 |
Friday, August 03, 2007
Toyota to Sponsor Event in Monterey
Toyota will honor and commemorate the automotive and motor sport history by sponsoring the 34th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races that will be held at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California this coming August 17 to 19. There will be lots of vehicle presentations and other historical activities in the event, so you better watch out for it. Along with Toyota, General Racing Ltd., will also sponsor the event and will serve as the racing organizer.
Steven Earle, President of General Racing Ltd said: "The Monterey Historic Races are a proper way to honor and celebrate the beauty of these vehicles and the legacy of motorsports at a premier racing venue. The anniversary of the raceway and seeing these remarkable Indy roadsters take the track will make for a truly special weekend."
"By conquering the great challenges of the Indy 500 races, the Roadster left an innovative mark in the history of automotive engineering. Our event will not only honor the various Roadster models but those who participated in the entire Indy Roadster Era, including drivers, mechanics and team owners." he added.
Let me give you a sneak preview of some of the events.
Toyota will present the "Race of Legends". Here, motor sport fans will have a chance to see the veteran race car drivers that once paved the way in motor sports history in various types of racing series. Former racers like Bobby Unser, Al Unser Sr., Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Rahal, Parnelli Jones, Vic Elford, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ove Andersson and Derek Bell will compete with each other at Laguna Seca aboard a 215 hp Scion tC sport coupe. This will be one hell of an exciting race.
Originally introduced in 1952, Toyota will also display the Indy Roadster at the 34th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will also celebrating its 50th anniversary. In connection with this, Rolex will present their Motor Sports History "Moments in Time" display. Rolex will be displaying bunch of race cars from the year 1957.
More than 400,000 individuals of various age group are expected to participate in the event. Are you one of them?
Posted at 03:03 am by VonLane
Permalink
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
 If you are waiting for Toyota to announce the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), availability, and features of some of their 2008 model year vehicles, then you better read this.
Eight Toyota vehicles of the 2008 model year will roll out in dealerships all over the U.S. this August. These vehicles include the Prius hybrid, Yaris subcompact car, RAV4 compact SUV, Fj Cruiser SUV, 4Runner mid size SUV, and Tacoma truck, as well as Sienna pick up truck model.
You better get your pen and papers ready and jot down these prices and features of the 2008 Toyota models.
2008 Toyota Avalon
The 2008 Toyota comes with updated AM/FM/CD changer with nine speakers, MP3 playback capability and auxiliary audio input jack as a standard feature. The MSRP for the Toyota Avalon XL is at $27,075, and $34,415 for the Avalon Limited.
2008 Toyota Prius
For the 2008 model year, the Prius based model will roll out in dealerships carrying a base MSRP of $20,950, and $23,220 for the Prius Touring model.
2008 Yaris Liftback
The 2008 Yaris features several new components like standard tire pressure monitoring system,color-keyed front and rear under-bumper spoilers and side rocker panels, front passenger sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob. The Yaris Liftback with manual gearbox carries a MSRP of $11,300. For the Yaris Sedan, the MSRP is $12,900.
2008 Toyota RAV4
With the RAV4, you can get front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor as standard equipment. The 2008 RAV4 2WD has a base MSRP of $21,100, while the RAV4 4WD Limited V6 costs $26,670.
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser 2WD (AT) - $22,545
2008 FJ Cruiser 4WD (AT) - $24,135
The 2008 FJ Cruiser comes with a number of key upgrades like an anti-theft system, an illuminated entry system, and side-curtain airbags for both rows. Automatic gearbox is standard. Price is at $22,545 for the FJ Cruiser 2WD model, and $24,135 for the 4WD model.
2008 Toyota 4Runner
The 2008 4Runner 2WD SR5 V6 is priced at $28,015. The more powerful
4Runner 4WD Limited V8 carries a base MSRP of $38,735.
2008 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma 2WD four-cylinder model with manual gearbox is priced at $14,280, while the Tacoma Double Cab 4WD V6 is at $26,115.
2008 Toyota Sienna
Lastly, the Sienna 2WD CE rolls out this August carrying a MSRP of $24,340. The MSRP for Sienna AWD Limited is $37,665. Features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control and rear disc brakes on all models, and Bluetooth.
