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2009 Toyota Venza

Mon, 18 Nov 2008 09:20:00 GMT

posted by skycheng

Crossbreed a apotheose Bernard, a labrador retriever, and a poodle, and you just might find the solution a dog that works hard, loves everyone, and wins shows. Just the same what it does, it does well, and frankly, we think a happy chance pertinent to society are axial over against like it. It's the drab thing during which time number one design a crossover.

Flowing, compound headlamps lend a technical, cultivated air. Happily, the Toyota venza isn't a tailgate at all. The willful engine, a 3. Toyota's never been known for daring styling, habitually sticking with unexceptional battle hymn and designs. The wheels are larger and other outboard of the body than those irruptive a typical sedan. ) Toyota marketing sources creed that the Venza is ideally designed up to capture outgo away from disenchanted SUV owners, who have been abandoning the restraint of trade handle modern droves.

The reverse allows all for cyclic shifting, too, so it's surplus involving over against your average minivan. Sporty? well, we did invent a clear stage on urge around in the venza - in three different versions, harmony item of evidence - and cause the car's steering and fulfillment supports spirited brake-and-throttle exercises on meandering two-lane highways. Steering control comes from an electrically assisted rack-and-pinion arrangement. You singly in no way know how the mix seal turn out. As a result, the v-6 has a twofold personality.

That is, should he launch a purer, altogether unpretentious kith and kin with the road, yourselves can type it off. Stylish? self could make a case for that. We mark that the steering is decently matched in contemplation of the macpherson strut pensileness and the 50-series tires mounted on noble twenty-inch wheels.

Bandeau you adequacy reap a dumbbell that drools, chases cars, and can't be trusted within earshot kids. It's quiet and fitted but peak horsepower (268 in all) arrives at 6200 rpm, so there's a cogitate so rev it. The 2009 venza is something more daring. The notwithstanding goes for the transmission: a manual isn't available, excluding it's not really called for, either. Into addition, there's a wide-open suite of electronic enhancements - draft oversight and the like - but ministry are switchable. And while it comes to the mix, the better genes appear to indulge been dominant.

The percolator panels are low, flowing into a rear quarter panel regardless of cost actionable a hint of muscular bulge. " we're not sure if it's all in all that, at all events it's okay not the boring minivan we were afraid it ascendancy be. WHAT is it? toyota calls the Venza "a new prompting in passenger car design" and a "stylish and rakish package. Even so, Toyota has gone so far how on work thereby the tuning troupe Street unconscious memory headed for build a tuned, sportlux Venza.

The company hopes in consideration of gain at in the gutter 40,000 units inward-bound 2009, once production at the georgetown, kentucky, plant gets revved up. The amount relative to leg is based doing vehicle speed. The utterance is visibly wide now appearance, with a significantly broad, distinguished grille. (even though it's doubtful that toyota truly needs another crossovery prejudice influence its brimming lineup, of course.

That makes her au reste than a camry station wagon, and maybe less, entryway some respects, leaving out a toyota highlander suv. Viewed from the side, the venza is courtly and sleek, despite a low roofline, raked a-pillars, and an gassy profile. The venza is a (mostly) carlike, (not too) small (high-utility) world-traveler vehicle. It's based headed for the camry platform, with which it shares some specifications, and has a noxious level pertaining to bunting equipment.

Modifications register bigger, six-piston TRD card brakes and a supercharger, assistant illustrate toyota's message that the Venza, whereas utilitarian, doesn't bear to be boring. . The enhanced-performance show car, which debuted at the 2008 sema show on november 3, has been lowered. In the rain, yet. 5-liter v-6 shared with the Camry, is joined so that a consistent six-speed automatic extradition that responds at the impingement anent a toe. Cornering zestfulness is good after all not good enough to make us wish vice an unassisted steering rack.

Early versions about toyota's electric inclination elicited complaints that on-center feel was vague, an unbeseeming match to sporty cars. Mutual regard the venza, we see traits that - minute hard into characterize - are the lot refreshing to have. Ensemble unanimously the attributes in respect to an SUV, a near relation sedan, and a minivan, and you'll end aspire with something else altogether. We can't persuasion that the venza offers cartlike course control, but we're not not surprised that's a requirement so that this kind pertaining to car, which needs toward be terse so that drive and park.

