Autoblog

Armored Toyota is a pleasure palace in disguise

Zach Bowman — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Safety, Videos, Toyota, Specialty, Luxury

We've seen our fair share of kitted out armored vehicles, from bullet-proof BMW models to Land Rover SUVs that can take a land mine. But Lexani Motorcars has recently put its armored car experience to work on a Toyota Sequoia. Why? The company isn't saying, but we imagine a Toyota is somewhat less conspicuous than a high-dollar German sedan. With sufficient armoring on five sides to protect the machine from 7.62x51 mm rifle rounds and under body plating stout enough to keep the occupants safe from both grenades and land mines.

But this isn't some brutal tank. Inside, the Sequoia serves up leather seating, wine coolers galore, a massive, retractable LCD flat screen (which doubles as a cabin divider) and and beautiful wood trim. Rear passengers can see exactly what's going on outside thanks to a bevy of discreet cameras, and most of the onboard electronics look to be controllable via an iPad. Check it out below for a closer look.

Continue reading Armored Toyota is a pleasure palace in disguise

Armored Toyota is a pleasure palace in disguise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota owes us a 9-second car, presents us with DragQuoia instead

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA Show, SUV, Toyota, Specialty, Racing

For those who love to go as fast as possible in as straight a line as possible, but have a wife, two kids and family pet, Toyota has built the DragQuoia just for you. Well, except for the family pet part.

With four seats (plus racing harnesses, naturally), a 650-horsepower TRD supercharged V8 engine and 21.5-inch racing slicks, this drag-racing Sequoia thing can reportedly cover the quarter mile in as little as nine seconds. It's so absurd that it's glorious.

In addition to the racing harnesses, there's a full roll cage and a parachute to bring things back down from speed. Safety first, family man. Read more about the DragQuoia in the press release below and enjoy our live photo gallery above.

Continue reading Toyota owes us a 9-second car, presents us with DragQuoia instead

Toyota owes us a 9-second car, presents us with DragQuoia instead originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota readies "DragQuoia" Sequoia Family Dragster for SEMA

Zach Bowman — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SUV, Toyota, Police/Emergency, Specialty, Racing

Oh, SEMA. There's no other show on the face of the planet that would be so bold as to serve up a creation like the one seen above. This is the questionably named DragQuoia, and it's a slammed Toyota Sequoia with a 650-horsepower TRD supercharged V8 engine shoved under the hood, complete with nitrous. Toyota says the machine can bolt down the quarter mile in somewhere between nine and 10 seconds, thanks in part to the fact it has been stripped of 1,600 pounds of "non-essential" weight - presumably dirty diapers and sippy cups. The DragQuoia was built by NHRA Top Fuel points leader Antron Brown as part of the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge.

A set of 21.5-inch wide rear tires help shuttle the power to the pavement, and indoors, the DragQuoia features four race seats with harnesses for fun with the family as well as a full roll cage and an appropriately sized parachute. The DragQuoia faces off against a Kyle Busch-designed Camry, a Prius whipped up by Clint Bowyer and a Tundra penned by Alexis DeJoria. Fans can vote for their favorite, with the winner taking home a $50,000 check from Toyota from their charity of choice. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Toyota readies "DragQuoia" Sequoia Family Dragster for SEMA

Toyota readies "DragQuoia" Sequoia Family Dragster for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Sequoia dumps 4.6L V8 for 2013, adds Blu-Ray player

Zach Bowman — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Japan, Technology, Toyota

Buyers stepping into a 2013 Toyota Sequoia can expect to do so without the choice of a 4.6-liter V8. The big, body-on-frame SUV will roll into showrooms with big 5.7-liter V8 as standard equipment, as the smaller engine has been discontinued. With 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, the iForce 5.7 liter gives the Sequoia a tow rating of up to 7,400 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission of last year stays on to shuttle power to either a two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive system that boasts a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential.

