2009 Toyota Tundra Pricing Announced

Oh yes, we’re sure you’re dying to know the pricing on the 2009 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck - well here it is. For 2009 the Toyota Tundra sees a modest overall average increase of $109 with pricing ranging from $22,490 for the Regular Cab 4×2 with a V6 to $41,605 for the Limited Grade 4×4 CrewMax with a 5.7L V8.

The 2009 Toyota Tunrda will continue with a choice of 45 model variations in three wheelbases, three cab styles, three bed lengths, three engines and with 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains.

What’s new for 2009? The Tundra Grade Double Can and Crew Max models gain a standard chrome front bumper wile the Limited CrewMax models now have the Power Memory Package. Tundra E85 flex fuel are now standard on 5.7-liter 4×4 models in select regions. Toyota is also expanding choices with the addition of two new Toyota Racing Development option packages.

Press Release:

Toyota Announces Prices For 2009 Tundra Full-Size Pickup - Flex Fuel And New TRD Packages Added

November 26, 2008 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2009 Tundra full-size pickup truck, reflecting a modest overall average increase of $109, or 0.4 percent on all Tundra models. The base MSRP will range from $22,490 for the Regular Cab 4×2 with a V6 engine to $41,605 for the Limited Grade 4×4 CrewMax with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. Tundra Grade Double Cab and Crew Max models gain a standard chrome front bumper, while Limited CrewMax models now offer the Power Memory Package as optional instead of standard equipment.

The 2009 Tundra will continue to offer a choice of 45 model variations in three wheelbases, three cab styles, three bed lengths, three engines, three trim levels, and with 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. Tundra E85 flex fuel models are now standard on 5.7-liter 4×4 models in select regions, creating nine additional model configurations. Toyota is further expanding consumer choice for the 2009 Tundra with the addition of two new Toyota Racing Development (TRD) option packages.

Tundra flex fuel models deliver the same excellent performance as their regular gas counterparts in engine output, towing and payload capacity and can run on either E85 or regular gas. Also, Tundra flex fuel models carry the same price as their identically configured regular gas models.

Two new TRD option packages underscore two sides of Tundra’s capability. A new TRD Sport Package is optimized for an aggressive street appearance, while a new TRD Rock Warrior Package is specially tuned and equipped with dynamic appearance features for off-road adventure and a powerful look.

TRD Sport will be available on the Tundra grade 4×2 Regular Cab and Double Cab standard bed models with the 5.7-liter V8. The TRD Sport is equipped with color-keyed front and rear bumpers and grille surround, color-keyed heated outside mirrors, color-keyed door handles, fog lamps, black cloth interior with manual bucket seats, accessory shift knob and pedal covers, accessory 20-inch machined star five-spoke alloy wheels and TRD Sport Edition side panel graphics. The TRD Sport package will be available in two exterior colors, Black and Radiant Red.

The MSRP for the TRD Sport Package is $2,408 for the Double Cab and $3,813 for the Regular Cab. In addition to the exclusive features listed above, the price of the TRD Sport Package Regular Cab also includes power windows and door locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry system, engine skidplate, variable intermittent wipers, passenger side fold flat seat, and carpeted floormats.

TRD Rock Warrior will be available exclusively on the Tundra grade 4×4 Double Cab (standard bed) and CrewMax equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 engine. In addition to its tuned suspension, the TRD Rock Warrior is equipped with Bilstein® shocks, TRD 17-inch forged alloy wheels with BF Goodrich® All-Terrain T/A tires, color-keyed front bumper and grille surround, matte-black steel rear bumper, fog lamps, black cloth interior with manual bucket seats, accessory shift knob and pedal covers, and TRD Rock Warrior side panel graphics. The Rock Warrior will come in two exterior colors, Black and Super White.

The price for the TRD Rock Warrior package is $3,177 for both the CrewMax and Double Cab.

