My Perfect Automobile » Toyota

Toyota Camry is Top Hybrid on Consumer Reports List

Larry Bell — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:01:08 +0000

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The recent Consumer Reports car quality list ranked an all-electric car at the top for the first time ever. Tesla’s Model S sedan notched an almost perfect score and made automotive history in the process. Lost in much of the media coverage was the fact that Toyota’s Camry Hybrid placed fourth on the list, and was the highest-ranking hybrid among the candidates. In fact, the top ten cars on CR’s list included just one with a base price under $30,000. That honor also went to Camry Hybrid, which carries a sticker of $29,052 (the price of the model that Consumer Reports tested).

Toyota Camry Hybrid: Video

For a thorough review of the Camry Hybrid, view the short clip above. Notably positive, the reviewer offers up interesting factoids about the car. For one thing, most owners are finding they get better mileage than the listed 40/38. Camry is Toyota’s best-selling mid-sized sedan for a reason; year in and year out, Camry delivers a wealth of standard features that people want, need, and enjoy. In addition, this particular hybrid features 10 airbags on the base model, two of which are knee-airbags, one of the more high-tech safety amenities in modern automotive design.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Technically, there was a three-way tie for fourth place in the CR rankings, with Audi’s A6 and Infiniti’s M37 joining the Camry Hybrid with statistical ratings of 93 (out of a possible score of 100). Note, however, that both the A6 and the M37 cost almost twice what Toyota’s hybrid model does. No matter how one does the math, Toyota’s Camry Hybrid provides more quality per dollar than any vehicle among the CR top ten.

Among the top three, Tesla’s Model S costs $89,650, second-ranked BMW 135i carries a price tag of $37,650, and third-place Infiniti G37 sedan is $37,225. Those three cars scored 99, 97, and 95, respectively.

http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Tokyo Motor Show Set for Nov. 22 Opening

Larry Bell — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:39:43 +0000

Smart Electric Drive will be at the Tokyo Motor Show

The 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, one of Asia’s most important industry events, will run from Nov. 22 until Dec. 1. The first day for public attendance will be Nov. 23. The event will occupy every hall in the city’s enormous exhibition center, nicknamed Tokyo Big Sight. In addition to 18 non-Japanese car brands, the host nation will be represented by all 14 Japanese manufacturers. The 2011 show drew upwards of 850,000 attendees and media representatives from more than 70 countries. The Tokyo Motor Show is held every two years.

Tokyo Motor Show: Video

The short video clip above features some sights and sounds from a recent Tokyo Motor Show, when Toyota unveiled its unique Fun Vii concept car. The world’s only Smartphone on wheels, the Fun Vii’s body panels are computer screens that can display whatever the driver wishes. The show has always billed itself as offering “weird and wonderful” cars to the public, and the debut of the Fun Vii certainly lived up to that promise.

Tokyo Motor Show

The 2013 event has already booked a VIP list of exhibitors, all of whom will display their wares in Japan’s largest convention hall, a venue known commonly as Tokyo Big Sight, and formally as the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. The massive, and stunning, center is one of Asia’s most recognized structures. It opened in 1996.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) sponsors the event, which has gained a reputation for concept car debuts and is considered one of the world’s “Big Five” automotive exhibitions along with Frankfurt, Geneva, Detroit, and Paris shows. The first Tokyo Motor Show was called the All Japan Motor Show, and was held in 1954. That year, the event centered on commercial vehicles rather than passenger cars.

For all the details about Asia’s premier automotive event, the Tokyo Motor Show, see the official TMS English language website:
http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/en/

Larry Bell

New Toyota Electric Racer for Pikes Peak

Larry Bell — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:32:09 +0000

Toyota Motorsport’s TMG EV P002

An upgraded Toyota Motorsport electric race car, the TMG EV P002, will attempt to better its 2012 record-setting performance at the upcoming Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30. The car, considered by many to be not only the fastest but also the best-engineered electric race car in the world, will be piloted by New Zealand’s Rod Millen in the grueling event.

Pikes Peak: Video

EV race fans will be fascinated by the above video clip, which features up-close looks at the Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) EV that will be competing in this year’s Pikes Peak race. This is the car that set the Nurburgring Nordschleife lap record in 2011.