Those who feel like spending a little extra cash can step up to Platinum trim for a rash of interior niceties. More importantly, the higher trim serves up an Adaptive Variable Suspension, which offers the driver a total of three damping settings.

For the first time, the 2013 Sequoia offers back passengers the luxury of a Blu-Ray player, and Toyota claims the SUV is the first production vehicle in the world to offer high-definition rear-seat entertainment. Toyota's Entune multimedia system is also newly available for 2013. Check out the full press blast below.

Continue reading Toyota Sequoia dumps 4.6L V8 for 2013, adds Blu-Ray player

Toyota Sequoia dumps 4.6L V8 for 2013, adds Blu-Ray player originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Toyota Yaris priced from $14,115; Sequoia, Tundra, Sienna get pricing tweaks

Chris Shunk — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota

Toyota announced pricing for several 2012 models, and while many MSRPs will rise, so will the number of standard features. The most notable price announcement is for the all-new 2012 Yaris, which will start at $14,115 (plus $760 in delivery costs) in three-door guise. That's $950 more than the 2011 model, but Toyota points out that the base 2012 Yaris will come equipped with about $1,000 more equipment than the base 2011 model. The five-door SE model with a four-speed automatic transmission will top off the Yaris lineup at $17,200, up only $100 compared to the 2011 model. The SE five-door can also be had with a five-speed manual transmission for $16,400.

Most Sequoia models are unchanged compared to 2011 pricing, with the entry trim level starting at $40,930 (plus $985 for shipping) and reaching all the way to $61,305. The only trim to receive a price increase is the Platinum model, which goes up $500. The 2012 Tundra does get a price bump across the entire lineup, which increases ranging from $340 to $390, depending on the trim level. The entry Tundra stickers for $27,115 (plus $985 for shipping) and the 4x4 CrewMax Limited starts at $43,345.

The Sienna, which was all-new for the 2011 model year, also gets fresh pricing. The Sienna will continue to start at $24,520 (plus $810 shipping) for a front-wheel-drive base model, and will go as high as $40,570 for the all-wheel-drive Limited. Most prices change between $150 and $230, but for some reason the SE model is now up $2,090 to $33,440. Hit the jump to read over the Toyota press release.

Continue reading 2012 Toyota Yaris priced from $14,115; Sequoia, Tundra, Sienna get pricing tweaks

2012 Toyota Yaris priced from $14,115; Sequoia, Tundra, Sienna get pricing tweaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota shows next Avalon to dealers, rumors suggest it looks like A7, XJ

Chris Shunk — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Hatchback, Toyota, Motorcycle

When we think Toyota Avalon, phrases like 'social security', 'medicare' and 'Denny's Grand Slam' come to mind. The reason? The majority of Avalons out on the road are driven by old folks and curtain rod salesman, but a report from Automotive News suggests that this could all change in the very near future.

In its report, AN claims that the next Avalon was shown to Toyota dealers in June, and the employees loved what they saw. The large sedan will reportedly undergo a massive redesign that will morph the Avalon from a granny-glider to a curvy stud, with design comparisons already being made to the Audi A7 and the Jaguar XJ.

Sure, Toyota dealers typically spend their work days looking at the Yaris and Corolla, so their design eye could be muddied a bit. But at the very least, the next Avalon should be very different from the model we know and ignore today, and that should be a welcomed change of pace.

Speaking of the Yaris and Corolla, AN states that both models are slated for redesign. The new Yaris will arrive this fall with more aggressive styling and a bit more interior room. The Corolla will also get a heavy refresh for the 2012 model year, though the more thorough overhaul will likely come in the spring of 2014. The Corolla will reportedly evolve into more of a European-inspired design instead of following curvy competitors like the Ford Focus.

Another interesting development could come courtesy of the Sequoia SUV. AN claims that Toyota is looking into dropping the current model for the 2014 model year and using the Sequoia name as an entry trim for the iconic Land Cruiser. In total, Toyota will reportedly unleash 10 new or redesigned vehicles through the end of next year.

