Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Toyota Yaris

Our tiniest Toyota (Scion iQ notwithstanding) is about to get a little French flair. The Japanese automaker announced Thursday that its Toyota Motor Manufacturing France facility would begin building Yaris models destined for North America - specifically, the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. This will mark the first time in history that Toyota has exported vehicles to North America from Europe.

Initially, Toyota will export roughly 25,000 Yaris models to North American markets from France each year. In order to handle this additional production, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France has invested 10 million euro into its French facility.

Despite being somewhat of a snooze-fest (it's a car!), the Yaris carries on in North America with a 106-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with prices starting at $14,370 for the three-door and $15,395 for the five-door, not including $795 for destination.

Continue reading Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America

Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francetoyotatoyota yarisFri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574228/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/20574228/article-detail.xml 20574228 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-toyota-yaris628opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-toyota-yaris628opt.png <![CDATA[Toyota sudden acceleration class action may cover 22 million owners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-sudden-acceleration-class-action-may-cover-22-million-own/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-sudden-acceleration-class-action-may-cover-22-million-own/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-sudden-acceleration-class-action-may-cover-22-million-own/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Distorted Toyota logo

A total of 22.6 million current and former Toyota owners have been sent notices that they may be eligible to receive compensation from the automaker for damages related to the unintended acceleration fiasco that has dominated headlines in 2009 and 2010. The total payout may be as high as $1.63 billion, according to The Detroit News.

Steve Berman, a lawyer for the owners, calls the potential deal "a landmark, if not a record, settlement in automobile defects class action litigation in the United States." Still, there's some debate about whether or not Toyota's proposed settlement is fair, as it includes $30 million for safety research and driver education programs - in other words, Toyota seems to be suggesting that drivers need more education on how to drive their correctly working and fully functional vehicles. For those keeping track, Toyota would also be paying lawyer fees of $200 million.

A US District Judge in California is scheduled to hold a so-called "fairness hearing" on June 14 that could decide the fate of this particular settlement. Further courtroom wrangling will be required to hash out any wrongful death suits levied against Toyota stemming from unintended acceleration claims, as those are not part of this class-action suit.

Toyota sudden acceleration class action may cover 22 million owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class actionsudden accelerationtoyotatoyota settlementunintended accelerationThu, 16 May 2013 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568838/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/toyota-sudden-acceleration-class-action-may-cover-22-million-own/20568838/article-detail.xml 20568838 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/toyota-distortion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/toyota-distortion.jpg <![CDATA[1967 Toyota 2000GT most expensive Asian car ever sold at $1.2M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Toyota's agelessly beautiful 2000GT has been sold by RM Auctions for $1.16 million, making it the new record holder for the most expensive Asian car ever sold. As always, rarity played a big factory in driving up the price; just 351 2000GT models were built, and only 62 left-hand-drive cars (like this one). The classic Toyota, standout member of Texas car-collector Don Davies' paddock, was originally a US-delivery car that spent time in a collection back in a Japan before returning to Texas just a short time ago. The car last sold in March of 2011, for just $650,000.

Enthusiasts will recognize the 2000GT as perhaps the most heralded Japanese classic of all time. The Toyota was a contemporary of the Jaguar E-Type - though one that obviously sold in a fraction of the English car's numbers - that was well reviewed by the motoring press of the day. Sometimes referred to as Japan's first supercar, the 2000GT boasted a 150-horsepower, dual overhead cam, 2.0-liter straight-six engine; a five-speed manual transmission; and a reported top speed of over 135 miles per hour.

RM described this record-setting example as, "the finest and most authentic 2000GT to come to market in recent years," equating it with blue chip classic exotics like the Ferrari Daytona and Lamborghini Miura.

