2013 Toyota RAV4 -- Teletransporter

Toyota Auris gets new Touring Sports variant

Toyota showed off the Touring Sports version of the Auris next to the newly introduced Auris Hybrid at last year's Paris Motor Show, but didn't say much about it. Six months later, just ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, the company is crowing about that wagon going on sale with the Hybrid Synergy Drive, creating the Auris Touring Sports Hybrid.

The hauling version of the exceptionally popular Auris hatchback doesn't just add a hybrid wagon to the compact segment, Toyota says it offers class-leading load capacity of 1,658 liters with the Easy-Flat one-touch rear seats down. With the rear seats up, it offers 530 liters. The little big gulp is possible because the hybrid batteries have been placed under the rear seats instead of being in the luggage area.

It looks the same as the hatchback save for the fact that it's 285 millimeters (11.2 inches) longer behind the C pillar, has a redesigned tailgate and a lower load floor. Engines beyond the hybrid will match the rest of the lineup: 1.3-liter and 1.6-liter gasoline engines and a 1.4-liter D-4D diesel. There's a chance we'll see it in Geneva, if we don't there's a press release below to tell you all about it.

Courtesy of AutoBlog

Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race Switching from Scion tC to FR-S

Toyota has announced that the rear-wheel-drive Scion FR-S will replace the front-wheel-drive Scion tC as the racecar used by actors, singers and celebrities of all grades in its annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. It's the first time a rear-drive vehicle has been used for the event in 27 years, with the tC having been in use since 2005, and the FWD Celica before that. This year's race takes place on April 20th amidst the festivities of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend.

The racing FR-S, which debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show, won't be left stock either, but rather outfitted with a range of official Toyota Racing Development parts and equipment, such as a stainless steel exhaust, new coil overs and springs, upgraded brakes, a bigger air intake and 18-inch wheels, not to mention all of the safety equipment required to keep the celebrities and pro drivers safe. The company says the performance mods have lifted horsepower to 210 from the standard car's 200. Check out the build process for the cars in the video below to see just how much work's been done.

The Toyota Pro/Celebrity race is also about more than just letting celebrities and pros do battle on a road course. The spectacle helps raise money for "Racing for Kids," a non-profit charity that supports children's hospitals in the US.

Courtesy of AutoBlog.com

Toyota Corolla Furia Concept Reveal at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show

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Scion iQ Wins 2013 Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com 5-Year Cost to Own Award

The 2013 Scion iQ earned a 5-Year Cost to Own Award from Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com today in recognition of its lowest projected costs of ownership in the subcompact category.

Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own information is developed using Kelley Blue Book^® Residual Values to calculate depreciation costs for new cars. The analysis also considers costs such as fuel, insurance, maintenance and repair costs.

“Although Scion iQ is small in size, the 2013 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award proves it’s big on value,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “For the urban driver looking for maneuverability, impressive fuel economy and style, the iQ is an excellent choice.”

The iQ is equipped with a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 94 horsepower and 89 lb.-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that helps deliver smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. The iQ is rated an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) and achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 37 miles per gallon.

To add even more value, the iQ comes standard with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles whichever comes first, and three years of 24-hour roadside assistance.

 Courtesy of Toyota Press Room









 

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