Toyota shows next Avalon to dealers, rumors suggest it looks like A7, XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz and Toyota plants halted by tornado outage

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota

Tornadoes are wreaking havoc in the southern United States, causing Mercedes-Benz and Toyota to put the brakes on production at each of their respective Alabama manufacturing facilities. Mercedes-Benz builds GL-Class, M-Class and R-Class vehicles in Tuscaloosa, while Toyota's Huntsville plant produces V6 and V8 engines for the Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks and the Sequoia sport utility vehicle.

Both facilities are closed at the moment, and power outages are affecting many areas in the South. Reps for Toyota and Mercedes have stated that their plants will remain closed through the weekend.

[Source: Automotive News | Image: Butch Dill/AP]

Mercedes-Benz and Toyota plants halted by tornado outage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Lexus, Toyota

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you thought consumer sentiment for Toyota and Lexus might be wavering, think again. Toyota is top of the class based on results from the 2010 Motorist Choice Awards, a consumer-driven study developed by Intellichoice and AutoPacific. Offerings from Toyota and Lexus were named winners in nine out of the 30 available award categories.

The Motorist Choice Awards has now entered its fifth year and the categories are more refined and easier to understand than in years past. Instead of having consumers select makes and models simply based on size and price, award categories were transformed into lifestyle concepts such as High Tech, Fun to Drive and Value Car. Each category was further broken down into Popular Brand and Premium Brand.

Toyota received awards for Eco Friendly (Toyota Prius and Lexus RX Hybrid), High Tech (Lexus RX Hybrid), Youthful (Lexus IS), Kid Friendly (Toyota Sequoia), Road Trip (Toyota Sienna), City Car (Toyota Yaris and Lexus LS) and Value Car (Lexus RX Hybrid).

The winners were selected by pooling data from over 42,000 consumer surveys. "From an emotional standpoint these awards are a reflection of how cars fit into people's daily lives, the tasks they fulfill on a day-to-day basis and the image people have of their vehicles," says Charlie Vogelheim, Executive Editor of IntelliChoice. The full list of winners is available in the press release, waiting for you after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Intellichoice]

Continue reading Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards

Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota denies Sequoia discontinuation - sort of

Zach Bowman — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Toyota, Off-Road

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

Earlier this week, we heard word that Toyota would be sending its sluggishly-selling Sequoia out to pasture after this current product cycle came to a close. Those whispers were evidently enough to ruffle a few feathers at the Japanese automaker, as the company has come out with a cleverly-worded denial:

Toyota denies any reports of the discontinuation of the Sequoia. For obvious competitive reasons, Toyota does not discuss future product plans. Sequoia continues to be a profitable, high-quality vehicle for Toyota and several years remain in the life of the current generation. Our focus remains on building our vehicles, including the Sequoia, with the highest possible quality.

Call us crazy, but the statement above doesn't do much to assure us about the future of the high-riding family hauler beyond this generation's expected lifecycle. Either way, we can certainly say that the current Sequoia will continue to dominate mall parking lots for at least a few more years. Past that, Toyota isn't saying what its plans are for its biggest vehicle.

Gallery: 2010-2013 Toyota Sequoia

[Source: Toyota]

Toyota denies Sequoia discontinuation - sort of originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota to kill Sequoia, Tundra redesigned in 2014

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Toyota

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

At it's peak in 2002, Toyota was selling over 70,000 Sequoias. Last year, that number dropped to below 20,000 units. So it comes as little surprise that ToMoCo will be nixing its Tundra-based SUV at the end of the current model's lifecycle.

A source speaking with PickupTrucks.com confirmed that the Sequoia won't live on, partially due to slow sales, but surely in part to get Toyota's CAFE ratings in check before the new rules hit in 2015. But all's not lost for the automaker's body-on-frame offerings.

A redesigned Tundra is set to arrive in 2014, just in time for Ford, General Motors and Nissan's newest half-ton pickups. Although sales of the Tundra haven't lived up to Toyota's lofty expectations, it's obvious the automaker feels the need to compete in the segment, and a refreshed model should help sales, despite the market's less-than-enthusiastic reception of Toyota's largest pickup.