Posted at 08:43 pm by VonLane
Permalink
Friday, July 27, 2007
The Toyota invitation on motorsports innovations
August 16 visitors to the Monterey Peninsula will have the chance to hear six experts from the high performance and motorsports industries in a discussion on the developments that materialized over the last 25 years. Toyota’s "Evolution to Revolution" forum will be an entertaining discussion with stories of innovation, planning, perseverance, exact science and plain dumb luck.
The free-wheeling discussion will be hosted by self-proclaimed failed motorcycle racer and Speed Channel's Dave Despain.
The experts who will share their views are Richard Cregan, Pierre Dupasquier, Herb Fishel, Mario Illien, Richard Karlstetter and Phil Remington.
In his 23 years at Toyota Motorsport, Cregan has held several positions. He has been F1 Operations General Manager since 1999 and Team Manager since 2004.
Recent retiree Dupasquier has gained almost 180 world championship titles including about 30 in rallying, 7 in Formula One, 55 in motorcycle grand prix racing, 11 in Superbikes and 19 in the Cross Country Rally World Cup.
Fishel has been the most influential for GM's performance programs throughout the second half of the 20th century. He was included in the 100 most influential people in the first 50 years of hot rodding by Hot Rod magazine and also belonged in the 12 most influential people in racing by Racer magazine.
Co-founder of Ilmor Engineering, Illien has designed engines that have won in Formula One, Indy Car, NASCAR and has recently moved into MotoGP with a brand new high revving engine for this season.
Director of Shell's Global Fuel Technology Group, Karlstetter specifically focuses on next generation fuel technologies. Fifteen years ago, he joined Shell leading various departments like the Shell Global Solutions Germany vehicle testing group.
Known as "Mr. Fix-it" around the pits, All American Racers' Remington was responsible in running the first American F1 car at Monte Carlo, spurred the Ford Shelby Cobra Team win the sports car war against Ferrari and was in the pits when Dan Gurney and AJ Foyt won Ford's greatest victory at Le Mans.
Keith Dahl, National Manager of Engagement Marketing for Toyota Motor Sales USA, assured that the panelists are experts in their fields and will present an amusing, and maybe even radical view, on what happened in the past and how it may affect future development.
The forum begins at 3:30 p.m. at Laguna Seca Raceway's Red Bull Center as part of Toyota's sponsorship of the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races.
Posted at 10:22 pm by VonLane
Permalink
Friday, July 13, 2007
Toyota allies with National FFA Foundation
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. and the National FFA Foundation have announced their two year agreement that marks a significant development to the more than 30-year- old partnership. Their collaboration will allow Toyota's increased participation in FFA activities and Toyota dealers to further associate with the high quality events which the FFA conducts across the nation. Moreover, the affilitaion, which will further support the launch of the all-new Tundra, allow the FFA to expand their community relations efforts and will conduct charitable work in communities in which they reside. The National FFA student leadership development, alumni programs, local community service projects, collegiate scholarships, special events and enhanced diversity in agricultural education will be supported by the increased funding. Furthermore, 25 Toyota vehicles will be supplied to selected local agriculture education programs, key agricultural education leaders and organizations nationwide. Through this ally, Toyota and FFA will bring together local Toyota dealers and FFA chapters to participate in programs such as Can Hunger Food drives to benefit the less fortunate. Moreover, Toyota and FFA will outreach to FFA alumni through collegiate football networking events where the alumni will have the opportunity to connect again each other and learn on the current activities of the FFA. Dennis Sargent, executive director of the National FFA Foundation, said the National FFA Foundation has a longstanding partnership with Toyota. He added that with the additional funds, they can commit again resources across all avenues of the agricultural education spectrum. He continued that students, teachers, alumni and volunteers will all feel the impact of this widened Toyota initiative. Toyota has supported post-secondary education, math and science and environmental education and community development programs. The Japanese car company has recently extended its involvement with rural education by becoming a presenting sponsor of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day programs taking place in rural communities all over the nation. The vigor of these programs continues to show Toyota's endless goal to support education across the country. Brian Smith, Corporate Manager of Truck and SUV for Toyota, said they are excited about this essential increase in their support of the FFA. He added they are looking forward to expanding their base of educational support to the future agricultural leaders of the country. He also said they can now increase recognition of the top teachers who are leading this effort and better connect their dealers to the noble work of the FFA.
