Tesla to partner with Toyota to Build Electric Vehicle

Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors have announced that they intend to cooperate on the production of electric-vehicles, parts and production system and engineering support. Toyota will purchase a $50 million of Tesla’s common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla’s currently planned IPO.

Toyota will invest $50 million for a private placement of Tesla common stock and the state of California will provide a sales tax abatement to Tesla for capital equipment expenditures to tool up the plant. Musk estimated that the abatement will amount to about $20 million over the next several years.

The NUMMI - New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. - plant located in Fremont, only 17 miles from Tesla's new headquarters, ceased operations on April 1 after producing its last car, a red Toyota Corolla S believed to be destined for a museum in Japan.

The first car to roll of the production line will be Tesla's Model S electric sedan which costs around $57,400. While Tesla will still be late to the game when compared to the LEAF or the Volt, this amps up the company's reputation ten-fold. For a recent study just named Toyota as one of the top three companies consumers would buy an EV from.




Press Release

Tesla Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation Intend to Work Jointly on EV Development, TMC to Invest in Tesla

May 20, 2010 - Palo Alto, California, U.S.A. - Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced that they intend to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support.

The two companies intend to form a team of specialists to further those efforts. TMC has agreed to purchase $50 million of Tesla's common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla's currently planned initial public offering.

"I sensed the great potential of Tesla's technology and was impressed by its dedication to monozukuri (Toyota's approach to manufacturing)," said TMC President Akio Toyoda. "Through this partnership, by working together with a venture business such as Tesla, Toyota would like to learn from the challenging spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility that Tesla has. Decades ago, Toyota was also born as a venture business. By partnering with Tesla, my hope is that all Toyota employees will recall that 'venture business spirit,' and take on the challenges of the future."

"Toyota is a company founded on innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainable mobility. It is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Toyota would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla," said Tesla CEO and cofounder Elon Musk. "We look forward to learning and benefiting from Toyota's legendary engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise."

TMC has, since its foundation in 1937, operated under the philosophy of "contributing to the society through the manufacture of automobiles," and made cars that satisfy its many customers around the world. TMC introduced the first-generation Prius hybrid vehicle in 1997, and produced approximately 2.5 million hybrids in the twelve years since. Late last year, TMC started lease of Prius Plug-in Hybrids, which can be charged using an external power source such as a household electric outlet. The company also plans to introduce EVs into the market by 2012.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla service rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.


Tesla Motors Announces Factory in Northern California
Silicon Valley factory will become the home of the Model S sedan

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Tesla Motors has purchased the former NUMMI factory in Fremont, California, where it will build the Model S sedan and future Tesla vehicles. As recently as April of 2010, the NUMMI factory was used by Toyota to produce the Corolla and Tacoma vehicles using the industry-leading Toyota production system. It is one of the largest, most advanced and cleanest automotive production plants in the world.

It is capable of producing half a million vehicles per year or approximately 1 percent of total worldwide car production. The award-winning plant was the birthplace of the vaunted Toyota Production System, a widely copied system that lead to dramatic quality improvements and unprecedented manufacturing flexibility and worker satisfaction.

The Model S is expected to be the first pure electric premium sedan and is designed from the ground up to take full advantage of the electric vehicle architecture. The sedan, which Tesla unveiled in March 2009, has an anticipated base price of $49,900, including a federal tax credit, and is intended to deliver the foremost design and technology in the automotive world. With an optional extended-range battery pack, the Model S will travel over 300 miles per charge.

The factory is located in the city of Fremont near Northern California's Silicon Valley, very near Tesla's Palo Alto headquarters. The location means Tesla can hire best-in-class engineers in Silicon Valley. The short distance also ensures a tight feedback loop between engineering, manufacturing and other divisions within the company.

"The Tesla Factory effectively leverages an ideal combination of hardcore Silicon Valley engineering talent, traditional automotive engineering talent and the proven Toyota production system," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "The new Tesla Factory will give us plenty of room to grow."

Toyota produced its last car there just last month. Tesla began discussions to acquire the site this spring, when it was also evaluating opportunities in Downey and Long Beach. The turnkey nature of the facility with its recent production of top quality vehicles and its considerable room for expansion made it stand out from other sites.

