Three-row SUVS provide fun alternative to minivans
Looking for a vehicle that can carry people, cargo and is still fun-to-drive? If a minivan doesn’t tickle your fancy, try one of these SUVs.
Production version of Toyota CH-R subcompact crossover coming
The 2017 Toyota CH-R is based off of the Toyota New Global Architecture, and looks a lot like the original concept vehicle.
All-new 2016 Toyota Prius launches this spring
Toyota’s hybrid ambassador gets a ground-up redesign entering its fourth generation for 2016.
Must-see vehicles from Canadian International Auto Show 2016
These are the production and concept cars from Toronto’s annual auto show that you don’t want to miss.
Most interesting vehicle designs for 2016 model year
The current vehicle offerings on the market feature lots of unique variations in shape, size and appearance.
Toyota talks achievements, goals in 2015 environmental report
In the 15th annual Toyota North American Environmental Report, the automaker outlines where the company is and where it’s headed.
Toyota teases future mobility with three new concept cars
It’s always fun when automobile manufacturers bring out concepts that provide a preview of future styling and engineering direction, predictions for the evolution of mobility, or simply what they’re capable of. Toyota recently debuted three such vehicles, one of which harks back to their roots of building small, lightweight sports cars.
Toyota S-FR
The S-FR concept was created to “reaffirm the fundamental relationship between car and driver,” says Toyota. This entry-level four-seater features a front engine, rear-wheel drive format with independent suspension providing optimal weight distribution and handling. Shifting duties are taken care of by a six-speed manual transmission.
The elongated front end and wide footprint gives the S-FR a classic sports coupe appearance. The model is aimed at the enthusiast demographic that enjoy customizing their vehicles.
Toyota FCV Plus
Toyota has long been envisioning a sustainable society based around hydrogen energy, a power source containing a higher energy density than electricity, can be generated from many different types of raw materials, and is relatively easy to store. The FCV fits into this plan nicely because aside from running off of electricity generated from hydrogen, it can also produce electricity to be used in the home and shared with the community power grid.
The FCV’s fuel stack is mounted in the centre at the front, and the hydrogen tank is installed behind the rear seat. Each wheel also has a dedicated motor. Together, the unique design allows for a spacious interior despite its compact vehicle dimensions of 3,800 millimetres (length) by 1,750 mm (width).
Toyota Kikai
While the Kikai likely won’t be found in stores anytime soon, the purpose of its conception was to “explore and emphasize the fundamental appeal of machines.” Parts normally hidden away underneath body panels and bumpers, like suspension components and headlamps, are exposed to show off their inner workings.
The driver sits front and center to connect him or her more closely with the car, and there is room for two more passengers behind. Through a small window near the pedals, occupants are treated to a view of the tires and suspension working as the Kikai moves along the road.
AJAC announces 2016 Canadian Car of the Year Awards finalists
After a week of testing in Ontario, AJAC has chosen the top three vehicles across nine segment categories vying for the title of Canadian Car of the Year.
OpenRoad's Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 top picks
The 66th annual Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA), or Frankfurt Motor Show, is in full swing right now in Germany. There have been dozens of new vehicles and concept debuts since the show opened a few days ago, but we picked out a handful that are particularly intriguing. Here are OpenRoad’s top three cars from this year’s IAA.
Porsche Mission E
Porsche has been very interested lately in the field of hybrid technology, evidenced by their release of several partially electric models last year. The Mission E concept car, however, is the brand’s first four-seater that is completely powered by electricity. With a range of over 500 kilometres on one charge, it only takes approximately 15 minutes to replenish 80 per cent of the battery thanks to Porsche’s unique 800-volt turbo charging system.
Key stats
Horsepower: 600
Powertrain: two permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM)
Transmission: all-wheel drive
Seats: four
Fun fact: A camera mounted to the rear-view mirror detects the driver’s mood.
Mazda KOERU
Before you ask — KOERU means “exceed” or “go beyond” in Japanese, which is what the company is trying to do with their latest crossover concept. It has Mazda’s current KODO styling written all over it, but also includes a few twists like the rings around the LED headlights that are supposed to resemble an untamed animal. As usual, engine specifics aren’t being disclosed but expect some form of SKYACTIV.
Key stats
Horsepower: ?
Powertrain: ?
Transmission: ?
Seats: five
Fun fact: The KOERU is rumoured to lead to a three-door CX-4 model, or a new CX-7 or CX-9.
Toyota C-HR
Consumers’ appetites for compact, fuel-efficient crossovers the world over continue to grow, and Toyota is hoping to capitalize on that with the C-HR Concept hybrid. The automaker has stated plainly they are looking to bring a new model to market, and hope to have a production-ready model to announce in a matter of months. Few specifics are known at this point besides the dimensions: 4,350 millimetres (length); 1,850 mm (width); 1,500 mm (height); 2,640 mm (wheelbase).
Key stats
Horsepower: ?
Powertrain: ?
Transmission: ?
Seats: five
Fun fact: The original concept featured a three-door design with a blue and black roof.
Toyota Automobile Museum in Japan: mecca for car lovers
We take you on a tour of the Toyota Automobile Museum in Nagakute, Japan — 150,000 square-feet of everything automotive, and more.