One Stop Automotive Information

Hybrid Autos Toyota Prius

2008-08-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation.

The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than 40 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the 2008 Prius is the most fuel efficient car sold in the U.S.

According to the UK Department for Transport, the Prius is tied as the third least CO2-emitting vehicle on sale in the UK and there are eight cars which are more fuel-efficient than it for the combined use cycle.

Feature Between Prius 1.5L 4-Cyl. Hybrid and Prius Touring 1.5L 4-Cyl. Hybrid

Tuned suspension
15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires
15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires and trim rings
16-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels with P195/55R16 tires and full wheel covers
Dual color-keyed power outside mirrors
Heated outside mirrors
Aerodynamic multi-reflector halogen headlamps
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps
Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers
Color-keyed front and rear bumpers and door handles
Heavy-duty rear window defogger with timer
Chrome-type finish grille
Electronic rear hatch locking system
High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass
Rear deck spoiler (larger on Touring)
Intermittent rear window wiper

As with many of Toyota's vehicles, the Prius has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers have yet to even develop a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, Toyota is already on its second generation of the Prius. This four-door hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, relatively uncompromised driving and acceleration characteristics and reasonable price.

The 2008 Toyota Prius ranks 9 out of 23 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Prius, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Prius ranks solidly in the middle of the pack when considered as a hybrid or as a midsize sedan. The Prius's ranking is based on its industry-leading fuel economy, combined with a spacious interior and a standard equipment package that make it competitive as a midsize car, not just a hybrid. However, its styling continues to divide reviewers even after nearly five years on the market, and it sacrifices performance in the pursuit of fuel efficiency. In our hybrid rankings, the 2008 Prius falls behind its corporate cousin, the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid, as well as the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. Those vehicles don't achieve quite the level of fuel efficiency that drives the Prius's fame, but they also do not suffer some of the performance compromises the Prius makes in pursuit of fuel economy. Little has changed in the Prius for 2008, a car which has not had a major redesign since 2004. One important change for 2008 is the introduction of a "standard" trim which lacks features like heated mirrors and cruise control, but is available at a lower cost than the "base" trim level.

Toyota Tundra

2008-08-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck sold by Toyota that originally went into production in 1999 (as a 2000 model year model), replacing the Toyota T100. The Tundra had a more American look and feel and ultimately had something the T100 never had, a V8 engine underneath its hood. The Tundra was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year in 2000 and 2008. As of 2007, the Tundra (now in its second generation) holds 17% of the 1/2 ton full-size pickup market beating the GMC Sierra in monthly sales, but still behind the Dodge Ram, and the best-selling Ford F-150 (in overall sales). The newest Tundra is assembled in San Antonio, Texas, and Princeton, Indiana (where the original Tundra was solely constructed).

The first generation Tundra had many similarities with the old Toyota T100 and the smaller, more popular Toyota Tacoma. The biggest of those similarities was the use of the 3.4 liter V6 engine which was the top of the line engine in both the Tacoma and T100, while it became the base engine within the Tundra. The then new Tundra had an optional 32 valve 4.7 liter V8 powerplant which ultimately became the most desired engine of choice. The first generation Tundra also became the model upon which the original Toyota Sequoia full-sized SUV was based. The two vehicles shared a host of parts and accessories including the 4.7 liter V8 engine, wheels, tires, transmissions and interior components among them.

2000-2002 Toyota Tundra extended cab SR5

Publicly introduced in May 1999 as a 2000 model, the Tundra prototypes and "show trucks" were initially known as T150s. However, Ford and automotive pundits felt that this name was too close to the market-leader Ford F-150, and following a lawsuit by Ford, the production truck was renamed the Tundra (Toyota claimed they never truly intended to use the T150 name in actual production). Toyota then countersued Ford regarding the name of their then-released Lincoln LS sedan, arguing it was too close to that of the Lexus LS.

Toyota Tundra StepSide

The Tundra was slightly larger than the T100, but still suffered the perception of being too small and carlike to pose a serious threat to the domestic pickup trucks. With a production capacity of 120,000, sales were double the rate of the T100. The Tundra also had the largest initial vehicle sales for Toyota in its history (up until that time). It garnered impressive honors, including Motor Trend's Truck of the Year award for 2000 and Best Full- Size Truck from Consumer Reports. Built in a new Toyota plant in Princeton, Indiana, with 65 percent domestic content, the Tundra showed that Toyota was serious about closing the gap on the Big Three.

Engine choices available in the Tundra were a 24V 3.4 liter V6 engine that produced 190 horsepower (140 kW) and 220 ft·lbf (298 N·m) of torque and a 32 valve 4.7 liter V8 engine that produced 245 horsepower (183 kW) and 315 ft·lbf (427 N·m) of torque. A Toyota Racing Development (TRD) derived supercharger was already available for the 3.4 liter V6 that bumped horsepower to the 260 horsepower (190 kW) range and 260 ft·lbf (353 N·m) of torque range, but TRD introduced a supercharger for the V8 engine late into its second year of production that pushed the V8 numbers to the mid 300 horsepower (220 kW) range and torque to the 400 ft·lbf (550 N·m) range. Although the V6 supercharger is still widely available, the V8 supercharger is rarer and harder to find because of TRD stopping production of the device because of issues of its compatibility with the engine.

2003-2006 Toyota Tundra regular cab

The grille was updated for 2003 and the Double Cab version was added to the lineup in 2004. The Double Cab model was a true crew cab with four normal doors, with interior and exterior details copied from the Toyota Sequoia. Its bed is nearly 5 inches (130 mm) longer than the competing Nissan Titan or Ford F-150. It is also 13 inches (330 mm) longer and 3 inches (76 mm) taller than the Regular and Access cab versions. A new engine was introduced in 2005: a 4.0 liter V6 rated at 236 horsepower (176 kW) and 266 ft·lbf (361 N·m) of torque, and the existing 4.7 liter V8 was updated with Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing technology and was rated at 271 horsepower (202 kW) and 313 ft·lbf (424 N·m) of torque. The 5-speed manual gave way to a 6-speed manual, and a 5-speed automatic replaced the 4-speed. With a towing capacity of just 6,800 lb (on the Double Cabs) and a 7,100 pounds towing capacity on the Access Cabs and Regular Cabs with a V8 engine, it still did not have enough muscle to compete with the heavy-duty offerings of the Big Three and Nissan. Domestic truck aficionados still derided it as a "7/8 scale" pickup.^[

Toyota RAV4

2008-08-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Toyota RAV4 (pronounced "rav-four") is a compact crossover SUV built and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The car was introduced in Japan and Europe in 1994 and sales began in North America in 1996 to cater to consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a smaller car. The early success of the RAV4 paved the way for other compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, and the Subaru Forester. Its name stands for "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive," although not all RAV4s have four wheel drive, which is optional in some countries. In most countries, the RAV4 is the only compact SUV from Toyota. In other markets, it is the crossover counterpart of the FJ Cruiser.

First generation (1994–2000)

1996-1997 Toyota RAV4 2-door hardtop

The RAV4 was originally based on the Corolla platform, and was offered in both two and four-door versions. In the US, a 2.0 L I4 engine producing 120 hp was offered. Both Front wheel drive and Four-wheel drive were available, and the RAV4 could be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. In 1998, the RAV4 was slightly restyled on the front and rear fascias, and a soft-top two-door was made available exclusively in the US market. Horsepower was increased slightly to 127. In 1999, the two-door hardtop was dropped from the American lineup, leaving the 4-door and soft-top models.

1998-2000 Toyota RAV4 2-door Convertible

One interesting version, the RAV4 EV, was an all-electric 'zero-emission' model offered for sale in low quantities in California. These models came with a 60,000-mile battery warranty, and the vehicles still command high prices on the used-car market. One sold in 2006 on eBay for over US$50,000.

A significant criticism of the gasoline-powered first generation RAV4s, often called '4.1s', was that they were underpowered, and had relatively poor fuel economy via their 3SFE engines that were designed for earlier Camrys and 1987-1989 Toyota Celica GT, 1990-1993 S-R and Z-R, as well as 1994-1999 SS-I. Later generations of RAV4s, the so-called '4.2s' and '4.3s', have addressed this concern. Like most other Toyotas, all RAV4s have earned the reputation of high reliability, and have enjoyed high resale values.

Third generation (2006–present)

The Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned for the
2006 model year, on an all-new platform. It still has the 2AZ-FE 2.4 L four-cylinder engine, which now produces 166 hp, up five from the previous year. The North American and Australian RAV4 is also fitted with the 2GR-FE 3.5 L V6 engine as an option. The new RAV4 topped Toyota SUV sales in the United States for the first time. It is also the first generation of RAV4 to be offered in regular (for Asian and European markets) and extended (for American and Australian markets) versions.

The extended-length RAV4 is larger by 21% in interior volume from the last generation and now has an available third-row seat for two small children (US and Canada only). The RAV4 can still be had in either two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive in the United States; however, most countries, including Canada, only sell the four-wheel-drive version.

JDM models are X, G, and Sport. The X and G can be ordered with either front-drive or 4WD. The Sport model with over fender is 4WD only. In Australia, the RAV4 is sold in base CV, mid-range Cruiser, and top of the line Cruiser L trim levels. The extended-length RAV4 is sold in Japan as the Toyota Vanguard.

Currently, the RAV4 is produced in two locations in Japan: Toyota's Tahara, Aichi assembly plant, and under contract by Toyota Industries in its Nagakusa, Obu, Aichi plant. However, when Toyota's Woodstock, Ontario, Canada assembly plant comes online in 2008, models sold in North America will be assembled exclusively there (effective May 2009).

In Malaysia, only the 2.0 automatic variant is available, in a single trim level. This model uses the 1AZ-FE 4-cylinder, in-line 16-valve engine with DOHC and VVT-i. The output for this the 2.0 L RAV4 in Malaysia is at 112 kW at 6000 rpm with a torque of 194Nm at 4000 rpm.

Biodiesel Review

2008-07-16T01:49:00.000-07:00

Biodiesel refers to a non-petroleum-based diesel fuel consisting of short chain alkyl (methyl or ethyl) esters, made by transesterification of vegetable oil, which can be used (alone, or blended with conventional petrodiesel) in unmodified diesel-engine vehicles. Biodiesel is distinguished from the straight vegetable oil (SVO) (aka "waste vegetable oil", "WVO", "used vegetable oil", "UVO", "unwashed biodiesel", "pure plant oil", "PPO") used (alone, or blended) as fuels in some converted diesel vehicles. "Biodiesel" is standardized as mono-alkyl ester and other kinds of diesel-grade fuels of biological origin are not included.

Blends

Blends of biodiesel and conventional hydrocarbon-based diesel are products most commonly distributed for use in the retail diesel fuel marketplace. Much of the world uses a system known as the "B" factor to state the amount of biodiesel in any fuel mix: fuel containing 20% biodiesel is labeled B20, while pure biodiesel is referred to as B100. It is common to see B99, since 1% petrodiesel is sufficiently toxic to retard mold. Blends of 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent petroleum diesel (B20) can generally be used in unmodified diesel engines. Biodiesel can also be used in its pure form (B100), but may require certain engine modifications to avoid maintenance and performance problems. Blending B100 with petro diesel may be accomplished by:

* Mixing in tanks at manufacturing point prior to delivery to tanker truck
* Splash mixing in the tanker truck (adding specific percentages of Biodiesel and Petro Diesel)
* In-line mixing, two components arrive at tanker truck simultaneously.

Origin

On August 31, 1937, G. Chavanne of the University of Brussels (Belgium) was granted a patent for a 'Procedure for the transformation of vegetable oils for their uses as fuels' (fr. 'Procédé de Transformation d’Huiles Végétales en Vue de Leur Utilisation comme Carburants') Belgian Patent 422,877. This patent described the alcoholysis (often referred to as transesterification) of vegetable oils using ethanol (and mentions methanol) in order to separate the fatty acids from the glycerol by replacing the glycerol with short linear alcohols. This appears to be the first account of the production of what is known as 'biodiesel' today.

Applications

Biodiesel can be used in pure form (B100) or may be blended with petroleum diesel at any concentration in most modern diesel engines. Biodiesel has different solvent properties than petrodiesel, and will degrade natural rubber gaskets and hoses in vehicles (mostly found in vehicles manufactured before 1992), although these tend to wear out naturally and most likely will have already been replaced with FKM, which is nonreactive to biodiesel. Biodiesel has been known to break down deposits of residue in the fuel lines where petrodiesel has been used. As a result, fuel filters may become clogged with particulates if a quick transition to pure biodiesel is made. Therefore, it is recommended to change the fuel filters on engines and heaters shortly after first switching to a biodiesel blend.

Distribution

Biodiesel use and production are increasing rapidly. Fueling stations make biodiesel readily available to consumers across Europe, and increasingly in the USA and Canada. A growing number of transport fleets use it as an additive in their fuel. Biodiesel is often more expensive to purchase than petroleum diesel but this is expected to diminish due to economies of scale and agricultural subsidies versus the rising cost of petroleum as reserves are depleted.

[edit] Vehicular use and manufacturer acceptance

In 2005, DaimlerChrysler released Jeep Liberty CRD diesels from the factory into the American market with 5% biodiesel blends, indicating at least partial acceptance of biodiesel as an acceptable diesel fuel additive. In 2007, DaimlerChrysler indicated intention to increase warranty coverage to 20% biodiesel blends if biofuel quality in the United States can be standardized.

Railroad use

The British businessman Richard Branson's Virgin Voyager train, number 220007 Thames Voyager,billed as the world's first "biodiesel train" was converted to run on 80% petrodiesel and only 20% biodiesel, and it is claimed it will save 14% on direct emissions.

Aircraft use

Aircraft manufacturers are understandably even more cautious, but a test flight has been performed by a Czech Aircraft (completely powered on biofuel); testing has been announced by Rolls Royce plc, Air New Zealand and Boeing (one engine out of four on a Boeing 747); and commercial passenger jet testing has also been announced by Virgin Atlantic's Richard Branson.

The world's first biofuel-powered commercial aircraft took off from London's Heathrow Airport on February 24, 2008 and touched down in Amsterdam on a demonstration flight hailed as a first step towards "cleaner" flying. The "BioJet" fuel for this flight was produced by Seattle based Imperium Renewables, Inc.

As a heating oil

Biodiesel can also be used as a heating fuel in domestic and commercial boilers, sometimes known as bioheat. Older furnaces may contain rubber parts that would be affected by biodiesel's solvent properties, but can otherwise burn biodiesel without any conversion required. Care must be taken at first, however, given that varnishes left behind by petrodiesel will be released and can clog pipes- fuel filtering and prompt filter replacement is required. Another approach is to start using biodiesel as blend, and decreasing the petroleum proportion over time can allow the varnishes to come off more gradually and be less likely to clog. Thanks to its strong solvent properties, however, the furnace is cleaned out and generally becomes more efficient. A technical research paper[11] describes laboratory research and field trials project using pure biodiesel and biodiesel blends as a heating fuel in oil fired boilers. During the Biodiesel Expo 2006 in the UK, Andrew J. Robertson presented his biodiesel heating oil research from his technical paper and suggested that B20 biodiesel could reduce UK household CO2 emissions by 1.5 million tons per year.

Historical background

Transesterification of a vegetable oil was conducted as early as 1853 by scientists E. Duffy and J. Patrick, many years before the first diesel engine became functional. Rudolf Diesel's prime model, a single 10 ft (3 m) iron cylinder with a flywheel at its base, ran on its own power for the first time in Augsburg, Germany, on August 10, 1893. In remembrance of this event, August 10 has been declared "International Biodiesel Day".

Rudolf Diesel demonstrated a Diesel engine running on peanut oil (at the request of the French government) built by the French Otto Company at the World Fair in Paris, France in 1900, where it received the Grand Prix (highest prize).

This engine stood as an example of Diesel's vision because it was powered by peanut oil — a biofuel, though not biodiesel, since it was not transesterified. He believed that the utilization of biomass fuel was the real future of his engine. In a 1912 speech Diesel said, "the use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today but such oils may become, in the course of time, as important as petroleum and the coal-tar products of the present time."

During the 1920s, diesel engine manufacturers altered their engines to utilize the lower viscosity of petrodiesel (a fossil fuel), rather than vegetable oil (a biomass fuel). The petroleum industries were able to make inroads in fuel markets because their fuel was much cheaper to produce than the biomass alternatives. The result, for many years, was a near elimination of the biomass fuel production infrastructure. Only recently, have environmental impact concerns and a decreasing price differential made biomass fuels such as biodiesel a growing alternative.

Despite the widespread use of fossil petroleum-derived diesel fuels, interest in vegetable oils as fuels in internal combustion engines is reported in several countries during the 1920s and 1930's and later during World War II. Belgium, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Japan and China have been reported to have tested and used vegetable oils as diesel fuels during this time. Some operational problems were reported due to the high viscosity of vegetable oils compared to petroleum diesel fuel, which result in poor atomization of the fuel in the fuel spray and often leads to deposits and coking of the injectors, combustion chamber and valves. Attempts to overcome these problems included heating of the vegetable oil, blending it with petroleum-derived diesel fuel or ethanol, pyrolysis and cracking of the oils.

On August 31, 1937, G. Chavanne of the University of Brussels (Belgium) was granted a patent for a "Procedure for the transformation of vegetable oils for their uses as fuels" (fr. 'Procédé de Transformation d’Huiles Végétales en Vue de Leur Utilisation comme Carburants') Belgian Patent 422,877. This patent described the alcoholysis (often referred to as transesterification) of vegetable oils using methanol and ethanol in order to separate the fatty acids from the glycerol by replacing the glycerol by short linear alcohols. This appears to be the first account of the production of what is known as "biodiesel" today.

More recently, in 1977, Brazilian scientist Expedito Parente produced biodiesel using transesterification with ethanol, and again filed a patent for the same process. This process is classified as biodiesel by international norms, conferring a "standardized identity and quality. No other proposed biofuel has been validated by the motor industry." Currently, Parente's company Tecbio is working with Boeing and NASA to certify bioquerosene (bio-kerosene), another product produced and patented by the Brazilian scientist.

Research into the use of transesterified sunflower oil, and refining it to diesel fuel standards, was initiated in South Africa in 1979. By 1983, the process for producing fuel-quality, engine-tested biodiesel was completed and published internationally. An Austrian company, Gaskoks, obtained the technology from the South African Agricultural Engineers; the company erected the first biodiesel pilot plant in November 1987, and the first industrial-scale plant in April 1989 (with a capacity of 30,000 tons of rapeseed per annum).

Throughout the 1990s, plants were opened in many European countries, including the Czech Republic, Germany and Sweden. France launched local production of biodiesel fuel (referred to as diester) from rapeseed oil, which is mixed into regular diesel fuel at a level of 5%, and into the diesel fuel used by some captive fleets (e.g. public transportation) at a level of 30%. Renault, Peugeot and other manufacturers have certified truck engines for use with up to that level of partial biodiesel; experiments with 50% biodiesel are underway. During the same period, nations in other parts of the world also saw local production of biodiesel starting up: by 1998, the Austrian Biofuels Institute had identified 21 countries with commercial biodiesel projects. 100% Biodiesel is now available at many normal service stations across Europe.

In September 2005 Minnesota became the first U.S. state to mandate that all diesel fuel sold in the state contain part biodiesel, requiring a content of at least 2% biodiesel.[16]

Biodiesel has better lubricating properties than today's lower viscosity diesel fuels. Biodiesel addition reduces engine wear[17] increasing the life of the fuel injection equipment that relies on the fuel for its lubrication, such as high pressure injection pumps, pump injectors (also called unit injectors) and fuel injectors.
Older diesel Mercedes are popular for running on biodiesel.
Older diesel Mercedes are popular for running on biodiesel.

The calorific value of biodiesel is about 33 MJ/L.[citation needed] This is 9% lower than regular Number 2 petrodiesel. Variations in biodiesel energy density is more dependent on the feedstock used than the production process. Still these variations are less than for petrodiesel.[18] It has been claimed biodiesel gives better lubricity and more complete combustion thus increasing the engine energy output and partially compensating for the higher energy density of petrodiesel.

Biodiesel is a liquid which varies in color — between golden and dark brown — depending on the production feedstock. It is immiscible with water, has a high boiling point and low vapor pressure. *The flash point of biodiesel (>130 °C, >266 °F)[20] is significantly higher than that of petroleum diesel (64 °C, 147 °F) or gasoline (−45 °C, -52 °F). Biodiesel has a density of ~ 0.88 g/cm³, less than that of water.

Biodiesel has a viscosity similar to petrodiesel, the current industry term for diesel produced from petroleum. Biodiesel has high lubricity and virtually no sulfur content, and it is often used as an additive to Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel.

Technical standards

Main article: Biodiesel standard

Biodiesel has a number of standards for its quality including the European standard EN 14214 and the ASTM D6751 USA and Canada.

Gelling

The cloud point, or temperature at which pure (B100) biodiesel starts to gel, varies significantly and depends upon the mix of esters and therefore the feedstock oil used to produce the biodiesel. For example, biodiesel produced from low erucic acid varieties of canola seed (RME) starts to gel at approximately −10 °C (14 °F). Biodiesel produced from tallow tends to gel at around +16 °C (61 °F). As of 2006, there are a very limited number of products that will significantly lower the gel point of straight biodiesel. A study carried out by Assiniboine Community College in Manitoba, Canada managed to produce B100 biodiesel that was a clear flowing liquid at -38° by using a commercially available additive, Wintron XC30, in addition to low temperature filtration.[citation needed] A number of studies have shown that winter operation is possible with biodiesel blended with other fuel oils including #2 low sulfur diesel fuel and #1 diesel / kerosene. The exact blend depends on the operating environment: successful operations have run using a 65% LS #2, 30% K #1, and 5% bio blend. Other areas have run a 70% Low Sulfur #2, 20% Kerosene #1, and 10% bio blend or an 80% K#1, and 20% biodiesel blend. According to the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% petrodiesel) does not need any treatment in addition to what is already taken with petrodiesel.

To permit the use of biodiesel without mixing and without the possibility of gelling at low temperatures, some people modify their vehicles with a second fuel tank for biodiesel in addition to the standard fuel tank. Alternately, a vehicle with two tanks is chosen. The second fuel tank is insulated and a heating coil using engine coolant is run through the tank. When a temperature sensor indicates that the fuel is warm enough to burn, the driver switches from the petrodiesel tank to the biodiesel tank. This is similar to the method used for running straight vegetable oil.

Contamination by water

Biodiesel may contain small but problematic quantities of water. Although it is hydrophobic (non-miscible with water molecules), it is said to be, at the same time, hygroscopic to the point of attracting water molecules from atmospheric moisture;[21] one of the reasons biodiesel can absorb water is the persistence of mono and diglycerides left over from an incomplete reaction. These molecules can act as an emulsifier, allowing water to mix with the biodiesel. In addition, there may be water that is residual to processing or resulting from storage tank condensation. The presence of water is a problem because:

* Water reduces the heat of combustion of the bulk fuel. This means more smoke, harder starting, less power.
* Water causes corrosion of vital fuel system components: fuel pumps, injector pumps, fuel lines, etc.
* Water & microbes cause the paper element filters in the system to fail (rot), which in turn results in premature failure of the fuel pump due to ingestion of large particles.
* Water freezes to form ice crystals near 0 °C (32 °F). These crystals provide sites for nucleation and accelerate the gelling of the residual fuel.
* Water accelerates the growth of microbe colonies, which can plug up a fuel system. Biodiesel users who have heated fuel tanks therefore face a year-round microbe problem.
* Additionally, water can cause pitting in the pistons on a diesel engine.

Previously, the amount of water contaminating biodiesel has been difficult to measure by taking samples, since water and oil separate. However, it is now possible to measure the water content using water-in-oil sensors.
Water contamination is also a potential problem when using certain chemical catalysts involved in the production process, substantially reducing catalytic efficiency of base (high pH) catalysts such as KOH. However, the super-critical methanol production methodology, whereby the transesterification process of oil feedstock and methanol is effectuated under high temperature and pressure, has been shown to be largely unaffected by the presence of water contamination during the production phase.

Availability and prices
In some countries biodiesel is less expensive than conventional diesel.
In some countries biodiesel is less expensive than conventional diesel.

For more details on this topic, see Biodiesel around the World.

Global biodiesel production reached 3.8 million tons in 2005. Approximately 85% of biodiesel production came from the European Union.

In the United States, average retail (at the pump) prices, including Federal and state fuel taxes, of B2/B5 are lower than petroleum diesel by about 12 cents, and B20 blends are the same as petrodiesel. B99 and B100 generally cost more than petrodiesel except where local governments provide a subsidy.

[edit] Production

For more details on this topic, see Biodiesel production.

Biodiesel is commonly produced by the transesterification of the vegetable oil or animal fat feedstock. There are several methods for carrying out this transesterification reaction including the common batch process, supercritical processes, ultrasonic methods, and even microwave methods.

Chemically, transesterified biodiesel comprises a mix of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids. The most common form uses methanol (converted to sodium methoxide) to produce methyl esters as it is the cheapest alcohol available, though ethanol can be used to produce an ethyl ester biodiesel and higher alcohols such as isopropanol and butanol have also been used. Using alcohols of higher molecular weights improves the cold flow properties of the resulting ester, at the cost of a less efficient transesterification reaction. A lipid transesterification production process is used to convert the base oil to the desired esters. Any Free fatty acids (FFAs) in the base oil are either converted to soap and removed from the process, or they are esterified (yielding more biodiesel) using an acidic catalyst. After this processing, unlike straight vegetable oil, biodiesel has combustion properties very similar to those of petroleum diesel, and can replace it in most current uses.

A by-product of the transesterification process is the production of glycerol. For every 1 tonne of biodiesel that is manufactured, 100 kg of glycerol are produced. Originally, there was a valuable market for the glycerol, which assisted the economics of the process as a whole. However, with the increase in global biodiesel production, the market price for this crude glycerol (containing 20% water and catalyst residues) has crashed. Research is being conducted globally to use this glycerol as a chemical building block. One initiative in the UK is The Glycerol Challenge.

Usually this crude glycerol has to be purified, typically by performing vacuum distillation. This is rather energy intensive. The refined glycerol (98%+ purity) can then be utilised directly, or converted into other products. The following announcements were made in 2007: A joint venture of Ashland Inc. and Cargill announced plans to make propylene glycol in Europe from glycerol and Dow Chemical announced similar plans for North America. Dow also plans to build a plant in China to make epichlorhydrin from glycerol. Epichlorhydrin is a raw material for epoxy resins.

