Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Lexus GX to go unibody, gain turbo power?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/lexus-gx-to-go-unibody-gain-turbo-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/lexus-gx-to-go-unibody-gain-turbo-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/lexus-gx-to-go-unibody-gain-turbo-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Lexus GX 460

Add another one to the endangered list. The number of traditional body-on-frame SUVs has been dwindling as manufacturers replace them with crossovers, which is the direction the Lexus GX 460 is heading. According to Ward's Auto, the GX will likely be supplanted by a unibody, three-row crossover at the end of its current lifecycle.

Toyota introduced the current Lexus GX in 2010, at the same time it also redesigned the 4Runner, on which the Lexus model is based. If the GX is shifted to a unibody platform, that could mean that Toyota would do similarly with the 4Runner, or the two vehicles could diverge and the GX could assume the underpinnings of another model.

This is mere speculation, but Toyota could shift the GX to the Highlander platform that is currently shared with the Lexus RX. Since the RX is not available in a three-row model, the move would allow the GX to retain its third row as a differentiator without upsetting the successful formula of the RX, Lexus' best-seller.

Regardless of what Toyota decides to do with the GX and 4Runner, Ward's says the company is also investigating the use of turbocharged four-cylinder engines in Lexus products. Since Toyota already has one of the best engines in the world in its direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 that sits under the hood of most Lexus models, we wouldn't expect the brand to introduce a turbo four any time soon, at least not in its volume products.

Lexus GX to go unibody, gain turbo power? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4runnergxgx 460lexustoyotaunibodyWed, 30 May 2012 18:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20247529/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/30/lexus-gx-to-go-unibody-gain-turbo-power/20247529/article-detail.xml 20247529 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2011-lexus-gx-460-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2011-lexus-gx-460-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Toyota celebrate UAE launch of GT 86]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/watch-toyota-celebrate-uae-launch-of-gt-86/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/watch-toyota-celebrate-uae-launch-of-gt-86/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/watch-toyota-celebrate-uae-launch-of-gt-86/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota GT-86 in the UAE

Toyota has officially launched the company's GT 86 sportscar in the United Arab Emirates. The Japanese automaker rolled out the rear-drive hero with a fancy new video shot in the hills around Fujairah. With plenty of drifting, tire smoke and slow motion, the clip serves as a proper introduction to the lightweight coupe. Judging by the quick video, there are a few market-specific changes to the UAE Toyota GT 86, including the availability of one very massive rear wing. The piece has more than a passing resemblance to the exaggerated aero work found on the lusty Subaru WRX STI sedan.

Will the Toyota GT 86 find favor in the UAE? We certainly think it's got a shot. If there's a more car-obsessed culture on this planet than the one found in the U.S., it lies in the well-funded Middle East. You can check out the launch video for yourself by scrolling below, or head over to the Toyota UAE Facebook page for a little more information.

Continue reading Watch Toyota celebrate UAE launch of GT 86

Watch Toyota celebrate UAE launch of GT 86 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>86fr-sfrsgt 86gt86scion fr-stoyobarutoyotatoyota 86toyota gttoyota gt 86toyota gt 86 launch videouaeunited arab emiratesvideoWed, 30 May 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20247480/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/30/watch-toyota-celebrate-uae-launch-of-gt-86/20247480/article-detail.xml 20247480 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-gt-86-uae-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-gt-86-uae-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Toyota Prius C doesn't get much love from <i>Consumer Reports</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-prius-c-doesnt-get-much-love-from-consumer-repor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-prius-c-doesnt-get-much-love-from-consumer-repor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-prius-c-doesnt-get-much-love-from-consumer-repor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Consumer Reports' 2012 Toyota Prius C road test - screencap

Consumer Reports has panned the 2012 Toyota Prius C in a new video review that urges car shoppers to get a used regular Prius over the new baby model, "it's a much better car overall," said Mike Quincy in the review.

The problems Toyota ran into in creating the Prius C appear to be in making it cheaper, according to Consumer Reports. The list of adjectives during the video review included: "lackluster," "hard plastic," "cheap materials," "dead steering" and "slow."

