Toyota Aygo Black

A new special-edition Toyota Aygo Black has been launched. The Toyota Aygo Black comes with a set of cosmetic upgrades for both the three- and five-door models.

It is powered by a 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine, averaging 62.8mpg and emitting 106g/km of CO2.

Available for both three and five-doors models, The Aygo Black comes with additional Alcantara and leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, leather gear shift knob (manual models), 14-inch alloy wheels and Tempest Black metallic exterior paint finish.

Pricing on the three-door manual starts at £9,460, with air conditioning adding £500 to the cost. Stepping up to the five-door adds about £350, while replacing the five-speed manual transmission with an automatic adds £500.




via:topspeed


Press Release

BLACK IS BACK: TOYOTA RELEASES NEW TOP-OF-THE-RANGE AYGO

KEY POINTS

• New Aygo Black with Alcantara and leather trim, sports steering wheel, 14-inch alloys and Tempest Black metallic paint
• Available to order now
• Available with one year's free Toyota Motor Insurance cover
• Lower on-the-road prices due to change in first year VED tax rate from 1 April 2010
• On-the-road prices from £9,460*

Order books have opened for Aygo Black, a new version of Toyota's friendly and frugal city car.
Aygo Black comes with a choice array of sports styling features, building on the specification of the Aygo+ model with additional Alcantara and leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, leather gear shift knob (manual models), 14-inch alloy wheels and Tempest Black metallic exterior paint finish.

Powered by the ultra-economical Toyota Optimal Drive 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine - winner of the sub-one-litre class of the International Engine of the Year awards for the past three years - and fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, Aygo Black has official combined cycle fuel consumption figures of 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of just 106g/km.

Both three and five-door models are available and air conditioning is available as an option. Toyota's Multimode transmission is also available on the five-door Aygo Black, where air conditioning has been specified.

One year's free insurance
Customers who move quickly to snap up an Aygo Black can also take advantage of Toyota's generous offer of one year's free cover from Toyota Motor Insurance. Owners must be aged 21-plus, full terms and conditions are available from Toyota centres and www.toyota.co.uk.

Aygo Black prices

Aygo Black prices

MODEL	OTR PRICE*
Aygo Black 3dr 5MT	£9,460
Aygo Black 5dr 5MT	£9,810
Aygo Black 3dr 5MT with A/C	£9,960
Aygo Black 5dr 5MT with A/C	£10,310
Aygo Black 5dr Multimode with A/C	£10,810

Option Packs
Aygo Xtra Protected pack: Rear parking sensors, carpet mats, front and rear mud flaps, additional side and rear protection mouldings	£390
Aygo Style pack: Front fogs, aluminium scuff plates	£245

*Prices from 1 April 2010

Geneva Debut: 2010 Toyota Auris HSD [Video]

Toyota has announced that the 2010 Toyota Auris HSD, or Hybrid Synergy Drive, will officially go on sale in Europe later this spring. The car uses a 1.8-liter petrol engine and electric motor to provide nearly 62 mpg (US), consuming 3.8 liters of petrol per 100 km.


The petrol engine version it’s powered by a 1.8 L and a 60kW (80bhp) electric motor mated to a 27kWh nickel metal hydride battery. The car’s total power reaches 134bhp and can be driven in electric mode up to 30mph for 1.2 miles. The HSD meets Euro5 emissions standards and is expected to also comply with forthcoming Euro6 requirements. Auris HSD is scheduled to go on sale in July. Further details of performance, technical specifications, model grades and equipment features will be announced nearer the launch date.


Exterior design: a stronger, more confident road presence

Redesigned bumpers have increased the front and rear overhangs by 15 mm and 10 mm respectively. As a result the Auris 2010 has increased in overall length by 25 mm to 4245 mm, while the long, 2600 mm wheelbase remains unchanged.

With a new horizontal bar-type grille, more aggressive headlamp clusters, LED daytime running lights and a wider lower bumper air intake, the entire front of the Auris 2010 has been restyled to enhance the car’s stable, ground-hugging stance and create a more youthful image.

The rear design has been strengthened to provide a stronger, more confident road presence. The bumper corners have been extended outwards and create a new ‘catamaran’ bumper profile which accentuates the Auris 2010’s muscular proportions and wide track.

The latest addition to the model line-up, the Auris HSD incorporates several unique exterior design features which both improve the car’s overall aerodynamic efficiency and indicate the presence of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain.

