Toyota FT-1 Brings Rush Of Adrenaline With Canadian Debut At 2015 Montreal International Auto Show

MONTREAL, QC., (January 15, 2015) – There’s a good reason why the FT stands for “Future Toyota.”

 

As visitors to the Toyota booth at this year’s Montreal International Auto Show will discover, the Toyota FT-1 – which is making its debut on Canadian soil – embodies the essence of where Toyota is headed. The company is focused on introducing new cars and trucks that excite the senses and connect on a powerful, emotional level with consumers.

“At Toyota, our vehicles are about quality, durability as well as great design and handling – all bringing customers more fun and delight,” said Seiji Ichii, President and CEO, Toyota Canada Inc.

The FT-1 has a stunning front engine rear-wheel drive configuration that creates classic sports car proportions to be expected from a vehicle poised to dominate even the most challenging road course. And the interior ignites heart-racing adrenaline for the driver, with the chance to grip an F1-inspired steering-wheel while sitting within an intimate, low-slung cockpit designed to heighten the senses.

 

Building on Toyota’s rich sports coupe heritage including Celica, Supra and 2000GT, the FT-1 has a “function-sculpted” design language that yields curved, muscular, expressive body forms. The entire vehicle looks as though it was strikingly shaped by the wind.

 

The FT-1 joins other exciting Toyota vehicles at the show, including the TS030 racing hybrid – the predecessor of the TS040 that enabled Toyota to become the first Japanese manufacturer to win the prestigious FIA World Endurance Championship in 2014.

 

Visit the Toyota booth located on Level 2 at the Palais des congrès. The show runs January 16-25.

TS030 brings racing pedigree to Toyota hybrids – and to the 2015 Montreal International Auto Show

• Capabilities of the TS030 integrated into hybrids like 2015 Prius c and Prius v which are also on display

MONTREAL, QC., (January 15, 2015) – As a unique hybrid race car, the Toyota TS030 will get the adrenaline flowing for visitors to the Toyota booth at this year’s Montreal International Auto Show.

 

The vehicle features special hybrid powertrain technology that led to a landmark achievement in 2014. Toyota became the first Japanese manufacturer to win the prestigious FIA World Endurance Championship, an annual competition that began in 1953.

The TS030’s powertrain delivers an invigorating jolt of excitement to both the vehicle and its driver. A powerful petrol engine is twinned with an innovative hybrid system that captures energy during braking – enough to lift a 2.5-tonne minivan more than 20 metres vertically.

 

All that energy is converted into electricity, and when the driver accelerates out of a corner, a 300-horsepower boost is delivered automatically to the rear of the vehicle. When combined with the TSO30’s ultra-efficient aerodynamics, the result is not only superior performance, but also increased fuel efficiency.

The best part of the TS030 is how its unique capabilities are being integrated directly into Toyota’s hybrid offerings for consumers.

 

“What we test on the race track we build for the road,” said Seiji Ichii, President and CEO, Toyota Canada Inc. “Toyota engineers test and study hybrid technology through the vehicle’s performance on the race track. They then apply the first-hand knowledge they gain – bringing award-winning engineering, performance and passion to all of Toyota’s hybrids.”

 

That includes the Prius c and Prius v, whose new 2015 editions are also on display at the Montreal show.

Attendees will be able to see how the 2015 Prius c – Toyota’s most affordable urban-friendly hybrid – has a sporty new look featuring a restyled front and new exterior colours, as well as an upgraded cabin with refined materials. The new 2015 Prius v – Toyota’s “big Prius” – also has a new look, including revised front and rear styling, complete with new front bumper, grille, and headlights. Inside, new audio systems bring new multimedia capabilities.  

 

The Prius c and Prius v, along with the TS030 and many other exciting Toyota vehicles – including the stunning FT-1 concept car making its Canadian debut – can be seen at the Toyota booth, located on Level 2 at the Palais des congrès. The show runs January 16-25.

