Toyota GT86 TRD, 2014

 

 

 Toyota GT86 TRD, 2014

The Toyota GT86 has revitalised Toyota's reputation for building cars that are all about the pure pleasure of driving since its launch in 2012, . Now the hugely acclaimed sports coupe - shortlisted for both European and World Car of the Year awards - gains even more appeal with the introduction of the new Toyota GT86 TRD.

The equipped with genuine design and performance features from TRD (Toyota Racing Development), one of the world's most accomplished and successful after market engineering businesses.

GT86 is the first UK Toyota for which official TRD parts have been used to create a specific production model grade.

The Toyota GT86 TRD , on sale from 1 March, 2013, create a new halo model for the 2+2 coupe range. Both six-speed manual and automatic versions will be available, in a choice of two colours: Pearl White and GT86 Black. On-the-road prices are £31,495 for the manual and £32,995 for the auto.

The focus is on sports styling, but not at the cost of GT86's essential performance and handling character. The package includes 18-inch cast TF6 alloys, deep front and side skirts, a rear bumper spoiler and a fast-response quad-exhaust system with a rear diffuser to increase stability. The TRD touches also extended to a branded radiator cap and fuel filler cover, while inside the car there is a new TRD gear shift lever.

These items are all in addition to GT86's established equipment specification, which includes HID headlamps, front fog lamps, limited slip differential, Smart Entry and Start, dual-zone climate control, analogue dials and meters, drilled aluminium pedals, sports seats, scuff plates, cruise control and the Toyota Touch multimedia system.

Acceleration and maximum speed are unchanged at 7.7 seconds for 0-62mph and 140mph for the manual and 8.4 seconds and 130mph for the automatic. There are slight changes in fuel consumption and emissions: 192g/km and 34.9mpg for the manual and 181g/km and 36.2mpg for the automatic (all figures official combined cycle).

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Toyota FT-1 Concept, 2014

 

 

 Toyota FT-1 Concept, 2014

Toyota virtually blew the doors off the 2014 North American International Auto Show with the reveal of the stunning Toyota FT-1 sports car concept. First devised by Calty Design Research in the Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo game environment, FT-1 leapt from the screen to the stage in a race-inspired press conference at COBO Hall.

The name says it all. FT-1 stands for "Future Toyota," and the number "1" represents the ultimate. According to its designers at Calty Design Research, the FT-1 Concept is the ultimate expression of a Toyota coupe design, building upon Toyota's rich sports coupe heritage dating back to the 2000GT, Celica, Supra, MR2 and most recently Scion FR-S. In addition, the concept draws inspiration from Calty's more recent sports car concept work such as FT-HS (2007) and the Lexus LF-LC (2012).

The project started nearly two years ago and represents a labor of love by a passionate, dedicated and gifted Calty design team. "The FT-1 is a dream-project for a designer and car enthusiast like myself," said Alex Shen, Calty's Studio Chief Designer. "Our team was heavily influenced by Toyota's sports car past, especially Celica and Supra, and we sought to capture some of that history. It is an aggressive, track-focused sports car concept with a presence that has been amplified for shock and awe."

The FT-1's audacious design represents the pinnacle of Calty's 40th year of operation. Guided by the Toyota design ethos of Vibrant Clarity, a unique fusion of both emotional and rational factors that delivers a more exciting and dramatic design expression with unique Toyota identity, the concept is a spiritual pace car for Toyota Global Design. The goal of this ideological shift is to develop future generations of products that better connect emotionally with Toyota's global consumer base.

Traditionally, Toyota's design decisions have been driven by consensus among a large group of stakeholders. Under Akio Toyoda's stated directive to invigorate Toyota products with energy, passion and "Waku-Doki" (translation: a palpable heart-pounding sense of excitement), the approval process has been streamlined. This new approach aims to produce cars that connect more deeply with customers, generating a more satisfying ownership experience that complements Toyota's legendary reputation for quality, dependability and reliability.

The front engine rear-wheel drive configuration locates the cockpit far rearward within the wheelbase to improve weight distribution. This design element also helps create the classic sportscar proportions one would expect from a vehicle poised to dominate even the most challenging road course. The cockpit's wraparound windshield and side glass openings are a distinct nod to the design of the legendary Toyota 2000GT.