Posted at 01:07 am by VonLane
Permalink
Thursday, July 05, 2007
TMS Posted Strong Sales this June 2007
  The month of June and the first half of the year 2007 is considered as the all-time best ever sales results for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA Inc. Toyota Motor Corp's US division has sold 1,331,074 vehicle units, up by 6.1% compared to last year's first half sales figures.
According to Jim Lentz, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Sales:
"Tundra really hit its stride this month, posting a record sales pace. In a short five months the new truck's earned its stripes with both loyal Toyota owners and those new to the brand."
Check out the June 2007 sales highlights of Toyota's US division and other Toyota brands.
Toyota Division: posted best-ever June sales of 216,870, 6.9% increase.
Best sellers for the Toyota brand include:
Toyota Camry sedan - posted best-ever June sales of 46,630, up by 8.4%
Toyota Camry Hybrid – posted sales of 5,530 units in June 2007
Toyota Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan - posted best-ever June sales of 17,756, 76.3% sales increase
Toyota Yaris subcompact - posted best-ever June sales of 9,155 units, an increase of 28% compared to last year
Toyota Corolla - reported June sales of 36,499 units
Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck – posted all-time best-ever sales of 21,727, up by 137.2%
Toyota RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) - reported best-ever June sales of 14,677, up by 7%
Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid - posted a combined June sales of 11,253, a 3.8% sales increase compared to last year
Meanwhile, Toyota's Lexus luxury division also reported the best-ever June 2007 sales of 28,869 units, up by 0.4% compared to the same period last year. Check out some of the sales highlights for the Lexus brand.
Lexus ES 350 luxury sedan – posted June sales of 7,232 units
Lexus LS 460 and LS 460 L - posted a combined sales of 2,631, up by of 149.9%
Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 - posted best-ever June sales of 5,182 units, up by 11.9%
Lexus RX 350 and RX 400h – obtained a combined June 2007 sales of 9,349 units
Lexus RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle - reported sales of 1,562 for the month of June, up by 26%
And lastly, Scion division posted 12,536 units sold for June 2007. I think this strong sales result proves why Toyota is the current reigning number 1 automaker in the world.
Posted at 04:02 am by VonLane
Permalink
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Q & A with Toyota’s Pascal Vasselon
 This is an article from autosport.com that I want to share with you. It features an interview with Pascal Vasselon, Toyota’s Senior General Manager Chassis, and talks on the recent Jarno’s suspension problem that happens during the Indianapolis car racing. Here’s the Q and A with Mr. Vasselon: Q. Can you talk through Jarno's suspension problem in Friday practice in Canada? Pascal Vasselon: The problem, which was visible, was that we broke the front right upright around the connection of the lower wishbone. The first thing that guided our analysis was that this upright design is almost two years old, introduced with our major kinematic suspension change with the TF105B at the end of 2005. That told us it was not a basic design problem and we had to look for differences compared to other years because we have already raced in Montreal with this design. We came to the conclusion that the combination of set-up parameters we used to work around the huge rear limitation, which all cars have, was generating interference between the lower wishbone fixation and the upright. We had to find some counter-measures and we implemented two. The first was technical, going back to a range of set-up parameters in terms of camber, ride height and suspension travel, that cleared the interference. Secondly, because we didn't want to take any further risks, we asked the drivers to avoid the extreme part of the kerb in Turn 8. I would say it was a unique loading case related to the highest part of that kerb. Q. Was Jarno taking more kerb at Turn 8 than Ralf? PV: Yes, and it wasn't just a case of taking more kerb, it was also a question of Jarno using a different driving line on the kerb. Q. How much lap time did it cost Jarno to no longer use that kerb? PV: From our performance analysis of each sector it looked like around two tenths of a second. Q. Given the circumstances, how good a job did Jarno do to qualify 10th? PV: He did a great job but even taking into account those two tenths, it was the first time that we did not have the potential to be ahead of the tight