1967 Toyota 2000GT most expensive Asian car ever sold at $1.2M originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1967 toyota 2000 gt1967 toyota 2000gtauctionstoyotatoyota 2000 gttoyota 2000gtFri, 10 May 2013 17:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565140/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/20565140/article-detail.xml 20565140 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1967-toyota-2000gt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1967-toyota-2000gt-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Toyota Corolla details leaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/2014-toyota-corolla-details-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/2014-toyota-corolla-details-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/2014-toyota-corolla-details-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota Furia Concept

Toyota will launch the 2014 Corolla later this year, and thanks to the ever-leaky internet, a couple of key details about the new sedan have been revealed. Car and Driver was able to uncover these bits of information thanks to someone at a Toyota dealer in Kansas who has seen the car, as well as its order guide, though the dealer's site has since removed its original posting.

We got our first glimpse at the next-generation Corolla's design at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, where Toyota unveiled the Furia concept, pictured above. Yes, it looks all sporty and aggressive, but fear not, appliance shoppers, C/D says that the production car should have a couple of Furia bits mixed in with a huge helping of Camry-inspired styling.

The 2014 Corolla will reportedly continue to use a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, though the mill has been massaged a bit, adding Toyota's Valvematic continuously variable valve timing. A four-speed automatic (yep!) will be offered in the base model, though the manual transmission now has six gears, and higher trim levels can be had with a CVT. Both engine output and fuel economy numbers should improve slightly over the 2013 model. Currently, the Corolla produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, and achieves 27/34 miles per gallon (city/highway) with the five-speed manual 'box.

Trim levels will now be called base, LE, S and Eco, and a couple of improvements have been made to the materials and equipment offered inside the cabin. Softex leather will be available for 2014, as will a push-button start and a navigation system.

Toyota has not confirmed any of this information, but we won't have to wait too much longer before getting the official details on the fully freshened Corolla.

2014 Toyota Corolla details leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 toyota corollatoyotatoyota corollatoyota furia conceptThu, 09 May 2013 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563593/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/2014-toyota-corolla-details-leaked/20563593/article-detail.xml 20563593 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-toyota-furia-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-toyota-furia-concept-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota recalling FJ Cruiser due to excessively bright headlights]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Now, hold on. This recall isn't quite as serious as it sounds. Yes, Toyota is recalling 11,489 FJ Cruiser models from the 2007 to 2013 model years, and yes, it's because the vehicles, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states, "fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, 'Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.'" But read the fine print and you'll see the catch: This recall is only for vehicles fitted with the automaker's auxiliary lighting kit that can be mounted to the front bumper.

Basically, the auxiliary lamp assemblies use 55-watt bulbs, and when these are turned on in conjunction with the upper beam headlamps, it's a pretty blinding sight. NHTSA states that excessively bright lights can blind other drivers, increasing the risk for a crash.

To remedy the situation, Toyota will replace the 55-watt bulbs with cooler 35-watt units. The recall is expected to begin later this month. Scroll down for the full details in the NHTSA report.

Continue reading Toyota recalling FJ Cruiser due to excessively bright headlights

Toyota recalling FJ Cruiser due to excessively bright headlights originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headlightsnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecalltoyotatoyota fj cruiserSun, 05 May 2013 11:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557364/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/20557364/article-detail.xml 20557364 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/004-toyota-fj-cruiser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/004-toyota-fj-cruiser.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota's production fuel cell car to cost between $50-100k]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/toyotas-production-fuel-cell-car-cost-between-50-100k/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/toyotas-production-fuel-cell-car-cost-between-50-100k/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/toyotas-production-fuel-cell-car-cost-between-50-100k/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota FCHV-adv

While the cost of building a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle continues to go down over time, reports over the last few years have steadily maintained that the first Toyota hydrogen-powered vehicles for customers should ring up for around $50,000. Company officials cited this figure way back in 2010, and have reiterated it in subsequent years.

So, while a recent Automotive News report about the cost of Toyota's 2015 Hydrogen car doesn't offer up any new figures, it does offer an interesting pricing wrinkle. According to the report, the "cost factor" for the hydrogen vehicles will be in the $50k ballpark, meaning the retail price could be anywhere from there, up to as much as around $100,000.

