Autoblog

REPORT: Toyota sued for pranking woman to sell Matrix

Dan Roth — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:36:00 EST

If you're trying to sell cars, perhaps it's best to not alienate or scare the daylights out of potential customers. Toyota has tried a few new approaches lately, and agency Saatchi & Saatchi may have thought it out-clevered itself with a faux-stalker effort for the Matrix, but it's landed both the agency and the automaker in legal hot water.

Amber Duick, a California woman who was seriously freaked out by a fake stalker named Sebastian Bowler -- no, we're not sure how it was intended to tie in to the Matrix, either -- has asked Toyota for $10 Million in exchange for the hornswoggling she received. Emails from the nonexistent Mr. Bowler so intimidated Ms. Duick that her work suffered and she made her boyfriend sleep with weapons nearby, just in case.

The whole punking came about by her opting in, Toyota's lawyers say -- as in, she asked for it. Sure, says Duick's own attorney, if you count an undecipherable and dubious online personality test forwarded by a friend as an actual opt-in agreement, instead of just a legal fig-leaf. The legal flap is going to take some time for both parties to work out or ride through the court system, but you paranoids out there can rest easy; Saatchi wrapped up this campaign last year, so it's on to some other internet silliness to push the Matrix now. Thanks for the tip, Martin!

[Source: ABC News]

REPORT: Toyota sued for pranking woman to sell Matrix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forbes names 12 hardest new cars to find

Chris Tutor — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Infiniti, Lexus, Mini, Toyota, Luxury

2010 Audi Q5 - click above for high-res gallery

With many automakers scaling back production to better balance supply with demand, it's not surprising there are several hard-to-find models right now. Forbes Magazine made some calls and did a little research and turned up what they say is the top 12 most difficult to find cars. After the run on high-mileage cars recently, you'd expect to see hybrid models like the Toyota Prius at No. 2 on the list. Tied for second is a car on the other extreme, the Chevrolet Camaro. Both model are spending an average of 18.5 days on dealer lots.

But Forbes says the hardest to find new car recently is actually the Audi Q5. The Four-Ringed crossover sat around in showrooms an average of only 16.8 days in June and July. Audi had another hit on the list with its S5, which tied for 12th place with the Mini Cooper.

Only one other American nameplate showed up as a hot seller, and that was Ford's Escape and Escape Hybrid, slipping in at No. 10. Toyota had a whopping five vehicles on the list, including the Prius and the Lexus RX 350/RX Hybrid. The Matrix was No. 4, the FJ Cruiser No. 8, and the RAV4 was No. 9. Said another way, "Thanks, Cash for Clunkers!"

Oddly, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI didn't show up on Forbes' list. From our personal experience and reports from readers, the car is almost impossible to find due to production issues and demand -presumably that's because the study calculated days on lots for the entire Jetta lineup, not just specific models therein.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5

[Source: Forbes]

Forbes names 12 hardest new cars to find originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern

Chris Shunk — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Scion, Toyota

2009 Toyota Matrix -Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has begun working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 95,700 vehicles with a brake issue that could lead to poor stopping at low temperatures. The recall involves 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla and Matrix models and 2008-2009 Scion xD models with the 1.8-liter engine, and only customers in 19 cold weather states are eligible for the recall.

Toyota says the problem may arise when condensed moisture from the positive crankcase ventilation port seeps into the brake system vacuum port and freezes. As ice accumulates, the brake vacuum port could plug up and "power assist to the brakes would gradually decrease and lead to lengthened vehicle stopping distances." That doesn't sound good. Owners of affected vehicles will soon receive a notice from Toyota, followed by instructions to take the vehicle to a Toyota dealership for no-cost repairs. Dealer technicians will install a newly designed intake air connector that relocates the brake system vacuum port, a one-hour procedure.

While it's definitely a good thing that Toyota caught this issue as soon as it did, we have a bit of an issue with the fact that the recall is only for cold weather states. It's not like a Corolla or Matrix can't cross state lines during winter, and nobody deserves to be met with brakesicles when they try to stop. Hit the jump to pour over Toyota's press release.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern

Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Crossover, Hatchback, Toyota

It's not every day that you get more for the same money. Yet that's what Toyota is offering with the 2010 Corolla, which will come with traction control and vehicle stability control and no price increase over the outgoing model. The MSRP of that car remains $15,350 for the base model 5-speed sedan. The Matrix also adds the two features as standard, but the price on the CUV goes up by $201, to $21,960. Both cars will arrive in dealer showrooms at the end of February, and for more pricing info you can check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control

2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recall Watch: Toyota, GM recalling 660,000 vehicles for window defect

