New 2012 Toyota Yaris / Vitz to be Revealed on December 22, Returns 62.3mpg

Toyota Motor Corp. has confirmed the Japanese market launch date of its all-new Vitz supermini, which we will come to know as the Yaris. Seen for the first time through a series of leaked brochure shots that hit the interwebs earlier this year, the 2012 Vitz will be introduced in Japan on December 22. While Toyota did not say when it will blow the covers off the European and North American market Yaris, expect to see a world premiere at a major car show sometime next year.

The Japanese company said that aside from the edgier design language, the new subcompact will shine in terms of fuel efficiency with the 1.3-liter gasoline engine model, which features a start-stop system, returning up to 26.5km/lt, equal to 62.3 mpg US and 3.8lt/100km, with CO2 emissions of just 88g/km.

According to Toyota, the new Vitz will be the one of the most fuel-efficient models in its Japanese market range.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

2012 Toyota Yaris / Vitz Mini Site Launched in Japan, but Leaked Brochure Shots Reveal All

Toyota is getting ready to present a new generation of its Japanese domestic market Vitz supermini, which we will come to know (with a few changes here and there) as the 2012 Yaris.

For this reason, Toyota launched a mini site teasing the new car through some cropped images and text, which unfortunately, is in Japanese - any help with the translation would be appreciated. From what we understand, the new Vitz / Yaris will either be unveiled or is planned to go on sale in Japan, in December

The teaser shots on the site match the leaked brochure images of the JDM car that have been making the internet rounds these past few days. The catalog pictures reveal a more aggressive and edgier styling language for the new Yaris, while we also learn that the car is 100mm longer in total length and 20 mm shorter in height, compared to the current model. It also gets a 50mm stretch in wheelbase, which should improve interior space.

We'll keep an eye out for any new information and pass it on as it comes.

Link: Toyota Mini Site , Brochure Shots: Minkara & Lo Vitz

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Malignant Rumors: Toyota set to build Yaris / Vitz hybrid in Europe next year

Now that hybrid tech is becoming more widespread, Toyota is looking to push its gas-electric offerings down a notch after the not-too-well-received Sai-based Lexus HS. According to Reuters, Toyota ain't scurred of the hit it has recently taken to its hybrid sales and is readying a European-market Yaris (Vitz in Japan) hybrid that will be manufactured in Valenciennes, France next year.

With Honda set to debut its Jazz / Fit hybrid in Paris, Toyota thinks a Yaris hybrid may be able to help get more Europeans on its own hybrid bandwagon. Clearly hybrids are still a good way promote backing off of oil dependency, but Toyota has a couple hurdles to clear before success is in the cards.

First, hybrids have not been a huge hit in Europe, a market that traditionally prefers diesel engines, and second, Toyota needs to continue to improve its image after the recalls it has been enduring.

If a Yaris hybrid officially gets a green light, we could see a concept /prototype / teaser as early as Paris or possibly early next year. We'll let you know more as soon as we know more.

By Phil Alex

Source: Reuters

*Regular European market Toyota Yaris shown in photos

Paris Preshow: New Toyota Verso-S [Ractis in Japan] small MPV

Toyota has released the first official images of its new MPV contender in the European B-segment today, the Verso-S, ahead of its world premiere at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile in a few weeks time. Japanese shoppers will eventually come to know the Verso-S as the new Ractis in their own market.

The Japanese firm's replacement for the long-gone Yaris Verso measures just under 4 meters in length and will compete with the likes of the Kia Venga, Opel Meriva and Citroen C3 Picasso. We don't have anything else in the way of details, but European buyers should expect a similar petrol and diesel engine lineup to the Yaris.

Toyota Releases Pricing on 2011MY Cars and Trucks, Adds Standard Brake Overide Tech

Toyota has announced pricing for its U.S. market 2011 model year line-up, which will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of RAV4 that goes on sale in September.

