Great job Toyota!

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (May 23, 2011) – The newest entrant in a growing Prius family of hybrid vehicles, the Prius v delivers an unparalleled blend of versatility and fuel efficiency in a comfortable, mid-size package. A new evolution in hybrid vehicles with excellent cargo space and Prius’ heritage of environmental performance and fuel economy, the 2012 Prius v will go on sale in Fall 2011. The new Prius v, with “v” expressing the vehicle’s versatility, will meet the needs of growing families with active lifestyles while providing the same attributes traditionally found in the Prius DNA.

Despite the spaciousness of a family friendly midsize vehicle, the Prius v will deliver estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined. “The Prius v brings leading-edge hybrid technology to customers who need more room and provides more cargo space than 80 percent of all small SUVs,” said Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter. “And because it’s a Prius, it produces 66 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle and will have the best mileage ratings of any SUV, crossover, or wagon sold in America. We think that’s a win-win for everybody.” The Prius v will be utilizing the same proven Hybrid Synergy Drive system as the third-generation Prius, with the advantages of high mileage, low emissions, and never needing to be recharged.

A product of the same culture of innovation that spawned the original Prius 14 years and two-million units ago, the Prius v follows family tradition with new technologies and equipment advances that continues to raise the bar on the cutting edge automotive science. Big Enough For Families and Cargo The Prius v emphasizes overall proportion with spaciousness and flexibility for active families. Comfortable interior space and good visibility have been assisted by a high seating position, ample head room, and an impressive 38-inch couple distance, providing generous rear legroom. A low, wide-opening rear hatch reveals 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, making it the most spacious dedicated hybrid vehicle on the market. Comfortable seating for five is specifically designed for young families. Sliding second row seats allow for easier ingress and egress and rear-storage flexibility, with a 45-degree recline for greater comfort. The 60/40 split, folding rear seats present four different seat arrangements that provide excellent usability for passengers and luggage, while a fold-flat front-passenger seat allows for extremely long cargo. The driver is kept informed via a center-mounted instrument panel, a visually succinct, space-efficient design that is also exceptionally user-friendly.

 As with other Prius models, the driving controls including Push Button Start, parking switch, drive-by-wire shift toggle, and driving mode buttons are immediately at hand. Each of these driving control features are distinguished by silver trim. Instrument-panel controls, including a single dial automatic climate control, provide an advanced look and user-friendly command. The center console is accessible from both the driver side and rear seats. The console is big enough to hold 23 CD cases, yet low enough so that lines of sight and conversation between passengers can be relaxed and natural. The console design helps make the cabin a human-friendly space, and a low-fatigue environment for long rides. A wide variety of engineered storage spaces are located throughout the cabin. These include dual glove boxes, a center console utility tray and five cup holders in large and medium sizes. Bottle holders are built into the front and rear door pockets, while most models will feature an overhead storage space suitable for sunglasses. In addition to the larger main luggage compartment, there are storage units built into the sides and under the cargo platform for storing equipment such as car wash items or gloves. Even a special space for umbrellas is located under the second row of seats. Rear seats fold, slide and recline to configure for any mix of passengers and cargo, and operation switches are located conveniently close to the occupants. New for Toyota, an available seat material called SofTex is designed for easy cleaning, resisting spills and wear in a family vehicle that could see heavy use on a daily basis. Soft to the touch, SofTex’s attributes as compared to leather and other traditional leatherette-type materials include a weight reduction of 50 percent, a manufacturing process with approximately 99 percent fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than conventional synthetic leather, and it’s water and stain resistant. It also does not include any animal-based material.