NEW ENTRY CARS 2010

TOYOTA

Recently, the North American International Auto show in 2009, Toyota has launched their latest major vehicle produced. Asia and the car has not let the fanatics who came down with the new 2010 Toyota Prius! It's pretty cool sport 1.8-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine block, making fuel economy 50 miles per gallon! Is not it just in time for the campaign to produce more fuel efficient cars? We can bet our dollars on that!

But more than just an efficient performance, third-generation mid-size Toyota from world leaders quieter and roomier than first and second generations. It also features a highly advanced technology and electronic accessories such as solar panel moonroof, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA), and steering wheel touch controls that are displayed on the instrument panel.

Prius, which means 'gone before' is the world's first mass produced hybrid. That means that Toyota has pioneered environmentally friendly car even before the awareness of the social environment becomes a major issue. In fact, manufacturers have combined in-house System with Hybrid Synergy Drive technology aggressively to come up with a smooth design for the 2010 Prius!

HONDA

Since Toyota launched their Prius eco icon in the North American International Auto show in 2009, Honda did not come last with his own version of environmentally friendly vehicles! One in particular is the press of 2010 Honda Insight hybrid category has also appeared first in 2009 North America International Auto show in January and 13!

This slender beauty brings patented Integrated Motors Assist (IMA) which combines 10-kilowatt or 13 hp electric motor and a compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). This is a strong sport and advanced 1.3-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy i-VTEC engine and CVT. The 2010 Insight has a U.S. city and highway EPA fuel-economy rating of 40-43 miles per gallon. This five-door, five-passenger hybrid will be available in April and vehicles carrying more affordable hybrid car in the world.

HYUNDAI

You may have missed the show in 2009 North American International Auto but you do not miss the beauty of a blue 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe! The blue vehicles are also available in flame red and metallic silver is deliberately built rear-wheel driven sports coupe. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can come with 210 horsepower. But you can also choose to its all-aluminum 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine block which can release more than that of the standard 306 HP!

Origin of 2010 Hyundai Coupe will be joined by the entire Hyundai car come spring 2009. Expected to bring good numbers when that finally came out in the market because interestingly different from the rest of the sports coupe in the automotive world. Most of the front wheel is driven while the rear wheels will be encouraged but it promises to provide the best driving experience for every fanatic.

As we can see, Asian cars are also the cream of the crop. They are probably the most environmentally friendly vehicle launched in the market, given the size and beauty.

TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID 2010

The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan offers high quality and reliability of the petrol powered Camry together with increased fuel efficiency. The Toyota Camry Hybrid can operate on any combination of the two power sources. Its power is transferred to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT was chosen for its ability to keep the gas engine in its most efficient power band.

The Toyotoa Camry Hybrid is a front-wheel drive four-door sedan that comfortably seats five passengers. This model is made available in one well appointed trim it comes standard with Hybrid Synergy Drive, a combination of electric motor/gasoline engine fitted with an efficient, continuously variable transmission (CVT). The standard warranty for hybrid-related components is a very long 8 years/100,000 miles. A moonroof, navigation system, leather seats and heated front seats are all optional, please see the lists below. Standard safety features include stability and traction control, six-airbags, and a tire pressure monitor.

More than just a few people are calling this car “the best hybrid on the market today”.

MSRP – $26,150

Fuel Economy Estimates

EPA Fuel Economy Est – Hwy (MPG) 34
EPA Fuel Economy Est – City (MPG) 33
Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG) 34