Production levels

Biodiesel production capacity is growing rapidly, with an average annual growth rate from 2002-2006 of over 40%. For the year 2006, the latest for which actual production figures could be obtained, total world biodiesel production was about 5-6 million tonnes, with 4.9 million tonnes processed in Europe (of which 2.7 million tonnes was from Germany) and most of the rest from the USA.The capacity for 2007 in Europe totalled 10.3 million tonnes. This compares with a total demand for diesel in the US and Europe of approximately 490 million tonnes (147 billion gallons).Total world production of vegetable oil for all purposes in 2005/06 was about 110 million tonnes, with about 34 million tonnes each of palm oil and soybean oil.

Biodiesel feedstocks
Soybeans are used as a source of biodiesel
Soybeans are used as a source of biodiesel
Plant oils
Olive oil
Types
Vegetable fats (list)
Macerated (list)
Uses
Drying oil - Oil paint
Cooking oil
Fuel - Biodiesel
Components
Saturated fat
Monounsaturated fat
Polyunsaturated fat
Trans fat

A variety of oils can be used to produce biodiesel. These include:

* Virgin oil feedstock; rapeseed and soybean oils are most commonly used, soybean oil alone accounting for about ninety percent of all fuel stocks in the US. It also can be obtained from field pennycress and Jatropha other crops such as mustard, flax, sunflower, palm oil, hemp (see List of vegetable oils for a more complete list);
* Waste vegetable oil (WVO);
* Animal fats including tallow, lard, yellow grease, chicken fat, and the by-products of the production of Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil.
* Algae, which can be grown using waste materials such as sewage and without displacing land currently used for food production.

Many advocates suggest that waste vegetable oil is the best source of oil to produce biodiesel, but since the available supply is drastically less than the amount of petroleum-based fuel that is burned for transportation and home heating in the world, this local solution does not scale well.

Animal fats are similarly limited in supply, and it would not be efficient to raise animals (or catch fish) simply for their fat. However, producing biodiesel with animal fat that would have otherwise been discarded could replace a small percentage of petroleum diesel usage. Currently, a 5-million dollar plant is being built in the USA, with the intent of producing 11.4 million litres (3 million gallons) biodiesel from some of the estimated 1 billion kg (2.3 billion pounds) of chicken fat produced annually the local Tyson poultry plant.[32] Similarly, some small-scale biodiesel factories use waste fish oil as feedstock.[35][36]

Quantity of feedstocks required

Worldwide production of vegetable oil and animal fat is not yet sufficient to replace liquid fossil fuel use. Furthermore, some object to the vast amount of farming and the resulting fertilization, pesticide use, and land use conversion that would be needed to produce the additional vegetable oil. The estimated transportation diesel fuel and home heating oil used in the United States is about 160 million tonnes (350 billion pounds) according to the Energy Information Administration, US Department of Energy -. In the United States, estimated production of vegetable oil for all uses is about 11 million tonnes (24 billion pounds) and estimated production of animal fat is 5.3 million tonnes (12 billion pounds).

If the entire arable land area of the USA (470 million acres, or 1.9 million square kilometers) were devoted to biodiesel production from soy, this would just about provide the 160 million tonnes required (assuming an optimistic 98 gpa of biodiesel). This land area could in principle be reduced significantly using algae, if the obstacles can be overcome. The US DOE estimates that if algae fuel replaced all the petroleum fuel in the United States, it would require 15,000 square miles (38,849 square kilometers), which is a few thousand square miles larger than Maryland, or 1.3 Belgiums, assuming a yield of 15000 gpa. The advantages of algae are that it can be grown on non-arable land such as deserts or in marine environments, and the potential oil yields are much higher than from plants.

[edit] Yield
This article or section contains no SI units of measurement.
Please help improve this article by adding international units, preferably from the references cited in the article.

Feedstock yield efficiency per acre affects the feasibility of ramping up production to the huge industrial levels required to power a significant percentage of national or world vehicles. Some typical yields in US gallons of biodiesel per acre are:

* Algae: 1800 gpa or more
* Palm oil: 508 gpa
* Coconut: 230 gpa
* Rapeseed: 102 gpa
* Soy: 59.2-98.6 gpa in Indiana(Soy is used in 80% of USA biodiesel)
* Peanut: 90 gpa
* Sunflower: 82 gpa

Algae fuel yields have not yet been accurately determined, but DOE is reported as saying that algae yield 30 times more energy per acre than land crops such as soybeans, and some estimate even higher yields up to 15000 gpa.

The Jatropha plant has been cited as a high-yield source of biodiesel but such claims have also been exaggerated. The more realistic estimates put the yield at about 200 gpa (1.5-2 tonnes per hectare). It is grown in the Philippines, Mali and India, is drought-resistant, and can share space with other cash crops such as coffee, sugar, fruits and vegetables. It is well-suited to semi-arid lands and can contribute to slow down desertification, according to its advocates.

[edit] Efficiency and economic arguments

According to a study written by Drs. Van Dyne and Raymer for the Tennessee Valley Authority, the average US farm consumes fuel at the rate of 82 litres per hectare (8.75 US gallons per acre) of land to produce one crop. However, average crops of rapeseed produce oil at an average rate of 1,029 L/ha (110 US gal/acre), and high-yield rapeseed fields produce about 1,356 L/ha (145 US gal/acre). The ratio of input to output in these cases is roughly 1:12.5 and 1:16.5. Photosynthesis is known to have an efficiency rate of about 3-6% of total solar radiation[49] and if the entire mass of a crop is utilized for energy production, the overall efficiency of this chain is currently about 1%[50] While this may compare unfavorably to solar cells combined with an electric drive train, biodiesel is less costly to deploy (solar cells cost approximately US$1,000 per square meter) and transport (electric vehicles require batteries which currently have a much lower energy density than liquid fuels).

However, these statistics by themselves are not enough to show whether such a change makes economic sense. Additional factors must be taken into account, such as: the fuel equivalent of the energy required for processing, the yield of fuel from raw oil, the return on cultivating food, the effect biodiesel will have of food prices and the relative cost of biodiesel versus petrodiesel.

The debate over the energy balance of biodiesel is ongoing. Transitioning fully to biofuels could require immense tracts of land if traditional food crops are used (although non food crops can be utilized). The problem would be especially severe for nations with large economies, since energy consumption scales with economic output.

If using only traditional food plants, most such nations do not have sufficient arable land to produce biofuel for the nation's vehicles. Nations with smaller economies (hence less energy consumption) and more arable land may be in better situations, although many regions cannot afford to divert land away from food production.

For third world countries, biodiesel sources that use marginal land could make more sense, e.g. honge oil nuts,grown along roads or jatropha grown along rail lines.

In tropical regions, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, oil palm is being planted at a rapid pace to supply growing biodiesel demand in Europe and other markets. It has been estimated in Germany that palm oil biodiesel has less than 1/3 the production costs of rapeseed biodiesel. The direct source of the energy content of biodiesel is solar energy captured by plants during photosynthesis. Regarding the positive energy balance of biodiesel[citation needed]:

When straw was left in the field, biodiesel production was strongly energy positive, yielding 1 GJ biodiesel for every 0.561 GJ of energy input (a yield/cost ratio of 1.78).
When straw was burned as fuel and oilseed rapemeal was used as a fertilizer, the yield/cost ratio for biodiesel production was even better (3.71). In other words, for every unit of energy input to produce biodiesel, the output was 3.71 units (the difference of 2.71 units would be from solar energy).

Biodiesel is becoming of interest to companies interested in commercial scale production as well as the more usual home brew biodiesel user and the user of straight vegetable oil or waste vegetable oil in diesel engines. Homemade biodiesel processors are many and varied.

source :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiesel

Ford Escape Hybrid

2008-07-15T01:46:00.000-07:00

Ford Escape Hybrid

Consider one simple fact: The Ford Escape Hybrid is the most efficient hybrid SUV on the market. The front-drive Escape Hybrid has government fuel economy ratings of 34 city/30 highway, while the AWD version offers 29 city/27 highway. What else do you need to know, except that the Ford Escape Hybrid offers plenty of space, comfort, and versatility?

Though the Ford Escape Hybrid touts new looks and an updated cabin, it still offers the same mechanics and powertrain as the previous model. Ford did not tinker with a winning formula. Power comes from a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a pair of electric motors, which together output a net 155 horses. Performance-wise, the Escape Hybrid splits the difference between the slower standard four-cylinder Escape, and the more powerful V6 model.

"Highs: Best fuel economy we've measured in a sport-ute, hybrid status hasn't compromised any of the Escape's usefulness. Lows: Not the bargain the Toyota Prius is, lethargic, 10 percent heavier than a V-6 Escape. The Verdict: Proof that hybrid technology works for sport-utility vehicles. Just don't expect 50 mpg."
Car and Driver

"For the record, this leadfoot, who drove as if an egg was beneath the gas pedal, got 35 mpg and was near the top of the list (for the AWD models). Alas, the celebration was short-lived, as my partner got 50 mpg on her go-round! Of course, she had almost all green lights, while my efforts were hindered by a string of reds… But all kidding aside, we were thoroughly impressed by the fact that we both soundly beat Ford's own city estimates for the AWD version. Our only complaint with the powertrain was a minor one — the engine gets a little buzzy while maintaining speeds of 55 mph or above on long uphill stretches."
Edmunds.com

"The dual power sources work together very well and the SUV goes down the road much like the conventional Escape – but with a lot better gas mileage. What’s the downside? Mostly, it’s a matter of getting used to the gas engine cutting out to save fuel when you sit at a traffic light or intersection. You only need the electric motor to get started, but it takes a while to train your brain to this."
Autobytel.com

Source :
http://www.hybridcars.com/suvs-minivans/ford-escape-hybrid-reviews.html

Mercedes E320 Bluetec

2008-07-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

Mercedes E320 Bluetec

More than half of the cars sold in Europe today are diesels, as opposed to barely five percent scratching the market here in the U.S. But a shift is taking place as cleaner burning technology makes its way into the mainstream, countering the old diesel stereotypes of being dirty, loud, and unsophisticated. And as more people wake up to the benefits of the modern diesel system, Mercedes Benz is leading the charge with technology it calls “Bluetec”. Intended to span over a line of several vehicles, the Bluetec designation is most commonly associated with Benz’ E-Class platform, specifically the E320 sedan.

“…boasts superior mileage and plentiful torque…”
Edmunds.com

“Quiet, comfortable, and dignified at highway speeds.”
Kelley Blue Book

“For those interested in fuel economy… Bluetec delivers.”
U.S. News and World Report

Why Buy a Hybrid Car

2008-07-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

Why Buy a Hybrid Car

Hybrid cars are popular because they appeal to such a wide range of consumers. The ecologically conscious can appreciate the the ultra low emissions and amazing fuel economy, while the economically conscious can appreciate the low depreciation and great savings at the pump. See Hybrid Car Prices Now!

* Lower fuel emissions help to curb the infamous "Greenhouse Effect."

* Hybrid cars are in high demand, and because of this, they hold their value much better than most gasoline automobiles.

* Burning fossil fuel releases potentially harmful pollutants, but reducing the amount of fuel that needs to be burned may allow the environment to dispose of these pollutants by natural means.

* Hybrid cars offer huge savings at the pump. Switching from the average sedan to the average hybrid could save the driver over 500 dollars a year!

* Hybrid car technology has been accepted as a solution for the automobile pollution problems of the day.

Many states are now offering tax incentives and rebates to assist with the purchase of hybrid cars. These rebates can often add up to thousands of dollars saved! Click to learn more about hybrid car rebates in your area or get a free no-hassle quote on the Hybrid Car of your choice.
source :
http://www.hybrid-car.org/buy-hybrid-car.html

Hybrid Cars and Pollution

2008-07-14T01:20:00.000-07:00

Hybrid Cars and Pollution

It may seem excessive to spend so much time and money developing more economical cars as an alternative to gasoline automobiles, especially since the general population seems to be perfectly happy with current automotive technology, but hybrid cars offer another great advantage; far lower emissions.

When emissions or tailpipe emissions are mentioned in a discussion about cars, the terms refer to the gases released by the burning of gasoline that pollute the atmosphere. These gases are Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Oxides, and Hydrocarbons. These gases, commonly referred to as greenhouse gases, are of particular concern, because of their effect on the earth's climate by trapping heat in the atmosphere that would normally be deflected back to space. The National Research Council performed a study in May 2001 on the effects of greenhouse gas.

“Greenhouse gases are accumulating in Earth’s atmosphere as a result of human activities, causing surface air temperatures and sub-surface ocean temperatures to rise. Temperatures are, in fact, rising. The changes observed over the last several decades are likely mostly due to human activities, but we cannot rule out that some significant part of these changes is also a reflection of natural variability.”

To see how many pounds of greenhouse gases your vehicles emit every year, click here.
Hybrid cars have been accepted as an intermediary solution to the current emissions problems that we face, as they offer lower emissions than gasoline automobiles.

Hybrid Car Facts

2008-07-14T01:18:00.001-07:00

Hybrid Car Facts

* Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius produce 90% less pollutants than comparable non-hybrid cars. By putting less harmful chemicals in the environment, the harmful effects of pollution can be halted or even reversed.

* The United States government supports hybrid car ownership by allowing a tax write off. In 2005, this rebate may be as high as $5000!

* While it is true that hybrid cars do have expensive parts, they also have warranties that provide free replacement of the most expensive parts for many years.

* Hybrid cars show much lower depreciation rates than standard gasoline cars. They are now and will continue to be in extremely high demand, so hybrid cars keep their values very well, making a hybrid car a sound investment.

* Though hybrid cars have not been on the US market for very long, they have been sold in Japan since 1997. Some consumers worry that hybrid cars may not last as long as other cars, but it is not abnormal for a hybrid car to run like new when it has 250,000 miles on it. The best part - hybrid cars don't require any more maintenance than gasoline cars.

* Hybrid cars aren't a fad. Nearly every major automobile manufacturer has announced either the launch of a hybrid car or plans for a launch. A large part of this is due to the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) regulation, by which an automaker must maintain a minimum mileage of 27.5mpg across its product line. By investing in hybrid technology, they can offer faster, larger engines in the rest of their line.

* You don't have to be an environmentalist to love hybrid cars. Consider the following: ACME Construction has a fleet of 10 work trucks that together drive 2500 miles a week, and guzzle $308 of gas a week. A new hybrid truck offered by a major manufacturer can save ACME Construction nearly $7000 per year, in gasoline costs alone. When factoring in lower depreciation and tax incentives, this number skyrockets. Capitalists can love hybrids too.

source : http://www.hybrid-car.org/hybrid-car-facts.html

Toyota Camry Hybrid

2008-07-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Powertrain

The Toyota Camry Hybrid utilizes a four-cylinder gasoline engine with 108 kW (147 hp) and 187 Nm (138 ft·lbf) and 650V electric motors with a NiMH 245V traction battery with a maximum output of 29 kW (40 hp) to produce a peak of 140 kW (187 hp).

EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid are 40 MPG (City) and 38 MPG (Highway). EPA’s revised method of estimating fuel economy for 2008 and subsequent model years, which now considers the effects of air conditioning, rapid acceleration and cold temperatures, estimates 33 MPG (City) and 34 MPG (Highway).

Unique features

Several features are unique to the hybrid model. Two of these features, LED tail lights and an "ECO" operating mode for the HVAC system, reduce energy consumption. Other such features include:

* Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management [VDIM]
* Climate Control (HVAC) system which can function when ICE (internal combustion engine) is off.
* Coefficient of aerodynamic drag (Cd) reducing wheel spats and underbody pans (Cd for Camry Hybrid is 0.27)

The hybrid model features "HYBRID" emblems on front fenders and an "HSD" (Hybrid Synergy Drive) emblem on the rear decklid.

Introduction and death of lead engineer

The Toyota Camry Hybrid received its North American production introduction at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The lead engineer responsible for the development of the hybrid model died of ischaemic heart disease in January 2006 at the age of 45; his daughter found him dead the day before he was scheduled to fly to the United States for the new model's introduction. In July 2008 the Aichi Labor Bureau ruled his death was due to overwork (karōshi). He had worked over 160 hours of overtime in the two months prior to his death.

Manufacturing

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is produced by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Toyota Motor Corporation Australia has confirmed that it will build the Toyota Camry Hybrid for the Australian market after months of lobbying the Australian government for incentives to produce the next generation Hybrid. It will be built at Toyota's Altona production facility in Victoria. The Australian government will give a subsidy of $35m for its production. It could also expect to build the next generation Toyota Camry Hybrid in 2011 for the Asian market.

Toyota will also build the Toyota Camry Hybrid at Toyota Motor Thailand's Gateway plant in Chachoengsao beginning 2009.

It is expected[citation needed] that the next generation Toyota Camry Hybrid will utilize the third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive that will debut in the 2009 Toyota Prius.

You'll never get accused of recklessness for buying a Toyota Camry. It's safe, comfortable, dependable, relatively attractive and altogether predictable. And based on the overwhelming sales numbers, Americans are happy with a reliable and affordable set of wheels for the family. The Camry has been America's top-selling passenger vehicle for eight of the past nine years.

"Toyota opted to tune the [Hybrid] Camry's system more for economy than all-out performance...The Camry hybrid isn't particularly sprightly off the line, but it does offer great passing power—better than the four, though not quite as athletic as the six—once the gasoline engine revs up with the motor in full assist. In low-speed stop-and-go driving, Hybrid drivers to gain the most, as the Camry can creep along with the electric motor for a considerable time." BusinessWeek

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

2008-07-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Buyers interested in a hybrid for their next vehicle may be interested in the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, but they may be disappointed in this car's mpg figures. However, that didn't stop this model from being named the 2008 North American Car of the Year.

The Chevy Malibu Hybrid does have a stylish appearance. With its 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents, it's a great looking ride. The interior gives the buyer heated bucket seats in front, an automatic climate control system, and a two-tone instrument panel.

Buying a Malibu makes sense to the person who wants to combine a sporty appearance with a reliable family vehicle. If you enjoy driving, you will appreciate this Chevy's six-speed automatic transmission. The 2008 model has also been given a five-star crash rating on side and frontal tests, which is the highest level that can be given to a vehicle.

One reason why the modern car buyer may be attracted to the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is because they want to make choices that are more environmentally responsible. In the case of the Malibu, you may not find that buying a hybrid will end up saving you much money. Even with its 164 hp 2.4 Liter 4-cylinder engine, it can be difficult to achieve the stated 24 mpg for city driving and 32 mpg on the highway.

To keep the idea of driving "green" in the front of the driver's mind, the Malibu is equipped with a light on the dashboard that will indicate when you are operating it most efficiently. This may be a good feature or a distraction while you are on the road, depending on the individual involved.

This model is equipped with OnStar to help you navigate your way from Point A to Point B more efficiently (as long as you are in an area where cell phone service is available). Hands-free calling is also available, but you will need to have a phone number assigned to you by OnStar for this purpose.

The stereo system on the 2008 Malibu includes a CD player, an auxiliary input jack, and XM satellite radio. If you want to scan a CD into the system, it will take a short time and you need to be prepared to rescan it every time you want to listen to it.

The MSRP on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is a very reasonable $23,640, and you get several good features for the price.

Nissan Altima Hybrid Review

2008-07-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

If you’ve been intrigued by the fuel savings and advanced technology of a hybrid, but find a lack of styling in other hybrid offerings, then the Nissan Altima Hybrid might be the hybrid that puts you behind the wheel of a gas-electric vehicle.

"While all midsize sedans suffer a certain inherent stuffiness, the Altima’s shape is more interesting than most, with leaner, crisper lines than the Camry dares wear. Moreover, the ’07 Altima appears—applause, please—more compact than the outgoing model, though its actual dimensions have changed little...The Altima Hybrid offers a package essentially similar to the Camry Hybrid’s, with a little less space, a lot more style and fuel economy that makes Honda’s cooking, sales challenged Accord Hybrid seem like a bad global citizen."
The Truth About Cars

"The Altima's chassis is compliant on smooth, winding roads, but with an extra 306 pounds of hybrid equipment to carry, the suspension stumbles over rough pavement and sometimes floats on the freeway. After some initial harshness at low speeds, the engine and the electric motors work in harmony with the slick, silent, planetary-type CVT, culminating in a surge of impressive passing power. The Altima continues to make ground on the Camry and the Accord, but with borrowed components and a limited distribution area, the Altima Hybrid isn't exactly a tour de force."
Automobile Magazine

"The Altima certainly scores in the style department; it's more daring, a bit more sculpted, than the typical family four-door." Forbes

Source : http://www.hybridcars.com/compacts-sedans/nissan-altima-hybrid-overview.html

Honda Civic Review

2008-07-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

As soon as the second-generation Prius arrived on the scene in 2003, the Civic Hybrid was cast in its role as runner-up in the hybrid world. It’s true that the Civic Hybrid is not quite as fuel-efficient, not quite as comfortable and roomy, and not quite as powerful as the Prius. But the gas-electric Civic, like Rodney Dangerfield, deserves more respect than it receives.

"The Honda Civic Hybrid is completely redesigned with daring new styling, a more powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain, added interior space, and a bigger trunk. It still looks too much like a regular Civic sedan, and it doesn’t feature the handy utility of the Toyota Prius’s folding rear seats and hatchback configuration, but with real-world fuel economy in the high 40s, it might be worth getting out of line at the local Toyota dealer and checking out the latest high-mileage car from Honda."
Autobytel

"The Honda Civic hybrid is a five-passenger, full-featured sedan measuring 176.7 inches long; it's packed with safety features, everything from compatibility-minded body structures (helping to protect occupants in collisions with heavier, higher vehicles such as SUVs) to an energy-absorbing hood to help lessen impacts to pedestrians. And yet, loaded like Tara Reid on Ibiza, the car weighs only 2,875 pounds, aces Honda's internal tests mimicking the government's frontal and side-impact resilience, gets in excess of 40 mpg and has almost immeasurably clean emissions. Such a car was the stuff of science fiction 10 years ago."
Los Angeles Times

"The Hybrid enjoys all of the design upgrades that make the conventional Civic sedan a real head-turner, such as a sportier front end treatment incorporating sharply angled headlamp clusters, a new chromed grille insert, flowing character lines that run from the front wheel arches, across the cars shoulders and through to the its tail end, bypassing raked A-pillars and large exterior mirrors, integrating unique triangular turn signals - exclusive to the Hybrid. The rear design looks most distinctive, unlike previous Civics that either appeared too staid to inspire comment or left the impression of being heavily from one of Mercedes-Benzs sports models. Now, the sedans taillights are positively original, and shaped in such a complicated yet pleasing form as to make describing them without the help of a photo near impossible. The Hybrids wheels are also unique, and designed with minimal openings to enhance aerodynamics."
Automobile.com

"The design is somewhere between engaging and gorgeous. The silhouette's swoop is what you'd expect on an auto-show car or in a designer's first fevered sketch, not on a production vehicle. The interior is equally daring. Dandy to drive, nice to view, better than its predecessor and welcome in a time of $3-a-gallon gasoline."
USA Today

"We briefly drove a Civic hybrid through the wide-open expanse of Joliet, Illinois, and found its new technology to be very much transparent and its newfound power welcome. On occasion you would be aware of the gas engine stopping and starting itself, but it's generally unobtrusive."
Edmunds.com

Source click here

Toyota Prius

2008-07-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

The Toyota Prius has sold more than all other hybrids combined—and for good reason. Since the debut of the second generation Prius in 2003 (as a 2004 model), the midsize hatchback sedan has racked up award after award. Years later, the Prius continues to be a red-hot seller.

The Prius inspires a cult-like devotion from its drivers. Satisfaction rates, consistently at 98 percent, are unparalleled. Prius owners are already looking 20 years ahead, when they can claim with great pride, "Yes. I drove one of the first Priuses."

Source Read more Click here

How u can Safe with Hybrid vehicles??

2008-07-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

Driving Habits

For drivers like you that have a fairly balanced mix of city and highway driving, hybrids provide dual benefits. On the highway, hybrids with smaller engines or engines tuned for peak efficiency can deliver improved fuel economy. Current hybrid models achieve 20-25% better highway fuel economy than similar conventional vehicles, without losing highway passing power due to the extra "kick" of the electric motor. You'll get an even bigger fuel economy boost in the city (40-100%) thanks to the addition of regenerative braking, idle-off, and electric-only drive capabilities, which is why you see the full hybrid models such as the Prius and Escape have better fuel economy estimates for city than for highway. Hybrids can also boast better "low end torque" than comparable conventional vehicles--meaning that the gasoline-electric drive will actually deliver better acceleration at low speeds, a great value in navigating city streets.

Given you drive about 15,000 miles a year and your local gas price is $ 2.25, your vehicle choices break down as follows:

For the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid Gen. 1 (Automatic) you would stand to spend about $ 4,681 and use about 49.5 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,744 saved at the pump and 29.0 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Civic Hybrid Gen. 1.

For the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid Gen. 1 (Manual) you would stand to spend about $ 4,530 and use about 47.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,895 saved at the pump and 30.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Civic Hybrid Gen. 1.

For the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid Gen. 1 (Manual, Lean Burn) you would stand to spend about $ 4,680 and use about 49.5 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,746 saved at the pump and 29.1 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Civic Hybrid Gen. 1.

For the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid Gen. 1 (Automatic, Lean Burn) you would stand to spend about $ 4,723 and use about 50.0 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,702 saved at the pump and 28.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Civic Hybrid Gen. 1.

For the 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Gen. 2 you would stand to spend about $ 4,530 and use about 47.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,895 saved at the pump and 30.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Civic Hybrid Gen. 2.

For the 2003 Toyota Prius Gen. 1 you would stand to spend about $ 4,056 and use about 42.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,370 saved at the pump and 35.7 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Prius Gen. 1.

For the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (2WD) you would stand to spend about $ 5,562 and use about 58.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,285 saved at the pump and 24.2 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Escape Hybrid.

For the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (4WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,374 and use about 67.4 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 1,472 saved at the pump and 15.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Escape Hybrid.

For the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid (2WD) you would stand to spend about $ 5,562 and use about 58.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,285 saved at the pump and 24.2 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Mariner Hybrid.

For the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid (4WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,374 and use about 67.4 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 1,472 saved at the pump and 15.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Mariner Hybrid.

