Autoblog

Toyota Avalon gets 40-MPG hybrid model for 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Toyota debuts China-only Yundong Shuangqing hybrid concept in Beijing

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, China, Toyota, Beijing Motor Show, Design/Style

It's not the most pronounceable model name, but that's not our problem, is it?

Toyota debuted its sharply styled Yundong Shuangqing hybrid concept at the Beijing Motor Show today, announcing that a production version will be sold in China at some point in the future. The Yundong Shuangqing was joined on stage by the Dear Qin compact and the GT 86 rear-wheel-drive sports car.

Toyota developed the Yundong Shuangqing's hybrid powertrain mainly at the automaker's research and development plant in Changshu, China. "We would like to put smiles on the faces of our Chinese customers with hybrid technology," Toyota President Akio Toyoda said in prepared remarks at the show. "I want the people of China to be able to experience the beauty of hybrid technology through a hybrid car born in China."

In 2005, China became the first place outside of Japan where the Prius hybrid was built when Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. started making the third-generation model. And two years ago, GAC Toyota Motor Co., which is in China's Guangdong Province, started making the Camry Hybrid.

Earlier this month, Honda said it would launch at least four hybrids specifically for the Chinese market under either its moniker or the Acura brand in order to capitalize on what's likely to be surging car sales in that country. Honda will introduce the CR-Z, Fit and Insight Hybrids in China later this year, and will likely sell its promised hybrid-powered Acura NSX sports car in China as well.

Continue reading Toyota debuts China-only Yundong Shuangqing hybrid concept in Beijing

Toyota debuts China-only Yundong Shuangqing hybrid concept in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford, Toyota will partner on RWD hybrid system for trucks and SUVs

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Truck, Ford, Toyota

Is the Prius V not big enough for you? Then you'll probably be interested to learn that Ford and Toyota announced a partnership today to develop a new hybrid system for SUVs and light trucks. The "equal partners" deal should result in a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that will be ready "later this decade" - in other words, in time for the higher CAFE standards that the U.S. government just announced.

The exact models that will use the new powertrain are, unsurprisingly, not being revealed. Instead, all we know is that Toyota and Ford will develop a rear-wheel-drive hybrid system that will improve the efficiency of trucks and SUVs while still allowing them to be driven in the way customers expect them to. The powertrain's architecture will most likely not be the same as what is used in the dominant Hybrid Synergy Drive that Toyota has refined over the past 14 years in the Prius.

The reason no one knows for sure? All that Ford and Toyota have as this moment is a Memorandum of Understanding. The next step will be a feasibility study to figure out what the exact implementation path will be, with the general outline being that the companies will work together on a powerplant that will be used independently in models that are specific to each company (i.e., this is not about sharing a platform or models, just a RWD hybrid powerplant). The two automakers will also work together on in-vehicle telematics.

Today's announcement could further confuse some people's understanding of the history of hybrid technology, since it has long been an urban legend that Ford licensed its earlier hybrid tech from Toyota. This did not happen, as we explained back in 2009.

Continue reading Ford, Toyota will partner on RWD hybrid system for trucks and SUVs

Ford, Toyota will partner on RWD hybrid system for trucks and SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota passes three million hybrid mark

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

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

Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

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

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius

Photos copyright (C)2011 Sam Abuelsamid / AOL

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota passes three million hybrid mark

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

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Toyota confirms Yaris HSD concept gas-electric for Geneva

Zach Bowman — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Etc., Europe, Technology, Hatchback

2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris - Click above for image gallery

Toyota has big plans to wade into the hybridized B-segment in Europe, and it looks like we may get a peek at the automaker's first effort in that department at the Geneva Motor Show. The Japanese manufacturer has confirmed that it will unveil its Yaris HSD Concept in March. The company is keeping the details of the concept to itself for the time being, so there's little information on what kind of powertrain or fuel economy the car will boast when it takes a bow next month. Toyota did say that the Yaris HSD Concept will wear some very hybrid-specific design cues, so expect more than a little Prius influence outside.

