2011 Toyota RAV4

The Japanese automaker Toyota has revealed the first official images of the refreshed RAV4 compact crossover, a model that set to be unveiled in March at the upcoming 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The facelift version of the Toyota RAV4 receives not only a new front end, but also a few interior upgrades as well as improved power train options. The exterior gets a new set of headlights on either side of the new front grill, a new hood and a redesigned front bumper complete with integrated fog lights. The Japanese car make hasn’t released any official specifics just yet about the new power train lineup, but they have confirmed that the new CUV will be offered with both gasoline and diesel power plants offering a variety of propulsion options for future buyers.

Stay tuned for more details!

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Toyota rumored to have axed the FT-86 concept from the Tokyo Motor Show

You might remember Toyota’s FT-86 Concept that was unveiled at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Well if you thought that the car had the look of a winner, then you’re not alone. That FT-86 Concept, which was designed by a European design team Toyota commissioned, was about as good a concept vehicle as we’ve seen in a long time and we figured that Toyota wouldn’t waste time in producing a road-version of the FT-86 as soon as it cleans up the huge mess that they’re in right now.

But as has been the case with Toyota recently, the latest news surrounding the FT-86 comes with both good news and bad news. The good news is that a production version of FT-86 is indeed in the works. The bad news is that design that we saw in Tokyo won’t be the one Toyota will use. According to Holiday Autos, Toyota has dumped the car we fell in love with in Tokyo for what they believe is a better design – a design that, ironically, none of us have ever seen. For now, FT86club.com – see, the concept even has a fan site! – has a rendering of what Toyota supposedly chose over the one they brought to the Tokyo Motor Show.

Of course, none of this has been confirmed or denied by Toyota because, as we all know, they’re probably a little too busy taking care of things that are of greater importance to them. Nevertheless, we’ll keep everyone posted on this new development for a car brand that doesn’t seem to get enough of the headlines these days.

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2011 Toyota Avalon

The Toyota Avalon has been a staple of the Japanee automaker’s commitment to quality and comfort ever since it was introduced back in 1994 and has been refreshed for the 2011 model year making its debut at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. The face lifted four door features new exterior styling and a few new interior amenities rich with premium materials and practical new technologies. The new Toyota Avalon will go on sale this spring and will be offered in two trim levels including the standard Avalon and a Limited edition.

On the outside, the 2011 Avalon features a wider, more substantial grill along with new headlamps housing halogen high beams with halogen or optional high intensity discharge (HID) low beam units, a reshaped trapezoidal front bumper, redesigned rocker panels and glare resistant outer mirrors with integrated turn signals. Meanwhile under the hood, Toyota has equipped the new Avalon with a 24 Valve, dual overhead cam (DOHC) 3.5 Liter V6 that produces a maximum output of 268 HP, mated to a multi mode six speed automatic gearbox. The 2011 Toyota Avalon promises to add a few high tech creature comforts and a fresh new face.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Toyota introduced the boldly redesigned 2011 Avalon today at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Evoking a time when travel was sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, the new Avalon possesses a distinctive new exterior style while offering a restyled interior rich with premium touch points and practical new technologies.

Even with numerous refinements inside and out, the Avalon remains true to the idea that comfort is honest and uncomplicated, and “Traveling Avalon Class” is rich in simple, familiar pleasures.

The new Avalon has dynamic and expressive lines, and an infusion of comfort, safety and technology advancements that enrich the driving experience. Upgraded equipment and technology features, such as a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability with music streaming to the audio system are among the improvements that enhance the 2011 Avalon’s excellent blend of spaciousness, comfort and technology.

“The Avalon has long been appreciated by smart, conscientious consumers who recognize quality materials and the beauty of detailed craftsmanship,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “The changes made for 2011 will allow us to build on our position in the premium large car segment. The competition does not stand still, and neither do we.”

Restyled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the Avalon is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), a “zero landfill” facility that also assembles the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Venza. It was also developed at the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Dynamic New Exterior

For 2011, Calty restyled Avalon to project an elegant, outgoing presence. A wider, more substantial grille ties into state-of-the-art projector headlamps, working with a broad, undisturbed front hood to suggest a lowered center of gravity and emphasize the Avalon’s wide stance.