For the 2008 Lexus LS 600hL you would stand to spend about $ 9,136 and use about 96.7 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ -884 saved at the pump and -9.3 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a LS 600hL.

For the 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid you would stand to spend about $ 7,111 and use about 75.2 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 1,142 saved at the pump and 12.1 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Accord Hybrid.

For the 2007 Lexus GS 450h you would stand to spend about $ 8,205 and use about 86.8 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 48 saved at the pump and 0.5 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a GS 450h.

For the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid you would stand to spend about $ 5,549 and use about 58.7 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,704 saved at the pump and 28.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Altima Hybrid.

For the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid you would stand to spend about $ 5,679 and use about 60.1 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,575 saved at the pump and 27.2 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Camry Hybrid.

For the 2007 Toyota Prius Gen. 2 you would stand to spend about $ 4,056 and use about 42.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 4,197 saved at the pump and 44.4 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Prius Gen. 2.

For the 2007 Lexus RX 400h (4WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,862 and use about 72.6 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,801 saved at the pump and 29.6 barrels of oil Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,263 saved at the pump and 34.5 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a RX 400h.

For the 2007 Lexus RX 400h (2WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,720 and use about 71.1 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,944 saved at the pump and 31.1 barrels of oil Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,405 saved at the pump and 36.0 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a RX 400h.

For the 2007 Toyota Highlander (2WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,720 and use about 71.1 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,944 saved at the pump and 31.1 barrels of oil Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,405 saved at the pump and 36.0 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Highlander.

For the 2007 Toyota Highlander (4WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,862 and use about 72.6 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,801 saved at the pump and 29.6 barrels of oil Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,263 saved at the pump and 34.5 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Highlander.

For the 2006 Honda Insight (Manual, Lean Burn) you would stand to spend about $ 3,678 and use about 38.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,747 saved at the pump and 39.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Insight.

For the 2006 Honda Insight (Automatic) you would stand to spend about $ 4,076 and use about 43.1 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,349 saved at the pump and 35.4 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Insight.

Source : http://go.ucsusa.org/hybridcenter/buyersguide.cfm

Hybrid Car Buying Tips at the dealership

2008-07-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

Tips at the dealership

Persevere - be insistent - you want your hybrid!

With hybrids in such high demand, some dealers may want to try and steer you into another automobile they have on the lot if they don't have the hybrid you want in stock. Don't be afraid to say "no thanks" if a dealer doesn't have the hybrid you want.

Check for the cleanest technologies.

All hybrids are not built the same. If a less polluting model matters to you, demand it. In 2003, 57% of the US population was living in areas that did not meet federal public health guidelines for smog. Even under the new Tier 2 federal emissions standards, some vehicles can emit up to 13 times as much smog-forming pollution as the cleanest vehicles available. The Gen 1 Civic Hybrid is a case in point, as their California model is a Bin 2 yet they have produced only Bin 9 models - producing 14 times as much smog-forming pollution as Bin 2 models - for the rest of the country, and have, thus far, refused to release Bin 2 models. While Gen. 2 Civic Hybrid is all Bin 2, you should always ask to see the emissions ratings of the vehicle you are going to buy, both smog-forming and global warming.

Comparison shop, and don't be afraid to bargain.

You might have a longer trip to the dealer, but you may end up with a cleaner car. Dealers may have different cars on their lots with different features. Internet sales and comparisons are also a great way to compare. As hybrids become more prevalent, so, too do incentive deals on hybrids. If you are shopping for a hybrid model that has a conventional equivalent, and that model has an incentive, ask that incentive be applied to the hybrid model as well. Check our state hybrid incentives list to see if a state nearby has a tax credit or other incentive, then ask the dealer in your state if he can match that discount in order to get your business. If you are shopping for a Toyota, a vehicle that no longer qualifies for a federal tax credit, note the fact that other hybrids still qualify for a tax credit to the dealer (in other words, don’t be afraid to play one hybrid against another…). Remember to ask people for an "out the door" price that will consist of the taxes, tags, and options you've selected.

Prius: waiting lists and "non-specified" models--

Now that Toyota has increased Prius production, the waiting list issue is far less common, waiting lists still occur in some areas with more limited availability. According to the dealers we talked to, for a $500 reservation fee, you can "order" your Prius model and get on the waiting list for its production (the $500 goes into the total cost of the vehicle, but is non-refundable if you change your mind about purchasing it). This fee may vary, so be sure to ask more than one dealer. There you will choose your car's color and the package of options you want. The waiting list for your model to arrive has been up to 3 and 6 months. Toyota is also producing an increasing number of "non-specified" models that, of course, already have their color and options pre-determined. If you're not picky about color, you can call around and see if dealers in your area are getting in a model with the options you'd like.

Beware "Hybrid Gouging"

Unfortunately, some dealers seem to be trying to find out exactly how badly you want your hybrid. One Prius dealer we spoke with attempted to convince us that there was a $2,500 additional fee to take a "non-specified" model if we didn't first get on the waiting list. One call to another dealer proved this to be untrue. Only take, and pay for, what you are buying, and look to purchase a vehicle that has only the features you really want. And remember, there is usually more than one dealer in your area, so don't be afraid to comparison shop.

Buying Used?

All current hybrid models have 8 year/80,000 mile or 8 year/100,000 mile warranties on their battery. If you are buying from a private party, you may want to call the company and make sure that the warranty is fully transferable to you. If buying used from a dealership, make sure that they are still honoring the original vehicle warranty, or are offering a pre-owned vehicle warranty that sufficiently protects your investment.

source : http://go.ucsusa.org/hybridcenter/buyersguide.cfm

Toyota's Company overview

2008-07-03T05:17:00.000-07:00

Company overview

Concept i-unit

Concept PM

The Toyota Motor Company was awarded its first Japanese Quality Control Award at the start 1970s and began participating in a wide variety of Motorsports. Due to the 1973 oil crisis consumers in the lucrative U.S. market began turning to small cars with better fuel economy. American car manufacturers had considered small economy cars to be an "entry level" product, and their small vehicles were not made to a high level of quality in order to keep the price low. Japanese customers, however, had a long-standing tradition of demanding small fuel-efficient cars that were manufactured to a high level of quality. Because of this, companies like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan established a strong and growing presence in North America in the 1970s.

In 1982, the Toyota Motor Company and Toyota Motor Sales merged into one company, the Toyota Motor Corporation. Two years later, Toyota entered into a joint venture with GM called NUMMI, the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc, operating an automobile manufacturing plant in Fremont, California. The factory was an old General Motors plant that had been closed for several years. Toyota then started to establish new brands at the end of the 1980s, with the launch of their luxury division Lexus in 1989.

In the 1990s Toyota began to branch out from producing mostly compact cars by adding many larger and more luxurious vehicles to its lineup, including a full sized pickup, the T100 (and later the Toyota Tundra), several lines of SUVs, a sport version of the Camry, known as the Camry Solara, and the Scion brand, a group of several affordable, yet sporty, automobiles targeted specifically to young adults. Toyota also began production of the world's best selling hybrid car, the Toyota Prius, in 1997.

With a major presence with Europe, due to the success of Toyota Team Europe, the corporation decided to set up TMME, Toyota Motor Europe Marketing & Engineering, to help market vehicles in the continent. Two years later, Toyota set up a base in the United Kingdom, TMUK, as the company's cars had become very popular among British drivers. Bases in Indiana, Virginia and Tianjin were also set up. In 1999, the company decided to list itself on the New York and London Stock Exchange.

With over 30 million sold, the Toyota Corolla is one of the best selling cars in the world.

In 2001, Toyota's Toyo Trust and Banking merged to form the UFJ, United Financials of Japan, which was accused of corruption by the Japan's government for making bad loans to alleged Yakuza crime syndicates with executives accused of blocking Financial Service Agency inspections.^[11] The UFJ was listed among Fortune Magazine's largest money-losing corporations in the world, with Toyota's chairman serving as a director.^[12] At the time, the UFJ was one of the largest shareholders of Toyota. As a result of Japan's banking crisis, the UFJ was merged again to become Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.

In 2002, Toyota managed to enter a Formula One works team and establish joint ventures with French motoring companies Citroën and Peugeot, a year after Toyota started producing cars in France.

On December 7, 2004, a U.S. press release was issued stating that Toyota would be offering Sirius Satellite Radios. However, as late as Jan. 27, 2007, Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite radio kits were not available for Toyota factory radios. While the press release enumerated nine models, only limited availability existed at the dealer level in the U.S. As of 2008, all Toyota and Scion models have either standard or available XM radio kits. Major Lexus dealerships have been offering satellite radio kits for Lexus vehicles since 2005, in addition to factory-equipped satellite radio models.

In 2007, Toyota released an update of its full size truck, the Toyota Tundra, produced in two American factories, one in Texas and one in Indiana. "Motor Trend" named the Tundra "Truck of the Year," and the 2007 Toyota Camry "Car of the Year" for 2007. It also began the construction of two new factories, one to build the Toyota Rav4 in Woodstock, Ontario and the other to build the Toyota Highlander in Blue Springs, Mississippi.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle

2008-03-02T03:09:00.000-08:00

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a vehicle which combines a conventional propulsion system with an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to achieve better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle without being hampered by range from a charging unit like a battery electric vehicle, which uses batteries charged by an external source. The different propulsion power systems may have common subsystems or components.

Regular HEVs most commonly use an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric batteries to power electric motors. Modern mass produced HEVs prolong the charge on their batteries by capturing kinetic energy via regenerative braking, and some HEVs can use the combustion engine to generate electricity by spinning an electrical generator (often a motor-generator) to either recharge the battery or directly feed power to an electric motor that drives the vehicle. Many HEVs reduce idle emissions by shutting down the ICE at idle and restarting it when needed. An HEV's engine is smaller and may be run at various speeds, providing more efficiency.

HEVs became widely available to the public in the late 1990s with the introduction of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. HEVs are viewed by some automakers as a core segment of the next future automotive market.^[1] An article for the July-August 2007 issue of THE FUTURIST magazine titled "Energy Diversity as a Business Imperative"^[2] included plug-in hybrid vehicles. GM vice president for environment and energy Elizabeth Lowery is quoted as saying, "Today, we are embracing multiple energy sources because there is no single answer available for the mass market…"

Technology

The variety of hybrid electric designs can be differentiated by the structure of the hybrid vehicle drivetrain, the fuel type and the mode of operation.

In 2007, several manufacturers have announced that vehicles will use aspects of hybrid electric technology to reduce fuel consumption without the use of the hybrid drivetrain. Regenerative braking can be used to recapture energy and stored to power electrical accessories, such as air conditioning. Shutting down the engine at idle can also be used to reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions without the addition of a hybrid drivetrain. In both cases, some of the advantages of hybrid electric technology are gained while additional cost and weight may be limited to the addition of larger batteries and starter motors. There is no standard terminology for such vehicles, although they may be termed mild hybrids.

The 2000s saw development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which can be recharged from the electrical power grid and do not require conventional fuel for short trips. The Renault Kangoo was the first production model of this design, released in France in 2003.

Engines and fuel sources

Gasoline

Gasoline engines are used in most hybrid electric designs, and will likely remain dominant for the foreseeable future. While petroleum-derived gasoline is the primary fuel, it is possible to mix in varying levels of ethanol created from renewable energy sources. Like most modern ICE-powered vehicles, HEVs can typically use up to about 15% bioethanol. Manufacturers may move to flexible fuel engines, which would increase allowable ratios, but no plans are in place at present.

Diesel

Diesel-electric HEVs use a diesel engine for power generation. Diesels have advantages when delivering constant power for long periods of time, suffering less wear while operating at higher efficiency. The diesel engine's high torque, combined with hybrid technology, may offer substantially improved mileage. Most diesel vehicles can use 100% pure biofuels (biodiesel), so they can use but do not need petroleum at all for fuel (although mixes of biofuel and petroleum are more common, and petroleum may be needed for lubrication). If diesel-electric HEVs were in use, this benefit would likely also apply. Diesel-electric hybrid drivetrains have begun to appear in commercial vehicles (particularly buses); as of 2007, no light duty diesel-electric hybrid passenger cars are currently available, although prototypes exist. Peugeot is expected to produce a diesel-electric hybrid version of its 308 in late 2008 for the European market.^[4]

PSA Peugeot Citroën has unveiled two demonstrator vehicles featuring a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain: the Peugeot 307, Citroën C4 Hybride HDi and Citroën C-Cactus.^[5] Volkswagen made a prototype diesel-electric hybrid car that achieved 2 L/100 km (140 mpg imp/120 mpg US) fuel economy, but has yet to sell a hybrid vehicle. General Motors has been testing the Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid. There have been no concrete dates suggested for these vehicles, but press statements have suggested production vehicles would not appear before 2009.

Robert Bosch GmbH is supplying hybrid diesel-electric technology to diverse automakers and models, including the Peugeot 308.^[6]

So far, production diesel-electric engines have mostly just appeared in mass transit buses.

Design considerations

In some cases, manufacturers are producing HEVs that use the added energy provided by the hybrid systems to give vehicles a power boost, rather than significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to their traditional counterparts.^[7] The trade-off between added performance and improved fuel efficiency is partly controlled by the software within the hybrid system and partly the result of the engine, battery and motor size. In the future, manufacturers may provide HEV owners with the ability to partially control this balance (fuel efficiency vs. added performance) as they wish, through a user-controlled setting.^[8] Toyota announced in January, 2006 that it was considering a "high-efficiency" button.

Conversion kits

One can buy a stock hybrid or convert a stock petroleum car to a hybrid electric vehicle using an aftermarket hybrid kit.

Benefits

Benefits of the hybrid electric design include:

Fuel consumption: Current HEVs reduce petroleum consumption (compared to otherwise similar conventional vehicles) primarily by using three mechanisms:
a) Reducing wasted energy during idle/low output, generally by turning the ICE off;
b) Recapturing waste energy (i.e. regenerative braking);
c) Reducing the size and power of the ICE, and hence inefficiencies from under-utilization, by using the added power from the electric motor to compensate for the loss in peak power output from the smaller ICE.

Any combination of these three primary hybrid advantages may be used in different vehicles to realize different fuel usage, power, emissions, weight and cost profiles. The ICE in an HEV can be smaller, lighter, and more efficient than the one in a conventional vehicle, because the combustion engine can be sized for slightly above average power demand rather than peak power demand. The drive system in a vehicle is required to operate over a range of speed and power, but an ICE has its highest efficiency is in a narrow range of operation, making conventional vehicles inefficient. In contrast, in most HEV designs, the ICE operates closer to its range of highest efficiency more of the time. The power curve of electric motors is better suited to variable speeds and can provide substantially greater torque at low speeds compared with internal-combustion engines. The greater fuel economy of HEVs has implication for reduced petroleum consumption and vehicle air pollution emissions worldwide^[10]

Durability: Reduced wear on the gasoline engine, particularly from idling with no load. Reduced wear on brakes from the regenerative braking system use.; There's no definitive word on replacement costs of the batteries because they are almost never replaced. According to Toyota, since the Prius first went on sale in 2000, they have not replaced a single battery for wear and tear.
Environmental impact: Reduced noise emissions resulting from substantial use of the electric motor at idling and low speeds, leading to roadway noise reduction,^[11] in comparison to conventional gasoline or diesel powered engine vehicles, resulting in beneficial noise health effects (although road noise from tires and wind, the loudest noises at highway speeds from the interior of most vehicles, are not affected by the hybrid design alone). Note, however, that this is not always an advantage; for example, people who are blind or visually-impaired, and who rely on vehicle-noise while crossing streets, find it more difficult to do safely.[1] Reduced air pollution emissions due to lower fuel consumption, leading to improved human health with regard to respiratory and other illness. Pollution reduction in urban environments may be particularly significant due to elimination of idle-at-rest.

One common misconception is: "However, one must remember the environmental stamp of HEV batteries, which must be replaced on a regular basis and are treated as extremely hazardous waste." This is not entirely true. Battery toxicity is a concern, although today's hybrids use NiMH batteries, not the environmentally problematic rechargeable nickel cadmium. "Nickel metal hydride batteries are benign. They can be fully recycled," says Ron Cogan, editor of the Green Car Journal. Toyota and Honda say that they will recycle dead batteries and that disposal will pose no toxic hazards. Toyota puts a phone number on each battery, and they pay a $200 "bounty" for each battery to help ensure that it will be properly recycled.

The Guides to Hybrid Vehicles

2008-03-02T02:43:00.000-08:00

in January 2008 we have been shocked by the high price of gasoline? As the pump clicked past $20, $30, $40 or even $50,

Historical Gas Prices (Adjusted for inflation)
Year	Price Per Gallon
1950	$1.91
1955	$1.85
1960	$1.79
1965	$1.68
1970	$1.59
1975	$1.80
1980	$2.59
1985	$1.90
1990	$1.51
1995	$1.28
2001	$1.66
2002	$1.31
2003	$1.52
2004	$1.79
2005	$2.28
2006	$3.03
2007 (so far)	$3.26
Source: U.S. DOE

maybe you thought about trading in your car for something that gets better mileage. Or maybe you're worried that your car is contributing to the greenhouse effect.

With regard to anything automotive, the word "hybrid" has become synonymous with frugality and efficiency. Thanks in large part to the popular Toyota Prius, Americans see automotive gas/electric hybrid technology as at least one solution to lowering fuel costs and reducing America's dependence on foreign oil. As a bonus, hybrids have earned a reputation for cleaner tailpipe emissions as well.

Despite the perceived benefits of hybrid technology, sales of these vehicles still represent only a tiny fraction of the U.S. marketplace. Americans purchased about 250,000 hybrid vehicles in 2006, accounting for just 1.5 percent of the 17,000,000 cars and trucks sold here last year.

Choices, Choices

One reason hybrid sales haven't grown more quickly is the limited number of vehicles available. This list includes 14 vehicles, two of which, at the time of this writing, are not yet available, and one that can only be purchased in five states.

Another reason is cost. In addition to a vehicle's conventional gasoline engine, hybrids also include a regenerative braking system that recaptures energy that is normally wasted in braking and slowing, a battery pack to store the recovered power, and one or more electric motors that assist in propelling the vehicles. Note that all the vehicles discussed here also incorporate engine shut-off technology. Very simply, these systems shut the engine off while idling to conserve fuel. Vehicles with more advanced hybrid systems may propel themselves short distances before restarting the engine, further improving fuel economy.

All this additional technology adds considerably to the overall cost of hybrid vehicles. Still, automakers are loath to be excluded from the hybrid hysteria, believing that offering such vehicles demonstrates both social responsibility as well as technical prowess.

While hybrid vehicles are generally assumed to be frugal with fuel, not all hybrids are designed to be gas misers. Several hybrids, those offered by Toyota's Luxury Lexus division especially, use hybrid technology primarily as a means to improve performance, though fuel economy is generally improved as well. Available now or due soon are hybrid vehicles from General Motors, Ford, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. From GM comes the Saturn Vue Green Line compact SUV. Hybrid versions of GM's Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura midsize sedans are due later this year. Ford offers hybrid versions of its Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner compact SUVs. Honda's popular Civic and Accord compact and midsize cars are both offered in hybrid form. From Nissan comes the Altima hybrid, a midsize sedan.

Toyota has the most hybrid offerings. The compact Prius comes only as a hybrid, while the midsize sedan Camry and midsize SUV Highlander offer both hybrid and conventional variants. From Toyota's Lexus division come the midsize GS450h sedan, the large LS600h sedan, and the RX450h midsize SUV.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Base Price Range: NA
EPA MPG: NA
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA
Due out this fall as part of a redesigned Malibu lineup, this hybrid incorporates the same General Motors "mild hybrid" technology as the 2007 Saturn Aura and Vue hybrids. Though specific information is not yet available, count on seeing a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and conventional four-speed automatic transmission. While the mild hybrid arrangement still incorporates electric thrust to improve acceleration, it does not allow for electric-only running at low speeds, as do most other hybrid systems. Mild hybrid technology, however, tends to be less costly than other systems. General Motors is claiming a fuel economy improvement of up to 25 percent when compared to a similar Malibu without a hybrid drivetrain.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
Base Price Range: $25,075-$26,825
EPA MPG: NA
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 28.4-31.7
Though sporting new exterior styling, Escape remains mechanically unchanged for 2008. As such, Ford division's only hybrid returns largely intact. While conventional Escapes are offered in XLS, XLT, and Limited trim, the Hybrid is offered only as separate model and includes a level of equipment that closely approximates the midline XLT. Escape Hybrid incorporates a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front- and all-wheel drive versions are offered. A true hybrid, Escape can propel itself for short distances at low speeds using only its electric motor. Escape Hybrid is mechanically identical to the Mariner Hybrid offered by Ford's sister division Mercury.

2007 Honda Accord Hybrid
Base Price Range: $31,090-$33,090
EPA MPG: 28-35
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 27.5
Designed as much for improved performance as for frugal operation, Accord Hybrid uses a 3.0-liter V6 at the center of its hybrid drivetrain. With 253 horsepower, the Hybrid is the most powerful model in the Accord lineup. The Accord Hybrid comes only with a conventional five-speed automatic transmission and does not allow for electric-only operation. The Hybrid is equipped similarly to the conventional topline Accord EX, though because of space consumed by the battery pack, it does without its folding rear seat.

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid
Base Price Range: $22,600-$24,350
EPA MPG: 49-51
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 37.8-38.0
Unlike its big-brother Accord, the Honda Civic Hybrid is designed specifically for improved fuel economy. To do so, Civic has a tiny 1.3-liter four-cylinder at the heart of its hybrid drivetrain. Civic Hybrid comes only with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and will propel itself for short distances at low speeds without the aid of its gasoline engine. The Hybrid model is equipped similarly to the conventional topline Civic EX, but loses its rear disc brakes, folding rear seat, and sunroof.

2007 Lexus GS 450h
Base Price: $54,000
EPA MPG: 25-28
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 22.7
Like its big brother the LS600h, this Lexus hybrid is designed for enhanced performance first, and improved fuel economy second. The GS450h builds its hybrid system around an already potent 3.5-liter V6. They system is coupled to a continuously variable transmission and is capable of running for brief periods of time at low speeds without the gasoline engine. The 450h caps a GS lineup that includes the non-hybrid GS350 and GS430. Like some other hybrid sedans, the GS loses some trunk space to its battery pack.

2008 Lexus LS 600h L
Base Price Range: NA
EPA MPG: NA
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA
Designed with performance instead of frugality in mind, the Lexus LS 600h L promises to be the most expensive hybrid vehicle yet when it goes on sale later in 2007. The LS will also be the first hybrid based on a V8 drivetrain. The hybrid boosted V8 is expected to produce in excess of 430 horsepower. Based on the Consumer Guide Best Buy Lexus LS, the hybrid 600h will be available only with the model's long-wheelbase L body. The LS 600h L should start around $100,000.

2008 Lexus RX 400h
Base Price Range: $41,180-$42,580
EPA MPG: 27-33
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA
Lexus's crossover midsize SUV was updated for 2008, getting fresh exterior styling but remaining mechanically unchanged. Like the similar Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the 400h hybrid powertrain centers around a 3.3-liter V6 and includes a continuously variable transmission. The 400h is capable of covering short distances in electric-only mode. Front- and all-wheel drive versions are offered. Note that like the Highlander Hybrid, AWD models feature rear wheels that are driven only by the hybrid system's electric motors; there is no mechanical connection to the transmission. The RX400h is equipped similarly to the conventional gas-engined RX350, but loses that model's standard rear-wood trim and tachometer.

2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Base Price Range: $25,765-$27,515
EPA MPG: NA
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 24.8-28.8
Though sporting new exterior styling, Mariner remains mechanically unchanged for 2008. As such, Mercury's twin to the Ford Escape returns largely intact. While conventional Mariners are offered in Base and Premier trim, the Hybrid is offered as separate model and includes a level of equipment that closely approximates the topline Premier. Like Ford Escape Hybrid, Mariner Hybrid incorporates a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front- and all-wheel drive versions are offered. Mariner can propel itself for short distances at low speeds using only its electric motor.

2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Base Price: $24,400
EPA MPG: 36-42
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA
Based on its popular midsize Altima sedan, the 2007 Altima Hybrid is Nissan's first hybrid offering. Hedging its bets on continuing consumer demand for hybrid vehicles, Nissan has opted to offer the Altima Hybrid only in "Green States" (California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, and Vermont). The Altima Hybrid drivetrain features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and will operate for short periods of time at low speeds in electric-only mode. The Hybrid has roughly the same level of standard equipment as the conventional 4-cylinder Altima 2.5 S.

2007 Saturn Aura Green Line
Base Price Range:NA
EPA MPG: NA
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA
Due out this summer, this hybrid incorporates the same General Motors "mild hybrid" technology as the Vue hybrid and forthcoming Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. Though specific information is not yet available, count on seeing a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and conventional four-speed automatic. While the mild hybrid arrangement still incorporates electric thrust to improve acceleration, it does not allow for electric-only running at low speeds, as do most other hybrid systems.

2007 Saturn Vue Green Line
Base Price: $22,370
EPA MPG: 27-32
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 25.8-28.4
Though introduced this past fall, General Motor's first hybrid vehicle (excluding the Chevrolet Silverado that offered a hybrid variant in name only) has already gone out of production. Vue assembly-including the hybrid Green Line-ended earlier this year, but examples should still be available on dealer lots. A redesigned 2008 Vue lineup, due later in the calendar year, will include a Green Line model. Vue Green Line incorporates the same General Motors "mild hybrid" technology as the coming 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line and Vue hybrids. The hybrid drivetrain included a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and conventional four-speed automatic. Vue Green Line is available only with front-wheel drive. While the mild hybrid arrangement still incorporates electric thrust to improve acceleration, it does not allow for electric-only running at low speeds, as do most other hybrid systems.

2008 Saturn Vue Green Line
Base Price Range: NA
EPA MPG: NA
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA
Due to arrive this fall as part of a redesigned Vue line up, the next-generation Green Line will be nearly identical mechanically to the 2007 version when it launches. The addition of a new hybrid system will make its debut several months after launch. Thanks to a longer wheelbase and expanded passenger and cargo accommodations, '08 Vues move up a size class to midsize SUV from compact.

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Base Price: $26,000
EPA MPG: 38-40
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 28.6-31.2
Not content with the success of Prius, the new for 2007 Camry Hybrid gives Toyota a hybrid sedan that is more conventional in both style and design. Unlike the similar-size Honda Accord Hybrid with its sport-oriented V6 hybrid drivetrain, the Camry pursues optimal fuel economy with its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder system. The Camry Hybrid is capable of covering short distances at low speeds on only electric power. While conventional Camrys are offered in CE, LE, SE, and topline XLE trim, the Hybrid comes as a single model equipped much like the midline LE.