The upper grille opening has been optimised to help the air flow smoothly over the upper half of the body, and the size of the lower grille has been enlarged to reduce airflow resistance as well as improving engine cooling efficiency.

Housing a revised foglamp configuration, the flat, vertical surface of the bumper corner not only reinforces the Auris HSD’s broad stance and driving stability, but also corrects airflow as it passes over the front wheels to minimise wheel arch turbulence.

Allied to a 5 mm lowering of vehicle ride height and a choice of purpose-made, 15” or 17” alloy wheels with integrated, aerodynamic caps and low rolling resistance tyres, a large, roof mounted rear spoiler further improves the Auris HSD’s aerodynamic efficiency.

Acting in combination to smooth and control the flow of air over the car, these HSD-specific design modifications have reduced the Toyota hybrid’s coefficient of drag from Cd 0.290 to 0.283, effecting reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The Auris 2010 is available in a choice of six exterior colours, including a new, hybrid-specific Pearl White finish.


Interior design: improvements in quality, ergonomics ?and visual appeal

Soft touch materials now cover the top of the driver’s instrument cluster and the upper glove box, and the seat upholstery has been upgraded across the range. The height of the centre console storage box has been raised by about 50 mm, and it now functions as an armrest. A new, more comfortable steering wheel incorporates redesigned audio and Bluetooth® phone control switches.

The unique, bridged centre console which brings the gear lever, handbrake and instrumentation within the closest possible reach of the driver has a new, bright metallic finish matched by the door handles. The handbrake design has been revised with a new lever release button, a tactile, ergonomic grip and lower seating in the release position.

Control panel colour and finish changes have enhanced switch layout visibility, and the illumination of the Optitron meter dials has been changed to white for improved clarity and visibility.

In conjunction with the introduction of Hybrid Synergy Drive®, the Auris HSD interior features several significant modifications. The driver’s instrument binnacle has been revised, with the tachometer replaced by an Eco Drive Assist Monitor. The centre-dial information panel includes additional, Hybrid Synergy Drive®-specific information such as Energy Flow and Eco Drive Result monitors.

A hybrid blue Smart Start switch has been added to the side of the instrument cluster. The centre console incorporates a Parking Control switch, EV, Eco and Power drive mode switches and a shift-by-wire transmission lever with a high-quality silver paint finish.

Auris HSD instrument and switchgear illumination has been amended to greenish white numbers on a hybrid blue background for the meter panel, audio and heating controls, and the Smart Start, Drive Mode and Parking Control switches.

A choice of hybrid-specific upholstery finishes features a standard specification, blue-flecked seat panel fabric, while high grade models are trimmed in Alcantara® panels with leather surrounds.


Powertrains and driving dynamics

• Hybrid Synergy Drive® full hybrid technology introduced to the Auris 2010 model range

• Toyota Optimal Drive technology applied to the full 3 petrol, 3 diesel engine range

• Overall Auris CO2 emissions support Toyota whole-fleet CO2 targets, already at 130 g/km in 2009

• All diesel engines available with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or Diesel Particulate and NOx Reduction filter (DPNR)

• Revised suspension for improved ride comfort with high speed stability and secure handling

The Auris 2010 powertrain line-up features a choice of full hybrid drive, and three petrol and three diesel engines offering the performance- and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive. The introduction of a Hybrid Synergy Drive® model makes this is the most comprehensive range of powertrains available in the C-segment, catering for every customer requirement.

As a result of Toyota Optimal Drive technology, the Auris will be the first Toyota to comply with Euro 5 emission standards across the entire European model range by July 2010.

Starting at just 118 g/km, CO2 emissions have been lowered throughout the engine range, offering significant cost of ownership benefits to fleet customers.

The introduction of the Auris HSD will create an important shift in customer perceptions of full hybrid technology. The advantages of exceptional fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions are obvious. However, the Auris HSD customer will also experience a smooth and sophisticated driving experience -unique to the C-segment- thanks to the everyday usability, driving comfort and remarkable quietness of Toyota’s multiple award-winning, full hybrid powertrain.

With remarkably low 89 g/km CO2 emissions the Auris HSD plays a significant role in further reducing Toyota’s whole-fleet CO2 average which, having fallen by 16 g/km between 2008 and 2009, already stands at just 130 g/km.