Toyota may see those words as misplaced modifiers compared to the glowing recommendations the larger mainstream Prius has received in its decade-long Synergy drive to becoming the eco-poster child for hypermiling greenies out to save the Earth and ride in California HOV lanes with a single person aboard. (HOV access for most gas-electric hybrids has been discontinued in the Golden State.)

While the Prius C may start at $18,995, its price climbs quickly and its value does not, Consumer Reports said. A new regular Prius starts at $24,000.

However, the bad news from Consumer Reports hasn't hurt Prius C sales, which began in April. During its first month, Toyota sold 4,782 Prius C models, outpacing the other Prius variant, the family-minded Prius V, as well as the subcompact Yaris, which donates its platform for the Prius C.

Scroll down to watch Consumer Reports' full Prius C video review or read more at the source link.

Continue reading 2013 Toyota Prius C doesn't get much love from Consumer Reports

2013 Toyota Prius C doesn't get much love from Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota prius cconsumer reportsgreenpriusprius ctoyotavideoTue, 29 May 2012 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246865/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-prius-c-doesnt-get-much-love-from-consumer-repor/20246865/article-detail.xml 20246865 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-toyota-prius-c-consumer-reports-20120529_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-toyota-prius-c-consumer-reports-20120529.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Prius now third-most-popular car in the world... sort of]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/toyota-prius-now-third-most-popular-car-in-the-world-sort-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/toyota-prius-now-third-most-popular-car-in-the-world-sort-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/toyota-prius-now-third-most-popular-car-in-the-world-sort-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Toyota Prius - front three-quarter view, maroon

Think you're seeing more Toyota Prius models on the road these days? Well, you are.

Automotive News is reporting that all those increased Prius sales in the U.S. and Japan (see here and here and here and here etc.) have turned the Prius into the world's third-best-selling car model for the first three months of 2012. During the first quarter, the Prius sold 247,230 copies around the world. The only cars that sold more during that time were the Toyota Corolla (300,800) and the Ford Focus (277,000).

There's an asterisk on the Prius' figures: much of that new success is due to the fact that there are a brace of new Prius models, namely the C, V and Plug-in - that have expanded the line, with the C being the "car of the moment in Japan," according to Automotive News. Sales in the U.S. were up 42 percent in the first quarter. The new models and the increased sales make up what AN calls a "Prius surge," one that could be capacity constrained in the States. AN writes that the sales pace could reach 250,000 units, but Toyota only has 220,000 units assigned to the market. More vehicles have been ordered, a Toyota exec says, but whether or not they arrive is uncertain. After last year's production issues, though, this is the good kind of problem to have.

Toyota Prius now third-most-popular car in the world... sort of originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota priushybrid salespriusprius cprius plug-inprius salesprius vtoyotatoyota priustoyota salesTue, 29 May 2012 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246702/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/toyota-prius-now-third-most-popular-car-in-the-world-sort-of/20246702/article-detail.xml 20246702 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-toyota-prius-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-toyota-prius-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Toyota Venza priced from $27,700*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-venza-priced-from-27-700/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-venza-priced-from-27-700/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-venza-priced-from-27-700/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Toyota Venza - dynamic front three-quarter view

Toyota has announced official pricing on the company's 2013 Venza. Buyers can look forward to laying down $27,700 for the refreshed crossover, excluding any destination fees. That marks an increase of $275 over last year for the base, front-wheel drive LE model equipped with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the XLE trim will carry a price tag of $29,775, or $1,585 more than the the 2012 model. Limited guise has also seen a jump of $955 to $36,465. Toyota unveiled the revised Venza at this year's New York Auto Show, where the family hauler bowed with a redesigned front fascia marked with by a more restrained grille, new headlamp arrays and fog lamp bezels.

Similarly, the Venza now wears a few updates to the sideview mirrors and tail lamps. Indoors, buyers can expect to find the cabin largely untouched, though new steering wheel buttons are along for the ride. Consumers may also opt for the company's clever Entune phone app integration system.

The first 2013 Venza models should be trickling into dealers nationwide as you read this. Check out the full press release below for more details.