While certainly not inexpensive, being able to produce a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for fifty large is a pretty massive improvement over the prototype cost of a few years ago, when the sticker was about $1 million a pop. While these very expensive prototypes are based on previous-generation Highlanders (pictured above), we're told to expect that the final product will be a lot more in line with the Prius, as far as size and shape.

Toyota's production fuel cell car to cost between $50-100k originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellhydrogenhydrogen fuel celltoyotaFri, 03 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556254/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/toyotas-production-fuel-cell-car-cost-between-50-100k/20556254/article-detail.xml 20556254 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2009toyotafchv-adv-011-1282914372_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2009toyotafchv-adv-011-1282914372.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a Camry driver in full road rage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/camry-driver-road-rage/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/camry-driver-road-rage/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/camry-driver-road-rage/#commentsFiled under: ,



There are vehicles that, fair or not, will forever be associated with jerky drivers. But as this very recent footage from an in-car camera shows, even the most mundane of sedans can be piloted by an ass.

In this video, the driver of one very beige Toyota Camry is driving like a person choked with rage. Though we don't see which (if any) actions by our camera car might have lead up to the tirade, we do see the Camry driver swerving from lane to lane, in multiple attempts to get in front of and brake check the couple in the recording.

According to the text associated with the YouTube video, the offending incident took place last week, on a section of I-880 near Fremont, CA. The uploader has gone so far as to include the date, time and license plate number of the Camry driver, in hopes, we guess, that some kind of legal action can be taken against him. Take a closer look for yourself in the video below.

Continue reading Watch a Camry driver in full road rage

Watch a Camry driver in full road rage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad drivingcamry road ragei-880interstate i-880road rageroad rage camryroadragecamrytoyotatoyota camryvideoyoutubeMon, 29 Apr 2013 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20551970/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/camry-driver-road-rage/20551970/article-detail.xml 20551970 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-camry-road-rage-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-camry-road-rage-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Toyota 4Runner revealed at Stagecoach Music Festival [UPDATE: w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Toyota 4Runner

Toyota has just pulled the sheet off its updated 2014 4Runner at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival near Palm Springs, California. Toyota is the title sponsor at the festival, and claims that this is the first-ever global reveal of a new automobile at a major music festival. We're also guessing this is the first time that the 4Runner has seen duty inside what looks like a vintage circus act's cage.

We can see from the photos that the body-on-frame SUV has received a freshened look with new smoked light fixtures front and rear, along with a boldly reworked front fascia and grille. The profile view seems largely unchanged, though there are new wheel patterns on offer.

The 4Runner will continue to be offered in three trims, including SR5, more luxurious Limited, and off-road-ready Trail specification. Both 4x2 and both part- and full-time 4x4 models will continue to be available, all will be powered by the same 4.0-liter 270-horsepower V6 and five-speed automatic as last year.

Other changes for the 2014 model year include a retouched interior featuring new Optitron gauges, a multi-information display, and changes in trim. On the entertainment front, there are new head units with Toyota's Entune infotainment technology and an in-glass antenna replacing the previous mast unit. The optional navigation unit features a seven-inch screen.

Check out our gallery above and the official press release below for the full scoop.

UPDATE: A video has been added below to go with the press release. Enjoy!

Continue reading 2014 Toyota 4Runner revealed at Stagecoach Music Festival [UPDATE: w/video]

2014 Toyota 4Runner revealed at Stagecoach Music Festival [UPDATE: w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 toyota 4runnerbreakingstagecoachstagecoach music festivaltoyotatoyota 4runnervideoSat, 27 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550760/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/20550760/article-detail.xml 20550760 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/003-2014-toyota-4runner628opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/003-2014-toyota-4runner628opt.png <![CDATA[Toyota maintains world's largest automaker crown, GM and VW close behind]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota badge

Toyota still holds the title of World's Largest Automaker. The Japanese automaker ceded the claim to General Motors in 2011 following a series of natural and man-made disasters that stifled production in Asia. Production is back up to full speed and, coupled with the introduction of a new Camry midsize sedan, Toyota retook the title in 2012 and has so far been able to keep it by selling 2.43 million vehicles in the first quarter of 2013.