Dominate Dirt … Or Rocks … Or Pavement In The All-New 2016 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma Rebuilt Inside and Out

·         New Engine, Transmissions, and Suspension Tuning

·         Legendary TRD Off-road Toughness

·         Designed, Engineered and Assembled in North America

 

(DETROIT, USA – January 12, 2015) Whatever the terrain, Tacoma is king of the hill. Rebuilt inside and out with an all-new powertrain and enhanced suspension tuning, Tacoma is ready for dirt stomping adventurers. With a legacy of off-road victories and over seven million units sold in North America since 1964, Toyota revitalizes the midsize truck segment with the introduction of the all-new 2016 Tacoma.

 

“Adventurous Canadians have always enjoyed pushing Toyota trucks to the limits,” said Larry Hutchinson, Vice-President, Toyota Canada Inc. “Designed, developed, and assembled in North America the all-new 2016 Tacoma is a tough truck that rewards spirited truck enthusiasts on and off-road.”

 

Built from the Ground Up

The new 2016 Tacoma was primarily developed by the Toyota engineering team at

Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Starting with the frame, they added high strength steel to enhance rigidity and overall strength. Ultra-high strength steel was integrated into the body shell using a new hot stamping process that reduces weight.

 

To create a truck to meet the needs of active drivers on a variety of tamed and untamed surfaces, the suspension was fine-tuned to help deliver a smoother on-road ride, while making it even more capable off-road.

 

Get Your Motor Running

The new Tacoma will be powered by a 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine and an all-new, segment-first 3.5-litre Atkinson cycle V6 equipped with Toyota’s D-4S technology, featuring both direct and port fuel injection.

 

Both engines will be paired to a new six-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift delivering quick and easy shifting. The V6 can also be mated to a new six-speed manual transmission. The new powertrain makes the Tacoma more powerful and fuel efficient than ever before.

 

Doing It With Style Inside and Out

Serious, yet fun! This is the Toyota truck design DNA. The Tacoma and Tundra are amazingly capable trucks that are designed to reflect their capability. The Tacoma shares big brother Tundra’s more chiseled face, with a hex grille. From there, Tacoma expresses its own identity.

 

Inspired by desert racing, CALTY designers in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Michigan made the new Tacoma all about recreational action and athletic agility. To achieve this, the new Tacoma’s wheel flares are strong and muscular for greater wheel travel and the high-lift image reflects its purposeful capability. Four new wheel designs range from 16 to 18 inches.

 

The front end portrays an aggressive attitude with its bold upper grille and a taller, more muscular hood. Mounted high above the clamp-shaped bumper sits slim, high technology headlights that feature projection beam lamps with available LED Daytime Running Lights.

 

From behind, the new locking tailgate emphasizes Tacoma’s wide stance and tough image. The tailgate features an integrated spoiler for improved aerodynamics and a stamped Tacoma logo. The tailgate also adds an easy lowering feature, which allows it to slowly retract, preventing it from slamming down. For the first time ever, Tacoma is available with a tri-fold hard tonneau cover for securing gear when you’re away from the truck.

 

Tacoma’s tough exterior is complemented by an interior that conveys a sport truck image reflecting an athletic, go anywhere, off-road feel. Once inside, drivers will notice a “handlebar” design theme in the instrument panel for a more driver-focused experience.

 

Soft-wrapped trim and metallic accents set the stage for a high-quality look and feel that is a starting point for an array of available premium features, including:

-          Qi wireless charging

-          Smart key with push-button start

-          Leather-trimmed seats

-          Power moonroof

-          Dual-zone automatic climate control

-          Enhanced touchscreen audio

-          Blind-spot monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

-          And much more

 

In addition to offering more premium features, Toyota engineers also made the new Tacoma quieter than ever. To accomplish this, all seals were enhanced and a multi-layer acoustic windshield and sound-absorbing headliner were added. Finally, a floor silencer pad further reduces road noise.

