Only Toyota/Lexus related News & Rumors are allowed in this thread.

Enjoy :)

2007 Toyota Camry to hit showrooms in March

http://us.tnpv.net/2006/WKA200601/WKA2006010955585_pv.jpg


Toyota Keeps Moving Forward in U.S. Market

Washington DC January 16, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Toyota’s redesigned Camry sedan will hit showrooms in March, nearly 6 months ahead of the automaker’s typical production schedule.

When product planning for the redesign began, Toyota planned to trim the usual 5 year product cycle by half a year, a move which will help Toyota move in front of the competition in the family sedan segment.

"To maintain the edge over our competition, there is an initiative to reduce development times," Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., said at a press event in Detroit, according to Automotive News.

"It plays out as a competitive advantage. Fresh bread is always easier to sell."

Even before the redesign, the Camry out-competed the rest to become the top-selling U.S. car last year, with 431,703 units, contributing to Toyota’s overall 9.7 percent U.S. sales increase last year.

If Toyota repeats the growth spurt next year, it would put Toyota in line to become the U.S.’s third highest-selling automaker, surging ahead of Chrysler.

Toyota’s relentless drive to the top also includes U.S. expansion plans. The largest Japanese automaker considers Michigan at the top of the pile for the location of a future engine plant.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm is courting Toyota, pointing out in Detroit last week that, " We would like very much to have Toyota put a plant here... We have a ready, able, hungry skilled workforce; you could build a plant in Michigan and have 20,000 people who are skilled and know manufacturing and have it as part of their DNA lining up for positions."

2007 Lexus LS 460

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news/2060109.012/2060109.012.Mini1L.jpg
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found a new suv on jap toyota website...
i guess new rav4 grew bigger, they need a rush...
http://toyota.jp/rush/concept/concept/image/main.jpg
http://toyota.jp/rush/spec/spec/image/scale.gif
http://toyota.jp/rush/dop/package/image/main.jpg
the rest of the pic are in flash mode... don't know how to post them... :(

Daihatsu & Toyota launch NEW compact SUV: Be-Go and Rush

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Daihatsu and Toyota launch new compact SUV family: Be-Go and Rush

Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd and Toyota Motor Corp. announced today the nationwide sales launch in Japan of a new compact SUV sold as the Daihatsu Be-go through the Daihatsu dealers and as the Toyota Rush —through "Toyopet" ("Osaka Toyota" in the Osaka Area) dealers in Japan.

n pursuit of being the best in its class, the new model was designed to fulfill its theme of "a tough and casual sport-utility wagon", and was developed as a new genre that merges the enjoyment and drivability of an SUV, the ease-of-use and convenience of a compact hatchback and the fun and functionality of a small station wagon. This SUV is intended to expand the freedom of young men and women who value their individuality.

The vehicle planning capabilities of both TMC and Daihatsu were combined, drawing from Daihatsu's extensive experience in compact vehicles, with Daihatsu in charge of development and production. Daihatsu will supply the Rush to Toyota on an OEM basis.

The name "Be-go" expresses the transformation from "inactive" (be-ing) to "active" (go-ing), evoking an image of an active vehicle that can change people's lives and thinking.

The name "Rush" is intended to convey a sense of energetic vitality and cheerfulness.

Monthly sales targets in Japan:
- Daihatsu Be-go: 500 units
- Toyota Rush: 1,500 units

Vehicle Outline

New SUV Styling that Combines a Refined Urban Image with Dynamic Strength

* With an innovative base in which front and rear overhangs are minimized, a refined and urban image is evoked through beautiful character lines that are rounded to create a sense of flow. The wide front bumper, which conveys a robust image, and the overhanging wheel flares at the four corners of the vehicle express dynamic strength.
* Great attention was paid to the stylish interior to create a sophisticated and sporty feel. Based on a basic structure that conveys an SUV's sense of sturdiness, the three, separate gauges trimmed with "edge lights" and attractively located metallic-toned elements, such as a metallic center console and instrument cluster, express sophistication and a sporty sensibility.
* Eight body colors, including the newly adopted color, "Titanium Gray Metallic", create a stylish and sporty image.