The race is still tight - General Motors reports sales of 2.36 million vehicles, earning it the second spot globally with Volkswagen's 2.27 million sales nabbing the German automaker third place. It's not all smooth sailing for Toyota, either, as the brand's first-quarter figures were down 2.2 percent when compared to last year. GM posted a 3.6-percent gain and VW managed a 5.1-percent gain over the same period.

Sales in China may be a deciding factor as to which automaker performs best in 2013. Toyota's figures were down 13 percent in China. Meanwhile, GM and VW are continuing their upward trajectories in the crucial Chinese market.

As ever, each of the automakers says publicly it doesn't care much about the title. Shino Yamada, a spokesperson for Toyota, told The Washington Post, "Rather than pursuing numbers, we try to sell one car at a time, producing good cars. We aren't focused on being number one." GM spokesperson Jim Cain echoed a similar note, saying, "A day doesn't go by that we don't try to increase our sales all over the world."

Toyota maintains world's largest automaker crown, GM and VW close behind originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automaker salesgmtoyotavwworlds largest automakerWed, 24 Apr 2013 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548387/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/20548387/article-detail.xml 20548387 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-fascia-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-fascia-badge.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Me.We concept is a multifunction Tupperware car [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota Me.We concept car on the beach

Not to be outdone by the Renault Twin'Z concept penned by Welsh designer Ross Lovegrove, Toyota has partnered up with French designer Jean-Marie Massaud to create the 2013 Toyota Me.We Concept. Unveiled at Le Rendez-vous Toyota in Paris, the Me.We Concept is an attempt to imagine a car that can be appreciated by owners across a wide variety of lifestyles while being courteous to the environment, too.

From a "Me" perspective, the concept is highly customizable with removable body panels, and even though it might look like just a small hatchback from the outside, Toyota claims it can also be used as a pickup (with an extendable rear panel), a convertible (with a neoprene roof panel) and even an off-road vehicle. As for the "We" part of the car, it's a fully electric vehicle with individual in-wheel motors and a battery pack mounted under the load floor. The concept has a weight of around 1,600 pounds kept low thanks to an aluminum chassis, but it also features renewable bamboo wood for the floor in addition to the fully recyclable polypropylene exterior body panels. Scroll down to see more in an official video and to check out Toyota's official press release.

Continue reading Toyota Me.We concept is a multifunction Tupperware car [w/video]

Toyota Me.We concept is a multifunction Tupperware car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota me.we conceptle rendez-vous toyotatoyotatoyota concept carvideowe.meWed, 24 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548305/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/20548305/article-detail.xml 20548305 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-me.we-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-me.we-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Prius line may not reach 2013 sales target]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/toyota-prius-line-may-not-reach-2013-sales-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/toyota-prius-line-may-not-reach-2013-sales-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/toyota-prius-line-may-not-reach-2013-sales-target/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2013 Toyota Prius C

2012 was a good year for the Toyota Prius line, the hybrid that started it all moving 236,659 units, being the best-selling model in California for the year and the Prius C (pictured) being deemed the most reliable car of 2012 by Consumer Reports. Then 2013 happened, and gas prices dropped more than expected, and people haven't been buying the little hybrids like they used to.

A report in Bloomberg says Toyota set 250,000 units as the Prius family's sales target for this year, but hits like the double-digit drop in year-on-year performance in February have helped lower 2013 sales by 8.4 percent compared to 2012, making the objective "a challenge" to reach. The declines in Prius sales come even as hybrid sales overall were up in the first couple of months this year, including sales of other Toyota and Lexus hybrids. Jim Lentz, Toyota's North American chief, said the Prius target would be adjusted if necessary.