Gallery: 2010-2013 Toyota Sequoia

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Toyota to kill Sequoia, Tundra redesigned in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: 2003 Toyota Sequoia to be recalled over traction control

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Japan, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Toyota made big headlines recently because of sliding floor mats and then sticky gas pedals - both resulting in unintended acceleration. Well, let's call today's recall announcement unintended deceleration. According to The Detroit News, Toyota is preparing to recall 50,000 of its full-size model year 2003 Sequoias.

According to the daily, there have been 160 reports of "inappropriate activation of the electronic stability control or the traction control system." Which is a fancy way of saying the vehicles suddenly seem to slow down on their own. Here's what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is saying:

"During the activation of either system, the driver loses throttle control and one of more brakes may apply, causing the vehicle to slow suddenly. During these activation events, the brake lights are not illuminated to signal to following traffic that the vehicle is slowing."

For its part, Toyota admits that:

"...the VSC system could, in limited situations, activate at low speed (approximately 9 mph) for a few seconds after acceleration from a stopped position and, as a result, the vehicle may not accelerate as quickly as the driver expects. There have been no reported injuries or accidents as a result of this condition."

Obviously, if your vehicle suddenly slows unexpectedly while under acceleration without warning (and without brake lights!), that's an issue. For its part, Toyota initially admitted it was a problem with the traction control system (not the stability control), but for some reason it didn't feel a recall was necessary. However, that was sixteen months ago, before the Japanese giant's woes began in earnest. Today, they're going to fix the issue. Toyota would do well to remember their Nixon: it's not the crime, it's the cover up. Official press release available after the jump.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Continue reading BREAKING: 2003 Toyota Sequoia to be recalled over traction control

BREAKING: 2003 Toyota Sequoia to be recalled over traction control originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports may restore Toyota "Recommended" ratings next week

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Consumer Reports may be ready to offer a vote of confidence in Toyota, depending on the outcome of the Japanese automaker's current Congressional Hearings on Toyota Safety here in the United States, says CR Senior Director David Champion.

At the end of January as news was starting to pile up regarding reported cases of unintended acceleration and the subsequent recalls of nine Toyota models (totaling 2.3 million vehicles), CR decided to pull its Recommended rating from the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix (and its twin, the Pontiac Vibe), RAV4, Sequoia and Tundra.

Says Champion, "We're looking at a daily basis at the recalls. We want to be sure that the recalls are being performed." Assuming that Toyota's efforts to repair faulty gas pedals remain on track, it would seem CR has enough faith in the automaker to give back its coveted Recommended ratings.

And what of suggestions that there may be more to Toyota's unintended acceleration woes than faulty floor mats and gas pedals? "We want to see if anything bubbles up from the Senate hearings... A lot of people pointed to the electronics, but I don't see anything at the moment that points to an electronic issue."

Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.

[Source: AOL Autos | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Consumer Reports may restore Toyota "Recommended" ratings next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota continuing to sell recalled vehicles without a fix

Chris Shunk — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Safety, Toyota

Toyota is in the beginning stages of a new voluntary recall that affects 2.3 million vehicles. The recall involves accelerator pedal mechanisms that could stick due to wear and cause unintended acceleration, though it is technically not related to an earlier, larger recall to fix floor mats on certain Toyota and Lexus models that could also cause accelerator pedals to stick.

The folks over at Kicking Tires spoke with National Manager of Environmental Safety and Quality for Toyota, John Hanson, who revealed that vehicles affected by the recall are still sitting on dealer lots for customers to purchase in spite of their potentially defective accelerator pedal mechanisms. Hanson said the reason that Toyota is letting dealers still sell the vehicles even though they may have to come back in for repair is because the problem tends to appear after extended wear. However, since Toyota doesn't yet have a fix figured out, dealers can reportedly only replace the defective pedal mechanisms with new mechanisms of the same type for now. Hanson is also reportedly unsure about whether or not the vehicles affected by the recall are still being manufactured, but said he thought the lines involved were down.