Pikes Peak Race

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is a 12.42-mile annual race to the top of the famous Colorado mountain. Motorcycles and cars compete in the event, which includes more than 150 turns and a total ascent of 4,720 feet. The overall grade averages 7 percent and the race is now run on a completely paved course. A typical race year sees 150 competitors in various vehicle classes. Held since 1916, the PPIHC is the second-oldest U.S. contest of its kind and an official FIA International Event.

In recent years, the PPIHC has become a proving ground of sorts for numerous varieties of alternative-fuel propulsion, including electric cars. Competitors are first entered into either the “car and truck” division or the “motorcycle and quad” section. Under each of those major segments are 13 different car/truck sub-divisions and 8 motorcycle/quad sub-divisions. The current record-holder in the electric car division is Japan’s Fumio Nutahara, who completed the racecourse in a smoking 10:15.380 during 2012’s event. Nutahara drove the legendary EV race car TMG EV P002.

For more information about Toyota Motorsport and the Pikes Peak event, see the websites below:
http://www.toyota-motorsport.com/en/
http://www.ppihc.com/

Larry Bell

Car Sales Champ Emerges for Early 2013

Larry Bell — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:09:39 +0000

Car sales champ (pictured: 2014 Toyota Prius hybrid)

Japan’s Toyota Motor Co. topped archrivals VW and GM in auto sales for the first quarter of 2013. Toyota, maker of the hybrid Prius, reported 2.43 million auto sales for the first three months of the year, slightly besting GM, who reported 2.36 million in sales, and Volkswagen AG, who came in with 2.27 million sales for the period. Ironically, Toyota was able to retain its marketing supremacy in spite of a slight drop in the number of cars sold, compared to the first quarter of 2012. The Japanese car giant posted a 2.2 percent decline in sales over the same period last year, while Volkswagen showed a 5 percent increase and GM a 3.5 percent increase.

Toyota Prius: Video

Toyota has won numerous advertising awards for its creative and humorous commercials. One example of the upbeat, interesting spots is shown in the video clip above. It features a happy song, unique animation scenes, and keeps the focus on the car in question, in this case the hybrid best-seller Prius.

For those with sharp vision, note the animated chess player at the 41-second point in the video. Such humorous asides are typical of the atmosphere Toyota likes to inject in their commercials. The spots are not only informative, but entertaining as well. Considering how many vehicles the company has sold in the past decade alone, the advertisements seem to be doing their job.

Toyota Car Sales

In 2008, Toyota became the global car sales champ, taking the title from U.S. automaker GM, who had held first place for 70 years. Since 2008, with the exception of 2011, Toyota has maintained its place as worldwide auto sales leader. One reason Toyota saw a slight sales decline last year was because subsidies for hybrids were no longer offered by the Japanese government.

For more about Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Co., see the official corporate website:
http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell

Toyota Me.We Concept is Super Green

Larry Bell — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:46:41 +0000

Toyota Me.We concept car

Toyota Motor Co. has released the first official photos of its Me.We (pronounced “mee-wee”) concept car, an electronic oddity that employs 100 percent recyclable body components. The crossover, multi-purpose Me.We features an aluminum chassis, a polypropylene exterior, and a feather-light total weight of just 1,650 pounds. The bamboo floor is low-tech and low maintenance too. The Me.We can be transformed from city car to convertible to off-road vehicle with a bit of elbow grease on the owner’s part.

Toyota: Video

Watch the Me.We concept from idea to creation in the fascinating video clip above. Toyota’s European design group worked with a renowned architect to conceptualize the car on paper long before any construction began. Unlike most other concept vehicles, the Me.We is based upon a unique marriage of philosophy and utility. The five-minute mini-documentary walks through the story behind the car, the design team’s functional goals, and the effort to create a vehicle that answers basic human needs. Several decades ago, Volkswagen flirted with these ideas when it marketed the Thing, which featured removable body panels. The Me.We, however, goes many steps beyond, as the designer’s say, offering a product that is, “recycled, and recyclable.” Four in-wheel electric motors allow for seamless, and simple, switching between four- and two-wheel drive. The video is in both English and French, with bilingual transcript subtitles throughout.