Continue reading 2013 Toyota Venza priced from $27,700*

2013 Toyota Venza priced from $27,700* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota venza2013 toyota venza pricing2013 venza pricingentunetoyotatoyota venzavenzavenza msrpvenza pricingTue, 29 May 2012 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246661/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-venza-priced-from-27-700/20246661/article-detail.xml 20246661 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013-toyota-venza-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013-toyota-venza-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda drive the new NASCAR Camry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/watch-toyota-ceo-akio-toyoda-drive-the-new-nascar-camry/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/watch-toyota-ceo-akio-toyoda-drive-the-new-nascar-camry/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/watch-toyota-ceo-akio-toyoda-drive-the-new-nascar-camry/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Akio Toyoda drives 2013 NASCAR Camry

When Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda wanted to give his company's 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Camry a shakedown run, Kyle Busch was chosen to ride shotgun. Even though Busch has won 85 races driving Toyotas in three NASCAR series, it was Toyoda who took the driver's seat for a spin around Daytona International Speedway.

The redesigned Camry stocker is expected to be submitted for approval this summer, and you can watch Akio Toyoda put it through its paces in the video below.

Continue reading Watch Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda drive the new NASCAR Camry

Watch Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda drive the new NASCAR Camry originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 May 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota camryakio toyodacamrykyle buschnascarsprint cuptoyotatoyota camrytoyota racing developmenttrdvideoMon, 28 May 2012 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245750/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/28/watch-toyota-ceo-akio-toyoda-drive-the-new-nascar-camry/20245750/article-detail.xml 20245750 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/akiobuschnascar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/akiobuschnascar.jpg <![CDATA[Canadian railroad strike could pinch U.S. car supply]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/canadian-railroad-strike-could-pinch-u-s-car-supply/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/canadian-railroad-strike-could-pinch-u-s-car-supply/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/canadian-railroad-strike-could-pinch-u-s-car-supply/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Canadian Railway strike - locomotives in yard

TheDetroitBureau.com reports 5,000 Canadian Teamster union members moved to strike against the Canadian Pacific Railroad after last-minute negotiations failed to reach a fruitful agreement. As a result Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, Honda and Toyota have all seen their vehicle shipments bottlenecked. The railroad company has closed a full 15,000 miles of track across both Canada and the U.S., and the Canadian government has already threatened take action to put an end to the standoff. Those tracks typically handle a large portion of vehicle commerce, including moving both complete cars and components to and from manufacturing facilities.

According to TDB, Canadian Pacific Railroad serves auto manufacturing facilities across Ontario and the U.S. Midwest, helping to link those plants with sister locations in Mexico. Chrysler says the company is currently investigating alternative shipping methods in the event the strike continues much longer. Honda, meanwhile, has said CR-V shipments have already been impacted by the issue.

Canadian railroad strike could pinch U.S. car supply originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 May 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian pacificcanadian pacific railroadcanadian pacific railroad strikechryslerfordgeneral motorsgmhondamexicoontariorailroad strikestriketeamstertoyotaMon, 28 May 2012 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245854/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/28/canadian-railroad-strike-could-pinch-u-s-car-supply/20245854/article-detail.xml 20245854 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/canada-rail-strike_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/canada-rail-strike.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus moves to trademark spindle grille]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/lexus-moves-to-trademark-spindle-grille/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/lexus-moves-to-trademark-spindle-grille/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/lexus-moves-to-trademark-spindle-grille/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lexus LF-LC concept

Apparently the new Lexus spindle grille is here to stay. According to the Kaizen Factor blog, Toyota has filed numerous trademark applications in both the United States and Canada for various spindle grille designs.

The main differences in the designs are the inserts, either a zig-zag mesh like the current F Sport models of the CT, IS, GS, RX and LS, or a horizontal pattern like the non-F Sport models. But there's also a new "vertical bar" design revealed by the filings, which the report speculates may be applied to the next-generation IS.

Toyota has also filed paperwork to trademark the basic spindle outline with no insert, according to the report. For what it's worth, Lexus isn't the only Japanese automaker that's using a grille with this general shape...