Hybrid Synergy Drive® - Full Hybrid technology

The new Auris HSD is a full hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric modes alone, as well as a combination of both. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive® system delivers the energy-saving benefits of a series hybrid combined with the performance benefits of a parallel hybrid.
Full hybrid technology equips the new Toyota hatchback with impressive, seamless acceleration and remarkably quiet operation, while returning class-leading fuel efficiency and the lowest possible emissions.

The Auris HSD’s latest generation, series/parallel full hybrid system features a 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine, a powerful electric motor, a generator, a high performance battery and a power control unit. A power split device employs a planetary gear set to combine and re-allocate power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements.
Key to the successful installation of Hybrid Synergy Drive® within the Auris front-engined platform, the electric motor, generator and power split device are all housed in one transmission casing the size of a conventional gearbox. The full hybrid drive system’s seamless, electric continuously variable transmission is controlled by shift-by-wire technology, using an electric shift lever system.

System power is provided by a lightweight, highly compact, 4-cylinder, 1798 cc, Atkinson cycle VVT-i petrol engine developing 98 PS (72 kW) at 5200 rpm and 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm, and a high performance, permanent magnet, synchronous 60 kW electric motor generating a maximum 207 Nm (153 lb-ft) of torque from 0-13000 rpm.
Powered by the hybrid battery, the electric motor works in tandem with the petrol engine to boost acceleration during normal driving. The electric motor alone powers the driven wheels when the Auris HSD is operating in EV mode.

During deceleration and under braking, the electric motor acts as a high-output generator to effect regenerative braking. Normally wasted as heat, kinetic energy is recovered as electrical energy for storage in the high performance battery.

In combination, the 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine and electric motor generate a maximum system power output of 136 PS (100 kW), offering performance to match any conventional 2.0 litre diesel or petrol hatchback. Conversely, the Auris HSD returns low CO2 emissions of 89 g/km . In addition, the Auris HSD generates significantly lower NOx emissions than diesel engined cars of comparable performance.

Moreover, when operating in a unique, switchable EV mode, the Auris HSD offers zero CO2 and NOx emissions, driving for up to two kilometres at speeds of up to approximately 50 km/h, dependant on battery charge and driving conditions.


Unique Auris HSD eco driving experience

The Auris HSD offers four driving modes, including three on-demand modes, which not only maximise the capabilities of the Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain, but also incorporate comprehensive Eco driving support for those who wish to adopt more environmentally friendly driving techniques.

An EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and emissions; an ECO mode maximises hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy; and a POWER mode boosts system performance. In addition, an Eco Drive Monitor helps drivers maximise the fuel efficiency of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® system.

Via the multi-information indicator in the combination meter, drivers may monitor the flow of energy within the Hybrid Synergy Drive® system for each driving mode. This helps them develop relaxed, fuel efficient driving techniques and maximise system efficiency. In addition, a simple yet clear power consumption gauge in the combination meter shows how much power is being used or generated at any given time.

Taking advantage of the inherent operational quietness of Hybrid Synergy Drive®, particular attention has also been paid to Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) reduction measures. This ensures customers enjoy a calm, quiet cabin environment at all vehicle speeds. Road and engine noise have been rigorously suppressed through the comprehensive use of sound-proofing materials. Full thickness glazing and an acoustic windscreen design further reduce wind noise for improved quietness at cruising speeds.


Toyota Optimal Drive applied to all petrol and diesel engines

Designed to optimise the balance of performance and driving enjoyment with fuel economy and low emissions, Toyota Optimal Drive focuses on several key aspects of powertrain development such as environmentally friendly technologies, low friction components, lightweight, compact design and enhanced combustion efficiency.

The application of Toyota Optimal Drive across the Auris range has significantly reduced CO2 emissions. The overall Auris CO2 average has been reduced from 152 g/km in 2007 to 142 g/km in 2009. In 2011, which will be the first full year of Auris range sales, the figure will reduce further to just 125 g/km.

Petrol engines

1.33 litre Dual VVT-i with Stop & Start system

The 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine generates 73 kW/ 99 DIN hp and maximum torque of 128 Nm at 3800 rpm, while returning an average fuel consumption of 6.0 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of only 139 g/km.

The unit benefits from numerous Toyota Optimal Drive engine optimisations. A combination of lightweight technology, a resin cylinder head cover and intake manifold, and a remarkably compact design has effected a substantial reduction in engine weight and size. Combustion efficiency has been improved through the use of a high efficiency intake port, a high compression ratio and long reach spark plugs.