The interior is a focused, highly functional "place of business" that locates the driver at the controls behind an F1 inspired steering-wheel. The intimate, low slung cockpit has its A-pillars set far back to help optimize cornering vision and sensation of the cabin's intimacy. A delta-shaped display zone surrounds and integrates the driver to provide an exhilarating sense of being connected to the vehicle. The cockpit's sense of minimalism adds to the purposefulness of the driver-focused environment with an emphasis on light weight components such as the composite seat covered with just the right amount of padding in only the areas that come into contact with the driver. A color heads-up display keeps the driver's attention on the road ahead, with vital information projected just above the steering wheel within the driver's line of sight.

While technical specifications do not accompany the concept, one can assume that the FT-1 represents an ideally balanced front-engine, rear wheel-drive layout that is powered by a high-technology, high performance internal combustion engine. Beneath a transparent glass hood, an ambiguous engine cover hides a powerplant left to the imagination of the onlooker.

In preparation for pitching the concept to Toyota management, Calty worked with Polyphony Digital, creators of the popular Gran Turismo driving simulator, to bring FT-1 to life in a virtual world that captured the excitement, passion and performance conveyed by the concept model. Toyota executives were offered the opportunity to take FT-1 for a timed lap around a computer-generated Fuji Speedway. Behind the wheel of the concept, Toyota president Akio Toyoda, an accomplished race car driver, completed the virtual circuit faster than his best real-world lap time at Fuji in his LFA. From that moment, he was convinced and the concept was approved to be built in model-form

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Toyota Corolla EU-Version, 2014

 

 

 Toyota Corolla EU-Version, 2014

The Toyota Corolla is the world's best-selling car. To date, 40 million Corollas have been sold worldwide since the first generation was launched in 1966, 47 years ago.

With the introduction of the new Corolla - the 11th generation - it is now manufactured in 16 production locations and sold in over 150 countries around the world.
With each new generation, the Corolla has adopted new concepts and technologies, and in its history with Toyota, the Corolla has taken the role of leader in the motorisation of Japan and the rest of the world.

The result is the new, 11th generation Corolla - a car that clearly inherits 47 years of Corolla DNA, but has been created to satisfy a wide range of global customer needs. It features an advanced, more contemporary design; improved roominess, comfort, practicality and user-friendliness; unrivalled fuel economy, improved driving dynamics and enhanced safety features.

The new Corolla builds on the model's legendary QDR with significantly enhanced quality in every aspect of its design and engineering, whilst still representing impressive value for money in every market around the world.

The Exterior Design
The 11th generation Corolla features an all-new exterior design. Highlighting the longer wheel base and reduced overall height, the design combines clean lines and balanced proportions to give the new Corolla a more sophisticated look with a prestigious and contemporary image.

At 4,620 mm long, 1,775 mm wide and 1,465 mm high, the new Toyota is 80 mm longer and 15mm wider, yet 5 mm lower, than its predecessor. The rear overhang has been reduced by 25 mm, the front overhang increased by 5 mm and the wheelbase extended by a substantial 100 mm.

The new Corolla features an evolution of Toyota's new design language.
The Keen Look and Under Priority design principles have been rebalanced, with the emphasis now placed on the upper grille for a distinctive, but more prestigious appearance.

The chrome-plated horizontal trim bars of the upper grille are visually extended into narrower, more expressive headlamp clusters to emphasise the width of the vehicle.

Equipped with a halogen low beam lamp for improved visibility, the new headlamps now incorporate 4-LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), strengthening the Keen Look styling of the new front treatment and giving the new Corolla greater road presence and a unique visual signature.

The two uppermost bars of the upper grille and the headlamp clusters extend along the curve of the low bonnet lip deep into the front fenders to emphasise the elegance of a unique, rounded edge bonnet design devoid of sharp angles.

The trapezoidal shape of the lower grille is defined by character lines which run up through the bumper to define the junction of headlamp and upper grille before flowing seamlessly across the bonnet and into the A pillar.

The design is further enhanced by the Keen Look detailing of integral foglamp housings with chromed surrounds, placed at the bumper extremities. The vertical 'aero corner' styling of the front fenders not only improves the new Corolla's aerodynamic efficiency, but also gives the new Toyota a wider, more purposeful stance and a more ground-hugging appearance.