The new headlamps, which combine multi-reflector halogen high beams with halogen or HID low beams, utilize light pipes to create a signature, night-time appearance. The front fog lamps, now integrated into a trapezoidal front bumper, provide a wider angle of illumination.

Viewed from the side, the 2011 Avalon is enhanced by additional use of chrome trim, redesigned rocker panels, and glare-resistant outer mirrors with integrated turn signals. New 17-inch wheels on the Limited grade feature a 10-spoke design with a mirror finish.

At the rear of the car, identification is cleanly defined by a single Avalon logo located above the license plate. Dual-exhaust pipes are integrated into the cutaway trapezoid shape of the lower bumper for a modern image. Taillights have been reshaped to reduce turbulence at the rear, helping to create a lower coefficient of drag. The new lights integrate stop, turn and side marker lighting functions in one combined lamp. Unique LED light pipes with dark aluminized sides and both clear and red lenses project a modern appearance.

Spacious Interior Built For Comfort

For 2011, a new interior has been designed with a contemporary style. The new interior remains generously spacious and elegant, fitted with comfortable seating and thoughtfully integrated amenities. Coordinated colors and rich wood-grain materials were carefully chosen to convey an optimistic attitude and modern essence.

Standard leather-trimmed front seats and seatbacks on the Limited are fitted with ventilation systems and an enlarged perforation area to help keep them cool. Interior seats feature thicker stitching, which provides an elegant accent to the interior design. Active front headrests are also standard.

The rear seating area is configured to seat three passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and reclining rear seats, unique in the segment. The rear headrests have also been reshaped and enlarged for better support, and a convenient flip-down center armrest provides storage when the middle seat is not in use.

A power rear sunshade, deployable via a one-touch lever, filters direct sunlight coming through the rear window. The sunshade, which helps to protect rear seat passengers from unwanted light and heat, automatically detracts when the driver selects reverse gear.

A new instrument panel incorporates visually attractive and highly readable Optitron gauges that use graduated white illumination with white pointers. They are set inside smoked lenses and deep chrome rings that add depth and a sense of luxury.

The steering wheel includes controls for Bluetooth hands-free phones, the audio system, climate system, and the information center.

Technology-Enriched Environment

A comprehensive infusion of technology was designed into the new interior to ensure an enriched environment, with enhanced function and connectivity.

New standard equipment includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone and music streaming to the audio system from a compatible device, XM® satellite radio (subscription required), and both USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connections for iPod® and other audio devices. Each of the three available audio systems can control iPods seamlessly using switches located on the steering wheel and display track information stored in the device.

Toyota’s latest DVD Navigation system has a newly adopted database and now has easier search and address input functionality. The Navigation system also offers new displays for road icons and points of interest, and a keyboard screen arranged in the same way as a personal computer.

The Avalon grade’s standard nine-speaker system offers exceptional sound quality, while the Limited grade features a standard 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL Premium Synthesis audio system with enhanced two-coil sub-woofer. The system uses 12 speakers and a 12-channel digital amplifier to deliver profoundly rich, full sound to all seats of the vehicle.

A rear-view monitor function is standard in the rear-view mirror or with the navigation system. The rear-view-mirror image includes on-screen back-up guides that help drivers to back into parking spots or driveways.

Performance and Efficiency Combined

Avalon’s exceptional combination of ample horsepower and excellent fuel economy offers one of the best overall dynamic performances in the large sedan segment.

The 2011 Avalon is powered by a 24-valve, dual-overhead cam 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The engine is equipped with the latest dual VVT-i electronic valve-control mechanism that provides a broader powerband, while requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions. It is mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2011 Avalon is an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), EPA-estimated to deliver 20 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and 23 combined, as good as or better than any V6 model in the segment.

A roadworthy mix of fine ride quality and accurate driving control is delivered by the Avalon’s MacPherson strut suspension, which uses coil springs at all four corners. Rack-and-pinion steering combines with front-wheel-drive and optimized steering gear for a natural handling feel.