2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Base Price Range: $32,490-$36,550
EPA MPG: 27-31
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 22.8-26.4
Highlander Hybrid has the distinction of being the only hybrid to offer three-row seating. Like the similar Lexus RX400h, the Highlander Hybrid's powertrain centers around a 3.3-liter V6 and includes a continuously variable transmission. The Highlander Hybrid is capable of covering short distances at low speeds in electric-only mode. Front- and all-wheel drive versions are offered. Note that also like the 400h, AWD models feature rear wheels that are driven only by the hybrid system's electric motors, there is no mechanical connection to the transmission. The Highlander Hybrid is offered in Base and Limited trim levels that closely parallel the content of similar conventional versions of the highlander.

2007 Toyota Prius
Base Price Range: $22,175-$23,070
EPA MPG: 51-60
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 41.7-45.2
The original hybrid is now in its second generation and still accounting for almost half of all hybrid vehicle sales. Unlike the other vehicles on this list, the Prius was designed specifically as a hybrid and is not based on a conventionally powered vehicle. While dealers have no trouble stocking the other hybrids discussed here, the Prius has been in short supply, meaning that customers have waited weeks and months for their cars to arrive. A recent slackening in Prius demand may mean reduced wait times and manufacturer incentives for buyers. Under the hood, only the Honda Civic Hybrid has a smaller engine. Prius's hybrid system is built around a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. Under proper conditions, Prius will operate for extended lengths of time without engaging the gasoline engine.

BMW 5 Series

2007-10-25T04:28:00.000-07:00

5 Series

BMW 5 Series

A mid-size luxury car / executive car. For MY 2008, BMW has revised the 5 series with a slightly redesigned interior, subtle exterior details, and new motor options. The motors offered are BMW's N52 and N54 inline 6-cylinder motors, as well as diesel and V8 options.

The BMW 5 series has been one of BMW's "experimenal" cars, in which they can explore newer ideas. They have inserted new technologies and new ideas into this model that may have seemed radical for its time. One such example of this "testing" approach is the new headlight design. These types of changes to the 5 Series have allowed BMW to assess the reaction of consumers to their new designs before expanding the changes to other model series. Consequently, it has at times led people to question BMW's approach to design.

The M5 is the motorsport division's version of the 5 Series. The new M5 (built on the E60 5 series chassis) is powered by a F1-inspired V10 engine, producing 507 hp (378 kW) and is mated with a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission, which is capable of a delimited top speed of about 330 km/h (production variants are restricted to 250 km/h, or 155 mph). BMW has also recently added a 6-speed manual transmission for newer 2007 models. The colour palette differs from its more modest 5 Series siblings.

2005 5 Series with M Sport Package

2007 5-Series Touring with M Sport Package

2007 M5

E39 BMW M5 (previous generation)

BMW 3 Series

2007-10-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

3 Series

BMW 3 Series

3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured since MY 1975. The E90 is the 5th generation 3 series. Available from MY 2006 to present, it is offered as the sport sedan(E90), sport wagon(E91), sport coupe(E92), and sport coupe convertible(E93). The E90 series is completely re-engineered from the E46, including changes to motor choices, transmission, the passenger compartment comfort, suspension technology, as well as a host of High-Tech features and options.

The 3 series is not only one of BMW's most important models, it also accounts for a majority of worldwide sales.

2007 3-Series Convertible

2007 3-Series Coupe

2006 3-Series Touring

BMW E46 Generation with ZHP Performance Package

bmw 1 series

2007-10-25T04:17:00.000-07:00

The current BMW model lineup is split into what is referred to as "Series", traditionally identified by a single digit - e.g. the 3 Series.

In 2004 BMW announced plans to make odd-numbered series saloon/sedan and estate/wagon models (BMW calls its estates/wagons Touring models), while even-numbered series will be two-door coupés and cabriolets. This convention started informally in 1976 with the introduction of the 6 Series and later continued in 1989 with the 8 Series, but died off when the latter was discontinued in 1999. This practice was revived as the Z4 replaced the aging Z3 roadster in 2003 and continues as the new 6 Series augments the existing BMW 5 Series.

1 Series

BMW 1 Series

The 1 Series was launched in Fall 2004 and a 3-Door that was launched in July 2007 on the BMW International website. Because it is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, it is considered the heir apparent to the original 2002 sport sedan from the 1960s. A Coupé has been announced for late 2007, and there are concepts for a convertible. U.S. introduction for the 1 series is expected in MY 2008 as a coupé and convertible, in the 128i and the 135i. The 135i is slated to receive the 300 horsepower (220 kW) twin turbo 6 cylinder engine from the 3 series. The 1 series pricing fits neatly between MINI and the current E90 3-series.

BMW 1 Series Coupe

BMW E87 (Hatch 5 & 3dr)

Lexus IS

2007-04-22T10:32:00.000-07:00


Manufacturer	Lexus

The Lexus IS is a series of entry-level luxury cars/compact executive cars produced by the Lexus marque of Toyota Motor Corporation. The IS was introduced as an entry-level model slotted below the ES in the Lexus lineup and competing against the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Nissan Skyline/Infiniti G35 sports sedans. The IS was originally sold as the Toyota Altezza in Japan until the introduction of the second generation Lexus IS design. The Altezza name is still used at times to depict chromed car taillights like those known on the first generation model.

The first generation Altezza (codename XE10) was launched in Japan in October 1998, while the Lexus IS 200 (JCE10) made its debut in Europe in 1999 and in North America as the IS 300 in 2000. The first generation, I6-powered IS featured sedan and wagon variants. The second generation IS (GSE20) was launched globally in 2006 with V6-powered sedan models. A high-performance V8 version premiered in 2007. According to Lexus, the IS designation stands for Intelligent Sport.

First generation

First generation

Also called	Lexus IS SportCross Toyota Altezza
Production	1998–2005
Body style(s)	4–door sedan 5–door hatchback/station wagon
Engine(s)	2.0 L 1G-FE I6 (AS200) 2.0 L 3S-GE I4 (RS200) 3.0 L 2JZ-GE I6 (AS300)
Transmission(s)	4–speed automatic 5–speed manual 5–speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2670 mm (105.10 in)
Length	4485 mm (176.60 in)
Width	1725 mm (67.90 in)
Height	1410 mm (55.50 in)
Curb weight	1510 kg (IS 200)

Produced as a direct competitor to the luxury sport sedans of the leading European luxury marques, the Altezza/IS was designed with a greater performance emphasis than typically seen on prior Japanese luxury vehicles.^[2] The design received critical acclaim at its 1998 launch, and was awarded Japan's "Car of the Year" honor for 1998-1999. A year later, Lexus began marketing the IS equivalent models in Europe, and the IS debuted in the U.S. as a 2001 model.

The Altezza came in 3 variants:

The AS200 (Chassis code TA-SXE-10, sedan or TA-GXE-10 FR Gita wagon, TA-GXE-15, 4WD Gita wagon), powered by a 1G-FE inline-6 engine generating 160 PS JIS (118 kW) or 155 PS DIN (114 kW) and mated to a 6–speed manual transmission (4–speed automatic optional)
The RS200 (Chassis code GH-SXE-10, sedan) powered by a Yamaha tuned 3S-GE inline-4 engine generating 210 PS JIS (154 kW) and mated to a 6–speed transmission (5–speed automatic optional)
The AS300 (Chassis code TA-JCE-10 FR Gita Wagon, or TA-JCE-15, 4WD Gita wagon) powered by a 2JZ-GE inline-6 engine generating 220 PS JIS (162 kW) or 215 hp SAE (160 kW) and mated to only a 5–speed automatic for the FR Gita Wagon or a 4–speed automatic for the 4WD Gita Wagon.

Lexus IS vehicles sold in Europe and North America, as well as the Japanese hatchback/station wagon version called the Gita (called Lexus IS SportCross in the U.S. and Europe) were only available in the 3.0 liter 6-cylinder version (2JZ-GE). In the U.S. market, sales fell below expectations; after hitting a high of 22,486 units in 2001, IS sales dropped below the 10,000-unit mark in 2004. The IS 200 fared better in Europe and Asia, but still fell well short of the sales volume achieved by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and other, mostly German-made competitors. This trend was indicative of Lexus' smaller global status; while Lexus' range of cars is very successful in North America, the marque's sales still lag behind its German rivals in Europe and several other markets.

The IS 200/300 interior featured unique elements not typically found in other Lexus models. These included a chrome metal ball shifter, pop-up navigation screen, and chronograph-styled instrument panel (with mini gauges for temperature, fuel economy, and volts). The styling cues of the rear light clusters on the first generation Lexus IS were copied by a number of after-market accessory manufacturers for applications on other vehicles. This iconic style of one or more internal lamp units, covered with a clear (or tinted) perspex cover made popular by Lexus, became known in many circles as 'Lexus-style' or 'Altezza' lights.

The EPA listed the first generation IS as a subcompact car, despite being a compact on the inside.

Tuning

The 2JZ-GE powered IS series are popular amongst tuners in the U.S. because of their 6-cylinder engines. The Altezza is mostly popular amongst tuners not only because of its possible engine swap for the previous generation Toyota Supra's 2JZ-GTE motor, but as it is viewed as the successor to the renowned AE86. Modified versions of the 2JZ-GTE have been seen with over 750 kW (1000 hp).

2001 Toyota Altezza

In Japan, the RS200 has a wide availability of tuning parts, the engine block is similar to the last of the SW20 MR2 and ST202 Celica but offers an upgraded Dual VVT-i. As a result, a number of tuning companies has modified the IS/Altezza over the years.

TTE converted an IS 200 first, and within a few years RMM in the US converted an IS 300. The MillenWorks-built Lexus IS 430 was unveiled at the 2003 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The IS 430 prototype is an IS 300 fitted with a 4.3 L V8 from the Lexus GS. Lexus dubbed the IS 430 a one-off with no plans for production. In Europe, Toyota Team Europe (TTE) shoehorned a supercharged 4.3 L V8 into a IS 300 bodyshell, the result is a 405 PS ECE (298 kW) sedan capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. TTE also produced an aftermarket supercharger kit for the IS 200, raising the power output to 204 ps ECE (150 kw).

At the mean time, a number of Japanese tuning firms, HKS, Blitz, Top Secret, Sard, Power Enterprise, including Toyota's own TRD, started to develop plenty of performance parts, typically from super chargers, turbo chargers, and even individual throttle bodies, and sometimes complete car conversions.

The RS200 is also used by many racing teams, including TRD (Toyota Racing Development), to race in various touring car racing series across Asia. A Lexus IS 200, based on a heavily modified RS200, has also raced in the British Touring Car Championship with limited success.

Second generation

Second generation

Production	2006–present
Body style(s)	4–door sedan
Engine(s)	2.2 L diesel (IS 220d) 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 (IS 250) 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 (IS 300) 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6 (IS 350)
Transmission(s)	6–speed manual 6–speed automatic
Wheelbase	2730 mm (107.50 in)
Length	4575 mm (180.10 in)
Width	1800 mm (70.90 in)
Height	1425 mm (56.10 in)
Curb weight	1570 kg (IS 250)

The IS was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year and was introduced in the fall of 2005. The Toyota Altezza name ceased to be used with the introduction of the Lexus name in Japan. A pre-production car of the second generation IS model was shown in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show. The slow-selling SportCross station wagon version was dropped from the lineup worldwide.

The new IS was the second debut of Lexus' new L-finesse design philosophy on a production vehicle, following the premiere of the 2006 Lexus GS performance sedan. The new IS design featured sleeker, coupe-like contours, a fastback profile, and a repeated arrowhead motif in the front fascia and side windows. The forward design was reminiscent of the earlier Lexus LF-C coupe concept. The second generation IS made its North American debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show.

For Japan, the United States and Canada, three IS models are sold by Lexus:

IS 250 - 2.5 L V6, 204 hp (152 kW), rear wheel drive
IS 250 AWD - 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 with all wheel drive, 204 hp (152 kW) (Not offered in Japan)
IS 350 - 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6, 306 hp (228 kW), rear wheel drive

In the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, two IS models are sold by Lexus:

IS 250 - 2.5 L V6, 204 hp (152 kW), rear wheel drive
IS 220d - 2.2 L Inline-4, 175 hp (130 kW), diesel engine, rear wheel drive, manual transmission only

The IS 250 is available in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong (Automatic only), Taiwan, and South Korea. For China, Brunei, and Middle East markets, one model, the IS 300, with a 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 engine (without gasoline direct injection), 228 hp (170 kW), and rear wheel drive, is sold. The diesel-powered IS 220d is only available in Europe.

The IS 250 RWD comes standard with a 6–speed manual transmission, and a 6–speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The IS 250 AWD, the IS 300, and the IS 350 are only available with the 6–speed automatic.

Compared to the first generation IS model, the second generation IS sedans offer a more typical Lexus interior with a focus on luxurious accouterments. The interior features leather seats, lightsaber-like electroluminescent dash display lighting, and the choice of metallic or Bird's Eye Maple wood trim. Lexus SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start is a standard feature. A high-resolution touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth, a backup camera, and a Mark Levinson premium sound system with 14 speakers are available options. Other available features include a moonroof, power rear sunshade, and parking sensors. A precrash system is the first offered in the entry-luxury performance sedan market segment.

IS 350 LED taillamps

The IS 350's performance was praised in a 2007 Road & Track Japanese luxury sports sedan comparison, in which the IS took first place and clocked a 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) time of 4.9 seconds.^[3] Citing independent testing by auto research firm AMCI, Lexus highlighted the IS' acceleration as the "fastest in its class." Some say this marks Lexus' first foray into the sport compact market that compares fairly well with its German competitors. However, prevailing criticisms are that its steering is not as communicative as that of the BMW 3 Series, its stability and traction control systems could not be fully disabled, and that the higher-performance IS 350 is only offered with an automatic transmission. In response to these criticisms, Lexus added a stability/traction control disable switch for 2007 IS models.

For 2006 IS models, the stability control system/traction control system can be disabled through non-conventional methods by using a code during engine start. This involves starting the car with the parking brake engaged, releasing the parking brake, pushing the brake pedal twice, holding it on the second push, engaging the parking brake twice, holding it on the second, and repeating until the vehicle traction light appears on the dash. This will effectively disable the system until the car is turned off.

In the 2007 IS models, in addition to the on/off switch for the traction-control system, Lexus added a roof-mounted shark-fin antenna. A new X-Package added special five-spoke wheels, illuminated scuff plates, and a rear lip spoiler.

The introduction of the second generation IS model marked a resurgence in sales, with a 332% increase overall in 2006 compared to the previous year. In its first year of sales, the IS sold over 49,000 units, making it one of the ten best-selling luxury cars in the U.S. Abroad, the Lexus IS spearheaded Lexus' growing sales efforts in Europe, Australia, and South Africa, becoming the best-selling model in Lexus' lineup in many of the aforementioned markets.

Tuning

The second generation IS already has a variety of tuning parts from famous Japanese tuning companies. Although the new IS has only been on the market for a short period of time, there are already a number of body kits for it, showing the high demand for aftermarket tuning parts. In 2007, the Japanese TOM'S aftermarket tuning firm produced a modified IS 350 with a revised ECU, new air filter, modified exhaust, and additional available performance enhancements ranging from suspension to brakes. The pending release of the 2008 Lexus IS-F will feature the debut of the first production-sanctioned racing modifications to the second generation IS design. In 2007, Lexus announced a Project Vehicle Program for that year's SEMA show, centered around the high-performance IS-F model. Lexus invited SEMA manufacturer members to submit their project Lexus vehicles for its show exhibition. It was the first time that the manufacturer had a formal presence at the aftermarket convention.

IS-F

The 2008 Lexus IS-F debuted at the Detroit Auto Show.

In 2006, several automotive publications reported on rumors of a higher performance variant of the IS being tested at various stages of development. Spy photos of such a vehicle being tested in Germany and California were published in several magazines and websites. Among these spy reports, several photos were shown of a heavily modified and camouflaged IS sedan at the Nürburgring test track in Germany along with other disguised Lexus test vehicles. The previous generation IS 430 prototype vehicle was indicative of future possibilities for the IS series, including the likelihood that a second generation high-performance IS model could come equipped with a V8 engine.

On 6 December, 2006, Lexus officially confirmed the existence of the vehicle which they called IS-F in the press release. The IS-F sedan premiered at the 2007 North American International Auto Show on 8 January, 2007 as the launch product of Lexus' F-Series lineup of performance-focused vehicles. A 5.0 L V8 producing over 400 hp and 350 ft-lb powers the new IS-F. The engine also features a two-stage intake system, engine oil and transmission fluid coolers and an oil pump designed for high-speed cornering. Images were leaked a couple of hours before the official announcement.

Quad tailpipe design of the Lexus IS-F.

At its press debut, Lexus revealed that a separate "skunk works" team designed the IS-F in a manner distinct from typical Lexus engineering efforts. The IS-F promises 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) acceleration under 5 seconds. The vehicle featured an 8-speed direct sport-shift transmission, a new sport version of Lexus' electronic stability control system (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management featuring three distinct on-off modes), and was equipped with Brembo brakes stamped with the Lexus emblem. Other design features included a four-passenger cabin with carbon-fiber panels, steering wheel paddle shifters, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle body was lowered by 1 cm (0.5 inches) compared to the standard IS.

According to an Autoweek item, Lexus may build only 1000 IS-Fs for the US market, a number that has not been confirmed by Lexus. Autoweek also suggested that the IS-F would have a top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph) (contradicting the generally accepted standard for this automotive class), leading automotive news sites to question the accuracy of their information. The editor and representatives of a major Lexus IS enthusiast website with Lexus press access further suggested that Autoweek's 200 mph, 1000-unit figures may be referring to the LF-A supercar, which Lexus did indicate could reach 200 mph. In 2007, the head of Lexus GB stated in an interview that 150 IS-Fs would be allocated for the UK market.

Awards

J.D. Power and Associates named the second generation IS 250/IS 350 sedans the best vehicles in the entry luxury class in its 2006 Initial Quality Survey.
J.D. Power and Associates named the first generation IS 300 sedan and IS 300 SportCross the best vehicles in the entry luxury class in its 2005 Initial Quality Survey.
Ward's Auto bestowed the IS 350 V6 engine with one of its 10 Best Engines awards in 2006. The IS 350 V6 engine was also named to the Ward's 10 Best Engines list in 2007.
The 2007 Lexus IS was the winner of the Golden Steering Wheel Award in the Luxury category, according to German newspaper Bild am Sonntag. This award, selected by a jury panel of 25 automotive experts, was presented to Lexus in a Berlin ceremony.
British automotive magazine Top Gear named the Lexus IS as the Executive Car of the Year in 2006.
The Canadian Car of the Year Awards, selected by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, gave the IS 350 its Best New Technology award in 2006.
The Lexus IS was a finalist for Wheels magazine's Car of the Year (COTY) awards and also the World Car of the Year (WCOTY) award in 2006.
Kelley Blue Book gave the first generation IS 300 its Best to Hold Value Award in 2001

Toyota Alphard

2007-04-22T10:30:00.000-07:00


Manufacturer	Toyota

The Toyota Alphard is a minivan produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2004. It is available as a seven or eight-seater with 2.4 and 3.0-litre gasoline engines. The Alphard is primarily made for the Japanese market, but was also sold in Hong Kong from 2004 to 2006. The vehicle was named after the Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra.

In 2006, a Royal Lounge Alphard was introduced; it is a luxurious four-seat version of the Alphard.

Toyota states its "E-Four electric 4WD system that regulates a rear-mounted, rear-wheel-propelling electric motor and coordinates electric power distribution to all four wheels. An ECB (Electrically Controlled Brake system) provides efficient wheel-by-wheel brake control."

The full-size Alphard Hybrid Minivan qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), achieving levels 75-percent lower emissions than the Japanese government's 2000 benchmark. The 2.4-litre gasoline engine has been developed specifically for use in Toyota's hybrid systems and features a high-expansion ratio cycle that raises efficiency and reduces friction.

"by-wire" technology

The Alphard Hybrid uses "by-wire" technology that monitors brake pedal pressure and vehicle speed in order to calculate the optimum hydraulic pressure. By-wire works with the E-Four to maximize the collection of kinetic energy from braking for conversion into electric power.

The Alphard Hybrid Minivan can generate up to 1,500 watts and is equipped with standard 100-volt AC power outlets, allowing a wide range of appliances to be used, such as laptops and emergency lights. The electrical outlets can also be used to recharge items such as power-assisted bicycles and electric carts, adding a new dimension to leisure activities.

The Alphard Hybrid also offers some advanced safety features not seen on other hybrids. In fact, standard on the "G edition" and optional on standard grades are ( with a G-BOOK compatible DVD voice navigation system):

Blind Corner Monitor, which indicates the approach of other vehicles or pedestrians from the left and right Back Guide Monitor with a color CCD camera and voice-guidance function, which uses signals from a steering sensor to calculate the likely reverse path during reversing and display it on the monitor screen Lane-monitoring system that uses images from the Back Guide Monitor camera to measure the lateral distance to white or yellow lines on major highways and triggers an alarm when the distance falls below a pre-set level Radar Cruise Control, which uses laser radar sensors and steering sensors to keep track of the vehicle's lane and any preceding vehicle and ensures that a safe distance is maintained in accordance with vehicle speed

Built-in electronic toll collection

In addition, optional on all grades is a built-in electronic toll collection unit that allows for quick tollgate pass-through (only available with a navigation system). The Alphard Hybrid achieves approximately 42 mpg and boasts an insulated body and newly developed two-way compressor that is incorporated in the motor to optimize the use of the air conditioner, conserving fuel. The Alphard Hybrid's specially developed windshield glass also reduces the amount of solar radiation penetration. In addition, the roof and roof panels contain an insulating material to reduce cabin temperature, which helps conserve energy when the air conditioner is operating.

While only available in Japan, the Toyota Alphard Hybrid Minivan is worth checking out for those traveling to this location. The Alphard's sister vehicle, the Sienna Hybrid will most likely be the first hybrid minivan introduced into the U. S. marketplace though the schedule has not yet been announced. Toyota's smaller hybrid minivan, the Estima Hybrid is also only in Japanese markets and will likely not be rolled out to the larger marketplace anytime soon.

Toyota Allion

2007-04-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Manufacturer

The Toyota Allion is a compact sedan sold in Japan by Toyota.

The name is created based on the phrase "all-in-one".

Launched in December 2001, it replaced the Toyota Carina. The Allion is a younger, more edgy counterpart to the Toyota Premio sedan, launched at the same time.

Toyota Corolla

2007-04-22T10:20:00.000-07:00


Manufacturer	Toyota, NUMMI

The Toyota Corolla is a compact car produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota, which has acquired significant popularity throughout the world since the nameplate was first introduced in 1966. In 1997, the Corolla became the bestselling car in the world, with over 30 million sold as of 2007.

Corollas are currently manufactured in Japan, the United States (Fremont, California), the United Kingdom (Derbyshire), Canada (Cambridge, Ontario), Malaysia, China (Tianjin), Taiwan, Pakistan, South Africa, Brazil, Turkey, Philippines, Thailand, Venezuela and India.

The Corolla's chassis designation code is "E", as described in Toyota's chassis and engine codes.

Alternative versions

Using the Corolla chassis

A slightly downmarket version called the Toyota Sprinter was sold in the Japanese home market. It was replaced in 2001 by the Toyota Allex, which was then replaced by the Toyota Blade in 2006. There have also been several models over the years, including the Corolla Ceres (and similar Sprinter Marino) hardtop, Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno sports coupés and hatchbacks, and the Corolla FX hatchback, which became the Corolla Runx. The Runx was replaced by the Auris in 2006.

Over the years, there have been rebadged versions of the Corolla, including the 1980s' Holden Nova of Australia, and the Sprinter-based Chevrolet Nova, Geo Prizm then Geo Prizm of the United States. The Corolla liftback (TE72) of Toyota Australia was at one point badged the T-18. The five-door liftback was sold with the Corolla Seca name in Australia and the nameplate survived on successive five-door models. The Daihatsu Charmant was produced with the E30 through E70 series.

The Chevrolet Nova is based on E80 Japanese Sprinter sedan and five-door liftback. The Geo/Chevrolet Prizm was produced with the E90 through E110 series.

Using the Corolla name

The Toyota Tercel was a front wheel drive spin-off of the rear wheel drive Corolla introduced in 1980, called the Corolla Tercel which later became its own model in 1983.

The Tercel Chassis was used again for the Corolla II hatchback.

First Generation — E10 series — October 1966

First generation

Production	1966-1970
Body style(s)	2 and 4-door sedan, coupé, wagon
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	1.1, 1.2 liter
Similar	Datsun 1000

Japan (1966-1970)

The Corolla was launched in Japan in October 1966. Eiji Toyoda, chairman of the company, said it worked hard to create popular demand, and disputes that Toyota rode a wave of private car ownership that was taking off in the mid-1960s. Its major competitor was the Datsun 1000, released a few months before the Corolla.

The initial car, the KE1x series was small, with a 90 in (2286 mm) wheelbase.

Transmission was by a 4-speed floor shift manual transmission or a 2-speed floor or column shift automatic transmission, with rear wheel drive. At the time, floor shift transmissions were considered only for trucks and 4 speeds implied that the engine didn't have enough torque to drive through only 3 gears (more torque allows each gear to have a wider spread of engine revolutions, thus requiring less gears). This was a big risk for Toyota but the effectiveness of the new system gained in popularity.

The suspension in front was MacPherson struts supported by a transverse leaf spring beneath the engine cross-member, with leaf springs connected to a solid axle in back.

The engine was originally meant to be for the under 1000cc tax class but was changed late in the design process to be 1077cc in order to beat the forthcoming Datsun 1000. This put it into a higher tax class but this gave it some prestige over the Datsun 1000 - helped by its "100cc advantage" advertising campaign. In August 1969 the engine was upgraded to 1166cc. Special twin carburetter K-B (1077cc) and 3K-B (1166cc) engines were used in the SL grade models for an extra 13HP.

