News

Australian International Motors Show

28 June 2011

TOYOTA AT THE AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW
• Five Australian premieres
• The latest vision for a stunning new sports car
• Accelerating plans for rolling out more hybrid cars
• The Euro-inspired next-generation Yaris, and
• Updates for the all-conquering HiLux.

Toyota is staging five premieres of stunning new concept and production cars at the Australian International Motor Show in July.

Australia's number-one car company will take the wraps off two new hybrid show cars, a driver-oriented sports-car concept, a Euro-inspired next-generation small car and an even tougher version of Australia's favourite ute.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said Toyota's stand features one of the most extensive line-ups of fresh vehicles ever shown by a single company at an Australian motor show.

"On its own, Toyota's display - including five new cars never before seen in Australia - is worth the entry fee," Mr Buttner said.

"This raft of new Toyota cars provides car lovers with a 'motor show within the motor show' and confirms Toyota is fast approaching an exciting new period for the brand and for our customers in Australia," he said.

The FT-86 II Concept is the clearest indication yet of the final design for Toyota's next sports car, which is expected in Australia in mid-2012.

Its free-revving boxer petrol engine, lightweight and muscular body, compact dimensions and low centre of gravity combine to deliver the best-possible power-to-weight ratio.

The Prius c Concept and Prius v five-seat wagon are two new members of the Prius family that are being evaluated for the Australian market.

The go-ahead for local sales would see production versions in showrooms during 2012, alongside the Prius flagship.

The Prius c Concept is the inspiration for an urban-friendly car aimed at young singles and couples who want a vehicle that is fun to drive, while being more affordable and having even better fuel economy than a Prius.

At the other end of the spectrum, Prius v is designed for young families with active lifestyles as well as fleet customers looking for a car with added space and flexibility plus exceptional fuel economy.

Toyota's plans to expand the Prius family are based on its conviction that full hybrid technology is the key to the future of sustainable motoring.

Next-generation Yaris hatch has been completely redesigned with a more expressive, Euro-inspired look plus an even more spacious interior.

The new styling gives Yaris a more dynamic attitude along with a level of elegance and presence not normally seen in its segment.

Inside, designers and engineers have come up with ingenious solutions to provide more room, particularly for rear-seat passengers.

The new range will be available from Toyota dealers in the fourth quarter of this year.

An upgraded HiLux has new bodywork designed to ensure it will continue to dominate Australia's ute landscape.

New HiLux arrives from September this year.

TOYOTA PLANS TO GROW THE PRIUS FAMILY TREE
27 June 2011
Toyota Australia is aiming to expand the Prius family in Australia next year with the launch of two all-new hybrid models.

The two new vehicles being evaluated for the local market will be based on the compact Prius c Concept and versatile Prius v wagon, which are being displayed at the Australian International Motor Show.

The go-ahead for local sales would see production versions in showrooms during 2012, alongside the regular Prius.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the two show cars represented new possibilities for adapting hybrid vehicles to meet the needs of diverse lifestyles.

"The Prius family tree is set to grow in Australia, branching out into a modern family with a Prius for everyone," Mr Buttner said.

"The Prius c Concept and Prius v demonstrate Toyota's ability to offer the benefits of Prius in a variety of vehicles to a wider range of customers.

"With fuel prices rising and a growing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, it's a perfect time to be raising a family."

Mr Buttner said cutting-edge advances made through Toyota's continuous hybrid research had resulted in these new cars that offer outstanding fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

He said the Prius c Concept and Prius v were products of the same culture of innovation that spawned the original Prius, which was launched in Japan 14 years ago and has led to global Prius sales of more than two million.

"We are keen to get the reactions of consumers to these concept cars, with a view to launching the production models next year.

"Only Toyota is making this level of commitment to the environment that reduces our dependency on oil while lowering the cost of motoring."

Mr Buttner said the Prius c Concept is the inspiration for a dynamic vehicle with urban appeal.

"The Prius c Concept anticipates a city-friendly car aimed at young singles and couples who want a fuel-efficient car that is fun to drive and has an impressively spacious interior.

"It will be Toyota's most affordable hybrid and we expect it to offer even better fuel economy and lower emissions than our flagship Prius," he said.

The Prius v - with "v" standing for versatility - heralds a further expansion of the Prius family.

"Prius v is designed for young families and fleet customers looking for a car with added space and flexibility, as well as exceptional fuel economy.

"It offers seating for five with a low, wide-opening hatch that gives access to more cargo space than many small SUVs."

Mr Buttner said the versatility, safety, low emissions and fuel efficiency of Prius v might be offered instead as a seven-seat model, depending on consumer feedback.

The Prius v has the same proven Hybrid Synergy Drive® system as the third-generation Prius, with the advantages of low fuel consumption and low emissions - and it never needs to be recharged.

The show car features sliding second-row seats that allow for easier entry, exit and rear-storage flexibility, with a 45-degree recline for greater comfort. A fold-flat front passenger seat enables extremely long cargo to be transported.

Prius v preliminary specifications
Length 4,615mm
Width 1,775mm
Height 1,575mm
Wheelbase 2,780mm
Seating capacity 5
Hybrid system
Engine Model 2ZR-FXE
Displacement 1,797cc
Maximum output 73kW @ 5,200rpm
Maximum torque 142Nm @ 4,000rpm
Motor Maximum output 60kW
Maximum torque 207Nm
Complete system Maximum output* 100kW
Battery Nickel-metal hydride
Targeted fuel efficiency Under 5.0 litres/100km (combined)**

 

* Using both engine and electric motor power, based on TMC calculations.
** Based on targeted ADR 81/02 combined cycle results. Fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories.

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TOYOTA AIMS AT MID-2012 LAUNCH FOR NEW SPORTS CAR
27 June 2011
Toyota will set the local sports-car market alight in 2012 when it launches the production version of the FT-86 II Concept.

The FT-86 II Concept, being seen in Australia for the first time, gives vital clues to the final design of Toyota's next sports car.

At the same time, Toyota has revealed key specifications for the new model, now expected to arrive in Australia early in the second half of next year.

The production version will be based on an entirely new front-engine and rear-wheel drive platform.

Compact, lightweight and with a low centre of gravity, it will deliver the best possible power-to-weight ratio.

It will offer the driver confident stability and manoeuvrability, while being quick and nimble in corners.

The production FT-86 is the first vehicle to combine Subaru's horizontally opposed boxer engine architecture with Toyota's D-4S technology (direct injection combined with port injection).

The 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine brings together the technical know-how and enthusiasm for sports cars of both Subaru and Toyota.

This collaboration will deliver improved power and torque without sacrificing fuel consumption and environmental performance.

The powerful yet efficient flat-four engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

The manual will offer quick and precise shifts with a short throw, while the automatic transmission will feature sporty shifts, including the availability of paddle shifts mounted on the steering wheel.

The FT-86 II Concept - one of the stars of the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne - is the clearest indication yet of the final design for the driver-oriented production car.

The show car was created as part of Toyota's reborn passion for sports-car driving and the intrinsic fun of motoring.

It pays homage to Toyota's illustrious sports-car history that includes cars such as the Supra, MR2 and 2000GT.

Its name is derived from another legendary Toyota, the AE86 Corolla, which has achieved cult status among those who love the power slides of drift racing.

The concept makes it clear that Toyota's new compact sports car will have the style, performance and handling demanded by those who regard driving as fun rather than a necessity.

 

NEXT YARIS: DYNAMIC STYLING, MORE SPACE
27 June 2011
The dynamic styling and efficient packaging of the next Yaris model range is on display at this year's Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne.

A pre-production model reveals Yaris has been completely redesigned with a more expressive, Euro-inspired attitude that is agile and sophisticated.

The result is a dynamism conveying the car's brisk and responsive handling as well as a sophistication expressing compact car elegance and presence.

Yaris further improves the clever packaging that has been fundamental to the success of this nameplate.

Ingenious solutions have created an even more spacious and practical interior married to the more advanced and sophisticated exterior design.

The car's slippery aerodynamic profile contributes to low fuel consumption and stable high-speed cruising.

The upper grille opening is shallow and is flanked by highly contoured headlamps, promoting a smooth airflow over the upper body.

In profile, the car's sleek, monoform shape is emphasised by a long, sweeping roofline and crisp character line running the length of the vehicle.
Short front and rear overhangs and a longer wheelbase maximise the room inside for passengers and luggage.

The single windscreen wiper works with an integrated washer nozzle that improves wiping performance.

Yaris is a core model of the Toyota brand, having exceeded 3.5 million sales in more than 70 countries around the world.

Combined Echo and Yaris sales in this country led the light-car segment for six years from 2003 to 2008 and have contributed more than 200,000 of the global 3.5 million total.

Last year, Yaris sales grew 10.3 per cent to 21,452.

Toyota's next-generation Yaris is set to arrive in local showrooms during the final quarter of 2011.