0-60mph – 8.3 seconds




TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID 2010

Specification

Hybrid System Net Power: 187 hp (140 kW) standard
Engine
2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve dual VVT-i four-cylinder, 169 hp [1] @ 6000 lb.-ft. rpm/167 @ 4100 rpm
2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve dual VVT-i four-cylinder, 179 hp @ 6000 lb.-ft. rpm/171 @ 4100 rpm
3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve dual VVT-i V6, 268 hp @ 6200 lb.-ft. rpm/248 @ 4700 rpm
Hybrid Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-i four-cylinder Hybrid: 147 hp @ 6000 rpm, 138 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm standard
Rating emissions
Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) is not available
Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards
Ignition
Electronic, with Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI) standard
Electric Motor Power Output: £ 199-ft@0-1.500 rpm (105 kW @ 4500 rpm) standard
Type of motor: Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor standard
Voltage: 650V maximum standard
Traction Batteries Power Output: 40 hp (30 kW) standard
Battery Type: Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) standard
Voltage: 244.8V standards
6-speed manual overdrive is not available
6-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift is not available
Kept electronically controlled variable transmission (ECVT) standard
Drivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive is standard
Construction Agency
Unitized body with front and rear reduce vibration sub-frames-standard
Hybrid Suspension: MacPherson strut front suspension with gas filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar, dual-link independent rear suspension MacPherson struts with gas-filled shock absorbers and standard stabilizer bars
Suspension
MacPherson strut front suspension with gas filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar, dual-link independent rear suspension MacPherson struts with gas filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar (SE adds sport-tuned shock absorbers and springs, strut tower and trunk-mounted braces)
Steerage
Variable-assist power rack-and-pinion (Hybrid adds standard power-assist)
Turning circle diameter, curb to curb (ft.) 36.1
Brake
Power-assisted ventilated front / solid rear discs with four-channel 3-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
Hybrid Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front / solid rear disc with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and integrated regenerative braking standards
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [4] with Traction Control (TRAC)

Features

Aerodynamic multi-reflector-beam projector lights with auto on / off feature standard
Aerodynamic multi-reflector lamps projector-beam with blackout sport trim and auto on / off feature is not available
Blue-colored headlamp bezels standards
Integrated front fog lights optional
LED (light-emitting diode) for tail, stop signs and lights, standard side
16-in. steel wheels with P215/60R16 tires and full wheel covers standard
16-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels with P215/60R16 tires are not available
17-in. 5-spoke alloy wheel machine with P215/55R17 tires
not available
16-in. 10-spoke alloy wheels with P215/60R16 tires are not available
16-in. 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P215/60R16 tires are available only as part of option package

Include dual-color outside mirrors power standard
Heated outside mirrors optional / available only as part of option package

Acoustic noise-reducing windshield standards
High Solar Energy-absorbing (HSEA) standard glass
Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle standard
Power tilt / slide moonroof with sliding sunshade is only available as part of option package

Blackout sport grille is not available
Heavy-duty electric rear window defogger with timer standard
Dual exhaust not available
Chrome-tipped exhaust standards
Color-spirited front and rear underbody spoilers and side rocker panel molding is not available
Color-spirited rear spoiler lip

Choice

Integrated front fog lights optional
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass mirror is available only as part of option package
16-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels with P215/60R16 tires are not available
AM / FM CD player with integrated satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod ® connectivity, hands-free phone capabilities and music streaming via Bluetooth ® [3] wireless technology, Vacuum fluorescent displays, six speakers and in-glass antenna
JBL ® AM / FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with integrated satellite radio [audio jack 1], MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary, USB port with iPod ® connectivity, hands-free phone and music streaming capabilities via Bluetooth ® wireless technology, eight speakers in six locations, Vacuum Fluorescent Display and FM diversity reception
Color-spirited rear spoiler lip not available
Voice-activated DVD navigation system [4] with integrated backup camera, JBL ® AM / FM four-disc in-dash CD changer with integrated satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod ® connectivity, hands free -the ability of phone and music streaming via Bluetooth ® wireless technology, eight speakers in six locations and FM diversity reception
Heated outside mirrors optional / available only as part of option package
Leather-trimmed sport seats are not available
Leather-trimmed seats and door trim with integrated armrests and dual front and rear map pockets
Heated front seats is available only as part of option package
Multi-adjustable power passenger seat is not available
Smart Key System with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry standards
Power tilt / slide moonroof with sliding sunshade

TOYOTA FORTUNER LAND CRUISER

Toyota has launched a sister of the Land Cruiser, which is called Macho Hulky Fortuner SUV. Although the launch late in the growing Indian SUV market, Japanese automakers were taken to surprise with a large number of reservations to accept hulky Fortuner SUV.

The company is expecting a number of around 2000 units of the Fortuner has been overshadowed by a large reserve of about 5000 units in the month of his own debut. Toyota must have been taken for a big surprise by the response from Indian customers even in a recession, this is a clear indication to any company for that matter that India has a great potential for the best product in any segement. In accordance with the news that Toyota has been stopped from booking for a cute little gaint and has asked customers to wait with patience to wait 3-4 months time.