Extensive friction reduction measures include enhanced engine block rigidity and bore circularity, an improved valve roller rocker arm design with a new camshaft profile, small, lightweight pistons with a low friction coating, low viscosity oil and a water jacket spacer.

Toyota Optimal Drive’s environmental technologies are represented by the application of a wide ratio 6-speed manual transmission and optional, Stop & Start System technology.

This innovative system automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is stopped. The world’s first permanently engaged ring gear mechanism allows for automatic engine restart within half a second when the clutch is lifted, with significant reductions in engine start noise and seat vibration levels.

Thus equipped, the 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i unit’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are lowered still further, to just 5.9 l/100 km and 136 g/km respectively.


1.6 and 1.8 litre Valvematic petrol engines

The 1.6-litre Valvematic engine develops 132 DIN hp and class-leading maximum torque of 160 Nm at only 4400 rpm. When equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, the unit returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.6 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of only 152 g/km. MultiMode transmission further reduces both fuel consumption and emissions, to 6.3 l/100 km and 146 g/km respectively.

The 1.8 litre Valvematic engine develops 147 DIN hp and maximum torque of 180 Nm at 4000 rpm, yet the engine’s combined fuel consumption is only 6.7 l/100 km, and CO2 emissions are 155 g/km.

Through the application of Toyota Optimal Drive, both engines benefit from the same lightweight technology, compact design and combustion efficiency engine optimisations as the 1.33 litre unit.

In addition, friction reduction measures include an improved valve roller rocker arm design with a new camshaft profile, small, lightweight pistons with a low friction coating, enhanced engine block rigidity and bore circularity, and low viscosity oil.
The environmental technologies of Toyota Optimal Drive are represented by the application of wide ratio 6-speed manual transmissions and an optional, MultiMode transmission available with the 1.6 litre unit.

Offering class-leading efficiency, power and torque, Valvematic is a further development of Toyota’s highly successful Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) system.
Adding lift and duration control to the variable inlet valve timing to deliver more power for less fuel consumption with reduced CO2 emissions, Valvematic also reduces friction and pumping losses under light engine loads, further lowering fuel consumption.

Diesel engines

The three diesel engines in the Auris 2010 model range also benefit from the extensive application of Toyota Optimal Drive technologies.

Lightweight technology and a compact design have resulted in a marked reduction in engine weight and size. Numerous combustion efficiency enhancing measures include a lower compression ratio, optimised combustion chamber dimensions, enhanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler efficiency and stainless steel exhaust manifolds with close-coupled Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF).

The adoption of Piezo injectors is of particular significance. Their high speed reaction time makes multi-phase high speed injection possible. This has the effect of both lowering the rate of combustion expansion and effecting a more thorough burn within the combustion chamber, thus further reducing particulate, NOx and CO2 emissions.

The 2.2 litre engine also benefits from Toyota’s Diesel-Clean Advanced Technology (Toyota D-CAT), which incorporates a Diesel Particulate and NOx Reduction filter (DPNR).


1.4 D-4D 90 diesel engine

The 1.4 litre D-4D engine develops 90 DIN hp and maximum torque of 205 Nm at only 1800 to 2800 rpm, and may be equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) for CO2 emissions that are amongst the lowest in the C-segment.

When equipped with the manual transmission and a CCo, the ?1.4 D-4D 90 unit returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of only 124 g/km. Manual versions fitted with a DPF return just 4.5 l/100 km and a remarkable 118 g/km.

This outstanding, 118 g/km CO2 emissions performance has been achieved through combining Toyota Optimal Drive with various measures designed to maximise the aerodynamic and fuel efficiency of the Auris 1.4 D-4D 90, such as lowered suspension and low rolling resistance tyres.

2.0 D-4D 125 and 2.2 D-4D 180 diesel engines

With a DPF fitted as standard, the 2.0 D-4D 125 delivers ?126 DIN hp and maximum torque of 310 Nm from 1800 to 2400 rpm. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 5.2 l/100 km and CO2 emissions are 138 g/km.

The Auris’ powerful, 2.2 litre turbodiesel further benefits from Toyota’s Diesel-Clean Advanced Technology (Toyota D-CAT), which incorporates a Diesel Particulate and NOx Reduction filter (DPNR).

The 2.2 D-4D 180 unit delivers 177 DIN hp and a highly impressive maximum torque of 400 Nm between 2000 and 2800 rpm. Conversely, average fuel consumption is just 5.9 l/100 km, and CO2 emissions only 154 g/km.


