Toyota FT-HS

The Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports concept will make its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.

Pairing a potent hybrid powertrain with essential sports car fundamentals, the FT-HS concept was a joint undertaking of Calty, Toyota's North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif., and Toyota's California-based Advanced Product Strategy Group. The design team was assigned the task of creating a mid-priced sports car that integrates ecology and emotion in a concept that addresses the question "What is a suitable sports car for the 21st Century?"

"Drivers today are not satisfied with cars that are simply fast," said Kevin Hunter, vice president, Calty Design Research. "In addition to driving enjoyment, today's drivers are concerned about safety, ecology and social responsibility."

The FT-HS incorporates hybrid capability while maintaining sports car essentials, such as a sleek profile, lightweight aero-dynamic materials, and an advanced high-output powertrain for revolutionary acceleration and optimal performance. This 21st century sports car is fun-to-drive with eco-friendly benefits such as ultra-low emissions and fuel efficiency. The FT-HS appeals to an emerging buyer who grew up eco-conscious and perceives technology as a necessity, not a luxury.

This two-plus-two concept is a front-engine, rear-drive sports car with a projected zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range. A powerful V6, 3.5L-engine is coupled with a 21st century sports hybrid system with a target power output of approximately 400-horsepower. At a mid-priced market position, FT-HS would be a true "attainable exotic" with 21st Century performance.

FT-HS expresses the core values of a Toyota Brand design strategy that combines two key elements: J-Factor and Vibrant Clarity. J-Factor refers to the local and global acceptance of Japanese-inspired design and cultural sensibilities. Vibrant Clarity is the design language used to express the J-factor much in the same way that L-Finesse is the language of the Lexus Division. It is the combination of perfect imbalance, freeform geometrics and integrated component architecture. The result of these three elements is subtractive mass, a minimalist style that is not only lightweight, but also looks lightweight.

The exterior design was led by Calty designer, Alex Shen. From a design perspective, the theme of the FT-HS achieves sleek, taut surfaces in its exterior features - especially in the doors and body style. The front and rear have been sculpted to remove mass around key functional components. Freeform geometrics define the integration of fluid surfaces contrasting hard-edge "Aero-Corners" which promote smooth airflow and reduce turbulence.

The roof has a distinctive scooped-out section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room at the key areas. Made from carbon fiber Kevlar, the roof retracts so that the roof panel and back window pivot fluidly in a downward motion to stow in the rear seat space.

The vehicle's triangular profile has a floating "C" pillar, aero corners, a full upper-body pan, and innovative open top. A hood features a scalloped channel, exposing the hybrid engine. Integrated component architecture can be seen in the aerospace-inspired lighting. The tail lamp unit spans the entire rear, and has an integrated retractable spoiler. Light-emitting diode (LED) clusters are located in the headlamps and the wing for energy-efficiency and decreased heat loss. Other exterior features include a speed-activated wing that elevates at high speed for additional stability and traction. The rear showcases a carbon fiber lower diffuser with integrated wide exhaust and carbon fiber wheels.

The driver-oriented interior was created by Calty designer, William Chergosky and exudes sleekness, technology, and performance. The lean skeletal look is achieved with exposed cross-car architecture and high-tech materials such as carbon fiber, and titanium. FT-HS' interior features create a dedicated driver's cockpit which include subtractive mass expressions such as cross-car instrument panel structure and delta wing driver pod. The delta-wing driver's pod integrates many useful functions into a lightweight structural unit. All of the important functions and details are presented almost exclusively to the driver. For example, touch-trace sensors which surround the driver and act as tactile guides for finger controls when traveling at high speeds.

By eliminating the "B" pillar and creating a suspended "C" pillar, the minimalist style works in conjunction with subtractive mass. An integrated instrument panel surrounds the driver, creating an enclosed pod effect. Armrests flow seamlessly into the door and surrounding interior.

Seating is optimized for a lightweight appearance and function: the seating accommodates four and then coverts to a two-seater when the roof retracts. The passenger-seat area is open with a simple exposed airbag on the cross-car beam.

A telescoping hub-less steering wheel incorporates semi-automatic paddle shifters and allows the meter to be shifted forward in order to shorten the driver's focus-time between the road and meter, and ultimately enhance driver focus.

"FT-HS redefines the sports car experience not only with styling but also in function and performance," said Hunter. "The FT-HS is Toyota's answer to the question 'What is a suitable sports car for the 21st Century?'"

corolla

10th generation of one of the world’s most popular cars. The Corolla name plate has been with us since 1966 with around 30 million cars built since then.

This current version, which was unveiled in 2008 after initial predictions of a 2007 launch, aims to make up ground which Toyota has loss to the Korean manufacturers. There’s likely to be a hybrid version and maybe even a diesel to go along with the 1.8-litre petrol powerplant. Different bodies will include a hatchback and wagon.

From these sketches it’s clear that styling will be heavily influenced by cars such as the Yaris and Avensis.