Toyota Me.We

Wheel-mounted electric motors, all four of them, get power from an under-floor battery pack. To save energy, the Me.We’s A/C unit is powered by a low-energy air pump, while seat heaters warm up chilly winter days. Concept cars come and go, and most have at least a modicum of futuristic panache. The Toyota Me.We goes all the way, delivering an authentic look at the next era in transportation.

For more about Japanese automaker Toyota, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell

Used Cars or New Cars? Experts Give Buying Advice

Larry Bell — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:45:26 +0000

Used or New? (pictured: a new LaFerrari hybrid)

Car buyers often fret at the prospect of choosing between a new vehicle and a used one. Lately, many experts in the automotive press have been making the case for used cars, especially in a challenging economy. Because mainstream models now last much longer than in days past, and because buyers can find certified pre-owned cars at respected dealerships, used cars have been gaining in reputation and sales numbers. In fact, certified pre-owned vehicles are among the most popular choices on dealer lots in major cities. Improved reliability and longer product life mean a used car might very well have 10 or more solid years of usage in its future.

Used Cars: Video

Whether you are searching for a new or used car, the above video clip will be of great interest to hybrid fans especially. It lists ten of the best hybrids available. The venerable Chevy Volt made the cut of course, as did Honda’s attractive Insight and one of the genre’s new stars, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Lincoln MKZ hybrid, the Lexus CT 200h, along with Toyota’s Camry hybrid, all made the list as well. In fact, Korean automaker Hyundai gets special mention as being one of the most reasonably priced of the bunch, while Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI is the lone diesel model in the elite ten. Buick’s LaCrosse eAssist wins kudos for its luxurious interior and over-35 mpg fuel efficiency. That’s nine in all. Watch the video and see what the author listed as his number-one pick of the hybrid segment. You might be surprised.

For those in the market to buy or sell a used car, the classified section of MyPerfectAutomobile has something for every automotive taste. Browse the huge selection and use the online tools to drill down to your specific favorite. The direct link for MPA’s classifieds is:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Prius Plug-In Test Reveals Surprising Data

Larry Bell — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:13:32 +0000

Toyota Prius Plug-In

Results of a three-year trial show that plug-in hybrid cars can have a significant impact on fuel economy, perhaps causing as much as a 45 percent drop in fuel usage overall. Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid cars were given to city employees in Strasbourg, France, in order to collect detailed data about usage, fuel consumption, personal driving habits, and other relevant behaviors. Study participants covered about 2,500,000 miles during the three-year period and used 145 different charge points to replenish the cars’ batteries.

Prius Plug-In: Video

For a fun look at hybrid car enthusiasts doing something positive to help their fellow citizens, and enjoying themselves in the process, view the hilarious video clip above. An official production of Toyota Motor Corp., the clip highlights how the Toyota Positive campaign works. Those with helpful, fun ideas can submit them to Toyota. If the company likes the pitch, it will back the plan and offer the use of a Prius car. According to official Toyota literature, the idea should, “…combine the good-natured public spirit with the positive power of our new Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Submit your positive ideas and we could give you one of our pioneering hybrid cars to bring it to life. Let’s spread some positivity.”

Prius Plug-In Test

The drivers charged their vehicles an average of 1.1 times per day. One interesting fact from the study is that frequent charging is directly related to low fuel usage. While 60 percent of recharging sessions took place at work, the other 40 percent were done at drivers’ homes.

For more about Toyota, maker of the world’s best-selling hybrid vehicle, see the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.toyota.com

To learn more about the Toyota Positive competition, and to see how you can join the fun, visit the company’s instructional link about the event:
http://www.youtube.com/toyotapositive/

Larry Bell

Best Mileage? Unexpected Champs

Larry Bell — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:54:32 +0000

Honda Fit

A recent review by Consumer Reports reveals that when it comes to fuel efficiency in cars, smaller does not always equal better. The study looked at non-hybrid, non-diesel cars. In many cases, sedans deliver better mpg and lower operating cost, over a five-year period, than small cars. In fact, both Nissan’s Altima and the Honda Accord get about the same mpg as the diminutive Toyota Yaris. All come in at, or slightly better than, 30 mpg. Honda’s base model Fit offers 30/39 mpg but the best “5-year cost per mile” of any car CR analyzed. The little Japanese model notched a 45-cents-per-mile cost for the period.

