Toyota Motors is dealing with what may one day be considered the most tumultuous period in the company’s history, resulting mostly from widely publicized safety issues related to slippery floor mats and more recently (and significantly) “sticky” gas pedals. While both defects have led to unexpected acceleration, the latter, though considered rare and affecting fewer vehicles, is the the hardest to remedy and most disruptive to car owners and Toyota’s operations. With that said, if Toyota is looking for a bright side in this, it can be proud that as a leading hybrid car manufacturer, the Toyota Prius as well as hybrid versions of the Highlander and the Camry have all received clean bills of health. While there are also conventional models to evade the Toyota recall and the suspension of production and sales, it’s interesting that none of the Toyota hybrids are subject to the stigma. Should we be surprised to hear green car advocates claim this as another victory in the battle for energy-efficiency and better gas mileage? It’s probably more luck than a technological superiority of Toyota hybrids that explains why they can still be driven confidently on highways and out of dealerships. But, some may find it ironic that very recently Koei Saga, managing officer of Toyota, downplayed the future significance of hybrids, predicting that the gas engines will never be replaced entirely. Although, Toyota has generally been considered a maker of reliable and safe automobiles, in recent history it has arguably been the Prius and other hybrid models that have grown Toyota’s reputation, especially in terms of being an innovator. As evidenced by the Wikipedia entry I found listing the Toyota Prius among models impacted by the defective pedal issue, Toyota should be worried that it’s diminishing reputation will be passed along to its most reputable vehicles. In fact, they might want to edit that article to reflect the facts, especially now that competition is increasing in the hybrid sector.
Scion xBs for SEMA
Recall that when Scion launched in 2002, it was aimed at young people who wanted to pimp their rides, preferably with accessories straight from Toyota dealerships. That mission statement hasn’t changed and is why the company continues to have a strong showing at tuner-heavy aftermarket events like SEMA in Las Vegas, where these heavily modified versions of the Scion xB are debuting this year.
Please click here: Scion xBs for SEMA for more pictures and specs on these cool Toyotas.
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2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com
Driving the Toyota FJ is a lot like piloting a boat. The 4.0-liter V-6 with 239 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque does a good job of moving the 4338-pound ute, but executing dynamic maneuvers is a different story entirely. The FJ’s tall, boxy shape combined with the soft, off-road-compliant suspension and big tires leads to significant body roll, which is reflected in a poor 0.70 g of skidpad grip. Get on the gas, and the five-speed automatic’s well-spaced ratios allow a hustle to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. When the throttle is pegged, the FJ’s front lifts like it’s trying to plane on water; stomping on the brakes makes it dive like a submarine, with stops from 70 mph taking 190 ft of real estate. Considering its size and wind-catching shape, our test average of 17 mpg wasn’t too bad, sitting between the EPA’s 16 mpg city/20 mpg highway ratings.
Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com
The fate of a next-generation FJ is unknown, but we do know that 2010 models get an updated 4.0-liter V-6 with 19 more horsepower for a total of 258. A new Special Edition model will be available and should offer greater off-road prowess with Bilstein shocks, skid plates, TRD wheels, and a Garmin navigation system tailored to the trails.
The FJ is still somewhat of a misfit in the Toyota range and its segment. It sacrifices on-road competence, visibility, and interior comfort for off-road ability and style. It’s not the practical transportation appliance we’ve come to expect from Toyota, and although we admire its quirkiness—it has three windshield wipers—we can’t quite wrap our heads around this brick on wheels.
WyoTech
If you have a passion for all things mechanical, you might be interested in getting trained as an automotive technician or diesel mechanic at a technical school such as WyoTech. WyoTech offers degree and diploma programs in the fields of Automotive, Diesel, and Collision Refinishing and have six campus locations nation-wide. (Programs vary by campus location.)
2010 Toyota 4Runner
Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com
Toyota is introducing a redesigned 4Runner which does not exactly fit into the new trend of going “green” by removing the option of having a V-8 engine. However to compensate for this loss, the 4.0-liter V-6’s output swells beyond that of the old V-8—270 hp, compared to 260.
The platform is not new, however just about everything else about the 2010 4Runner is. The new sheetmetal is a welcome change—the outgoing 4Runner’s look dated to 2003—and continues Toyota’s recent streak of daring designs. The big, inward-slanted headlights lend a furrowed look to the 4Runner’s mug, while the slab sides and beefy, squared fender flares give it a tough, masculine look. An upright greenhouse and a broad, flat hood promise to satisfy those who want their trucks to feel big from behind the wheel, and the slimmer, forward-canted C-pillar pays homage to the Land Cruiser.
Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com
The furnishings inside have been completely overhauled as well, with richer materials and a modernized design finally abolishing the dated cockpit of the previous model. A third row of seats remains an option, and the second row gains the ability to recline.
With the smaller engine, pricing will begin below the 2009 model. The two-wheel-drive, four-cylinder model will begin at $28,300 including destination, and the Limited will sticker at $40,600.
2010 Toyota Tundra 4.6 V-8
Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com
Successfully striking a balance between power and efficiency, Toyota is offering a new mid-grade V-8 for the 2010 Tundra. This 4.6-liter V-8 produces a healthy 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque. With increased efficiency under the hood, coupled with the installation of a six-speed automatic transmission, the mid-grade Tundra boasts impressive fuel economy – an estimated 15 city mpg and 20 highway mpg. Starting with a base price of $25,158, this smooth-driving dual-purpose truck with surprising Lexus-like quietness is a value that is hard to beat.
Click here for the latest Lexus news.
Toyota Tundra TRD Supercharged
Image Source: Car and Driver
Taking a complete 180 degree turn from its hybrid focus, Toyota is making a supercharged version of its Tundra. This supercharged behemoth will be capable of producing 504-hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and a ¼ mile time of only 13.5 seconds. With a fuel economy of 14/18 mpg before modifications and a testing price of $42,502, this truck is built specifically for those guys who just can’t seem to show enough masculinity.
Car and Driver’s New Site – Toyota Trucks
Car and Driver is planning to re-launch its site. This new and improved site promises to be much more interactive and user-friendly. With increased functionality, it will be even easier to navigate. There is much more information and links on the new homepage, allowing for quicker, more efficient search.
In addition, one of the best features of the new site is the increased functionality of the buyer’s guide, which allows you to more easily search for vehicles specifically tailored to your needs. For example, if you choose a make such as Toyota, the new site instantly provides you with several links to the latest reviews, comparison tests, news, and advice on different models.
Then, selecting a model, such as the Tundra allows you to view all of its top competitors in that class. With the ability to drill down on specifications and view tons of interior and exterior images, the new Car and Driver site is definitely more interactive and user-friendly, and will enhance your Toyota truck shopping experience. Feel free to email any feedback to caranddriver@hfnm.com.
Ranking All Toyota Trucks and SUVs for Fuel Efficiency
How does the Toyota Tacoma stack up? Not bad...
Summer is here, and that almost certainly means that fuel prices will stay on the rise. If you’re in the market for a new or slighty used Toyota (and now is a great time to buy), a few extra MPG can save you thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the vehicle.
We’ve ranked all current Toyota trucks and SUVs for fuel efficiency (best to worst) using an average efficiency rating (city and highway). Enjoy.
- Highlander Hybrid – 26mpg
- Rav 4 – 25mpg
- Highlander – 23.5mpg
- Tacoma – 23mpg
- Sienna – 20mpg
- FJ Cruiser -19.5mpg
- 4Runner – 18.5mpg
- Tundra – 17mpg
- Sequoia – 16.5mpg
- Land Cruiser – 15.5mpg
Next Generation Green Car – 2010 Toyota Prius Returns with HSD
2010 Toyota Prius
With the 2010 Prius, Toyota takes another step forward in eco-friendly motoring. The car is equipped with Toyota’s most advanced hybrid automobile technology – the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD). With HSD, Toyota excels in producing powerful full-hybrid vehicles, improving upon the single or dual mode hybrid cars offered by most competitors.
The core of HSD is a drive-by-wire system that eliminates the conventional mechanical and hydraulic control systems – it doesn’t need a direct connection between the engine and its controls. Instead,HSD uses electro-mechanical actuators that send electrical signals generated from different components of the car to a computerized power control system.
HSD Powertrain of 2010 Toyota Prius
The new 2010 Prius is capable of driving on either gasoline or electric power alone, as well as on a combined power supply. A 1.8L WT-i petrol engine, an electric motor, a high-voltage battery, a power control unit, and a power split mechanism ensure smooth acceleration and an emission free ride. The 2010 model also increases system power output by a hefty 22%.
The 2010 Prius can reach 30mph in electric mode, and boasts an incredible 72.4mpg is attainable from the combined drivetrain. Exceeding the Euro 5 emission standard, the 2010 Toyota Prius is the most efficient green car of the future.
Image courtesy: motiontrends and cars.com