Lexus moves to trademark spindle grille originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexusspindle grilletoyotatrademarkWed, 23 May 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242852/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/lexus-moves-to-trademark-spindle-grille/20242852/article-detail.xml 20242852 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/11-lexus-lf-lc-concept-detroit-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/11-lexus-lf-lc-concept-detroit-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota aims to put more "stock" into stock cars with 2013 NASCAR Camry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/toyota-aims-to-put-more-stock-into-stock-cars-with-2013-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/toyota-aims-to-put-more-stock-into-stock-cars-with-2013-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/toyota-aims-to-put-more-stock-into-stock-cars-with-2013-nascar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Toyota Camry NASCAR

NASCAR may have once been a form of motorsport in which only domestic automakers competed. And that's largely still the case, with one notable exception: Toyota. The Japanese automaker faced some difficulty breaking into the Good Ol' Boys racing series, but though some purists may still malign it, Toyota is in NASCAR to stay. And this is its latest car.

"Based", in design anyway, on the latest Camry, the new stock car from Toyota Racing Development is set to compete in the Sprint Cup next season, alongside the new Ford Fusion (among other competitors from Dodge and Chevy). The result of "an aggressive redesign", the new racer was developed with input from the company's Calty Design studio to look more like the road-going Camry than ever before.

Yes, it does bear a resemblance to its road-going cousin, especially in the fascia. That said, it's still a composite body over a tube frame powered by a V8 engine driving the rear wheels. In other words, this is a Camry in name only.

Of course it doesn't hurt Toyota's case that the Camry is built in America with more American components than most "domestic" vehicles, and now the stock car looks more stock, too. Keep reading below for the full press release.

Continue reading Toyota aims to put more "stock" into stock cars with 2013 NASCAR Camry

Toyota aims to put more "stock" into stock cars with 2013 NASCAR Camry originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota camrycamrynascarsprint cuptoyotatoyota camrytoyota racing developmenttrdTue, 22 May 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242996/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/22/toyota-aims-to-put-more-stock-into-stock-cars-with-2013-nascar/20242996/article-detail.xml 20242996 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webcamry-nascar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webcamry-nascar.jpg <![CDATA[BMW named most valuable car brand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/bmw-named-most-valuable-car-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/bmw-named-most-valuable-car-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/bmw-named-most-valuable-car-brand/#commentsFiled under: ,

In the latest release of its BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study, market researchers Milward Brown have given BMW the highest ranking of any carmaker, according to Automotive News. Toyota - last year's winner - finished second, followed by Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Nissan, according to the report.

BMW had last finished atop the rankings in 2010, according to the report, with Toyota taking the crown from 2006-2009. The highest-ranked American brand was Ford at seventh, trailing sixth-place Volkswagen. The top ten was filled out by Audi, Hyundai and Lexus. Toyota's drop was attributed to its production interruptions due to the natural disasters that affected all of the Japanese automakers last year, according to AN.

BMW's win among auto manufacturers was only enough to place it 23rd in the overall brand ranking, with an estimated brand value of $24.6 billion. Apple, the overall winner, according to the report, had a $182.9 billion valuation, ahead of IBM ($116 billion) and Google ($107.9 billion). Toyota's valuation was $21.8 billion, with Mercedes-Benz and Honda far behind at $16.1 billion and $12.7 billion respectively. No other carmaker had a valuation over $10 billion.

BMW named most valuable car brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbrandsbrandzmost valuable brandstoyotaTue, 22 May 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242583/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/22/bmw-named-most-valuable-car-brand/20242583/article-detail.xml 20242583 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/14-2011-bmw-alpina-b7-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/14-2011-bmw-alpina-b7-review.jpg <![CDATA[Carbon monoxide nearly costs this track day racer his life]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/carbon-monoxide-nearly-costs-this-track-day-racer-his-life/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/carbon-monoxide-nearly-costs-this-track-day-racer-his-life/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/carbon-monoxide-nearly-costs-this-track-day-racer-his-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Carbon Monoxide poisoning

There are plenty of dangers to contend with at a track day. High speeds, inexperienced drivers, faulty equipment and foul weather can all play havoc on an otherwise friendly fender-to-fender weekend. We can now add carbon monoxide poisoning to the list of potential threats.