In profile, the front and rear lamp clusters anchor the clean curvature of 'aero corner' fender designs which emphasise the Corolla's short front and rear overhangs. This, in conjunction with a long wheelbase and muscular front and rear wheel arches, creates a silhouette which emphasises the new Toyota's dynamic stance and elegant proportions.

The vehicle's profile is further enhanced by a character line linking the top of the front wheel arch and the rear lamp cluster, and a choice of 15" and 16" wheel designs.

To the rear, the trapezoidal form of Toyota's Under Priority design language is mirrored by the license plate recession extremities and lower bumper styling. The crisp line of the boot lip is underscored by wide new rear lamp clusters connected by a chrome license plate trim for a cleaner, more prestige appearance.

Overall, the premium build quality of the new design is highlighted by the minimal panel gaps befitting a luxury vehicle. The gap between fender and front door has been reduced from 4.0 mm to just 3.9 mm, between front and rear doors from 4.5 mm to 4.2 mm, and between rear door and quarter panel from 4.0 mm to 3.9 mm. The width of the shut line between the bonnet and front fender has been reduced from 5.4 mm to only 4.5 mm.

The new Corolla will be available in a choice of 9 exterior colours, of which four -White Pearl, Avant-Garde Bronze, Dark Blue and Dark Steel- are new to the model range.

The Aerodynamics
The new Corolla has been designed to achieve minimum levels of drag, contributing not only to enhanced cabin quietness, but also reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The lowest possible bonnet line, a steeply raked windscreen and seamless roofline combined to smooth the flow of air over the vehicle.

The optimised side shape of the front foglamp housings and the sharp near-vertical surface angle of the front and rear bumper 'aero-corners' combine to reduce air turbulence along the flanks of the vehicle and over the wheel arches.

Based on advanced Formula 1 technology sakana aero stabilising fins located on the door mirrors and rear combination lamps, accelerate the airflow along the body, enhancing vehicle stability and control.

Vehicle aerodynamics are substantially improved through the adoption of a front spoiler and numerous covers designed to create a flat underbody, optimising the flow of air beneath the new Corolla. They include a full engine undercover, front suspension member covers, front and rear wheel spats, floor undercovers, a fuel tank side undercover, and a rear floor undercover incorporating sakana aero-stabilising fins to enhance high speed stability.

The Interior Design
Benefitting from a 100 mm increase in wheelbase length from 2,600 mm to 2,700 mm, the all-new, high quality interior design offers customers a superior cabin environment. It features a more spacious and comfortable cabin including a substantial increase in rear seat legroom, more comfortable seats and a greater boot capacity.

The driving position has been comprehensively revised. The seat height adjustment range has been extended by 15 mm to 60 mm, and the slide adjustment range expanded by 20 mm to 260 mm. The front seat hip point has been moved forward by 5 mm. The operating force required for the seat slide, lift and recline functions has also been reduced for ease of operability.

In conjunction with a reduction in seat height of 10 mm, the steering wheel angle has been lowered from 24 to 22 degrees. In combination, these measures offer drivers greater ergonomic flexibility for improved comfort.

Additionally, the rear passenger room has been made more spacious and comfortable , the rear seat hip point moved back by 70 mm, increasing the front to rear seat couple distance by 75 mm. Allied to a new, thinner front seatback design, this has increased rear seat leg room by 92 mm, to a class-leading 706 mm.

The seats themselves have been redesigned, and feature a longer cushion with an ergonomically curved front edge offering comfort to the widest possible range of physiques. New, thinner seatbacks proved superior lumbar and lateral support, whilst the headrests have been shaped to combine comfort with excellent whiplash protection.

Despite a 25 mm reduction in the new Corolla's rear overhang, the boot capacity has also increased to 452 litres.
The new Corolla is not only more spacious and comfortable, but also quieter than its predecessor, and the interior has been designed to offer customers class-leading quietness.

The total area of the dashboard silencer has been increased and extra sound absorption material added between the bonnet and fender liner minimising the intrusion of engine noise into the cabin.

Floor silencer material offers excellent sound absorption qualities, particularly in the area of the front footwells. And the comprehensive use of body sealer at sheet metal junctions further isolates the cabin from the intrusion of external noise.