 

Making the Grades

The new Tacoma will be available in four grades in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.

Each grade will have its own personality and unique look. Tacoma grades include:

-          Iconic SR5

-          Athletic TRD Sport

-          Tough-as-nails TRD Off-Road

-          Top of the line Limited

 

The two TRD grades are inspired by Toyota Racing Development’s more than 35-year history in desert off-road racing and a heritage of vehicles that have helped off-road enthusiasts conquer the toughest terrains in the most remote locations around the globe. Tacoma buyers will now have the opportunity to capture their global adventures on video as every Tacoma will come standard with a GoPro® mount located near the rear-view mirror.

 

Traveling Off the Beaten Path

Tacoma off-roading adventures will reach new levels of fun in the TRD Off-Road grade thanks to the addition of incredible technology. A Multi-Terrain Select system allows the driver to choose between different types of terrain such as loose rock, or mud and sand. Each input regulates wheel spin by adjusting throttle and brake pressure to provide maximum traction on almost any terrain.

 

Additional off-road technology includes Automatic Limited Slip and Locking Rear

Differential, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Clutch Start Cancel (manual transmission only),

Active Traction Control, and Crawl Control. Engaging Crawl Control allows the driver to select a speed of 1-5 mph. The Crawl Control system takes over the acceleration and braking, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering.

 

All Tacoma’s will continue to come standard with the Star Safety System.

 

A North American Story

Tacoma is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Baja California (TMMBC) in Baja California, Mexico. Both facilities play a major role in carrying on Tacoma’s legendary reputation for quality, durability and reliability (QDR). It’s QDR has also helped Tacoma earn the 2014 Winner of Canadian Black Book’s Best Retained Value Award  for five consecutive years. The all-new Tacoma builds on this tradition with improvement in every aspect over the current Tacoma including, design, ruggedness, and performance improvements in horsepower and fuel efficiency.

 

50 Years and Counting

Backed by 50 years of unwavering capability, an unbreakable attitude, and an off-road racing heritage, the all-new Tacoma is hungry for adventure and ready to tackle almost any challenge that it encounters. It truly is the ultimate tool for the outdoor enthusiast.

 

2015 Toyota Prius c: Light, Tight, Bright and Toyota’s Most Affordable Hybrid

·         4.8L/100km Combined Fuel Consumption in Toyota’s Most Affordable Hybrid

·         Distinctive Youthful Design Appeals to All Ages

·         Aggressive, Sportier Look With LED Headlights and Newly Designed Taillights

·         Upgraded Interiors and Available Technology Features

·         Surprisingly Spacious Interior

(TORONTO, ON. – November 19, 2014) The Prius c, Toyota’s most affordable hybrid vehicle takes on a sporty new look for 2015.

 

 

There’s much more to the Prius c than super-high fuel economy. A restyled front with standard single LED projector low and high-beam headlights, two new exterior colours whose names demand almost as much attention as their hues (Electric Lime Metallic, and Tangerine Splash Pearl), and new “light pipe” taillights add a futuristic touch to the design. Add to that a cabin upgraded with refined materials, and Prius c makes a compelling choice among Subcompact cars, hybrid or not.

 

For years, the iconic Prius liftback has been synonymous with “hybrid.” Today, the Prius is available in four different flavours. The Prius Family includes the larger standard Prius liftback, the even larger and roomier Prius v, Prius Plug-in Hybrid with all the benefits of the Prius - plus extended all-electric range, and of course the youthful urban-friendly Prius c. In addition, Toyota offers hybrid versions of its Camry, and Highlander, making Toyota the global hybrid leader with sales of over 7 million units.

 

Toyota Value in Three Grades

Prius c is available in three value-packed grades. In all trim levels the cabin combines futuristic design elements with everyday comfort and practicality.

