2007 Tokyo Motor Show Cars: Toyota Crown Hybrid Concept

Toyotais going to make nine concepts' world debuts for 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, including, 1/X (pictured), RiN 'well being' concept, i-REAL personal mobility vehicle, Hi-CT urban vehicle, FT-MV minivan and the Crown luxury sedan hybrid concept. Cars we've already seen before include the iQ minicar from Frankfurt Motor Show 2007and the FT-HS sports hybrid concept.

The Toyota 1/X concept, it can be taken to the preview of the next-generation Prius hybrid. The concept features a very familiar profile and an advanced hybrid drivetrain.

The Toyota i-REAL concept, meanwhile, is being touted as a step toward commercialization of personal mobility and is the fourth concept from Toyota in personal mobility vehicle development after the PM, i-unit and i-swing.

The other major new model is the Toyota Crown luxury sedan concept, which will showcase Toyota's latest VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) hybrid drive system. It has a two-stage motor speed reduction device that helps achieve smooth acceleration, high fuel efficiency, low CO2 and other exhaust emissions and quietness. It also has a LCD "Finegraphic Meter" interface system as well as ten airbags and generous seating for five occupants.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid in September?

Posted By "Autos spaces", Filed under: Green Cars, Hybrid, SUV Cars, Toyota-Motor-Corp

Toyotawill begin selling the 2008 Highlander hybrid in late September, but has not yet announced pricing.

The 2008 ToyotahybridHighlander will be "larger, roomier and more powerful" and include "one of the most comprehensive lists of standard safety features in it the mid-size SUV class," such as 7 airbags.

Despite some possible tweaking, the 2008 Highlander hybrid will be built on the same hybrid powertrain as the current hybrid Highlander, which Toyotais running a special $2000.00 discount through June.

Climate of Change - Powered by Toyota Prius

Toyota'shybrid technologycombined with a carbon-offsetting programme is set to make Climatecars, London's new eco-friendly taxi service, one of the greenest around. As its name indicates, Climatecars is taking a no-compromise stance on the environment. The company's operations are totally Carbon Neutral from the outset.

FiveToyota Prius petrol-electric carswere delivered to Climatecars at the start of June, with three more due in July and further cars to be added in line with demand. The vehicles, a combination of T3 and T4 grade models, are finished in metallic grey and fitted with black leather seats.

"We're aiming to serve the corporate market in central London who care about their carbon footprints, and by operating a superior service we're looking to grow quickly," says Climatecars' founder Nicko Williamson. The service was set to start in mid-June, following driver training on the new cars.

For Nicko Williamson, a Bristol University history graduate, Climatecars is his first business and the culmination of two-and-a half-years of planning. "After looking at LPG, biofuels and other eco-friendly technologies, it was clear that hybrids were the natural way to go. "The Prius is one of the greenest cars on the road, it has plenty of space and it's a very practical option for this industry," he says. "It's an extremely clever vehicle with a lot of potential."

Climatecars' vehicles are supplied through London Toyota business centresJemca Edgware Road and Currie Motors Twickenham. The cars are expected to average around 30,000 miles a year, and while Prius CO2 emissions are notably low at 104g/km, every mile covered will be logged and offset through the Carbon Neutral Company. Renewable energy is also used in the Climatecars office.

'Punctual cars, driven by courteous drivers who know where they're going' is Climatecars' slogan, and Nicko Williamson is confident that another selling point will be the Toyota Prius itself.

"Many people are still unfamiliar with hybrid technology, and we think that our passengers will find it interesting to travel in the Prius, with its silent running at low speeds and its energy monitor. I would think we'll be helping to spread awareness of the car and hybrid technology significantly."
For more information regarding Climatecars visit climatecars.com.

Chevy Tahoe Hybrid: Real American Revolution?

I won't call it a freedom-fighter - that takes, minimally, 40 mpg. Nonetheless, I'll call the Chevy Tahoe hybridan incredibly important step in the evolution of the American automobile. I might even call it an American revolution.

The Chevy Tahoe hybrid, as well as the Yukon hybrid, will not just be the first dual mode hybrid vehicles, these hybrids vehicles will be Made in America.

Unlike Ford's hybrids, such as theEscape hybrid, the Tahoe hybrid will also not be built under any sort of licensing agreement with Toyota. This is not a Japanese hybrid powertrain in disguise - no offense to either Ford or to the Japanese - this is a new, more American spin on hybrids.

In contrast to Japan, the U.S. is a huge land mass - a huge land mass filled with a massive network of highways and freeways that Americans often use to traverse great distances. Some of us travel hundreds of miles every day, not just on holidays and summer trips. Nonetheless, many of us spend countless hours on the open road every year.

While Toyota's hybrids, such as thePrius hybrid, work exceptionally well in urban congestion - the bulk of Japanese driving - they don't offer as much fuel economy help on America's highways. Considering that America is becoming significantly more congested, hybrids, such as the Prius, will always be ever important.

