Toyota Archives - Page 5 of 10

Toyota Prius Prime technology wins AJAC Best Green Innovation award

Benjamin Yong on March 13, 2018

Toyota Prius Prime Best Green Innovation award AJAC

The Toyota Prius Prime uses a unique energy-saving heat pump design helping extend cold-weather driving range by 21 per cent.

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Innovation Awards — recognizing the very best examples of new automotive technology available to Canadian drivers — have just been announced, and the winner of Best Green Innovation? A heat pump.

Toyota’s Gas Injection Heat Pump System, to be exact, designed for the automaker’s lineup of electrified vehicles. It reduces the need to rely solely on a gasoline engine or onboard battery to provide heat, the latter significantly cutting down the amount of pure electric range. Traditional heat pumps do not operate in freezing temperatures, however this particular example utilizes what is called a Cyclone Separator integrated valve that bolsters performance and allows operation even in -10 C environments.

“Creating the world’s best-selling family of fuel-efficient, low-emissions hybrid vehicles means developing new, advanced technologies that ensure the ownership and driving experience is the same as that of a conventional automobile,” said Toyota Canada vice president Cyril Dimitris.

Toyota Prius Prime

“The Gas Injection Heat Pump System, a world-first developed for the Prius Prime, helps this plug-in hybrid achieve remarkable range, year-round. We’re honoured that the members of AJAC have recognized our commitment to cleaner motoring with this important award.”

The Prius Prime uses approximately 63 per cent less energy than a traditional heating setup, helping extend the range of the plug-in hybrid by 21 per cent during cold weather driving. First launched in Quebec last year, it is now available to the rest of Canada and has an advertised combined city and highway fuel economy rating of 1.8 Le/100 km.

Sister brand Lexus was also recognized, receiving the Best Safety Innovation award for its Lexus Safety System+, a suite of integrated safety tech such as collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, automatic high-beams, radar cruise control and more.

Toyota Lexus AJAC award winners

Biggest reveals from Geneva Motor Show 2018

Benjamin Yong on March 9, 2018

One of the more extravagant auto shows to make the annual rounds, the 88th Geneva Motor Show did not disappoint this year with huge unveils from the likes of Toyota, BMW, Audi and others. Read on.

Toyota GR Supra Concept

Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept

It seems like people have been talking about a replacement for Toyota’s legendary sports car for ages now, and the Japanese automaker adds fuel to the fire with the debut of the GR Supra Racing Concept. Created by Toyota Gazoo Racing, this two-door, front-engine rear-wheel drive concept is constructed almost entirely out of lightweight composite material. Performance parts by BBS, Brembo and OMP can be found sprinkled throughout the vehicle. The number “90” on the doors is a reference to the “A90” codename for the upcoming fifth-generation version.

Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion concept

Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion

The latest VW I.D. concept to come out of Wolfsburg is the Vizzion, an autonomous electric vehicle demonstrating what transportation could be like in the year 2030. It’s the first Volkswagen to be built without a steering wheel or pedals — the EV utilizes a “digital chauffeur” that navigates, steers and even automatically sets the climate controls by learning individual occupant preferences. Front and rear electric motors provide all-wheel drive and a combined output of 302 horsepower.

BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe

Showing what is possible with a new BMW lineup flagship model, the company says the “M” in M8 stands for “more,” as in more of everything. The opulent four-door features several design flourishes like gold-coloured kidney grille trim, an aggressive front apron, severely flared fender arches, duckbill-style spoiler and a quad exhaust system. The entire body is sprayed in a Salève Vert colour that changes from green to greyish-blue depending on the light.

Audi A6

After a long seven years since the last redesign, Audi’s executive A6 sedan is about to enter generation five. Sporting sharp, defined body lines indicative of the new styling language also seen on bigger brother the A8, the car will launch in Europe as a 2019 with both a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 and a diesel utilizing mild-hybrid technology. A turbo 2.0-litre four cylinder will also be available at a later date.

