All-New Toyota RAV4 EV Unveiled

May 9, 2012 By

2012 TOYOTA RAV4 EV

  • Toyota/Tesla co-development
  • 0-100km/h in 7 seconds!
  • 160km range
  • Glimpse into EV future for Toyota
  • Not available in Australia at present

 

Toyota this week revealed the all-new Toyota RAV4 electric vehicle at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles.

The RAV4 EV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 160km and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger.

The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the petrol-powered RAV4 V6.

Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota in the United States, said the RAV4 EV did not compromise on performance, comfort or versatility.

“It’s all about blending the best of two worlds,” Mr Carter said.

“The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV – in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.”

The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers have succeeded in bringing the vehicle to market.

The RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota’s popular SUV.

The front-wheel-drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal.

In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 160 km/h.

Normal mode achieves 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of about 137 km/h (85mph).

Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 115kW @ 2,800 rpm.

RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low centre of gravity.

At 0.30 Cd, RAV4 EV achieves the lowest coefficient of drag of any SUV in the world.

Compared with the petrol-powered RAV4, Toyota re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grille, side mirrors, rear spoiler and under body design to provide optimum air flow around the vehicle.

The RAV4 EV’s battery pack is mounted low and to the centre of the vehicle, contributing to a more sedan-like ride.

The vehicle will go on sale in the United States late in the northern hemisphere summer. There are no plans to sell it in Australia.

“We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” Mr Carter said.

“It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance.”

In July 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors jointly announced an agreement to develop an all-electric version of the RAV4, with the intent to bring the vehicle to market in 2012.

Tesla contributed its EV technology expertise, daring spirit, quick decision making and flexibility.

Toyota contributed design, engineering, manufacturing and production expertise.

In an industry where development cycles are typically five years, Toyota and Tesla brought a dynamic product to market in less than half that time.

TOYOTA/TESLA DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES

• May 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce collaboration to develop electric vehicles, parts, production systems and engineering support
• July 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce development of RAV4 EV.
• November 2010 – Toyota reveals RAV4 EV Phase Zero prototype at LA Auto Show
• February 2011 – Tesla begins delivery of 31 converted RAV4 EV Phase Zero demonstration program vehicles
• April 2011 – Toyota provides first media drive opportunity of Phase Zero demonstration program vehicle at 2011 Sustainable Mobility Seminar
• August 2011 – Toyota/Tesla announce RAV4 EV manufacturing location: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc., Woodstock, Ontario

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World’s Best Selling Hybrid Now Even Better

March 28, 2012 By

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS

  • Facelifted – fresh look
  • JBL Green Edge Audio
  • Reverse camera standard
  • Improved Multi-Info Display

 

Toyota has refined the quality, performance, owner appeal and value of Prius, the world’s best-known and best-selling hybrid car.

The 2012 Prius comes with higher equipment levels and improved ride quality, steering feel and vehicle dynamics as well as fresh styling.

In addition to the upgrades and added features, Toyota has made Prius $1,000 more affordable at $33,990* – $6,000 below the price of the first-generation Prius when it was launched more than a decade ago.

Even the high-grade Prius i-Tech maintains its $45,990 price with the addition of substantial extra specification.

Prius now has a reversing camera on the entry-level car with the image viewed on a 6.1-inch EGA colour display.

The new model also incorporates daytime running lamps, power retractable mirrors and the power-saving JBL GreenEdge sound system with eight speakers.

Prius i-Tech gains 17-inch alloys as standard with solar moonroof, an eight-way power driver’s seat, seven-inch VGA colour screen, hard-disk drive satellite navigation, digital radio and new leather-accented interior trim.

The revised front of Prius reflects Toyota’s new design approach, while the cabin has new front seats, new upholstery and new soft-touch surfaces that combine to give a higher-quality feel.

Increased comfort and steering feel have been produced through a stiffer body and changes to the suspension and steering column.

Prius sales globally have surpassed 2.5 million, including more than 17,000 in Australia.

A more powerful version of the hybrid technology pioneered in Prius is fitted to the Camry Hybrid, which is built locally for the Australian market.

Over the next few months Prius will grow in Australia with the introduction of the compact Prius c city car and Prius v, the world’s first seven-seat full hybrid car.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said Toyota’s industry-leading hybrid technology was a vital part of the company’s DNA.

“Toyota and Prius are the pioneers of hybrid technology, which will play an increasingly important role in reducing petrol usage and cutting carbon emissions,” Mr Callachor said.

“Prius continues to embrace the spirit of innovation while reaffirming Toyota’s commitment to providing excellent environmental performance and fuel efficiency,” he said.

“This ground-breaking technology is the future of cars and more hybrids are heading to Australia – both from Toyota and other manufacturers.

“Prius has laid the groundwork for hybrid cars to be immersed into the mainstream and the latest improvements make it an even stronger proposition.”

New styling

Prius embraces Toyota’s new, more assertive design approach with a stronger focus on the lower part of the car’s front end.

A new bumper and a larger, trapezoidal lower grille give the vehicle a low and wide look.

LED daytime running lights have been placed in the bumper beneath the turn indicators, while the fog lights were repositioned within the lower grille.

New power-folding heated door mirrors, new rear-combination lamps and newly designed 15-inch alloy wheels and covers are also part of the revised Prius.

The styling changes add an extra 20mm to the car’s length, but the wheelbase and highly efficient aerodynamic performance (Cd 0.25) are unchanged.

New colours are dynamic blue and scarlet, for a total of eight.

Interior

Inside, the look and feel of the trim, surfaces and upholstery raise the perception of quality.

The front seats offer better support and provide a more comfortable ride, with eight-way power adjustment for the high-grade driver’s seat.

Toyota’s attention to detail can be seen in the redesign of the centre console, which now has a built-in cupholder that can be used without having to open the console lid.

The 12V power socket, USB port and AUX audio input terminal have been moved to the front of the console for easier access.

New, darker materials are used throughout with silver inserts on the centre console and air vents. The hybrid system start button is now blue.

The multi-information display has been revised with sharper image resolution, making the readouts easier to view.

New functions include a monthly fuel consumption record with a rolling archive of five months’ data and an ECO savings calculator.

The calculator works by the driver inputting a target consumption figure and fuel price; the system records the driving time during which consumption is lower than the target and calculates a monthly saving compared with the expected fuel cost.

Body and suspension

The Prius body has been made stiffer by increasing the number of welding spots and reinforcements.

Increased rigidity allows for softer suspension tuning, which improves ride comfort without diminishing the car’s dynamic abilities.

Redesign of the bracing has also made the steering column more rigid, which has the effect of giving the driver better steering feel.

Additional sound-proofing materials have improved noise and vibration levels in the cabin.

Fuel economy and emissions

Prius has maximum power of 100kW from the hybrid system which combines a beltless and highly efficient 1.8-litre petrol engine, a 650-volt electric motor/generator and a 201.6-volt nickel-metal hydride battery.

With a full hybrid powertrain, Prius continues to deliver the lowest CO2 emissions in its class at 89 grams/km*. It also delivers outstanding fuel efficiency at 3.9 litres/100km*.

Prius technologies

Every Prius retains technologies that improve safety by providing ‘at-a-glance’ information, reducing the need for driver eye movement to allow better concentration on the road.

A head-up display provides speed and other information on the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight.

When the driver touches the audio or information controls on the steering-wheel hub, Toyota’s world-first touch tracer system displays a duplicate read-out on the instrument panel.

The multi-information display monitors fuel and energy consumption, providing feedback that helps the driver employ economical driving habits.

Other standard safety features include seven airbags, stability and traction control, active front head restraints and anti-skid brakes.

In addition to driving like a conventional car, the hybrid system in Prius offers three driver-controlled modes: EV (electric vehicle), ECO and Power.

In EV, the vehicle stays in electric-only mode for longer at lower speeds. The vehicle can operate up to about 50km/h for approximately 1-2km, depending on the state of charge.

In ECO, the throttle is managed for fuel economy and the air-conditioning is strictly controlled.

Power mode provides maximum acceleration response.

As with its predecessor, the new range is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with services capped at $130 for each of up to six standard services in the first three years or 60,000km#.

 

* Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.

** Fuel consumption and emissions data will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/02 combined cycle. 17-inch wheels: 4.0 litres/100km.

# Maximum payable for standard scheduled servicing (normal operating conditions) until first of 3 years or 60,000kms (up to the first 6 services). Excludes Government & Rental vehicles. Contact your Toyota Dealer or go to toyota.com.au/advantage for other exclusions and eligibility.

 

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New Heart For LandCruiser

March 26, 2012 By

2012 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 200

  • Facelifted – fresh look
  • New 4.6 litre petrol V8
  • New features for all variants
  • New technology for VX & Sahara
  • GXL & VX score SatNav standard

 

Toyota’s iconic LandCruiser 200 wagon has received a heart transplant with the introduction of a more powerful and more efficient V8 petrol engine.

LandCruiser’s new 4.6-litre V8 features variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust ports, lifting power and torque while improving fuel economy and lowering emissions.

The new V8 leads a series of improvements to the LandCruiser 200, which remains true to its off-road heritage with uncompromising, go-anywhere capability.

LandCruiser, the top-selling vehicle in its class for decades, gains new and updated equipment for 2012 that adds to its looks, performance and customer appeal.

Off-road technology has advanced across the range with a new multi-terrain anti-skid braking system that detects and automatically adapts to off-road conditions, supplementing the standard vehicle stability control and active traction control.

The two top grades, LandCruiser VX and Sahara, gain Multi-Terrain Select that regulates wheel-spin in tough off-road conditions with five driver-selectable modes: rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, mud and sand.

Top-of-the-range Sahara adds to LandCruiser’s reputation as “king off the road” with Multi-Terrain Monitor, utilising four wide-angle cameras for checking “blind” spots and revealing terrain hazards and apexes that are normally hidden from the driver’s view.

Other LandCruiser Sahara features include air-conditioned front seats, upgraded navigation system, power-operated tailgate, and three-position memory for the power driver’s seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors.

All grades feature fresh exterior styling, including a new front mask with revised bumpers and grilles, and interior upgrades incorporating the latest audio systems.

LandCruiser’s new V8 petrol engine is fitted with an acoustic control induction system that enhances performance at high engine speeds and improves torque lower in the rev range.

Engine capacity is reduced by 56cm3 to 4608cm3, yet power increases by 12.9 per cent to 228kW at 5500rpm and torque by 7.1 per cent to 439Nm at 3500rpm.

To help reduce cold-start emissions, a new single-pump air injection system speeds the warming of the catalysts by inducting air through the exhaust ports.

Fuel economy has improved by 6.2 per cent to 13.6 litres/100km while CO2 emissions are down by 8.2 per cent to 313 grams/km*.

Designated 1UR-FE, the new engine has a six-speed automatic transmission instead of the five-speed in the previous petrol engine.

This is the same AB60F six-speed unit fitted to 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel LandCruiser 200 variants. The final gear ratio is shorter in the petrol models (4.300:1 v 3.909).

The transmission has artificial intelligence control, which allows its computers to select the appropriate gear ratio by estimating road conditions and predicting the driver’s intention.

LandCruiser 200 GXL, VX and Sahara customers can choose between the new petrol engine and Toyota’s 195kW/650Nm 4.5-litre V8 twin-turbo common-rail diesel engine. The GX grade is offered with the diesel engine.

All LandCruiser 200 variants now have 138-litre fuel-tank capacity with 93-litre main and 45-litre sub tanks.

The latest LandCruiser range has nine exterior colours with the addition of shimmer (metallic silver) and black mica. There are three interior trim colours – grey, black and shell beige.

LandCruiser has evolved over time, from a basic four-wheel drive utility vehicle in its early years to an upscale eight-passenger SUV now sold in 188 countries.

LANDCRUISER GX

Toyota’s rugged five-seat LandCruiser GX is powered by the 4.5-litre V8 twin-turbo diesel engine, six-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD with Torsen® limited-slip centre differential and two-speed transfer case.

It gains centre wheel caps for the 17-inch steel wheels and is distinguished by rear combination lamps with large dual LED lamps and a new black grille.

Toyota’s off-road cruise-control system, CRAWL, has been improved from three low-speed settings under 25km/h to five settings.

CRAWL automatically controls the engine output and brake hydraulic pressure to maintain a low uniform vehicle speed with minimal wheel spin or lock-up, allowing the driver to concentrate fully on steering.

The system now includes an Off-road Turn Assist function that makes it easier to negotiate sharp bends by, for example, automatically applying the inside rear brake.

New computer logic has resulted in a Multi-Terrain ABS that adapts to driving conditions (including sand, mud and gravel) by detecting engine output, acceleration and wheel speed.

Inside, GX gains an economy meter in the instrument cluster – a feature progressively being fitted to Toyota vehicles to encourage fuel-efficient driving.

Other standard GX features includes six airbags (1 x driver, 1 x front passenger, 2 x front side, 2 x curtain shield), vehicle stability control, active traction control, hill-start assist and multi-terrain anti-skid brakes.

For customers who tend to torture, not just drive, their LandCruisers, the GX is fitted with vinyl floors, twin barn doors at the rear (vertically hinged), 17-inch steel wheels, a snorkel, 93-litre main and 45-litre auxiliary fuel tanks and under-body protection plates.

Manual air-conditioning, power windows with driver’s auto up/down and power-operated exterior mirrors are among the creature comforts.

Fuel economy for the common-rail twin-turbo diesel remains at 10.3 litres/100km with CO2 emissions at 273 grams/km*.

Available exterior colours are glacier white, silver pearl, graphite and ebony – all with the grey fabric interior.

The GX price is unchanged at $77,990**.

As with its predecessor, the new range is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with services capped at $210 for each of up to six standard scheduled services in the first three years or 60,000km***.

LANDCRUISER GXL (in addition to GX)

All other LandCruiser variants – GXL, VX and Sahara – offer drivers the choice of two V8 engines – the new 4.6-litre petrol or the 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel.

GXL, fitted with eight seats and 17-inch alloy wheels, gains satellite navigation with a new 6.1-inch touch-screen audio system that includes a single CD and USB input.

An alarm system has been added as well as a 220-volt connector in the rear, while a reversing camera is standard.

New styling incorporates a black grille with chrome surround and newly styled halogen headlamps with an independently boxed clearance lamp positioned between the low and high-beam lamps.

Side turn indicators are integrated with the exterior mirrors while the rear adopts new dual-LED lamps. It also has a roof spoiler.

Petrol GXL costs $83,990 while twin-turbo diesel GXL is $88,990**.

The Australian-invented KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) is standard on the petrol version and a $3,250 option on the diesel.

KDSS provides longer wheel articulation for the most challenging off-road driving and the roll control needed for confident on-road driving.

LANDCRUISER VX (in addition to GXL)

LandCruiser VX and Sahara offer new off-road technology, convenience features and styling improvements.

Both grades introduce Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) to the LandCruiser line-up – the next step beyond active traction control and all-terrain ABS.

MTS regulates wheel-spin, while multi-terrain ABS regulates lock-up to ensure optimum traction in any off-road scenario.

VX and Sahara have a new grille with chrome surround and a grey metallic painted inner profile, chrome surrounds for the foglamps, parking sensors front (two) and rear (four).

They feature newly styled auto-levelling high-intensity discharge headlamps with washers and daylight running lamps with six power-saving LEDs (light emitting diodes).

Both grades are fitted with rain-sensing wipers, newly styled 18-inch alloy wheels and power retractable exterior mirrors.

Inside, they have leather-accented trim, chrome highlights and a revised multi-information display that adopts colour graphics. The diesel variant has seven seats and the petrol variant has eight seats.

VX models are fitted with a 3.5-inch thin-film transistor screen for viewing the multi-information display.

Other standard features on VX and Sahara include KDSS, driver and front-passenger knee airbags, side airbags for the second row, moonroof and power-adjustable front seats.

Prices are $94,990 for the petrol and $99,990** for the twin-turbo diesel.

LANDCRUISER SAHARA (in addition to VX)

Key features already mentioned above include:
• Four-camera Multi-Terrain Monitor (wide angle front, rear, left and right side)
• Climate-control front seats
• Power-operated tailgate
• Multi-Terrain Select
• Driver’s seat three-position memory settings

Additional new features for Sahara include a body-side moulding with chrome highlights, seat heaters for the second-row seats in addition to the two front seats, and hard disc drive map data for the navigation system.

Sahara’s multi-information display now shows the steering-wheel angle, digital speed and turn-by-turn display linked to its electro multi-vision navigation system.

Other standard Sahara luxury items include four-zone climate-control air-conditioning, a cool box, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.

Prices are $113,990 for the petrol and $118,990 for the twin-turbo diesel.

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Toyota Brings Seven-Seat Addition to Prius Family

February 6, 2012 By

Toyota Prius V2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V

  • Economical 7 Seater
  • 1.8 litre Atkinson Cycle Engine
  • CVT Transmission
  • Ultra-compact Lithium Ion Battery

Toyota Australia announced today it will offer Australian customers a versatile new member of the Prius family – the seven-seat Prius v.

The new Prius v will be the first Toyota production vehicle in Australia fitted with a lithium-ion battery – placed under the centre console between the driver and front passenger.

Toyota’s lithium-ion battery is smaller and lighter than the nickel-metal hydride battery in Prius, but has similar storage capacity.

Prius v, due on sale in May this year, will join an expanding Prius family that includes the standard Prius hatch and the Prius c city car.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the seven-seat Prius v will broaden the appeal of Toyota’s hybrid technology and environmental credentials.

“The Prius v is all about versatility – it is larger and roomier to meet the needs of growing families while retaining the Prius DNA of environmental performance and fuel economy,” Mr Callachor said.

“Due to the placement of the lithium-ion battery pack between the front seats, there is minimal compromise to the MPV-style seven-seat passenger accommodation or the load space,” he said.

“Families will have the flexibility of using all seven seats or folding down the third-row seats to convert the car into a five-seater with extra luggage space.

“Customers can also fold down the second-row seats to accommodate more cargo than many SUVs and wagons on the market today.”

Prius v has been newly designed from the ground up – an evolution of Prius, not merely an elongated version. All exterior body panels are new.

It is 135mm longer, 30mm wider and 100mm higher than the Prius hatch with the wheelbase extended by 80mm, making it possible to accommodate adults in all three rows.

Prius v showcases the latest generation of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain, which employs a 73kW 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine and a powerful 60kW electric motor. Total system power is 100kW.

Since 1997, Toyota Motor Corporation has sold more than 3.5 million hybrid vehicles worldwide.

This represents more than 80 per cent of all global hybrid sales, giving Toyota an unquestionable lead in the drive towards sustainable mobility.

In Australia, Toyota and Lexus have sold more than 35,000 hybrids, including 17,000 Prius.

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Prius C to expand appeal of Hybrid Cars

January 2, 2012 By

Toyota Prius C (Japanese model shown)2012 TOYOTA PRIUS C

  • 1.5 litre 1NZ-FXE Engine
  • 45 kW Electric Motor
  • CVT Transmission
  • Under 4l/100km expected*

Toyota Australia says its upcoming Prius c is designed to bring the pleasure of hybrid vehicles to an even broader range of consumers.

Prius c combines a comfortable and roomy interior with a stylish body, and displays spirited acceleration and agility.

The Prius c incorporates 17 years of Toyota expertise and technology in the development of mass-produced hybrid vehicles.

It goes on sale this week in Japan as the Aqua.

Australian sales are due to start during the first half of 2012.

Prius c boasts a small, light and efficient hybrid system that achieves excellent fuel efficiency.

It features a state-of-the-art, small, light and efficient 1.5-litre Toyota hybrid system with reduction gear.

The hybrid transaxle is small and light.

A selectable electric-vehicle mode (EV Mode) enables driving with only the electric motor.

Aerodynamic styling provides a comfortable interior in a compact body.

The exterior has a bold and modern design with a powerful and refined front mask.

The rear silhouette suggests brisk yet stable driving performance.

Inside, the design evokes a great sense of space with a modern and geometric layout.

The hybrid battery has been placed under the rear seat for maximum occupant and luggage space.

The hybrid unit and engine are positioned to create a low centre of gravity for easy manoeuvring.

 

*Based on Japanese model fuel economy specifications.

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Toyota Unveils New 86 Sports Car

December 17, 2011 By

2012 TOYOTA 86

  • 147kW of power
  • Rear wheel drive
  • Spirit of AE86
  • Due for release mid 2012

Toyota has taken the wraps off its newest sports car, announcing it will be called Toyota 86 or “hachi roku” in its home market, Japan.

The unveiling occurred when Toyota president Akio Toyoda drove a production prototype down the main straight of the Fuji Speedway, south of Tokyo.

Mr Toyoda said the new rear-wheel-drive sports car was all about “waku doki” – a car that creates excitement and gets your heart racing.

“I am very proud of this car,” Mr Toyoda said.

“Thank you for the patience of car lovers. They are going to enjoy this car.”

The 86 is a rear-wheel-drive car with intuitive handling that embodies the essence of driving enjoyment.

It features the world’s first horizontally opposed D-4S engine, combining “boxer” engine technology with Toyota’s cutting-edge D-4S direct injection technology.

The engine is installed front mid-ship to create an ultra-low centre of gravity and low inertia. It is the world’s only horizontally opposed engine and rear-wheel-drive package.

As a result, the 86 offers fun driving at a level unprecedented in earlier sports cars.

It carries on the spirit of the AE86 Corolla in its aim to be a car that evolves with its owner.

The lightweight and compact rear-wheel-drive platform was designed to achieve superior handling and create the world’s smallest mass-production four-passenger sports car (by volume).

The vehicle’s newly developed engine delivers exceptional output and torque as well as superior response at low and medium speeds.

The D-4S, with separate twin injectors for both direct injection and port injection, boasts a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This provides high output and high torque over a wide range of engine speeds and contributes to improved environmental performance.

The engine’s redline is 7500rpm with maximum output of 147kW. Even so, the engine achieves fuel efficiency and environmental performance that rivals that of a standard two-litre sedan.

Customers will have the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a special sports-driving six-speed automatic transmission.

The 86 has the lowest hip-point of any Toyota-brand production vehicle and creates a driving position suited for driving enjoyment.

The rear seatbacks fold down to the front to create a luggage space that can accommodate four sports wheels or two golf bags.

The exterior design features a predatory look at the front; the sides are a modern take on Toyota’s sports-car heritage; and the rear view is wide and sturdy despite the compact cabin.

The interior design seeks the essence of sports cars by emphasising the form, placement and materials of each element.

The seatbacks and cushion surfaces are designed to provide support during acceleration g-forces from the front, the back and to the sides. In addition, the shape of the front seats is designed to prevent elbows from interfering with gearshift operation.

The circular steering wheel has a diameter of 365 mm, the smallest in a Toyota-brand vehicle. The wheel’s surface was optimised with exhaustive feedback from test drivers to enhance steering performance and grip.

A three-cluster meter built around the tachometer has been designed with particular attention paid to display placement, markings and typeface to enhance visibility and readability during sports driving.

The Toyota 86 is due for release in mid-2012.

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Toyota Introduces Seventh-Generation Camry

December 17, 2011 By

2012 TOYOTA CAMRY

  • Contemporary exterior and interior styling
  • New engine and transmission delivering more power and torque
  • Improved fuel economy and lower emissions
  • More engaging driving dynamics
  • Quieter and more spacious cabin
  • Advanced safety features

Toyota has released an all-new seventh-generation Camry that debuts a contemporary design with improved driving dynamics and a more spacious interior.

The 2012 Camry combines a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission that deliver better performance while substantially cutting fuel bills and emissions.

Built in Australia, new Camry features expanded safety features, a more comfortable ride, better handling and added refinement, including an even quieter cabin.

The new range introduces two distinct looks to expand buyer appeal – an entry-level Altise and three new Atara variants.

Atara models have unique styling, including the lower-body design, a sporty mesh upper grille, prominent side skirts and twin exhausts.

Advanced features at the top of the range include a blind-spot monitor to help prevent collisions and automatic high beam that automatically dips headlights at night to avoid blinding other drivers.

The new range arrives with zero price increases for the Altise at $30,490# and the range-topping Atara SL at $39,990#, which replaces the Grande.

Price increases for Atara S (replaces Ateva) and Atara SX (Sportivo) are outweighed by added features.

Toyota Australia senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the keen pricing delivers even better value to consumers.

“New Camry has the sharp styling, advanced safety, dynamic driving performance, interior space and quietness, comprehensive features, low cost of ownership and exceptional value demanded by Australian drivers,” Mr Buttner said.

“The new line-up is set to expand Camry’s reign as Australia’s best-selling mid-size car – a position it has held for almost 18 years.

“Camry will be a significant contributor to the Australian and Victorian economies, and holds the key to a strong future for the local automotive sector.

“In addition to local sales, Camry will be exported to more than 12 countries, including Saudi Arabia, other Middle East countries and New Zealand, earning export sales revenue well in excess of $1 billion a year.

“It is a great Australian success story,” Mr Buttner said.

Body, electrical and chassis engineers from the Toyota Technical Center in Melbourne contributed to the development of Camry as a global car from as early as 2006.

They also tuned and tested local versions to meet the demands of Australian motorists and road conditions, including calibrations for the electric power steering, blind-spot monitor and automatic high beam.

Designers at Toyota Style Australia were responsible for the interior fabrics and colour and trim of the local cars.

Camry Altise delivers 133kW of power and 231Nm of torque, substantial gains over the 117kW and 218Nm of the previous generation.

Atara variants gain twin exhausts that help lift output to 135kW and 235Nm for gains of 15 per cent and eight per cent respectively over the previous engine.

All Atara grades – S, sporty SX and luxury SL – have paddle shifts at the driver’s fingertips, delivering greater driver involvement and enjoyment.

Fuel economy across the range is just 7.8 litres/100km* – an improvement of one litre per 100km, which means up to an extra 100km from a tank of unleaded petrol.

It is estimated that, based on this fuel economy improvement, the total saving for Camry motorists is approximately $150 million in fuel bills over the model’s life (based on a fuel price of $1.40 per litre).

Toyota has cut CO2 emissions by 25 grams/km*, which equates to a quarter of a million fewer tonnes being produced over five years across the Camry fleet, compared with the current car.

Altise epitomises Camry’s quality, durability and reliability and is ideal for those who demand a comfortable and pleasant mobile office with low whole-of-life costs.

It has seven airbags, better braking and brake feel, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, a stronger body structure and a new seat frame that makes driving more comfortable.

The introduction of electric power steering across the range, along with refinements to the suspension, has led to significant improvements to handling and ride comfort.

Altise is also equipped with 16-inch alloys, trip computer and an upgraded sound system with six speakers and controls on the steering wheel.

Atara S also features foglamps, 17-inch alloys, smart entry and smart start, reversing camera, dual-zone air-conditioning, 6.1-inch touch-screen display audio, premium steering wheel and gearshift knob and an electric driver’s seat with lumbar support.

Atara SX is distinguished by unique rear bumper, rear lip spoiler, sports pedals, sports suspension, black-tinted headlamps and sports leather-accented interior.

Top of the range Atara SL features JBL premium audio with 10 speakers, a 7-inch touch-screen display with satellite navigation, digital radio, RDS live traffic updates, reversing camera with back-guide monitor, blind-spot monitor, automatic high beam, electric front seats and rain-sensing wipers.

New Camry is covered by Toyota Service Advantage capped-price servicing, which has been extended to four years / 75,000km and up to five services^ at $130 per service for the new range.

New accessories include 17-inch alloy wheels and bodyside mouldings with chrome inserts.

The new Camry will be arriving at Huebner Toyota in January 2012.

 

* Fuel consumption and emissions data will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/02 combined cycle.
^ Maximum payable for Standard scheduled servicing (normal operating conditions) until the first of four years or 75,000km (up to the first five services). Excludes Government and rental vehicles. For exclusions and eligibility, visit advantage.toyota.com.au.

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