TOYOTA OPEN ROAD BLOG

This Just In: Solara Lives!

2008-10-06T06:43:00-07:00

"The report of my death was an exaggeration," said that iconic American writer Mark Twain, and so it is with the Camry Solara.

Contrary to rumor, we will indeed offer a 2009 Solara convertible.

Introduction date, specifications and pricing haven’t yet been announced. But we can tell you for sure that the Toyota brand’s only convertible will continue on for another year in all its top-down, wind-in-your-hair glory.

- Denise Morrissey, Corporate Communications

Fashion Meets Technological Innovation

2008-10-03T07:02:29-07:00

We’d be the first to admit that this is just a little out of the ordinary for us. But stick with us for a minute or two, because we think you might find this interesting.

We’ve entered into a collaboration with a quartet of Chicago-based fashion designers for the world premiere of clothing that debuted at Fashion Focus Chicago 2008, in Chicago’s Millennium Park on October 2. What makes this extraordinary is that some of the fashions were inspired by the Toyota i-REAL, one of our concept personal-mobility vehicles.

Introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the completely electric, one-person i-REAL has three wheels - two at the front and one at the back. When operating in low-speed mode, its shortened wheelbase allows it to maneuver at among pedestrians without taking up large amounts of space. In high-speed mode, the wheelbase lengthens to provide a lower center of gravity and better driving performance.

Designers Agga B. Raya, Anna Fong, Melissa Serpico and Lidia Wachowska were chosen from a large talent pool of interested designers to create fashions derived from the i-REAL concept.

Shortly after their selection in May, the four designers traveled to Japan to interact with the i-REAL and its engineering team. The result is the garments shown Thursday – and the i-REAL’s reactions to them.

Yes, the i-REAL is programmed to reflect the tastes and choices of the four designers. It features a graphics screen on its rear bulkhead that displays shapes and colors in response to the designers’ work.

The result is an interesting mix of art and technology that helps make both more interesting. To take a tour, visit our photo gallery.

- Curt McAllister, Corporate Communications

Two News Cars in the City of Light

2008-10-02T06:48:25-07:00

Paris, of course, is known as the City of Light, but this week it might better be known as the City of Headlights. That’s because this week, the action will be at the Mondial de l’Automobile, as the Paris auto show is known.

We’re introducing a couple of vehicles there today that we thought might interest you. One of them is the production version of our tiny iQ, first seen in prototype form last year. It’s our take on the concept of a city car. The other is the Lexus IS convertible.

Thanks to clever packaging, the iQ is one of those rolling contradictions that seems larger on the inside than it is on the outside. With an estimated base curb weight of 1,950 pounds, it is 9.8 feet long – shorter, even, than our Yaris – and is 5.5 feet wide and 4.8 feet tall. The iQ’s turning circle is about 13 feet, much less than that of the Yaris.

It contains seating for three adults, with a fourth seat that is suitable for a child, or that can be stowed to provide luggage space.

Power is supplied by a high-tech three-cylinder 1.0L engine that is, according to tests by Britain’s respected "Car" magazine, capable of more than 60 mpg. Larger 1.3L gas and 1.4L diesel engines also are slated as options for the iQ.

All the usual items – air conditioning, quality audio systems, a full suite of air bags, including the world’s first rear air bag, and other safety systems – will be available.

Our other new car takes us from the clever to the sublime. This new Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C convertible features a three-panel hard top that quickly folds into invisibility to treat driver and passengers to the joys of top-down motoring in traditional Lexus comfort, quiet and style.

Powertrains for the two IS convertibles are the same as for the IS sedans, and the convertibles share double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension systems with the IS sedans. Revisions to the convertible body structure and suspension enhance torsional stiffness and ride comfort.

The convertibles’ exterior features a design that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency, but never mind that. This car is gorgeous, with lines that look great from any angle.

The convertible’s interior features the luxury touch points associated with the IS sedans, while comfort and entertainment features provide a consistent atmosphere regardless of top configuration. Active safety features from the IS sedans transfer to the convertible as well.

The IS 250C and IS 350C will go on sale in the U.S. in late spring or early summer next year.

The iQ, meanwhile, goes on sale in Britain and Europe early next year.

So here’s our question for you: We all might greatly desire a Lexus convertible, but is there a place for cars like the iQ here in the U.S.? If the iQ became available here, would you consider buying one?

- Jon F. Thompson, Editor, Open Road

On Coming Back for More

2008-10-01T07:12:23-07:00

One important way we measure the job we’re doing with our cars and trucks involves counting the number of buyers who, after buying a first example, return for a second one.

When our customers come back for more, we figure we’re doing our jobs. If for whatever reason customers choose to not buy a second vehicle from one of our dealers – well, we figure we’ve got work to do.

So we’re pleased to report that according to a report on NextAutos.com, that for the most recent reporting period in 2008, Lexus, our premium brand, has the highest return rate of any premium brand.

According to the reported numbers, 48% of Lexus owners are repeat customers. The next-closest competitor, a well-regarded brand from Germany, also does very well in this metric, with 44% of its buyers being repeat customers.

Just as a point of reference, we’ll tell you that there is a considerable spread on the list. The brand at the bottom managed to lure back just 8.8% of its customers.

We consider this 48% repeat-buyer number as important as the one that measures long-term customer satisfaction.

We take that to mean that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing. But it doesn’t mean that we won’t continue trying harder to make our vehicles even better than they already are.

- Jon F. Thompson, Editor, Open Road