While the B-segment is one of the hottest auto markets in Europe, Toyota may be facing a bit of an uphill battle with the notion of a hybrid Yaris. Buyers in the Old Country have been notoriously cold toward gasoline hybrids due to the popularity of high-efficiency diesel engines. Combine that hurdle with the difficulty of making a hybrid drivetrain affordable and Toyota will have to pull some pretty impressive tricks to make this car a viable competitor in Europe. That doesn't mean we can't wait to see it on the stage in Geneva, though. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota confirms Yaris HSD concept gas-electric for Geneva

Toyota confirms Yaris HSD concept gas-electric for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota plans to add turbo, direct-injection to most of lineup

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toyota

Toyota has big plans for its model lineup, as the automaker intends to introduce 11 new or redesigned vehicles by 2012. This will be accomplished by offering hybrid versions of existing models, as well as introducing all-new hybrid vehicles. However, Toyota's focus isn't going to be entirely on improving the electric half of the hybrid equation. The automaker is looking at ways to produce more efficient gasoline engines, and turbochargers and direct fuel injection are both in the cards.

There's no word yet on which models will benefit from either technology first, but the initial round of products should also come equipped with start-stop technology in addition to the DI and turbo. It was hard to believe at the time, but maybe a turbocharged, hybrid MR2 really is right around the corner.

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: Toyota plans to add turbo, direct-injection to most of lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet the man who quietly profits from every hybrid sold

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Technology, Ford, Toyota

Alex Severinsky is a Russian man who came to the United States in 1978. He graduated from Ukraine's Kharkiv University of Radioelectronics in 1967 before moving on to an Electrical Engineering Ph.D. from Moscow's Institute for Precision Measurements in Radioelectronics and Physics in 1975. That's the background. Here's the important bit.

In 1994, Severinsky patented an invention he called Hyperdrive, which allows for a seamless transition between drive systems - what essentially allows hybrid vehicles to operate smoothly while switching between gas and electric power. Toyota uses a system similar to Hyperdrive in its hybrid vehicles yet the automaker states they developed this technology independent of Severinsky's research. Regardless, thanks to a lengthy lawsuit, the automaker is now forced to pay Alex Severinksy for every single hybrid vehicle it sells.

Toyota has sold over one million hybrids in the United States and more than two million around the world. It's ordered by the court to pay Paice, an organization which exists solely to litigate companies that may be infringing upon Severinsky's patents, $98 for every single hybrid it sells.

We've followed the court battle between Paice and Toyota for a few years now. Two years ago, the automaker lost its appeal case over the patents for hybrid technology. Just three months ago it settled the dispute with Paice, ahead of a scheduled hearing with the International Trade Commission. Ford, who was pending legal action for the hybrid system in its Fusion, also settled with Paice.

AOL Autos outlines the facts of Alex Severinsky's patents, the Paice organization and how one mans Hyperdrive system has affected numerous automakers. It's an interesting look into the world of patent law and is well worth the read.

[Source: AOL Autos]

Meet the man who quietly profits from every hybrid sold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota and Lexus combine to capture 73.9% of hybrid sales in July

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Lexus, Toyota

2010 Lexus HS 250h - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week, we informed you that sales of the Toyota Prius had sharply dropped off this July, falling some 30 percent from the reported numbers a year ago, yet Toyota was pleased with the results. While it seemed rather odd that Toyota was satisfied with a drop in sales, the fact that the Cash for Clunkers program kicked off in July of 2009 helped to make some sense of the decline.

Though sales of the Prius may have fallen, the company is surely pleased with its continued dominance in the hybrid market. Toyota and Lexus have combined to capture 73.9 percent of U.S. hybrid sales for July, and surely that's something to be pleased about. The seven hybrid models from Toyota and Lexus accounted for 17,504 sales in July, with the Prius capturing a rather astounding 59.6 percent of the hybrid market for the month.