Still, the highway is yet an essential part of the American car culture. While the Tahoe hybrid, and all GM's dual mode hybrids, also utilize many of the tricks the Prius uses to be so efficient in congestion, they also offer some additional tricks on the highway - an important American consideration.

Now, it is my belief that Toyota's hybrid technology will still be more fuel efficient than GM's dual mode hybrid technology in urban driving, in congestion, etc. However, for drivers whom spend much of their driving time on the highway or freeway, the Tahoe hybrid makes a lot of sense for today's large SUV drivers - especially considering how important that vehicle segment is to GM.

If everyone driving a conventional Tahoe or Yukon converted to a hybrid version of these vehicles, a significant amount of fuel would be saved. That's a great step forward, and a great investment in GM's hybrid projects.

Now if we can only get GM to offer a dual mode Malibu hybrid a bit sooner.

Toyota Team SARD Returning to Tokachi With Supra HV-R Hybrid Racer

Last year, Toyota TeamSARD contested and completed Japan's Tokachi 24-hour endurance race with a specially-prepared Lexus GS450h. The car finished 4th in class and 17th overall. And now, Toyota Team SARD's heading back with some upgraded firepower.

The team announced that it will enter the Denso SARD Supra HV-R in this year's race, scheduled to go down July 15. The Supra HV-R is a hybridwhose Super GT-spec 4,480cc V8 is augmented with regenerative braking, a pair of 10kW in-wheel motors up front and a 150kW motor in the rear.

The engine's output is rated at 480 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, and the car's weight will come in at a little over 2,300 pounds.
The provisional racing livery is shown in the artwork above, and we'll report back when SARD unveils the finished car. Until then, we'll sum it up with one word:Cool.

Rent a Toyota Prius Hybrid at Hertz and Avis

As automotiveblogger.net posted, he really likes to rent a car he ever being curious about when going on vacation or another need to.

Now, there will another ever-popular Toyota Prius hybridbe added to the rental fleets by Hertzand Avis. Both say they'll initially add 1,000 units, with more coming into their fleet later in the year.

Hertz plans to offer the Prius hybridfor rent in Manhattan and select airport locations around the country, and Avis is sticking to the west coast.

All of this comes on the heels of a public relations initiative (pdf)from Enterprise Rent-A-Car last week touting its "unparalleled fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles".

Enterprise claims that 47% of its fleet - almost 334,000 vehicles - average at least 28 miles per gallon and that 28% of its fleet - almost 200,000 vehicles - average 32 miles per gallon.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Price Announcement

The base 2008 Toyota Highlander hybridwill see a small price reduction of less than one percent, starting at $33,700 for the 4WD-i vehicle.

The loaded Limited 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid will see a large price increase of more than 9 percent to $39,950.The new Highlander hybrid will ride on a new chassis that is almost 4 inches longer and 3 inches wider, significantly increasing the roominess of the Toyota's hybrid SUV.

In addition, the 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid will offer new tools to manage fuel economy, adding EV Mode, ECON Mode and a Hybrid System Indicator.Expect the new 2008 Toyota Highlander hybridsto hit showrooms in October.

Toyota Reach Hybrid Vehicle Millionth Sales

TOKYO (XFN-ASIA) - Toyota Motor(NYSE:TM) Corp said it has sold more than one million gas-electric hybrid vehiclesglobally since it rolled out the world's first mass-produced hybrid car, the 'Prius' sedan.

The vehicle was first sold in Japan in 1997 and then in North America, Europe and elsewhere from 2000.By the end of last month, a total of 1.047 mln Prius sedans and other hybrid cars, had been sold in more than 40 countries and regions, it said.

Toyotais currently seeking to boost its range of hybrid models and to cut production costs as it targets annual sales of 1 mln hybrid vehicles by the early part of the 2010's, it added.

Last month Toyota launched two new hybridsedan models, the 'LS600h' and the 'LS600hL' with a combined sales target of 7,000 units by the end of this year.

(1 usd = 121.29 yen)yumiko.nishitani@xfn.com
Copyright of CNN

Hybrid Car: Toyota Prius Overview and Gallery

You're visiting ahybrid cars website and reading a review of theToyota Prius. Of course, you'd expect a ton of praise to get heaped on the Prius, the quintessential hybrid gas-electric car. But that won't help you make a decision about whether or not to buy a Prius. So we'll make short work of the praise and try to point out a few reasons why the Prius might not be the right car for you.

Deserving of Praise
Toyota has sold more Priuses than all other hybrids combined-and for good reason. Since the debut of the second generation Prius in 2003 (as a 2004 model), the midsize hatchback sedan has racked up award after award. Years later, it continues to be a red-hot seller.

