Toyota i-ROAD Leans its Way into the City!

According to Toyota, the "i-ROAD takes the company closer to its goal of creating the ultimate range of eco cars." As you're surely aware, that range of eco cars includes the enormously successful Prius family, but this new machine is nothing like the hybrid hatchback. And it's not even a car – Toyota calls the i-ROAD a Personal Mobility Vehicle.

Toyota's i-ROAD Concept, which debuts at this week's Geneva Motor Show, is adorned with just three wheels, meaning it's just as much a motorcycle as it is a car, and the driver and passenger sit in tandem style instead of side-by-side. This arrangement allows for a very thin 850mm width, which is about the same as a large motorcycle. Because the cockpit is enclosed, the occupants don't need helmets, nor are they open to the elements outside.

Also like a traditional two-wheeler, the i-ROAD tilts through the turns and when driving on uneven surfaces. Toyota says its computer-controlled Active Lean technology automatically balances the vehicle with no input from the driver.

Despite the automaker's expertise in hybrid drive trains, the i-ROAD is a pure electric vehicle, and Toyota says it "believes in the feasibility of EVs to serve as a main mode of transport for short urban journeys." There's a two-kilowatt motor in each front wheel, meaning the i-ROAD offers up just over five horsepower, which isn't a lot but should be enough to get moving up to city traffic speeds (no performance specs are available).

An on-board lithium ion battery allows for a range of around 30 miles, after which the vehicle can be recharged in three hours using "a conventional domestic power supply." We're a little unsure of what Toyota means by that – using a 110-volt outlet or a 220-volt outlet, or perhaps a unique charger? -- but you're welcome to see the press release yourself below, along with a video showing the leaning three-wheeler in action.
                                         
Courtesy of AutoBlog             

Timing Belt Help!

Now that winter is coming to an end, it's a great time to make sure your vehicle recovers from the harsh col and it all set for the warm months ahead! Here's a tip that could help you keep your car running longer as well as save you money and hassle.
The timing belt serves a very important part when it comes to making your engine run. Namely, the timing belt is the belt that controls the camshafts in your engine and keeps the entire operation running smoothly. Note that timing belts are present in engines with overhead cams, and are essential to keep these cams turning at the right time in order to keep the engine running.

Regardless of what type of motor is present in your car, a failure in the timing belt will cause the engine to suddenly stop. This means that your car will suddenly stop running and you will not be able to get it started again. In all cases, this means calling a tow truck to come pick up your now non-running vehicle.

If all of this sounds like a nightmare, that’s because it can really turn out to be one. Luckily though, timing belt failure is somewhat easy to prevent, and although it may not be the cheapest or easiest operation in the world, it is definitely a better option that purchasing either a new car or a new engine.
Of course, checking to see when your timing belt was last changed is not always the easiest task either. If you have owned your car, and have ever had it replaced in the past, you should have the mileage written down as to when it was changed. If, though, you purchased your car used, there may be a sticker located under the hood of your car that gives the mileage of the last change. If you cannot find this sticker, than it may be better to have the belt changed, just to be on the safe side. If you have the owners manual for your vehicle, it should detail when the belt should be changed.

If you have trouble finding out when exactly the belt should be changed; you could consult either a local mechanic or contact a dealership for the exact number. A good general rule of thumb is that a timing belt should be changed every 60,000 to 75,000 miles, although some belts are designed to last up to 100,000 miles before requiring a change. Regardless though, it is best not to let a belt go more than 80,000 miles or so, even if the recommended change point is a lot higher. Changing your belt early is definitely a lot safer for your engine, and a little money out of pocket can save you a lot of money and a new car in the long run.

If you need to check the timing belt on your Toyota, feel free to bring it in to the service department here at Toyota of Washington!

Courtesy of Mastertechnicians.net

2013 Toyota Camry: Architect

Toyota Motor Sales Continues to See Steady Growth in February

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported February 2013 sales results of 166,377 units, an increase of 8.7 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Unadjusted for 24 selling days in February 2013 versus 25 in February 2012, TMS sales were up 4.3 percent over the year-ago month.  