Toyota Prius line may not reach 2013 sales target originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybridhybrid salesprius salestoyotatoyota priusMon, 22 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546288/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/toyota-prius-line-may-not-reach-2013-sales-target/20546288/article-detail.xml 20546288 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/prius-sales-target_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/prius-sales-target.jpg <![CDATA[Classic SUVs next big thing for car collectors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/classic-suvs-next-big-thing-for-car-collectors/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/classic-suvs-next-big-thing-for-car-collectors/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/classic-suvs-next-big-thing-for-car-collectors/#commentsFiled under: , ,

1967 International Scout 800 Sport Top

Hagerty Insurance seems to think vintage SUVs are going to be the next big trend in car collecting. The agency has already seen prices begin to tick upward at auction, with the number of classic SUVs insured by the company growing some 65 percent since 2008. That's about twice the pace of the overall market. All told, Toyota Land Cruisers have seen the largest jump with a swell of 202 percent, though 1970s and 1980s Jeep models are up by a more than respectable 93 percent as well. Likewise, Ford Bronco and International Scout SUVs are up by 86 and 85 percent, respectively.

Hagerty attributes the increase with the overall rise in the popularity of the SUV in general. As modern machines become more in vogue, so do their predecessors by extension. While these old bruisers haven't spent much time in the lime light at classic car auctions, Hagerty says recent events in Scottsdale featured 11 vintage Toyota Land Cruiser models, one of which sold for $88,000. That's quite a price for a 1981 FJ-40. You can read the full press release below.

Continue reading Classic SUVs next big thing for car collectors

Classic SUVs next big thing for car collectors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broncofordford broncohagerty insuranceinternationalinternational scoutjeepland cruiserscouttoyotatoyota land cruiserThu, 18 Apr 2013 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545044/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/classic-suvs-next-big-thing-for-car-collectors/20545044/article-detail.xml 20545044 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/1967-scout-800-sport-top-1-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/1967-scout-800-sport-top-1-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM outsold VW globally in first quarter, Toyota reports numbers next week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



General Motors released its first quarter sales figures this week, reporting that it sold 2.36 million cars and trucks worldwide. That figure represents an increase of 3.6 percent when compared to the same period last year. GM's growth was attributed to many factors, including global Cadillac sales that were up 26 percent and Chevrolet posting a one percent increase over last year (this marked Chevy's tenth straight year of record global sales).

Volkswagen came in just behind GM, as the German automaker reported global sales from January through March at 2.27 million vehicles, an increase of five percent when compared to last year. While that number was strong, VW is cautioning that markets outside China and the US, such as those in Europe, are becoming a challenge as economies falter.

Yet to report sales is Toyota, current holder of the global world sales crown (the Japanese company sold 9.75 million cars last year, against 9.29 million sold by GM and 9.1 million vehicles sold by VW). Even though GM and Toyota both say they don't care who sells the most units, it is unquestionably a strong bragging point and sales equate to revenue. That said, Toyota will report its first quarter numbers next week.

GM outsold VW globally in first quarter, Toyota reports numbers next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsglobal salesgmsalestoyotavolkswagenvwThu, 18 Apr 2013 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20544355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/20544355/article-detail.xml 20544355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gyi0061332043_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gyi0061332043.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota offered $146.5 million to build Lexus ES in Kentucky]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-offered-146-5-million-to-build-lexus-es-in-kentucky/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-offered-146-5-million-to-build-lexus-es-in-kentucky/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-offered-146-5-million-to-build-lexus-es-in-kentucky/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Lexus ES350

Toyota posted a media advisory yesterday saying that Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, and Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America, would be making a production announcement tomorrow in New York City, and Automotive News reports that the automaker will be announcing a plan to domestically produce the Lexus ES. According to the report, numerous plants are competing to build the ES in North America, and the State of Kentucky has offered the automaker up to $146.5 million to build the luxury sedan at the Georgetown, KY assembly plant.