While it is within the law for Toyota to keep affected vehicles on the lot given the fact that the recall is voluntary, we hope its dealers have enough scruples to inform potential customers about the issue before these vehicles are purchased.

[Source: Kicking Tires | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Report: Toyota continuing to sell recalled vehicles without a fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota issues new voluntary recall for sticking accelerator pedals, 2.3 million vehicles affected

John Neff — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Toyota

Toyota has announced a new voluntary recall of approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct "sticking accelerator pedals" on eight specific Toyota models. The recall includes late model versions of the RAV4, Corolla, Matrix, Avalon, Camry, Highlander, Tundra and Sequoia (follow the jump for the list of vehicles including model years). This recall is entirely separate from the one Toyota announced last September, its largest ever at approximately 4.2 million vehicles, involving "pedal entrapment" by floor mats that could cause unintended acceleration. That said, about 1.7 million vehicles out there on the roads are involved in both recalls, though no Lexus or Scion models are involved in the one announced today.

This particular recall addresses complaints by Toyota customers who have experienced unintended acceleration not caused by floor mats jamming the accelerator pedal down. In these cases, which Toyota says are rare, the pedal mechanism could be worn and "become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position."

A class action law suit filed against the automaker last November alleges that Toyota has known about this problem for four years and received 2,000 complaints. It also alleges that sticking accelerator pedals have resulted in 16 deaths and 243 injuries.

Last week, Automotive News reported that Toyota will also begin installing brake override systems in its vehicles beginning with the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES350. These systems would force the engine into idle if they detected the driver was trying to apply the brakes unsuccessfully. With two large recalls and the introduction of brake override systems, Toyota may have finally covered all the bases when it comes to possible causes and solutions for its vehicles potentially taking off on their own. The court of public opinion, however, will decide if it could have moved more quickly doing so.

[Source: Toyota | Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading Toyota issues new voluntary recall for sticking accelerator pedals, 2.3 million vehicles affected

Toyota issues new voluntary recall for sticking accelerator pedals, 2.3 million vehicles affected originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota bankrolling $500 million into Indiana plant; no comment on NUMMI

Michael Harley — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Toyota, UAW/Unions

The world's biggest automaker has confirmed that it is investing 44.9 billion yen (or about $467.2 million at current exchange rates) to upgrade its Indiana plant. Toyota Motor Corp. will reportedly spend the next three months retooling in order to build its Sequoia and Highlander SUVs on the same line (last year, the automaker canceled plans to manufacture the Highlander in a new plant slated for Mississippi).

Toyota also has no comment about the recent rumors that it had entered talks with General Motors about buying out General Motors's share in the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) venture after the U.S. automaker announced last week that it was abandoning its 50 percent stake in the partnership. Toyota is currently negotiating with the United Auto Workers to adjust labor rates at the Fremont, California, operation. According to reports, the plant could shut down if those talks go sour.

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

REPORT: Toyota bankrolling $500 million into Indiana plant; no comment on NUMMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota considering exporting big trucks

Chris Shunk — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Toyota

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota Tundra.

The Toyota Tundra is the most competent pickup Toyota has ever produced, but the two-year-old truck has been hit hard by the harsh reality of the US auto slump. Gas prices and a sluggish housing industry have conspired to put a wet blanket on the Tundra party, and the San Antonio plant will be closed from August 8 until mid-November to allow dealers to clear out Tundra inventory. When the Texas plant does come back online, a portion of its production could wind up overseas.

At the Management Briefing Seminars, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Inc. President Steve St. Angelo said some Tundras and Sequoias could be produced in the US and shipped overseas. While markets like Europe and Asia aren't likely to turn to trucks and SUVs in large numbers, both the Tundra and Sequoia could be a welcomed addition in the Middle East, where cheap gas prices makes big vehicles more acceptable. While the overseas truck market isn't likely to produce huge demand for the Tundra and Sequoia, the currently untapped markets could help the San Antonio plant come closer to running at its peak efficiency.