Ford placed a far distant second to Toyota by reporting just 2,896 hybrid sales in July, while Honda remained planted in third with a total tally of 2,475 hybrid sales. So, while Prius sales may have dropped off compared to last year, there's no denying that Toyota still retains its position atop the hybrid market.

Gallery: First Drive: Lexus HS 250h

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Toyota and Lexus combine to capture 73.9% of hybrid sales in July originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota's hybrid sales break a million in Japan, Prius still on top

Autoblog Staff — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Toyota

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

Back in August of 1997, Toyota launched its Coaster Hybrid EV minibus, the company's first hybrid vehicle. Though the Coaster Hybrid is not a common name, it was the vehicle that started the hybrid revolution at Toyota. The Japanese automaker has now announced that cumulative sales of its hybrids have now topped the one-million mark in its home market. In addition, the company's global hybrid sales now stand at 2.68 million and counting.

In related news, Toyota announced that the Prius topped the sales charts in Japan once again, marking the 14th consecutive month that the Prius outsold all other models in the Japanese market. While Toyota is comfortably leading the way in hybrid sales, the company is committed to bolstering its lead. Toyota plans to introduce hybrid versions of all of its existing models by 2020 and aims to sell more than one million hybrids per year before the end of the decade. Follow the jump for more info on Toyota's continued dominance of the hybrid segment.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota's hybrid sales break a million in Japan, Prius still on top

Toyota's hybrid sales break a million in Japan, Prius still on top originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Sources: Bloomberg, PAICE]

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

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

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Toyota CEO wants to add "fun to drive" to eco-friendly vehicles

Eric Loveday — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept - Click above for image gallery

It's been far too long since Toyota's products have been imbued with anything short of clinical, appliance-like precision. Handling prowess and communicative steering has taken a back seat to ruthless efficiency, especially true when you turn to the company's eco-friendly vehicles such as the Prius, where the entertainment factor is basically non-existent. Toyota chief executive officer Akio Toyoda doesn't believe this is a viable path to the future, and has ordered company engineers to spice up the brand's products.

Before the Pedalgate debacle, Toyoda gave several speeches where he constantly talks about "seasoning" the company's lineup of bland vehicles and points out that future products will be "fun to drive." Toyoda notes that the company's hybrid sports car concept, a convertible loosely based on the retired MR2, is exactly the type of thing to expect from Toyota in the near future. As Toyoda said of the MR2 hybrid concept, "I wanted a car that shows what we are aiming for, something affordable, fun to drive and good for the environment." Making eco-friendly cars is something that's apparently quite easy for Toyota, but upping the enjoyability quotient from behind a Toyota steering wheel still presents a challenge. Still, we're definitely looking forward to the time when the combination of "fun-to-drive" and "Toyota" are no longer diverging concepts.

Gallery: Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid

[Source: Autoweek]

Toyota CEO wants to add "fun to drive" to eco-friendly vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda to license hybrid technology from Toyota

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Mazda, Toyota

Starting in 2013, Mazda will become the second manufacturer (after Nissan) to directly use Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. Mazda has signed a licensing agreement with the hybrid behemoth that will see the smaller company get a supply of hybrid hardware - presumably including transmissions, power electronics (including software) and battery packs.

The drive components will be paired up with the new-generation, direct-injected Sky engines that Mazda displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show last fall. Mazda will build a new hybrid vehicle starting in 2013 using this equipment, the first it has produced on its own. The only previous Mazda hybrid was the Tribute, a re-badged Ford Escape.

Nissan has now produced its own in-house hybrid system and when the Altima is redesigned in the next few years it seems unlikely it will retain its current Toyota hybrid system. Click past the break to view the press release.

[Source: Toyota | Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda to license hybrid technology from Toyota

Mazda to license hybrid technology from Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autocar tries to lay out Toyota's future Prius hybrid path, new models coming spring of 2011?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Toyota, Rumormill

Toyota Hybrid X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Autocar, Toyota will launch its next couple of hybrid vehicles under the Prius banner in the spring of 2011. The two new bodystyles will include a Prius-based wagon and an MPV, or minivan. After that, the Japanese automaker will reportedly turn its attention to a sporty coupe model that would theoretically go up against the new Honda CR-Z.