For the American version of the new 2009 Corolla, Toyota has brought in the usual add-ons like DVD navigation with satellite traffic reports, Bluetooth® phone connections, audio input jack, and leather-wrapped steering wheels with audio controls. Toyota also supplemented the brand new 1.8 liter engine with a new-to-Corolla 2.4 liter powerplant boasting 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Both are available with a five-speed manual transmission; the 1.8 has an optional four-speed automatic while the 2.4 has an optional five-speed automatic. Japanese models, and presumably those aimed at many export markets, get a 1.5 liter base engine with 108 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque instead of the 2.4 liter Camry motor.

The Standard, LE and XLE models have a new 1.8-liter engine with 16 valves, dual cams, and dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence for both intake and exhaust); it produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, similar to the prior model, so we’d expect the change in design is to reduce assembly costs and increase gas mileage — which, according to tough 2008 standards, is 27/35 mpg (with or without automatic). The 2009 Corolla will start at US$15,910, in the Standard trim; the XRS will start at US$20,610 (including destination charges). The Matrix runs around $900 more.

The Corolla now looks less generic (perhaps Mazda-like) and sportier than in the past, with the Corolla S looking particularly aggressive - and further differentiated from its brethren. From the outside, it is hard to believe this is the same Corolla that many know and love. From the inside, many old-Corolla characteristics remain, though it's clear that some cost-cutting has taken place, perhaps to make way for the expense of a bigger interior. The climate controls feel cheap, and switch blanks are used in too many places. The white-on-black gauges and dashboard don't look sporty, unlike the exterior, but the 140 mph speedometer is overkill. Seats are moderately stiff but not uncomfortable, and there is plenty of space for driver and passenger, with good all-around visibility.

Verso - comment

i came a cross with a comment/testimony from one of the test driver ....

This year Toyota celebrates 25 years of making MPVs. Time, you would think, for the Japanese company to radically change its popular people-carrier.

No, not really. This new Verso replaces the old Corolla Verso that went on sale back in 2004 and you wouldn't call it 'radical'. The Corolla name has been dropped and to the untrained eye, the new sharp-suited car appears to be more of a hatch than a family-orientated MPV.

Don't be fooled by its car-like looks though; the Verso is still a proper seven-seater - made all the better by the introduction of a fold-flat feature for the rear five seats.

Built on a new platform donated by the Auris, the new Verso has been engineered for a more refined drive, but the main priorities have been the introduction of the firm's 'Optimal Drive' technology that has boosted power by up to 20% while lowering fuel economy and emissions by 12%.

Three fuel efficient engines are available from its launch: one petrol 145bhp 1.8, a 124bhp 2.0-litre diesel and an automatic-only 148bhp 2.2 diesel.

Pricing for the new car begins at £16,475 for the entry-level 1.8 stretching to £20,670 for the top-of-the range 2.0 D-4D diesel putting it head-to-head with some talented competition including the Ford S-Max.

toyota verso part 2

Toyota has released the latest version of its seven-seater MPV and Wheels24 went along for the ride.

If you struggle to tell this Verso apart from its predecessor, you'd be forgiven. Evolutionary styling has been employed, but this is an all-new model that is wider (by 70 mm) and longer (by 20 mm) with more storage space than before.

If you're still unconvinced, Verso now drops the "Corolla" moniker as it abandons the mainstay's underpinnings (the MPV now rides on a version of the Auris platform) and becomes a standalone model. Not that many people would notice, or be flustered, anyway.

However, Verso also comes with a range of new engines, from 1.6-litre power to a 2.0 D4-D turbodiesel for the flagship model, all in line with the manufacturer's Optimal Drive philosophy to reduce harmful emissions and increase efficiency.

This is the first time a turbodiesel is offered on the Verso range in South Africa. However, only two models - the high-spec 1.6 and 1.8 models are available at launch, with the base 1.6 S and TX diesel joining the line-up from November.



Both petrol engines now make use of Valvematic technology, a development of Toyota's Dual VVT-i variable valve timing that controls both the lift and duration of the inlet valve for more efficient combustion. All models are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. A neat new feature for Verso is the gearshift indicator that suggests shift points to gain the most from the more efficient engines.

The new 97-kW 1.6 Valvematic has a peak torque figure of 160 Nm and according to Toyota power and torque are up by 20- and 10%, respectively. Quoted consumption on a combined cycle is 6.8 l/100 km. CO2 emissions are down by 11%.

Up a rung, the 1.8 Valvematic produces 108 kW (up by 12%) and 180 Nm (which increases by 6%). The claimed fuel consumption for this powerplant is 7.0 l/100 km, while CO2 emissions are down by 10%.

The turbodiesel unit, which is available from November, delivers 93 kW at 3 600 r/min and 310 Nm between 1 800 and 2 400 r/min while returning 5.5 l/100 km.