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Hatchback, GM, Pontiac, Toyota

Joint manufacturing ventures allow both automakers to share resources and platforms, but unfortunately, it also means they share problems. Such is the case with GM and Toyota, whose NUMMI plant in Fremont, California, put out 540,000 Toyota Matrixes, Corollas and 123,00 Pontiac Vibes with faulty bolts that hold in the glass on the two front doors. The 660,000 2003-2004 vehicles equipped with power windows are being recalled after 500 complaints, 36 claimed injuries and one crash (?!) were reported. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is calling for both automakers to recall the affected vehicles and replace the faulty bolts at no charge.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Recall Watch: Toyota, GM recalling 660,000 vehicles for window defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota releases prices on 2009 Corolla and Matrix

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hatchback, Toyota

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res pics.

Toyota has finally announced pricing for the 2009 Matrix and Corolla that made their unceremonious debut back in November at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. Both models get a bump in their sticker, with the Corolla costing $845 more than the outgoing 2008 model, while the Matrix increases by $680.

The base Corolla, whose nomenclature has been changed from CE to "Standard", starts at $15,250 sporting a five-speed manual, while an automatic model will set you back another $800. The LE and XLE models start at $16,650 and $17,550, respectively, both equipped with an automatic tranny and the 132-hp, 1.8-liter four. Care to upgrade a bit? You can now get the new 2.4-liter four producing 158 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque in the XRS version starting at $18,760 with a manual or $19,950 with an automatic that Toyota notes can be "shift sequentially."

The Matrix, which Toyota claims redesigned the crossover segment, but in reality is just a five-door Corolla, comes in three flavors: Standard, S and XRS. You can equip the warmed-over hatch with either the same 1.8-liter or 2.4-liter four found in the Corolla, mated to either a five-speed manual or a four- or five-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive will be an option on S-trim models that will come standard with the 2.4-liter four-pot and "Super ECT" four-speed gearbox. Pricing for the standard matrix starts at $16,190 if you row the gears yourself, while the max'd out XRS models shoots up to $21,850 with an auto 'box. None of the prices listed above include the $650 destination fee.

All the details and trim levels are available in Toyota's press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla

Continue reading Toyota releases prices on 2009 Corolla and Matrix

Toyota releases prices on 2009 Corolla and Matrix originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: 2008 Toyota Matrix Rally concept

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Wagon, Toyota

UPDATE: Video of the Corolla and Matrix tuners is available after the jump

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res pics.

Toyota unleashed the new Matrix in a Halloween-infused joint press conference here in Vegas. The production version of the new (Corolla) Matrix debuted across the street, but we were on hand to see the Rally version unveiled on the floor at SEMA. The new design lends itself well to some modifications, but like most of the vehicles here at the show, it's more about flash than function. The front-mount intercooler helps feed a supercharged version of the Matrix's 2.4-liter four. The OZ wheels and upgraded brakes speak to the concept's functionality, as does the stripped out interior, added fuel cell and multi-point rollcage.

We'll have more details on the production version momentarily, but in the meantime, check the gallery below. Also, in case you missed it, you can check out the new Toyota Corolla right here.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Matrix Rally

Continue reading SEMA 2007: 2008 Toyota Matrix Rally concept

SEMA 2007: 2008 Toyota Matrix Rally concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota will bring redesigned Corolla, Matrix to SEMA in Vegas

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Budget, Toyota

While the SEMA show in Las Vegas used to be a venue exclusively for aftermarket firms to show their wares to other industry types, it has quickly evolved in recent years as yet another place for automakers to take the wraps off exclusive models and concepts. This year's show in November is turning out to be yet another automaker-heavy affair, with Toyota set to unveil the 2009 Corolla and Matrix to the throngs of enthusiasts in attendance.

Both models are getting long in the tooth, and although the Corolla remains one of the best selling compact cars in the U.S., it may prove to be less compelling fare than what the automaker wants to reveal at a major show like Detroit.

Toyota's press release can be viewed in full after the jump.

Continue reading Toyota will bring redesigned Corolla, Matrix to SEMA in Vegas

Toyota will bring redesigned Corolla, Matrix to SEMA in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Pontiac Vibe almost uncovered

Dan Roth — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, GM, Pontiac, Toyota

UPDATE: Image removed at request of owner.

With the Toyota vs. GM smackdown in full swing, the Vibe/Matrix always seemed inconsistent with the two companies regular practice of beating each other's brains out. The shared models have been popular enough to warrant a second generation, which we should see officially unveiled at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. Cheers and Gears has a bunch of great spy shots from GenVibe member EastBaySaint of the 2009 Vibe nearly devoid of camo, follow the link to see them. What is missing is any semblance of cladding, a change that's been propagating through Pontiac for a while now, and is welcome anywhere it goes.