Expect that coupe to have a similar look and feel to the FT-CH concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show. Finally, Toyota is said to be developing a hybrid powertrain for its RAV4 compact SUV. None of this news should come as a surprise, considering Toyota's stated goal of hybridizing its entire model line and the revelation in Detroit that future hybrids would likely fall under a Prius sub-family within Toyota.

Gallery: Geneva Motor Show: Toyota Hybrid-X concept

[Source: Autocar]

Autocar tries to lay out Toyota's future Prius hybrid path, new models coming spring of 2011? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Toyota recalls 2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h for ABS fix

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Safety, Lexus, Toyota

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

In what is perhaps our least surprising announcement of the young day, Toyota has officially announced that it will recall 2010 model Prius and Lexus HS250h models globally along with the Toyota Sai in Japan to fix an issue the performance of their braking systems. The latest in a series of safety related problems with Toyotas became public fodder last week when Toyota acknowledged that customers of the third generation hybrid had complained of a loss of stopping power at low speeds.

Toyota has also acknowledged that it has developed a software update to improve the blending of the regenerative and
friction braking systems and implemented the update into new production models sometime in January. The automaker did not, however, order a recall of vehicles in customer hands until more than a week after reports of the issue turned up in the media.

The Prius, Prius PHEV, HS250h and Sai (a Toyota badged version of the Prius sold only in Japan) are all being recalled for the software bug fix. In total about 400,000 vehicles are involved in this recall. First- and second-generation Priuses are not included since they have a different braking system, although there are concerns that there could be performance issues with those vehicles, too.

In the same release, Toyota has also announced that it will recall about 7,300 2010 model Camry sedans to inspect a power steering hose that may sit to close to a brake hose and cause it to wear through. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: Toyota]

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

Continue reading Officially Official: Toyota recalls 2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h for ABS fix

Officially Official: Toyota recalls 2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h for ABS fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota to build one million hybrids per year by 2011?

Chris Shunk — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota FT-CH live unveiling - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota is in the enviable position of being the market leader in hybrid production, with over 500,000 battery assisted cars and crossovers sold in 2009. The rest of the industry isn't even close to catching up, and if a report from the Japanese business daily Nikkei is true, it's going to become a lot tougher catch the World's Largest Automaker in the next couple years. Nikkei reports that Toyota will reportedly aim for one million global hybrid sales per year by 2011, twice as many as 2009 and many times more than any other automaker is likely dreaming of selling.

To get to a million hybrids sold, Toyota will likely need to increase the amount of hybrid-powered vehicles it sells while also increasing the amount facilities that produce hybrid vehicles and components. Toyota is expanding hybrid production to countries ranging from China and Thailand to the United States. The Nikkei says Toyota will build as many as 10 new hybrid vehicles for markets around the world.

One vehicle that could help Toyota meet its supposed goal of one million hybrids by 2011 is a production vehicle based on the FT-CH concept from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The hybrid hatch is a bit smaller than the Prius, and such a vehicle could produce outstanding fuel economy while also providing big-time boost to hybrid volume.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Toyota FT-CH

[Source: Gasgoo]

Toyota to build one million hybrids per year by 2011? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Hybrid Concept reportedly a subcompact, headed to U.S. in 2012

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Hybrid Concept teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the The Detroit News, Toyota's upcoming hybrid concept that will be debuted at the Detroit Auto Show on January 11th will be a subcompact machine that's destined for production. Citing sources familiar with the project, DN says that the car will go into production in Japan in 2011 with U.S. sales slated for the beginning of 2012.

There's some speculation that the new model might borrow the Prius name in an effort to capitalize on that car's undisputed sales success. Toyota reportedly hopes to sell 150,000 subcompact hybrids per year.