If Georgetown gets the ES, which has been built in Japan since its debut in 1989, it would be built alongside the Toyota Camry, which is somewhat ironic since in our review of the 2013 Lexus ES350, we wrote that this ES finally says "goodbye to its Camry roots." In order to get the whole amount offered, the article states that Toyota would have to invest $531.2 million and hire 570 full-time workers at the plant, which doesn't sound all that unreasonable since the plant would require an additional 50,000 units of annual production, not to mention the fact that the Georgetown facility is already at its capacity for building the Camry.

Toyota offered $146.5 million to build Lexus ES in Kentucky originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>georgetown kentuckylexuslexus estoyotaThu, 18 Apr 2013 15:37:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20544850/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/toyota-offered-146-5-million-to-build-lexus-es-in-kentucky/20544850/article-detail.xml 20544850 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-lexus-es-350-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-lexus-es-350-review.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota responds to video of Highlander ramming house [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-responds-to-video-of-highlander-ramming-house-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-responds-to-video-of-highlander-ramming-house-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-responds-to-video-of-highlander-ramming-house-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There are, as they say, two sides to every story, so after we posted a video on Monday showing what an owner claimed to be a case of unintended acceleration causing her Toyota Highlander to crash into a house twice, Toyota reached out to us revealing some additional information about the incident.

Following this crash, which took place back in November, Toyota had this Highlander inspected and pulled data from its Event Data Recorder (EDR), or Black Box as we've come to call it. Not only was this the first time we've seen a claim of unintended acceleration like this caught on video, but now, also a first, we have actual data showing what the vehicle itself recorded during this frightening ordeal.

Brian Lyons, Toyota Communications Manager for Safety and Quality, first gave us some information about the Highlander in question, including the fact that it was a 2012 model. The 2012 Highlander came from the factory with a brake override system, meaning it was not part of the company's initiative in 2010 to add the system to all 2011 models. Also, after looking at the data from the EDR, he said - as many of you pointed out in the comments for the previous post - that the "brake pedal was never touched." In the video, you can see that the crossover's brake lights never come on, and the EDR's data backs this up.

The data pulled from the EDR - posted in the gallery below as two images - shows the two "events," which were recorded each time the vehicle impacted the house. In the first event, the data provided by Toyota shows that 3.6 seconds before the impact, the vehicle began to slow down before speeding up to almost 15 miles per hour as it slammed into the house. In the second event, which resulted in a more violent collision with the house, the Highlander reached speeds of almost 30 mph with the engine racing at 4,400 rpm. In both images, it shows that the brake switch was in the "OFF" position the entire time, indicating that the driver was not attempting to press the brake. We asked Toyota if a faulty brake switch would cause the data to show the brake switch "off" and not allow the brake override to operate properly, and Lyons said no. Plus, there is a hard physical connection from the brake pedal to the brakes themselves, so an electrical fault couldn't have kept them from functioning.

Here's a portion of the letter that Toyota sent to the vehicle's owner after the inspection:

Your vehicle's throttle, accelerator and related components were inspected and found operating as designed, within factory specifications. No binding or obstructions were found in the throttle components. The brake system was also inspected and no problems were found.

The video is reposted below for you to watch. We reached out to the owner of the Highlander for a comment, but have yet to receive a response.

Continue reading Toyota responds to video of Highlander ramming house [w/video]

Toyota responds to video of Highlander ramming house [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota highlanderblack boxevent data recordertoyotatoyota highlandertoyota unintended acceleratonunintended accelerationvideoThu, 18 Apr 2013 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20544602/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/toyota-responds-to-video-of-highlander-ramming-house-w-video/20544602/article-detail.xml 20544602 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-highlander-crash-video_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-highlander-crash-video.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota teases 2014 4Runner, will debut on April 27]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-teases-2014-4runner-will-debut-on-april-27/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-teases-2014-4runner-will-debut-on-april-27/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-teases-2014-4runner-will-debut-on-april-27/#commentsFiled under: ,



The 2014 Toyota 4Runner appears to be getting a styling refresh that is as out of the ordinary for Toyota as the venue at which it will be debuting. Launching on April 27 at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, CA, the 2014 4Runner looks to be getting more of an in-your-face design. Toyota says this marks the first time it has ever revealed a new product at a music festival.

