As expected, there’s no change in dimensions compared to the Auris 5d. Same goes for the engine range with the 3d being offered with two petrol units (97Hp 1.4-litre & 124Hp 1.6-litre) and two diesels (126Hp 2.0-litre & 177Hp 2.2-litre). Unfortunately
Here’s a set of “scoop” images that we discovered at our Italian buds at Autoblog.it that will certainly raise a few question marks. The most obvious one is whether what we’re looking here is the forthcoming Toyota Auris TS or just a privately supped-up version with a bodykit and a pair of bucket seats? If we had to choose, we’d probably pick the first scenario. Why?Well, first of all the images seem to have been taken inside a
UPDATE: According to a comment we received, these pictures originated from the Spanish site, "ClubCorolla". Members of the forum snatched the Auris during a visit to TTE's (Toyota Team Europe) headquarters in Cologne, Germany.
Pics via: Autoblog.it
Via: Jalopnik
John Doe’s Lexus LX570, or in plain car-English, the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser has been spotted again performing tests in the Arabian Peninsula and specifically, in Dubai (UAE). The only notable exterior difference between the ’09 Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX570 seem to concern the rear-light clusters and while you can’t see it in these pics, the redesigned front-end. Inside,
Pics via: carspyshots
Environmental concerns are growing uncontrollably, especially in this day and age when there is ample technology, brainpower and financial back up to provide us with vehicles that release less pollutants and meet environmentally friendly emission standards. That is why the organization FIA foundation (Federation Internationale de l' Automobile) has emerged with its EcoTest program which specifies the strengths and weaknesses of passenger cars. Launched in 2003, the EcoTest program has built a profile consisting of the environmental performance of a range of popular car models in the European market. The database is set up by the German automobile club ADAC and sponsored by the FIA Foundation. EcoTest assesses the emissions of pollutants (
According to the latest ranking, the Toyota Prius hybrid still holds the first place for the most “environmentally friendly” car in the European market.
On the other hand, natural gas vehicles have taken 2nd and 9th rankings in the FIA EcoTest. The Volvo V70 2.4 Bi-fuel was second within just two points of taking out 1st place indicating that biomass fuels have significant potential for CO2 reduction and are likely to outstrip conventional fuel performance in the future. At the bottom of the table, with the highest pollution rating, was the VW Sharan 2.8 Gasol along with the Kia Rio 1.5 diesel which had a high CO2 emissions rating.
Diesel fuelled cars have made startling progress in overtaking their rivals by cutting emissions and reducing pollution. Diesel technologies such as particle filters and selective catalytic reduction show “very promising results”, according to EcoTest.
Posted By Chris
Chris is a friend of mine who's a professional journalist by day and hopefully, a blogger by night!
Either Autoexpress is trying to repeat a previous webzine style hoax (Corvette Blue Devil) using plenty of duck tape and cardboards or someone’s seriously confused cause, what we’re seeing here is nothing more than badly camouflaged 2008 Toyota Corolla and not the next-generation Avensis. Check it out and tell us your opinion. Link: Autoexpress
The Prius TV commercial, created by Saatchi & Saatchi Japan, claimed "what if all cars were like the Prius, with its hybrid synergy drive technology, it emits up to one tonne less CO2 per year" On-screen text stated "1 tonne of CO2 less than an equivalent family vehicle with a diesel engine. Average calculated on 20,000km a year.
The problem was that, according to ASA’s investigations, the chart used by
Ad: A TV ad, for the Toyota Prius, claimed "what if all cars were like the Prius, with its hybrid synergy drive technology, it emits up to one tonne less CO2 per year" On-screen text stated "1 tonne of CO2 less than an equivalent family vehicle with a diesel engine. Average calculated on 20,000km a year.
Issue: The complainant challenged whether the claim "it emits up to one tonne less CO2 per year" misleadingly exaggerated the environmental benefits of the car.