Quality, Functionality and Ergonomic Excellence
The all-new interior design combines clean, elegant, uncluttered styling with trim and detailing to reinforce the spaciousness of the new Corolla's roomier, more comfortable interior.

The width of the cabin is reinforced by the strong horizontality of the new dashboard design. Topped by a soft, non-reflective upper surface which flows seamlessly over the driver's instrument binnacle, the dashboard face combines convex, soft-touch padding with a concave centre console panel finished in piano black.

The robust, uncluttered clarity of the new design is further emphasised by a full-width silver accent bar which separates the dashboard into upper and lower zones, and continues across the top of the door panels, enveloping the cabin and emphasising the roominess of the seating area. New, vertical front door grips are finished in the same high gloss silver.

The soft instrument panel upholstery and high-gloss piano black finishes are complimented by silver trim detailing and clear blue instrument, glove box and ambient cabin lighting to create a premium quality feel to the interior.

A choice of two premium colours, ivory or black, completes the new interior colour scheme. The new Corolla will be available in a choice of three grades; Live (entry), Active (mid) and top-of-the-range Lounge (high). A grade-dependent choice of fabric or fabric and leather seat upholstery and on Active and Lounge grades also double stitch detailing are available.

The large, easy-to-read driver's instrument binnacle may be equipped with a choice of two, grade-dependent meter designs. Active and Live grade models are equipped with a three gauge design. The large central speedometer dial incorporates a trip computer. Top-of-the-range Lounge grade models feature a two gauge layout with a central, TFT multi-information display screen. Active and Lounge grade gauges are accented with chromed rings.

In keeping with the new Corolla's revised driving position, the ergonomic positioning and easy, intuitive operability of all switchgear and instrumentation has been carefully considered.

All driving-related instrumentation and switchgear has been separated into an upper, display zone and a lower, operation zone to maximise ease of use and minimise driver distraction from the road. And the audio and navigation system controls have been located higher on the centre console for greater accessibility and visibility.

A new, 373 mm diameter steering wheel with optional paddle shifters incorporates a comprehensive array of multi-functional switches for the operation of the audio, hands free telephone, cruise control, adjustable speed limiting and multi-function display system.

The operational feel of the pedals and shift lever has been refined. The pedals have been positioned to help prevent unintended operation, and the stroke and firmness of the shift lever have been optimised for a smoother shift feel.

The capacity and usability of the new Corolla's comprehensive range of storage spaces have been improved. They include a glove box, coin box and lidded compartment in the dashboard, a centre console box and cup holders, overhead sunglasses storage, front door pockets designed to hold a 1.5 litre bottle or a road map and rear door pocket space for a 0.5 litre bottle.

Boot space functionality has been improved through the addition of an external operation opening switch under the boot lip and easier, cleaner closing through the addition of a handle mounted on the underside of the boot lid.

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Toyota Corolla, 2014

 

 

 Toyota Corolla, 2014

Corolla for the World: 47 years, 154 Countries, Built in 16 Locations, Immeasurable Impact
With nearly 40 million units sold, the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car nameplate on the planet, and this year marks its 47th year on the market. Since the Corolla first appeared in Japan in 1966, it has played a major role in the motorization of Japan, and its global popularity has had a significant impact on transportation throughout the rest of the world. The global scope of Corolla now finds it manufactured in 16 locations and sold in 154 countries. The Toyota Corolla's appeal as a global car is rooted in a product philosophy set forth by Tatsuo Hasegawa, the first Corolla's chief engineer, who sought "to develop a car that brings happiness and well-being to people around the world."

As a result of more than 40 years on the market satisfying consumer needs, this compact car has developed into a pillar supporting Toyota's famed reputation for quality, durability, and reliability. The Corolla, maybe more so than any other Toyota sold globally, has been the answer for consumers in the market for a reliable, efficient, and affordable compact vehicle.

Unexpected Exterior Design is Expressive, Chiseled
The all-new Corolla makes an immediate visual impact with a more expressive, chiseled exterior design that elaborates on the "Iconic Dynamism" theme first seen on the Corolla Furia Concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show. The new Corolla is distinguished by its tauter, more athletic proportions that ride on a longer wheelbase (+ 3.93 inches/ +100 mm compared to current model). With the wheels pushed out toward the corners, compact overhangs, and more tapered front and rear expression, the new Corolla communicates a more dynamic compact sedan form, even at a standstill. The new sedan is 3.90 inches (99 mm) longer overall and yet presents a more compact appearance than the current model thanks to a basic shape that tapers at the front and rear of the vehicle to help emphasize the wheel arches and wheels-to-the-corner stance.