Gallery: 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Sequoia

[Source: Auto News (subs req'd)]

Toyota considering exporting big trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited

Dan Roth — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Toyota

2008 Toyota Sequoia - Click above for high-res image gallery

Gigantor. The 2008 Toyota Sequoia arrives humongously revised from the already beefy first-generation. The Timberland Mica (Metallic Green) example that Toyota lent us for a week definitely deserves whatever size-related superlatives you can dream up. It's big, it's powerful, it doesn't sip fuel. There is a need and a market for this type of vehicle, however. If Sequoia buyers don't actually utilize its considerable capabilities, that's not Toyota's fault. This year marks the migration of Toyota's full size Sport Utility to the same mechanicals that underpin the new Tundra, ladling on capability to an already fairly competent and refined vehicle.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4

Continue reading Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited

Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Autoblog picks the top 5 world debuts (VIDEO)

Chris Shunk — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:54:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Truck, Green, Videos, Crossover, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Lincoln, Nissan

The 2007 LA Auto Show has come and passed, and the show acted as a North American catch-up for all the world-wide unveilings from Frankfurt in September. We saw the production F430 Scuderia, the Reventon, the Up!, and many other vehicles that first caught the public eye in Germany two months earlier. LA had its share of world debuts, like the all-new Sequoia, the Nissan Murano, and the Lincoln MKS. We looked over all the world debuts and came up with a video of our top five new introductions of the 2007 LA Auto show. We tried to figure into our decision both industry significance and enthusiast impact. Click play on the video above to check out where the new vehicles ranked, and hit the jump to chime in with your list as well.

LA 2007: Autoblog picks the top 5 world debuts (VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Toyota debuts the 2008 Sequoia

Merritt Johnson — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:42:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUV, Toyota

click above image to see high-res gallery of the 2008 Sequoia

Toyota rolled out the 2008 Sequoia today and as expected, it is essentially a Tundra in SUV form. The Sequoia's front end and interior take design cues straight from its pickup truck brethren. The new model will also get the option of the 381 HP 5.7L V8 engine mated to a six-speed transmission. While on the surface the new Sequoia is based off of the Tundra, it is also designed with an active family lifestyle in mind. The addition of independent front and rear suspensions offer a more comfortable ride for lengthy trips along with increased handling and stability. It is also rather capable of clambering over rough terrain as was demonstrated live on stage. The rear seats and the third row are more adjustable for better storage, access and comfort, as well. Toyota also threw in more electronic gadgets to keep up with consumer demands. A JBL synthesis 14-speaker sound system is available complete with Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 player ports, XM satellite radio and a rear DVD player.

Follow the jump for the complete release from the Toyota camp. Also check out our hi-res images from the live unveiling along with Toyota's own photography in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Sequoia

Continue reading LA 2007: Toyota debuts the 2008 Sequoia

LA 2007: Toyota debuts the 2008 Sequoia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Toyota Sequoia

Dan Roth — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Toyota

Why bother even camoflaging the new Sequoia? We all know it's going to have a Tundra nose, with a closed-in tail. Woohoo. There will be detail differences, we're sure, but the more important details of the new Sequoia snaps that Priddy and Company snared are the underbits. Looking closely at the back end, an independent rear suspension appears to be fitted. That should help create more liveable space for third row passengers in what promises to be a cavernous interior, and it wouldn't be right to have the Armada prancing around with IRS while the Sequoia carried on with the live-axle setup that suspends the current truck.

The front view shows what may be a sensor for adaptive cruise control, which means this behemoth will now effortlessly ride the bumper of meek cars, threatening to crush them. Powertrains should be direct ports from the Tundra, so while it's stature may be glacial, its speed will not.

[Source: StraightLine]

Spy Shots: 2008 Toyota Sequoia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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