An Optimal Layout That Achieves Compatibility between Effortless Driving and a Roomy Interior

* A minimum turning radius of 4.9 meters makes driving easy in the city, as well as on narrow streets.
* On four-wheel drive vehicles, the driver's seat is set at 740mm at the hip to provide a seating position with a high point of view, allowing for easier driving.
* Despite compact body dimensions, the vehicle's high-efficiency layout offers a cabin space that accommodates four adults in relaxed comfort and a roomy, 380-liter cargo space.
* In addition to the expansive space of 850mm between the front and rear seats, the backs of the front seats curve inward to amply provide comfortable backseat legroom.
* The wheels are placed as close to the four corners of the vehicle as possible, providing a long wheelbase and a wide track, thereby achieving excellent cruising stability.
* The minimal difference in height between the floor and the scuff plates by the front doors, along with rear doors that open in three-stages to a maximum of 77 degrees, provide excellent overall ease of entry and exit.

Vehicle Dimensions (Four-wheel Drive)
Overall length 3,995mm
Overall width 1,695mm
Overall height 1,705mm
Wheelbase 2,580mm
Interior length 1,800mm
Interior width 1,385mm
Interior height 1,240mm
Distance between the front and rear seats 850mm

The Cargo Space of a Small Station Wagon Combined with Comfort-enhancing Equipment

* The back seats can recline, fold in a 60/40 split, or be easily stowed away. By stowing both the left and right rear seats, an expansive and flat cargo space of 755 liters can be created.
* Special features, such as four luggage tie-down hooks, electrical sockets for accessories in the instrument panel and rear cargo space, and water-repellant full-fabric seats facilitate outdoor leisure activities.
* Numerous and easy-to-use storage areas achieve optimal use of space, and are located in an overhead console and under each of the two rear seats.
* A comfortable and relaxing interior is created through the use of an automatic air conditioner with a liquid crystal display and a pollen-removal mode, which filters out pollen, dust and other impurities from the air in the cabin (standard on the Be-go CX and the Rush G), an air-cleaning technology called Plasmacluster Ions, UV cutting glass (on all windows) and a security alarm.
* The new vehicle is equipped with a HDD (hard disk drive) navigation system compatible with the advanced "G-BOOK ALPHA" telematics service, which includes services such as provision of optimal travel routes based on traffic-congestion forecasts (manufacturer option on all vehicles in the series).
* The Active Winter Pack, a bundle of features for cold climates, features a window seal de-icer and electrically operated, heated door mirrors, seat heaters for the driver's and passenger's seats, and rear fog lamps that are integrated into the rear combination lamps.

Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive and Superior Drivability

* A sophisticated full-time four-wheel drive system, with a mechanical, center-locking differential, offers not only excellent off-road performance but also on-road stable cruising performance at high speeds.
* The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system (a manufacturer's option) adds sensors to four-wheel-drive vehicles to detect sliding tires on slippery road surfaces and to automatically control the brake-force distribution between the front and rear. In addition, four-wheel-drive, automatic transmission models with VSC are equipped with the newly developed DAC (Downhill Assist Control) function and the HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) function, which are helpful in both bad road and off-road conditions.
* The newly developed 1.5-liter engine features high torque at low and medium speeds combined with smooth acceleration performance at high speeds for ample power in all situations.
* The short overhangs and adequate, minimum ground clearance provide excellent off-road performance.
* A newly developed, "built-in ladder frame" monocoque body achieves balance between lighter weight and higher body rigidity, offering a comfortable ride.
* A newly developed suspension system provides a smooth ride, brisk maneuvering and cruising stability at high speeds, as well as ease of driving in off-road conditions.
* A quiet cabin space is realized through the use of sound-absorbent dashboard silencers, the effective placement of sound-blocking materials and doubled seals around the doors.

A High Level of Safety and Environmental Performance

* The body incorporates the concept of omni-directional compatibility (collision safety) and meets the requirements of both Daihatsu's TAF (Total Advanced Function) and Toyota's GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment).
* The pedestrian-injury-lessening body structure has been evolved to further reduce pedestrian head injuries.
* By using an Intelligent Catalytic Converter with a self-regenerating function and excellent cleaning performance, all vehicles in the series have been certified as having emissions levels 50% lower than 2005 standards under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.
* Outstanding fuel efficiency has been achieved thanks to a new engine with precise combustion control, lower overall vehicle weight, improved aerodynamic properties, etc.


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Toyota: We don't want to be No. 1

http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/17/news/companies/toyota.reut/index.htm

http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/17/news/companies/toyota.reut/toyota.03.jpg


Toyota: We don't want to be No. 1
Chief of Japanese auto manufacturer's US division calls struggling General Motors 'a global icon.'

DETROIT (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp. has no interest in surpassing General Motors Corp. as the world's largest auto manufacturer, the president of its U.S. division said late Monday.

Several analysts have said the Japanese auto manufacturer will likely overtake GM this year or next.

"Not so fast," Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor Sales USA, said at the Automotive News World Congress in Dearborn, Mich. "We have no interest in GM declining, or in becoming number one," Press said. "GM is a global icon, it supports the economy and represents the strength of the industry. We have great confidence they will emerge in a much stronger position."

GM (Research) has been struggling with high labor and commodities costs, loss of U.S. market share to foreign rivals, and sluggish sales of sport-utility vehicles -- its longtime profit generator. The auto giant lost nearly $4 billion in the first three quarters of 2005.

As part of broader restructuring efforts, GM plans to close 12 facilities in North America and slash 30,000 jobs through 2008.

In contrast, Toyota is expanding in the United States, and analysts expect a new engine plant in North America soon. "If we were going to build an engine plant, Michigan would be very close to the top of the list," Press said, referring to the ideal location.

Analysts have said a switch at the top could come just three years after the producer of the Camry unseated Ford Motor Co. (Research) as the second-largest car manufacturer in 2003 as it raced to add capacity around the world to meet demand.

But Press said, "I don't think it's a given. I don't think that if you look at trends that it's fair to say what the outcome will be."

Toyota last month said it would increase output 10 percent in 2006 to a record 9.06 million vehicles. GM does not provide sales or production forecasts on an annual basis but has said its 2006 global vehicle sales would hit a new record, exceeding last year's 9.2 million units.

Toyota, a leader in hybrid technology, is targeting worldwide hybrid sales of 1 million units a year by about 2010. Press said he expects sales of Toyota's hybrid vehicles to grow about 50 percent this year and slow down slightly in subsequent years.

Is that a snokel or a odd extra mirror?

All-New Second-Generation Toyota Tundra To Make Debut At 2006 Chicago Auto Show


01/17/2006 Torrance, CA
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A.,Inc. will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2007 Tundra full-size pickup truck atthe 2006 Chicago Auto Show.

The Toyota Tundra was first introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model. Since then, it has won numerous awards and has been recognized for its value, quality and reliability. The completely redesigned 2007 Tundra will be bigger, more powerful
and will offer new body and engine configurations. This all-new Tundra will be built in America at both Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Indiana and the new San Antonio,Texas plants.

The press conference will be held on Thursday, February 9 at 9:00 AM in the Grand Ballroom in McCormick Place and simulcast live to the Toyota display area at the show. A video clip of the press conference will be available for viewing following the event on the Toyota.com website.

Is that a snokel or a odd extra mirror?

I was wondering if it was a pull out faucet sprayer like you'd have in a kitchen ;)

I was wondering if it was a pull out faucet sprayer like you'd have in a kitchen ;)

You guys can't be serious right??? :lol:
It's an extra side rear view mirror. A lot of JDM SUV type has them.

I want a recliner like that in my Legacy ... for my driver seat.

The back seat of that lexus is awesome, it's like a mini maybach.

Three Toyota Employees charged w/ Ferrari theft

http://www.theage.com.au/news/motorsport/toyota-trio-charged-with-ferrari-theft/2006/01/17/1137466990224.html


Three Toyota employees have been charged by authorities in Germany for using technology allegedly stolen from Ferrari to help develop Toyota's formula one racing car aerodynamics.

Ove Andersson, the former Toyota formula one principal, has been confirmed as one of the employees by a Toyota spokeswoman, who said the two other suspects were the team's former chief designer Gustav Brunner and its former head of aerodynamics Rene Hilhorst.

The charges are acutely embarrassing for Toyota only two days after the launch of its new car, to be driven by Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher this year.

Andersson, 67, a former rally driver, had been the mastermind of Toyota's international competitions program since the early 1970s.

"Toyota Motorsport would like to stress that the charges have not been brought against the company. For this reason, Toyota wishes to refrain from further comment," the spokeswoman said.

A former winner of the Safari Rally in a Peugeot, Andersson was an equally accomplished manager.

Under his direction, Toyota scored three world rally championship manufacturers' titles and won the Safari Rally eight times. In 2002, he oversaw Toyota's formula one debut before retiring in 2003.