Advanced Connectivity Seamlessly integrated into the Prius v are state-of-the-art electronics and enhanced connectivity features. A Bluetooth wireless connection for compatible hands-free phone calls is standard, now improved by an automatic phone book transfer function. Also standard is a USB port that allows playing of music and video from portable audio devices, using the vehicle sound system and in-dash display screen, including full iPod integration. The standard audio system has a 6.1-inch screen and six speakers. The screen also displays the energy monitor and fuel consumption data, and functions as the monitor for the integrated back-up camera and the Display Audio System. The screen also offers a new value-driven navigation system and serves as a portal for Entune. An available HD Radio system enables CD sound quality from digital FM broadcasts, and has features that maximize analog and AM broadcast sound quality. The system will include HD Radio with iTunes tagging for future purchase and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The top-of-the-line audio is equipped with a new seven-inch Premium HDD Navigation system with Entune and JBL. This system offers a new split-screen feature that allows for simultaneously displaying navigation and audio information and full iPod video integration. The premium system adds a new JBL GreenEdge audio system that combines an eight-channel amplifier and door-mounted “acoustic lens” speakers, to provide a high-quality sound. The GreenEdge amplifier achieves a 66-percent reduction in overall mass and a 50-percent enhancement in sound efficiency. The GreenEdge speakers produce a higher output of sound with the same power or less consumption of conventional models.

Entune Multimedia System Prius v will be one of the first Toyotas to offer the Entune multimedia system. For the first time ever in a Toyota automobile, this innovative new system leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services. Toyota Entune debuts the first-ever support for engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, and sports. Toyota Entune brings the largest selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iheartradio’s 750+ stations, and Pandora’s personalized music service. The audio systems combined with Entune feature a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused on the road by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands. The system will also allow for audio read-back and replay capabilities for text messages, with the ability to respond by pre-set “Quick Reply Messages” such as: “I’m driving and will reply later.”

Sleek, Aerodynamic and Efficient With a balance between outstanding spaciousness, refined style, and smooth aerodynamics, Prius v has a low 0.29 coefficient of drag, which does not inhibit the vehicle’s convenient packaging. It is a new vehicle designed from the ground up, with a shape that evolved from Prius rather than being an elongated version. Keeping air resistance low is the familiar triangular Prius silhouette, adapted to a larger size. A flush surface from the front of the vehicle through the front pillar works with side “aerocorners” for exceptionally clean airflow. The smooth front sheetmetal blends into a carefully designed roof and cabin, leading to an optimized cabin-end shape that acts to converge side and roof airflow. Wheels and wheel caps are designed with aerodynamic effects in mind. These measures and others also have the beneficial effect of suppressing wind noise. Enhancing the clean, low wind-resistance design are materials that keep the Prius v relatively light and easy to move. The door panels are foam-injected with polypropylene and the deck board with light-weight urethane to produce a weight savings of approximately 20 percent. Significant weight reduction is also achieved through the use of high-tensile grades of steel throughout the body along with aluminum in key body panels and systems. High-strength steel sheets and bars used throughout the body to ensure a light, yet highly rigid platform structure. Also available, and a Toyota-first, is a resin Panoramic View Moonroof with power retractable sun shades that provides an open atmosphere in the cabin with a 40-percent reduction in weight as compared to conventional glass roofs of the same size, and excellent heat insulation performance. This improved thermal resistance means the engine needs to run less to preserve comfortable ambient temperatures, which in turn enhances fuel efficiency. The moonroof has an electrically operated shade system with a jam protection function. Available LED headlamps work to improve visibility while reducing current draw. They use projector lenses to offer long-range visibility and are designed to be virtually maintenance free for the expected life of the vehicle.

Prius v features a climate control system with enhanced cooling capability to cope with a larger cabin. The system uses an electric compressor, so the air conditioning can run without depending on the engine, and improved component design for better maximum-demand cooling performance.