midfield group comprising Red Bull, Renault and Williams. Q. What caused Ralf to qualify 18th? PV: Ralf's weekend had actually been going pretty well. He'd been on the pace from the very early laps of first practice but was unfortunate that in qualifying he encountered four cars on his fast lap. That lap was obviously going to decide whether he went into Q2, he had to let Wurz pass, and met Barrichello, Button and Kubica. Q. Presumably the red flag made the session even more hectic? PV: Exactly. It meant a high density of traffic at the end of the session. Q. Were you surprised to emerge from the race with a point? PV: It was one of those chaotic races where just about anything could happen, and did! I have to say, first of all, that I am delighted that Robert Kubica has escaped from such a horrific looking accident relatively unscathed. He had been racing with Jarno and I know that Jarno was concerned about the situation because he had seen the medical car out for a long time. After that, Jarno had a flat tyre and had to pit, then had a late stop to make, after which he went straight on into the tyres at Turn 1. It's perhaps understandable that his thoughts were elsewhere and the whole team wishes Robert well. Ralf was fuelled up for a long first stint which made he stayed stuck in traffic at the beginning of the race but he has been reasonably competitive when in free air and was rewarded with a point. Q. Moving on to Indianapolis, how big a set-up compromise is it? PV: It has been said that Indy is two circuits in one - an oval with a Monaco-style infield, two very large compromises from the aerodynamic side. Typically when you scan the simulation for your different possible wing levels, you get a very flat answer. That means that in terms of lap time you can achieve very similar performance with high or low downforce. So Indy is a place where theoretically you could go with a very different downforce level. For the race you have to add another parameter, which is the capacity to pass or avoid being passed, because there are definitely overtaking opportunities. You have the banking on to the long main straight with a very real overtaking possibility at the end of it. Q. So that means you might qualify with higher downforce than you race? PV: You will use the limits of the adjustments you are allowed to make between qualifying and race but, overall, Indy is always the first track when you start to use your low downforce level settings. Montreal is medium/low downforce and Indianapolis is definitely low downforce. Q. What about other concerns? PV: There should be nothing too significant. There are no braking issues simply because there is so much time to cool down the brakes around the banking and down the straight - something like 23 seconds at full throttle. Q. Are tyre concerns a thing of the past? PV: Yes. We are now using different constructions and you could almost say that nobody is even thinking about it anymore. Q. Do you get a feel for the size of Indianapolis and its history? PV: Truthfully, not really. I know that there is a huge racing heritage there, of course, and the Indy Museum and everything, but part of the problem is that the race follows straight on from Montreal. Back-to-back flyaway races are quite demanding for team personnel and we are really too preoccupied to enjoy our surroundings!
Posted at 03:02 am by VonLane
Permalink
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
TMS Releases MSRP for 2008 Toyota Corolla and Matrix
Get your pen and paper ready for the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of two all-new Toyota models for the US market – the 2008 Toyota Corolla compact sedan and the 2008 Toyota Matrix compact hatchback/crossover utility vehicle.
According to an official press release from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A, "Toyota Corolla continues to win customers with its dependability, fuel efficiency, and outstanding value. Toyota Corolla is the world's best-selling car with more than 30 million sold units over four decades. In the U.S., Toyota Corolla continues to lead sales in its segment and recently set an all-time best-ever month in May 2007."
Check out the complete MSRP list below:
2008 Toyota Corolla
Corolla CE (Manual) $14,405
Corolla CE (Automatic) $15,205
Corolla S (Manual) $15,450
Corolla S (Automatic) $16,250
Corolla LE (Manual) $15,615
Corolla LE (Automatic) $16,415
2008 Toyota Matrix
Matrix Standard (Manual) $15,510
Matrix Standard (Automatic) $16,310
Matrix XR (Manual) $16,990
Matrix XR (Automatic) $17,820
Unfortunately, TMS did not released the specs and other details of these two 2008 Toyota models. Let us just wait for other TMS press releases.