Concept cars from Canadian International Auto Show 2018

Benjamin Yong on February 23, 2018

The 2018 Canadian International Auto Show is in full swing right now at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and this year it’s all about the concepts. Here are a trio of big ones from three different manufacturers.

MINI Electric Concept

Not even a year after MINI released its first production plug-in hybrid, the Countryman PHEV, the brand has introduced a fully electric concept. Looking like a futuristic Cooper, much of the grille has been smoothed over to reflect to reflect the removal of the internal combustion component. The body sports special aerodynamic pieces, unique badging and “Striking Yellow” paint accents for differentiation. A production version is scheduled for 2019.

Infiniti Project Black S

Infiniti Project Black S Concept

A collaborative project between Infiniti and the Renault Sport Formula One Team — a partnership that has existed since 2016 — Project Black S is a racy reimagination of the Q60 Coupe. Finished in a menacing matte grey, the designers have blacked out all the chrome found on the standard Q60, such as on the front bumper and door pillar surrounds, and utilized healthy amounts of carbon fibre in fabricating the exterior parts. Under the sheet metal, an Energy Recovery System recoups unspent electricity to boost power and torque output.

Toyota i-TRIL

Toyota i-TRIL Concept

This environmentally friendly compact EV is the product of Toyota Motors Europe and affiliate ED² design studio based in Nice, France. Intended for those living in a so-called SMESTO (small to medium-sized town), the one-plus-two seater uses Active Lean Technology, which allows the front wheels to lean to one side during cornering similar to a motorcycle, while the rear pair stays perpendicular to the road. This allows a super tight turning radius with no physical discomfort to the passengers. The i-TRIL can travel more than 200 kilometres on a single charge and is operable in manual or autonomous modes.

Toyota i-TRIL interior

OpenRoad's favourite reveals from Chicago Auto Show 2018

Benjamin Yong on February 19, 2018

The largest auto show in North America is underway right now in the Windy City. The 2018 year marks the Chicago Auto Show’s 110th anniversary, and here is what’s in store for visitors this time around.

2019 Toyota TRD Pro Series

Toyota TRD Pro Series trucks

The next-generation 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra Pro were revealed at CAS as 2019 models. The trio have been given new suspension featuring Fox aluminum Internal Bypass Shocks that resist bottoming out regardless of the driving environment, from pothole-ridden roads to off-road rock crawling. The 4Runner and Taco are each lifted one-inch higher on the front than before, the Tacoma two inches, to give additional clearance for more accessible adventuring.

2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai Sonata hybrids

The refreshed 2018 electrified Sonata siblings made their debut looking quite a bit more refined than the previous version. The LED headlight housings are reshaped, flanking a curvier front grille and more prominent corner air intakes. Under the skin, the suspension is slightly stiffer and, combined with retuned steering assistance, provide better road feel. The standard hybrid features a net 193 horsepower and 1046 kilometres of total driving range, while the plug-in has a total 202 horsepower and a range of 950 kilometres.

2019 Volkswagen Arteon

Volkswagen Arteon

People first got a glimpse of this premium mid-size sedan in Geneva back in March, and the Arteon now makes its North American introduction. The full spec sheet is out, and things are looking good: 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, generated by VW’s famous 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine; available 4Motion all-wheel drive; optional Digital Cockpit; and a standard Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive damping system that is capable of managing each corner individually, to respond to changing road conditions and offer the most dynamic ride possible.

2018 Chicago Auto Show

Toyota Mirai Canadian launch announced at Montreal International Auto Show

Benjamin Yong on January 22, 2018

Montreal International Auto Show

Salon International de l’Auto de Montréal 2018 is held at Palais des congrès de Montréal, running from Jan. 19 to 28.

Hot off the heels of the big show down south in Detroit, the 75th edition of the Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) kicked things off for Canada on Friday. The theme for 2018 is Enter the Revolution, and fitting right in with that is Toyota announcing the Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle will be made available for Canadians starting with a Quebec launch. Keep reading for more on this ground breaking car and two other exciting manufacturer unveils.

Toyota Mirai

Initially shown to the public in 2014 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the hydrogen-powered Mirai has so far been put for sale in Japan, the United States, Europe and United Arab Emirates, and as of later this year, Canada. For those who have never heard about the model, how the vehicle works is actually quite simple. Its main source of energy is hydrogen, which is stored in a fuel tank. When combined with oxygen in the fuel cell stack, electricity is produced (and water, as a by-product, exiting out the tailpipe), good for delivering a peak 151 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Other notable attributes include a 500 kilometre maximum range, five minute refuelling time and a resistance to cold temperatures.

Toyota Mirai side

Quebec was chosen as the starting point for a number of reasons, such as being an EV-forward province and also the successful trial site for the Toyota Prius Prime, resulting in the plug-in hybrid’s impending nation-wide release.

Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus

The R8 Spyder V10 plus joins the Coupé version, representing the fastest series-production convertible ever produced by the German automaker. To throw some numbers out there: 5.2 litre displacement, 610 horsepower, 413 lb-ft of torque, 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, 328 km/h top speed. The mid-engine sports car — equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Quattro permanent all-wheel drive — utilizes many different lightweight materials throughout the car, from aluminum and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer in the frame to magnesium and aluminum in the fabric top’s substructure. And it’s sprayed in an ultra-cool “micrommata” green colour.

2019 Infiniti Q50

Infiniti QX50

Built on an all-new platform, the next QX50 is, “the most important vehicle we have ever launched, and it embodies everything the brand stands for — beautiful design, advanced technology and empowering performance,” according to Christian Meunier, VP of Infiniti Global Division. The premium mid-size SUV will feature the first mass-produced variable compression ratio engine, combining the power (260 horsepower) of a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor with the torque (280 lb-ft) and efficiency (7.8 L/100 combined) of a four-cylinder diesel says the company. In addition, the Q50 will offer another innovation: ProPILOT Assist, an autonomous driving aide that can take over steering, accelerating and braking duties on a single-lane road.

Big model redesigns announced at 2018 Detroit Auto Show

Benjamin Yong on January 15, 2018

There is nothing quite like auto show season. One of the industry’s biggest spectacles, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, starts up this week and manufacturers made headlines revealing some complete redesigns of staple models.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta

VW announced the arrival of the anticipated seventh-generation Jetta, built on the company’s proven Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform shared with products such as the current Golf, Tiguan and Atlas. Like the new Tiguan, the Mk7 Jetta is all grown up, literally, now longer, wider and taller than the outgoing car. Everything from the front fascia to interior looks and feels more premium than before, and all trim levels include Driver Personalization remembering up to four user settings for seat memory, radio presets and ambient lighting colour. Power is provided by the same 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI engine and buyers have a choice of either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

2019 Toyota Avalon

Toyota’s full-size flagship sedan undergoes a well-deserved makeover, and going against the common theme of growing larger, has actually slimmed down some in size. The North American-built vehicle is 25 millimetres lower in height with a 50 millimetre shorter wheelbase, although width increases slightly, by 20 millimetres, to give a planted, performance-oriented appearance. Two grades will be offered: the sporty XSE boasting a piano black mesh grille, 19-inch gloss black wheels and black side mirror housings; and a luxurious Limited wearing a chrome-trimmed grille, silver LED headlight bezels and a chrome-tipped dual exit exhaust system. A newly designed efficient 3.5-litre V6 Atkinson-cycle powerplant can be found beneath the hood, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

2019 Hyundai Veloster

The result of a partnership between Hyundai main headquarters and the U.S. design center in Irvine, California, the Veloster goes version 2.0 later this year. The quirky five-passenger hatch returns with an asymmetrical two-plus-one door configuration and shows off a bold 3-D interpretation of the Hyundai cascading grille, similar to the one seen on the 2018 Sonata. The A-pillar has been pushed further back, the roofline lowered and 18-inch alloy wheels made standard to emphasize an aggressive, coupe-like silhouette. The regular Veloster gets a 147-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine while the top-of-the-line Turbo receives a boosted 201-horsepower 1.6-litre mill.