 

In addition to the all-new single LED projector low and high-beam headlights, standard features in the Prius c include a shark-fin antenna, automatic climate control, a full colour TFT Multi-Information Display, and remote keyless entry with illuminated entry. The tilt-telescopic steering wheel features integrated switches for audio, climate control, and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. The standard 3.5” TFT colour Multi-Information Display shows outside temperature, fuel economy information, cruising range, EV miles driven, Hybrid System Indicator, ECO Score, and energy monitor.

 

The Prius c comes with a standard 6.1” display audio system including four speakers, USB audio input, voice recognition, and Bluetooth capability.

 

The Prius c fitted with the available Upgrade Package sweetens the package with premium cloth seats, height-adjustable driver’s seat cushion, 60/40 split fold down rear seats, cruise control, six-speakers, leather covered instrument panel, a tonneau cover, and more.

 

Stepping up, The Prius c Technology adds Navigation, Advanced Voice Recognition, SMS-to-speech and Email-to-speech capability, SofTex Leather heated front seats, backup camera, a leather wrapped steering wheel, power moonroof, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and more.

 

The Prius c Technology also adds the convenience of the Smart Key system with Push Button Start. It also receives a feature from the larger Prius line; the Touch Tracer Display. Touch sensors on the steering wheel buttons display a duplicate image on the instrument panel, directly in line of sight, reducing driver eye movement for better concentration on the road.

 

The “c” Stands for City. But It Makes Sense Out in the Country, Too

Toyota designed the Prius c as an urban-friendly runabout, and yes, the “c” stands for city. However, you certainly don’t need to live in a city to reap the benefits of ownership. That 4.8L/100km highway fuel economy rating is a boon in Canada’s wide-open spaces, where gas stations are few and far between.

 

The Prius c is surprisingly spacious for a subcompact. Efficient packaging of the hybrid powertrain, battery pack and fuel tank results in 2959L of total interior volume (2475L passenger volume, 484L cargo volume), including an ample 888mm of rear legroom. The efficient packaging also gives the Prius c a low centre of gravity and excellent weight distribution, which translates into fun-to-drive agility. Also with NVH improvements for the 2015 model year, the drive experience is even better than before.

 

Youthful Exterior and Interior Design

The Prius c design projects a fun, youthful attitude that appeals to all ages. It’s also slippery, cheating the wind with a low 0.28 coefficient of drag (Cd). Its lower-body area is wider below the beltline, and combined with very short overhangs and sculpted rear flares, it gives the car an athletic stance.

 

A wide-ranging colour palette provides hues to satisfy every taste. In addition to the two new exterior colours, the Prius c looks lively in Blue Streak Metallic, Moonglow, Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic or Classic Silver Metallic.

 

 

What Makes It Go (on So Little Gas)

The Prius c uses its own version of Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, the technology found in all the brand’s hybrids. The gas engine, electric motor and battery pack are all smaller and lighter than in the standard Prius.

 

The 1.5-litre in-line, 4-cylinder gasoline engine runs on the Atkinson cycle to increase efficiency, contributing to a total hybrid system output of 99 hp. Locating the Prius c’s 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack under the rear passenger seat, near the center of the vehicle and low in the chassis, helps achieve a low centre of gravity for excellent agility.

 

Like all Toyota hybrids, the Prius c is a full hybrid, meaning it can run on the gasoline power alone, battery power alone, or a combination of both. Hybrid Synergy Drive combines the output of the gas engine and electric motor through an innovative continuously variable transmission.

As on other Toyota hybrids, the Prius c employs a slew of other technologies to curb its fuel usage. Regenerative braking helps to recapture electrical energy under deceleration, sending it to the battery, which helps to reduce fuel consumption. Electric power runs the water pump and power steering assist, eliminating drive belts and even some maintenance needs.

 

One of the three drive modes; EV mode, drives solely on battery power for up to 1.6km under certain conditions. Where would you do that? Maybe when you think circling city blocks while looking for a parking space would be wasting gas.