Japanese engines:

1K — 1.1 L (1077 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 60 hp (44 kW)
1K-B — 1.1 L (1077 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, twin carb, 73 hp (54 kW)
3K — 1.2 L (1166 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 65 hp (48 kW)
3K-B — 1.2 L (1166 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, twin carb

JPN-market chassis:

E-10 — 1077cc Sedan (2-door/4-door)
E-15 — 1077cc Hardtop coupé
E-16 — 1077cc Wagon, 2-door
E-11 — 1166cc Sedan (2-door/4-door)
E-17 — 1166cc Hardtop coupé
E-18 — 1166cc Wagon, 2-door

USA (1968-1970)

Toyota has been almost steadfast in facelifting each generation after two years, and replacing it with an all-new model every four years. Exports to the United States began in March 1968 at about US$1,700.

American engines:

1K — 1.1 L (1077 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 60 hp (44 kW)
3K — 1.2 L (1166 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 65 hp (48 kW)

US-market chassis:

E-10 — 1077cc Sedan (2-door/4-door)
E-15 — 1077cc Hardtop coupé
E-16 — 1077cc Wagon, 2-door
E-11 — 1166cc Sedan (2-door/4-door)
E-17 — 1166cc Hardtop coupé
E-18 — 1166cc Wagon, 2-door

Australia (1966-1970)

The first export market for the Corolla was Australia in November 1966. Australia received right hand drive versions of the same models as America .

Second Generation — E20 series — 1970

Second generation

Production	1970-1978
Body style(s)	2 and 4-door sedan, coupé, 3- and 5-door wagon, van
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	1.2, 1.4, 1.6 liter
Similar	Chevrolet Vega Datsun B210 Ford Pinto Honda Civic

The second-generation KE2# / TE2# model, launched 1970, had "coke-bottle" styling. It had a longer 91.9 in (2334 mm) wheelbase. The front suspension design was improved greatly, using a swaybar, however the rear remained relatively the same. The Corolla became the second-best selling car in the world that year. Grades for sedan were Standard, Deluxe, and Hi-Deluxe. The coupé was offered in Deluxe, SL, SR, and Levin as well as Sprinter variants. The Sprinter Trueno was equivalent to the Corolla Levin.

The TE27 Levin is featured in Auto Modellista, a racing video game by Capcom.

Minor changes were made for the 1973 model year with a new grille, turn signal lights, and tail lights, along with similar treatment to the Sprinter.

Japan (1970-1978)

Most models stopped production in July 1974 but the KE26 wagon and van were still marketed in Japan after the 30-series was introduced.

Japanese engines:

T — 1.4 L (1407 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 86hp (63 kW)
T-D — 1.4 L (1407 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 90hp (66 kw)
T-B — 1.4 L (1407 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, twin carb,
2T — 1.6 L (1588 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 75 hp (56 kW)
2T-B — 1.6 L (1588 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, twin carb
2T-G — 1.6 L (1588 cc) I4, 2-valve DOHC, twin carb, 115 hp (86 kW)
3K — 1.2 L (1166 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 55 hp (41 kW)
3K-D — 1.2 L (1166 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 73 hp (54 kW)
3K-B — 1.2 L (1166 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, twin carb, 77 hp (57 kW)

JPN-market chassis:

KE20 — 1166cc Sedan, 2-door/4-door (Std, DX, Hi-DX)
TE20 — 1407cc Sedan, 2-door/4-door (Std, DX, Hi-DX)
KE25 — 1166cc Hardtop coupé (DX, Hi-DX, SL)
TE25 — 1407cc Hardtop coupé (DX, Hi-DX, SL, SR)
KE26 — 1166cc Wagon, 3-door/5-door
TE27 — 1588cc Hardtop Coupé (Levin/Trueno twincam)

USA (1971-1974)

The Japan chassis models were all available in USA. A 1.6 L (1588 cc/96 in³) 102 hp (76 kW) engine came in 1971, quite impressive for the time, and a sporty hardtop coupé called the SR5 (also known as the Levin in Japan) was introduced in 1973. In 1974, the SR5 was entered by Car & Driver magazine's team in SCCA competition.

American engines:

2T-C — 1.6 L (1588 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 102 hp (76 kW)
3K-C — 1.2 L (1166 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 55 hp (41 kW)

US-market chassis: TE21 — Sedan, 2-door/4-door (Std, DX, Hi-DX) TE26 — Wagon, DX TE27 — Hardtop coupé (SR5)

Third generation — E30, E40, E50 series — April 1974

Third generation

Production	1974-1981
Body style(s)	2 and 4-door sedan, hardtop coupé, 3- and 5-door wagon, van
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	1.2, 1.4, 1.6 liter
Related	Daihatsu Charmant
Similar	Chevrolet Monza Datsun B210 Ford Pinto Honda Civic

Japan (1974-1981)

The third-generation Toyota Corolla, built from 1974-81 (worldwide versions) (KE3x/KE5x), marked Toyota's greatest growth in the United States in the wake of the fuel crisis. In addition to the Sprinter, there was a redesigned-body version built by Toyota affiliate Daihatsu, called the Daihatsu Charmant. While there were certain fourth-generation models with a longer model life, this generation, when considered as a whole, was the longest-lived one, possibly due to the worldwide recession in the 1970s. A large range of cars were built using this chassis, including Corollas, Sprinters, Daihatsu, and the sporty Levin and Trueno models with the DOHC motor.

The 3K engine was used in certain markets and later the 4K, while most Japanese and American models had the bigger 2T engine. A "Toyoglide" 2/3-speed automatic transmission was added as well as a four-speed and five-speed manual transmission, driving to the rear wheels. A three-door "liftback" (E50) and sports coupé (E51) was added in 1976. The E40 and E60 series were assigned to the Sprinter variants.

Japanese engines:

2T-G — 1.6 L (1588 cc) I4, 8-valve DOHC, carb, 124 hp (93 kW)
2T-C — 1.6 L (1588 cc) I4, 8-valve OHV, carb, 75 hp (56 kW)
3K-C — 1.2 L (1166 cc) I4, 8-valve OHV, carb, 55 hp (41 kW)

JPN-market chassis:

E31 — Sedan, 2-door/4-door
E36 — Wagon, 3 or 5-door
E38 — Wagon, 3 or 5-door
E37 — Hardtop coupé (Levin)
E51 — Sports coupé (Levin GT)
E55 — Liftback (Levin GT)

USA (1975-1979)

Road & Track was critical of the 1975 Corolla, calling it "large and heavy" and "expensive" compared to the Honda Civic and Datsun B210. They also criticized the "relatively crude rear suspension" and lack of interior space and poor fuel economy when compared to the VW Rabbit. The base model cost US$2,711 in 1975, but one needed to step up to the $2,989 "deluxe" to get features comparable to the contemporary pack.

However emissions became a problem further into the 1970s, and the 4K engine which became popular because of its low fuel consumption. In later versions of the K engine, emissions equipment in the series produced only 60 hp (45 kW), despite an increased capacity of 1290 cc.

The E30 series 2T-C engines outmatched rival Datsun B210's engine output.

American engines:

2T-C — 1.6 L (1588 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 75 hp (56 kW)
3K-C — 1.2 L (1166 cc) I4, 2-valve OHV, carb, 55 hp (41 kW)

US-market chassis:

E-31 — Sedan, 2-door/4-door (Std, DX, E/5)
E-35 — wagon, 5-door (Std, DX)
E-37 — Hardtop coupé (DX, SR5)
E-51 — Sports coupé (Std, SR5)
E-55 — Liftback, 3-door (Std, SR5)

Fourth generation — E70 series — 1979-1987

Fourth generation

Production	1979-1983
Body style(s)	2 and 4-door sedan, hardtop coupé, liftback coupé, liftback, 3- and 5-door wagon, highroof wagon, van
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	1.3, 1.6, 1.8 liter
Related	Daihatsu Charmant
Similar	Dodge Colt Ford Escort Honda Civic Mazda GLC Datsun 210

The fourth-generation model released in 1979 in Japan, was boxy and was the last generation to have the entire lineup in rear-wheel-drive. Although most of the fourth generation was replaced by 1984, the station wagon and van versions were offered into 1987.

This generation (apart from the wagon) got a new rear coil spring five-link rear end with a panhard rod, and the wheelbase was longer at 94.5 in (2400 mm). A new underwhelming 1.8 L (1770 cc/108 in³) 3T engine was optional to some markets, whilst parts of the world retained the old 4K. The most notable engine advancement came in 1983, however, as Toyota began offering the 1.6 L (1587 cc/96 in³) 4A-C. The aluminum head, SOHC engine, although bulkier in size and weight than the K and T engines it was offered alongside, was a grand step up in performance. This would be the last generation of Corollas to use any pushrod or iron cylinder head engines, as Toyota made the decision to focus exclusively on aluminium head, OHC engine design from this point forward. This was the first generation to have power steering. In the USDM market, this was introduced in the 1982 model year. The 1980-81 models had 4 lamps in the front in some markets, all 1982-83 models have 2 - a facelift involving wraparound headlights, remodelled taillights and new bumpers were introduced for 1982.

In 1980, during this model's life, Corolla daily production reached an all-time high, averaging 2,346 units.

American engines:

3T-C — 1.8 L (1770 cc) I4, 8-valve Pushrod, carb, 75 hp (56 kW)
4A-C — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 8-valve SOHC, carb, 90 hp (67 kW)

Australian engines:

4K-C — 1.3 L (1290 cc) I4, 8-valve Pushrod, carb, 65 hp
4A-C — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 8-valve SOHC, carb, 90 hp (67 kW)

Japanese engines:

4K-J — 1.3 L (1290 cc) I4, 8-valve Pushrod, carb
5K-C — 1.5 L (1495 cc) I4, 8-valve Pushrod, carb
3A-U — 1.5 L (1490 cc) I4, 8-valve SOHC, carb
2T-G — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 8-valve DOHC, EFI

US-market chassis:

E-71 — Sedan, 2-door/4-door (Std, DX)
E-72 — wagon, 5-door (Std, DX)
E-72 — Hardtop coupé (DX, SR5)
E-72 — Sports coupé (SR5)
E-72 — Liftback, 3-door (Std, SR5)

Fifth generation — E80 series — 1983

Fifth generation
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Also called	Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno Chevrolet Nova
Production	1983-1987
Body style(s)	Sedan, 3-door hatchback, coupé, liftback, Station wagon.
Layout	FF layout/All wheel drive
Engine(s)	Gasoline: 1.3, 1.6 Diesel: 1.8 liter.
Transmission(s)	3-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	243 cm (95.6 in.)
Length	425 cm (167.5 in.)
Width	256 cm (65.1 in.)
Height	133 cm (52.3 in.)
Curb weight	1047 kg (2304 lbs)
Similar	Ford Escort Honda Civic Mazda 323 Nissan Sentra

The fifth generation is generally regarded as the most popular Corolla when measured against its contemporaries, and some 3.3 million units were produced. This model, from 1983, moved the Corolla into front wheel drive, except for the AE85 and AE86 Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno models (SR-5 / GT-S in USA) which continued on the older rear wheel drive platform, along with the three-door "liftback" (E72), three-door van (E70) and five-door wagon (E70) of the previous generation, that were still being produced.

The front-wheel-drive wheelbase was now 95.6 in (2428 mm).

It was the first Corolla to top the New Zealand top-10 lists, ending Ford's dominance of that market. A "short" hatchback range, called the Corolla FX in Japan and the Corolla Compact in Germany, arrived in 1984, on the front-wheel-drive platform. The three and five-door hatchbacks resembled the Corolla sedan with a truncated rear deck and trunk. Although there was a five-door liftback model of the basic Corolla, the FX-based hatchback was sold alongside it. The Corolla FX replaced the Toyota Starlet in North America.

A DOHC 16-valve engine, designated 4A-GE, was added in 1983 on the rear-drive cars. It was a 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4 and produced an impressive 124 hp (92 kW), turning the Levin/Trueno (Japan), Corolla GT coupé (Europe) and Corolla GT-S into a popular sports car. This engine was also combined with the front-drive transaxle to power the mid-engined Toyota MR-2.

The Sprinter sports cars, in two-door coupé and three-door liftback forms, were notable for the line's first use of pop-up headlamps, which the equivalent Corolla Levin sports models did not have. These AE86 models have been immortalized in the anime series Initial D, and have been also featured in the computer and video games Need for Speed: Underground 2, Gran Turismo 2, 3 & 4, the Tokyo Extreme Racer series, Auto Modellista and most recently Need For Speed: Carbon.

A new Corolla FX, built at the US NUMMI plant, appeared in 1987. It was available with either SOHC or DOHC engines, the latter marketed as the FX-16.

USA (1984-1987)

American engines:

4A-C 1.6 L I4, 8-valve SOHC, carb, 90 hp (67 kW)
4A-GE 1.6 L I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 115 hp (86 kW)

US-market chassis:

AE82 — FWD sedan, 2-door/4-door, hatchback(Std, LE, LE Ltd, SR-5) 3-door (FX/FX16)
AE84 — 4WD 5-door wagon (Std, DX)
AE86 — RWD coupé 2-door, 3-door hatchback (SR-5)
AE88 — RWD coupé 2-door, 3-door hatchback, (GT-S)

Europe (1984-1987)

Australian engines:

4A-C 1.6 L, 8-valve SOHC, carb, 78 hp (58 kW)
4A-GE 1.6 L I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 115 hp (86 kW)

Australian-market chassis:

AE80 — FWD 4-door sedan /5-door hatchback
AE82 — FWD 4-door sedan /5-door hatchback
AE86 — RWD 2-door coupé /3-door hatchback (Badged as Toyota Sprinter)

European engines

2A 1.3 L, 8-valve SOHC, carb, 69 hp
4A 1.6 L, 8-valve SOHC, carb, 84 hp
4A-GE 1.6 L I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 121 hp (86 kW)
1C 1.8 L, Diesel, Mechanical Injection, 58 hp
2E 1.3 L, 12-valve SOHC, carb, 75 hp

European-market chassis:

E80 — FWD 4-door sedan /5-door liftback
E80 — FWD 3-door liftback
E82 — FWD 3-door hatchback
E86 — RWD 2-door coupé /3-door hatchback

Toyota Corolla AE80 (Sweden)

Toyota Corolla AE86 GT-S (USA)

US Corolla Sedan

US-spec Corolla hatchback

Sixth generation — E90 series — May 1987

Sixth generation

Also called	Geo Prizm, Holden Nova
Production	1987-1992
Body style(s)	Sedan, 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, coupé, liftback, wagon.
Layout	FF layout/All wheel drive
Engine(s)	Gasoline: 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.6 liter Supercharged. Diesel: 2.0 liter.
Transmission(s)	3-Speed Automatic 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive 5-Speed Manual Overdrive
Wheelbase	243 cm (95.7 in.)
Length	433 cm (170.3 in.)
Width	166 cm (65.2 in.)
Height	133 cm (52.4 in.)
Curb weight	1086 kg (2390 lbs)
Similar	Honda Civic Mazda Protege Mitsubishi Mirage Nissan Sentra

All Corollas were front-drive for 1987, with production beginning in May 1987. For general export, the trim levels are Base, XL, GL, SE, and SE Limited. The GT-i was sold in limited numbers in certain countries. The all wheel drive Sprinter Carib wagon used a solid axle rear suspension with coil springs, while the rest used struts all around. The 4WD wagon was sold from 1988 to 1994 and had different bodywork to other Corollas. It was called the All-Trac in the US and sold with the Tercel or Corolla name in some countries. in general, all models depart from the previous generation's boxy styling, for a more contemporary look and improved aerodynamics.

The Sprinter five-door liftback was called Cielo in Japan, and re-badged as the Corolla in Europe, though for a period in Ireland (and possibly elsewhere) it was badged the "Sprinter GLS", unusually in cheap-looking decals instead of the metallic-coated plastic badges found on all other Toyotas of the time.

High performance GT-i models are powered by 4A-GE, and offered as 3-door hatchback, sedan, and 5-door liftback. The North American GT-S coupé shared the same engine.

This was awarded the 1988 Semperit Irish Car of the Year.

South Africa (1996-2006)

A facelifted version of the sixth-generation five-door hatchback was made in South Africa as an entry-level model called the Toyota Tazz from 1996 till the 5th July 2006. The Tazz was offered as 130, and 160i. Whilst the three-door was sold as a panel van model there, called the Toyota Carri.

Japan (1987—1991)

1987 Toyota Sprinter

The 1.3 liter sedan has 4 speed manual transmission or 3 speed automatic transmission. The only model with 1.5 liter 5A-FHE was SE-Limited G. The 4WD sedan is powered by 1.6 liter 4A-FE. The Sprinter sedan has opera window on the C-Pillar.

The AE92 Levin and Trueno were also fitted with a supercharged engine. It used an SC12 roots type supercharger and a top mounted intercooler that was fed cool air via a scoop on the bonnet. They generated 206 Nm (152 ft·lbs) at 4,400 rpm as opposed to the N/a 4A-GE's 136 Nm (100 ft·lbs) at 4,800 rpm. The Corolla and Sprinter commercial van have recessed headlights.

JPN-market chassis:

AE82 — Hatchback FX, FX16, FX16 GTS 1.6 liter
EE90 — Sedan 4-door (DX Custom, TX) 1.3 liter
AE91 — Sedan 4-door (DX, SE, SE Limited G), wagon 5-door 1.5 liter
AE92 — 2 door coupé (Levin), Sedan 4-door (SE Limited, GT) 1.6 liter
AE94 — 4WD sedan 4-door (DX, SE Limited) 1.6 liter
AE95 — FWD/4WD wagon 5-door (Carib)
EE97 — FWD wagon 5-door (Std, XL) 1.3 liter

Japanese engines:

2E — 1.3 liter
5A-F — 1.5 liter
5A-FHE — 1.5 liter
4A-FE — 1.6 liter
4A-GE — 1.6 liter
4A-GZE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, wide valve angle, supercharger, 165 hp (121 kW) GT-Z

USA (1988-1992)

Toyota Corolla DX AE92(North American Model)

Toyota Corolla wagon

North American production of the sedan took place at NUMMI and Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. These two plants made 279,000 units, making a total of 4.5 million of this generation (AE92) made. The North American models depart from the previous generation's boxy styling, for a more contemporary look and improved aerodynamics. They feature longer bumpers and small red indicator lights on the quarter panels.

Minor changes for 1991 model years were Toyota (T) ellipse emblem on the grille, all-red tail lights, door-mounted and manual lap front seat belts, and new wheelcovers for DX. Rear garnish was deleted for the Base model. The LE was only available with automatic transmission.

The North American Corolla coupé with retractable headlights was basically a Sprinter Trueno with different front corner lights and longer bumpers. Trim levels are SR5 and GT-S. The GT-S is powered by 4A-GE engine, and comes with full body kits.

Toyota Corolla All-Trac wagon

The four-wheel drive All-trac wagon in Base and SR5 trim levels were sold from 1988 to 1992 and had different bodywork to other Corollas. The Corolla All-trac sedan was sold in very small numbers.

The Geo Prizm shared a slightly different body with the Japan-market Sprinter, and built as sedan and liftback. These models were slightly more basic than their Europe/Japan versions.

American engines:

4A-F — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, carb, 95 hp (71 kW)
4A-FE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, narrow valve angle, 102 hp (76 kW)
4A-GE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, wide valve angle, 115 hp (86 kW) GT-S

US-market chassis & VIN code: The Japanese built has JT2 VIN prefix, the NUMMI made has 1NX VIN prefix and the Cambridge built units have the 2T1 prefix.

AE92 — Sedan 4-door Std (AE91), DX (AE94), LE (AE97)
AE92 — Coupé 2-door SR5 (AE96), GT-S (AE98)
AE9? — FWD wagon 5-door DX (AE94)
AE95 — 4WD sedan 4-door All-Trac (AE94)
AE95 — FWD/4WD wagon 5-door Std, DX, All-Trac (AE95)

Europe (1988-1992)

European engines:

2E — 1.3 L (1295 cc), 12-valve SOHC, carb, 74 hp (55 kW)
4A-F — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, carb, 95 hp (71 kW)
4A-FE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, narrow valve angle, 102 hp (76 kW)
4A-GE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, wide valve angle, 115 hp (86 kW) GT-S
1C-III — 1.8 L (1839 cc) I4 diesel, OHC, 67 hp (50 kW)

European-market chassis:

EE90 — 1.3 Sedan 4-door (XL)
AE92 - 1.6 Sedan 4-door (GL, GLi, XLi)
AE92 — 1.6 Hatchback 3-door (GT-i)
Liftback 5-door based on Sprinter sedan (XL, GL, GT)

The European model Corolla 4-door sedan, 3 and 5-door hatchback, and the wagon basically has the front end of the Japan-spec Corolla FX, except for the all white clearance lights and the "TOYOTA" or the ellipse emblem instead of the "FX" or "GT" of the Japanese model. It has the standard side marker lights and the taillight with the integrated rear foglamp (except for the wagon, which has the rear foglamp on the tailgate.) It also has headlight washers on the XL and the XLi models.

Australia (1988-1994)

Australian engines:

4A-F — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, carb, 95 hp (71 kW) CS, CSX & Spirit
4A-FE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, narrow valve angle, 102 hp (76 kW) XL, SR5, CSi, CSi Limited, Olympic Spirit
4A-GE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, wide valve angle, 135hp (100 kW) SX & GTi
6A-FC — 1.4 L (1397cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, carb, narrow valve angle, 81 hp (60 kW) SE
7A-FE — 1.8 L (1762 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, narrow valve angle, 115 hp (85 kW) Seca RV & Seca Ultima

Australian-market chassis:

E-90 — Sedan, Hatchback (SE)
E-92 — Sedan, Hatchback, Seca (CS, CSX, Spirit, SE, SX)
E-93 — Hatchback, Seca (SX, GTi)
E-94 — Sedan, Hatchback, Seca (CSi, CSi Limited, Ultima)
E-95 — Wagon (XL, SR5, CSi, Olympic Spirit)
E-96 — Seca (RV, Ultima)

Note:

Liftbacks were referred to as Secas on the Australian market
All 6th generation Corollas were 4 door on the Australian market
The Sprinter Carib Wagon was released in mid 1988, Hatchback, Seca & Sedan released mid 1989
SX is generally AE93 although on rare occasions they are found to be AE92R
The facelift series 2 models were released in October 1992
6AFC was only found in SE hatchbacks and early SE Sedans
7AFE corollas were AE94 Ultimas in early 1992 and AE96 Ultimas & RV's in late 92 onwards

Seventh generation — E100 series — June 1991

Seventh generation

Also called	Geo Prizm
Production	1991-1997
Body style(s)	Sedan, 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, coupé, liftback, Station wagon.
Layout	FF layout
Engine(s)	Gasoline: 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.6 Supercharged: 1.8 liter. Diesel: 2.0 liter.
Transmission(s)	3-Speed Automatic 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive 5-Speed Manual Overdrive 6-Speed Manual
Wheelbase	246 cm (97.0 in.)
Length	437 cm (172.0 in.)
Width	168 cm (66.3 in.)
Height	136 cm (54.3 in.)
Curb weight	1052 kg (2315 lbs)
Similar	Honda Civic Hyundai Elantra Mazda Protege Nissan Sentra / Nissan Sunny

The next Corolla (AE10x/EE10x) was larger, heavier, and visually more aerodynamic than the model it replaces, with development chief Dr. Akihiko Saito wanting to develop a 'mini-Lexus', after success with that range's flagship. With its 2465 mm (97 in) wheelbase, the Corolla had moved into the compact size class once occupied by the Toyota Corona and Camry. The coupé was dropped for North America, replaced by the Paseo.

The Corolla sedan is nicknamed "Great Corolla" in Indonesia. Initially the trim levels were 1.3 SE and 1.6 SE-G. The smaller engine model was replaced by 1.6 SE in 1994.

The 1.3 XLi, 1.5 GLi sedan, wagon, and Levin 1.5 SJ coupé were sold in Hong Kong.

In the Philippines, three variants were sold, XL and XE with 1.3-liter carbureted (2E) engines, and the GLi, with a 1.6-liter fuel-injected motor (4A-FE). The top model was offered in both manual and automatic transmissions. The Corolla was also the first 1.6-liter car to introduce 14-inch alloy wheels to the country in 1992. Other pioneer features that followed were rear seatbelts (late 1994) and a driver's airbag (late 1995).

Japan (1991-1996)

This model was not as successful compared to previous series due to a rising yen and home-market recession, blunting demand. The standard Corolla model range included the 5 door hatch back and lift back models, 2 door hatch back and the 4 door sedan and station wagon models. Also returning in this model line were the two-door coupés, the Trueno and the Levin. A 4WD variant of the sedan and station wagon were also available with a 1.6 liter gasoline or 2.0 liter diesel engine. Minor face lift changes were introduced in May of 1993 these included a new grille, a reconfiguration of the rear lamps and various bits of trim and garnish. Various submodels including the 4-door hardtop Corolla Ceres and Sprinter Marino were also available. They bore no real exterior resemblance but feature the chassis and most of the engine range of the standard Corollas.

Japanese engines:

4E-FE — 1.3 L (1331 cc) I4 cylinder 16v DOHC 97ps
5E-FE — 1.5 L (1497 cc) I4 cylinder 16v DOHC 105ps
5A-FE — 1.5 L (1498 cc) I4 cylinder 16v DOHC 105ps
4A-FE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4 cylinder 16v DOHC 115ps
4A-GE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4 cylinder 20v DOHC VVT 160ps
2C — 2.0 L Diesel (1974 cc) I4 cylinder SOHC 73ps

Japanese manual transaxles:

C40 4M/T
C51 5M/T
C52 5M/T
C50 5M/T
C56 5M/T
C160 6M/T
S50 5M/T
E59F 5M/T
E55F 5M/T (4WD)

Japanese automatic transaxles:

A240L 4A/T
A254E 4A/T
A246E 4A/T
A241L 4A/T
A132L 3A/T
A241H 4A/T (4WD)

JPN-market chassis: The following list is not complete or inclusive.

EE100 — 1.3 liter sedan (DX, LX, XE).
EE104 - 1.3 liter wagon.
AE100 — 1.5 liter sedan (DX, LX, XE, SE-Limited), and coupé (Levin / Trueno S).
AE101 — 1.6 liter sedan (SE-G, GT), FX hatchback (SJ, GT), Wagon (BZ-Touring), hardtop Ceres, and coupé (Levin / Trueno SJ, GT, GT APEX, GT-Z).
AE104 — 1.6 liter sedan 4WD (LX Limited, XE, SE Limited).
CE104 - diesel sedan 4WD
CE106 — Wagon, 5-door, Diesel.
CE109 - Highroof Van, 5 door, Diesel.

