Car NEWS log

posted by admin on Apr 18

Hybrid car companies should have to put alternatative energy means on their building. They are making a fortune on “you doing your part” but genuinely are not interested in the green movement. Hybrid car and parts

posted by admin on Feb 27

Toyota
has announced that the new sportier flagship Toyota Auris will be
available for delivery January next year in the UK. The 2008 Toyota
Auris SR180 will have lower suspension springs and new rear spoiler.

The rear window will be dark-tinted for more privacy and also the
SR180 will fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels. One of the color available
is the uber-cool Pure White.

The Toyota Auris SR180 will be powered by a 2.2-liter D-4D engine
mated with a 6-speed manual transmission that produces 175 hp and a
maximum torque of 400 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

posted by admin on Feb 27

2008 Toyota Avalon Review

The XLS model includes leather upholstery and adds a moonroof, an engine immobilizer security system, heated side mirrors with auto dimming on the driver’s side and an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror.

(more…)

posted by admin on Feb 20

While the Toyota Prius and other hybrids may be the next best thing to riding a Vespa for the environment, one group has been concerned about their lack of noise they produce. Members of the National Federation of the Blind are voicing their concerns to a Maryland legislative committee today regarding the safety of hybrid vehicles while running in all-electric mode. It’s been reported over the last couple of years that individuals who rely on sound to safely interpret and navigate their surroundings are at risk when navigating congested urban environments populated by hybrids. The legislative task force will study the effects of a vehicle’s noise levels on pedestrian safety and make a recommendation by the end of the year. If this initiative gets traction, we don’t think a Prius will start singing like the Ferrari F430 anytime soon… but maybe they could give it a nice growl like the Audi R8?

[Source: AutoBlog]

posted by admin on Feb 14

At this year’s Geneva Auto Show, Toyota is going to officially unveil its production version of the iQ microcar that was shown in Frankfurt last year for the European market.

The iQ measures less than three meters and seats up to three adult passengers with room left over for a small child or luggage. The iQ is going to go into production at the end of the year.

In addition to the production version of the iQ, Toyota is also going to debut the Urban Cruiser, which is essentially a raised version of the Scion xD that we have in the US. Toyota has yet to release any specs on the car, so you will have to wait until the car is officially unveiled next month.

posted by admin on Feb 10

Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, an all-new, 10th generation 2009 Corolla will continue to offer the quality and value for which the brand has long been known. The new Corolla with an all-new body that delivers increased interior and luggage room, more power, more economical engines and an all-new chassis and suspension.

The Corolla will come in five grades – Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS. A standard body kit on S and XRS models helps to modify aerodynamics and enhance the Corolla’s sporty look – these include a front spoiler, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and for improved air management under the car, engine undercovers.

The 2009 Corolla is offered with a pair of efficient new engines, each of which can be combined with a five-speed manual transmission. The four-speed automatic transmission is combined with a 1.8-liter engine and the five-speed automatic is combined with a 2.4-liter engine.

The Standard, LE and XLE will be equipped with one of the all-new engines. The 1.8-liter 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine, will produce 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. One of the engine’s most important features is its use of Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy.

For those who desire just a bit more horsepower and torque, there is the 2.4-liter engine which produces 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is completely redesigned for use in the new Corolla XRS grade. The 2.4-liter engine transmits its power through the five-speed manual transmission, but is available with a five-speed automatic. The automatic transmission can be manually shifted sequentially.

Airbags are installed in the steering wheel, instrument panel, front seats and side-roof. Side curtain airbags that help protect passengers in the front and rear seats in the event of a side impact are standard. Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. Toyota’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on all grades of the Corolla. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and cut-off switch available is available as an option.

The all-new Corolla is equipped with an array of standard performance and convenience features. Among the many features on the Standard grade are P195/65 R15 tires, a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XM satellite capable, air conditioning with air filter, intermittent windshield wipers, two 12-volt power outlets, daytime running lights, black manual folding power mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and much more.

In addition to standard features on the Standard grade, the LE grade adds power windows with driver-side one-touch-down, shift-activated power doorlocks and color-keyed manual-folding power mirrors.

As well as the features on the LE grade, the XLE grade adds P205/55 R16 tires with full wheel covers, variable intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, Optitron gauges, center console with sliding armrests, wood grain trim, and driver and passenger rear-seat pockets.

Besides the Standard grade features, the sporty S grade also features standard P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM capable audio with six speakers.

In addition to S grade features, the XRS grade adds rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and interior chrome accent.

Additional standard equipment on the XLS grade includes VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, P205/55 R16 tires with 16-inch alloy wheels, a JBL audio system with AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, XM® satellite and eight speakers in six locations and navigation system with AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback capability.

The Corolla Standard grade will carry a base MSRP of $15,250 for models with a manual transmission and $16,050 for models with an automatic. The LE grade with automatic has a base MSRP of $16,650 and the XLE grade with an automatic a base MSRP of $17,550. The S grade will carry a base price of $16,320 for a manual transmission model and $17,150 for models with an automatic. The MSRP for the premium XRS grade will be $18,760 for a manual transmission and $19,950 for models with an automatic.

- Toyota

posted by admin on Feb 10

A new braking feature in Toyota vehicles links up the braking system with your GPS navigation–ultimately getting us one step closer to full automated butler cars capable to taking you anywhere. The system works by recognizing area with stop signs or other stopping requirements and cross-referencing with road markings that designate an impending stop.

When the system knows you are approaching an intersection it recognizes as having a stop sign, it will begin to audibly and visually warn you to slow the eff down. It will continue to analyze the speed as you approach the impending stop, then decide whether to give you a little help with additional braking force. The system is currently being tested in Japan. [WCF]

posted by admin on Feb 5

There have been rumors that Toyota is working on a replacement for the discontinued Celica, but now there are more rumors that the next-gen Celica could be built by Subaru.

According to Japanese magazine Best Car Toyota is going to release two versions of the Celica that will borrow parts from Subaru, by 2011. The base GT version is going to be powered by a 2.0L Subaru 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower. The top of the line GT-Four version is going to be powered by the same 300 horsepower engine in the Japanese spec Impreza STI.

The next-generation Celica could also be offered in two-door and three-door configurations. A hybrid is also rumored.

Full Story: Motor Trend

posted by admin on Feb 4

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 8-passenger, 5-door wagonESTIMATED PRICE AS TESTED: $58,000 (base price: $56,285)

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection Displacement: 346 cu in, 5663cc
Power (SAE net): 381 bhp @ 5600 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 401 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 122.0 in Length: 205.1 in Width: 79.9 in Height: 74.6 in Curb weight: 6100 lb

SULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 18.5 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 23.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.2 sec @ 92 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.73 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 13/18 mpg
C/D observed: 12 mpg

posted by admin on Feb 2

Automakers report their U.S. sales for January today amid a continuing economic slowdown. But new information about last year’s showroom sales already reveals who has momentum in the struggling market, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Ford was the biggest loser in U.S. retail sales last year, dropping nearly a full percentage point of retail market share, according to the latest retail sales estimates provided exclusively to the Free Press by the Power Information Network.

In all, Ford’s share dropped from 15.1% in 2006 to 14.2% last year, a decline that represents about half the production for an assembly factory.

Meanwhile, Toyota and Honda picked up most of Ford’s decline in the U.S. market. And General Motors has stabilized its retail share, with about 22% of the U.S. market.