Response:
The Broadcast Advertising Clearance Centre (BACC) said they had checked
Assessment: Upheld
The ASA noted on-screen text stated that the claim compared the Prius with "an equivalent family vehicle with a diesel engine" and that it made clear calculations were based on an annual driving distance of 20,000km a year. However, we noted that the chart sent by Toyota held data on petrol and diesel cars and that, while the average annual distance driven by private cars in the US was 20,000km, the average for the UK was 13,440km.
We noted that the chart drew on
We did not consider that document suitable to establish that the output of the Prius was comparable to all 2.0 litre cars registered in 2005. We noted that none of the cars with 1.5 litre engines featured in the chart emitted 1 tonne more CO2 than the Prius and that less than half of those new cars that had engines of less than 1.8 litres emitted 1 tonne more CO2 than the Prius.
We noted that Toyota had qualified the claim by stating "up to one ton less CO2 per year" and that the Prius emitted significantly less CO2 than some other cars with greater engine capacity, but we did not consider their evidence demonstrated that it emitted 1 tonne less than equivalent vehicles with diesel engines or that it took into account the average annual distance driven by private cars in the UK.
The ad breached CAP (Broadcast) TV Advertising Standards Code rules 5.1 (Misleading advertising), 5.2.1 (Evidence), 5.2.2 (Implications), 5.2.6 (Environmental claims) and 5.4.6 (Comparative advertising).
Action: The ad should not be broadcast again in the same form.
Technorati: Toyota, Toyota+Prius, Lexus, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles
As anticipated, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) announced that it has accepted the application of Toyota Motor Europe (TME) to become a full member of ACEA. The Japanese carmaker’s membership will start in January 2008. Back in May, ACEA had announced that its members would take a formal decision on June 8 at the association’s general assembly. Until now, ACEA had 13 members: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, DaimlerChrysler, FIAT, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Scania, Volkswagen and Volvo.
Commenting on the announcement, ACEA’s President and CEO of Fiat Group stated, “We welcome Toyota Motor Europe in our midst and are convinced TME will make a valuable contribution to the work of our association. ACEA and TME share the same challenges and concerns with regard to EU regulation and our sector’s competitive strength. Together we will give even more vigorous input to the on-going process of improving the EU regulatory framework and the “better regulation” agenda of the European Commission.”
On
To be exact, as of May 31, 2007, 
PRESS RELEASE: Tokyo - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that global cumulative sales of Toyota hybrid vehicles have topped the 1 million mark, with approximately 1,047,000 units sold worldwide as of May 31, 2007.
The second-generation Prius, equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System II, was introduced in 2003 with an emphasis on delivering both environmental performance and power. Over time,
Technorati: Toyota, Lexus, Toyota+Prius, Hybrids, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles
Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC), a global provider of large format rechargeable power solutions unveiled a retrofitted Toyota Prius, with plug-in capabilities that promises to deliver a whopping 125+ miles per gallon fuel efficiency, or to make that in liters, less than 1.9 l/100 km –vs 55 mpg or 4.3 l/100 km of the standard Prius (combined). But how did LTC manage to achieve such an impressive figure? Concisely, LTC switched the Prius’ NiMH (Nickel metal hydride) batteries with a new type of lithium based batteries -lithium iron phosphate cells or LiFePO4 to be exact. Additionally, while the standard Prius’ relies on the petrol engine or the brakes to charge the batteries, LTC has added a charging system allowing charging by plugging into a standard outlet. And at what price? Well, your guess is as good as ours is since LTC avoided any money-talk. Via: AutoblogGreen
Press Release: Breakthrough Technology Drives the World Forward
Lithium Technology Corporation Demonstrates Power Solutions Leadership
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. (BUSINESS WIRE) Lithium Technology Corporation ("LTC") (OTC: LTHU) hosted yesterday an exposition of the Companys breadth of power solutions and unveiled a retrofitted Toyota Prius, with plug-in capabilities allowing for 125+ miles per gallon fuel efficiency, which is powered by the Company’s unique battery technology. The battery for the Prius utilizes LTC’s new product line of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells, the largest cells of their kind in the world, which are considered to be the technology of choice for the American car manufacturers.