6-speed manual and MultiMode transmissions

Every engine in the Auris 2010 range is mated to a Toyota Optimal Drive six-speed manual transmission featuring wide-spread ratios designed to optimise fuel consumption and lower CO2.

An optional, MultiMode transmission is available on 1.6 Valvematic petrol and 1.4 D-4D 90 diesel versions. MultiMode is an automated manual transmission with a fully automatic shift mode and no clutch pedal. It offers the driver a choice of two, fully automatic gear change modes or a manual, sequential gear change with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Revised suspension and steering for an improved driving experience

Through close collaboration between Toyota’s European and Japanese Research and Development teams, the implementation of regional customer feedback and extensive European testing the Auris’ suspension system has been fine-tuned specifically for the customers and roads of the European market. It combines stable high speed driving performance with secure handling and superior ride comfort.

The Auris’ speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) has also been revised and refined to provide better feedback and improved vehicle agility.

The Auris HSD brings the extraordinarily refined, smooth and silent Hybrid Synergy Drive® experience to a Toyota mainstream model customer base for the first time in Europe.

Revised grades and enhanced specification levels

• New USB / AUX input terminal for MP3 player audio control

• Bluetooth® hands-free mobile phone connectivity with voice recognition

• Illuminated entry system linked to smart entry and push start

• Sporting S-Pack grade at the heart of the model line-up

• Upgraded Kaze® and partial leather / Alcantara® seat upholstery

• Three HSD-specific grades incorporating unique instrument and switchgear lighting, alloy wheels, upholstery and trim

Improved equipment specifications

Every Auris 2010 model above the Terra grade now benefits from wireless, Bluetooth® hands-free mobile phone connectivity -independent of the optional navigation system- allowing for incoming call sound output through the vehicle speakers. The fully integrated audio system now incorporates a mini jack USB/AUX input terminal located within the upper glovebox, allowing for the connection of MP3 players directly to the audio system.

The seat upholstery has also been upgraded, with five new finishes available for the main inserts; one woven dark grey fabric, three Tatami knitted – dark grey with grey or ruby touches with orange stitch, or greige with grey stitch, Kaze® dark grey fabric, two leather - dark grey and greige - and one partial leather /Alcantara® in dark grey.

Auto-levelling headlamps can be fitted with optional, HID (High Intensity Discharge) lights, and an optional rear camera with a display integrated into the driver’s rear view mirror will be available at a later date.

The Auris HSD incorporates a hybrid-specific driver’s instrument cluster and driving mode switchgear, and a shift-by-wire transmission lever. Instrument and switchgear illumination has been adopted to greenish white numbers on a hybrid blue background. A choice of upholstery finishes features a standard specification, blue-flecked seat panel fabric, while high grade models are trimmed in Alcantara® panels with leather surrounds.

Grades

The Auris 2010 features five standard grades: Terra, Luna, S-Pack, Sol and Premium Active*. Three additional, HSD-specific grades -Mid, High and Luxury- complete the model line-up.

Luna grade standard models benefit from manual air-conditioning, retractable door mirrors, front fog lamps, front and rear electric windows, a radio CD player with 2 additional speakers and enhanced interior finishes.

The sporting S-Pack upgrade at the heart of the Auris 2010 model line-up is designed to appeal to a new, more youthful customer base. It adds range-topping, 17” alloy wheels, a dynamic spoiler, rear privacy glass and darkened halogen headlamp clusters. The interior features sporting red analogue meters, matching ruby upholstery stitching and a rear seat centre armrest.

*only available with the 2.2 D-4D 180 engine

HSD Mid

HSD Mid grade models benefit from 15” V-design alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning, Vehicle Stability Control+ (VSC+), a Hill Hold function, a Push Start button, a blue resin shift-by-wire transmission lever, rear UV reducing privacy glass, a large rear spoiler and dark grey Kaze® trim with blue touches.

Grade options include 17” alloy wheels, and a Bluetooth® CD radio with a microphone and voice recognition.

HSD High

The comprehensive HSD High specification further includes 17” alloy wheels, a Bluetooth® CD radio with 6 speakers with a microphone and voice recognition, dusk and rain sensors, an EC rear view mirror with back monitor image, a Smart Entry system, cruise control and a large rear spoiler.

Options include full map navigation, rear parking sensors, a sunroof and back monitor image projection on the centre console navigation screen.

HSD Luxury
Providing customers with the ultimate in comfort and convenience, the HSD Luxury grade builds on the HSD High specification with Alacantara seat trim, door trim stitching and a large, hybrid-specific rear spoiler.

Options include High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with washers, an auto-levelling function and a full map navigation system.

via:4wheelsnews

Geneva Motor Show: 2010 Toyota Auris HSD and RAV4 Facelift

TOYOTA AT THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

KEY POINTS

• World premiere of production-ready Auris HSD

• European premiere of Prius Plug-in Hybrid and FT-EV electric vehicle concept

• First European showing of Toyota FT-86 sports concept

• Unveiling of 2010 RAV4

Hybrid Technology Development and Enhanced Product Appeal are the leading themes for Toyota's presentation at the Geneva motor show, represented by a range of concept and production models that will be making their first appearance in Europe.

The occasion will mark the world-first appearance of the showroom-ready Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive), a model which marks a major milestone in Toyota's programme to introduce its full hybrid powertrain technology across its entire model range by the early 2020s.

Built in Britain at Toyota's Burnaston factory, Auris HSD appears at Geneva ahead of going on sale across Europe in the summer. It forms a key part of the new Auris 2010 model line-up, offering advanced clean engine technology at the heart of the C-segment.


Toyota's lead in the drive towards sustainable mobility is further represented in the European premiere of both the production version of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid and the all-electric FT-EV II concept. Toyota's next-generation fuel cell hybrid vehicle, the FCHV-adv, will also be on display, demonstrating one of the many potential future applications of Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The Toyota FT-86 sports concept will also be making its first European appearance, a vision for a driver-focused, highly aerodynamic rear-wheel drive machine that draws on Toyota's rich heritage of creating exciting sports cars. The FT-86 has been rendered as compact and lightweight as possible to maximise its agility and performance potential.


The RAV4 2010 will break cover at the show, presenting a more sophisticated front-end design and a more refined interior. Thanks to its range of Toyota Optimal Drive powertrains, RAV4 2010 will be one of the cleanest competitors in the compact SUV segment.

Toyota will host a press conference on its stand in Hall 4 on Tuesday, 2 March at 4.30pm.
Source:Toyota

The New Toyota Auris 2010 with Full All The Details

The new Toyota Auris HYBRID 2010 engine range features a choice of three petrol and three diesel units offering the performance- and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive. Complemented by the Auris HSD’s full hybrid technology, this unique line-up will offer customers the most comprehensive range of powertrains in the C segment.
While Toyota's European press department gave us only a pair of photos and no details whatsoever on the revised 2010 Auris pointing towards the Geneva Show for more information, the Japanese firm's UK arm announced the launch of facelifted model releasing pricing as well specifications.
Furthermore, Toyota revealed that the sales of the British-built full hybrid Auris HSD that shares its gasoline-electric drivetrain with the Prius Hybrid will commence in July. We expect to see the production version of the Auris HSD making its world premiere at the Geneva Show in March.
Toyota wants us to believe that Auris has been fully restyled on the outside, but fact is, we doubt that your average buyer will even notice the changes.
These include a new deep front bumper, reshaped headlamps, revised grille and bonnet profile with stronger crease lines plus newly styled 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The revised tail lamp clusters, the new rear bumper with extended corner sections and the integrated turn indicators on the door mirrors complete the exterior makeover.
Inside, Toyota said (but did not show) that a soft-touch material has been introduced across the top of the instrument binnacle and around the glovebox, while the centre console has been revised with changes to the instrument design.

The new white illumination for the Optitron instrument dials and the new cloth upholstery designs round off the interior updates.
Toyota added that the it has also fine-tuned the Auris' suspension and steering systems to improve driver feedback and handling.

With the exception of the Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) that will go on sale in July, the are no changes to the rest of the engine range that comprises a 1.33-litre petrol engine with Toyota Stop & Start technology, a 1.6 Valvematic petrol with manual or MultiMode transmission and 1.4 D-4D diesel, again with manual gearbox or Multimode.
In the UK, the revised Auris in three- and five-door body styles is on sale now with prices ranging from £14,463 to £16,495 - see detailed pricing in the list above.