While we only see two images of the updated 2014 4Runner, the new headlights break from the rectangular shape present on the current model for an edgy, scalloped shape. Below the headlights are vertical air inlets - looking quite similar to the 2014 Subaru Forester XT - but it isn't clear if all models will get these or just special trim levels. The other image Toyota released was of the smoked, LED taillight.

As the presenting sponsor of the music festival, Toyota will have legendary off-road driver Ivan "Ironman" Stewart at the show as well as an off-road driving course for people to drive the automaker's trucks and SUVs. Scroll down for a press release giving some additional information about both the 2014 4Runner and the Stagecoach Music Festival.

Continue reading Toyota teases 2014 4Runner, will debut on April 27

Toyota teases 2014 4Runner, will debut on April 27 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 stagecoast music festival2014 toyota 4runnertoyotaToyota 4RunnerThu, 18 Apr 2013 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545043/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/toyota-teases-2014-4runner-will-debut-on-april-27/20545043/article-detail.xml 20545043 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-toyota-4runner-teaser_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-toyota-4runner-teaser.png <![CDATA[Toyota Matrix not long for this world?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-matrix-not-long-for-this-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-matrix-not-long-for-this-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-matrix-not-long-for-this-world/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota Matrix

According to a report from AutoGuide, Toyota doesn't have plans to replace the aging Matrix hatchback in the United States after this year. If true, the timing coincides with the replacement for the Corolla, on which the Matrix is based, with that car slated to get its first complete redesign since 2006 (2008 in the US market).

We'd love to tell you how many Matrix models were sold by Toyota in the United States last year, but the automaker chooses to bundle Matrix sales with Corolla sales, so we have no idea. That said, we have to assume sales of the hatchback don't contribute much overall to the total number of Corolla-based machines.

We're also unsure if Toyota will choose to exit the youth-oriented compact hatchback market entirely, or if the automaker will rely instead on its hybrid Prius line and Scion models like the xB and xD.

Toyota Matrix not long for this world? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>toyotatoyota corollatoyota matrixThu, 18 Apr 2013 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542635/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/toyota-matrix-not-long-for-this-world/20542635/article-detail.xml 20542635 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/005-2011-toyota-matrix_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/005-2011-toyota-matrix.png <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #329]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/autoblog-podcast-329/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/autoblog-podcast-329/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/autoblog-podcast-329/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Subcompact sales, Ford 1.5-liter EcoBoost, Toyota Corolla vs. Ford Focus, Maserati Ghibli

autoblog podcast logo

Episode #329 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth and Zach Bowman talk about the slump in subcompact sales, the upcoming 1.5-liter Ford EcoBoost engine for the Fusion, the Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus best-seller debate, and the Maserati Ghibli. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. You can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!


Autoblog Podcast #329:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
2013 Honda CR-V



Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:24:02

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #329

Autoblog Podcast #329 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastecoboostfeaturedfordford f-150 svt raptorford focushondahonda cr-vmaseratimaserati ghiblipodcasttoyotatoyota corollaTue, 16 Apr 2013 16:44:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #329Autoblog.com01:24:02 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542336/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/autoblog-podcast-329/20542336/article-detail.xml 20542336 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-tacoma-trd-sport-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-tacoma-trd-sport-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-tacoma-trd-sport-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport - front three-quarter view

"Oh yeah, Toyota still makes the Tacoma." Admit it, that's what you just said to yourself. It's a perfectly natural reaction, but the Tacoma has been quietly anchoring its segment for years, outselling every other compact pickup without making too much of a fuss. Toyota hasn't neglected the Tacoma - it was updated in 2012 with a revised nose and interior as the most noteable changes.