One Finnish Toyota MR2 owner took his machine out for a quick sprint at Ahvenisto just outside of Hameenlinna. After a few minutes behind the wheel, the driver begins struggling to keep control of his car, eventually spinning into the infield. He maneuvers back on track and pulls off, and it isn't long before he blacks out entirely. Later, he would have no recollection of anything after the car hit the grass.

He stays unconscious for nearly 11 minutes before rescue workers resort to smashing his passenger window to gain access. By the time he receives medical attention, his blood was packed with 67 percent carbon monoxide. Any longer in the vehicle's cabin and the day very well could have been his last. Check out the scariness for yourself.

Continue reading Carbon monoxide nearly costs this track day racer his life

Carbon monoxide nearly costs this track day racer his life originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon monoxidecarbon monoxide poisoningcarbon monoxide poisoning videomr2toyotatoyota mr2track dayvideoMon, 21 May 2012 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241771/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/carbon-monoxide-nearly-costs-this-track-day-racer-his-life/20241771/article-detail.xml 20241771 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/carbon-monoxide_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/carbon-monoxide.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota boosting V6 production in Alabama, adding 125 jobs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/toyota-boosting-v6-production-in-alabama-adding-125-jobs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/toyota-boosting-v6-production-in-alabama-adding-125-jobs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/toyota-boosting-v6-production-in-alabama-adding-125-jobs/#commentsFiled under: ,



Toyota's Huntsville, Alabama production facility, which makes the company's four-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines, is getting a couple of big boosts: $80 million and roughly 125 new jobs. When the spending and hiring is complete, the enlarged factory and the plant's 1,150 workers will raise engine-production capacity to more than 700,000 units, with V6 production more than doubled from 146,000 engines per year to 362,000.

Toyota's been spending and hiring all this year, with $645 million invested in growth and 1,100 jobs added to the rolls. "This V6 line addition," said a company EVP, "continues to reflect our growing optimism for an improving North American market." Toyota's press release is posted below.

Continue reading Toyota boosting V6 production in Alabama, adding 125 jobs

Toyota boosting V6 production in Alabama, adding 125 jobs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 May 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alabamahuntsvillemanufacturingplantstmmaltoyotatoyota v6v6Sat, 19 May 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240546/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/19/toyota-boosting-v6-production-in-alabama-adding-125-jobs/20240546/article-detail.xml 20240546 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyotav6hiring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyotav6hiring.jpg <![CDATA[Car Wars report predicts Hyundai, Kia will lose market share]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/car-wars-report-predicts-hyundai-kia-will-lose-market-share/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/car-wars-report-predicts-hyundai-kia-will-lose-market-share/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/car-wars-report-predicts-hyundai-kia-will-lose-market-share/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The annual "Car Wars" report by Merrill Lynch analyst John Murphy predicts that, despite their seizing of U.S. market share over the last few tumultuous years, Korean brands Hyundai and Kia will give it all back and then some to companies like Ford, General Motors and Toyota by 2016.

Murphy bases his predictions not on tea leaves or crystal balls, but rather the rate at which automakers launch new products. Ford will replace 26 percent of its product line over the next four years, a number that represents 46 percent of its volume, while General Motors will replace 25 percent and Toyota 24 percent. On account of these new product launches, Murphy says Ford can expect to add 0.8 percentage points of market share, General Motors will recover 0.5 points and Toyota will add another 0.3 points.

Other automakers that won't be so aggressive in turning over their lineups with new models include Chrysler, Honda, Nissan and the European brands, which Murphy surmises will all remain flat in terms of market share.

Hyundai and Kia, meanwhile, will be introducing fewer new models than the rest and therefore, Murphy predicts, will see a 0.5 decline in U.S. market share.

Of course, these are all just predictions and can be blown to bits with the next unforeseen economic crisis or natural disaster, just like the last three years were. And there are other factors that might affect market share for each automaker during the next three years, including the availability of raw materials, exchange rates, union contracts, recalls and a million another minor things that might grow to become big things, not the least of which is consumers deciding they actually like all those new products being launched.