The MSRP for the 2009 Tundra Regular Cab ranges from $22,490 for the Tundra grade 4×2 with V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $28,070 for the long-bed 4×4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Tundra Double cab MSRP ranges from $24,945 for the Tundra grade 4×2 with V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $39,070 for the Limited grade 4×4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Tundra CrewMax MSRP ranges from $27,915 for the Tundra grade 4×2 with V8 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $41,605 for the Limited grade 4×4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2009 Tundra is at dealerships now.

Toyota Announces Pricing on 2009 Tundra Pickup which Gets New Flex Fuel Versions

Toyota has kept price increases for its 2009 Tundra lineup to a minimum as overall, the new MSRP's reflect a modest 0.4% raise, or an average of $109 per truck. The base MSRP ranges from $22,490 for the Regular Cab 4x2 with a V6 engine to $41,605 for the Limited Grade 4x4 CrewMax with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The Japanese automaker has also added two new Toyota Racing Development (TRD) option packages while Flex-fuel capability is now standard on 5.7-liter 4x4 models in select regions. The Tundra flex fuel models carry the same price as their identically configured regular gas models.

The 2009 Tundra is offered with a choice of 45 model variations in three wheelbases, three cab styles, three bed lengths, three engines, three trim levels, and with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains.

The two new TRD packages include the Sport and the Rock Warrior package. The MSRP for the TRD Sport Package is $2,408 for the Double Cab and $3,813 for the Regular Cab while the TRD Rock Warrior package is $3,177 for both the CrewMax and Double Cab.

Toyota won’t launch a separate Prius brand

Seems like the on-again/off-again rumors of a sub-Prius brand have been put to rest. According to Toyota’s UK managing director Miguel Fonseca, Toyota won’t be launching a separate Prius brand. However, Fonseca did say that Toyota is working on new Prius body styles that will arrive shortly after the third-generation Prius is unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January.

Fonseca didn’t outline what body styles we can expect, but we’ve heard rumors of an MPV hybrid and coupe hybrid based on the Prius.

Fonseca also said that Toyota isn’t going to use lithium-ion battery technology anytime soon. Engineers at Toyota believe that lithium-ion batteries aren’t ready for mass production as of yet. It was previously reported that the after the third-generation model, which will still use nickel-hydride batteries, Toyota will switch to lithium-ion batteries.

Source: AutoCar

2009 Toyota RAV4 Review

The Toyota RAV4 is Toyota’s smallest in their line of SUVs. In its third generation, the RAV4 was one of the first small, car-based SUVs on the market. It’s been around since 1996 - a time when gasoline cost around $1.15/gallon and Americans were starting to fall in love with large, truck-based SUVs. My, how the times have changed. People got used to having gobs of room in your every day driver, but now cannot pay over $100 for a tank of gas. This is where the small SUV thrives, and the 2009 Toyota RAV4 has the upper-hand.

New for 2009

The RAV4 has been around for 13 years, which has given Toyota plenty of time to tweak, tune, and refine the RAV4 into perfection, and offer class-leading options and features that competitors don’t offer. The changes for the 2009 Toyota RAV4 include a larger, more powerful four-cylinder engine (see below,) a redesigned front grille and bumper, four new colors, and some new options (including a very cool back-up camera located in the rear-view mirror.)

Options and Trims

Trim Levels

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers three trim levels - Base, Sport, and Limited. The Base model comes well-equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, 16″ wheels, and a six-speaker audio system with an auxiliary jack. Stepping up into the Sport trim gets you 18″ wheels, fog lights, tinted rear glass, heated side mirrors, and a sport suspension which is too rough. The Limited model brings the wheel size back to 17″ (smoother ride,) dual-zone climate, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

If you opt for the AWD V6 Sport trim, you can also get the Appearance package which forgoes the RAV4 signature spare tire in the rear and gives you a new, smoother looking rear hatch door. The spare tire isn’t relocated, however, as you now have run-flat tires and won’t need the spare.