In a world awash with high-value fullsize pickups all vying for your attention, the Tacoma still charms more than a few buyers out of their cash. I hooked a Tacoma for a week to see whether it still has enough to recommend it.

Driving Notes
  • The size of the Tacoma is nice. While fullsize trucks can feel a bit like the automotive equivalent of relaxed-fit jeans, the Tacoma does the Goldilocks "just right" thing for my purposes.
  • Yet the cozy cockpit of the Access Cab I drove can become uncomfortably tight if you've got adults using the jumpseats regularly. If you travel in a pack, get the Double Cab. That goes double if you've got kids still in child seats, it's the better choice.
  • You have to be really committed to buying a compact pickup to ignore the extra value that goes along with the usually useful size available in the hyper-competitive fullsize class. The Tacoma starts at $21,260 with a four-cylinder engine, but the one I drove was a V6 4x4 with an automatic and the $4,035 TRD Sport Extra Value Package, not to mention a few other options to drive the price up to $32,791.
  • You do get a pretty heavily loaded Tacoma for your money, though. To compare, a Ford F-150 STX SuperCab 4x4 rings in at $32,145, but doesn't come with the navigation, hitch, cargo-management features in the bed, running boards and TRD Sport package goodies like foglights, hood scoop, TRD graphics, alloy wheels and specially tuned suspension of the similarly priced Tacoma.
  • Still, the 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic combo is just as thirsty here as a larger truck would be, returning only 18 mpg in my hands.
  • Despite its big V6, the Tacoma feels sluggish, too. The 4.0 V6 in the Nissan Frontier feels a lot more eager.
  • The interior was updated for 2012 too, getting water-resistant seat fabric with the TRD Sport package, along with black center console and door trim. It's hard plastic and shows scuffs easily, but it otherwise looks nice, and it's not like the rest of the class is any better.
  • The classic Toyota small-pickup traits remain. You sit low to the floor with your legs splayed out a bit, just like you always have, and the steering is tight and direct. Keep your boot out of it, and the V6 and five-speed auto are smooth operators, too.

2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota tacoma2013 toyota tacoma trd sportquick spinquickspintoyotatoyota tacomatrdTue, 16 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507440/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-tacoma-trd-sport-quick-spin-review/20507440/article-detail.xml 20507440 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyotatacoma006-1363491845_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyotatacoma006-1363491845.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Toyota RAV4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-rav4-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-rav4-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-rav4-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A Nicer View Than Ever Of Middle Of The Road

2013 Toyota RAV4 - front three-quarter view, red

When we had our first shot behind the wheel of the 2013 Toyota RAV4, the overall judgment from Managing Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski could be summed up in a sentence along the lines of, "Eh, not bad." The truth is that the compact crossover segment, now filled with not-so-compact offerings, is as cutthroat as any in the industry these days. When a heavyweight player like the RAV4 comes to market with a new generation, it is not at liberty to start from a clean sheet, lest it throw cold water on a vehicle that sells tens of thousands of units globally every month. Like De La Soul says, "Stakes is high."

If the choices in the marketplace were still largely limited to the Honda CR-V, as was the case when this market niche was green, the Toyota offering might actually seem like the exciting choice. But with new players offering better dynamic thrills (Mazda CX-5), cool turbo motors and fancy technology (Ford Escape), or even crunchy cred (Subaru Forester), the small crossover shopper is really spoiled for choice in 2013.

With Mr. Korzeniewski's excellent First Drive review covering the granularity of the RAV4 specification so well, we chose to focus our notes this time around on living with the Toyota in its natural suburban habitat for a longer stretch. What's more, we'll try to mark out where the CUV wins, loses or draws with the rest of the strident segment.

Continue reading 2013 Toyota RAV4

2013 Toyota RAV4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota rav4featuredrav4 reviewreviewreviewstoyotatoyota rav4Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20541575/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-rav4-review/20541575/article-detail.xml 20541575 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2013-toyota-rav4-review-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2013-toyota-rav4-review-opt.png -1 2