In 1995, Andersson and the Toyota rally team were at the centre of another controversy when they used an illegal turbocharger on their cars in the Rally of Catalunya. The FIA banned the team from the 1996 world rally championship.

The charges against the three were originally lodged last month and a court in Cologne, specialising in economic and commercial crimes, will hear the case at a date to be set.

Andersson, Brunner and Hilhorst are accused of breaching German competition law by using a data analysis program supplied by a former Ferrari technician who joined the Toyota team in 2002.

· After a dawdling start to 2005, Ferrari isn't wasting any time.

Michael Schumacher has tested the team's 2006 car for the first time, more than a month earlier than last season.

Schumacher completed about 30 laps in the car under a light snowfall at Ferrari's private track in Fiorano, Italy. Last season, his streak of five straight world titles was snapped as Ferrari struggled with new rules and tyre problems.

Hmm. LS and Camry are proof prositive that the bulbous light syling is history. Following Acuras lead (TL mainly) - par for the course for Toyota.

New Toyota Tundra – first pictures

http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/spyphotoid/6060119.001/page/1/toyota/1.html

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Prototypes of Toyota’s next generation Tundra pick-up are currently undergoing last cold weather testing in North America before the new model’s launch at the 2006 Chicago Motor Show.

The Tundra came first on the market in 1999, and the new model to come will be an all new vehicle. The 2007 Tundra will be bigger, more powerful and will offer new styling and engine configurations. This all-new Tundra will be built in America at both Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Indiana and the new San Antonio,Texas plants.


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That pickup looks huge. :eek:

Oh yea, and Toyota becoming #1 in sales is a fore gone conclusion in my book. GM is improving dramatically, but Toyota without even really trying (such as having massive discounts and such) has already become #2. I think once Toyota takes the sales crown in a couple of years, GM will have improved enough to give them a hell of a fight in keeping that crown, but rigth now few things will stop Toyota from taking it.

I do think it is classy on Toyota's part how they aren't bashing GM at all - even though they really are in a position to do it if they wanted to.

Remember GM is #1 in the world market, not just the US. Sources have always said that GM does great overseas and have increased their profit in 2005 ;)

But yes, it will be interesting to see where this goes.

Remember GM is #1 in the world market, not just the US. Sources have always said that GM does great overseas and have increased their profit in 2005 ;)

But yes, it will be interesting to see where this goes.

Yea... and Toyota isn't even in their home market here and still stomping on GM (and all other manufacturers actually). In their home market they are even stronger (with next to zero penetration by Detroit). Toyota is very strong in it's home market and in foreign markets.

ALso while GM might be strong in some foreign markets, their meat and potatoes are here in the US - if they can't even maintain dominance here, that is just pathetic.

One of the biggest problems with GM is the simple fact that very few of their USDM products sell anywhere but here. Toyota is the opposite though - their older Corolla was just as popular in Europe as it was in Japan as well as here in the US and South America. The cost of their tooling and engineering and design was ammortized over soo many more cars sold worldwide that they could afford to design in lots of quality into those cars. It is changing now a little because Toyota is targeting certain markets with models specific to the area, but still.

Where else would GM have been able to sell it's craptacular (1980s and 1990s) GrandAm or it's even worse Cavalier? No where - no other area would have bought that crap.

That pickup looks huge. :eek:

Looks like an F-150 to me. I guess Toyota decided to copy the best selling truck on the market. Their time honered strategy strikes again. No a bad plan, really.

hopefully that mask just makes it look like it has an F250 front and it really doesnt.

Anyone heard anything new on the potential V-8 powered Lexus IS500? Saw some article from December on Japanesecarfans site but that story is full of holes.

the front of that camry looks similar to a mazda 3, just inflated... every one is going to be driving around in blimps like that pretty soon

Looks like an F-150 to me. I guess Toyota decided to copy the best selling truck on the market. Their time honered strategy strikes again. No a bad plan, really.

One of my friends is into pickups and he said that if the Japanese started offering multiple engine configurations (like Ford) in one model that GM and Ford would be doomed. Well, this looks like the start of it.

Also, Toyota has stated that they actually raised some of their prices in order to make GM more competitive because they said GM doing bad is bad for everybody. Funny thing is that when they raised their prices, sales increased. But you can't argue, Toyota value and quality for their prices are unbeatable and until other manufacturers meet that, well Toyota will be the king (with Honda as the quiet king of the smaller land).