Car Wars report predicts Hyundai, Kia will lose market share originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bank of americacar warsfordgeneral motorsgmhyundaijohn murphykiamarket sharemerrill lynchtoyotau.s. market shareFri, 18 May 2012 18:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240741/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/car-wars-report-predicts-hyundai-kia-will-lose-market-share/20240741/article-detail.xml 20240741 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gyi0062947481-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gyi0062947481-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota turning Nintendo DS into navigation system]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turning-nintendo-ds-into-navigation-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turning-nintendo-ds-into-navigation-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turning-nintendo-ds-into-navigation-system/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nintendo DS

Video games are already an easy target for politicians, what with their amazing ability to turn both brains and muscles to jelly while also promoting violence and other sociopathic behaviors. So we can only wonder at the political grandstanding that might accompany this development: The Nintendo DS can now be used to control a Toyota navigation system.

Yes, that's right, if you can pull yourself away from drawing evil kittens on your DS - and you live in Japan - you can pair it via Bluetooth, and use it to input destinations and display a speedometer on the DS, according to Kotaku. The Kuruma de DS game card also gives your handheld gaming device the ability to broadcast its audio through the car's stereo system.

The software is designed to be used by passengers - of course - but we're sure it's only a matter of time before Japan experiences its first I-was-just-using-my-DS-to-program-my-nav crash. Kotaku says the game card is being sold by Toyota dealers for about $92.

Toyota turning Nintendo DS into navigation system originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingdsnavigation systemnintendonintendo dstoyotaThu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240239/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/toyota-turning-nintendo-ds-into-navigation-system/20240239/article-detail.xml 20240239 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nintendo-ds_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nintendo-ds.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS crowns three new Top Safety Picks [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-three-new-top-safety-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-three-new-top-safety-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-three-new-top-safety-picks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crowned two sedans and a hatchback as Top Safety Picks: the 2013 Chevrolet Malibe Eco, 2012 Hyundai Azera and 2012 Toyota Prius c. The redesigned 2013 Malibu joins its 2012 model-mate as a Top Pick, and the 2013 earned a good side impact rating even without its optional side airbags.

The Prius c also has siblings that have won the award, the Prius and Prius v. The Azera had been rated in a few earlier tests, but in completing the testing regime with good marks all 'round it earned the accolade. The Top Pick moniker is given to vehicles that score "Good" in the IIHS's front, side, rollover and rear-impact tests.

Have a look below for video of the Malibu and Prius c going through their side-impact exams.

Continue reading IIHS crowns three new Top Safety Picks [w/video]

IIHS crowns three new Top Safety Picks [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 hyundai azera2012 toyota prius c2013 chevrolet malibu2013 chevrolet malibu ecoazerachevrolethyundaiiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetymalibupriusprius cTop Safety PicktoyotaThu, 17 May 2012 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239069/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-three-new-top-safety-picks/20239069/article-detail.xml 20239069 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/malibuecoiihs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/malibuecoiihs.jpg <![CDATA[Gazoo Racing drums up twincharged 320-horsepower Toyota GT86]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/gazoo-racing-drums-up-twincharged-320-horsepower-toyota-gt86/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/gazoo-racing-drums-up-twincharged-320-horsepower-toyota-gt86/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/gazoo-racing-drums-up-twincharged-320-horsepower-toyota-gt86/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Gazoo GT86

As if turbos weren't enough.

Gazoo Racing (full name: Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring) has unveiled a concept racing version of the famed Toyota GT86 that features both a turbocharger and a supercharger to offer up 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

The car, officially called the Sport FR Concept, oozes high performance out of its fenders and includes Gazoo brakes, spoilers and suspension tuning, according to FT86Club.com. However, few specifics were available.

Toyota teamed up with Gazoo earlier this year to help jump start it's small-displacement engines. Earlier this year, Toyota gave the green light to the iQ Supercharger. Gazoo was expected to build about 100 of those cars.

