Reports reveal that Toyota could be working on Prius coupè to compete with Honda’s upcoming CR-Z. The Prius would be shortened by 100 mm to accommodate the two door format, and some changes would be required to the power train system as well.

The Prius coupè would be likely to use the same 1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE engine with the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, but some updates would be carried out to achieve 134 hp. That’s 36hp more than the standard version.

While fuel consumption will suffer slightly, this would still become one of the most efficient sports cars on the market. No details have been revealed as to when production might occur, or even the name, with speculation over whether it would take on the MR-2 moniker.

Source | 7Tune via Autoblog

0 comments

Despite restructing plans for Toyota, the company has suffered sales losses in the European market. Sales for the first half of 2009 were down 26 percent, showing that the auto industry across the globe is still feeling the economic downturn.

The figures show some interesting facts, though, with the Yaris being the best selling model. It is still down 19 percent on last year’s sales, with 109,403 units sold. Tadashi Arashima, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe has said: “On the plus side, our sales in Western Europe have been bolstered by government stimulus packages and our ability to adjust production volumes swiftly.”

Toyota is planning new and different models for Europe, to become a niche player in hybrid players, moving away from its previous full product line offerings.

Source | Autocar

0 comments

Reports say that Toyota plans to make its first European-produced hybrid car with the Auris model. Production could start from 2012, when the Auris hatchback is due for a full remodelling.

This would make it the third hybrid model in the Toyota range after the Prius, and the Camry (in the US) adding a further option to Toyota’s environmental offering. In the Asia Pacific region, Toyota has previously said that it would introduce a number of hybrid models, among which the Auris (Corolla in that market) would be included.

The Auris has been successful car for Toyota in the European market, being the third best sold in the range in the first five months of this year, after the Yaris and Aygo Light Car models.

New Toyota president Akio Toyoda has said that Toyota will take a new direction in the future, modifying its strategy to be a full-line manufacturer in all regions. One part of the strategy will be to focus on the hybrid model offering in Europe.

Source | Car Advice via Reuters

0 comments

Aston Martin has released new pictures of the Cygnet, the economy car based on the Toyota iQ. However there are some differences between the two, especially with regards to the lights: the rear group recapture the classic V design, while the solution for the anterior end is much more intricate and, to tell the truth, not very definitive.

Same goes for the rest of the car: these pictures were announced to anticipate the concept car (to be displayed at Frankfurt?), but they have the sole (de)merit of showing with what nonchalance Aston Martin dealt with this crucial step in continuing its elite brand. Was it really too costly to not dedicate more attention to the details of the characterizing features? An example would be the anterior side scoops which seem “glued on” badly.

From | Auto Express

0 comments

That’s right; in the face of auto industry crisis, economic downturns and plummeting sales, Toyota is actually experiencing a waiting list for its hybrid Prius model, with the list in Japan apparently extending to a good seven months.

Reports say that the Prius production plants are running around the clock, overtime is on offer and workers from around the country are being moved in to facilitate manufacturing. This is possible the only recruitment drive currently in the car market anywhere in the world.

Higher than expected sales numbers for the Toyota Prius are driving the production, and even the battery supplier, Panasonic EV Energy, is working overtime to supply the demand. And from our point of view, here’s hoping the production is a sign of changing times and greener cars.

Source | Autoblog Green

Continue reading: Want a 2010 Toyota Prius? Get in line

0 comments

In the following series of videos you can see the new technology and accessories available on the new Toyota Prius. The hybrid has already reached its third generation and the updates are essential in maintaining sales in the US market.

The Smart Key function will be present, along with Drive Mode, park assist, multifunction display, bluetooth connection and new XM Nav Traffic sat nav. Other options available will be the Moonroof, active cruise control and remote control air conditioning.

Continue reading: New Toyota Prius videos

0 comments

In conjunction with the presentation of the new Toyota Formula 1 single seater for 2009, Toyota has released the first shots of the new car, along with this curious, fast-forwarded video of the construction of the Toyota F1.

The video re-traces the assembly of the TF109 in all its production phases, until ready for the track. If only it were really that fast!

Source | Jalopnik

0 comments

Sometimes I dream of a car that’s easy to park, especially in Europe, and the Toyota iQ could be the next solution. In this video you can see the iQ in parking action with even a little stunt move at the end. Whether you will actually be allowed to park you car like this is probably superfluous in the end - whoever gives you a fine, it will only be because they’re jealous.

Source | Globalmotors

0 comments

This first Toyota iQ commercial shows the Japanese car is working hard on its chic image for the difficult market of a European metropolitan audience. The car was presented at the Paris show, and costs 13,600 euros. The jury is still out on whether it will be successful or not. Time will tell.

0 comments

Presented at the Paris Motor Show with little emphasis given the arrival of the IQ, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is offered as a city crossover model. The dimensions are relatively contained at 3.93 metres long, 1.72 wide and 1.54 high.

The look is virtually the same as the concept that was presented at Geneva at the beginning of 2008, and reflect that of the Scion - the Toyota brand reserved for young customers in America. The interior shows a new design, with updated instrument panel with digital indicators.

Continue reading: Toyota Urban Cruiser: official gallery

0 comments