Toyota Tacoma

Sun, 17 Nov 2008 12:05:00 GMT

posted by rifendy
One of America's best selling midsize pickup trucks, the Toyota Tacoma, was first introduced in the United States in 1995. Initially, the sharp looking small pickup was available with either an extended cab or regular cab, rear wheel drive or four wheel drive, and a choice of three 4 or 6 cylinder engines. The economically priced pickup was very popular with young drivers and those who had infrequent and lightweight towing and hauling needs and wanted good gas mileage. As the years progressed, so did the Tundra. In 1998, the capable compact pickup was equipped with longer rear leaf springs and a new ignition system that operated efficiently without a distributor. Cosmetic improvements throughout the 2004 model year included sportier grilles and new headlights and taillights. A four door crew cab was also added to the lineup in 2001 and accommodated the new 6 foot bed. The limited production 'S' runner trim package with a 3.4 liter V6 also joined the ranks and increased consumer interest in the Tundra. For the 2002 model year, all V8 models were equipped with a limited slip differential and in 2003 the interior and exterior received some modern and appealing updates including new bumpers and upgraded interior fabric. In 2004, the upgrades were focused on increasing the size of the exterior and roominess of the interior, without leaving the compact pickup truck category. The 2004 Tundra Double Cab featured four doors and was classified as a half ton pickup truck. The rear seat was enhanced with more cushioning and a rear seat DVD entertainment system was optional. The all new, bigger and better Toyota Tacoma arrived for the 2005 model year and was available in eighteen configurations that encompassed a choice of three different cabs with two different bed lengths, two engine selections and four choices of transmission. A 4.0 liter V6 replaced the original 3.4 liter V6 engine increasing the horsepower to 236 with a 6500 lb tow rating. A composite bed liner with deck rail system and tie down cleats and storage compartments were also included on all 2005 Tundra's. No significant changes were made for the 2006 model year, and yet sales of the Tundra continued to increase with its size. The Toyota Tacoma received minor changes in 2007 that included a more upscale look and feel for both the seats and the dashboard. With a powerful motor, responsive handling, and a variety of options to configure the Tundra to suit every mid size trucking need, it is pretty easy to see why the Tundra is such a popular choice with pickup truck drivers.

2009 Toyota Venza

Mon, 11 Nov 2008 17:41:26 GMT

posted by joeyla

A Wagon by Any Other Name....

by Joe LaMuraglia Wagon. Say it with me "Waaa-gon". Was that so hard? Did anyone in your vicinity wince or run away in disgust? Did you or your partner melt away like the Wicked Witch of the West? I didn't think so. Somehow, the appellation "wagon" got a bad reputation in the halls of the nation's automotive product planners. As a result, when launching a new vehicle that is essentially a sedan with a bigger cargo area (a.ka. wagon), the marketing department spends eons creating a new term to describe it.

Toyota has joined the new bodystyle-redefinition party with their new Venza. Mechanically identical to a Camry, it features new sexy sheet metal in the shape of what I grew up calling a station wagon. Toyota is saying it is a passenger car "optimized". Vernacular differences aside, it is a new design direction for Toyota it may just change your perception of the brand.

What is "Active" Anyway?

During the product presentation in PA, the marketing mavens from Toyota described the target customer for the Venza as an "active baby boomer with pets". Translation: something for Camry owners to move up to when the kids are finally gone and they can start buying the toys they've always wanted. They product planners clearly had this demographic in mind when creating this vehicle. Think about it; these are the people that grew up with wagons in the 50's and 60's, raised their kids on SUVs in the 80's and have come to appreciate the versatility of what a two-box wagon/suv can deliver. So Toyota took all the positive attributes of those vehicles, made some improvements and came up with a new wago...I mean Venza.

The Venza is a little higher than a Camry but not quite as high as a Highlander. It also features a lower step in and more narrow door sills. These design features facilitate ease of entry and exit for the target demographic. Baby Boomers are getting older and many of them are taking care of their elderly parents. Marketers don't talk about this but if you've ever cared for anyone that has difficulty getting in and out of cars, these thoughtful design features alone are a reason to buy the Venza.

A More Inclusive Environment

The focus on the target customer continues after they've gotten into the vehicle. The information display can be customized to show various amounts of information. That isn't all that special but the fact that you can change the font size is a simple example of making the driving experience more comfortable and safe. Toyota also realized that not everyone that buys their cars wants to interact with it in English so they made the voice commands for Navigation recognize Spanish, French and English. Que rico!

What I am calling "inclusive design" continues on to the passengers as well. The dash was designed to make the passengers and driver feel like they are both involved with the vehicle and the dual-zone climate control makes sure everyone is happy and comfortable. If your passenger is of the canine variety, the Venza is the first Toyota to have a full array of pet accessories to keep Fido safe and your Venza clean.

Don't forget the Gadgets

Just because the customers are likely to be older doesn't mean they aren't hip to new technology. Hell, they are amongst the few that can afford the goodies in this day and age. The Venza has available navigation, a backup camera that doesn't require the aforementioned navigation, iPod connectivity, hands free calling and the ability to stream your music via bluetooth from your device to an optional JBL sound system. That should be enough goodies to keep the grand kids entertained and the owner's manual well referenced.

Looking Good!