The New Toyota Auris 2010 with Full All The Details

The new Toyota Auris HYBRID 2010 engine range features a choice of three petrol and three diesel units offering the performance- and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive. Complemented by the Auris HSD’s full hybrid technology, this unique line-up will offer customers the most comprehensive range of powertrains in the C segment.
While Toyota's European press department gave us only a pair of photos and no details whatsoever on the revised 2010 Auris pointing towards the Geneva Show for more information, the Japanese firm's UK arm announced the launch of facelifted model releasing pricing as well specifications.
Furthermore, Toyota revealed that the sales of the British-built full hybrid Auris HSD that shares its gasoline-electric drivetrain with the Prius Hybrid will commence in July. We expect to see the production version of the Auris HSD making its world premiere at the Geneva Show in March.
Toyota wants us to believe that Auris has been fully restyled on the outside, but fact is, we doubt that your average buyer will even notice the changes.
These include a new deep front bumper, reshaped headlamps, revised grille and bonnet profile with stronger crease lines plus newly styled 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The revised tail lamp clusters, the new rear bumper with extended corner sections and the integrated turn indicators on the door mirrors complete the exterior makeover.
Inside, Toyota said (but did not show) that a soft-touch material has been introduced across the top of the instrument binnacle and around the glovebox, while the centre console has been revised with changes to the instrument design.

The new white illumination for the Optitron instrument dials and the new cloth upholstery designs round off the interior updates.
Toyota added that the it has also fine-tuned the Auris' suspension and steering systems to improve driver feedback and handling.

With the exception of the Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) that will go on sale in July, the are no changes to the rest of the engine range that comprises a 1.33-litre petrol engine with Toyota Stop & Start technology, a 1.6 Valvematic petrol with manual or MultiMode transmission and 1.4 D-4D diesel, again with manual gearbox or Multimode.
In the UK, the revised Auris in three- and five-door body styles is on sale now with prices ranging from £14,463 to £16,495 - see detailed pricing in the list above.

VW intends to topple Toyota

10 million sales by 2018 is new goal

BY ANDREAS CREMER
BLOOMBERG NEWS

Volkswagen, Europe's largest carmaker, said it plans to increase sales to more than 10 million vehicles by 2018 as it seeks to dethrone Japan's Toyota.

VW's management board approved business targets, including profit margins, measured by earnings before interest and taxes, of at least 5% for the automotive business in the "medium term," Wolfsburg, Germany-based Volkswagen said in a statement Wednesday. The target doesn't include Porsche, which will be integrated by 2011, it said.

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has a target of beating Toyota, the world's biggest carmaker, in global deliveries and profit margins. VW sold 6.29 million cars and SUVsworldwide last year, an increase of 1.1% from 2008. Toyota said last month that 2009 vehicle sales, including those of affiliates, fell 13% to 7.81 million vehicles.

"It shows plenty of ambition in the whole Volkswagen Group," said Stephen Pope, chief global equity strategist at Cantor Fitzgerald in London. "By being able to learn from Porsche's discipline, it gives them that extra springboard."

By 2018, Volkswagen, which includes the Audi luxury division and Czech unit Skoda, should have a pretax profit that exceeds 8% of sales, the company said.

Volkswagen shares fell 18 cents, or 0.3%, to 65.72 euros after rising as much as 1% on the Frankfurt exchange before the announcement. The automaker has a market value of 25.7 billion euros ($36 billion).

"With the implementation of 'Strategy 2018,' the Volkswagen group is seeking global economic and environmental leadership in the automotive industry by 2018," VW said in its statement. The plan would include "significant cost cutting, in part through the more prominent use of the modular design principle."

VW foresees steps to promote research and development of hybrid and electric cars, according to the statement. VW will also maintain "strict discipline" on spending and aim to keep the expenditure on fixed assets in automaking at about 6% of sales in the medium and long term.

Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom

First time Institute rates small pickups for rollover protection; only one model rates good in test that assures strength of roof

The Nissan Frontier has the strongest roof and the Chevrolet Colorado the weakest among 5 small pickup trucks, all 2010 models, that recently were tested for rollover protection by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Frontier, also sold as the Suzuki Equator, is the only pickup in the group to earn the highest rating of good. The Ford Ranger is rated acceptable while the Dodge Dakota, Toyota Tacoma, and Colorado (also sold as the GMC Canyon) earn the second lowest rating of marginal.


The rating system is based on Institute research showing that occupants in rollover crashes benefit from stronger roofs. Vehicles rated good must have roofs that are more than twice as strong as the minimum required under the current federal safety standard. The ratings, products of the Institute's new roof strength testing program, add to consumer information tests that rate vehicles' front, side, and rear crashworthiness. The rollover test is designed to help consumers pick vehicles that will protect them the best in one of the most serious kinds of crashes.