There’s also Normal Mode, which is ideal for everyday driving, as well as Eco Mode, which can help optimize fuel economy when you’re willing to give up some throttle response and don’t need the air conditioner to be ice cold.

Light, Tight and Agile

A stiff body structure, made so by extensive use of lightweight, high-strength steel, helps make the Prius c safe, and also allows suspension tuning that yields an admirable combination of handling responses and ride comfort. Front suspension is a MacPherson strut design, and the rear tuned torsion beam configuration employs coil springs.

 

The Prius c rolls on 15-inch wheels, available in steel or aluminum alloy, depending on the trim line. The steel wheels come with a newly designed cover for the 2015 model year. With a 9.6m turning circle you might forget how to make 3-point turns, because you won’t need to.

 

Big on Safety

Safety is always standard on a Toyota, so every 2015 Prius c is equipped with nine airbags, including a driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, driver and front passenger seat cushion airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags.

 

As with every new Toyota since 2011, the 2015 Prius c is also standard equipped with the six active safety technologies of the Star Safety System: Antilock Brake System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Smart Stop Technology work together to help drivers avoid potential accident situations.

 

The 2015 Toyota Prius c will arrive at Toyota Dealers across Canada this winter.

 

The Future Has Arrived, and It's Called Mirai

TORONTO, ON., (Nov. 17, 2014) – Akio Toyoda has seen the future, and it’s called “Mirai.” That’s the name of Toyota’s new fuel cell vehicle, which the company’s president announced in a video released the night before the car’s official launch.

Mirai, which means “future” in Japanese, represents a turning point for the automotive industry. The groundbreaking vehicle can travel up to 300 miles (or about 483 kilometres) on a single tank of hydrogen, refuel in less than five minutes and emits only water vapor.

Click here to view the video.

TRANSCRIPT OF AKIO TOYODA’S ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO

 

Today, we are at a turning point in automotive history.

A turning point where people will embrace a new, environmentally-friendly car that is a pleasure to drive.

A turning point where a four-door sedan can travel 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, can be refueled in under five minutes and emit only water vapor.

A turning point that represents many years and countless hours of work by our team to create a car that redefines the industry.

All of us at Toyota believe in a future that will be safer, greener and easier for everyone.

We imagined a world filled with vehicles that would diminish our dependence on oil and reduce harm to the environment.

It was a bold, but inspiring goal. And, today it is a reality.

Our fuel cell vehicle runs on hydrogen that can be made from virtually anything, even garbage!

It has a fuel cell that creates enough electricity to power a house for about a week.

This is a car that lets you have it all with no compromises.

As a test driver, I knew this new fuel cell vehicle had to be truly fun to drive – and believe me, it is. It has a low center of gravity, which gives it very dynamic handling.

After surviving millions of miles on the test track and 10 years of testing on public roads in freezing cold and scorching heat…

After passing extensive crash tests…

And after working with local governments and researchers around the world to help make sure it is easy and convenient to refuel…

We are ready to deliver.

The name we’ve given to our new car is Mirai, which in Japanese means “future.”

We believe that behind the wheel of the Mirai, we can go places we have never been, to a world that is better, in a car that is better.

For us, this isn’t just another car. This is an opportunity – an opportunity to really make a difference. And making a difference is what Toyota is all about.

The future has arrived. And it’s called Mirai.

Toyota Racing Takes Drivers' Title and Victory

TORONTO, ON., (November 17, 2014) Toyota Racing won the Six Hours of Bahrain for its fifth victory of the FIA World Endurance Championship season as Anthony Davidson and Sébastien Buemi secured the drivers' title with a race to spare.

The #7 TS040 Hybrid of Alex Wurz, Stéphane Sarrazin and Mike Conway won its first race of the season with a fine performance, earning Toyota Racing's fifth victory of the 2014 season.

Anthony and Sébastien finished 11th after losing time due to a technical issue but nevertheless become the 2014 drivers' World Champions, holding an unassailable lead in the standings with only one race remaining.