Proven Hybrid Synergy Drive System Now More Versatile The Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the Prius v is essentially the same as the current third-generation Prius. The system uses two high-output motors, one 60kw (80 hp) unit that mainly works to power the compact, lightweight transaxle and another smaller motor that mainly works as the electric power source. Maximum motor drive voltage is 650 volts DC. The proven and practical nickel-metal hydride battery pack is the same as on the third-generation Prius liftback, but with a cooling duct located under the rear seat. As with current-generation Prius cars, Hybrid Synergy Drive is a series-parallel hybrid system that can provide power either from the engine alone, or the motor alone, or any mix of both. A hybrid control computer manages the system so that optimum power is delivered according to driver demand. It uses a start/stop system and regenerative braking to conserve fuel and recharge the battery upon deceleration. Hybrid Synergy Drive is built around a specially adapted, efficient 98-horsepower1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle and contributes to a total system horsepower of 134. Key components include an electric water pump that requires no belts, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that helps warm the engine quickly, reducing fuel consumption when the engine is cold. Compact and light weight, the engine produces minimal noise and vibration. Sophisticated valve control, injector design, and other technologies reduce emissions to allow the Prius v to qualify for SULEV and Tier2 Bin3 emissions standards. Four Driving Modes In addition to the standard driving mode, Prius v drive system also includes an Eco driving mode, an EV driving mode, and a Power mode. In Power mode, enhanced mid-range response enables easier coping with slopes and mountainous terrain. In EV mode, the Prius v can run on battery power alone for short distances and lower speeds, up to about a mile. In Eco driving mode, the engine management system prioritizes fuel economy, managing throttle response and limiting power consumption from the air conditioning. Pitch and Bounce Control; Better Ride, Better Handling A new feature, Pitch and Bounce Control, works with suspension enhancements to improve ride comfort and control.

Because the Prius v is a larger vehicle more likely to carry loads and passengers, front and rear suspension components have been redesigned to improve handling and ride quality. Front coil-over spring and damper capacities have been significantly increased and a new upper support has been designed. The steering gear has been attached to the front suspension member, and the stabilizer bar repositioned for more responsive steering feel and enhanced ride comfort. In the rear, a torsion-beam suspension design has been fitted with appropriately tuned springs and dampers. The new rear-suspension system is designed to help ensure stability and ride comfort, and it has a lower mounting point to improve luggage space. Pitch and Bounce Control uses the torque of the hybrid motor to enhance ride comfort and control. The system, working with wheel-speed sensors and in tune with the suspension, helps suppress bounce and toss motions to improve comfort for occupants. Because it helps control the balance and posture of the vehicle as a whole, it also functions to improve handling response. Standard wheels are 16 inches in diameter, with 17-inch wheels available as an option. Cutting Edge Safety and Security A variety of available and standard features maintain the Prius tradition of premium-level equipment packaging. Not least among them is a broad suite of advanced features, both active and passive, that are designed to help maximize occupant safety. The all-new Prius v platform is designed with a force-absorbing body structure. Increased use of high-strength steel, notably in the front frame members, is a key part of providing a strong body structure without increasing weight. Helping to protect the cabin from side and rear intrusions are similarly engineered reinforcements using high tensile steels, all designed to disperse energy strategically throughout the vehicle to help protect passengers.

Like all Toyota models, the Prius v will feature Toyota’s Star Safety System standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. An electronic tire pressure monitoring system is standard equipment, and there are seven airbags strategically located about the cabin, including a knee airbag for the driver. New driver and front-passenger seat design helps lessen the possibility of whiplash injury during certain types of collisions while minimizing weight. A new Vehicle Proximity Notification System helps alert pedestrians and cyclists of an oncoming vehicle under certain conditions by emitting a small warning sound. An available Pre-Collision System (PCS) retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a frontal crash is unavoidable. It is paired with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Another available safety system, Safety Connect, can access a call center with a live operator who can dispatch police and emergency vehicles. The system combines automatic collision notification and a stolen vehicle locator feature, which can track the location of the stolen vehicle via GPS and help guide police to recover it. Peace of Mind Warranty Protection Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against corrosion with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. The Prius v will also come standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. # # #

In anticipation of limited new vehicle inventory for the US market due to the current crisis in Japan, Toyota Motor Corporation (NASDAQ: TM) announced today that it was in final negotiation with the Yugoslavian government to reintroduce the beloved Yugo automobile to the US market as early as July 2011.