The big news for the 2011 lineup is the installation of brake override technology as standard equipment across the range. This technology is designed to stop a car if the brakes and accelerator are applied simultaneously (see Consumer Report's video after the jump) and was adopted by Toyota to ease consumer concerns over sudden acceleration of its vehicles.

Aside from the redesigned 2011 Avalon that was introduced with the safety feature, brake override technology is now standard on the Yaris, RAV4 SUV, Land Cruiser SUV, Sequoia SUV and Tundra pickup truck.

There are more changes on certain models for the 2011 model year that you can check out in detail in the press release after the jump.

Toyota Press Release:

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2011 Yaris subcompact, RAV4 compact SUV, Land Cruiser premium SUV, Sequoia full-size SUV, and Tundra full-size pickup truck. These 2011 models will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of RAV4 (September). The following 2011 models that are already on sale will receive price adjustments: Camry and Camry Hybrid mid-size sedans, Avalon premium mid-size sedan, and the Sienna minivan.

For 2011 all Yaris models will receive brake override technology as standard equipment. The liftback models will receive sun visor extensions. The base MSRP for Yaris will range from $12,855 for the three-door Liftback with manual transmission to $14,415 for the Sedan with automatic transmission, reflecting an increase of $250, or 1.8 to 2.0 percent.

The RAV4, the first ever car-based SUV, originally introduced in 1996, receives standard brake override technology for 2011, along with an optional Base Plus Extra Value Package that includes a moonroof, six-CD audio system, color-keyed door handles, upgraded interior fabric, roof rails, privacy glass, 17- inch alloy wheels, tonneau cover (on two-row models), and daytime running lights. The base MSRP for RAV4 will range from $21,925 for the Base four cylinder 2WD model to $28,235 for the Limited V6 4WD model with automatic transmission, an increase of $250, or 0.9 to 1.2 percent.

Land Cruiser, Toyota's premium full-size SUV, will be fitted with brake override technology and the previously optional driver and front passenger Active Seat Belt Pretensioning System is now standard. Land Cruiser will carry a base MSRP of $67,370, an increase of $1,400, or 2.1 percent.

The 2011 Sequoia full-size SUV will also receive brake override technology. A Daytime Running Lights on/off switch has been added and Platinum models will receive a new interior wood- grain-style trim. The MSRP for the 2011 Sequoia will range from $39,580 for the SR5 4.6- liter V8 2WD model to $59,955 for the Platinum 5.7- liter V8 4WD model, an increase of $550, or 0.9 to 1.4 percent.

Tundra, Toyota's full-size pickup truck will receive changes to the interior. The ashtray has been discontinued as a standard feature, and the cigarette lighter has been replaced with a 12V power outlet. The design of the seat headrests has been revised. Mechanical changes include a change in the 4.0- liter V6 engine to a dual VVT-i system with roller rockers and hydraulic lifters for enhanced performance and efficiency. Trailer- sway control programming and brake override technology have been added as standard equipment. The MSRP for the 2011 Tundra will range from $23,935 for the Regular Cab 4.0- liter V6 2WD model to $42,455 for the Limited Crew Max 5.7 liter V8 4WD model, an increase range of $425 to $480 or 0.0 to 1.7 percent. There will be no price change on Limited models.

Avalon, Toyota's flagship passenger car since 1995, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. Already in production for the 2011 model year, the base MSRP for the Avalon now ranges from $32,445 for the Avalon grade to $35,685 for the Limited, an increase of $200, or 0.6 percent.

The 2011 Camry, the top selling passenger car in America for the last eight years, also receives a price adjustment. The MSRP for the Camry ranges from $19,720 for the base four cylinder model to $29,370 for the XLE V6, an increase of $125, or a range of 0.4 to 0.6 percent.

Model year 2011 Camry Hybrid receives a MSRP adjustment to $26,575, reflecting an increase of $175, or 0.7 percent.

For 2011, the Sienna minivan entered its third generation. The new Sienna receives a MSRP adjustment, ranging from $24,460 for the Base four cylinder model to $39,970 for the Limited V6 AWD model, an increase of $200, or a range of 0.5 to 0.8 percent.