Options, depending on trim level and region, include heated leather seats, sunroof, a cool backup camera mounted inside the rear-view mirror, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and an upgraded 9-speaker sound system with satellite radio and bluetooth.

Engines and Drivetrain

After choosing the trim, you can opt for the new 179 horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, or the 269 hp, 3.5-liter V6. Both engines come with your choice of FWD or AWD layouts. Our review model had the V6, which we thought was a very good engine.

Fuel Economy

MPG (city/hwy)

	4-cylinder	V6
FWD	22/28	19/27
AWD	21/27	19/26

Our review model was equipped with the AWD V6 and averaged about 24 mpg with mixed driving.

Design

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 wasn’t changed much from the 2008 model, which means it keeps its modern but conservative styling. The signature spare tire mounted to the rear door stays except in the Sport AWD V6 model, which gets run-flat tires instead. The front-end has changed a little bit, giving it a slightly more aggressive face.

I love the interior of the RAV4 - the stacked dash design gives a rugged and modern feel while logically separating the audio system and climate control. The sliding storage area above the glovebox gives some welcomed extra room for gadgets, and the large “triangle” door handles make you feel like you’re driving a more rugged SUV. The gauges are very nice - not your standard boring orange cluster.

Driving

Our review model was a 2009 RAV4 Sport AWD V6 with the Appearance Package. The 269 horsepower V6 is very capable and smooth. If you think you might need the extra power, go ahead and get the V6 - the fuel economy difference is minimal (see above,) but the power difference is huge.

Overall comfort in the RAV4 is good, with plenty of space for passengers. Tall drivers might be slightly uncomfortable, and the seating position for both driver and passenger is too high, even with the seat height adjustment available on the Premium package. The side-hinged rear door is nice, but I could see it becoming a nuisance in curb-side loading situations.

Our Sport-trimmed review model came with large 18″ wheels and a sport-suspension which gave it a tight-handling but annoyingly bumpy ride. Make sure to go over a bumpy area in your test drive before you buy. That same tight handling gave the RAV4 a surprisingly sporty ability under tight turns and windy roads. It was…dare I say…fun.

Pricing and Warranty

Pricing this year hasn’t changed for the Base model, but went up slightly from 2008 for both the Sport and Limited trims. Prices start at $21,500 for the Base FWD 4-cylinder, and go up to $27,800 for the Limited V6 AWD, plus options and packages. You’ll pay $1,400 more to go from FWD to AWD on any trim, and upgrading packages (Base to Sport or Sport to Ltd) will cost anywhere from $1,300 to $1,700, depending on other choices.

· 3-year/36,000-mile Comprehensive Warranty
· 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain
· 5-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion Perforation

Before You Buy

A few things to keep in mind when on your test drive: Options add up quickly, so make sure there’s nothing on the car that you don’t need. Make sure the high seating position is OK with you, especially if you’re tall. Check the center console - it’s kind of small, so make sure you don’t need a bigger one (but remember the extra storage area above the glovebox.) Finally, if you opted for the Sport trim, make sure the rougher ride will be OK with you every day.

Toyota iQ Convertible: World's Smallest Four-Seater Drop-Top

The creative folks over at Japan's Best Car magazine have come up with what appears to be a computer enhanced image that gives us an idea of what a Toyota iQ Cabriolet could look like if such a version were to be produced. While rumors across the pond make word of a more sporty roadster version of the iQ Best Car seems to believe that Toyota would most likely go for a more simple approach removing the front and rear parts of the hatchback's rooftop, leaving a center section that would not only act as a safety roll-bar, but also add to the structural integrity of the vehicle.

Since there aren't any other changes, the iQ would probably be able to squeeze in 3 adults and 1 child, making it the world's smallest production four-seater convertible.