The Prius inspires a cult-like devotion from its drivers. Satisfaction rates, consistently at 98 percent, are unparalleled. Prius owners are already looking 20 years ahead, when they can claim with great pride, "Yes. I drove one of the first Priuses."

The Prius drives like a charm, humming along silently in all-electric mode at low speeds and revving up its 110 combined gas-electric horsepower for a respectable 0-to-60 rate of 10.2 seconds. The bean counters argue that the Prius is two to three thousand dollars more than a comparable Camry or Corolla. That's a joke to Prius owners. Those conventional vehicles can't be compared to the Prius in terms of its unique technology and design, and especially in the categories that matter most to the average hybrid buyer:

Fuel economy - EPA combined city/highway rating of 55 mpg

Emissions - 89 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, exceeding the standards for a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)

The Prius has plenty of leg room and storage space. Its stability control system makes it very safe. And the Prius has loads of bells and whistles, from keyless entry, high-tech fuel use dash display, and (on the 2006 model) a rear-view camera system to help you squeeze into a tight parking spot. All that in a package in the mid-$20k range-minus a a federal tax credit-and you can feel damn good about getting from Point A to Point B.

Toyota's efforts to ramp-up production and offer dealership incentives have successfully burned off waiting lists for the Prius. Our own Price Pulse tool, which showed long waiting lists through 2006, is now indicating ample supply and plenty of wiggle room to negotiate with the dealership.

This video produced by Toyota UK does a good job of explaining Toyota's hybrid technology-if you can get past the marketing hyperbole and BBC-style narration. Check out other Toyota hybrid videos.

Okay, What's the Catch?
The distinctive look of the Prius sends a message, which can be interpreted any number of ways. For some, it declares that we must take steps to reduce our voracious thirst for oil-with all its negative consequences in terms of the environment and geo-politics. For this camp, the Prius is like a middle-finger-on-wheels aimed at Hummers, Suburbans, Escalades, and the like. For others, the Prius's message is smug: "Aren't I special? Don't I know better?" If you like to blend in, the Prius's unique profile may be a deal-killer. Most Prius drivers like the aesthetics, inside and out, but there are certainly quite a few detractors who think the Prius is gimmicky, if not entirely ugly.

Then, there's the "Prius blind spot." The hatchback design limits the driver's visibility through the rear window. That makes some people crazy and is a non-issue for others. You have to take a test drive to see how it feels to you.

Another issue has to do with your interest in and tolerance for new technology. The Prius has been on the road in Japan since 1997, and in the United States since 2000. The performance of the new technology has been remarkable, but not without a blemish. In Oct. 2005, following a number of reports that Priuses were inexplicably stalling on the highway, Toyota recalled 75,000 Priuses in the United States. Apparently, the vehicle's computer system needed to be reset-and all was well. (Some hybrid drivers complained of reduced mileage after the procedure.) It seemed routine that nearly 17 million vehicles were recalled in the United States last year. But the novelty of the hybrid technology made the recall of the Prius a news item, and made some jittery shoppers leery of the Prius.

Talking About My Generation
The final item is the potential of the third generation Prius, due out in late 2008 as a 2009 model. Can you wait until then? When Toyota released the second generation Prius in 2003, the vehicle was bigger, faster, more efficient, and more stylized than its predecessor. The third generation Prius promises a similar bump in the key metrics. Toyota has already made announcements about the use of better battery technology and hinted at a plug-in option. If these improvements pan out, then the next generation Prius could break the 70 mpg record set by the now-retired Honda Insight. (And that's with new EPA mileage scoring in place.) Time will tell.

There you have it. Whether you take the Prius or leave it, the hybrid wave is not going to stop. Automotive technology is evolving to deal with the world's oil problems. And the Prius will long be credited as thehybrid that started it all. What are you going to tell your grandchildren you drove in 2007?

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid pricing announced

Toyota announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2008 Highlander Hybrid. A best-in-class fuel economy and emissions leader, Highlander Hybrid with Hybrid Synergy Drive™ has been enhanced for power, roominess and economy in 2008.

It is noticeably quieter, larger and smarter, with significantly improved versatility and ride comfort. The 2008 Highlander Hybrid will have one of the most comprehensive lists of standard safety features in the mid-size SUV class where safety is at the top of purchase considerations.

Highlander Hybrid will be offered in Base and Limited grades, powered by a 3.3-liter V6 with four-wheel drive with intelligence (4WD-i) that delivers an impressive 270 horsepower. Newly-added, technological innovation features such as an EV Mode, ECON Mode and Hybrid System Indicator assist the driver to enhance fuel economy and driving experience.

EV Mode allows the driver to operate the Highlander Hybrid in electric mode for a limited distance at low speeds, or in stop-and-go driving conditions. ECON Mode activates a throttle-control program that smoothes out throttle response; thereby, limiting excessive acceleration. A Hybrid System Indicator provides the driver with a visual guideline for optimizing fuel economy.
Highlander Hybrid has an impressive list of standard safety features. It features seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows in addition to active headrests for the driver and front passenger and Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System.

As with all Toyota SUVs for the last three years, Highlander Hybrid will provide Toyota's STAR™ Safety system with Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist as standard equipment.
Highlander Hybrid rides on an all-new chassis derived from the current Camry and Avalon. It is nearly four inches longer, three inches wider, and has three inches of additional wheelbase than the Highlander it replaces. Key standard equipment includes AM/FM/CD with six speakers, two rows of fabric-trimmed seats, and a leather-trimmed tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls.

Highlander Hybrid's flexible second-row seating features captain's chairs with armrests that can be converted to a bench seat for three passengers. A "Center Stow™" seat, when not in use, is hidden in a compartment under the front center console. In its place, passengers can easily put in the Center Stow™ console or choose to leave the area open as a walk-through to the third row. The second row also slides forward and back 4.7 inches and reclines.

Key standard equipment on the Limited model includes: three rows of leather-trimmed seats, multi-stage heated front seats, rear glass hatch, power rear door, AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer , nineteen-inch alloy wheels, puddle lamps on outside mirrors, fog lamps and a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests for a flat rear cargo area.

A stand-alone backup camera with a 3.5-inch LCD multi-information screen, not tied to a navigation system, along with Smart Key System with Push Button Start are standard equipment on both grades.

With new standard equipment and convenience features, the 2008 Highlander Hybrid base grade 4WD-i model will carry an MSRP of $33,700, a decrease of $190, or 0.6 percent over the previous generation comparably-equipped Highlander Hybrid.

The well-equipped Limited grade 4WD i-model will carry a base MSRP of $39,950, an increase of $3,400 or 9.3 percent.

The Highlander Hybrid will arrive in dealerships in early October.
Toyota announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2008 Highlander Hybrid. A best-in-class fuel economy and emissions leader, Highlander Hybrid with Hybrid Synergy Drive™ has been enhanced for power, roominess and economy in 2008.

It is noticeably quieter, larger and smarter, with significantly improved versatility and ride comfort. The 2008 Highlander Hybrid will have one of the most comprehensive lists of standard safety features in the mid-size SUV class where safety is at the top of purchase considerations.

Highlander Hybrid will be offered in Base and Limited grades, powered by a 3.3-liter V6 with four-wheel drive with intelligence (4WD-i) that delivers an impressive 270 horsepower. Newly-added, technological innovation features such as an EV Mode, ECON Mode and Hybrid System Indicator assist the driver to enhance fuel economy and driving experience.

EV Mode allows the driver to operate the Highlander Hybrid in electric mode for a limited distance at low speeds, or in stop-and-go driving conditions. ECON Mode activates a throttle-control program that smoothes out throttle response; thereby, limiting excessive acceleration. A Hybrid System Indicator provides the driver with a visual guideline for optimizing fuel economy.
Highlander Hybrid has an impressive list of standard safety features. It features seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows in addition to active headrests for the driver and front passenger and Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System.

As with all Toyota SUVs for the last three years, Highlander Hybrid will provide Toyota's STAR™ Safety system with Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist as standard equipment.
Highlander Hybrid rides on an all-new chassis derived from the current Camry and Avalon. It is nearly four inches longer, three inches wider, and has three inches of additional wheelbase than the Highlander it replaces. Key standard equipment includes AM/FM/CD with six speakers, two rows of fabric-trimmed seats, and a leather-trimmed tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls.

Highlander Hybrid's flexible second-row seating features captain's chairs with armrests that can be converted to a bench seat for three passengers. A "Center Stow™" seat, when not in use, is hidden in a compartment under the front center console. In its place, passengers can easily put in the Center Stow™ console or choose to leave the area open as a walk-through to the third row. The second row also slides forward and back 4.7 inches and reclines.

Key standard equipment on the Limited model includes: three rows of leather-trimmed seats, multi-stage heated front seats, rear glass hatch, power rear door, AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer , nineteen-inch alloy wheels, puddle lamps on outside mirrors, fog lamps and a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests for a flat rear cargo area.

A stand-alone backup camera with a 3.5-inch LCD multi-information screen, not tied to a navigation system, along with Smart Key System with Push Button Start are standard equipment on both grades.

With new standard equipment and convenience features, the 2008 Highlander Hybrid base grade 4WD-i model will carry an MSRP of $33,700, a decrease of $190, or 0.6 percent over the previous generation comparably-equipped Highlander Hybrid.

The well-equipped Limited grade 4WD i-model will carry a base MSRP of $39,950, an increase of $3,400 or 9.3 percent.

The Highlander Hybrid will arrive in dealerships in early October.