That marks Toyota's first drivers' World Championship crown since Didier Auriol won the World Rally Championship in 1994.

Today's result also strengthens Toyota's hold on the manufacturers' World Championship, extending the lead over Audi to 40 points with a maximum of 44 points available in the final race, in Sao Paulo on 30 November.

There was drama throughout the race, starting on the opening lap when Alex and Sébastien swapped positions with their rivals having started from fourth and second respectively.

 

Despite losing ground at the first turn, the TS040 Hybrids soon asserted themselves and within seven laps the #8 had taken the lead thanks to some decisive driving from Sébastien, while Alex was in similar fighting mood as he moved into third.

A brief full course yellow after 30 minutes gave both cars the chance to pit early for new tyres and more fuel. With the rest of the field circulating slowly, time lost in the pits was minimised and Sébastien resumed in third with Alex fourth.

Both soon moved up a place and, close to the one-hour mark, took over at the head of the field, running one-two and setting similarly competitive lap times to pull clear.

After 90 minutes both cars pitted on the same lap, with just nine seconds separating them. Mike took the wheel of the #7 while Sébastien handed over to Anthony, who resumed in the lead.

That did not last however, with the #8 needing an unscheduled pit stop to change the alternator. That elevated Mike in the #7 to the lead, while Anthony resumed 30 minutes later in 26th, 17 laps behind.

 

A further short stop to confirm the new alternator was functioning correctly soon followed before Anthony continued with a mission to finish the race and wrap up the drivers' World Championship.

The target for the #7 was different and Mike continued to stretch the lead, which stood at close to a minute when Stéphane took over soon after half distance.

Sébastien returned to the wheel of the #8 and made steady progress, setting the fastest lap of the race early in his second stint as Stéphane safely guided the #7 into the final hour before handing over to Alex.

The #8 was rapidly rising up the order and lay 13th with 50 minutes remaining when Anthony took the wheel for his final stint.

Both cars ran almost nose to tail during the final minutes, with Alex leading them over the line to win in the #7 by 50.460secs, as Anthony took the flag to make it a double celebration for Toyota Racing.

 

Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Team President

"Congratulations to Anthony and Sébastien on becoming World Champions. They deserve the title, which is not just for the drivers themselves, but recognises a fantastic effort by the whole team. This is a really big prize, particularly because this year was the start of a new era of fuel efficiency. They are the first champions under these new regulations and we are very proud that the Toyota Hybrid System – Racing proved its performance by powering them to this title. Thank you to everyone who has been involved; all at Toyota Motorsport GmbH in Cologne, our colleagues in Motor Sport Division and the Hybrid Department of Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan plus our friends from ORECA and all our partners. Also I would like to pay tribute to our fans, who have been so supportive since the start of our project. Of course, big congratulations as well to Alex, Stéphane and Mike for their victory today. After a few races where various factors have hindered the #7, they were very quick and consistent today on a track which is one of the toughest on tyres. They did a great job."

 

TS040 Hybrid #7

(Alex Wurz, Stéphane Sarrazin, Mike Conway)
Race: 1st, 195 laps, 6 pit stops. Fastest lap: 1min 46.377secs

 

Alex Wurz

"I'm very happy for my team-mates on becoming World Champions. They have been mega all season. We work very hard together as drivers and there is a great atmosphere between us. Now they are the World Champions so they should enjoy it. We won the race so I am very happy with that. I must say thanks to Stéphane who pushed us in the right direction on set-up earlier in the weekend. We had a strong car and it was a good team effort."

 

Stéphane Sarrazin

"Congratulations to Anthony and Sébastien. They have had an amazing season and they deserve this moment. I'm really pleased with our race and it's fantastic to win again, especially here in Bahrain where I won in the #8 last season. In my stint I had to save a bit of fuel to avoid needing a splash later in the race. I worked hard to manage the situation and did a good stint; it all worked out well. Alex and Mike both did a great job, in fact the whole team has performed really well this week and all season."

Mike Conway

"Well done to Anthony and Sébastien on sealing the World Championship. They have had an extremely strong season. Today was a great result for us in #7. Stéphane and Alex did some awesome stints and I am pleased with my performance. It's great to pay back the faith and support the team has shown me. To win my first WEC race, in only my second race with Toyota, is a great result and a great day. I will cherish this moment for a long time."

 

TS040 Hybrid #8

(Anthony Davidson, Sébastien Buemi)
Race: 11th, 177 laps, 7 pit stops. Fastest lap: 1min 45.989secs

 

Anthony Davidson

"It's been an amazing year. For me personally this is the biggest achievement in my career by a long way so it is a big day. I have never been a World Champion before so this means a lot and it still hasn't really sunk in yet. The team did an amazing job and have given us the fastest car. It wasn't exactly the way we wanted to win the title but I'm not complaining. Big thanks to the mechanics today for getting the car out on track again, not only the #8 guys but also the crew from #7 who helped out. This championship has been a real team effort and I'm so grateful to everyone who has made it happen. It's a great day but there is still one more job to do in Brazil; win the manufacturers' World Championship."

 

Sébastien Buemi

"I am really pleased; it's a great feeling to win the World Championship. It's not the way we wanted to get it but we are really happy. To win a championship when you are competing against Porsche and Audi is a fantastic achievement. We had the car to win the race but I'm happy #7 won. Thanks to the team because to win a championship you need a great car and that's what they gave us. Even if it is the drivers' World Championship, it is really a title for the team because without everyone here at the track, back at Cologne and in Higashifuji, Anthony and I would not be here today. If we can make sure we win the manufacturers' championship in Brazil it will be a fantastic year."

Toyota Surprises SEMA with 850-Horsepower Camry Dragster

Sleeper Camry Set to Shock Racing Fans Nationwide

Toronto, ON., Nov. 4, 2014 — In drag racing terms, a “sleeper” is a car that looks as innocuous as possible, but has the means to blow the doors off the competition. The attendees at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show were shocked when emcee Rutledge Wood l...ifted the Sleeper Camry’s body to reveal a purpose-built dragster putting out over 850 horsepower. The excitement was palpable as crowds of onlookers rushed into the Toyota booth to get a glimpse at the source of the ear-splitting growl that shook Central Hall to its foundation. Toyota’s Sleeper Camry had just revealed its true intentions.

The build team extracted the outer shell of the all-new 2015 Camry and mated it to a full tube-frame chassis. Underneath the stylish Camry skin, it’s all about brute force, rugged durability and raw speed. A Tundra was tapped for its 5.7-liter 3UR-FE V8 engine, transmission, rear axle and electronics. The engine is blown with a TRD supercharger and also features a wet nitrous system. Directing the power to the asphalt are beefy DOT 335/30/18 drag racing tires which are expected to help propel the Sleeper Camry to a blistering 9.80-second* quarter-mile time. It’s hard to believe that the build was completed in just 11 weeks. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident throughout the dragster — from the fully functional stock doors to the custom-fabricated interior.

The Sleeper Camry can be seen November 4-7 in the Toyota display booth (#24700) located in the Central Hall at the 2014 SEMA Show. After the SEMA Show it will tour the country at select NHRA races.

* Estimated quarter-mile time

Sleeper Camry
2015 Toyota Camry XSE
• Magnuson Products
• IPT Performance Transmissions
• Plumbing: Goodridge Fluid Transfer Systems
• TRD
• Magnaflow
• Autometer Digital Dash
• Impact Racing safety harness
• Battery: Optima Yellow Top
• Goodyear tires
• Nitrous Supply
• Seat: Fast Ed’s Interiors
• The Polishing Shop
• Forged pistons and connecting rods
• Suspension: Strut front and 4-link live rear axle