The new Corolla features an expressive front fascia with sharper, more pronounced details above a large trapezoidal grill that rests beneath a thin intake inlet below the hood.

The front view of the new Corolla reveals a continuation of the design themes seen in recent Toyota sedans such as Camry and Avalon, and it creates a sleeker, more assertive impression of a Toyota compact sedan with its more precisely sculpted surfaces.

Among the challenges presented by the new Corolla's original design concept was the need to execute more deeply rounder corners to achieve the desired sleeker image. The thick structure of conventional headlamps would hinder the appearance of deeply rounded corners. Sleek, compact LED lamp assemblies were adopted to reduce the corner mass and help accentuate the Corolla's tapered, rounded-corner, front- end design theme. In addition, the low heat generated by the LED lamp enabled the use of a lighter weight PES resin lens instead of conventional glass. Corolla is the first compact sedan to offer standard equipped LED headlamps.

Heightening the exterior design's attention to detail, the new Corolla's athletic profile reveals door handles that have been sculpted into the body to align with a character line that spans the length the door surfaces, utilizing a vertically asymmetrical door handle design. The new Corolla's C-pillar features a "faster", longer sloping angle that blends in to the rear deck more athletically. The rear view is highlighted by large, sharply-sculpted rear taillight assemblies. The new Corolla is available with a subtle rear deck-lid spoiler that accentuates the sportier nature of this new compact.

Elevated Interior Experience With a Greater Sense of Craftsmanship in its Design
The new Toyota Corolla's interior continues the "Iconic Dynamism" theme to create a stylish, highly functional, and inviting interior space with a greater sense of craftsmanship in its design, use of materials, and attention to detail. A horizontally oriented dash structure helps enhance the interior's sense of spaciousness while providing a more wide-open, intuitively functional space for interface with vehicle controls. The interior offers a premium aesthetic with its use of piano-black gloss trim highlighted by metallic ornamentation and trim that conveys an upscale yet sportier image.

Depending on interior color theme, blue, black or amber pinstriped accents are used in conjunction with the dash and door panel ornamentation to enhance the premium appeal of the interior. Ornamental stitching along the leading edge of the dash pad adds a sense of craftsmanship to the interior's upscale nature. An available decorative boot with ornamental stitching surrounding the shift lever adds a sporty, premium look.

As a result of the 3.93 inch increase in vehicle wheelbase, the new Corolla's interior package has been dramatically improved in terms of passenger comfort, gaining considerable legroom for the rear seat occupants. Compared to the outgoing model, the rear seat hip point has been moved back 2.95 inches (75 mm), and additional leg-room was gained by adopting a slim front seat back. The rear passenger floor was also made flatter by re-routing exhaust pipes beneath the vehicle to offer better middle position foot room. Rear seat comfort is also enhanced with the use of denser urethane pads and foam inserts within the seats.

The 2014 Corolla elevates the compact car's interior experience by treating occupants to a high level of cabin quietness. Environmental noise, in addition to road and engine sounds entering the cabin, are mitigated by an acoustic glass windscreen, improved floor carpet insulation, an instrument panel seal between the cowl and the windshield, a fender sound insulator, and an inner dash silencer pad.

Corolla's front seats include a longer, more supportive lower cushion and an improved bolster design, while offering a 0.59-inch (15-mm) increase in the seat's range of adjustment to help accommodate a wider range of physiques. The effort required operating the Corolla's front seat slide, reclining, and lift mechanisms has also been greatly reduced.

Corolla's standard gauge cluster offers three dials with sharp image detail and clear blue illumination, surrounded by chrome trimmed rings. Within the speedometer dial is a multi-information display that shows odometer, trip odometer, current fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, cruising distance and average vehicle speed. The S-grade meter cluster offers a high technology feel with a 3.5-inch black and white TFT display that rests between two large dials.

The new Corolla offers an expanded range of interior choices with seat fabrics that create an appealing contrast with the piano black and metallic-accent surfaces. Depending on the Corolla trim level, the seating surfaces are trimmed in premium, detailed fabric or a durable, upscale Soft Tex material.