Gazoo Racing drums up twincharged 320-horsepower Toyota GT86 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gazoogazoo gt86gazoo racinggazoo toyota gt86gt86NurburgringtoyotaWed, 16 May 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239693/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/gazoo-racing-drums-up-twincharged-320-horsepower-toyota-gt86/20239693/article-detail.xml 20239693 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gazoo-gt86_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gazoo-gt86.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota GT 86, Lexus LFA racers ready for Nürburgring 24 Hours]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/toyota-gt-86-lexus-lfa-racers-ready-for-nurburgring-24-hours/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/toyota-gt-86-lexus-lfa-racers-ready-for-nurburgring-24-hours/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/toyota-gt-86-lexus-lfa-racers-ready-for-nurburgring-24-hours/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Toyota and Lexus at the Nurburgring 24 Hours

Toyota and Lexus are gearing up for this year's Nüburgring 24 Hours. The two companies plan to take to the track with a total of five entries, including four Toyota GT 86 race cars and one Lexus LFA. Prepped by factory tuner Gazoo Racing, the LFA will compete in the SP8 class while two of the GT 86 models will go fender-to-fender in the SP3 class. Those will be joined by two more GT 86 racers built by Toyota Motorsport and competing under the Toyota Swiss Racing Team banner in the V3 class for production vehicles.

Gazoo Racing has already had a little fun at the Nüburgring this year. While competing at two shorter events at the legendary track, the LFA took home two wins. This year's 24-hour endurance race kicks off this weekend, May 17-20. The even will be streamed online here and here. Scroll down for the quick press release.

Continue reading Toyota GT 86, Lexus LFA racers ready for Nürburgring 24 Hours

Toyota GT 86, Lexus LFA racers ready for Nürburgring 24 Hours originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt86lexuslexus lfalfatoyotatoyota gt86Wed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239273/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/toyota-gt-86-lexus-lfa-racers-ready-for-nurburgring-24-hours/20239273/article-detail.xml 20239273 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-toyota-and-lexus-at-nurburgring-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-toyota-and-lexus-at-nurburgring-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota, Honda top supplier survey with lower results, GM and Chrysler improve]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/toyota-honda-top-supplier-survey-with-lower-results-gm-and-chr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/toyota-honda-top-supplier-survey-with-lower-results-gm-and-chr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/toyota-honda-top-supplier-survey-with-lower-results-gm-and-chr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Toyota and Honda auto show signs overlapping

Before financial Stargate opened in September of 2008 and transported us to an entirely new economic dimension, it was oh so common to read about domestic automakers hammering Tier One suppliers to lower their prices. Of course, suppliers are still asked to find efficiencies, but pre-2008, it seemed a point of honor to hold a supplier's feet to the fire. No more: in the latest Working Relations Index survey of suppliers by Detroit firm Planning Perspectives Inc., General Motors and Chrysler rocketed up the charts to bring the bunch much closer together.

Admittedly, the two companies are still in last place, with GM just ahead of Chrysler and Toyota and Honda still up top. But perspective and improvement is the issue here: in 2005, Toyota scored 415 and GM scored 114. In this year's survey, Toyota scored 296 and Chrysler scored 248. It is the first time in the 12 years of the survey that the six automakers covered have been separated by less than 50 points. Chrysler's jump was led by the efforts of the the late Dan Knott, whle GM's improvement has been led by Bob Socia.

And yes, this is also a matter of the perennial leaders, Toyota and Honda, suffering a dip: in 2010 Toyota scored 327 and Honda 309, two years later, Toyota has dropped 31 points. Every automaker, however, from top to bottom acknowledged that they still have work to do with supplier relations. The benefits of good feelings are that suppliers tend to present their newest tech to, and make better parts for, the automakers with whom they have the best relationships. Naturally, it has been found that the reverse is true as well.

Nissan and Ford make up the middle two spots, where they've been for years. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Hyundai aren't on the list yet; PPI feels it doesn't have enough data on the Germans to yet to officially include them, and it doesn't have enough data on Hyundai to rank it at all. If the data gathered on the Germans was included, though, they would sandwich the rest of the field: BMW and Mercedes at the top, Volkswagen at the bottom a point shy of Chrysler.