Toyota Division posted February total sales of 149,038 units, up 8.7 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis.  Volume-wise, Toyota Division sales increased 4.4 percent over February 2012.

“Despite rising gas prices, severe winter storms and concerns about the federal budget, February was a good indication of the overall strength of the market,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “With the most fuel efficient full line of vehicles, Toyota is well positioned, and we’re encouraged by very positive consumer reaction to our new Avalon and RAV4.”

Lexus Division reported February total sales of 17,339, up 8.3 percent on a DSR basis and up 3.9 percent by raw volume, compared to the same period last year.

Other Highlights:

• Avalon posted its best month since November 2007, up 63.1 percent with sales of 5,703 units
• RAV4, bolstered by sales of the all-new 2014 model, recorded its best-ever February with sales of 13,329 units, up 5.1 percent
• Corolla sales of  24,999 units were up 12.9 percent
• Camry posted sales of 31,270 units, while the Prius Family recorded sales of 17,812
• Total TMS truck sales of 70,051 units, up 16.1 percent
• Total TMS Hybrid sales were 26,966 units, up 2.3 percent on a DSR basis
• Both Tundra and Highlander posted their best February sales since 2008, up 15.5 and 14.1 percent, respectively
• Tacoma recorded sales of 12,644 units, up 18.5 percent, its best February since 2008
• Lexus RX sales of 6,938, up 19.8 percent
• Lexus ES sales of 4,817, up 60.7 percent

Courtesy of Toyota Press Room

Toyota Tundra -- Coach T -- Test Drive

Toyota Motor Corporation Vehicles Continue to Dominate the 2013 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study

Seven Lexus, Toyota, and Scion models captured segment awards in the 2013 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, more than any other automaker.
 
The study also found:

• Lexus ranks highest in vehicle dependability for the second consecutive year by improving 15 fewer problems/100;
• The Lexus RX is the first SUV to lead the industry with the fewest reported problems at just 57 problems/100; and
• Toyota is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate and tied for third place for the second consecutive year

 

2013 Vehicle Dependability Study performers by segment

Segment	Ranking	Model	Problems/100
Sub-Compact Car	1	Scion xD	112
	2	Toyota Yaris	122
Compact Car	1	Toyota Prius	95
Entry Premium Car	1	Lexus ES350	58
Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle	1	Scion xB	138
Compact Crossover/SUV	1	Toyota RAV4	84
	3	Toyota FJ Cruiser	98
Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV	1	Lexus RX	57
Minivan	1	Toyota Sienna	146
Lexus	1		71
Toyota	3 (tie)		112
Scion	18		135
Industry Average			126

 
Additional examples of Toyota’s commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:

 

• Lexus completes a Grand Slam as the highest ranking nameplate in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, Vehicle Dependability Study, Customer Satisfaction Index, and Sales Satisfaction Index;  
• A leading consumer publication awards Scion, Toyota, and Lexus the top three brands for reliability and six of the top ten “Best Values” for 2012;
• Kelley Blue Book recognizes 18 Toyota Motor Corporation vehicles with “Best Resale Awards, more than any other automaker in 2012; and
• 19 Toyota Motor Corporation vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than any other automaker, and four 2012 models earned 5 Stars in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.

Courtesy of Toyota Press Room

Toyota Camry NASCAR Edition Tuned

The special two-door Toyota Camry NASCAR Edition was developed by RK Collection (RKC) to assist Toyota Racing Development (TRD) in visualizing the virtues of a standard Camry and morphing them into a powerful NASCAR counterpart.

The project was the visionary inspiration of Rob Kauffman, founder of RKC and co-owner of the NASCAR team Michael Waltrip Racing. The project was developed with the dual purpose of building and running a high-performance street legal Toyota Camry with a NASCAR engine. In partnership with TRD, RKC brought the concept to life with illustrations and a technical specs outline, rebuilding this one-of-a-kind high performance street machine. The vehicle was designed to showcase the technical alliance between TRD and RKC and demonstrate the connection between Toyota’s production vehicles and its strong NASCAR program.

Courtesy of House of Japan