Four Distinct Grades; High-level of Standard Equipment
The 2014 Corolla is available in four distinct grades: L, LE, S, and the new LE Eco grade. While each grade offers its own equipment level, all Corollas feature LED lowbeam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, an in-glass AM/FM antenna, color-keyed outside door handles, color-keyed outside mirrors, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, power door locks with automatic locking feature, power windows with driver-side one-touch up/down, air conditioning with pollen filter, standard Bluetooth connectivity and eight airbags.

Other popular features available for Corolla's trim levels include Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start, auto air-conditioning with pollen filter, leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and audio controls, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth hands-free phone voice-command controls, Soft Tex -trimmed heated front seats, and a range of audio capability that will offer navigation and Entune™ apps accessible through the head unit. Much more will be shared regarding Corolla's grade level content, capability, and price structure closer to on-sale timing in the fall.

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Toyota RAV4 EV, 2013

 

 

 

 Toyota RAV4 EV, 2013

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. revealed the highly anticipated all-new Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. This all-electric SUV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. The Toyota RAV4 EV's driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6. Arriving fully-equipped with an MSRP of $49,800 the Toyota RAV4 EV doesn't compromise on performance, comfort or versatility.

The Toyota RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers have succeeded in bringing an outstanding product to market in record time.

The Toyota RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota's most popular SUV model. The collaborative team set its sights on refining the customer experience. From advanced charging options to interior comfort to interactive displays, the vehicle has been designed for customer ease of use and maximum vehicle range.

The front wheel drive Toyota RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 HP (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm.

Toyota RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low center of gravity. In fact, at 0.30 Cd, RAV4 EV achieves the lowest coefficient of drag of any SUV in the world. Compared with the gas powered RAV4, Toyota re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under body design to maximize air flow around the vehicle. The RAV4 EV's battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle, contributing to a more sedan-like ride.

On the exterior, Toyota RAV4 EV features upscale LED low beam projector headlights with halogen projector high beams. A manual leveling system allows customers to redirect the headlights when the vehicle changes significantly in pitch due to a heavy load. Five vertical LEDs make up the daytime running lights, which dim to parking lights. The rear combination lights are LEDs accented by a unique light smoke outer lens. Other exterior variations from the gasoline powered RAV4 include new exterior emblems on the front, rear and the front door panel utilizing the signature Toyota "environmental blue."

Inside, a six-way adjustable driver's seat includes variable front seat heaters, which extends heater coverage to the occupant's upper back. The split reclining rear seats with folding center arm rest fold flat for increased cargo space, with a total cargo capacity equivalent to the conventional RAV4 of 73 cu. ft. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components.

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Toyota Avalon, 2013

 

 

 Toyota Avalon, 2013

For 2013, Toyota has dramatically altered the chemistry of Toyota Avalon's formula, creating a new potent and persuasive sedan that helps shift the product's generational appeal while symbolizing Toyota's exciting new design and product direction for future sedans.

The all-new 2013 Toyota Avalon will combine passionate styling, innovation, and an elevated level of craftsmanship to help reposition Toyota's flagship sedan within the highly competitive premium mid-size segment.

Exterior
For the mission of re-positioning the Toyota Avalon brand and shifting consumer perception of the sedan, Calty fashioned an exterior that offers a much more athletic expression in sheet metal. The new Avalon sedan represents a dramatic styling departure from previous Avalon models.

The 2013 Avalon's elegant and athletic design offers a longer flowing roofline creating a more appealing side silhouette with a lower vehicle beltline that suggests a sense of motion with a road holding stance. Its chiseled shoulder line sculpted into side sheet metal starts over the front wheels and creates a strong, fluid body side design cue adding to its athletic stance. The new Toyota Avalon exterior is designed to communicate a greater sense of performance and agility to better match the car's vastly enhanced dynamic capability.