Interior Toyota, sport cars, SUV, Toyota, Toyota Design, Toyota Fortuner, tuning cars

The Fortuner although it has looked great, good interior and powerful engine under the hood, he still must compete with its rivals in this segement.

Considering the price, looks, features and engine here are few rivals which Fortuner has to compete.

Toyota Hilux - Top Gear Volcano Pictures

Cool pictures from Top Gear last week when they went up the Eyjafjallajökull in a Toyota Hilux. Little did they know the active volcano would cause so much European travel havoc. Luckily, the Top Gear cast and crew escaped just hours before the volcano erupted. Finally a bit of good PR for Toyota. The Hilux remains truely a cool truck!

Top Gear Hilux Volcano Pictures

By modifying the same Toyota Hilux they took to the north pole with water-cooled tires and a roof-mounted ash-guard, the Top Gear team just scaled an active Volcano in Iceland for an upcoming episode. "They never take risk!" said an Icelandic Volcano expert who traveled with the crew as an adviser.

Like all other episodes, this one appears to have been carefully planned, with full permission from the Icelandic government. In addition to volcanoes and a collapsed economy, Iceland is known for its ridiculously epic off-roading so we expect the episode to be insanely awesome and heroic.

It turns out Top Gear is taking partial responsibility for the blast:

According to local media, the shaggy-haired television presenter was witnessed driving a modified Hilux to the rim of the Eyjafjallajoekull volcano last week. Though initially assumed that he was simply filming a feature for the the popular motoring television show, it has since been speculated that May's purpose was far more devious. "It has been scientifically proven that TopGear is responsible for almost every evil in the modern world, so the eruption of a furious tectonic force barely a week after Richard Clarkson's ‘visit' can hardly be viewed as mere coincidence," says media commentator Annalisa Kneejerk.

Stig Volcano Qutoes

Some say that his helmet visor is made of volcanic ash, and that when he erupts every pilot in Europe has to leave the room.

Some say he can cause volcanos to erupt by looking at them.

If you liked this Top Gear volcano post then check out more cool volcano pictures at http://www.collthings.co.uk

Toyota recalling 600,000 Sienna minivans over corrosion on spare tire cable

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 600,000 Sienna minivans sold in the United States, to address potential corrosion in the spare tire carrier cable.
Toyota says the recall affects the 1998-2010 model year Siennas that have been operated in cold-climate areas.

The recall Friday came as House investigators said they would hold another hearing in May to review possible electronic problems in runaway Toyotas. The Japanese automaker has recalled more than 8 million vehicles because of faulty accelerator pedals, humbling a car company long known for its quality and safety.

Toyota admits it is still working on a solution to the rusted cable problem. If your Sienna is affected by the recall, you will receive a notice from the automaker to head to a dealer for inspection.

The recall involves two-wheel-drive Sienna minivans in the District of Columbia and 20 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Source: Toyota

Press Release

TORRANCE, Calif., April 16, 2010 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will launch a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 600,000 first- and second-generation Sienna 2WD minivans sold in the United States to address potential corrosion in the spare tire carrier cable.

This condition may appear on certain 1998 through 2010 model year Siennas that have been operated in cold climate areas with high road salt use. Continued prolonged exposure to road salts may cause excessive corrosion of the carrier cable in some of these vehicles. In the worst case, the carrier cable may fail and the spare tire could become separated from the vehicle, a road hazard for following vehicles that increases the likelihood of a crash.

Toyota is currently working to develop a remedy for this condition. Until this remedy is developed, customers will receive an interim notice instructing them to bring their vehicle to a dealership for a preliminary inspection.

Once the remedy has been developed, customers will receive a secondary notice advising the customer of the remedy availability.

Steve St. Angelo, Toyota Chief Quality Officer for North America, said: "Toyota is listening to its customers attentively, and we want to make sure their voices are heard. As part of that commitment, we are providing free inspections of the spare tire carrier cable even in states that are not included in this recall. We are also working diligently to develop a remedy as soon as possible."

In addition to the District of Columbia, vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage are covered by this recall: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Owners of vehicles in other states will receive a separate Special Service Campaign notification that includes details on how to obtain an inspection if they desire. Toyota will perform the same inspection and repair for those vehicles at no charge. The inspection will take approximately 30 minutes depending on the dealer's work schedule.

Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

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 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.