Toyota power is still underhood, likely in the form of the 2ZR-FE or 2AZ-FE inline four cylinders, offering 136 or 157 horsepower, respectively. Toyota's Valvematic may show up, as well, along with the attendant efficiency gains. The slightly modish lines of the original Vibe have evolved nicely, gaining less anonymous swept-back headlamps but avoiding the other styling convention du jour, fender vents. There's now a dip in the beltline, recalling the G6. The interior, too, has had its elements pulled together in an evolution of the original's design. Every inch of the Vibe has been scrutinized and revised to good effect, and the name may also be nipped and tucked to an alphanumeric to keep up with the rest of its stablemates, possibly being dubbed the G4.

[Source: Cheers and Gears]

Spy Shots: 2009 Pontiac Vibe almost uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Matrix coming Spring '08

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 07:32:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota

Toyota will be updating the Matrix in Spring 2008 and the automaker is using the Mazda3 as its design inspiration (good choice) for the hatchback. The Corolla-based vehicle is already sold in Europe as the Auris and in Japan as the Blade. The US-based Matrix will have different sheet metal than in other markets but it may be taking on the Blade name since Toyota has registered the name with the US Patent and Trademark office. The Japan market Blade has a 2.4L engine producing 158 HP, which would be a big bump from the 126 HP that powers the current Matrix.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

New Matrix coming Spring '08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Upwardly mobile: Toyota lifts prices on seven 2007 models

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Toyota

This just in from the Department of Mundanity: Toyota hikes prices on seven models in their 2007 lineup.

Overall, it's nothing spectacular, with MSRPs rising just 0.7-percent or $136 on average. The vehicles included in the price increase are the Yaris, with a bump of $100, the unchanged and much-maligned Corolla up another $100, the other unchanged, Corolla-based Matrix MSRP moves north an additional $150, the FJ Cruiser gets another $200 tacked onto its sticker, the four-wheeled appliance known as the Camry has another $200 affixed to its bottom line (hybrid not included), the RAV4, cutish-ute comes in at another $200 higher and the Tacoma will cause you to haul in an additional $200 if you want to drive off in Toyota's entry-level pickup.

Yawn. We're going out for a cup of coffee and we'll be back with more exciting news later in the day.

If you care to endure the press release, follow along below the fold.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Upwardly mobile: Toyota lifts prices on seven 2007 models

Upwardly mobile: Toyota lifts prices on seven 2007 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Road-racing, Matrix-style

Noah Joseph — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Videos, Supercars, Acura, Honda, Lamborghini

Computer animation studio FXNine has given us this jewel of a CG racing duel, pitting a red Acura NSX against a yellow Lamborghini Diablo, and it is one hell of a ride.

Called Overdrive, the video has a distinctive Matrix-like feel to it. The two supercars race down empty, fictitious, often pointless but entirely entertaining empty highways, going up and down ramps, underwater, around corkscrews and loops and through the air.

If you liked The Matrix and like cars (which we assume you do, otherwise you wouldn't be here), you'll love this video. Follow the link to watch.

[Source: FXNine via German Car Blog]

VIDEO: Road-racing, Matrix-style originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Toyota Matrix???

John Neff — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Pontiac, Toyota

Automakers apply camouflage to their test mules in unique ways, so spy photographers are often able to tell what company is testing a vehicle based on its unique "camo signature". These spy shots appeared on the internet this morning of what most auto pundits are calling the next generation Pontiac Vibe, probably based on the strip of camo that's bisecting the grille. After a consult with a friend in the spy business, however, we learned that this vehicle is probably not the next Pontiac Vibe, as the camo doesn't match the tape-and-cardboard job usually done by General Motors. We asked him too look closely at the strip on the grille, and he stood by his claim and told us it looks more like the work of an Asian automaker, so we're going out on a limb and calling this vehicle the next Toyota Matrix. While the two tall wagons are mechanically identical in many ways, each company is responsible for it own styling, and it appears Toyota engineers may have been deliberately trying to get us to guess they were driving a Pontiac. Aside from that, the camo is expertly applied and completely obscures the shape of the rear. If this vehicle is the Matrix, we can see that it grows in size, especially in the front where we hope some new, more powerful engines are being used. Then again, it may not be the Toyota Matrix, either.

[Source: Straightline]

Spy Shots: 2008 Toyota Matrix??? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Oct 2006 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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