Compared to the 2012 model, the new Avalon offers more compact and athletic exterior dimensions and with a greater styling sophistication that does not sacrifice interior comfort. The vehicle's stance has also been improved with more taut and compact exterior dimensions. Overall height has been reduced by 0.98 inch (25 mm) while the overhangs have been reduced by 0.59 inch (15 mm) at the front and 1.77 inches (45 mm) at the rear. Filling the wheel well, the gap between the body and the tires has been reduced by 0.27 inch (7 mm) compared to the previous Toyota Avalon model. The new Avalon's visual stance has been further enhanced by 1.29-inch (33 mm) reduction in width of the rear side rails surrounding the rear glass to tighten the proportions of the greenhouse. Vehicle tread has been increased by 0.39 inch (10 mm) at the front and 0.59 inch (15 mm) at the rear, widening the wheel placement underneath the more athletic Avalon body.

Keeping with the more athletic and expressive design theme, the new Avalon's exterior lighting compliments the design lines. The industry-first Quadrabeam™ headlight cluster utilizes a sleek and compact double-eye PES headlight design with two square glass condenser lenses that have been adopted for the low beams and offer outstanding lighting performance. Halogen and High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs are available for low beam double-eye PES front lamps. Available Daytime Running Lights (DRL's) using six high- performance LEDs bulbs are available lending a distinct, more modern image to the front of the vehicle.

A stronger, more expressive front-fascia design with larger grille opening creates an aggressive appearance while enhancing cooling air flow and pedestrian impact protection. The new Avalon's exterior turn-signal indicators have been located at the lower section of the front bumper to contribute to the slim and sleek appearance. The 2013 Avalon's sleek and sculpted rear tail lights utilize LED lamps to help ensure visibility and reduce the gap of unlit dark area between the trunk and rear quarter panel.

The more sculpted, athletic exterior design also helps the new Toyota Avalon cut through the wind with a low 0.28 coefficient of drag that helps fuel efficiency and on-road stability. The rear tapering design of the new Avalon body and the floor under covers help enhance vehicle stability at speed while improving airflow. The Avalon side mirrors offer improved aerodynamics to help reduce wind noise while also offering a weight reduction of 14.6 ounces (415 grams) compared to the outgoing model. The side mirrors alone help reduce the co-efficient of drag by 0.001 compared to the previous model. These new aerodynamic side mirrors offer features such as; a turn signal lamp, electrical adjustment, a mirror heater, memory positioning, a puddle lamp, available Blind Spot Monitor indicator, and electro-chromatic glass. Also, the new Avalon is equipped with a new, lighter weight, more aerodynamic wiper design that stays in contact with the window longer. The new Toyota Avalon's rear valance houses stainless steel dual exhaust outlets integrated into the body.

The hybrid model is distinguished by blue-trimmed Toyota emblems at the front and rear of the vehicle. In addition to unique hybrid badges located on the trunk lid, front doors and a hidden exhaust outlet. The new 2013 Avalon will launch with two new colors, Moulin Rouge Mica and Champagne Mica, to compliment overall color choices for consumers.

Interior
The all-new 2013 Avalon's Calty-designed interior elaborates on the exterior's elegant, athletic theme to create a premium interior experience that combines high technology and craftsmanship with an artistic level of sculpted surfaces. Looking outside the cabin, the sculpted dash panel and its concave surfaces in front of the passenger help add to the sense of the cabin spaciousness. This panel is covered in supple, hand-stitched premium soft-touch material with the seam adding some creative flair as it goes across the dash panel. The broad, low and layered dash-board design helps divide the panel area into a balance between an intimate driver space, with focused angles on the meter, and a wide open passenger space.

The instrument panel has been widened by 1.18 inches (30 mm) in the upper region and 2.56 inches (65 mm) in the lower region compared to the outgoing model, helping enhance the interior's spaciousness. The driver is engaged by an Optitron-type combination meter, which produces a sharp, high quality display and 3.5-inch Thin-film Transistor (TFT) color multi-information display. The Avalon Hybrid's display features a needle-type Hybrid System Indicator, which displays hybrid power output and regeneration. An Eco area on the dial display helps show when the vehicle is being driven in an Eco-sensitive manner, and it can help guide a driver's throttle input to develop economical driving habits.

The new Toyota Avalon's interior surfaces are finished in premium materials such as hand sewn soft-touch material for the dash panel, unique smoke chrome trim surrounding the center panel, and high-quality glossy panel trim around the shifter. All of this attention to detail to touch surfaces and subtle enhancements to texture and visual appeal are aimed at elevating the overall interior experience for driver and passengers. Extensive use of soft-touch materials helps enhance the interior's feeling of quality and comfort. A generous, dense-foam support is used beneath the supple soft-touch material covering many of the interior's touch surfaces, while a soft-skin surface with a deep foam construction is used for many of the dash surfaces to create a greater sense of tactile quality.