Best Mileage: Video

For more details about one of the key competitors on the Consumer Reports list, see the no-frills review of the 2013 Honda Fit, above. The car gets high owner satisfaction ratings for its large backseat, great visibility, easy-to-use controls, and enormous cargo space. While the base model is truly a bare-bones subcompact, most consumers who buy the car are looking for economy and utility, which Fit delivers in a big way. The base model offers a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine and rates 28/35 mpg.

Loaded with extras, especially compared to other base level subs, Honda’s little star has iPod input, side-curtain airbags, traction control and stability control. Except for the introduction of the EV version, there were no changes to Fit for 2013. Owners give the small car high marks for reliability and economy, which is exactly how Honda has positioned it in the market.

Best Mileage

Several non-intuitive reasons come into play when calculating mileage numbers. For one, larger cars have better aerodynamics than compacts and tend to feature more fuel-saving technology like hybrid-drive systems. Throw in the fact that bigger cars tend to be safer and you have one more reason for drivers to favor sedans over smaller models.

For more about the cars mentioned in this article, see the carmakers’ official websites below:
http://www.nissanusa.com
http://www.toyota.com
http://www.honda.com

Larry Bell

Ford: Hybrid Sales Surprise

Larry Bell — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:07:46 +0000

Ford Fusion hybrid

Ford’s hybrid sales hit a quarterly high through the first three months of 2013, with the U.S. automaker posting a record 21,080 hybrids sold. That is the first time Ford has reached past the 20,000 mark in the segment. Now looking to make significant gains on arch-competitor Toyota, the nation’s most successful hybrid car seller, Ford has brought five fresh hybrid models to market since 2011.

Ford Hybrids: Video

For a complete review of Ford’s C-Max hybrid, especially as it compares to the Prius V, the video clip above covers all the bases. A flurry of recent auto sales data has shown Ford hybrids doing very well for the U.S. automaker. Even in a less than robust economy, Ford has managed to position its hybrid lineup wisely, gaining traction against very formidable competition. Since the most similar car in today’s market is the Prius V, the video spends most of its time doing a point-by-point listing of what the C-Max offers compared to the famous Toyota.

Ford Hybrid Car Sales

Customers who buy hybrid cars, Ford has discovered, also are more apt to purchase some of the pricier options. As opposed to buyers of the company’s combustion vehicles, hybrid enthusiasts seem to demand add-ons like the $650 MyFord Touch tech system. A company spokesperson noted that hybrid drivers tend to opt for such technology, saying, “Demand for these options is a direct reflection of the customer who’s attracted to hybrid and plug-in technology. We are seeing some of the most affluent consumers walking into the showrooms and inquiring about the Fusion and C-Max hybrids.”

While Toyota is the clear leader in hybrid sales, Ford has made significant gains on Toyota in less than a year’s time. The Japanese carmaker sold 83,559 hybrids during the first quarter of 2013.

For more information about all the vehicles Ford makes, see the company’s official corporate website:

http://www.ford.com

For more about Toyota, see:
http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell

Lexus Hybrid SUV Will Debut at Geneva 2014

Larry Bell — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:29:56 +0000

Lexus hybrid (pictured: RX 450h)

Lexus will unveil its NX 300h hybrid car at next year’s Geneva Auto Show. The compact luxury SUV is expected to feature a four-cylinder, 2.5-liter hybrid drivetrain, much like the company’s ES 300h. With the Geneva event almost a full year away, Lexus has decided to debut a concept version of the NX on home turf, namely at the Tokyo Auto Show, which takes place in November 2013. Geneva, however, will have the honor of showing the production NX hybrid for the first time.

Lexus Hybrid: Video

Lexus has built a well-deserved reputation for delivering stunning concept and production cars. What the company has in store for next year’s Geneva show is likely to embody a few surprises that are not in any of the “official” press releases about the debut. The 2012 Detroit Auto Show was a good example of the Japanese carmaker’s ability to wow the media. At that event, Lexus took the wraps off its LF-LC two-door concept hybrid, which ended up being the most photographed vehicle among a sea of beauties. The video clip above shows the LF-LC (which stands for Lexus Future Luxury Coupe) in all its glory, even offering up some footage of the car in motion on a real street.