“We are delighted to demonstrate and deliver the technology that the automotive industry has been searching for today," commented Dr. Klaus Brandt, chief executive officer of LTC. “While others have estimated up to a year to deliver the technology, we are proud to show the world that we have the technology and are committed to making hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles a reality for all consumers in the safest way.”
The 7 kWh battery comprised of 63 of LTC’s iron phosphate cells has achieved 125+ MPG. LTC’s large format technology allows for more reliable battery systems with a significantly lower number of cells. The battery management system (BMS) is more precise monitoring fewer cells, keeping them in balance for best performance and preventing damage to the battery due to over voltage, under voltage, over temperature and short circuit.
From our highways, to the depths of the ocean and up into space, LTC is powering the world in extraordinary ways. Key partners and customers joined in the event to demonstrate a range of vehicles from the automotive and military markets. Phoenix International representatives were on hand with one of the xBot Remote Operated Vehicles used on to explore the RMS TITANIC. The batteries powering the vehicles are amongst the safest lithium-ion batteries in the world for their energy density
“We are proud of our strategic partnerships which continue to afford us the opportunity to explore and develop new technologies and to break new ground,” remarks Brandt. “Through partners including Phoenix International,
Covering the event were representatives from the Associated Press and the BBC, which later broadcasted parts of the event on their American and global networks. LTC will present at the Wall Street Analyst Forum this morning at 9am.
LTC, a global provider of large lithium-ion rechargeable power solutions has focused solely on the development and production of large format lithium-ion batteries for more than twenty years. The Company manufactures a range of cells with two different types of chemistries. Both chemistries coupled with the company’s innovative end-to-end manufacturing processes and proprietary design and assembly techniques, allow LTC to provide large high performance cells unmatched by any other product.
About Lithium Technology Corporation:
Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC) is a global provider of large format rechargeable power solutions for diverse applications, and offers the largest lithium-ion cells with the highest power of any standard commercial lithium ion cell produced in the western hemisphere. With more than 20 years of experience, LTC leverages its extensive expertise in high power and large battery assemblies to commercialize advanced lithium batteries as a new power source in the military and national security systems, transportation and stationary power markets.
LTC manufactures the GAIA product line of large, high power hermetically sealed rechargeable lithium-ion cells and batteries. The Company's product portfolio includes large cells and batteries from 10 times the capacity of a standard laptop computer battery to 100,000 times greater. LTC manufactures a variety of standard cells that are assembled into custom large batteries complete with electronics (battery management systems) and electronics to communicate with other components of the system for performance monitoring.
Technorati: Toyota+Prius, cars, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles
An Australian survey concerning vehicle ownership cost? As strange as it may seem, not only do we like knowing that Lexus is Japanese and Land Rover is British (…), but we also find interesting totally useless stuff like how many bucks will an Aussie block pay to own his 6cylinder Commodore or Falcon. For the record, your average Mike will pay 233.40 & 229.13 AUD par week respectively that translates to €142.1 & 139.5 and $191.2 & 187.7 again, respectively. The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria’s (RACV) conducted this particular survey and the calculations include the cost of financing the vehicle, depreciation (hence the high numbers we mentioned above), as well as operating costs including scheduled services, registration, insurance, fuel, tyres, etc. We don’t know why, but the Aussies only included Australian and Japanese carmakers along with a couple of Kia’s and Hyundai’s. Follow the jump (click "Read More...") to check out analytical ownership costs per vehicle category.
Key to the tables
Standing costs include those incurred on a periodical basis, such as depreciation in the value of the vehicle, interest on the loan, registration, driver’s license and RACV roadside assistance membership.
Running costs include those that result primarily from usage of the vehicle, such as fuel, tyre replacement, service and repairs.
Total Costs combine both Standing and Running costs. They are calculated as an average, based on costs incurred over the first five years of ownership and 15,000 km annual travel distance.
Via: RACV
For those of you how have might missed the story, the Canadian Government issued earlier this year an eco-rebate system that provides a refund of up to $2,000 for cars that have an avg, consumption of less than 6.5-liters per 100km, but nothing to those above that line. Honda’s Fit (Jazz in Europe) boasts an avg. consumption of 6.6-litres per 100km while Toyota’s Yaris achieves a 6.4-liters figure, thus, qualifying for a $1.000 CND rebate which helped its sales climb 15% in April (vs Fit’s 1% decline). One plus one makes two and Honda Canada didn’t stick around with its thumb up its fuel pump. Starting off from Saturday, March 19, 2007, Honda is publishing an open letter on all Canadian newspapers criticizing the government's rebate program. According to Honda, consumers shouldn’t have to choose between an ecoAuto rebate and vehicles that offer the right balance of safety and environmental responsibility. Simply put, Honda’s saying our car has slightly higher avg. consumption over the Yaris cause its safer -
We could give them a point there, but then again, let’s say the Canadian Government changed its decision announcing eco-rebates for all cars with an avg. consumption of less than 7.0-litres per 100 km. How many car manufactures would pop-up the next day repeating Honda’s accusations? Via:Autoblog.com , Source: theglobeandmail
Oh yes, it’s a third generation Toyota Supra with a pair of BMW Z1 headlights, a Ferrari Testarossa bodykit (prancing horse logo on the hood included) and six (!) exhaust pipes. Guess this fella gave a new meaning to our ultimate dream car that’s designed by Italians, engineered by Germans and built by Japanese… Pics via: Barryboys
Technorati: Toyota+Supra, Replica, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
Peter Langen, BMW’s director of powertrain, commented: “This is a tremendous achievement and important recognition of the lengths our engineers have gone to in order to ensure the success of our turbocharged petrol engines. We are proud to once again be honoured as the manufacturer of the International Engine of the Year.”
Elsewhere, the 62 motoring journalists from 30 countries that participated in the voting handed two awards to VW Group for their 1.4 TSI & 2.0 TFSI engines, while another two trophies were given to
International Engine of the Year Awards 2007: Winners
Best New Engine of 2007 - BMW 3-litre Twin-Turbo (335i)
Best Fuel Economy -
Best Performance Engine - BMW 5-litre V10 (M5, M6)
Sub 1-litre -
1-litre to 1.4-litre –VW 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger (Golf, Touran, Jetta)
1.4-litre to 1.8-litre - BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo (MINI, Peugeot 207)
1.8-litre to 2-litre - VW 2-litre Turbo (Golf, Audi A3, A6, SEAT Leon, Skoda Octavia)
2-litre to 2.5-litre - BMW 2.5-litre (325, 525, X3, Z4)
2.5-litre to 3-litre - BMW 3-litre Twin-Turbo (335i)
3-litre to 4-litre -Porsche 3.6-litre Turbo (911)
Above 4-litre - BMW 5-litre V10 (M5, M6)
And…
International Engine of the Year 2007 - BMW 3-litre Twin-Turbo (335i)
Technorati: International+Engine+Award, BMW, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
Unless you want to play a game of “spot the differences” let us enlighten you with what’s changed on Toyota’s 7seater 2008 Corolla Verso: a new grille, redesigned front bumper & headlights, a new, rectangular turn indicator lamp at the rear along with a new chrome-plate finish to the wider number plate trim, enhanced equipment levels that include dual-zone air conditioning and new audio system and finally, the introduction of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) catalytic converter on the 2.2 D-4D 135 engine. See, that wasn’t hard, was it? -Images & Press Release after the jump
PRESS RELEASE
The Corolla Verso, one of the key core models for Toyota in Europe, is to get a fresh, new look and will offer to customers even more premium equipment levels, while continuing building its success based on its versatility, high level of quality and driving pleasure.
At the same time, the environmental performance of the Corolla Verso is to be enhanced with the introduction of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) catalytic converter on the best-selling 2.2 D-4D 135 engine. The Corolla Verso now boasts one of the most technically advanced and clean diesel engine line-ups in
The new look and enhanced equipment levels, including dual-zone air conditioning and new audio system, will build on the existing success of the Toyota Corolla Verso which has proved to be one of the most popular compact MPVs in Europe.