USA and Canada (1993-1997)

In North America, the Corolla was new for the 1993 model year. It had a different grille and longer bumpers than models for other regions. The base model came with the 1.6 liter 4A-FE engine. The DX, LE and wagon came with the 1.8 liter 7A-FE. The 1993 and 1994 versions of the 7A-FE engine were rated at 86 kW (115 hp), later versions rated at 78 kW (105 hp). The LE has sporty front seats and was available in the US with A/T only or available in Canada with either A/T or M/T. Minor changes occurred for the 1996 model year. Among these changes, the DX received bright red/clear tail lights and rear garnish, and new wheel covers. The LE was discontinued for 1996, and the Base model was also offered with CE Package. Sporty Corollas and 4WD Corollas were no longer imported during this generation. Some 1993 Corollas sold in Canada were produced in Japan.

USA and Canada Engines:

4A-FE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, narrow valve angle, 100 hp (75 kW)
4A-FE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, narrow valve angle, 105 hp (78 kW)
7A-FE — 1.8 L (1762 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, narrow valve angle, 115 hp (86 kW) DX LE Wagon
7A-FE — 1.8 L (1762 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, narrow valve angle, 105 hp (78 kW) DX LE Wagon

US and Canada chassis codes:

E-101 — Sedan 4-door with 1.6 4A-FE (Base, CE)
E-102 — Sedan 4-door with 1.8 7A-FE (DX, LE)
E-102 — Wagon 5-door with 1.8 7A-FE (DX, LE)

Europe (1992-1997)

The five-door Sprinter was sold as the Corolla Sprinter in some markets in Europe. The three and five-door Corolla FX was also sold in Europe simply as the Corolla, and was available mostly in normal (non-sports) specs unlike the FX range available in Japan. In Europe, the hatchback sold better than sedan and wagon. Although basically the trim levels are Base, XLi and GLi, also there was the GS. The GS featured a fully colour coded exterior and with full electrics and a tilt/slide steel sunroof. It also had an upgraded interior with white dials and a rev counter. in UK the Corolla was marketed as S, CD, and CDX. The sedan has rear license plate mounted on the trunk as opposed to other region models on the bumper.

Additional Engines available in Europe:

2E — 1.3 L (1296 cc) I4, 12-valve SOHC, Carburetor 71 hp (53 kW)
4E-FE — 1.3 L (1332 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 88 hp (65 kW) (1992-1995)
4E-FE — 1.4 L I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, "Ecotronic", 75 hp (55 kW) (1996-1997)
4A-FE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 115 hp (84 kW) Si

2C-III — 2.0 L (1975 cc) diesel (53 kW)

1993-1995 Corolla DX (US)	1993-1995 Corolla LE (US)	1996-97 Corolla CE (US)	1996-97 Corolla DX (US)
7th-gen Corolla wagon (US)	7th generation Euro Corolla 5-door Liftback	Toyota Corolla AE100 hatchback (Euro)	1996-1997 Philippine Corolla's front: GLi "TRD" model

Eighth Generation — E110 series — May 1995

Eighth generation

Also called	Chevrolet Prizm
Production	1995-2002
Body style(s)	4-door sedan, 2-door coupé, 3-door hatchback, 5-door liftback, wagon
Layout	FF layout
Engine(s)	1.6L I4 1.8L I4
Transmission(s)	3-Speed Automatic 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive 5-Speed Manual Overdrive 6-Speed Manual Overdrive
Wheelbase	246 cm (97.0 in.)
Length	442 cm (174.0 in.)
Width	169 cm (66.7 in.)
Height	138 cm (54.5 in.)
Curb weight	1095 kg (2414 lbs.)
Related	Toyota RAV4 Geo Prizm Chevrolet Prizm
Similar	Honda Civic Hyundai Elantra Mazda Protege Mitsubishi Mirage

The eighth generation, which shared its platform (and doors, on some models) with its predecessor, was introduced in May 1995. Due to a recession, Toyota ordered that Corolla development chief Takayasu Honda cut costs, hence the carryover engineering.

For the general market, the Corolla was offered in Base, XLi, GLi, and SE-G trim levels.

Japan (1995-2000)

This marked the beginning of the end of the Sprinter. The Sprinter Trueno coupé range was carried over with a facelift, while the wagon was identical to the Corolla.

Japanese models received minor changes in April 1997 with new nose, tail, and interior. The rear panel is totally different, therefore the trunk and tail lights are not interchangeable between the old and facelift models. The new Japanese rear panel is the same as the European model.

Japanese Engines:

4A-GE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 20-valve DOHC, FI, 165 hp (123 kW)
4A-FE — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 115 hp (86 kW)
5A-FE — 1.5 L (1498 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 100 hp (75 kW)
4E-FE — 1.3 L (1331 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 88 hp (66 kW)
3C-E — 2.2 L (2184 cc) I4, diesel, Electronic Fuel Injection, 79 hp (59 kW)
2C-III — 2.0 L (1974 cc) I4, diesel, FI, 73 hp (54 kW)

JPN-market chassis:

E-111 — Sedan SE-G, S-Cruise, GT
E-110 — Sedan LX, XE, SE Limited
E-114 — AWD sedan

USA (1998-2002)

All North American Corollas were now built in California (by NUMMI) or Canada (by TMMC). A new all-aluminum engine powered all Corollas, making this generation lighter than its predecessor. In the US market only sedans were offered. Grades are VE, CE, and LE. The Touring Package with side skirts, a whiteface instrument cluster, and aluminum wheels are reserved for CE and LE. VVT-i variable valve timing was added to the engine for 2000. For 2001 model year, the VE was deleted, the CE became the base model and the sporty S was added as the replacement of the Touring Package.

The Chevrolet Prizm (replacing the Geo Prizm) had two main differences from the Toyota Corolla, though they were made in the same plant: it used the Japanese intake manifold and tuning, and put in a Delco stereo, which provided better sound quality but required a replumbing of the center stack as the Delco unit is taller than the Denso. The 1999 Prizm has a Delco HVAC system which is different from the Corolla.

The US-market 2001 Toyota Corolla has a maximum legal carrying capacity of 390 kg (850 lbs).

American engines: (ZZE-112)

1998-1999 — 1ZZ-FE — 1.8 L (1794 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 120 hp (89 kW) @ 5600 rpm, 165 Nm (122 ft·lbs.) @ 4400 rpm
2000-2002 — 1ZZ-FE — 1.8 L (1794 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 125 hp (93 kW)

Europe and Oceania (1996-2001)

This range had different front and rear ends to the Japanese models, though the sides and interior remained mostly the same. It can be distinguished by the round headlights and mesh grille. As a result, a sporting model with a six-speed gearbox was offered. The European three door hatchback is the base for the Corolla World Rally Car (WRC). In Australia the Corolla liftback is called Seca. Grades for sedan and Seca are Ascent, Conquest, and Ultima. The Seca Sportivo with turbocharged 7A-FE engine was added in 2001. In 1997, the Corolla Spacio, with its body panels stamped at long-time Toyota supplier Kanto Autoworks, was introduced as a two-box minivan version and sold as the Toyota Corolla Verso, which was technically similar to the Toyota Avensis in Europe and the Toyota Spacio in New Zealand.

This generation received a facelift in 1999, featuring a different nose (the previous round headlights proved unpopular, so it was replaced with twin smaller headlights under a single cover on either side ), and the new ZZ series engines with VVT-i replacing the old A series engines.

Toyota Corolla WRC, with European model-style front	2001-2002 Toyota Corolla (USDM)	2001-2002 Toyota Corolla S (USDM)	1996-2001 Corolla (Europe)
Rear of 1996-2001 Corolla (Europe)	2000-2001 Corolla (Europe)	1996-1998 Corolla 1.6 SE-G (Indonesia)	1995-1997 Corolla (Japan)
1999 Corolla CE Interior (5 spd)

Ninth generation — E120 series — August 2000

Ninth generation

Production	2000-present
Body style(s)	Sedan, 3- and 5-door hatchback, wagon, van
Layout	FF layout
Engine(s)	1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8 litre gasoline, 2.2 litre diesel
Transmission(s)	4-Speed Automatic Overdrive 5-Speed Manual Overdrive 6-Speed Manual Overdrive
Wheelbase	260 cm (102.4 in)
Length	453 cm (178.3 in) (Altis and North American spec)
Width	170 cm (66.9 in)
Height	149 cm (58.5 in)
Related	Toyota Matrix Toyota Voltz Toyota RAV4 Pontiac Vibe
Similar	Honda Civic Hyundai Elantra Mazda3 Nissan Sentra

The ninth-generation Corolla (NZE120/ZZE120) appeared in August 2000 with edgier styling and a longer 2600 mm (102.4 in) wheelbase. It is built on a shortened Toyota Vista platform—the Vista being a mid-sized, rather than compact car.

The Corolla has also spawned another multi-purpose vehicle, the Matrix, sold in Canada and the United States, and forms the basis of the Pontiac Vibe. The Vibe, in turn, was sold with a different grille in Japan and is called the Toyota Voltz.

Japan (2000-2006)

Like the Vista, the Corolla's width is limited to 1700 mm (67 in), to avoid being in a higher tax bracket in Japan.

The station wagon model is called the Toyota Corolla Fielder in Japan, and the five-door the Toyota Corolla Runx launching in 2001. The Allex was also launched to replace the Sprinter.

The Toyota Corolla Spacio (Verso in Europe) moved on to the new platform, with later models adding a third row of fold-down seating in the back.

Europe (2002-2007)

Most European models are wider than the Japanese counterparts.

European engines:

2002–present — 4ZZ-FE — 1.4 L (1398 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 95 hp (71 kW)
2002–present — 3ZZ-FE — 1.6 L (1598 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 109 hp (81 kW)
2002–2005 — 2ZZ-GE — 1.8 L (1796 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVTL-i, 189 hp (141 kW)
2006–present — 2ZZ-GE — 1.8 L (1796 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, supercharged, FI, VVTL-i, 215 hp (162 kW) — Compressor
2004–present — 1ND-TV — 1.4 L (1364 cc) I4 diesel, 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged, D-4D, 89 hp (66 kW)
2003–present — 1CD-FTV — 2.0 L (1995 cc) I4 diesel, 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged, D-4D, 114 hp (85 kW)

Southeast Asia (excluding Hong Kong, Japan & India)

An offshoot of the Corolla model, called the Corolla Altis is also sold there. Sharing similar front and rear ends to the U.S. Corolla, the Altis is targeted at consumers who prefer more comfort than the current Corolla but do not wish to buy the more luxurious Camry. The Corolla Altis is manufactured in Thailand. Two versions of engine are available, the 87 kW (116 bhp) 1.6 3ZZ-FE engine and the 100 kW (134 bhp) 1.8 1ZZ-FE engine, both featuring VVTi. The Altis range of the Corolla is sold in Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. For 2004 model year, the Altis received a new grille design, LED tail lights, and different alloy wheels. In Singapore, Toyota's exclusive authorised dealer Borneo Motors originally sold the Japanese-version Corolla, but later replaced it with the Corolla Altis. In Thailand, the Japanese Corolla is also branded as the Toyota Limo, featuring lower spec and intended for taxi business. It is not to be confused with the taxi version of Toyota Vios which is also called Toyota Limo, but in Indonesia. Certain models of the Altis (possibly older versions) have slightly different rear lights when compared to the North American version. In Sri Lanka the local Toyota agents sell the Japanese made Corolla almost identical in exterior shape to the JDM model. The interior is less luxurious and they offer a Non-VVTI version of the 2NZ-FE 1.3l engine as the entry level. The interior of the 1.3 base model lacks power shutters and central locking.

USA and Canada (2003-current)

The North American model is longer and is the same as the Corolla Altis distributed in Southeast Asia. It came to the United States in Spring 2002 as model year 2003. Initially trim levels are CE, S, and LE. Stereo radios may be AM/FM single disc player, or AM/FM six CD disc in-dash player. Typically the six disc radio comes with six speakers as opposed to the four speakers. The two additional speakers are on the door inside by the mirrors. ABS is an option and may be difficult to find. Side and head airbags are an option, and may be difficult to find. The factory installed radio in the Corolla typically does NOT have an XM or Sirius satellite radio button or connection. Toyota had no plans to offer an XM or Sirius adapter kit for factory Corolla radios as of January 2007. However, there are aftermarket SAT button emulators that may work. Factory radios are reportedly manufactured by Panasonic (Matsushita A51813 and A51814 on radio face) and Eclipse (Fujitsu Ten) or JBL(A51815 on the radio face) depending on procurement of parts by the factory. No iPod adapter kits are available for Corolla from Toyota for the factory radios. Some upgrades for equipment may be in the works, however this is backstage to new model development.

The torsion bar suspension and drum brakes in the rear are anachronisms, however. The sporty XRS model, introduced for 2005 & 2006 only, features the high-revving 127 kW (170 hp) 172 Nm (127 ft lbs) 2ZZ-GE engine and 6-speed manual from the Toyota Celica GT-S and Lotus Elise.

American engines: (ZZE-122)

2002-present — 1ZZ-FE — 1.8 L (1794 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 130 hp (97 kW) — CE, LE, S (TRD 1.8L Supercharger is available for this engine)
2005 — 2ZZ-GE — 1.8 L (1796 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVTL-i, 170 hp (127 kW) — XRS

Rest of the world

In Brazil, the Corolla sedan and the Corolla Fielder are built locally. It is available with the 1.6 3ZZ-FE engine (sedan only) and the 1ZZ-FE. The sedan is externally identical to the US model, but the Fielder has a different styling from the Japanese version.

The Corolla sedan, wagon and 5-door hatchback (Seca) sold in Australia are sourced from Japan, while a few years ago, some hatchbacks were sourced from South Africa. Trim levels are Ascent, Ascent Sport, Conquest, and Ultima (Auto sedan only). The sporty Levin (hatchback and wagon) and high performance Sportivo was available in hatchback only and was built in South Africa. The Sportivo is powered by 2ZZ-GE engine and a six-speed manual gearbox (also used in the Celica) , while the other models have 1ZZ-FE. The Sportivo was discontinued in Australia from 2006 due to the prohibitive costs involved in modifying the engine to comply with Euro IV emissions. All the other models all had their engine power and torque reduced to 93 kW and 161 N•m from 100 kW and 171 N•m respectively from October 2005 production to comply with Euro IV. From May 2006 production, the Ascent and Ascent Sport models were upgraded with standard front power windows and passenger airbag, while the Conquest models had ABS brakes as standard fitment. The equipment upgrades only apply to the sedan and hatch models as the Corolla wagon ceased production in August 2006.

In China, when Toyota introduced its locally-made Corolla, it is named as Toyota Huaguan, Huaguan being the translation of the word corolla.

Pre-facelift Toyota Corolla CE (US)	Facelifted Corolla (US)	2005 Toyota Corolla S ZZE122 (North American model)	2005 Toyota Corolla S ZZE122 (North American model)
2005 Toyota Corolla S ZZE122 (North American model)	2005 Toyota Corolla Verso 1.8 T3 with roofbox fitted (UK model)	Toyota Corolla Verso 2.0L D-4D	Pre-facelift Corolla (Japanese model)
Facelifted Corolla (Japanese model)	Facelifted Corolla Runx	Facelifted Corolla Spacio	Toyota Corolla (E12U - European Version), 2006, Manufactured in Derbyshire England, Colour Collection
Toyota Corolla (2nd Photo) Same as Above

Tenth Generation — E140 series — October 2006

Tenth generation

Production	2006-present
Body style(s)	Sedan, Wagon
Layout	FF layout
Related	Toyota Auris
Similar	Chevrolet Cobalt Honda Civic Mazda3 Nissan Sentra

Toyota Corolla Fielder

The tenth generation Corolla was released in Japan on October 10, 2006.

Japan

The sedan is now known as the Corolla Axio The Axio name was created from the Greek word "axia", meaning "things with value". The station wagon retains the Corolla Fielder name. To save neck-twisting, the Corolla gets Toyota's latest intelligent parking-assist system. The option costs ¥105,000, or $879 at current exchange rates. A backup camera monitor is standard. All hatchback models were replaced by the Toyota Auris.

Equipment

A rearview monitor displays an image of the area to the rear of the vehicle while backing up to reduce the burden on the driver when parking (standard on all Corolla Axio models).

The optional advanced Intelligent Parking Assist system supports steering operations when parallel parking and backing into a parking space. Ultrasonic sensors installed on the front of the vehicle detect other parked vehicles and based on the results estimate the physical dimensions of a vacant parking space and set the target parking position. The Corolla Axio features a new Pre-crash Safety System that uses millimeter-wave radar. When the millimeter-wave radar detects a high risk of collision, the Pre-crash Seatbelts provide better initial restraint capabilities for passengers while the Pre-Crash Brake Assist system decelerates the vehicle to reduce the collision speed and contribute to less collision-caused damage. The new Radar Cruise Control system detects and monitors the preceding vehicle and the lane, maintaining a fixed distance according to the preceding vehicle's speed within a preset range of speed.

North America

The North American market will not get the redesigned Corolla until early 2008 as a 2009 model. That will stretch the goal of Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe to release the Corolla in overseas markets within "a year and a few months" of the Japan debut. Insiders say the plain-vanilla styling offered in Japan can't compete against the Honda Civic in North America.

It is rumored that the North American verson of the redesigned Corolla will have an exterior design similar to the 2007 Toyota Camry.

Australia

The new Corolla will be introduced to the Australian market early in 2007. It will be available in both sedan and hatchback models, with more safety features and higher levels of luxury. The new 1.8-litre 2ZR-FE Dual VVT-i - with variable valve timing in the exhaust valves - will be the only engine available for the Australian model, with superior fuel economy as its key selling feature. It is expected that the new Corolla will be fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with a CVT as a likely option, if not a 5-speed automatic, along with features normally reserved for Lexus models, including xenon headlamps and additional airbags for rear passengers. Although the new hatch will be wearing the Auris name in most world markets, it has been confirmed by Toyota Australia that the Corolla name will be retained for the Australian market.

Europe and China

The global debut of the third variant of the new Corolla was staged at the Beijing Auto Show. This variant, which uses a wider and longer version of the Axio's platform, has styling similar to that of the Camry's while keeping the Axio's interior. The European and Chinese market will receive this variant, which is likely to also be sold in ASEAN and Taiwan markets as the new Altis. The Chinese market Corolla's name was also changed to match the English name in pronunciation. In some European markets such as the UK, only the Auris is sold.

Toyota 4Runner

2007-04-22T10:17:00.000-07:00


Manufacturer	Toyota

The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV manufactured by Toyota and sold mainly in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 1984 to the present. The original 4Runner was a compact SUV and a little more than a Toyota pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a mid-size SUV. All 4Runners have been built at Toyota's plant in Tahara, Aichi, Japan as well at Hino Motors' Hamura, Japan plant.

Pre-1984 Toyota Trekker, was available in two or four wheel drive. In a slightly different approach, Griffith started with a complete pickup, cutting the back of the cab out, sealing the gap between the cab and bed, and attaching a permanent camper shell. Rear seats were also added. Griffith called the vehicle the TrailBlazer, and the third company sold theirs as the Wolverine. All of the vehicles were made in relatively small numbers and few remain in existence today.

First generation (1984–1989)

First generation

Production	1984–1989
Body style(s)	2-door SUV
Engine(s)	2.4 L 22R I4 (1984-1986) 2.4 L 22R-E I4 (1985-1989) 22R-TE I4 (1986-1988) 3.0 L 3VZ-FE V6 (1988-1989) 2.4 L 2L-T turbodiesel I4
Wheelbase	103.0 in.
Length	174.6 in.
Width	66.5 in.
Height	66.1 in.

The Toyota pickup (upon which the 4Runner was originally based) underwent a major redesign in 1983 for the 1984 model year. Many other automakers were introducing mid-size SUVs in the mid 1980s (e.g., Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer) and the pressure mounted on Toyota to develop a competing model. Instead of developing an entirely new model, Toyota took their existing short-bed pickup frame, made some simple modifications, and added an open one-piece body with a removable fiberglass top (much like the full-size Ford Bronco and Chevrolet K5 Blazer).

Thus, the first generation 4Runner is nearly mechanically identical to the Toyota pickup. All first generation 4Runners had two-doors and were indistinguishable from the pickups from the dashboard forward. Nearly all changes were to the latter half of the body; in fact, because the rear springs were not upgraded to cope with the additional weight of the rear seats and fiberglass top, these early models tend to suffer from sagging rear suspensions.

The first 4Runners were introduced in 1984 as 1984 1/2 models. For this first year, all models were equipped with black or white fiberglass tops. An SR5 trim package was offered that upgraded the interior: additional gauges, better fabrics, and a rear seat were standard with the package. All 1984 models were equipped with the carbureted 2.4 L 22R engine and were all available with a four wheel drive system that drove the front wheels through a solid front axle (although this would be changed in 1986).

1985 saw the advent of the electronically fuel-injected 2.4 L 22R-E engine (though the carbureted engine remained available until 1988). Additionally, rear seats were available in all 1985 4Runner trim levels, not just the SR5.

In 1986, all American-market Toyota pickup trucks (and the 4Runner) underwent a major design change as the suspension was changed from a solid front axle to an independent front suspension. This change for the American market made the trucks more driveable at highway speeds and increased the space in the engine compartment, but arguably decreased the truck's off-road capabilities. It also widened the track of the truck by three inches, making it more stable in turns. Outside the US, the Hilux Surf also gained the new Hi-Trac suspension design, though the pickups retained the more rugged and capable, if less refined, solid axle configuration. Tops were color-matched on blue or red 4Runners, while other body colors were still sold with white or black tops. During 1986 many 4Runners were imported to the US without rear seats. With only two seats the vehicle could be classified as a truck (rather than a sport vehicle) and could skirt the higher customs duties placed upon sport and pleasure vehicles. Most had aftermarked seats and seat belts added by North American dealers after they were imported.

A turbocharged version of the 22R-E engine (the 22R-TE) was also introduced in 1986, although this engine is significantly rarer than the base 22R-E. It appears that all turbocharged 4Runner models sold in the US were equipped with an automatic transmission, though a five-speed manual could still be ordered in the turbocharged pickups. Most Turbo 4Runners were equipped with the SR5 package, and all turbo trucks had as standard a heavier rear differential (which would show up again in 1988, when the V6 engine was introduced). Low-option models had a small light in the gauge cluster to indicate turbo boost, while more plush vehicles were equipped with an all-digital gauge cluster that included a boost gauge. Turbocharged and naturally aspirated diesel engines were also available in the pickups at this time as well, but it appears that no diesel-powered 4Runners were imported to the United States.

In 1988, the 22R-E engine was joined by an optional 3.0 L V6 engine, the 3VZ-E. This engine was significantly larger and more powerful than the original 4-cylinder offering. Trucks sold with the V6 engine were equipped with the same heavy duty rear differential that was used in the turbocharged trucks, as well as a completely new transmission and transfer case; the transfer case was chain driven, and created less cab noise than the old gear-driven unit used behind the four cylinder engine.

Small cosmetic and option changes were made in 1989, but the model was left largely untouched in lieu of the replacement model then undergoing final development.

Second generation (1990–1995)

Second generation

Production	1990–1995
Body style(s)	4-door SUV 2-door SUV
Engine(s)	2.0 L 3Y I4 2.4 L 22R-E I4 3.0 L 3VZ-E V6 2.4 L 2L-TE turbodiesel I4 2.8 L 3L diesel I4 3.0 L 1KZ-TE turbodiesel I4
Wheelbase	103.3 in.
Length	176.0 in.
Width	66.5 in.
Height	66.1 in.

2-door Toyota 4Runner

The 1989 model year 4Runner represented a fundamental departure from the first-generation model. Instead of an enhanced pickup truck, the new 4Runners featured a freshly designed body mounted on an existing frame. The difference is easily seen when comparing pickups and 4Runners of similar vintage: a 1984 4Runner looks remarkably similar to a 1984 Toyota pickup, whereas a 1990 4Runner shares only subtle styling details with the 1990 pickup.

Nearly all second generation 4Runners were 4-door models, however from 1989 to 1992, a 2-door model was also produced. These models are similar to the 4-door models of the time in that the bodies were formed as a single unit, instead of the fiberglass tops used in the first-generation 4Runners. Two-door 4Runners from this era are extremely rare, and were discontinued in August 1992, probably due to higher importation duties and owner insurance costs.

Because the drivelines were still developed from the same source, however, available engines were identical. A new 2.4 L four cylinder and the same 3.0 L V6 were both available in rear wheel drive and four wheel drive layouts. The new 4Runner used the independent front suspension that had been developed on the previous generation. The older style gear driven transfer case was phased out, and both engines now had chain driven cases, probably to cut down cab noise and vibration.

The Hilux Surf version for the Japanese market was also available with a range of diesel engines, including a 2.4 L turbodiesel 2L-TE I4 up to 1993, followed by a 3.0 L turbodiesel 1KZ-TE I4. A small number were also made with a normally aspirated 2.8 L diesel 3L I4. A small number were also produced with a 2.0 L 3Y I4 naturally-aspirated gasoline engine.

Most other full-body SUVs produced at the time (e.g. Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer) featured tailgates that opened upward with the glass closed. In contrast, the second generation 4Runner carried over the retractable-glass tailgate from the first generation. Opening these tailgates requires first retracting the rear window into the tailgate and then lowering the tailgate much like as on a pickup truck.

In 1992, the 4Runner received minor cosmetic updates, including modular headlamps instead of the increasingly outdated rectangular sealed beams. Additional cosmetic changes occurred between 1993 and 1995, the last year of the second generation.

Third generation (1996–2002)

Third generation

Production	1996–2002
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Engine(s)	2.7 L 3RZ-FE I4 3.4 L 5VZ-FE V6 3.0 L 1KZ-TE turbodiesel I4
Wheelbase	105.3 in.
Length	183.2 in.
Width	70.9 in.
Height	67.3 in.

1996 marked another significant redesign of the then-aging 4Runner. Whereas the transition to the second generation 4Runner was one that kept the build quality and options roughly on par with the rest of the mid-size SUV market, the changes made in the third generation turned the 4Runner into a more luxury-oriented vehicle. This move paralleled the upgrades to the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, but moved the 4Runner into a distinctly different class than its older competitors, the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, and Isuzu Rodeo. The third generation 4Runner did, however, look very similar to the second generation.