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Toyota 4Runner, 2014

 

 Toyota 4Runner, 2014

For nearly three decades, the Toyota 4Runner mid-size SUV has been a stalwart for off-roading enthusiasts seeking a SUV with rugged, go-anywhere capability. Currently in its fifth-generation, 4Runner continues as one of the few fully capable mid-size SUVs, and the redesigned 2014 4Runner receives a rugged new exterior design, and interior refinements that add comfort and convenience without sacrificing its hallmark performance capability and excellent value.

The Toyota 4Runner combines rugged body-on-frame construction with comprehensive suspension technology that yields optimal off-road capability with a smooth ride and comfort more often associated with crossovers. The 2014 4Runner is available in three grades: a well-equipped, value-driven SR5; top-of-the-line Limited, and a Trail grade for those who want maximum off-road capability. Optional third-row seats on SR5 and Limited allow for up to seven-person capacity.

4Runner owners will have the choice of a rear wheel 4x2, part-time 4x4 or a full-time multi-mode 4x4 with a locking center differential. All models are equipped with a powerful 4.0-liter, 270-horsepower V6 teamed to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission and one of the few vehicles that continues offer a transfer case.

4Runner's Rugged Exterior Design Projects Its Off-Road Heritage With a Premium Refinement

The refreshed Toyota 4Runner features a redesigned front fascia that conveys a more rugged and aggressive appearance. This includes a muscular front grille, and edgier smoked headlamps for a more forceful look. The SR5 and Trail grades feature a color-keyed grille insert and front bumper that is surrounded by fog lamps set in sharply cut inlays that extend from the headlamps down to the bumper.

The Trail grade features new color-keyed bumpers and overfenders, and it continues to be distinguished by an aggressive hood scoop and silver painted front and rear bumper accents. All grades are now standard with a roof rack.

In addition to the distinctive new grille, the premium Limited's front design stands apart with a chrome-plated grille insert and chrome front bumper that extends to the fog-lamp bezels. The side molding, roof rack and rear bumper are also chrome trimmed. The headlamps have also changed from halogen to projector beam, with both the headlamps and redesigned rear combination lamps on all 4Runner grades now featuring LED lamps.

Both the SR5 and Trail grades will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with a new wheel-design for both, while the Limited continues to ride on 20-inch alloy wheels, which are now painted black prior to machining to add contrast. All grades continue to come standard with a full-size spare.

The 2014 4Runner will be available in eight exterior colors that include new additions: Super White; Attitude Black Metallic; Barcelona Red Metallic; and Nautical Blue Metallic. They will join carryover colors that include: Blizzard Pearl; Classic Silver Metallic; Magnetic Gray Metallic; and Black.

New Interior Styling Has a refined style with the Comfort expected of a Mid-size SUV

The Toyota 4Runner exterior updates are complemented by touches of refinement on the inside. Both the SR5 and Trail grade add standard Soft Touch door trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shift knob provide a premium feel and atmosphere.

The SR5 receives a new bright and highly visible Optitron instrument panel that houses speedometer, tachometer, voltage, fuel and coolant temperature gauges, plus a multi-information display that offers multiple functions. An Eco-Driving feedback system allows the driver to monitor fuel consumption in real time. On 4Runner Trail, an overhead console within easy reach organizes the off-road control switches into one location. A compass indicator and outside temperature display add functionality. A manually controlled air conditioning system is standard on SR5 and Trail grades; the Limited features an automatic dual-zone climate-control system.

For second-row passengers, a sculpted front seat-back shape provides additional knee space. The second-row seats, which include a center armrest, individually recline up to 16 degrees in four steps for relaxing passenger comfort. The 40/20/40 second-row seat configuration also has a one-touch walk-in function, making access to the third row easier. Third-row seating is available on SR5 and Limited grades and features a roomy, supportive seating area.

The Limited comes standard with a leather-trimmed interior with new ventilated driver and front passenger seats in Sand Beige, Black and a new Redwood color. Front seats are also heated with eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support and four-way power-adjustable passenger seat. Both front seats are now standard with memory settings.

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