Autoblog

Toyota Auris gets new Touring Sports variant

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Toyota, UK

Toyota showed off the Touring Sports version of the Auris next to the newly introduced Auris Hybrid at last year's Paris Motor Show, but didn't say much about it. Six months later, just ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, the company is crowing about that wagon going on sale with the Hybrid Synergy Drive, creating the Auris Touring Sports Hybrid.

The hauling version of the exceptionally popular Auris hatchback doesn't just add a hybrid wagon to the compact segment, Toyota says it offers class-leading load capacity of 1,658 liters with the Easy-Flat one-touch rear seats down. With the rear seats up, it offers 530 liters. The little big gulp is possible because the hybrid batteries have been placed under the rear seats instead of being in the luggage area.

It looks the same as the hatchback save for the fact that it's 285 millimeters (11.2 inches) longer behind the C pillar, has a redesigned tailgate and a lower load floor. Engines beyond the hybrid will match the rest of the lineup: 1.3-liter and 1.6-liter gasoline engines and a 1.4-liter D-4D diesel. There's a chance we'll see it in Geneva, if we don't there's a press release below to tell you all about it.

Continue reading Toyota Auris gets new Touring Sports variant

Toyota Auris gets new Touring Sports variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Toyota Auris Hybrid is sharper and sleeker in new form [w/video]

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota may have given us the full spec-sheet on its revised Auris before the car made its official Parisian debut, but our first live look at the next-generation wagon nevertheless proves compelling. The longer, lower five-door looks the part of a better-handling hatchback - just the role that Toyota hopes the hybrid can play in the European market.

The Hybrid seen here is the second-generation gas-electric Auris, and it will be the top-level powertrain option for European buyers. Toyota expects that a full one-third of Auris buyers will select that Hybrid Synergy Drive model - the other two-thirds of buyers are expected to be evenly split between the diesel- and gasoline-powered versions of the car.

Have a closer look at the handsome 2013 Toyota Auris in our live gallery and scroll below for the official word from Toyota in both video and press release forms.

Continue reading 2013 Toyota Auris Hybrid is sharper and sleeker in new form [w/video]

2013 Toyota Auris Hybrid is sharper and sleeker in new form [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Avalon gets 40-MPG hybrid model for 2013

Chris Paukert — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Toyota, Design/Style

Given that the 2013 Avalon shares a platform with the new Lexus ES, this news should come as no surprise: Toyota's largest sedan is getting its own hybrid variant for the first time ever. Judging by these first photos, carspotters will have to squint hard to tell that they're looking at a hybrid, as there are only a few small badges and blue-tinted lenses as a tip-off to this vehicle's gas-electric motivation.

As with its luxury-minded sibling, the Avalon Hybrid will arrive under the spell of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four paired with a duo of electric motors juiced by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Total system power is stated at 200 horsepower, but the meatier number is an EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon city and 39 highway.

Also like its Lexus relation, Toyota is touting a trio of operation modes that includes pure EV (only good for one mile at speeds up to 25 mph), Eco, and Sport, the latter of which tweaks both steering weight and throttle response.

Toyota hasn't released any dynamic performance figures or pricing information, but the new Avalon Hybrid will be in dealers this fall, where it will square off against the Buick LaCrosse eAssist and soon-to-be-replaced Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

Continue reading Toyota Avalon gets 40-MPG hybrid model for 2013

Toyota Avalon gets 40-MPG hybrid model for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota passes three million hybrid mark

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Lexus, Toyota

Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has sold just over three million hybrids globally since it introduced its first, the Toyota Coaster Hybrid EV bus in 1997, followed that same year by the first-gen Prius. More impressive is the fact that more than a million of those sales have come since August of 2009.

Toyota offers 16 different hybrid models around the world, and it's about to introduce several new variations of the Prius to our shores. Toyota's Lexus luxury division has augmented the company's hybrid movement, offering a gas-electric electric option on the RX, GS and LS models, and two dedicated hybrids, the CT and HS.

By the end of 2012, Toyota says it will add 10 more hybrid models to the global market. According to Toyota, hybrid vehicles had saved the nearly 18 million tons of C02 it would have produced building similarly sized traditional gas-powered cars.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius

Photos copyright (C)2011 Sam Abuelsamid / AOL

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota passes three million hybrid mark

Toyota passes three million hybrid mark originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota to provide Daimler with hybrid components, technology?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:38:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Electric

2010 Mercedes S400 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz is getting hot and heavy into hybrids, and parent company Daimler AG might be looking to a familiar name for help. Reports out of Tokyo indicate that Daimler is in talks with Toyota about getting "motors and batteries in addition to technology" to supply its hybrid needs.

The discussions have gone on for a year now, and have come to the point of detailing exactly which components Toyota will supply. Apparently, the pact could also include fuel cell technology sharing. Assuming a deal gets made, Daimler will join Ford, Nissan and Mazda on the list of Toyota partners when it comes to some aspect of hybrid tech. And if that isn't what you call "hybrid synergy drive," we don't know what is.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

[Source: AFP]

Toyota to provide Daimler with hybrid components, technology? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Followup: Toyota and Severinsky settle hybrid patent dispute ahead of ITC hearing; Ford also settles

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Technology, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following on the heels of our earlier report about yesterday's scheduled hearing between Toyota and Alex Severinsky at the International Trade Commission came word that the parties have settled. Neither side has released any details about the agreement - and they probably won't. Toyota had previously been found guilty of infringing upon Severinsky's patent, which centers around getting power to a vehicle's wheels with a gasoline-electric vehicle using both high- and low current.

In all likelihood, Toyota agreed to pay royalties to PAICE (Severinsky's company) for all of the hybrids it has sold and will sell in the United States until the patent expires in 2012. This means that the threat of a ban on imports of Toyota hybrids has been lifted - at least until the next case.

In related news, Ford has also settled with PAICE over hybrid patent issues. The details are confidential, but there's a bit more information after the jump.

[Sources: Bloomberg, PAICE]

Continue reading Followup: Toyota and Severinsky settle hybrid patent dispute ahead of ITC hearing; Ford also settles

Followup: Toyota and Severinsky settle hybrid patent dispute ahead of ITC hearing; Ford also settles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Ride: We check out the 2011 Lexus CT 200h in Europe

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Lexus, Luxury, Quick Spins

2011 Lexus CT 200h prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota is no stranger to being first - Japanese luxury vehicles and hybrids chief among them. Although Acura may have launched earlier, Lexus remains the only Japanese luxury marque to market in Japan. And having launched in Europe shortly after America, Lexus was also the first to challenge the European heavyweights on their home turf, and with its LS and LFA, it remains the only non-European marque to compete at the top level.

Credit Toyota, as well, for popularizing hybrid technology, as it launched the Prius domestically as the first mass-produced gas-electric, whereupon it has dominated the market with successive generations. But where the Japanese auto giant has really stood apart is in the combination of both luxury and hybrid technology.

Recognizing the technology's popularity with upscale buyers, Lexus has carved out a niche in producing luxury hybrids. In fact, its lineup in many European markets is comprised exclusively of hybrids. The HS 250h launched late last year as the world's first dedicated luxury hybrid model and now Lexus is branching out again by electrifying territory previously uncharted by Japanese automakers: the premium hatchback segment. We flew out to Toyota's European headquarters to see how development of the new CT 200h has been coming along. Follow the jump to see what we found.

Gallery: First Ride: 2011 Lexus CT 200h

Continue reading First Ride: We check out the 2011 Lexus CT 200h in Europe

First Ride: We check out the 2011 Lexus CT 200h in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Toyota Prius teaser... now with Blue Man Group

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST

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

Click above to see the Blue Man Group play around with the 2010 Prius

Now it begins to make sense: The previous performance art video teasers for the 2010 Prius were made up largely of edited shots from this teaser, with the Blue Man Group restored to its place. This one doesn't make any more or less sense than the previous videos, and there isn't much more to see, but it does offer a couple of chuckles. We would love to see how far you get with that eyedropper, though. Follow the jump to check out the video and see what we mean. Hat tip to reader Jerry!

Gallery: Confirmed: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Toyota Prius teaser... now with Blue Man Group

VIDEO: 2010 Toyota Prius teaser... now with Blue Man Group originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: Toyota shows off Camry CNG Hybrid

John Neff — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Green, Toyota, Electric

Click for high-res image gallery of the Toyoat CNG hybrid Camry

Toyota isn't holding a press conference at the LA Auto Show this year, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have anything to show. The Prius purveyors have built a CNG-fueled Camry hybrid. According to Toyota spokesperson Jana Hartline, the purpose of the CNG hybrid is to demonstrate the versatility of Hybrid Synergy Drive. The car gets 50% better fuel efficiency than the last production CNG vehicle offered by Toyota, which was based on the 2000 Camry. Hartline explained Toyota has no immediate plans to produce either CNG or CNG hybrid vehicles, but the company is looking at all alternatives for the future.

Gallery: LA 2008: Toyota Camry CNG Hybrid

Gallery: Toyota Camry CNG Hybrid

Continue reading LA 2008: Toyota shows off Camry CNG Hybrid

LA 2008: Toyota shows off Camry CNG Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Could Lexus become a hybrid-only brand?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Japan, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill

This could be Japanese-only news, or just a case of bad translation, but Toyota Managing Officer Toshio Furutani has apparently told Japan's Nikkei Business News that Toyota wants every vehicle in the Lexus product line to offer a hybrid option, and that "in the medium to long term, Toyota was considering making the Lexus lineup hybrid-only."

That sounds like he could mean Lexus, period, all over the world. But our questions come from the fact that the same report said that the Nikkei listed only the LS and GS models as currently available with a hybrid option, neglecting to mention the RX. And the fact that for Lexus to offer only hybrids in the U.S. would be an eyebrow-arching brand decision. Not that there isn't anyone out there in the market for a hybrid IS-F, but would you really risk it? We'll wait for a follow-up from someone at Toyota, or we'll just assume Furutani's comments were meant for other ears than ours.

[Source: Reuters]

Rumormill: Could Lexus become a hybrid-only brand? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota loses patent appeal for technology in Prius

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:01:00 EST

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

Toyota lawyers arrived at the U.S. Supreme Court today and were denied an appeal to overturn a ruling originally upheld by a federal appeals court in Washington last year. The case involved a technology patent held by a company named Paice LLC, which contended that Toyota used the same microprocessor developed by the McLean, Virginia-based company on its hybrid vehicles that inputs torque information for both the gasoline-powered engine and the electric motor. The $4.3 million dollar award against Toyota will stand, and Toyota is required to pay royalties to the firm to the tune of $25 for every Prius, Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h sold. Ouch. Sometimes the price of success is steep.

[Source: Detroit News]

Toyota loses patent appeal for technology in Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 May 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diesels vs hybrids: DaimlerChrysler vs Toyota

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hybrid, Green, Daimler, Toyota

At the same time Toyota was announcing its hybrid technology product plans for the next five years Tuesday, DaimlerChrysler representatives were in Tokyo to promote their clean diesel technology for the Japanese market. Like the U.S., Japan has never embraced diesels for passenger vehicles, while fuel prices in Europe have driven diesel cars to about a 50 percent share of the new-car market.

Hybrids have yet to take off in Europe the way they have in the U.S., because diesels achieve similar fuel economy and low CO2 emissions much more cheaply. In the U.S., EPA regulations and high-sulfur diesel fuel have kept diesels to a small part of the product mix, although the availability of low-sulfur diesel fuel starting in 2006 is encouraging DaimlerChrysler to take a run at the U.S. with its clean diesel technology.

Toyota's take on the future of the two technologies is that upcoming tighter emissions regulations, particularly in the U.S. and Japan, will require more advanced (and more expensive) diesel technology. At the same time, Toyota says it is on track to halve the cost for hybrids. With the diesel-hybrid price gap narrowing, and the fuel efficiency and ultra-low emissions potential of hybrids, Toyota sees the balance tipping in its favor before too long.

[Source: Reuters]

Diesels vs hybrids: DaimlerChrysler vs Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jun 2006 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota asks Thai government for large hybrid tax breaks

Chris Paukert — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, Lexus, Toyota

Toyota's Thailand arm is lobbying the government for hybrid tax incentives. The nation's biggest automaker is hoping authorities will incentivize its Dual Synergy Drive hybrids with engines larger than 3.0-liters.

For its part, the Thai government already allots a 10-percent excise tax on sub 3.0-liter hybrids, but the cars remain unpopular, in part due to huge import tariffs (reportedly in excess of 80 percent!). However, the country has recently signed a number of free trade agreements that will go a long way towards leveling the playing field as early as next year.

That said, Toyota's request appears unlikely to be granted, as it is reportedly against government policy to encourage the use of larger vehicles that demand more resources.

[Sources: ThaiDay; Lexus]

Toyota asks Thai government for large hybrid tax breaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 May 2006 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Altima Hybrid? Only if you live in one of eight states

Chris Paukert — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Nissan

Nissan's first hybrid, the forthcoming 2007 Altima HEV will only be sold in eight states. To put a geographical point on it, the Japanese automaker will sell the eco-friendly sedan in the Northeast and California: New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Jersey will join the Golden State. All of the states in question have adopted versions of the latter's zero-emissions vehicle program, which in effect will force manufacturers to sell hybrids.

Nissan admits it has the ability to churn out 50,000 hybrids-- more than it expects to divvy up between the eight markets, so it can technically build for other states if demand warrants it.

What do you think, is Carlos 'Hybrids Don't Make Sense' Ghosn missing an opportunity, or just making a good business decision? Sound off in 'comments.'

[Sources: Bloomberg News; Nissan]

Nissan Altima Hybrid? Only if you live in one of eight states originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan goes 180 degrees to develop own hybrid technology

Joel Arellano — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hybrid, Green, Nissan

Nissan, like the German automakers, initially was hesitant to develop hybrid vehicles. But seeing Toyota's and Honda's success in the fast-growing segment, Japan's second largest automaker tentatively took steps to the 'green' side by licensing parts from Toyota for the upcoming hybrid Altima which is to debut later this year.

Now it looks like Nissan is further embracing the trend. According to Bloomberg, Nissan is now developing its own battery, inverter and motor for its future vehicles. Mitsuhiko Yamashita, executive vice president of Nissan, states the new components will provide nearly double the output of today's current hybrid technology. However, states Bloomberg, the technology will not available until 2009 at the earliest.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Nissan goes 180 degrees to develop own hybrid technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Apr 2006 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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