This similarity largely ended with its looks. It carried over the basic design and concept, but executed it differently with an all-new bodyshell on an all-new chassis. This time, it shared virtually nothing with the pickup it had originally evolved from, and had more in common with the Land Cruiser, as it shared its chassis with that of the Land Cruiser Prado. The third generation 4runner also featured new engines, a 2.7L 3RZ-FE I4 replacing the previous 2.4L 22R-E I4, and a 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6 replacing the previous 3.0L 3VZ-E V6. Both of these new engines are also found in the first and second generation Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks.

Significant changes from the second generation models include a larger body on a longer wheelbase, increased interior space, increased cargo space, twin airbags, ABS, lift-up tailgate, coil-sprung suspension all round, rack and pinion steering. Additionally, Hilux Surf versions immediately moved to 16 in wheels and gained a center differential, enabling the use of four wheel drive on hard surfaces without complication for the first time. The prior system was retained to give on-the-fly shifting between rear and four wheel drive as before.

Fourth generation (2003–present)

Fourth generation

Production	2003–present
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Engine(s)	4.0 L 1GR-FE V6 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8
Wheelbase	109.8 in.
Length	189.2 in.
Width	72.2 in.
Height	68.1 in.

The fourth generation 4Runner incorporated serious changes to the chassis and body of the vehicle, but was targeted at approximately the same demographics as the third generation. Based on the Land Cruiser Prado 120 series, the updated 4Runner looks very different from the older 4Runners, but is still targeted as a mid-size quasi-luxury SUV. Available trims are currently the SR5, Sport Edition, and the Limited. An all-new 4.0 L 1GR-FE V6 is standard in the current 4Runner, but for the first time, a V8 became available for the fourth generation models. It cranks out 260 horsepower and 306 lb-ft torque. The same 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8 found in the Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia is now an available option for the fourth generation.

When it was first introduced for the 2003 model year, the SR5 and Sport Edition models used gray plastic cladding and bumpers. In early 2003, Toyota added an optional Appearance Package for the SR5 model that included color-keyed cladding, bumpers, and liftgate trim. In April 2003, Toyota made the Appearance Package, along with the previously optional fog lamps, running boards, and 16" alumnimum wheels, standard on the SR5. The Sport Edition also added black running boards and color-keyed trim, replacing the grey cladding and silver-painted grill, door handles and liftgate trim.

In 2004, a tire pressure warning system was added as standard equipment. A 3rd row seat became optional on the SR5 and Limited models.

The 2005 model brought enhancements to the optional V8 engine and made a 5-speed automatic standard on the V6 model. Slight changes were made to the exterior including color-keyed bumper trim (replacing the silver painted trim on all colors except Dorado Gold) on the SR5 and Limited; a chrome grill on the SR5; a black roof-rack and running boards (replacing silver) on the Limited; and a redesigned rear spoiler.

Facelifted 2006 Toyota 4Runner

The 2006 model year marked the fourth generation's mid-cycle refresh. The changes included revised front and rear bumpers; a reworked grill; new projector-beam headlamps and LED tail lamps; additional chrome trim on the SR5 model; and a smoked-chrome grill with tubular roof-rack and step bars on the Sport Edition. The revised front bumper features circular fog lights and a relocation of the turn-signals to the headlamp assembly. The redesigned bumper eliminates the rear bumper reflectors. MP3 playback capability and an auxiliary input jack were added to all audio systems. In addition, the Limited model was further differentiated from the trim levels with the addition of unique 18" wheels and a seat memory system.

For 2007, the 4Runner is essentially unchanged.

Safety

Both the first and second generation 4Runners became targeted as very unsafe SUVs. 1980s and early-1990s US crash regulations were not very strict for light trucks, and all early model 4Runners were fitted with doors that offered little protection in the event of a side collision. In most areas, there was little more than two pieces of sheetmetal and the window to keep incoming vehicles from impacting passengers.The crash test rating for the second generation 4runner was one star for the drivers side in a frontal collision although the passenger side got a 4 star rating. Later, more stringent crash regulations mandated doors that offered as much protection as passenger car doors.

The most common accusations, however, were that 4Runners (and other narrow-track SUVs of the time) were prone to rollovers. Many light SUVs of the time featured comparatively high centers of gravity and, given the right situations, could be flipped over. Whether or not this is a serious road hazard is dependent on many parameters including the speed of the vehicle, the tires fitted to the vehicle, the road surface, and the driver's ability to predict and correct for situations that may result in a rollover. Third generation 4Runners were designed with a wider track, but it is unclear if this was directly in response to increased pressure from safety groups, or if it was simply a product engineering decision.

Toyota 2000GT

2007-04-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Toyota 2000GT was a sports car produced in very limited numbers by Toyota in Japan. First seen at the Tokyo Motor Show of 1965, production vehicles were built between 1967 and 1970. It revolutionised the automotive world's view of Japan, formerly seen as a producer of imitative and stodgily practical vehicles, and showed that the Japanese makers could produce a sports car to rival those of Europe.

Reviewing a pre-production car in 1967, Road & Track magazine summed up the 2000 GT (sic) as "one of the most exciting and enjoyable cars we've driven", and compared it favorably to the Porsche 911. Today, the car is seen as the first seriously collectible Japanese car, the first "Japanese Supercar", and examples change hands for fairly high prices.

Background

Much of the work was done by Yamaha, who in addition to their wide product range of the time also did much work for other Japanese manufacturers. The German-American designer Albrecht Goertz, a protegé of Raymond Loewy, had gone to Yamaha in Japan in the early 1960s to develop a two-seater sports car for Nissan. A prototype was built, but Nissan decided eventually not to pursue the project. Yamaha also worked for Toyota, then perceived as the most conservative of the Japanese auto makers. Wishing to improve their image, Toyota accepted the proposal instead.

Styling

From the rear, the E-Type influence is less apparent.

Toyota 2000GT dashboard.

Many cite the Jaguar E-Type as an influence on the Goertz lines, but the design is widely considered a classic in its own right. The smoothly flowing bodywork was executed in aluminum, and featured pop-up headlights as well as large driving lamps in fixed locations either side of the grille, with plexiglas covers over them. The design scarcely featured bumpers at all, and the plexiglas driving lamp covers in particular are rather easily damaged. The car was extremely low, just 45.7 in (116 cm) to the highest point of the roof. In 1969, the front of the car was modified slightly, making the driving lamps smaller and changing the shape of the turn signals. The rear turn signals were enlarged at the same time, and some alterations were made inside to modernise the interior. The last few vehicles were fitted with air conditioning and had automatic transmission as an option. These cars had an additional scoop fitted underneath the grille to supply air to the A/C unit. Two convertibles were built for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, but a factory-produced convertible was never offered for sale to the public during the car's production run.

Technical details

The 2.0 Liter inline six

The engine was a 2.0 L (121 in³) straight-6 (the 3M) based on the engine the top-of-the-line Toyota Crown sedan. It was transformed by Yamaha with new double overhead camshaft heads into a 112 kW (150 hp) sports car engine. Carburation was through three two-barrel Solex 40 PHH units. Nine special MF-12 models were also built with the larger 2.3 L 2M engine. The car was available with three different final drives; optioned with the 4.375 ratio version, the car was said to be capable of reaching 135 mph (217 km/h).

The engine was mounted longitudinally and drove the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. A limited slip differential was fitted, and in a first for a Japanese car, all-round power-assisted disc brakes. The atypical emergency brake gripped the rear disc directly.

The interior offered comfortable, if cramped, accommodation and luxury touches like a rosewood-veneer dashboard and an auto-seeking radio tuner. At the time, Road & Track felt that the interior was up to par for a "luxurious GT", calling it an impressive car "in which to sit or ride - or simply admire."

Production

An absolutely minuscule 351 (regular production cars) of the 2000GT were built, figures as low as specialist Italian supercar construction. According to Toyota and Yamaha data, there were 233 MF10s, 109 MF10Ls, and nine MF12Ls. All were actually built by Yamaha; it took two years for production vehicles to emerge. In America, the 2000GT sold for about $6,800, much more than contemporary Porsches and Jaguars. It is believed that no profit was made on the cars despite their high price; they were more concept cars and a demonstration of ability than a true production vehicle. About 60 cars reached North America and the others were similarly thinly spread worldwide. Most 2000GTs were painted either red or white.

Ironically, the number of toy 2000GTs made must far outstrip the amount of real cars produced. The car was widely modelled when new, and is still a popular subject with model manufacturers. Scale renditions of the car have been produced by Corgi Toys, Mebetoys, Playart, Yatming, Tekno, Diapet and numerous other manufacturers, while plastic kits have been also been produced in numerous scales by companies including Airfix. In addition to models of the coupe, several of these companies replicated the convertible produced for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice. The Bond car has appeared as a diecast model and in plastic kit form, and although no convertible 2000GT was ever sold to the public, some makers manufactured model convertible 2000GTs which clearly replicated the Bond car, but were finished in colours other than the white of the car in the film. Notably, Corgi and Playart both did this, as did kit manufacturer MPC.

Racing

Toyota entered the 2000GT in competition at home, coming third in the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix and winning the Fuji 24-Hour Race in 1967. In addition, the car set several world records for speed and endurance in a 72-hour test.

Carroll Shelby would also enter a pair of 2000GTs to compete in the SCCA production car races competing in the CP category

Movie and TV appearances

2000GT used in the James Bond film, You Only Live Twice

The 2000GT made its most famous screen appearance in the 1967 James Bond movie You Only Live Twice. Even though the car was never commercially available as a convertible, two were made specially for the film, although as they did not have roofs - just an upholstered hump at the rear of the cabin to simulate a folded top, they weren't really true convertibles. Prior to the decision to make fully roofless cars, building the car as a targa was tried, allegedly due to Sean Connery's height not allowing him to fit into the ultra-low coupe version. This retained the hatchback of the original car, but eliminated the rear side windows. However, when the Targa was completed, Connery's head stuck out of the top to such an extent that it was decided it looked too ridiculous and that roofless versions would have to be made if the car was to be featured in the film (its lead competition for the role was said to be the then-new Chevrolet Camaro.)

Originally, the Toyota was to be driven by 007 himself, but script changes meant that it ended up as the car of his Japanese contact Aki, although as actress Akiko Wakabayashi could not drive, all the actual driving was done by stuntmen in wigs, and all her close-up scenes were filmed while the car was stationary. Some of the close-ups were actually filmed using another white convertible as a stand-in, as in the finished film some shots of Bond and Aki driving clearly show the car's dashboard, and this looks totally different to that of a 2000GT. Budget cuts also meant that of the three planned car chases, only one eventually ended up on screen. Nevertheless, the 2000GT did get some memorable screentime, being used to evade villains in a Toyota Crown. The car had none of the defence mechanisms enjoyed by Bond's own vehicles, although it did feature a TV/radio communications device in the rear cabin. Corgi Toys modelled the car, and added rockets which could be fired out of the boot, although these do not appear in the film.

Two cars were built for the film. One of these was eventually located by Toyota in Hawaii and has since been restored and put on display at Toyota's headquarters in Japan. The other was resprayed blue, and is believed to have been used for racing-ciruit testing in Ginza. Its current wherabouts are unknown, although it is believed it may have been scrapped in the early 1970s. Several 2000GTs have been converted into true convertibles with actual roofs by private owners since, and one was even built into a replica of the unused Targa model. The Cars of the Stars museum located a wrecked 2000GT coupe in a South African scrapyard which was turned into a replica of the You Only Live Twice car. It is now on display at the museum, and has been fitted with the original communications device interior panel from the car in the film.

On Sailor Moon, Haruka Tenoh (Sailor Uranus) drives a yellow 1968 convertible model (in spite of the fact that a 2000GT convertible was never commercially available).

2000GT's made appearances in the TV series The Ugliest Girl in Town and Hawaii Five-0. The car which appeared in The Ugliest Girl in Town was formerly owned by Twiggy. It was given to her by Toyota as a gift in return for her participating in the car's launch. At the time, she could not drive so placed the car in storage. Toyota subsequently bought it back from her and lent it to the makers of the short-lived comedy series. Originally gold, with the 1968 UK registration number UBY2F, the car had psychedelic motifs added for its TV appearance. On the show, art mirrored life as it was given to the lead character, model "Timmie," who was really a man in drag. It was later resprayed red and is now in a Toyota museum in California.

In the Japanese TV drama Kekkon Dekinai Otoko, the character Hiroyuki Kaneda drives a white 2000GT.

The Toyota 2000GT was driven by the character Ken, leader of 'Yesterday Once More' in the Japanese Anime Crayon Shin-Chan Movie 'The Adult Empire Strikes Back'

In the second season of the Japanese TV drama "Hana Yori Dango", the character Hanazawa Rui drives a white 2000GT.

In the 2004 Japanese TV drama "Pride", the character Tomo owns a red 2000GT, which he lends to his friend Yamato to drive on a date.

In éX-Driver episode #2 "On and On", a white 2000GT can be seen as Souichi Sugano walks around the éX-Driver garage.

In Gate Keepers, A.E.G.I.S. has a blue and white 2000GT with modified fascia, codenamed UP-15, otherwise known as the Yota-Hachi. It is powered by a Gate Engine, and is for Syun Ukiya's use. It was totally wrecked when his daughter Ayane used it as a bomb to defeat Kikai Shogun and a whole horde of Invaders in Gate Keepers 21. (Edit - the car in Gate Keepers is actually a Sports 800 or S800, known also as UP15 (Model number) or "Yota-Hachi" (Yota = Toyota; & Hachi = 8).

In You're Under Arrest, Kobayakawa Miyuki has a blue 2000GT as a personal car. She used it on that trip to the hot springs with Nakajima-kun, as well as to chase crooks in the snow.

Today

Although not nowadays quite as well known to the general public as later Japanese sports cars like the Nissan Z, the 2000GT is regarded by many collectors as possibly the first highly collectible Japanese car. As of 2004, good examples can reach very high auction prices, though parts availability is a problem. Some combination of interesting provenance (particularly the first and second owners) and cosmetic perfection seems to be the formula for the highest auction values. Panel fit, overall finish, and interior quality/originality seem to be the primary value factors.

Products and brands

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Toyota

The first Toyota brand was the eponymous Toyota, which remains the best selling of Toyota's brands. Sales of Toyota branded vehicles have given Toyota Motor Corporation a 45% domestic market share in Japan, higher than any other manufacturer. In North America, Toyota has achieved success with a full lineup of cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles. In particular, the Toyota Camry has been America's best-selling car for the past five years, and is assembled in Kentucky; the Toyota Corolla has been the second best-selling car for 2006. These vehicles have helped drive sales of the Toyota brand in the United States. Total U.S. sales reached 2,220,090 units in 2006, making the brand third overall in U.S. sales for the first time in history.

Lexus

Lexus is Toyota's brand name for its luxury vehicle division. In 1989, Lexus was launched in the U.S., the culmination of a clandestine seven-year initiative to build world-class luxury vehicles. The luxury division expanded to Europe and Oceania in 1990. Lexus was launched with two vehicles, the LS flagship and the ES sedan, and has grown into a full lineup of models ranging from the convertible SC to luxury SUVs such as the bestselling RX Series. Lexus also produces hybrid vehicles under the name Lexus Hybrid Drive. Lexus is now sold in over forty countries around the world, and launched in Japan in 2005, becoming the first luxury marque of a Japanese manufacturer to do so. Today, Lexus is the best selling luxury marque in North America, and the fourth largest luxury marque in the world by volume.

Since its debut, Lexus has developed a reputation for reliability and quality customer service. Consumer ratings firm J.D. Power and Associates has named Lexus the most reliable automotive brand for twelve consecutive years. Consumer Reports in 2006 also named Lexus the most reliable brand in its survey of over one million vehicles, and Lexus customers frequently give their dealerships high ratings for customer service. Although Lexus' financial results are not publicly reported, analysts suggest that the Lexus division is the most profitable business unit of the Toyota Motor Corporation. In 2005, Lexus was organizationally separated from Toyota, gaining its own board of directors and dedicated design, engineering, and manufacturing centers.

Scion

Scion is a United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico-only division of Toyota founded in 2003. In 2003, Toyota brought two of its popular cars from Japan (including the bB) to America, and created a new badge, called Scion, meaning a descendant or heir. The xA (known in Japan as the Toyota ist) and xB (known in Japan as the Toyota bB) are powered by a 1.5L DOHC I4 engine. A third model, the Scion tC, was introduced in 2004 and uses a 2.4 liter engine; it was designed for the North American market as a Toyota Celica replacement, using the four-cylinder engine and transmissions from the Toyota Camry, and the basic platform of the European Toyota Avensis.

History

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Toyota Motor Corporation (トヨタ自動車株式会社, Toyota Jidōsha Kabushiki-gaisha), or Toyota is a Japanese multinational corporation and the world's second largest^[3] automaker making automobiles, trucks, buses, robots and providing financial services through its division Toyota Financial Services. Based in Toyota, Aichi, Japan, the company boasted a total vehicle production of 9.018 million vehicles in 2006 [1]. It is the world's eighth largest company by revenue of $179 billion as of 2006. Toyota is the world's most profitable automaker with net income of $11 billion on year 2006. The company is part of Toyota Group and is its largest. Toyota encompasses Toyota, Lexus, Scion, and parts of Daihatsu brands, divisions and companies.

The company was founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda as a spinoff from his father's company Toyota Industries to create automobiles. It created, first as a department of Toyota Industries, its first product Type A engine in 1934 and its first passenger car in 1936.

Many analysts believe Toyota will become the world's largest auto maker in the 2007 calendar-year by total vehicle production and thus overtaking the current leader General Motors Corporation, with a stated goal of producing 9.4 million vehicles in 2007.^[4] Its vehicle production increased by 1.7 million vehicles to little over 9 million in 2006 calendar-year.

Founding and earlier history

Founder Kiichiro Toyoda

The Toyota Motor Corporation was founded in September 1933 when Toyoda Automatic Loom created a new division devoted to the production of automobiles under the direction of the founder's son, Kiichiro Toyoda. Soon thereafter, the division produced its first Type A Engine in 1934, which was used in the first Model A1 passenger car in May 1935 and the G1 truck in August 1935. Production of the Model AA passenger car started in 1936. Early vehicles bear a striking resemblance to the Dodge Power Wagon and Chevrolet, with some parts actually interchanging with their American originals.

Although the Toyota Group is best known today for its cars, it is still in the textile business and still makes automatic looms, which are now fully computerized, and electric sewing machines which are available worldwide.

Toyota Motor Co. was established as an independent company in 1937. Although the founding family name is Toyoda (豊田), the company name was changed in order to signify the separation of the founders' work life from home life, to simplify the pronunciation, and to give the company a happy beginning. Toyota (トヨタ) is considered luckier than Toyoda (豊田) in Japan, where eight is regarded as a lucky number, and eight is the number of strokes it takes to write Toyota in Katakana. In Chinese, the company and its vehicles are still referred to by the equivalent characters (Traditional Chinese: 豐田; Simplified Chinese: 丰田), with Chinese reading. Both transliterations are correct.

During the Pacific War (World War II) the company was dedicated to truck production for the Imperial Japanese Army. Because of severe shortages in Japan, military trucks were kept as simple as possible. For example, the trucks had only one headlight on the center of the hood. The war ended shortly before a scheduled Allied bombing run on the Toyota factories in Aichi.

Replica of the Toyota Model AA, the first production model of Toyota in 1936

After the war, commercial passenger car production started in 1947 with the model SA. The quality and production principles on which Toyota is based originated in an education program from the United States Army in the postwar era. In 1950 a separate sales company, Toyota Motor Sales Co., was established (which lasted until July 1982). In April 1956 the Toyopet dealer chain was established. The following year, the Toyota Crown became the first Japanese car to be exported to the United States and Toyota's American and Brazilian divisions, Toyota Motor Sales Inc. and Toyota do Brazil S.A., were also established. Toyota began to expand in the 1960s with a new research and development facility, a presence in Thailand was established, the 10 millionth model was produced, a Deming Prize and partnerships with Hino Motors and Daihatsu were also established. By the end of the decade, Toyota had established a worldwide presence, as the company had exported its one-millionth unit.

[edit] Later history and management

The company was awarded its first Japanese Quality Control Award at the start 1970s and began participating in a wide variety of Motorsports. Due to the 1973 oil crisis consumers in the lucrative U.S. market began turning to small cars with better fuel economy. American car manufacturers had considered small economy cars to be an "entry level" product, and their small vehicles were not made to a high level of quality in order to keep the price low. Japanese customers, however, had a long-standing tradition of demanding small fuel-efficient cars that were manufactured to a high level of quality. Because of this companies like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan established a strong and growing presence in North America in the 1970s.

Fujio Cho, Katsuhiro Nakagawa (center), Katsuaki Watanabe (right)

President and CEO Katsuaki Watanabe

In 1982, the Toyota Motor Company and Toyota Motor Sales merged into one company, the Toyota Motor Corporation. Two years later, Toyota joined NUMMI, the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. Toyota then started to establish new brands at the end of the 1980s, with the launch of their luxury division Lexus in 1989.

In 2001, Toyota's Toyo Trust and Banking merged to form the UFJ, United Financials of Japan, which was accused of corruption by the government for making bad loans to the Yakuza crime syndicates.^{[citation needed]} The UFJ became one of the most money-losing corporations in the world, with Toyota's chairman serving as a director.^{[citation needed]} At the time, the UFJ was one of the largest shareholders of Toyota. As a result of Japan's banking crisis, the UFJ was merged again to become Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.

In 2002, Toyota managed to enter a Formula One works team and establish joint ventures with French motoring companies Citroën and Peugeot, a year after Toyota started producing cars in France.

On December 7, 2004, a U.S. press release was issued stating that Toyota would be offering Sirius Satellite Radios. However, as late as Jan. 27, 2007, Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite radio kits were not available for Toyota factory radios.^{[citation needed]} While the press release enumerated nine models, only limited availability existed at the dealer level in the U.S. Major Lexus dealerships have been offering satellite radio kits for Lexus vehicles since 2005, in addition to factory-equipped satellite radio models.

In 2007, Toyota released an update of its full size truck, the Toyota Tundra, produced in two American factories, one in Texas and one in Indiana, and "Motor Trend" named the 2007 Toyota Camry "Car of the Year" for 2007. It also began the construction of a new factory to build the Toyota Highlander in Mississippi.

Toyota at present day

Toyota Pavillon at the Expo in Aichi

The headquarters of Toyota are located in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. Its subsidiary, Toyota Financial Services sells financing and participates in other lines of business. Toyota brands include Scion and Lexus and the corporation is part of the Toyota Group. Toyota also owns majority stakes in Daihatsu and Hino, and 8.7% of Fuji Heavy Industries, which manufactures Subaru vehicles. They also acquired 5.9% of Isuzu Motors Ltd. on November 7, 2006 and will be introducing Isuzu diesel technology into their products.

In 2005, Toyota, combined with its half-owned subsidiary Daihatsu Motor Company, produced 8.54 million vehicles, about 500,000 fewer than the number produced by GM that year. In some months in 2006, Toyota passed Ford in selling cars. Toyota has a large market share in the United States, Europe and Africa and is the market leader in Australia. It has significant market shares in several fast-growing Southeast Asian countries.

In the Fortune Global 500, Toyota Motor is the 8th largest company in the world outpacing Ford Motor Company in all listings in terms of revenue and growth and in the 2006 Forbes Global 2000 it is the 12th largest company in the world. It has been consistently gaining market share in the United States.

The company was founded in 1933 by Kiichiro Toyoda as an offshoot of Toyoda Automatic Loom Company, under the encouragement of the Japanese government, which needed domestic vehicle production partly due to the worldwide money shortage and partly due to the war with China.^[8] Toyota has introduced new technologies including the first hybrid gas-electric vehicle, Advanced Parking Guidance System (automatic parking), a four-speed electronically controlled automatic with buttons for power and economy shifting, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota, and Toyota-produced Lexus and Scion automobiles, consistently rank at the top in quality and reliability surveys, including J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, among others.^[9]

Worldwide presence

The headquarters of Toyota in Toyota City, Japan

Toyota has factories all over the world, manufacturing or assembling vehicles for local markets, including the Corolla. Toyota has manufacturing or assembly plants in the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Poland, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and more recently Pakistan, India, Argentina, Czech Republic, Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Venezuela, and the Philippines.

The first Toyota built outside of Japan was a Land Cruiser FJ-251, built in São Paulo, Brazil in May 1959.

Toyota invests a great amount of research into cleaner-burning vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, based on technology such as the Hybrid Synergy Drive. In 2002, Toyota successfully road-tested a new version of the RAV4 which ran on a Hydrogen fuel cell. Scientific American called the company its Business Leader of the Year in 2003 for commercializing an affordable hybrid car.

Toyota Motor North America

Toyota has large presence in the United States with five major assembly plants in Huntsville, Alabama, Georgetown, Kentucky, Princeton, Indiana, San Antonio, Texas and Buffalo, West Virginia and its north American headquarters in New York and/or California. North America is a major automobile market for Toyota. In these assembly plants Toyota Camry and the 2007 Toyota Tundra among others are manufactured. It uses number of catchphrases and/or slogan in its American TV commercials such as It's time to move forward, Smart way to keep moving forward, or Moving forward. Toyota and its brand Lexus vehicles consistently rank well in terms of performance and quality in North American automobile magazines, awards and tests.