Posted at 07:41 pm by VonLane
Permalink
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Toyota Opens New Plant in China
Want to know something new about Toyota? Then read this out. Toyota
Motor Corporation (TMC) has recently conducted a line-off ceremony in
Tianjin, China to celebrate the production of the new Toyota Corolla at
the Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (TFTM) Plant No. 3. TFTM was
established by Toyota in conjunction with the China FAW Group
Corporation (FAW). During the ceremony held at the plant, Shozo
Takemoto, President of TFTM commented: "The TFTM Plant No. 3 reflects
the steady development of the joint venture between FAW and TMC.
Furthermore, the new Corolla represents a new level of product appeal,
and I hope that it will be well received by Chinese customers." From
a 200,000 annual production capacity from Plant No. 1, TFTM now targets
420,000 units a year with the opening of the TFTM Plant No. 3. Aside
from the new Corolla, TFTM will also produce other Toyota models Plant
No. 3 including the VIOS, Crown, and REIZ. TFTM is also equipped with
the latest cutting-edge technologies in vehicle manufacturing like the
paint shop using water-based paints, Global New Body Line (GBL) system
wielding process, and other high quality manufacturing system with
environmental consideration.
Posted at 02:06 am by VonLane
Permalink
Protect Yourself from Car Water Damage
Some of us probably haven’t experienced flooding
yet, but since floods are one of the most frequent and widespread of
all disasters it won’t hurt if we knew how to deal with it – especially
if you are in the market for a used car. Why? You risk buying a
water-damaged car. But don’t fret, know the basics, here some advice
from the Car Care Council: Guidelines to ensure for damage due to water intrusion or contamination
Assess
- Undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area, and frame for mud, grass,
dirt, debris, and rust, if there’s any of these washed and cleaned as
soon as possible Check – All interior carpets, upholstery, and
door and trim panels should be checked for dampness and seat brackets,
motors, and modules should also be checked for rust and proper operation
Confirm – Confirm if the air filter for water is wet, change it and at the same time the oil
Don’t Just Dry – Mildew and Nasty odors will be the outcome if you just let the carpet dry
Examine
- Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and differential
plug to inspect if the fluid appears milky, diluted, is no longer its
original color, or is beige in color, if that happens that’s one sign
of water intrusion
Flex – Flex some of the wires beneath the dashboard
Inspect – Scrutinize the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary
Listen
– Listen for abnormal noises while the engine is running. Pay attention
to the alternator, serpentine belt, starter, power steering unit, air
conditioner, and wheel bearings
Test – Test lights (interior and
exterior), windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio,
heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work and
replace headlights and bulbs that contain water
Turn-on –
Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights
and gauges come on and work properly. Make sure the airbag and ABS
lights come on.
Visit – Go to a trusted mechanic to check the brake system
There. Just keep these things in mind, and, keep those eyes open.
Posted at 02:02 am by VonLane
Permalink
Toyota Flex-Fuel Models Headed for Brazil
Brazil is one of the first countries that developed bio-ethanol fuel
programs and the consumer demands for flexible fuel vehicles in the
country continue to grow. That is why Toyota Motor Corporation's
Brazilian arm, the Toyota do Brasil Ltda. (TDB) is now planning to roll
out Corolla flexible fuel vehicle models in the county. Toyota
will roll out two flex fuel models: the Corolla Flex and Corolla
Fielder Flex. Both models will carry a new powertrain specification
that will allow owners to use 10% ethanol fuel mixed with gasoline.
However, Toyota said the Corolla Flex and Corolla Fielder can also run
on 100% ethanol fuel. Good news for our fellow Brazilian car fans. Toyota do Brasil said they are targeting about 2,500 units of Corolla Flex every month and 750
units monthly production for the Corolla Fielder Flex. The
manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is R$56,565 for the
Corolla Flex and R$83,712 for the Corolla Fielder. In Brazil,
ethanol is actually half the prize of gasoline, so these Toyota models
is a good choice for Brazilians. Sugar cane, one of the sources of
ethanol is also abundant in Brazil's agricultural land areas.
Posted at 02:00 am by VonLane
Permalink
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Von has been in the automotive industry working as a sales agent for a dealer in Tucson. Here in his blog, he indulges on two of his passions - writing and automobiles.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