Finally, DN reports that Toyota has sped up development of small cars and hybrids, including a premium compact hatchback for its Lexus division, as foreshadowed by the LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. No word on whether the subcompact hybrid will use nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries.

Gallery: Toyota Hybrid Concept Teaser

[Source: The Detroit News]

Toyota Hybrid Concept reportedly a subcompact, headed to U.S. in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Truck, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Electric

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of The Autoblog Podcast, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an electric SLS supercar. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an all new hybrid that we'll see at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and today's announcement of a PHEV Prius. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the BMW's Z4 sDrive35is and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up.

For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Hybrid Concept teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota, the Undisputed Heavyweight Hybrid Champion of the World, has just announced that it will unveil a new gas-electric concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Beyond that, details are decidedly scarce. As a dedicated model, this apparently won't be a hybridized version of a current Toyota model but a new vehicle entirely, and, judging by the two teaser images released with the announcement, it doesn't appear to be quite like anything the automaker has shown us before.

With that out of the way, let's speculate a bit. We've been hearing that Toyota is considering expanding its Prius range with both a sporty coupe and a roomier wagon, so this could be a conceptual version of one of those models. Or not. We'll find out for sure on January 11 when we point our own DSLR lenses at the concept in Detroit. In the meantime, feel free to hit the jump for the extremely brief press release and peruse the two high-res teaser images in our gallery below.

Gallery: Toyota Hybrid Concept Teaser

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle

Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota Prius wagon, SUV in the works

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Wagon, Toyota

Toyota Hybrid X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Exactly how the Prius name might shift from defining the world's most famous hybrid to its own sub-brand - "Not!" - or moniker for other Toyota hybirds - "Yes!" - has been a source of interest for quite some time. The latest bit of speculation comes from the Yomiuri newspaper in Japan (via Green Car Advisor) and says that Toyota is considering building a Prius sport wagon or a Prius SUV about 12 months from now, maybe using lithium-ion batteries (despite Toyota's public pronouncements). Toyota officials, however, would not comment to the Yomiuri about the report.

As we saw with the Hybrid X (above) unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007, Toyota has been thinking about a Prius wagon for a while. Green Car Advisor speculates that the the Venza could be a good candidate for the production wagon, while any of Toyota's JDM wagons could also make the transition to hybrids here. As for a Prius SUV? Tone down the Lexus RX 400h and there you go.

Gallery: Geneva Motor Show: Toyota Hybrid-X concept

[Source: Yomiuri via Green Car Advisor]

REPORT: Toyota Prius wagon, SUV in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota plans to trim trucks, focus on hybrids, improve quality

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Safety, Toyota

Stick with what you know. That seems to be Toyota's new mantra going forward, as the Japanese automaker has reportedly diverted its attention away from large trucks like the largely unsuccessful and slow-selling Tundra pickup and back on hybrid vehicles - possibly all wearing the Prius badge, including a minivan and something smaller than the current Prius - and returning to its previous levels of unquestionable quality.

Atsushi Niimi, executive vice president for North America and global manufacturing, tells Automotive News that Toyota will try to build more longevity into its current lineup, addressing issues such as excessive rust and corrosion and introducing new "fail-safe functions" designed to minimize the possibility of "tragic accidents." We suspect that means push-button ignitions that can more easily shut down the car and floor mats that can't bunch up under the accelerator pedal.

In addition, Toyota will focus on the North American market, giving U.S. engineers a larger say when it comes to new vehicle design and the choices of which models make the overseas trek. To speed up the new model renaissance, Toyota will hold back on mid-cycle refreshes, instead working to get more substantial updates ready in less time.

On the manufacturing side, Toyota believes that it expanded too rapidly over the last decade and will attempt to slow down and restore the trust that customers had in the brand. Apparently, that slowdown will indeed affect the recently-built and still-idle plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi.

[Source: Automotive News (products, manufacturing) (quality) - sub. req'd]

Toyota plans to trim trucks, focus on hybrids, improve quality originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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