Manufacturing facilities

Australia

Altona, Victoria - Camry and Aurion (formerly Avalon). 109,222 vehicles and 85,769 engines in 2005.Canada

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Cambridge, Ontario - 1.8L (1ZZ-FE) engines, Corolla, Matrix, Lexus RX and from 2008 RAV4.France

Toyota Motor Manufacturing France, Onnaing-Valenciennes - Yaris Indonesia

PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia, Cikampek, West Java - Innova, Avanza, and Fortuner Mexico

Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California, Baja California - Tacoma Thailand

Toyota Gateway Plant, Chachoengsao - Toyota Soluna Turkey

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey Inc., Sakarya - Toyota Corolla United Kingdom

Toyota Manufacturing UK, Burnaston, Derbyshire and Deeside, North Wales - Auris, Avensis and Corolla United States

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Huntsville, Alabama - V6 and V8 Engines.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Georgetown, Kentucky - Camry, Avalon and Solara.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Princeton, Indiana - Tundra, Sequoia and Sienna. 364,983 vehicles produced in 2005. (127,431 Tundra, 44,852 Sequoia and 192,700 Sienna)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, San Antonio, Texas - Tundra. Annual capacity of 200,000 pickup trucks.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia, Buffalo, West Virginia

Joint venture, licensed, and contract factories Czech Republic

Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile Czech (joint venture with PSA Peugeot Citroën), Kolín, Czech Republic - Aygo Japan

Toyota Industries, Japan (contract facility) - Vitz/Yaris and RAV4 United States

NUMMI (joint venture with GM), Fremont, California - Corolla and Tacoma
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (contract facility, starting in Spring 2007), Lafayette, Indiana - Camry India

Toyota Kirloskar Industries,Bangalore

Alternative fuel vehicle

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Alternative Fuel Vehicle refers to a vehicle that run on a fuel other than traditional gasoline or diesel; any method of powering an engine that does not involve petroleum. Due to a combination of heavy taxes on fuel, particularly in Europe, tightening environmental laws, particularly in California, and the possibility of further restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions, work on alternative power systems for vehicles has become a high priority for governments and vehicle manufacturers around the world.

Toyota Prius, a hybrid vehicle. Museum of Toyota of Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Current research and development is largely centered on "hybrid" vehicles that use both electric power and internal combustion. The first hybrid vehicle available for sale in the United States was the Honda Insight. As of 2006, the car is still in production and achieves around 60 miles per gallon (25.5km per liter).

Other R&D efforts in alternative forms of power focus on developing fuel cells, alternative forms of combustion such as GDI and HCCI, and even the stored energy of compressed air (see Air Engine).

Air car

The air engine is an emission-free piston engine that uses compressed air as a source of energy. The first compressed air car was invented by a French engineer named Guy Nègre, 58.

The expansion of compressed air may be used to drive the pistons in a modified piston engine. Efficiency of operation is gained through the use of environmental heat at normal temperature to warm the otherwise cold expanded air from the storage tank. This non-adiabatic expansion has the potential to greatly increase the efficiency of the machine. The only exhaust is cold air (−15 °C), which could also be used to air condition the car. The source for air is a pressurized carbon-fiber tank holding air at 3,000 lbf/in² (20 MPa). Air is delivered to the engine via a rather conventional injection system. Unique crank design within the engine increases the time during which the air charge is warmed from ambient sources and a two stage process allows improved heat transfer rates.

This engine was used to power an urban car with room for five passengers and a projected range of about 100 to 200 miles (160 to 320 km), depending on traffic conditions. The main advantages are: no roadside emissions, low cost technology, engine uses food oil for lubrication (just about 1 liter, changes only every 30,000 miles (50,000 km)) and integrated air conditioning. Range could be quickly tripled, since there are already carbon fiber tanks which have passed safety standards holding gas at 10,000 lbf/in² (70 MPa).

The tanks may be refilled in about three minutes at a service station, or in a few hours at home plugging the car into the electric grid via an on-board compressor. The cost of refilling is projected to be about US$3.

Liquid Nitrogen car

Liquid nitrogen (LN2) is a method of storing energy. Energy is used to liquify air, and then LN2 is produced by evaporation, and distributed. LN2 is exposed to ambient heat in the car and the resulting nitrogen gas can be used to power a piston or turbine engine. The maximum amount of energy that can be extracted from 1 kg of LN2 is 213 W-hr or 173 W-hr per liter, in which a maximum of 70 W-hr can be utilized with an isothermal expansion process. Such a vehicle can achieve ranges similar to that of gasoline with a 350 liter (90 gallon) tank. Theoretical future engines, using cascading topping cycles, can improve this to around 110 W-hr/kg with a quasi-isothermal expansion process. The advantages are zero harmful emissions and superior energy densities than compressed air, and a car powered by LN2 can be refilled in a matter of minutes.

Alcohol/Ethanol

An early poster, prior to flexi-fuel engines, promoting alcohol fuel warns Brazilians not to mix standard petrol with alcohol fuel, and not to use alcohol in unconverted engines.

The use of alcohol as a fuel for internal combustion engines, either alone or in combination with other fuels, has been given much attention mostly because of its possible environmental and long-term economical advantages over fossil fuel.

Both ethanol and methanol have been considered for this purpose. While both can be obtained from petroleum or natural gas, ethanol may be the most interesting because many believe it to be a renewable resource, easily obtained from sugar or starch in crops and other agricultural produce such as grain, sugarcane or even lactose. Since ethanol occurs in nature whenever yeast happens to find a sugar solution such as overripe fruit, most organisms have evolved some tolerance to ethanol, whereas methanol is toxic. Other experiments involve butanol, which can also be produced by fermentation of plants.

When alcohol fuel is mixed into gasoline, the result is known as gasohol and labelled with an 'E' followed by the percentage of Ethanol. E10 is commonly found throughout the southern United States, E20 will be mandated by the U.S. state of Minnesota by 2013. and E85 (containing 85% ethanol and just 15% of gasoline) is slowly becoming available. E100 is straight ethanol, which is most widely used in Brazil and Argentina.

Use of pure ethanol and ethanol/gasoline mixtures is not without problems however. Ethanol has the unfortunate property of slowly decomposing certain rubber compounds such as are found in the fuel lines and seals in vehicles produced before the mid 1980's. There are claims that even E10 can have a significantly deleterious effect on older vehicles and after prolonged use may cause dangerous fuel leaks in affected cars. Because gasoline is more volatile than Ethanol, it can be harder to start some engines using higher Ethanol percentages than they were designed to use - especially when the engine is cold - and even modern vehicles may be unable to run more than 20% ethanol for this reason. Because of the difficulty of starting engines using ethanol, it is common practice in E100 countries such as Brazil to have a small gasoline reservoir in addition to the normal fuel tank with a switch to allow the driver to switch over to gasoline when the car has difficulties starting on ethanol alone. Ethanol is also electrically conductive (gasoline is an effective insulator) which can cause problems with some early electric fuel pump designs and fuel tank sensors. Corrosion of magnesium and aluminium parts is also a concern at higher ethanol percentages. Ethanol has less energy per volume than gasoline so miles-per-gallon ratings with ethanol mixtures are significantly worse than with pure gasoline - although ethanol has a higher octane rating which is beneficial to high compression ratio engines.

Many cars that currently use gasoline can run on ethanol, a fuel made from plant sugars. Most cars that are designed to run on gasoline are capable of running with up to 15% ethanol mixed into gasoline. With a small amount of redesign, gasoline-powered vehicles can run on ethanol concentrations as high as 85%. Most gasoline fuelled vehicles can be modified to run on LPG but there has been some concern that the ethanol-gasoline mixtures prematurely wear down seals and gaskets. Theoretically, the lower energy content of alcohol should lead to considerably reduced efficiency and range when compared with gasoline. However, EPA testing has actually shown only a 20-30% reduction in range. Therefore, if the vehicle is capable of doing 750 kilometers on a 50 liter tank (15 kilometers per liter), its range would be reduced to approximately 600 kilometers (12 kilometers per liter). Measures are available to increase this efficiency, such as different camshaft configurations, altering the timing/spark output of the ignition, increasing compression, or simply using a larger fuel tank.

In the United States, alcohol fuel was produced in corn-alcohol stills until Prohibition criminalized the production of alcohol in 1919. Interest in alcohol as an automotive fuel lapsed until the oil price shocks of the 1970s. Reacting to the high price of oil and its growing dependence on imports, in 1975 Brazil launched a huge government-subsidized effort to manufacture ethanol fuel (from its sugar cane crop) and ethanol-powered automobiles. These ethanol-only vehicles were very popular in the 1980's, but became economically impractical when oil prices fell - and sugar prices rose - late in that decade. In recent years Brazil has encouraged the development of flex-fuel automobiles, where the owner can use any mixture of ethanol and gasoline based on their individual cost and performance goals. In 2005, 70% of the cars sold in Brazil were flex-fuel.

Battery-electric

General Motors EV1, battery-electric vehicle

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are electric vehicles whose main energy storage is in the chemical energy of batteries. BEVs are the most common form of what is defined by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as zero emission (ZEV) passenger automobiles, because they produce no emissions while being driven. The electrical energy carried onboard a BEV to power the motors is obtained from a variety of battery chemistries arranged into battery packs. For additional range genset trailers or pusher trailers are sometimes used, forming a type of hybrid vehicle. Batteries used in electric vehicles include "flooded" lead-acid, absorbed glass mat, NiCd, nickel metal hydride, Li-ion, Li-poly and zinc-air batteries.

The Henney Kilowatt, the first modern (transistor-controlled) electric car.

Attempts at building viable, modern battery-powered electric vehicle began in the 1950s with the introduction of the first modern (transistor controlled) electric car - the Henney Kilowatt. Despite the poor sales of the early battery-powered vehicles, development of various battery-powered vehicles continued through the 1990s (notably General Motors with the EV1), but cost, speed and inadequate driving range continued to make them impractical. Battery powered cars have primarily used lead-acid batteries and NiMH batteries. Lead-acid batteries' recharge capacity is considerably reduced if they're discharged beyond 75% on a regular basis, making them a less-than-ideal solution. NiMH batteries are a better choice, but are considerably more expensive than lead-acid. Lithium-ion battery powered vehicles such as the Venturi Fetish have recently demonstrated excellent performance and range, but they remain very expensive.

Biodiesel

Bus running on soybean biodiesel

The main benefit of Diesel combustion engines is that they have a 50% fuel burn efficiency; compared with just 23% in the best gasoline engines. This makes Diesel engines capable of achieving much better fuel efficiency than gasoline vehicles.

Biodiesel is commercially available in most oilseed-producing states in the United States. As of 2005, it is somewhat more expensive than fossil diesel, though it is still commonly produced in relatively small quantities (in comparison to petroleum products and ethanol). Many farmers who raise oilseeds use a biodiesel blend in tractors and equipment as a matter of policy, to foster production of biodiesel and raise public awareness. It is sometimes easier to find biodiesel in rural areas than in cities.

Some Diesel-powered cars can run with little or no modification on 100% pure biodiesel, a fuel that can be made from vegetable oils. Vegetable oils tend to solidify in cold weather conditions so vehicle modifications may be required in order to heat the fuel prior to use under those circumstances. Modern low emission diesels (most often Euro -3 and -4 compliant), typical of the current production in the European industry, require extensive modification of injector system, pumps and seals etc. due to the higher operating pressures. The result is sensitive lubrication & sealing systems that bio diesel fuels do not protect and may even attack. This reduces the market for bio diesels as increasing numbers of new vehicles are not able to use it.

Biogas

Compressed Biogas may be used for Internal Combustion Engines after purification of the raw gas. The removal of H2O, H2S and particles can be seen as standard producing a gas which has the same quality as Compressed Natural Gas. The use of biogas is particularly interesting for climates where the waste heat of a biogas powered power plant cannot be used during the summer.

Flexible fuel

A flexible-fuel vehicle or dual-fuel vehicle is an automobile or truck (lorry) that can typically alternate between two sources of fuel. A common example is a vehicle that can accept gasoline mixed with varying levels of ethanol (gasohol). Some cars carry a natural gas tank and one can switch from gasoline to gas.

North American vehicles from approximately 1980 onward can run on 10% ethanol/90% gasoline (e.g., E10) with no modifications. Prior to 1980, many cars imported into the United States contained rubber, aluminium, and other materials that were generally non-compatible with any ethanol in their fuel delivery systems, and these cars experienced problems when E10 was first introduced. American made cars from the late 1970's onward can run on E10 with no modifications. E10 fuel is widely available. Going beyond 10% ethanol generally requires special engineering.

In the United States, many flexible-fuel vehicles can accept up to 85% ethanol (E85). The fuel mixture is automatically detected by one or more sensors, and once detected, the ECU tunes the timing of spark plugs and fuel injectors so that the fuel will burn cleanly in the vehicle's internal combustion engine. Originally, sensors in both the fuel-line and in the exhaust system were used for flexible fuel vehicles. In recent years, manufacturers have instead opted to use only sensors in the exhaust manifold, before the catalytic converter, and to eliminate the fuel inline sensor. As E85 is more corrosive, special fuel lines are also required. Some manufacturers also required a different motor oil be used, but even this requirement is now dropped for all but one manufacturer.

Hybrid Electric

2004 Toyota Prius, a Hybrid vehicle

A hybrid vehicle uses multiple propulsion systems to provide motive power. This most commonly refers to gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, which use gasoline (petrol) and electric batteries for the energy used to power internal-combustion engines (ICEs) and electric motors. These powerplants are usually relatively small and would be considered "underpowered" by themselves, but they can provide a normal driving experience when used in combination during acceleration and other maneuvers that require greater power.

The Toyota Prius is one of the world's first commercially mass-produced and marketed hybrid automobiles. Manufactured by Toyota, the Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997. The car was introduced to the worldwide market in 2000 and almost 160,000 units had been produced for sale in Japan, Europe, and North America as of the end of 2003.

The Honda Insight is a 2-seater hatchback hybrid automobile manufactured by Honda. It was the first mass-produced hybrid automobile sold in the United States, introduced in 1999. According to the EPA, the 5-speed manual transmission variant of the Insight is the most fuel-efficient mass-produced automobile sold in the United States.

Pedal Assisted Battery Electric

The TWIKE

The Sinclair C5 pedal-assisted battery vehicle

In very small vehicles, the power demand decreases, so human power can be employed to make a significant improvement in battery life. Two such commercially made vehicles are the Sinclair C5 and the TWIKE.

Hydrogen

A hydrogen car is an automobile which uses hydrogen as its primary source of power for locomotion. These cars generally use the hydrogen in one of two methods: combustion or fuel-cell conversion. In combustion, the hydrogen is "burned" in engines in fundamentally the same method as traditional gasoline cars. In fuel-cell conversion, the hydrogen is turned into electricity through fuel cells which then powers electric motors. With either method, the only byproduct from the spent hydrogen is water.

A small number of prototype hydrogen cars currently exist, and a significant amount of research is underway to make the technology more viable. The common internal combustion engine, usually fueled with gasoline (petrol) or diesel liquids, can be converted to run on gaseous hydrogen. However, the most efficient use of hydrogen involves the use of fuel cells and electric motors instead of a traditional engine. Hydrogen reacts with oxygen inside the fuel cells, which produces electricity to power the motors. One primary area of research is hydrogen storage, to try to increase the range of hydrogen vehicles while reducing the weight, energy consumption, and complexity of the storage systems. Two primary methods of storage are metal hydrides and compression. Some believe that hydrogen cars will never be economically viable and that the emphasis on this technology is a diversion from the development and popularization of more efficient hybrid cars and other alternative technologies.

High speed cars, buses, submarines, and space rockets already run on hydrogen, in various forms. There is even a working toy model car that runs on solar power, using a reversible fuel cell to store energy in the form of hydrogen and oxygen gas. It can then convert the fuel back into water to release the solar energy.

BMW's Clean Energy internal combustion hydrogen car has more power and is faster than hydrogen fuel cell electric cars. A limited series production of the 7 Series Saloon was announced as commencing at the end of 2006. A BMW hydrogen prototype (H2R) using the driveline of this model broke the speed record for hydrogen cars at 300 km/h (186 mi/h), making automotive history. Mazda has developed Wankel engines to burn hydrogen. The Wankel uses a rotary principle of operation, so the hydrogen burns in a different part of the engine from the intake. This reduces pre-detonation, a problem with hydrogen fueled piston engines.

However the major car companies like DaimlerChrysler and General Motors Corp, are investing in the slower, weaker, but more efficient hydrogen fuel cells instead. Hydrogen fuel cells run directly on hydrogen fuel, or on hydrogen produced in the vehicle from reforming methane or gasoline (this from petroleum), or natural ethanol, while hydrogen internal-combustion cars run on hydrogen only.

Solar

Nuna team at a racecourse

A solar car is an electric vehicle powered by solar energy obtained from solar panels on the car. Solar cars are not a practical form of transportation; insufficient power falls on the roof of a practically sized and shaped vehicle to provide adequate performance. They are raced in competitions such as the World Solar Challenge and the American Solar Challenge. These events are often sponsored by Government agencies such as the United States Department of Energy keen to promote the development of alternative energy technology such as solar cells and electric vehicles. Such challenges are often entered by universities to develop their students engineering and technological skills as well as motor vehicle manufacturers such as GM and Honda.

The American Solar Challenge is a solar car race across North America. Originally called Sunrayce, organized and sponsored by General Motors in 1990, it was renamed American Solar Challenge in 2001, sponsored by the United States Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Beginning in 2005, it is now called North American Solar Challenge with the addition of co-sponsor Natural Resources Canada. It is customarily held once every two years in the summer, though there was a three year gap between the first two races. Teams from universities in the United States and Canada compete in a long distance test of endurance as well as efficiency, driving thousands of miles on regular highways.

Nuna solar powered car, which has travelled up to 140km/h (84mph)

Nuna is the name of a series of manned solar powered vehicles that won the World solar challenge in Australia three times in a row, in 2001 (Nuna 1 or just Nuna), 2003 (Nuna 2) and 2005 (Nuna 3). The Nunas are built by students of the Delft University of Technology.

The World solar challenge is a solar powered car race over 3021 km through central Australia from Darwin to Adelaide. The race attracts teams from around the world, most of which are fielded by universities or corporations although some are fielded by high schools.

Steam

The Stanley Steam Car

A steam car is a car that has a steam engine. Wood, coal, ethanol, or others can be used as fuel. The fuel is burned in a boiler and the heat converts water into steam. When the water turns to steam, it expands. The expansion creates pressure. The pressure pushes the pistons back and forth. This turns the driveshaft to spin the wheels forward. It works like a coal-fueled steam train, or steam boat. The steam car was the next logical step in independent transport.

Steam cars take a long time to start, but some can reach speeds over 100 mph (161 km/h) eventually. A steam engine uses external combustion, as opposed to internal combustion. Gasoline-powered cars are more efficient at about 25-28% efficiency. In theory, a combined cycle steam engine in which the burning material is first used to drive a gas turbine can produce 50% to 60% efficiency. However, practical examples of steam engined cars work at only around 5-8% efficiency.

The best known and best selling steam-powered car was the Stanley Steamer. It used a compact fire-tube boiler under the hood to power a simple two-piston engine which was connected directly to the rear axle. Before Henry Ford introduced monthly payment financing with great success, cars were typically purchased outright. This is why the Stanley was kept simple; to keep the purchase price affordable.

Fuel and propulsion technologies

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The Henney Kilowatt, the first modern (transistor-controlled) electric car.

2007 Tesla Roadster

Most automobiles in use today are propelled by gasoline (also known as petrol) or diesel internal combustion engines, which are known to cause air pollution and are also blamed for contributing to climate change and global warming. Increasing costs of oil-based fuels and tightening environmental laws and restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions are propelling work on alternative power systems for automobiles. Efforts to improve or replace these technologies include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles.

Diesel

Diesel engined cars have long been popular in Europe with the first models being introduced in the 1930s by Mercedes Benz and Citroen. The main benefit of Diesels are a 50% fuel burn efficiency compared with 27% in the best gasoline engines. A down side of the diesel is the presence in the exhaust gases of fine soot particulates and manufacturers are now starting to fit filters to remove these. Many diesel powered cars can also run with little or no modifications on 100% biodiesel.

Gasoline

Gasoline engines have the advantage over diesel in being lighter and able to work at higher rotational speeds and they are the usual choice for fitting in high performance sports cars. Continuous development of gasoline engines for over a hundred years has produced improvements in efficiency and reduced pollution. The carburetor was used on nearly all road car engines until the 1980s but it was long realised better control of the fuel/air mixture could be achieved with fuel injection. Indirect fuel injection was first used in aircraft engines from 1909, in racing car engines from the 1930s, and road cars from the late 1950s. Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) is now starting to appear in production vehicles such as the 2007 BMW MINI. Exhaust gases are also cleaned up by fitting a catalytic converter into the exhaust system. Clean air legislation in many of the car industries most important markets has made both catalysts and fuel injection virtually universal fittings. Most modern gasoline engines are also capable of running with up to 15% ethanol mixed into the gasoline - older vehicles may have seals and hoses that can be harmed by ethanol. With a small amount of redesign, gasoline-powered vehicles can run on ethanol concentrations as high as 85%. 100% ethanol is used in some parts of the world (suc as Brazil), but vehicles must be started on pure gasoline and switched over to ethanol once the engine is running. Most gasoline engined cars can also run on LPG with the addition of an LPG tank for fuel storage and carburetion modifications to add an LPG mixer. LPG produces fewer toxic emissions and is a popular fuel for fork lift trucks that have to operate inside buildings.

Electric

The first electric cars were built in the late 1800s, but the building of battery powered vehicles that could rival internal combustion models had to wait for the introduction of modern semiconductor controls. Because they can deliver a high torque at low revolutions electric cars do not require such a complex drive train and transmission as internal combustion powered cars. Some are able to accelerate from 0-60 mph (96 km/hour) in 4.0 seconds with a top speed around 130 mph (210 km/h). They have a range of 250 miles (400 km) on the EPA highway cycle requiring 3-1/2 hours to completely charge. Equivalent fuel efficiency to internal combustion is not well defined but some press reports give it at around 135 mpg.

Steam

Steam power, usually using an oil or gas heated boiler, was also in use until the 1930s but had the major disadvantage of being unable to power the car until boiler pressure was available. It has the advantage of being able to produce very low emissions as the combustion process can be carefully controlled. Its disadvantages include poor heat efficiency and extensive requirements for electric auxiliaries.

Gas Turbine

In the 1950s there was a brief interest in using gas turbine (jet) engines and several makers including Rover produced prototypes. In spite of the power units being very compact, high fuel consumption, severe delay in throttle response, and lack of engine braking meant no cars reached production.

Rotary (Wankel) engines

Rotary Wankel engines were introduced into road cars by NSU with the Ro 80 and later were seen in several Mazda models. In spite of their impressive smoothness, poor reliability and fuel economy led to them largely disappearing. Mazda, however, has continued research on these engines and overcame most of the earlier problems.

Future developments

Much current research and development is centered on hybrid vehicles that use both electric power and internal combustion. Research into alternative forms of power also focus on developing fuel cells, Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI), stirling engines^[24] and even using the stored energy of compressed air or liquid nitrogen.

Future Of The Car

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The future of the automobile is a controversial topic, with some advocates arguing that the car has no future, and others that the car will in the future supplant most other forms of transport.

There are significant challenges in the near future to continued use of the car:

Petroleum refining and car use are major factors in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
50-70% of US oil production is consumed by cars and trucks. This is more due to the size, weight, shape and power of conventional cars than to necessity (See Messerschmitt KR200).
Cars are one of the most dangerous forms of transport. 1 million people die each year in car accidents worldwide, of which around 40,000 in the US (roughly the equivalent of one event the scale of 9/11 every month). The car is one of the major killers of people under 40.
Increasing population and prosperity tends to increase traffic congestion.

Energy sources

Hybrid cars (including small gasoline or diesel models) and more advanced combustion engines (eg. gas turbines) will improve fuel efficiency. Toyota intends to have hybrid versions for all its models by 2012, including the hybrid Toyota Prius which is already available. Ford intends to make five hybrids available by 2008. Both Ford and GM have also begun to develop hybrid SUVs. The next step in hybrid technology is Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. A 2006 article, "Hybrid Vehicles Gain Traction", in Scientific American (April 2006), co-authored by Joseph J. Romm and Prof. Andrew A. Frank, argues that hybrid cars that can be plugged into the electric grid (Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) will soon become standard in the automobile industry.
Utilization of waste heat from the engine as useful mechanical energy through exhaust powered steam, stirling engines, thermal diodes or etc..
Dual-mode vehicle or vehicles able to platoon that use relatively small electric motors and fuel supplies or battery reserves for door-to-door service off electrically powered arteries. Some swap battery packs to avoid waiting associated with recharging. This also avoids deep dischage that shortens battery life and makes a smaller and lighter battery pack with logistically infinite range using incremental energy sipping through frequent fully automatic battery exchange at speed. The monorail mode provides superior safety at very high speed.
Battery electric vehicles have the potential of using locally available sustainable energy resources while at the same time reducing vehicle energy requirements by 1/2 to 1/4 when using batteries to store electricity. A new high-performance electric sports car, the Tesla Roadster has attracted much media attention^[1] since its release in June 2006.
Hydrogen cars could eventually be produced that use sustainable energy resources and water. The resulting hydrogen could be burned in an engine or converted back into electricity by a fuel cell and its support systems instead of a battery to be powered as an electric vehicle. Due to the additional conversion losses and added distribution and support logistics overall efficiency is currently not as good as current ICE ("internal combustion engine") vehicles. Rather it is far simpler and more efficient (by a factor of three to six by some estimates) to transmit locally available sustainable electricity directly into the batteries of a battery electric vehicle.
Alternative fuels are being proposed : alcohol fuel, water (see hydrogen fuel), highly compressed air (see air car), garbage, hemp oil, magnetism, solar power, Tesla electric cars (with no car batteries), and high speed electric cars (freeway-capable).

[edit] Materials

Duraluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and carbon nanotubes may totally replace all steel in cars (potentially improving lightness and strength).
Nanotechnology-enhanced cars will be stronger than steel which can help to reduce weight and better protect passengers.

[edit] Competing solutions

Bicycle
Electric motorcycles and scooters
Walking
Electric trains
Trams, Subways, Trolleybuses and Renewable Energy Buses
Personal Rapid Transit
Public transport in general when utilisation is moderate or high
Segway

The list of modes of transport above generally pollute less than the conventional (petrol) car. Additionally they are claimed to have other significant benefits in the following fields:

Reduced traffic death tolls
Space requirements, both for parking and driving (extra roads/lanes, sometimes cutting nature zones in half)
Life-cycle resource usage, and pollution
- energy expenditure for production and driving
- air pollution, ground water pollution, toxic waste, noise pollution and climate change, through production, driving and disposal
Social inclusion
Economic and social equity
Liveable streets and cities, towns and villages v.s. sprawl and car dependence
For some solutions : Increased, regular, low-impact exercise, tailored to the needs of human bodies. This goes for public transport as well to the extent that they are combined in a multi-modal transport chain including walking or cycling.

The benefits of possible future cars, not yet in widespread use, like zero-emissions vehicles over these alternatives, would be

Increased mobility in rural settings and in some other areas where traffic jams are not severe
Possibly higher social status
Overall a better provision for privacy
Profit for the multinational firms producing cars, and possibly for their employees