The 2011 Scion xD receives changes to both the interior and exterior. There is a new honeycomb-style grille, and a rear color-keyed spoiler for enhanced styling. Vehicle ride height has been adjusted, and the shock absorber tuning has been optimized for enhanced handling. The interior receives a new fabric for the door panel armrest. The base MSRP ranges from $15,045 for the manual transmission model to $15,845 for the automatic transmission an increase of $145, or 0.9 to 1.0 percent.

*Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $760 for passenger cars, $810 for light trucks and $975 for large trucks (Sequoia and Tundra). The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Holy Yaris! Dark Knight Downsizes to Toyota Batmobile

Blame the sluggish economy or the public's increasing environmental conscience, but lately we're seeing a lot of Batman-wannabes trending towards drastically downsized rides like this barely recognizable [...] after its transformation, Toyota Yaris Batmobile. Check out the rest of the photos of this caped crusader's disturbingly wacky ride in the gallery after the jump.

Via: Vwvortex

Toyota Announces Details on Recalled European Models, Says up to 1.8 Million Vehicles May Be Affected by Sticky Accelerator

Less than 24 hours after Toyota Motor Europe announced that it would be investigating potential accelerator pedal issues on its European models, the Japanese automaker released details on the affected vehicles. The recall involves a total of eight models. These are listed below:

-AYGO (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
-iQ (Nov 2008 – Nov 2009)
-Yaris (Nov 2005 – Sep 2009)
-Auris (Oct 2006 – 5 Jan 2010)
-Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
-Verso (Feb 2009 – 5 Jan 2010)
-Avensis (Nov 2008 – Dec 2009)
-RAV4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)

The company said that precise number of involved units is still under investigation, but may reach up to a total of 1.8 million vehicles in the Old Continent, adding that no Lexus or other Toyota models are affected by the recall to solve a potential accelerator pedal issue.

"Toyota's policy is to put its customers first, in all circumstances", said Tadashi Arashima, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.

"We understand that the current situation is creating concerns, and we deeply regret it. We would also like to reassure customers: the potential accelerator pedal issue only occurs in very rare circumstances. The announced action is a preventive measure aimed to guarantee the highest safety standards to all customers."

According to Toyota, there is a chance that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms on the affected models may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position

Toyota said that the issue is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn.

The Japanese automaker added that only a limited number of incidents have been reported in Europe, and that the company is not aware of any accident resulting from this issue.

Earlier this week, Toyota suspended sales of eight vehicles in the U.S. due to the sticky accelerator problem while the firm also added another 1.1 million vehicles to last fall's recall of 4.3 million vehicles in the USA.

New Toyota Yaris 2010 Added to European Lineup

You may have read elsewhere that Toyota presented an updated version of the Yaris supermini in Europe. Well, that's not true. What Toyota did do though is reveal a new grade for its European-spec model called the "Yaris 2010". For the record, the facelifted Yaris made its premiere only a year ago at the Bologna motor show in December 2008.

With the addition of the new trim level that goes on sale this month, the revised model line-up of the Euro-spec Yaris comprises four specification levels: Base, Luna, new Yaris 2010 and Sol.

Available with a choice of three powerplants, the 69HP 1.0 litre VVT-i and 100HP 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i petrol units and a 90HP 1.4 litre D-4D, the Yaris 2010 benefits from a few minor exterior styling updates, a refreshed interior and an upgraded standard equipment specification.

On the outside, the Yaris 2010 models get tinted headlamp clusters, newly developed matt silver door handles, new hub cap and alloy wheel designs, a different rear light color treatment and two new, grade-exclusive exterior colours - Light Purple Silver and Blue metallic.

Inside, the Yaris 2010 features analogue instrument dials, a perforated leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, and a distinctive upholstery trim while the standard equipment includes automatic air-conditioning and front foglights with Toyota claiming that the model offers a customer benefit of up to 5 per cent.