2019 Hyundai Veloster

Best car tech from CES 2018

Benjamin Yong on January 11, 2018

CES

CES is the biggest trade show of its kind in the world, with the spotlight on automotive innovation growing larger each year.

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is on right now in Las Vegas, highlighting the latest and greatest innovations in consumer gadgetry. In recent years, cars have taken up greater exhibition space as the lines between auto and tech become increasingly blurred — CES itself describes the event as “a turbocharged Detroit,” taking a small jab at the Motor City’s big show taking place immediately after. Have a peek at some of the top reveals from 2018.

Toyota e-Palette

Toyota e-Palette Concept

This self-driving battery electric concept vehicle is designed as a customizable, and scalable, mobile solution for businesses. Indeed, Toyota has already announced partnerships with the likes of Amazon, Mazda, Uber and Pizza Hut (think autonomous pizza baking and delivery). The e-Palette will be open source so partner companies can implement their own driving systems tailored to specific needs. Real world testing is planned for 2020.

Honda 3E-D18

Focusing on robotics and artificial intelligence at this year’s CES, Honda showed off the 3E-D18, an autonomous AI-enabled off-road device designed to support people in a broad range of work activities. The product of Honda R&D Americas, the 3E-D18 is powered by an electric drivetrain and is modular, meaning it can be outfitted with a variety of attachments to make tasks like search and rescue, fire fighting and agriculture safer and more efficient.

Toyota Platform 3.0

Lexus LS 600hL Platform 3.0

Although the above long wheelbase hybrid LS doesn’t necessarily look like the newest automated driving research vehicle produced by the Toyota Research Institute, dubbed Platform 3.0, that’s kind of the point. One of the goals of the project was to engage “intelligent minimalism,” eliminating the unattractive bolt-on equipment commonly seen on such test cars. The sensors and cameras have all been hidden as much as possible, for example some being relocated into available space in the sunroof compartment.

Toyota Platform 3.0 Lexus LS 600hL

Despite the streamlined appearance, the advanced sedan features long-range 200-metre perception in 360 degrees.

Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride concept vehicle rides on airless tires

Benjamin Yong on December 28, 2017

Another member joins the hydrogen camp: Toyota has launched the Fine-Comfort Ride (FCR) concept, a fuel cell vehicle boasting a 1,000-kilometre range and airless tires.

Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride side

That’s right — the Japanese automaker is eschewing conventional pneumatic rollers in favour of this new lightweight technology it’s experimenting with for the first time. The unconventional approach is born out of necessity, because the FCR utilizes individual motors inside each wheel (read: heavy) to propel itself. The design, which is still in concept stage but aimed at being 30 per cent lighter than normal tires, is comprised of a band of rubber wrapped around a hub made from plastic and aluminum. As an added benfit, they also aren’t prone to punctures or require tire pressure maintenance.

Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride interior

The “premium saloon” is intended to wrap up to six occupants in comfort, featuring a diamond-shaped cabin that is wider up front maximizing passenger space and allowing flexible seat adjustments. The extra manoeuvrability comes in handy to access the wrap-around touch display built into the side windows — containing a virtual Agent to cater to all of a user’s infotainment needs — as well as for tailoring to specific posture requirements or facilitating face-to-face communication. Thanks to the wheels positioned at the extreme corners of the car, a high level of ride comfort and quiet operation is achieved.

Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride dashboard

Unlike regular electric vehicles that take at least 30 minutes to reach a near-full charge, the single onboard hydrogen pack in the FCR can be conveniently refilled in less than three minutes. There are rumours of autonomous driving capability, although no details have been released. The only other official specifications available are the dimensions, measuring at 4,830 millimetres in length, 1,950 width and 1,650 height with a wheelbase of 3,450 millimetres.

Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride rear

OpenRoad Toyota Richmond to build new 205,000 square-foot facility

Benjamin Yong on December 16, 2017

new OpenRoad Toyota Richmond sign

The new site of OpenRoad Toyota Richmond is across the street from its current location in the Richmond Auto Mall. Photos by Benjamin Yong.

Once completed, the new largest Toyota dealership in Canada is going to be located in the Lower Mainland — right here in the Richmond Auto Mall.

OpenRoad Auto Group president and CEO Christian Chia was joined by Cyril Dimitris, VP of Toyota Canada sales and marketing as well as Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie during the ground-breaking ceremony Thursday afternoon. The rainclouds seemingly parted right over the site of the future store, the centerpiece a shiny vintage 2000GT on display from Chia’s personal collection. The sports car echoed the theme of the afternoon: history.

openroad toyota richmond 2000gt

“Some of you may not recognize this car, but we’ve come a long way since that red car, a Toyota 2000GT, rolled of the assembly line 50 years ago exactly. Things have changed a lot. What has not changed is Toyota’s commitment to quality, to sustainability and of course to reliability,” said Chia.

He drew parallels to OpenRoad’s own long-term commitment to excellence, starting with its first Toyota dealership in Richmond, a modest showroom on Granville Avenue opening in 1978. In 1985, the facility moved to the now familiar location at the auto mall. The forthcoming expansion project will be 205,000 square-feet, or five times bigger than currently.

Customers should expect amenities like two lounges, a full service café with TVs, a children’s play area, a fireplace and free Wi-Fi. Up to 36 vehicles can be displayed at once on two levels, and the service centre is set to house 30 full mechanical bays.

openroad toyota richmond cyril dimitris

At a time when businesses in other retail sectors are shuttering their brick and mortars, Dimitris said the automaker has an opposing view.

“We think that the dealership is the nexus point to fulfill the guest experience, and our philosophy is strongly to create the very best guest experience in the industry,” he said.

Other highlights of the new OpenRoad Toyota Richmond include visually striking architectural design and environmentally friendly technologies such as a green roof, water collection system for the car wash, LED lighting and high efficiency heating and cooling systems.

openroad toyota richmond groundbreaking

“My family has been associated with Toyota since 1967 and I am very honoured to celebrate our chapter with Toyota for the future,” said Chia.

Cutting edge concepts at Tokyo Motor Show 2017

Benjamin Yong on November 23, 2017

Honda Sports EV rear

This Honda Sports EV concept was one of many beautifully designed examples unveiled at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show.

Next-level design is what the 2017 edition of the Tokyo Motor Show is all about. We’ve rounded up the boldest of the bunch in the form of concept cars currently on display until Nov. 5 at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition centre.

Mazda Kai concept

Mazda Kai

Embodying a more evolved form of the KODO design language, this smoothed over compact hatchback might very well be a next-gen Mazda3. Though the slammed suspension and massive wheels likely wouldn’t make their way through production if that really were the case, the combination certainly looks awesome on the concept.

Honda Sports EV front

Honda Sports EV

Remember the boxy Urban EV Concept debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show a few months ago? The Sports EV Concept is the squashed and stretched out fastback version, clearly influenced by iconic Hondas of old such as the S600 Coupe. Don’t hold your breath on picking one up if it’s made however, unless you already live in Japan.

Toyota GR HV Sports

With borrowed elements from the TS050 Hybrid created for the World Endurance Championship auto racing series, the GR HV Sports is purposed as an eco-friendly sports car for the street. Sprayed matte black, this partially electric two-door features a targa top, rear-wheel drive and transmission selection buttons uniquely mounted in series on the centre stack.

Mazda Vision concept

Mazda Vision Coupe

The Hiroshima-based manufacturer makes this list twice with a second unveil at the show: the Vision Coupe, which, surprise, is actually a full-length sedan. It’s considered to be of the same lineage as the RX-Vision concept from 2015 and is meant to show off just how aesthetically appealing Mazda can make a vehicle. The exterior styling is called “one motion,” intended to evoke a sense of elegant speed.