Toyota, Honda top supplier survey with lower results, GM and Chrysler improve originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwchryslerfordgeneral motorshondamercedes-benznissanplanning perspectivessuppliersupplier relationssupplierssurveytier 1toyotavolkswagenworking relations indexTue, 15 May 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238179/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/toyota-honda-top-supplier-survey-with-lower-results-gm-and-chr/20238179/article-detail.xml 20238179 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-honda-sign-overlap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-honda-sign-overlap.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Nissan Altima production kicks off in Smyrna, aims to pass Camry for #1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/nissan-altima-production-kicks-off-in-smyrna-aims-to-pass-camry/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/nissan-altima-production-kicks-off-in-smyrna-aims-to-pass-camry/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/nissan-altima-production-kicks-off-in-smyrna-aims-to-pass-camry/#commentsFiled under: , ,



"We are ready to make this car the top seller if the customer agrees."

Nissan started Job One production for the 2013 Altima sedan at its Smyrna, Tennessee plant today.

Nissan has big plans for the fifth-generation Altima, which was the number-two selling car in the United States in 2011. The company is adding a third shift at Smyna, and shifting models around between this plant and its Canton, Mississippi plant with an eye toward the Altima passing the Toyota Camry as the top-selling model in America.

Toyota sold 308,510 Camrys last year, compared with Nissan's 268,981 Altimas.

"We haven't built and designed this car the way we have, and made all these changes with a goal of being number-two," said Nissan Americas vice chairman Bill Krueger. Krueger admits that the consumer will vote on whether the Altima becomes the top selling car. "But we are ready to make this car the top seller if the customer agrees."

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam chimed in on the rivalry. "We are going to give the folks down in Georgetown [Kentucky] a serious run for the money," said Haslam, speaking of Toyota's plant in the neighboring state.

Nissan definitely has the capacity to pass the Camry, as it builds Altimas at two plants.

Krueger says he is not willing to cut and slash profit margins to chase the top-seller number for Altima. Nissan has long been more aggressive in incentive spending than its Japanese rivals in large part because it does not have the brand cachet and reputation for durability and quality that Toyota and Honda have.

Nissan built 570,000 vehicles in the U.S. last year and is adding a third shift to Smyrna. Nissan executives, however, won't pinpoint what total capacity is for Smyrna and Canton for competitive reasons. But it definitely has the capacity to pass the Camry's sales, as it builds Altimas at both plants.

Driving impressions of the 2013 Altima are embargoed until May 25, but we are allowed to tell you about a new feature we think is pretty cool. The tire pressure monitoring system not only tells the driver specifically what tire is low, but when you inflate each tire to the ideal, manufacturer-specified level, the car's horn sounds. Pretty neat, huh?.

2013 Nissan Altima production kicks off in Smyrna, aims to pass Camry for #1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimacamrynissansmyrnasmyrna tennesseetennesseetoyotaTue, 15 May 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238621/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/nissan-altima-production-kicks-off-in-smyrna-aims-to-pass-camry/20238621/article-detail.xml 20238621 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-altima-smyrna_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-altima-smyrna.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota launches new Pixis Epoch kei car in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/toyota-launches-new-pixis-epoch-mini-vehicle-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/toyota-launches-new-pixis-epoch-mini-vehicle-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/toyota-launches-new-pixis-epoch-mini-vehicle-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota Pixis Epoch

Kei cars may be small in size, but they're big business in Japan. The latest arrival to the category is the little hatch you see above, the Toyota Pixis Epoch.

It's the fourth vehicle produced by the Daihatsu division but sold under the Toyota brand. As with other keis, power comes from a 660cc engine. It's mated to a continuously variable transmission driving either just the front wheels or all four. In both configurations, the Pixis Epoch features a stop-start system that helps its emissions and fuel efficiency figures come in well below even the Japanese government's stringent standards.

The whole package measures just 3,395 mm (133 inches) long, 1,475 mm (58 inches) wide and 1,500 mm (59 inches) tall, but offers a relatively spacious and utile interior, plus a tight turning radius of just 4.4 meters. Pricing ranges from 795,000 to 1.2 million yen - that's less than $10,000 (and no more than $15k). Further details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Toyota launches new Pixis Epoch kei car in Japan

Toyota launches new Pixis Epoch kei car in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 May 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daihatsupixispixis epochtoyotatoyota pixistoyota pixis epochSat, 12 May 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20235603/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/12/toyota-launches-new-pixis-epoch-mini-vehicle-in-japan/20235603/article-detail.xml 20235603 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/pixis-epochweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/pixis-epochweb.jpg -1 2