Despite the fact that we have no official confirmation that Toyota is indeed planning to introduce a 3+1 convertible variant, we cannot see why the Japanese automaker wouldn't consider the development of a drop-top iQ especially since the minicar is scheduled to make its way into the States as a Scion

Pic via: Best Car

Toyota’s Star Safety System

A few years ago, Toyota introduced their Star Safety System - a combination of five systems designed to work together to keep you safe. Today, every SUV that Toyota sells is equipped with this system; a very smart move. So what exactly does the Star Safety System include, and why do you need it to keep you and your family safe?

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

When you’re driving under slippery conditions, your tires have a tendency to lose traction with the road, especially when you’re turning. Without stability control, front-wheel slip can easily occur around a turn. When this happens, your front tires lose traction with the road and your vehicle careens forward, towards the outside of the turn. Rear-wheel slip happens when the rear wheels lose traction and will cause your vehicle to slide sideways out of your lane.

VSC constantly sits in the background, monitoring two things: steering angle and direction of travel. When it senses that the steering angle no longer corresponds with the direction of travel (you aren’t going the way you’re telling the car to go,) the VSC kicks in, reducing engine output and applying brakes to individual wheels as necessary.

Traction Control

Traction Control is very similar to VSC in the sense that it reduces output and applies individual brakes upon sensing loss of traction, but the difference lies in the way that it monitors the traction and how it applies the correction.

Traction Control simply monitors wheelspin. Let’s say you’re backing out of your driveway and hit a small patch of ice. Traction Control will slow the engine and apply brakes to that wheel to stop spinning, sending torque to the other wheels to continue on your way without sliding.

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)

Imagine you’re driving down the highway behind a large truck, and some cargo falls out on to the road ahead of you. Instinctively, you slam on the brakes and try to swerve out of the way. Without ABS, your wheels lock up, lose traction, and you begin to slide, making matters worse. With ABS however, you remain in control, swerve out of the way, and miss the fallen item.

ABS senses when you hit the brakes hard, and effectively “pumps” the brakes much faster than any human could possibly pump them. This pumping keeps the wheels from locking up, and slows the vehicle much faster.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

EBD basically senses the weight distribution in the vehicle, and applies the brakes in accordance to minimize forward tilt. For example: you’re driving along with some heavy cargo or passengers in the back and must come to a quick stop. Without EBD, you apply the brakes and the vehicle tilts forward, reducing the effectiveness of the rear brakes and sliding the cargo forward. With EBD, the system senses that there is extra weight in the rear, applying more braking to the rear wheels, helping to keep the vehicle balanced and even.

 

 

 

Brake Assist

Brake Assist was designed to have you never notice that it’s there. If you are in an emergency braking situation and slam on the brakes, you may not apply all of the braking pressure needed to avoid the accident. Maybe you have the seat too far back or just didn’t push the pedal down all the way. That’s where Brake Assist comes in, applying more braking pressure under a panic stop to help you avoid your collision.

Toyota Camry CNG Hybrid Concept - Auto Shows

Toyota reserved its official L.A. auto show press conference for the new Lexus RX350 and RX450h crossovers, but the company also quietly showed off this twist on the Camry hybrid.

As you may have surmised, this concept replaces the Camry hybrid’s gasoline fuel system with one designed to deliver compressed natural gas to the 2.4-liter inline-four. Two carbon-fiber-wrapped tanks hold the natural-gas equivalent of 8 gallons of gasoline at a maximum of 3600 psi, giving the CNG concept a 250-mile range. The tanks live in the spare-tire well, so the fancy 19-inch wheels wear run-flat Bridgestone rubber. Toyota estimates fuel economy of 32 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, a sacrifice of just a single city mpg against a standard Camry hybrid. The mileage may not be much different, but combusting CNG results in fewer NOx emissions versus burning regular gas, so the CNG concept is cleaner.

The CNG hybrid would be pretty easy to pick out of a Camry-crowded room; if the billboard graphics didn’t tip you off, the specialized front fascia would. With no grille opening, Toyota’s current snaggletooth look disappears, and so the CNG Camry concept looks much better than its production kin. The rear bumper is also altered to hide the tailpipe.

Toyota actually marketed a CNG Camry to California fleet customers in 1999, but low gas prices combined with a lack of natural-gas refueling infrastructure curbed interest, and the program was shelved after just a year. Today’s fluctuating gas prices might encourage more companies to choose a natural-gas Camry, but the infrastructure situation remains the same: there are just 774 CNG stations nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Energy–sponsored Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center.

Toyota Begins Production of New Avensis in the U.K.

Today, two Avensis models rolled off the line at Toyota's Burnaston Plant in Derbyshire, U.K., marking the official start of production of the firm's new European flagship model. The Burnaston Plant will produce the Avensis in body types, sedan and wagon, to support an annual European sales target of 115,000 vehicles. Designed, engineered and built in Europe, the all-new Avensis will also be launched in Africa, Central & South America, as well as in Oceania. Sales of both body types of the Avensis begin across Europe from January 2009.

The mid-size model's 1.6- and 1.8-liter petrol engines will be produced by Toyota's U.K. plant in Deeside, North Wales, while the 2.0-liter Valvematic will be built in Japan. The Japanese firm's plants in Poland (TMIP and TMMP) will manufacture the 2.0- and 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engines and the new 6-speed automatic transmission

Speaking ahead of today's celebrations, Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President of Toyota Motor Europe, said: "The UK has proved to be a valuable economic and business partner. Building on more than 15 years of production history, TMUK's team members continue to deliver the quality, efficiency and flexibility needed to meet the exacting standards of our customers in Europe and around the world."

More Photos of the 2010 Toyota Prius Show up on the Web

More photos of the next-gen 2010 Toyota Prius are showing up on the internet. A few weeks ago the first photos of the new Prius leaked onto PriusChat and were confirmed to be accurate photos by Toyota.

The 2010 Prius is set for a world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. What we do know about the new hybrid is that it will keep its iconic shape with a slightly larger body and more distinct nose. Inside there is an all-new dash design that looks far more complicated than the current generation.

The 2010 Prius is also expected to be more powerful and at the same time achieve better gas mileage.

2009 Toyota HiLux SR 4WD Review

2009 Toyota HiLux SR 4WD Review & Road Test

HiLux SR is one tough unit

Model Tested:

• 2009 Toyota GGN15R HiLux SR 4.0-litre, petrol, 4WD automatic - $35,190 (RRP)

Options:

• Metallic Paint $300 (Fitted - Sterling Silver)

Strong economical engine; capable off-road; robust build
No ABS, ESP or TCS; poor paint quality; rear centre lap seatbelt

Rating:

Unbreakable. We’ve heard it time and again, but does the saying still ring true for the latest incarnation of Toyota’s number one selling light commercial?It would seem that whoever had this particular HiLux before us was determined to find out just that, for as a car with only 2000kms on the clock, it sure was looking a little worse for wear.

Scratched from end-to-end, caked with mud and gravel inside and out, battered and bruised the length of the tray, plus squeaks and rattles galore, this ‘Lux had been given one heck of a hard start to life; and not being one to back away from a challenge, I thought I’d continue the initiation.

So with two weeks up my sleeve, I thought I’d throw some real world R&D at the revamped MY09 HiLux, and with a proper four-wheel-drive system underneath and a very respectable 1115kg (total) payload, the HiLux was not about to get off lightly.

Not much has changed from last year’s design, in fact I was hard pressed to spot the difference, but I’m assured it now features a trapezoidal grille and redesigned front bumper - which is said to give the impression of a lower centre of gravity.

I threw a range of tasks at the HiLux, including a long highway drive, urban stop-start mundania and some off-road work, while varying the load carried continually - this was partially assisted due to the timely borrowing of the HiLux during house renovations.

On the highway, HiLux performed well, and the cruise control was a very welcomed addition. Sure the ride was a little stiff due to the wishbone/coil independent sprung front and leaf rear, but I guess that’s to be expected given the vehicle’s purpose; and though cabin noise was evident, it was not as intrusive as some of the competitors I’ve driven.

Rough “C” roads weren’t an issue either with steering feel remaining satisfactory and braking well sorted, even over messy corrugated and pot-holed surfaces. The LSD could do with a little more slip when unladen, but as I found out later, it’s one of those things you’re thankful for when loaded to the hilts, and besides, who doesn’t enjoy a little bit of oversteer.

Chore time proved a breeze for the HiLux with round bales carted ‘no sweat’ at all. Steering remained positive even when laden and stability felt reasonably settled and confident even when pushed to limits most drivers would deem unnecessary. Ground clearance of 177mm was more than ample for farm work.

Perhaps a noteworthy point at this juncture is to pass comment on how good visibility is all round. Reversing in tight spots can be a challenge in some light commercials due to the nose down attitude, but HiLux did not present this issue.

Off-road and loaded is a challenge for most light commercials, and petrol-engine varieties do tend to suffer from a lack of torque when the going gets tough, though this was only partially true with HiLux.

Toyota’s 4.0-litre, V6 is a very capable performer, and although it lacks that low down torque of a diesel, it makes a lot of power up top with 180kW at 5000rpm. The only issue is that the amount of revs needed to develop torque can lead to unnecessary wheelspin which isn’t desirable when things get a little wet.

With 376Nm of torque on hand from 3800rpm, the HiLux has enough pull to do the job, though it isn’t what I’d call a stump- puller when loaded to the hilts.

The optional five-speed automatic, as fitted to our test vehicle, manages power effectively and provided gradual throttle input is maintained, it prevents any unnecessary hunting or unexpected changes.

Inside it’s a little on the basic side, but there’s a practicality behind having a vinyl floor and hard wearing seats that’s a little difficult to appreciate until you’ve been out bush. Dust, mud and sweat are no issue for a cabin as robust as this, but that doesn’t mean missing out on a few mod-cons - power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, cruise control, air-conditioning, single CD tuner are all offered as standard.

Up back, the tray offers 1520mm (L) x 1515mm (W) x 450mm (H) in dimension and had no trouble carrying our new three seater couch or my quad bike - provided you dropped the tailgate.

Priced from just $17,990 the MY09 HiLux range is sure to have a model to suit just about any purpose and with the inclusion of ABS and ESP the HiLux could have seen a higher score. With most of the competition offering ABS as standard, this glaring omission saw point lost on safety grounds (ESP is still slow at working its way in to this vehicle category).

Despite all this, ANCAP has seen fit to offer the HiLux a four-star crash rating, and coupled with dual front airbags, safety feels reassured. Personally, I am a little disappointed at the offering of a lap type rear centre seatbelt though.

So is it still unbreakable? Seemingly, yes. Does it still feel like a tough as nails HiLux? My word. Would I recommend buying one? Well, that depends on how you intend using it.

If you live out bush and need a 4WD then go for it, but if you’re in town and don’t need the howling roundabout tyre noise and added mechanicals, then save a few buck and go a two-wheel-drive, but if a HiLux is on the cards it’s still a tough unit and as such, is pretty hard to pass up.

Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Specifications:

• Engine: 3,956cc DOHC V6 (24 valve)
• Power: 175kW @ 5200rpm
• Torque: 376Nm @ 3800rpm
• Induction: Multi point
• Transmission: Five-speed automatic (dual range)
• Differential/Driven Wheels: Rear LSD / RWD / 4WD
• Brakes: Disc/drum
• Top Speed: Not tested
• 0-100km/h: Not tested
• CO2 Emissions: 280g/km
• Fuel Consumption: 11.8 litres/100km (Combined)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 76 litres
• Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
• ANCAP Rating: Four star
• Airbags: Dual front
• Spare Wheel: Full-size steel
• Tow Capacity: 2250kg (Braked)
• Turning Circle: 11.8 metres
• Warranty: 3year/100,000km
• Weight: 1595kg (Tare) / 1115kg (Payload)
• Wheels: Steel 15 x 6.0-inch