Lexus Hybrid

Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. Its cars are currently sold in over 70 nations, making the brand Japan’s number one selling premium car. From a Nagoya, Japan, headquarters, Lexus maintains key operations facilities in California and Brussels.

Lexus officially trademarked the names NX 300h and NX 200t late last year, indicating that the Japanese luxury carmaker has a turbo version of the NX in the works as well. There is no word from Lexus about the availability of the new hybrid in U.S. markets.

For more information about Lexus vehicles, visit the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.lexus.com

Larry Bell

Toyota Prius Plug-In Takes Monte Carlo Event

Larry Bell — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:01:53 +0000

Toyota Prius Plug-In at Monte Carlo Rallye

At last week’s Rallye Monte Carlo des Energies Nouvelles, Canada’s entry, a Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid, placed fifth overall and was named the most fuel-efficient hybrid car of the entire event. The four-day rally takes place on roads in Monaco, Italy and France. This year’s competition was host to 113 vehicles. The primary goal for each car was to post low fuel consumption throughout the rally.

Toyota Prius Plug-In: Video

See the short video clip above for a closer look at the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid, which was recently on display at the Canadian International Auto Show. With the exception of a few minor exterior styling elements, the car looks no different from the standard Prius models.

Toyota Prius Plug-In

The mid-size plug-in from Toyota made its first public appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011. Based on the third-generation Prius, the plug-in version uses a lithium battery pack that was jointly created with Panasonic. With the ability to recharge from a 240-volt outlet in just 90 minutes, the plug-in hybrid can travel more than 11 miles in electric mode at a top speed of 62 mph. From a conventional, 120-volt connection the Prius plug-in charges in three hours. As far back as 2009, Toyota began a pilot project, which put 600 test cars on the roads of seven different nations. Based upon data collected from that research, the company fine-tuned the vehicle to optimize its energy distribution system.

U.S. models of the car feature Toyota’s proprietary Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS), which warns pedestrians of the vehicle’s approach. Many plug-in hybrids emit such a low noise level that their engines are virtually silent at city speeds.

For more about the Prius plug-in hybrid from Toyota, see the Japanese automaker’s official site for the vehicle:
http://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/prius-plug-in/
For more about Toyota’s other products see the main corporate site:
http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell

Avalon Hybrid Takes ‘Best Green’ Trophy in Atlanta

Larry Bell — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:39:50 +0000

Toyota Avalon Hybrid: Green car award winner

This week at the Atlanta International Motor Show, Toyota’s Avalon Hybrid walked away with honors as Best Green Car of the year. The Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association, who noted the Japanese car’s fuel economy, luxury and size, presents the award. Avalon’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, low weight and improved aerodynamics contribute to the fuel efficiency of the Avalon Hybrid. Indeed, the 17-gallon tank delivers an impressive driving range of well over 650 miles, based upon a rating of 40c/39h mpg.

Avalon Hybrid: Video

Toyota fans and hybrid enthusiasts will enjoy the above clip, which follows an Atlanta Auto Show attendee as he takes an extended test drive in an Avalon hybrid. Dispelling all the common myths about hybrid vehicles, the driver enjoys both the power and luxury of the car, as he spends nearly five minutes in various traffic conditions. In the front passenger seat is a Toyota rep who answers his questions along the way.

Avalon Hybrid

The Avalon has long been the flagship car for Toyota. In fact, the first one to make it to a showroom floor did so in 1994, though it was a 1995 model. When the Japanese automaker discontinued its popular Cressida in 1992, the company created Avalon to take its place. The new car was a bit different, however, featuring a V6 and front-wheel-drive. Similar in numerous ways to its cousin, the Toyota Camry, the Avalon has managed to carve out a loyal demographic all its own during a long run as a top contender in world showrooms.

For more about the green award-winner, Toyota Avalon Hybrid, see the company’s dedicated page for the vehicle:
www.toyota.com/Avalon
For additional information about Toyota cars and trucks, see the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website. Toyota also makes the world’s best-selling hybrid car, the Prius.
http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell