Thursday 15 January 2015

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.

Monday 12 January 2015

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.