"As a group, small pickups aren't performing as well as small cars or small SUVs in all of the Institute's safety tests. None of the ones we tested is a top-notch performer across the board. In fact, no small pickup earns our Top Safety Pick award," says Institute senior vice president David Zuby. The Frontier came close to winning the 2010 award, but it's rated acceptable instead of good for protection against neck injury in rear crashes. To earn Top Safety Pick, a vehicle has to earn good ratings for protection in front, side, rear, and rollover crashes. It also has to have electronic stability control.


Nearly 10,000 people a year are killed in rollovers. When vehicles roll, their roofs hit the ground, deform, and crush. Stronger roofs crush less, reducing the risk of injury from contact with the roof itself. Stronger roofs also can prevent people, especially those who aren't using safety belts, from being ejected through windows, windshields, or doors that have broken or opened because the roof deformed. Roofs that don't collapse help keep people inside vehicles when they roll.

Rollovers are much more common for SUVs and pickup trucks than for cars. In 2008 almost half (47 percent) of all pickup occupants killed in crashes were in trucks that rolled over. This compares with 58 percent of deaths in SUVs and 25 percent in cars.

The best occupant protection is to keep vehicles from rolling in the first place. Electronic stability control is significantly reducing rollovers, especially fatal single-vehicle ones. When vehicles roll, side curtain airbags help protect people. Safety belt use is essential.


Roof strength-to-weight ratio within 5 inches of crush

In the Institute's roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 corner of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating, a roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. For an acceptable rating, the minimum strength-to-weight ratio required is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5, and anything lower than that is poor. The Frontier withstood a force of just over 4 times its weight. This compares with 2.9 times weight for the Colorado. A strength-to-weight ratio of 4 reflects an estimated 50 percent reduction in serious or fatal injury risk in single-vehicle rollover crashes, compared with the current federal standard of 1.5.

In April 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ended numerous delays by unveiling a new rule that raises the federal roof strength requirement, currently a strength-to-weight ratio of 1.5, to 3 for vehicles with weight ratings up to 6,000 pounds. Roofs on vehicles with weight ratings 6,000 to 10,000 pounds will be required to withstand a force equal to 1.5 times their unloaded weight, whereas these vehicles' roofs are not regulated under the old standard. Another requirement is that roofs maintain sufficient headroom during testing. For the first time, the government will require the same performance on both sides of a roof when tested sequentially. Phase-in begins in September 2012, and all vehicles must comply by September 2016.


"The long phase-in of the new standard means roofs won't have to get stronger right away," Zuby points out, "so we plan to continue rating vehicle roof strength for the foreseeable future. We want to reward manufacturers who are ahead of their competition for protecting people in rollovers."

In addition to the new roof strength ratings, the Institute conducted side tests of small pickup truck models. Earning good ratings are the Frontier, with standard front and rear head curtain airbags plus front torso airbags. Also earning good ratings are the Ranger, with standard front-seat mounted combination head and torso airbags, and the Tacoma, which the Institute tested in 2008.

In contrast, the Colorado is rated poor for occupant protection in side crashes. It's equipped with standard curtain side airbags but lacks additional airbags designed to protect a driver's torso. The Colorado's poor structure, along with poor protection for the driver dummy's chest and pelvis, contributed to its poor rating overall. Plus the dummy's head came close to moving around the curtain airbag during the impact by the intruding barrier.

"A slightly different crash configuration could have resulted in a direct hit from the barrier on the dummy's head," Zuby explains.


The test of the Dakota produced a different problem. Its optional curtain side airbags failed to deploy. This is the first time this has happened in an Institute side test. Chrysler engineers say they've identified a problem with the computer program algorithm that calculates when to fire the airbags and are working on a remedy. When the computer program is fixed, the Institute will conduct another test of the Dakota and publish the results.

Zuby notes that "the Dakota is the only 2010 small pickup the Institute tested that has optional rather than standard side airbags. Most of the auto industry pledged to get standard side airbags in every new passenger vehicle by now."

Chrysler was among 15 manufacturers who got together in 2003 and agreed on the first set of rules designed to reduce the risks for people in front and side crashes involving larger and heavier SUVs and pickup trucks. Although the compatibility agreement specified performance criteria and not features, the idea was to make safety improvements like installing side airbags in all passenger vehicles more quickly than would have been the case with a government regulation.

"Chrysler is the only manufacturer we know of that isn't living up to the spirit of the 2003 agreement," Zuby says.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of another pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2 instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing 5th percentile women, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.
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