Simple Comforts Throughout

A dual-zone climate control system has nine air-flow modes for more precise control of interior climate, and a clean-air filter removes dust and pollen. Doors use three stop positions instead of two for easier entrance and exit. A lockable glove box has a pneumatic-door damper and inner box illumination. The front-console box has a sliding armrest that moves 4.7 inches front to rear, able to accommodate a wide range of driver positions. The elegantly stitched top is padded with a double density cushion material for softness. Inside, there is a 12-volt outlet in addition to the USB and auxiliary audio terminals.

Safety is Standard

The new Avalon’s occupant-safety strategy includes use of extensively tested energy absorbing structures, protective side impact beams and overhead structure, advanced belt systems and active front headrests as standard equipment. Avalon will also have a redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and a brake override system.

Seven airbags, including a front knee bag for the driver, and front side curtain airbags for both rows, are also standard. Toyota’s standard Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and TRAC traction control system. TRAC and VSC functions can be disengaged if the driver needs to free the vehicle if stuck in mud or snow.

A full-size spare and alloy wheel is standard. Each wheel has its own pressure sensor to warn if tire pressure drops, providing the driver with an early warning to find a safe place to change a tire.

Simplified Packaging

The 2011 Avalon will be available in two grades when it arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2010, Avalon and Limited. Both grades will be well equipped with standard equipment like eight-way leather-trimmed power driver’s seats, back-up camera, dual zone automatic climate control with air filtration, moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. Limited will have additional standard equipment, such as an eight-way passenger’s seat with lumbar support, driver’s seat cushion extension, rain-sensing wipers, Smart Key and cooled leather seats. Avalon grade can be upgraded with features like a JBL Synthesis sound system and heated front seats, while Navigation is optional for both grades.

Color and Trim

Avalon will be available in nine exterior colors including three new colors: Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress Pearl and Sizzling Crimson Mica. Additional colors include Cocoa Bean Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black, and Sandy Beach Metallic. Avalon grade will be mated to three leather-trimmed interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. Limited grade receives Ivory, Light Gray, and Black Bordeaux trims with accent-color trim on the vertical surfaces.

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Toyota expects to recall Prius over the next few days due to faulty braking concerns

The hits just keep coming for Toyota.

Already facing a global recall of catastrophic proportions – around 8 million Toyotas have been recalled because of defective accelerator pedals – Toyota’s is bracing itself for another global recall, this time for the Toyota Prius.

Reports have been coming out in Toyota’s home country of Japan, particularly from the country’s biggest newspaper, Yomiuri, that the automaker is scheduled to announce the recall of its Prius line sometime in the next few days because of growing braking concerns that seems to have plagued the hybrid vehicle.

Contrary to the problems associated with other Toyota models, the problem with the Prius seems to be solvable through a software upgrade, which can be done rather easily and less time than the bigger accelerator issues that has afflicted a large chunk of Toyota’s fleet.

Nevertheless, the impending recall of the Prius is the last thing Toyota needs right now, especially after it has all but shattered its reputation as a safe and reliable brand. Where this goes is anybody’s guess, but the way things are going, it’s going to take a while before Toyota can re-establish its image and reputation that has been stained and tarnished to incredulous levels.

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Man crashes Toyota Tundra into a dealership because of lack of customer assistance

It’s a bad time to be a Toyota owner these days. After news broke out last week that Toyota was being forced to recall over 1 million cars globally due to those sticky accelerator pedals, the Japanese-based auto giant has gone into full scale damage control, giving Toyota owners a chance to return their Toyota vehicles to a Toyota dealership where they’d undergo free repairs to fix the faulty pedals.

Mikel Valviva decided to return his recalled Toyota Tundra in one of the local dealerships in his area, but after being told that he would have to wait to get his Tundra fixed, Valvina took matters into his own hands. Instead of patiently waiting for his turn, Valvina “somehow” accelerated his Tundra straight into the dealership.

While it seems ridiculous to accuse someone of deliberately crashing his vehicle into a dealership because he felt disrespected, this whole situation involving Toyota and all these faulty accelerator pedals have left everybody in a constant state of confusion.

As far as Valvina’s supposed accidental torpedoing of the Toyota dealership, local authorities have indicated that the whole incident could very well have been unintentional. Or maybe the accelerator pedal just got stuck.

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