Even though the MacPherson strut at the front axle has been carried over, the suspension has been significantly revised and a torsion beam is used at the rear. Anti-roll bars are used at the front and rear and body roll for a high-waisted MPV is impressive. Verso's straight-line stability at speed is also something worth noting.

VEHICLE SPECS

Manufacturer	Toyota
Model	Verso
Engine	1.6 16-valve DOHC with Valvematic; 1.8 16-valve DOHC with Valvematic; 2.0 D4-D
Power	97 kW @ 6 400 r/min; 108 kW @ 6 400 r/min; 93 kW @ 3 600 r/min
Torque	160 Nm @ 4 400 r/min; 180 Nm @ 4 000 r/min; 310 Nm @ 1 800 - 2 400 r/min
Transmission	six-speed manual
Fuel Tank	60 l
ABS	with brake assist and EBD. VSC and hill start assist on SX and TX models
Airbags	up to seven
Tyres	205/60R16
Front Suspension	McPherson strut
Rear Suspension	Torsion beam
Service Intervals	15 000 km

toyota verso - mpv

It is a traditional MPV, it is literally, since their sole purpose is to squeeze as many people as possible while maintaining the external proportions of the cabin near the standard family hatch. On this basis, it is possible - and we say that a lot - but it is a small matter of his competitors.

See, if we are honest, the MPV is usually the last statement is ever so slightly on the wrong side of Mt. This could be a stereotype, but it is simply the way it is.

Invented, such as the spread of crossover vehicles, since the MPV, it seemed (Toyota, which was launched on the Space Cruiser loans for 25 years) and, in fact, since the original Corolla Verso 2002 and It is now all-terrain vehicles, mini-SUV. SAV, "plus" tailgates, urban crossover, lifestyle goods.Most of them are entitled to a certain excitement in the boring business, to add some people - so credit to Toyota holds fast to the principles of ...

Is it any good?

... although we argue that it is a little too rigidly, with the new Verso MPV design: This is almost the same as the previous one. Old Verso perfectly capable car, and it was a harmless, but it means - that is, it is quite easy. As the city crossover, MPV loses the winners of the room, up to a good light with a hint of visual or dynamic tension.

This means that if you need seven seats and / or a high boot, and you're a long time that the head of the involvement of starting shit oversteer, it could be there for you. Better Flat-7 seating system is a simple one, or all the seats flat, short lever tugs, freeing up space for more useful Sweden 1600-liter flat-pack furniture. If there are some people, but the seats are slightly less convincing - there is much less leg room for all rows, as might be expected, and there is less space in the cabin.

Before entering the Verso, we expect a large number of large and obvious places to throw the thing: it's not. There are some nice flashes when the upper side of the glove box to share with cold drinks, and storage under the floor of the second row - but after a van based on the latest offers on Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, it feels really tight. And expensive.

Behind the wheel, nothing memorable, that would be fair, all of which are to be expected. The suspension strikes a good balance between rolling resistance in the wrong place, but the flattening of damaged roads to ensure a smooth run. "This is a convenient (for both words, even if the driver) is ergonomically strangely uncomfortable. At launch, the 1.8-liter cars mustering 145bhp petrol or 2.0-liter diesel and the 125bhp as a useful piece of extra torque: 229lb.ft of stuff. It is a bit like a pig though, you just need to get up small slopes, the Verso is full of grandparents and bicycles. This is not fast.

And this brings us back to the first thing we say to the car type Toyota MPV rivals. Need seven seats? Buy Qashqai +2. Do you need a room for five? Buy Peugeot Expert Teepee and pocket change. Love to drive MPV but love? Get Ford S-Max, or behind the Vauxhall Zafira VXR if you want. The reverse side is functional, but it is also my beige trousers, because they are a little more comfortable than jeans.

toyota ... the begining

"Toyoda" literally means "fertile rice paddies", changing the name also helped to distance the company from associations with old-fashioned farming. The newly formed word was trademarked and the company was registered in August 1937 as the "Toyota Motor Company".

Toyota started in 1933 as a division of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works devoted to the production of automobiles under the direction of the founder's son,Kichiro Toyoda. Its first vehicles were the A1 passenger car and the G1 in 1935. Toyota Motor Co. was established as an independent company in 1937.

Today, Toyota Motor Corporation is a multinational corporation headquartered in Japan, and the world's largest automaker.Toyota employs approximately 316,000 people worldwide.

Toyota also owns and operates Lexus and Scion brands and has a majority shareholding stake in Daihatsu and Hino Motors, and minority shareholdings in Fuji Heavy Industries, Isuzu Motors, and Yamaha Motors. The company includes 522 subsidiaries.Toyota is headquartered in Toyota City and Nagoya (both in Aichi), and in Tokyo. In addition to manufacturing automobiles, Toyota provides financial services through its division Toyota Financial Services and also builds robots. Toyota Industries and Finance divisions form the bulk of the Toyota Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the world.