting the options list.

Those prices represent an increase of 1.2 percent ($281), which strikes us as reasonable in light of the updated interior, exterior, and content including standard stability control. 2010 Camry units begin hitting dealers next month. Click on the jump for the official press release and full pricing matrix.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Toyota Camry

[Source: Toyota]
*UPDATE: Pricing corrected - Thanks for the tipoff, GB, et. all

Continue reading Refreshed 2010 Toyota Camry to start at $20,115

Refreshed 2010 Toyota Camry to start at $20,115 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Camry hybrid lead engineer died from Karoshi (overwork)

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Japan, Safety, Toyota

Lending a bit of credence to recent allegations made by The National Labor Committee regarding workers right abuses by Toyota is the recent death of a lead engineer on the Camry hybrid project. Although the man died back in 2006, the Japanese Health Ministry has just now ruled that the man died of karoshi, which is a Japanese word meaning death from overwork. This ruling will allow his family to receive benefits from his ex-employer. The 45-year old man is survived by a daughter and his wife, who recalls her husband working long eighty-hour work weeks, along with frequent nights and weekends. Just prior to his death, he was working on shipping logistics related to the Detroit Auto Show, a trip he missed by just one day. Toyota responded to the ruling by saying that it would monitor its workers health more closely. Thanks for the tip, Ledwinka!

[Source: AP via Yahoo]

Toyota Camry hybrid lead engineer died from Karoshi (overwork) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fuel economy not luxurious enough according to Orlando

Dan Roth — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Government/Legal, Green, Toyota

Corporate clients have long grown accustomed to being shuttled around in the back seats of Panther-platform Fords. The throwback Town Car that most car services run doesn't exactly sip fuel, so T.J. Donaghy of Orlando, Florida decided a Toyota Camry Hybrid would be a good addition to his fleet at Aristocrat Transportation. City officials have denied Donaghy's attempt at greening his livery fleet, reasoning that the Camry doesn't fit any of the five classes of vehicles for hire that the City of Orlando regulates. The city contends that the type of service offered by Donaghy can only use luxury cars. Adding to the confusion, the city has no exact language defining exactly what comprises a luxury vehicle, but like Potter Stewart, they know it when they see it, and it's not the Camry.

There is a real concern that opening things up for the Camry could have Kia Rios running around as "limousines" if some line in the sand is not drawn, but the high price of fuel along with ongoing greening efforts may make the path easier for the Camry. Other communities in Florida already allow Camry hybrids, also setting some precedent. It seems that the crux of the dustup is the idea of what exactly a "luxury" working car is, and how to fit the Camry Hybrid in somewhere without stretching the definition so much that King Midgets could get a free pass. All of this could have been avoided if Donaghy had just coughed up the loot for an LS600hL, though the Hybrid Synergy Drive system in that vehicle is used to bolster performance instead of fuel economy. Thanks for the tip, Bill!

[Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Fuel economy not luxurious enough according to Orlando originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As yen sweetens, Toyota sales sour

Michael Harley — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

Being Toyota doesn't grant you any additional immunity from simple global economics. Word from Tokuichi Uranishi, executive vice president of Toyota, is that one of the world's largest automakers is going to miss its sales target of 9.85 million vehicles for 2008.

Toyota execs cite slowing sales in the United States, Europe, and Japan as a primary factor. In addition, rising raw material costs are hurting the global automaker, which assembled 9.37 million vehicles in 2007. To top it off, a yen that hit a 13-year high against the dollar at the beginning of this week is cutting profits on exports from Japan.

It may be up to China, Russia, and Korea to pick up some of the slack. Those emerging Asian markets are active, and Toyota is looking at them for future growth. In a move towards achieving that goal, the Prius, Camry, and RAV4 sports-utility will be introduced in South Korea shortly. Sales are expected to be just 500 units per month initially, and then increase to upwards of 1,000 a month.

[Source: Automotive News, subs req'd]

As yen sweetens, Toyota sales sour originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota planning new crossover for Kentucky plant

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Toyota

Toyota Motor Corp. is apparently looking into adding a new model to the assembly line at its Georgetown, Kentucky facility. That's the plant we've recently covered regarding union issues. Georgetown is currently building nothing but Camrys right now, so adding a new crossover to the mix "would help ease the plant's dependence on Camry sedans." Sure, like five million Camrys indicates they need a change. They have already added Camry Hybrid production, but it's never a bad idea to diversify to allow for market fluctuations.

The plant update would likely cost around $400 million, but wouldn't add overall production capacity or swell the work force. If and when another model is added, it is likely to be a new crossover, which would require Toyota to shift some Camry production to other facilities. They would also have to be able to build this new crossover in other Toyota plants to meet global demand. With a potential $400 million on the line, it's not surprising to hear that the Kentucky legislature is working on an incentive package for the expansion.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Toyota planning new crossover for Kentucky plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Camry named 2007 Canadian Car of the Year

Chris Tutor — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Lexus, Toyota, Misc. Auto Shows

Oh that Camry, such a charmer. It's so not sitting home on Valentine's Day without a date. This time it's the Canadians giving up some automotive love, handing the Camry another trophy for its burgeoning display case - the Canadian Car of the Year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. Going home with Good Sport stickers (or plaques or certificates or whatever they get) are the Honda Fit, Volkswagen Rabbit, Lexus ES350, Audi S8, MazdaSpeed3, Volkswagen Eos and the BMW 3-Series Coupe. What a fight that must have been. The AJAC's press release is after the jump, and all their test data and performance numbers are on their site for comparison.

The award was given out today as part of the Canadian International Auto Show, where Toyota took home three more awards, one of which wasn't Camry related. The Lexus ES350 was named the best new luxury car under $50k, while the Camry LE got Best New Family Car $22k-$30k, and the Camry Hybrid also got Best New Family Car over $30k. In the photo above, that's one proud Stephen Beatty, managing director of Toyota Canada, with his company's CCOTYs.

In case you need some ammo with which to attack/support the AJAC's decision, last year's top CCOTY was the Civic Sedan, in 2005 the Mustang, in 2004 the Mazda3 and in 2003 the 350Z. The Altima won in 2002 and the PT Cruiser took top honors in 2001.

Thanks for the tip, Peter!

Continue reading Toyota Camry named 2007 Canadian Car of the Year

Toyota Camry named 2007 Canadian Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year

Chris Tutor — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

In case you somehow hadn't noticed(?!), it's not only deer and turkey season, it's also automotive award season. And here's yet another trophy for those keeping track of all of them. CNET.com wants you to help decide their 2006 Tech Car of the Year Award winner. They've done the hard work and weeded out the really big turkeys to give you a list of some real dears.

In early voting, the Lexus LS460 L, with its 19-speaker sound system, live traffic GPS and self-parking system is leading the other nine contenders. So what's it gonna be for you? Acura's RDX with voice commands? Audi's adaptive-suspension-equipped Q7? BMW's 335i with its adaptive cruise control and iDrive? Or are you more a Cadillac guy, voting for the Escalade with OnStar?

See the other five contestants after the jump.

[Source: CNET]

Continue reading Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year

Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Camry Hybrid wins 2007 Green Car of the Year

John Neff — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 08:13:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Green, Toyota

The onslaught of COTY awards continues, and the Toyota Camry Hybrid can add another trophy to the case after being named 2007 Green Car of the Year yesterday on the last day of the 2006 LA Auto Show. The Camry Hybrid and its purely petrol sister car also won Motor Trend's golden calipers earlier this month.

Sponsored by Green Car Journal, the GCOTY award is voted on by four of the magazine's editors and a host of outside judges including none other than the guru of gasoline, Carroll Shelby. Other cars in contention included the Honda Civic GX, Lexus LS450H, Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec and Saturn Vue Green Line. AutoblogGreen was on hand during the press conference and learned from one of the judges that the Camry Hybrid's mainstream appeal was a big factor in the decision. This was the second time Green Car Journal has given the award, with last year's inaugural CGOTY award going to Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

The award was accepted by Ed La Rocque, Toyota's national car marketing manager, who immediately dedicated the award to Dave Hermance, Toyota's lead engineer on hybrid projects who died in a private plane crash less than a week ago.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Toyota Camry Hybrid wins 2007 Green Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Dec 2006 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser package, Camry hybrid gets $300 bump

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Toyota

In 2007, Toyota will be bringing to market a Limited Edition model of its popular FJ Cruiser, complete will all the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) goodies.

First off, the limited edition version will be sprayed down head-to-toe, in black paint, nixing its trademarked white roof. The wheels will be coated in an anthracite finish and wrapped with uprated BF Goodrich All-Terrain rubber. To complete the exclusive look, expect the prerequisite "TRD Limited Edition" badges adorning as many surfaces as possible.

Appearance is one thing, capability is another and TRD recognizes that the base model could benefit from a few staple mods to make it a more competent off-roader. The stock suspension will be tossed and fitted with TRD/Bilstein shocks, developed for dirt duty and covered in a red finish. The new shocks are claimed to reduce squat and dive, as well as increase straight-line stability. Another mod includes mating the locking diff with the Active Control computer, which will aid the FJ when rock crawling is the activity du jour. The package will also include a TRD performance exhaust and "rock rails."

The interior will benefit with an array of airbags, including both seat-mounted and side curtain, along with a "multi-informational display" that comes equipped with a temp. gauge, compass and inclinometer.

A total of 3,200 vehicles will be made, with a $7,265 increase in MSRP on manual models and a $7,250 increase on automatic models. The $15 premium on the manual-equipped FJ is purportedly due to the "quick shifter" option.

If you want to see the new FJ in person, it'll be prominently displayed during this year's SEMA show in November.

In the following press release, Toyota also snuck in a $300 increase on its Camry Hybrid, effective October 30th.

Continue reading TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser package, Camry hybrid gets $300 bump

TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser package, Camry hybrid gets $300 bump originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Sep 2006 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Kentucky plant about to build five-millionth Camry

Randall Halcomb — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

Toyota's Kentucky plant is about to crank out Camry number five million. Toyota's manufacturing plant in Kentucky has been operating since 1988, and will be starting a new milestone this year when it begins to produce the Camry Hybrid. That's because after 18 years of producing the Camry, the plant will be the first in North America to produce a Toyota hybrid of any kind.

The employees of the Georgetown, Kentucky plant must all carry rabbits' feet in their pockets to have this kind of luck. Not only does their plant produce beaucoup Camrys and now the 2007 Camry Hybrid, but they also manufacture Avalons, Solaras, and engines. All of this activity at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky represents a $5.4 billion investment with an annual payroll of over $500 million. The Camry and its cousins are critical to Toyota's presence in North America, so it's no wonder this milestone is such a big deal to them.

[Source: Toyota]

Toyota Kentucky plant about to build five-millionth Camry originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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