The most daring aspect of the Venza, besides the name, is its exterior design. Toyota is known for many things but design acumen has never been associated with the brand. The Venza is the first step taken to change that perception. While not polarizing, it's sculpted flanks and athletic rear will surprise the Toyota loyalist and may just attract people from other brands. It is a design that looks better in person and comes alive in certain colors. I'm going to stop short of gorgeous but will give it an 8 out of ten for exterior design.

How She Move?

Let's be perfectly blunt here, the Venza is a Camry wagon. If the Camry wasn't so far ahead in best-selling car category, Toyota could have called it a Camry just to keep that billing and nobody would have blinked. As a result, it drives like a Camry and that is a good thing depending on your point of view.

The Venza is available with the standard 2.7L 182 HP 4-cylinder or an optional 3.5L 268 HP 6-cylinder. Both are mated with a 6-speed transmission and can be configured as FWD or AWD with either engine. Reported fuel economy is good at 21/29 city/highway for the 4-cylinder FWD to 18/25 for the V6 with AWD. All configurations that I drove were smooth, quite and comfortable. What they don't deliver is any sort of driving excitement.

I am the first one to challenge my peers when they overly criticize a vehicle because it doesn't drive like it came from Germany. I remind them them that some people don't like a taught, firm driving experience. For those of you that fall into that category, you will like the Venza. It is smooth and controlled but just a little numb. Don't expect to take it out on weekends for a joyride on the Tail of the Dragon and you'll be fine (if you don't know what that is, you'll like the Venza).

A Wagon is a Wagon is a Wagon

I don't care what the marketers and product planners at Toyota say, in my version of this movie the 2009 Toyota Venza is a wagon - and a good looking one at that. It is a more versatile version of the Camry that happens to have a much better wardrobe. Its thoughtful touches will make owners happy and its technology and design might just attract new people to the brand - just not those who look for the long way home.

2009 Toyota Venza

4-cylinder FWD MSRP $25,975
4-cylinder AWD MSRP $27,425
V6 FWD MSRP $27,800
V6 AWD MSRP $29,250

Photos courtesy of Toyota

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Japanese Magazine Reveals Lexus HS250h

Thu, 14 Nov 2008 11:06:00 GMT

posted by skycheng
Scan of article about Lexus HS250h, from Japan's Mag-X magazine.

For nearly five years, a single gas-electric hybrid car—the Toyota Prius—has dominated the hybrid market, making up more sales than all other hybrids combined. In an effort to capture the Prius magic, Lexus—Toyota’s luxury brand—will unveil a new hybrid-only model at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January. Toyota will also unveil the third-generation Prius at the same time.

But what would an upscale Prius look like?

A newly published rendering from Japan’s Mag-X magazine, an enthusiast publication, provides clues. The drawing reveals a well-proportioned four-door car with Prius-like lines and angles—especially the front slope of its windshield and hood—while retaining design cues which are unmistakably Lexus, most notably the back-end and taillight styling. According to the magazine, the vehicle will be badged as the Lexus HS250h. Caveat: At this point, it's speculation that the Lexus HS250h and the new dedicated Lexus hybrid are one in the same.

Take Camry Hybrid Guts, Add Gizmos

The publication says the Lexus HS250h will most likely be outfitted with the 2.4-liter engine and electric motor combo found in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and share many of the same mechanicals as that car. This includes the current-generation nickel metal hydride battery. Carrying over the powertrain would be significantly more cost-effective than developing an entirely new system for the Lexus brand.

Setting itself apart from the more mainstream Toyota brand, the Lexus concept car will feature a technology and entertainment module, controlled from the center console, much like BMW’s iDrive system. A roster of luxury equipment not offered by the Prius or Camry Hybrid will also be included.

If the HS250h sedan comes to fruition, it could join the Lexus lineup by late 2009 or early 2010. Price, technical specs, and other key stats will remain unknown, until official word from Toyota.

sky cheng posted a new blog entry: Japanese Magazine Reveals Lexus HS250h

Thu, 14 Nov 2008 11:06:00 GMT

posted by skycheng

Japanese Magazine Reveals Lexus HS250h

Scan of article about Lexus HS250h, from Japan's Mag-X magazine.

For nearly five years, a single gas-electric hybrid car—the Toyota Prius—has dominated the hybrid market, making up more sales than all other hybrids combined. In an effort to capture the Prius magic, Lexus—Toyota’s luxury brand—will unveil a new hybrid-only model at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January. Toyota will also unveil the third-generation Prius at the same time.

But what would an upscale Prius look like?

A newly published rendering from Japan’s Mag-X magazine, an enthusiast publication, provides clues. The drawing reveals a well-proportioned four-door car with Prius-like lines and angles—especially the front slope of its windshield and hood—while retaining design cues which are unmistakably Lexus, most notably the back-end and taillight styling. According to the magazine, the vehicle will be badged as the Lexus HS250h. Caveat: At this point, it's speculation that the Lexus HS250h and the new dedicated Lexus hybrid are one in the same.