The revised Toyota Corolla Verso will go on sale in
The unique Toyota Easy Flat-7 seating system means all five rear seats can be folded away to create a fully flat floor. The Corolla Verso was the first model in the compact C-MPV segment to offer this feature and it remains one of the easiest to operate.
The Corolla Verso is also one of the leaders in its segment when it comes to safety. It has been awarded five stars for adult occupancy protection by Euro NCAP, as well as four stars for child safety. The Corolla Verso features several segment-firsts; such as the availability of nine airbags including the driver's knee airbag, and the innovative Cornering Assist Monitor, which has been upgraded and revised to make it more effective and easier to use.
With its stylish sporty looks, spacious interior and high level of perceived quality, the Corolla Verso has opened up the market for compact MPVs to a whole new group of customers active couples who are looking for something a bit more special than just another family car.
European sales success
Since its launch in 2004, Corolla Verso has proved to be a unique C-MPV offer in
With an exterior design created at
Unlike sales in the main C-segment (showing a declining trend) the C-MPV segment in
Last year some 95,471 Corolla Verso were sold in the region, a 3% increase on 2005 and representing a 6.6% European segment share.
Much of the recent growth in Corolla Verso sales has been stimulated by the introduction of the 2.2-litre D-4D engine range in late 2005. These engines, which offer increased performance, greater driving pleasure and significantly reduced harmful emissions, clearly demonstrate
The 2007 Corolla Verso moves with the times and its fresh new look has a strong individuality while retaining the clear
There is a new vertical character line linking the upper grille and the bumper, giving the bumper an integrated appearance with the bonnet.
The new front bumper with more presence adds 10 mm to the overall length (now 4 360 mm) and front overhang (880 mm). At the same time, the new styling features more sporty graphics, such as the mesh-style radiator grille and new shape to the turn indicator lamps. Front headlamps have been redesigned to give a more dynamic image and a smoked finish to add sporty emphasis to the halogen headlamps and rear lamps will feature specifically on the D-4D 180 Clean Power model. Rear styling features a new, rectangular turn indicator lamp and a new chrome-plate finish to the wider number plate trim. This helps create a greater sense of width.
There are now four clearly differentiated grade levels (Terra, Luna, Sol and Premium Active) identified with specific wheel trims and featuring newly created alloy wheels for Luna and Sol. To complete the more sporty and dynamic look, Corolla Verso is available in ten exterior colours, five of which are new to the range. The four grade level structure is carried over to the interior trim where there have been further improvements in perceived quality and comfort.
New fabric upholstery has been created for the main body of all three rows of seats with specific fabrics for each grade level. In addition, the rear surface of the second and third rows is covered in carpet fabric to improve the perceived quality and durability.
These trim improvements reinforce the sense of superior quality that is a key feature of Corolla Verso design and build. Tight panel gaps, with superior fit and finish, produce flush surfaces and the geometric, three-dimensional lines of the interior styling give the cockpit a well-defined form. This, combined with the metallic finishes and new blue acrylic panel for the air conditioning, accent the centre cluster and create a high-tech appearance.
As one of the world's leading global vehicle manufacturers
The Corolla Verso range clearly demonstrates how Toyota's advanced technology petrol and diesel engines can offer customers great driving pleasure, good performance and significantly reduced environmental damage through low fuel consumption and effective emission controls.
This position is strengthened by the introduction of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) catalytic converter on the best-selling 2.2 D-4D 135 engine for the Corolla Verso. The new engine will join a line-up which includes the high performance D-4D 180 Clean Power engine with advanced D-CAT technology already among the cleanest diesel engines in its class.
The DPF catalytic converter not only purifies the exhaust of hydrocarbons (HC) and Carbon monoxide (CO) as with a conventional oxidation converter but also significantly reduces particulate matter (PM) as well.
The DPF converter utilises wall-flow construction which forces the exhaust gases through tiny pores in the catalyst substrate walls, trapping the particles.
