2014 Toyota 4Runner teased again

Toyota has released another teaser image of the upcoming 2014 4Runner, ahead of its public debut on Saturday at the 2013 Stagecoach Country Music Festival in California.

The previous teasers showed the updated model will sport restyled bumpers and head/taillights, among other changes. Meanwhile, the Japanese carmaker didn't say if the 4Runner facelift will feature any changes to the interior or under the bonnet.

We also want to remind you that the current version is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine which produces 270 hp and a peak torque of 376 Nm.

Read More

2014 Toyota Vios revealed

In an effort to bring the fun of driving and appeal to first time car buyers, Toyota has introduced the 2014 Vios at the Bangkok Motor Show.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the compact car measures 4,410 mm long, 1,700 mm wide and 1,475 mm tall. The higher-end variant is distinguished by projector beam headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome trim.

Under the hood, the new Vios is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 109 hp and 141 Nm of torque. It is mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Approximately 130,000 units are planned for production in Thailand this year, with more than 80,000 for domestic sales and more than 40,000 for export to 80 countries.

Read More

Toyota Corolla LE and S Special Editions introduced

Toyota has just introduced the 2013 Corolla S and LE special editions in the United States. Both will bring consumers appealing equipment at an attainable price point.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the LE variant offers equipment targeted at consumers who value comfort and convenient entertainment. It has a unique Black Currant Metallic exterior color with 16-inch alloy wheels. There's also heated Beige leather seats, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune (three-year subscription) and special edition floor mats.

Meanwhile, the sporty Corolla S will provide youthful styling, with a unique Hot Lava exterior color, 17-inch alloy wheels and exterior badging. Other highlights include sport fabric seats, unique floor mats and Display Audio with Navigation and Entune.

A total of 7,500 units (2,250 LE and 5,250 S) will be built during a two-month period beginning in April in Canada. The Corolla special editions will go on sale in late April and U.S. pricing starts at $20,550, which excludes a delivery, processing and handling fee of $795.

Read More

2014 Toyota Highlander teased before New York debut

Japanese carmaker Toyota has released the first teaser photo of the 2014 Highlander, ahead of its world debut at a press conference at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

The single image shows the all-new crossover has a squared grille featuring chrome elements and a sculpted hood. We can also see new longer headlights which stretch out over the front fenders.

Engine options will likely include a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 178 hp and a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 hp. There's also a hybrid variant that combines a 156 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 141 hp electric motor.

The press conference will be held on March 27, at 9:10 a.m. Eastern Time in the Galleria Level 4 at the Jacob Javits Center and will also be broadcast live via Livestream at: http://new.livestream.com/toyota/NY2013.

Read More

2014 Toyota Highlander to make world debut in New York

Toyota has recently announced that the 2014 Highlander will make its world debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show.

Details are limited, but the Japanese carmaker confirmed the "all-new" crossover will be introduced during a press conference at the 2013 New York Auto Show on Wednesday, March 27, at 9:10 a.m.

Engine options remain a mystery, but could include a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 178 hp, a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 hp and a hybrid variant which could combine a 156 hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine along with a 141 hp electric motor.

Read More

2013 Geneva: Toyota FT-86 Open concept

Toyota has officially unveiled the FT-86 Open concept for the first time at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the Open concept on display features a bright white exterior and contrasting navy blue canvas fabric roof that will deliver a feeling of oneness with nature while maintaining the joy and sense of oneness with the vehicle created by the GT86 coupe.

Move to the inside, the perforated white leather upholstery is layered over a navy blue backing, with golden yellow accent stitching and carpets.

Under the hood, the 1,257 kg sports car is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine which produces 197 hp and 205 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a short-throw six-speed manual gear shift or a six-speed automatic. The latter with the world's fastest paddle shift speed, just two tenths of a second.

Read More

Toyota i-Road concept revealed ahead of Geneva premiere

Toyota has just revealed full details of the i-Road concept which will debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show tomorrow.

The concept, a three-wheeler with motorcycle-like maneuverability, is ideally suited for short-distance urban travel and was designed to be a new way to enjoy mobility. It measures 2,350 mm long, 850 mm wide, 1,445 mm tall and rides on a 1,700 mm wheelbase.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the tandem two-seater ultra-compact EV is equipped with a roof and doors so that the cabin is shielded from the weather to ensure comfort and from road noise to allow occupants to enjoy music. It also benefits from a newly developed "Active Lean" system which can automatically control the vehicle's body angle, ensuring stable ride and providing an unprecedented feeling of oneness with the vehicle significantly different from driving a car or motorcycle.

Motivation is provided by two 2 kW motors mounted on the front wheels. This allows the 300 kg i-Road to have a maximum range of around 30 miles (48.2 km) and hit a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). The battery can be fully charged from a domestic power supply in three hours.

Read More

Toyota FT-86 Open concept officially revealed

Following a leak in South Africa about two weeks ago, Toyota has officially unveiled the FT-86 Open concept, ahead of its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show March 5.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the Open concept features an electrically operated soft top that will deliver a feeling of oneness with nature while maintaining the joy and sense of oneness with the vehicle created by the GT86 coupe.

Move to the inside, the interior features a two-tone high-contrast white and navy blue leather upholstery with yellow-gold stitching. There's also sports seats, alloy pedals, a small audio head unit and additional instrumentation.

No information about performance specifications, but the rear-wheel-drive sports convertible is likely powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine which produces 200 hp and 205 Nm of torque.

Read More

2013 Toyota Camry gains upgraded interior and equipment upgrades

Following the introduction of the seventh-generation Toyota Camry for 2012, the midsize sedan is entering the 2013 model year with some minor enhancements to interior design and comfort and safety technology.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the model gains armrests which match the interior color and soft-touch door panel trim. There's also a 6.1-inch "Display Audio" screen and stitched door panel accents on models equipped with leather seating. Finally, the Blind Spot Monitor system, with availability expanded to the Camry SE grade, adds a rear cross traffic alert function.

Under the hood, the car offers three powertrain choices:

• A 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 178 hp and 230 Nm of torque
• A hybridized 2.5-liter four-cylinder which has a combined output of 200 hp
• A 3.5-liter V6 with 268 hp and 336 Nm of torque

Currently on sale, the 2013 Toyota Camry has a starting price of $22,235, excluding a $795 destination charge.

Read More

Toyota GT86 Convertible spied in South Africa

An eagle-eyed reader of South Africa's Car Mag has recently spotted a production-spec Toyota GT86 Convertible in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, South Africa.

The white sports car was being closely guarded behind security gates, but through these photos, we can see some details such as a functioning trunk lid and revised bodywork.

Like the coupe, the convertible is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine which produces 200 hp and 205 Nm of torque.

The Japanese carmaker has already confirmed a concept version of the GT86 Convertible, dubbed the FT-86 Open, will be introduced at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on March 5.

Read More