The Yugo is slated to be re-badged under the Scion brand and will likely be offered as a plug-in hybrid. Toyota president, Akio Toyoda, said of the news, “The Scion brand has always been about cutting-edge innovation, and nothing says cutting-edge more than a 30 year old design  with the horse power of a blender from a former Soviet-block country.” Yugoslavian designers for the Yugo/Toyota venture claim the car will have a range of nearly 100 hectares per 48 hour charge. That should be more than enough to get the average American most of the way to work each day, depending on what a hectare is.

Car and Driver editor, Phil Blasket, greeted the news with excitement: “With this latest news by Toyota, all I can say is…wow. Just…wow.” Car buyers will have the opportunity to pre-order the Scion Yugo starting in late May, but Toyota representatives believe that most buyers will want to see the car in person before putting down a deposit. The Scion Yugo will be available at all participating US Scion dealerships.

I’ve be waiting on the wires for someone at the White House to apologize to Toyota today. So I’ll keep looking for anyone in the government to apologize to Toyota. The ones who said Toyota was darn near Lucifer on wheels and happy with killing people, and that virtually all Toyotas had serious flaws.

How else do you explain all the Toyota cars suddenly accelerating and forcing the auto maker to recall more than 12 million vehicles? Don’t tell the transportation department guys it was just a stupid floor mat or a stressed-out driver. It had to be something deeper. More sinister. Electronic. Right? Wrong. Apparently very wrong.

Transportation secretary Ray Lahood is saying so himself. And I quote:

“We enlisted the best and brightest engineers to study Toyotas electronic system. The verdict is in: There is no electronic-based cause for unintended acceleration.”

This is after Toyota said the same thing, it couldn’t find any electronic flaws. Even after the company paid $8 million in fines for recalls that it spearheaded, that it suggested — not the government. Even after the government enlisted NASA engineers to rigorously examine Toyota cars and review 280,000 lines of software code in those cars. After all of that, even our best and brightest with rockets could find nothing electronically wrong with the cars.

So after having its name dragged through the mud, its reputation destroyed worldwide, after being made the brunt of jokes, not so much as “oops, sorry guys” from our government.

Trust me, I have no Tercel or horse or whatever in the race. I’m not an apologist for Toyota. Just a guy suggesting that maybe someone in government should just apologize to Toyota. They’re due that.

Or maybe all of this was a sham… To help someone else at a weird time.

Transcribed from Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 2/8/2011

Several reports were claiming that this is being developed by Toyota as a sports car and will therefore be amped up in terms of the powertrain capability, managing to edge out the likes of Subaru. The 2012 Toyota Celica is undeniably a head-turner with the exterior enhancements introduced here. This is a two-door, four-seater sports coupe that will surprise you in terms of price, but impress in terms of what it can do. If you have long been wanting to get yourself a sports car, now is the time to do so.

The exterior features of this vehicle model really does exhibit the modern look. It comes with a sloped roof and comes with a high price looks. But don’t be deceived now that you know better! On the interior aspect, this one is primarily built for comfort. However, it might not be as roomy as most would have hoped when carrying adult passengers, so don’t depend on this for long trips.

In terms of powertrain performance, the 2012 Toyota Celica has got it. It is equipped with a four-cylinder engine and a rear-wheel drive system. The exact details as to what this engine is capable of doing is not yet provided. However, the manufacturers have assured fans that it is a high performing and relatively low cost sports coupe.

Pro’s of 2012 Toyota Celica

*Modern look and styling to offer a stylish ride;

*Reliable powertrain performance;

*Affordable price tag in comparison to some other sports cars in the market;

*Comfortable seating;

*Feels and drives like it is built for performance.  

Con’s of 2012 Toyota Celica

*Not ideal for long trips due to the limited space, especially in the back seat.

Release Date of 2012 Toyota Celica

2011 toyota Celica will be available from early 2012

Pricing Details

Since the release of the 2012 Toyota Celica won’t be happening until about the first quarter of the year 2011, price information on this new vehicle model is still a bit sketchy at this point. However, many of you who might be expecting that the $17,000 US price tag on this model will happen most lower your expectations. Even the manufacturers at Toyota cannot guarantee that. And is expectedly so, given the wide range of improvements that has been accommodated in this vehicle’s development.

The Bottom Line

The arrival of the 2012 Toyota Celica is truly a wonderful gift for those auto consumers who have long been aspiring to own a sports car but just could not afford them. With the look and performance of its higher priced counterparts, you will surely delight with the value for money that this all new model has to offer consumers.

2012 Toyota Celica

“We are proud to announce that our dealership has been chosen as the select dealership in the Tampa area to offer a Lifetime Warranty on pre-owned vehicles. The used car market has never seen a warranty like this before and it is exciting to be able to offer it to our customers for free.” Says Patrick Abad, General Manager of Wesley Chapel Toyota. Mr. Abad went on to say that Wesley Chapel Toyota is trying to build “Customers for Life” so the Lifetime Warranty comes standard with every qualifying vehicle meeting the criteria above and is included at no extra charge.

The Lifetime Warranty is valid for as long as you own the vehicle – for an unlimited time, unlimited miles. The Warranty applies to all pre-owned vehicles that are 5 calendar years old or newer with 50,000 miles or less, have passed Wesley Chapel Toyota’s Lifetime Warranty certification program and a CarFax or similar inspection. The components covered are exactly the same as the manufacturer’s Powertrain Warranty plus any additional coverage that is listed on the Lifetime Warranty Certificate provided when you buy a qualifying vehicle.

No extra maintenance is required. You must simply follow the manufacturer’s Recommended Maintenance as referred to in the owner’s manual. Wesley Chapel Toyota’s Award Winning Service Department will certainly exceed your expectations but you are not required to go there for service. To maintain the Warranty, you must perform the Manufacturer’s Recommended maintenance and keep your records. The Lifetime Warranty is good at any licensed repair shop in the United States or Canada. “There are no catches, hidden fees, or gimmicks,” says Mr. Abad. Wesley Chapel Toyota provides this product as an added value to their Customers for doing business with them. The only “catch”? You have to buy your vehicle at Wesley Chapel Toyota. # # # Located 15 minutes north of Tampa, Wesley Chapel Toyota and Scion is Tampa Bay’s newest family owned and operated Toyota dealership and service center.

The Toyota Camry has been the number one selling midsize sedan for many years with the Honda Accord usually the runner-up. A comparison between the 2011 Camry and Accord shows why Toyota has long maintained this lead.

There’s a kind of art and science to comparing midsize sedans that you don’t need to apply when comparing, say, muscle cars or sportscars. With those, many buyers simply go for the fastest one they can afford or choose the car that elicits the strongest emotional response. Choosing the sedan you must rely on every day for many years, however, takes a more discerning approach. Held up to that scrutiny, the Toyota Camry shines.

Both the Camry and Accord offer a choice between four-cylinder and V6-powered models. That’s typical for midsize sedans. You’re not going to choose one over the other by comparing compression ratios and such. What’s most important is how these cars drive in every day situations, and here, the Camry offers a compelling difference.

First of all, both Camry’s standard manual transmission and optional automatic are six-speeds; both of the Accord’s transmissions are five-speeds. The difference goes well beyond any kind of bragging rights. A transmission with more ratios makes it easier for the engine to remain in its most efficient power range in all kinds of driving; a six-speed is likely to be in the “perfect” gear more so than a five-speed, especially when you’re driving in changing terrain such as going through hilly areas.

With its four-cylinder engine, the Camry offers an edge in torque, 167 lb/ft vs. the Accord’s four-cylinder’s 161 lb/ft. The Camry also delivers its peak torque at a slightly lower engine rpm than the Accord. Coupled with the added flexibility of a six-speed transmission, that difference can make the Camry feel more energetic in routine driving.

Other attributes become more appreciated over years of ownership. The Camry has a tighter turning circle than Accord (36.1 vs. 37.7 feet) and a larger trunk (15 cubic feet vs. 14 cubic feet). Camry gives rear-seat passengers more legroom, too.

Both the Camry and Accord offer a wide range of model trim lines, and here is where the Camry offers a significant advantage over its rival. With the Accord, to get certain features, you need to step up to a higher trim line, and that can mean a big jump in price. With the Camry, you can choose more stand-alone options, which results in better value.The picture becomes clear when comparing two of the most comparable and popular four-cylinder models, the Camry LE and Accord LX, both with an automatic transmission. With an MSRP of $22,985, the Camry is slightly higher than the Accord ($22,730). Yet, the more sophisticated transmission and a few extra standard items in Camry more than make up that small difference. The Camry LE also comes standard with a driver’s power-adjustable seat (including lumbar) and an outside temperature gauge, two items that, once you have them, you don’t want to do without.Now, consider options. If you want a power sunroof, you can get it in the Camry LE, and the option also includes an illuminated visor, vanity mirrors and rear-seat reading lights. To get a sunroof in an Accord, you must buy an EX model or above, starting at $24,905 with the automatic transmission. With the Camry LE, you can also order an accessory rear-seat DVD entertainment system, but not in the Accord. Camry would certainly get the kids’ vote.Not shown in any specification sheets is the overall smoothness and quietness that make commuting in a Camry so pleasant. In many road tests, critics usually call out the Accord for allowing too much road noise to intrude into the cabin. That’s something you have to live with on every drive. But why, when you can enjoy a quieter ride in a 2011 Camry?

Come in and experience firsthand why Camry continues to be America’s best-selling midsize sedan.

2009 Lexus IS 250

Why buy a used Lexus from Wesley Chapel Toyota? We have Lexus Master Certified technicians on staff, we perform a 125 point inspection on every Lexus, and we include a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty at no cost. Yup, that’s even better coverage than a Lexus Certified vehicle.

 Check out www.wesleychapeltoyota.com to find your next Lexus!

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m a bit of a history buff — and the Toys for Tots program has a pretty interesting origin. Here’s some info about them that you probably didn’t know, courtesy of www.toysfortots.org

Toys for tots Began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.  The idea came form Bill’s wife, Diane.  In the fall of 1947, Diane crafted a homemade doll and asked Bill to deliver the doll to an organization, which would give it to a needy child at Christmas.  When Bill determined that no agency existed, Diane told Bill that he should start one.  He did.  The 1947 pilot project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign.  That year, Marine Corps Reserve units across the nation conducted Toys for Tots campaigns in each community in which a Marine Reserve Center was located.  Marines have conducted successful nationwide campaigns at Christmas each year since 1948.  The initial objective that remains the hallmark of the program today is to “bring the joy of Christmas to America’s needy children”.  Bill Hendricks, a Marine Reservist on weekends, was in civilian life, the Director of Public Relations for Warner Brothers Studio.  This enabled him to convince a vast array of celebrities to support Toys for Tots.  In 1948, Walt Disney designed the Toys for Tots logo, which we use today.  Disney also designed the first Toys for Tots poster used to promote the nationwide program.  Nat “King” Cole, Peggy Lee and Vic Damone recorded the Toys for Tots theme composed by Sammy Fain and Paul Webster in 1956.  Bob Hope, John Wayne, Doris Day, Lorrie Morgan, Tim Allen, Kenny Rogers and Billy Ray Cyrus are but a few of the long list of celebrities who have given their time and talent to promote Toys for Tots.  First Lady Nancy Reagan served as the national Spokesperson in 1983.  First Lady Barbara Bush served as the national Spokesperson in 1992 and in her autobiography named Toys for Tots as one of her favorite charities.

http://www.wesleychapeltoyota.com