Unlike many other particulate filters, the Toyota DPF catalytic converter is `self-cleaning', hence is maintenance free throughout the life of the vehicle. An exhaust fuel injection is used to raise the DPF catalyst temperature on a controlled basis and the particles burn off to clear the filter pores. This process requires the addition of a fifth fuel injector which is placed in the exhaust manifold.
Other enhancements to the 2.2 D-4D 135 engine include the fitting of ceramic glow plugs with a higher operating temperature than conventional plugs. These improve low temperature starting and reduce white smoke.
An air-bypass system for the Exhaust Gas Recirculation allows compressed exhaust gas to by-pass the EGR cooler under light engine loads when cooling is not required. This contributes to high power output and low emissions under these conditions.
The new 2.2 D-4D 135 engine with DPF offers the same performance figures as the conventional catalytic converter equipped engine 100 kW (136 DIN hp) maximum power at 3600 rpm and torque of 310 Nm across the engine range 1800 rpm to 2800 rpm.
The Corolla Verso will continue to be available with a choice of two highly efficient, VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - Intelligent) petrol engines which offer excellent fuel consumption and lively performance. These engines are equipped with advanced `by-wire' throttle control to enhance driving pleasure and optimise fuel consumption. The 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol develops 129 DIN hp and 170 Nm of torque while the highly-efficient 1.6-litre VVT-i petrol develops 110 DIN hp.
A five-speed Multi-Mode manual transmission is available with the 1.8-litre petrol engine offering the convenience of `clutchless' automatic gear changes or sequential manual shift. This has now been equipped with a warning lamp which indicates any overheating in the clutch system.
The style, versatility and premium quality of Corolla Verso have brought new customers to the segment and to
Corolla Verso is one of six
Corolla Verso's four-disc braking system and optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) offer maximum performance and control whether one or seven occupants are inside the car. The top braking performance is enhanced by the Brake Control System which can offer Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
For optimum driver and passenger comfort, the Corolla Verso will now be available with dual-zone automatic air conditioning. This allows independent digital setting of the cabin temperature to suit the preferences of each passenger.
The already sophisticated and fully integrated audio and navigation system has been upgraded to maintain its position among the most advanced in the segment. The audio system will now play MP3 and WMA files and offers Bluetooth connectivity.
The navigation system is latest generation with clear mapping displayed in 32k colours and using `Michelin-style' colour coding for roads and features which are instantly familiar to most drivers. The system offers voice guidance in 10 European languages and RDS-TMC traffic information.
Operation of the full map navigation system has been made easier by the integration of telephone and voice switches into the steering wheel along with audio controls. The telephone switch is used to operate Bluetooth compatible cellular phones while the voice switch is used to operate the navigation system voice recognition function.
There have also been significant enhancements to the front Corner Assist Monitor and rear Parking Assist Monitor which are one of Corolla Verso's most innovative features. These enhancements make the Assist Monitors more effective and easier to use. The Corner Assist Monitor allows the driver to see areas in front of the vehicle which could be out of the direct line of sight, such as at blind junctions or when turning in confined spaces. It can help confirm the presence of oncoming vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians. The camera for the Corner Assist Monitor has now been changed to one with a three-dimensional view that allows indirect monitoring left, right and in the lower area in front of the vehicle. This enables the driver to see objects that might be in the blind spot immediately in front of the vehicle. Touching a switch on the screen changes the display between two and three-dimensional view. At the same time, the angle of vision from the camera has been increased to give a further extension of the side view.
The rear Parking Assist Monitor which indicates the course of the vehicle to the driver during parking has also been upgraded with a more effective display design and a help function.
The enhanced Corolla Verso, to be revealed at the Barcelona Motor Show, will contribute to make the model a continuous strong competitor in its segment thanks to a more dynamic design and the addition of premium equipments, with the environment friendliness in mind.
The Corolla Verso will be revealed at the Barcelona Motor Show on June 7th 2007.
Technorati: Toyota+Corolla+Verso, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures
