Toyota supra

The current generation Toyota Supra is a grand tourer sports car manufactured by the Toyota Motor Company. The sports car looks almost similar to the Celica model produced by the same company. It shares most of the design features from the model, but it comes with a longer wheel base, length and width
The next generation Supra model is shown at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show that is powered by a hybrid engine. The power to the sports car comes from the 3.5 liter DOHC V6 engine that produces power up to 400 hp in total, combining both the sources. The V6 engine alone can produce power up to 292 hp at an angular speed of 6400 rpm; where as the electric motor can generate the remaining power.
The new Supra model has the wheel base of 104.3 inches. The length and the width of the grand tourer sports car are 170.3 inches and 50.8 inches respectively. The dimensions of the Supra model are almost similar to the Corvette car. The new Supra model is also featured with all the basic safety and entertainment features like air conditioning, leather upholstery, fog lights, antiskid program, navigation system, DVD player that can read MP3 files, iPod integration, four wheel disc brakes, and more.

                                                   Toyota supra

                                           Toyota supra

                                           Toyota supra

Toyota Announces Pricing for 2012 Prius v and Prius Plug-in [video]

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) here today at the annual Green Drive Expo for two new hybrid vehicles, the Prius v and Prius Plug-in.

Since 1997 to present day, the Prius has been the dominant leader in hybrid technology worldwide. In the U.S. alone, the Prius has sold more than one million units since 2000. The all new Prius v and Prius Plug-in are the two newest hybrid vehicles to help make up the Prius Family. A fourth new member, the city-friendly Prius c, will launch in 2012.

Prius v

The first new member of the Prius Family, the Prius v, will meet the needs of growing families with active lifestyles while providing the same attributes traditionally found in the Prius DNA including Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. The Prius v will provide 58 percent more cargo space than the Prius Liftback, and at 34.3 cubic feet, it has more cargo room than 80 percent of the small SUVs on the road today. 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 highest fuel efficiency of any crossover, SUV or wagon on the market.

The Prius v will have three configurations to help provide an easy ordering process, the value-driven Prius v Two, the well-equipped Three, and the premium level Five. All Prius v models come equipped with a wealth of standard comfort and convenience features including a new 6.1-inch Display Audio system with integrated backup camera, Bluetooth® and USB port, 16-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers, single-dial climate control, EV/ECO/Power modes, driver door Smart Key System, instrument panel with driver feedback displays, Toyota's Star Safety System™ [which includes the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC) and Smart Stop Technology], 60/40 split sliding and reclining rear seat, comfortable driver seating with power lumbar support and much more.

The Prius v Three adds standard Display Audio with Navigation and the Entune1™ multimedia system (includes SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio with 90-day trial subscription, HD Radio® with iTunes® Tagging and text-to-speech with programmed and customizable test responses).

In addition to standard features on the Prius v Two and Three, the Prius v Five adds standard SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, three-door Smart Key, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, fog lamps and more.

The base MSRP for the Prius v are $26,400 for the Prius v Two model, $27,165 for the Prius v Three, and $29,990 for the Prius v Five. The Prius v will arrive at Toyota dealerships in late October.

Prius Plug-in

The third member of the Prius Family, the first-ever Prius Plug-in Hybrid, combines the benefits of the third-generation Prius Liftback's Hybrid Syndergy Drive with extended electric vehicle (EV) range, in a package that is priced more competitively than any plug-in hybrid or pure EV on the market. It will feature a new Lithium-ion battery, which supplements the superior fuel economy of the Prius with an extended electric-only driving range of up to 15 miles at a maximum speed of 62 mile-per-hour. By Toyota estimates, it will deliver an estimated 87 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) and when operating in hybrid mode will achieve an estimated 49 MPG3, providing drivers with great fuel economy without range anxiety. The Prius Plug-in also offers convenient charging times of only 2.5-3 hours using a standard 120V outlet or 1.5 hours using 240V.

The Prius Plug-in will share many of the same exterior and interior design elements as the 2012 Prius Liftback. Design features exclusive to the Plug-in include unique chrome grille and bumper trim, chrome door handles, unique 15-inch alloy wheels, blue-accented headlamps, a distinct tail lamp design, and a new Hybrid Synergy Drive Plug-in badge.

Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be available in two models, the Prius Plug-in and the Prius Plug-in Advanced. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid model comes equipped with an abundance of standard features including heated front seats, Remote Air Conditioning System (which can run either off the grid while the vehicle is plugged in or off the battery like the third-generation Prius Liftback), a charger timer, EV/ECO/POWER modes, three-door Smart Key, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune1 and an integrated backup camera, LED Daytime Running Lights, 15-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, enhanced Multi-information Display and much more.

The Prius Plug-in Advanced model adds additional standard features including Premium HDD Navigation with Entune2 and JBL® GreenEdge™, Plug-in Hybrid Applications through a user's smartphone (Charge Management, Remote Air Conditioning System, Charging Station Map, Vehicle Finder and Eco Dashboard), Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, LED headlamps with auto on/off feature and integrated fog lamps, SofTex-trimmed seating, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, Safety Connect and more.

The base MSRP for the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is $32,000. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid Advanced will have an MSRP of $39,525. Both Prius Plug-in models are expected to qualify for a federal tax credit of approximately $2,500.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be on sale in 14 launch states beginning this October through Toyota's Online Order System at www.toyota.com. Vehicle deliveries begin in Spring 2012. The launch states include California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. A national rollout is planned for 2013.

The MSRP for the 2012 Prius v and Prius Plug-in does not include the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $760. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Leviton Level 2 (240V) Home Charging Stations

Leviton, an approved provider of Level 2 (240V) home charging stations, has developed a residential program exclusively tailored for Prius Plug-in customers. The program will include the following:

A one-stop solution for home charging stations, installation services for 120V and 240V applications, and dedicated support for Toyota customers;
Level 2 (240V) 16-amp and 30-amp home charging stations designed exclusively for the Prius Plug-in (UL-certified, compact design, easy-to-use, and made in the U.S.A.);
Industry-leading pricing for Level 2 (240V) with basic packages starting as low as $999;
Toyota-dedicated e-commerce web portal (leviton.com/Toyota) with product information, order tracking, and other features.

Prius Plug-in customers will be able to take advantage of Leviton's special pricing beginning in early October.

Toyota to produce only 600 iQ EVs in 2012

New details have emerged about the iQ EV city car indicating a limited production run of 600 vehicles in 2012, with 400 destined to remain in Japan, with 100 each earmarked for the US and Europe.

The iQ EV will be produced at Toyota’s Takaoka Plant in Toyota City starting from August 2012. Although the first year of production will see only 600 cars made, Toyota is ready to increase production from the following year in response to customer demand.

Source: Nikkan (Japanese)

Behind the Scenes look at the Toyota electric lap record effort [video]

Another TMG video giving a behind-the-scenes look at the Nürburgring Toyota EV lap record effort.

Rare earths supply concerns force Toyota to make hybrid parts in China

Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. plans to make key parts of its Prius hybrid in China, company officials said.

China is currently the world's largest automobile market, a Kyodo News report in Japan Times said Monday.

The report said Toyota recently received approval from China to produce its next Prius model.

Under the new arrangement, Toyota will gradually move production of Prius' key components, including batteries and electric motors to China, Toyota officials were quoted as saying.

Analysts said China's restrictions on exports of rare earth elements is a factor. Some of the rare earth elements are key components for hybrid car parts such as batteries and permanent magnet electric motors.

China, which produces more than 95% of the world's rare earth supplies, has imposed strict production and export quotas on these elements, citing environmental concerns.

Despite such statements the World Trade Organization ruled that China’s duties and quotas on the export of raw minerals, such as zinc, violated its rules. Beijing is trying to delay the proceedings by appealing the ruling.

"Rare earths and concerns about their supplies could very well have played a role in this decision," Vivek Vaidya of Frost & Sullivan told the BBC.

He explained that Toyota's move to start producing components in China may help counter these restrictions as it will be buying the elements to use within China, the BBC reported.

Toyota bets on hybrid for Camry in Japan

Toyota Motor Corp unveiled a new Camry sedan for Japan on Monday, offering it only as a gasoline-electric model to jump-start sluggish sales of the model in its hybrid-friendly home market.

The Camry has been the best-selling car in the United States for the last nine years, but Japan accounts for just 1 percent of the model's global sales due to shrinking demand for sedans in favor of subcompacts or minivans.

For the first time since the Camry's debut in 1982, Toyota said it would limit sales in Japan to a hybrid version, hoping to emulate the success of the Prius, which as a hybrid car enjoys exemptions on certain taxes. Hybrids now make up about 14 percent of new vehicle sales in Japan, excluding 660cc minivehicles.

"The Camry doesn't sell as much here as it does in the States, so we decided to focus on fuel economy," said deputy chief engineer Keiichi Yoneda.

Toyota said it received 1,700 pre-sale orders for the car against a monthly sales target of 500 and actual sales of just 100 a month last year in Japan. In the United States, by contrast, Toyota plans to sell 360,000 of the 2012 model year Camry unveiled last month.

Pricing for the Camry hybrid, which twins a newly developed 2.5 liter engine with an electric motor, ranges from 3.04 million yen to 3.80 million yen ($39,600 to $49,500) in Japan. The U.S. version, which is slightly smaller, carries a sticker price of $27,400 for the high-end model.

The hybrid Camry gets listed mileage of 23.4 km/liter in Japan, more than double the 11.4 km/l for the preceding gasoline model, which was measured under the previous, less stringent test cycle. The previous model ranged from 2.505 million yen to 3.47 million yen.

Toyota set new EV Lap Record @ Nürburgring [video]

Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has set a new lap record for an electric vehicle (EV) at the legendary 20.8km Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.

The TMG EV P001, with 100% electric powertrain and Jochen Krumbach at the wheel, set a new lap record of 7mins 47.794secs to beat the previous lap record, which stood at 9mins 1.338secs, by a very substantial margin.

Using two electric motors, the TMG electric powertrain has a top speed of 260km/h which combined with 800Nm of torque to achieve impressive speeds on the extremely challenging Nordschleife track, which includes significant elevation changes and lengthy flat-out sections.

TMG's target prior to the 29 August record run was to become the first electric vehicle break the eight-minute barrier and this was achieved comfortably on a day when the notoriously changeable Nürburgring weather stayed fine, although track temperatures were relatively low.

Such performance shows TMG's electric powertrain is ideal to power any future single-make electric motorsport series and TMG will begin commercial sales of this technology in 2012. TMG continues to advance its electric vehicle capability for motorsport applications with in-house development of the electric powertrain and ongoing investigations into alternative chassis solutions.

Pascal Vasselon, TMG's Technical Director, said: "The goals for this project were twofold: obviously we wanted to set a new EV lap record and I am very pleased we could achieve that so comprehensively. On the other hand, we also wanted to learn more about the operation of our electric powertrain in extreme circumstances; in motorsport there is no more extreme circuit than the Nürburgring. On the record lap the TMG EV P001 performed better than in testing due to the improvement we already could make based on that experience. We have enhanced our electric powertrain development thanks to the information our engineers have gained and our future EV products will benefit from this project."

Rob Leupen, TMG's Director Business Operations, said: "This is a very impressive achievement which really shows the huge potential for electric powertrains to deliver fast, exciting action on the race track. There's no doubt that electric motorsport can be every bit as thrilling as traditional racing and it was an amazing sensation to watch the TMG electric vehicle fly past on the Nordschleife, with only the sound of wind rushing past and tyres squealing. To achieve a new lap record at the first attempt, and by such a huge margin, is a great achievement and I am very proud to see TMG's name in the record books. But this is not the end of the story for TMG and I hope we will see our electric powertrains in action on the track again soon."

The new lap record was completed on road-legal tyres, using the complete Nordschleife track. It was verified by independent lap timing.

TMG extends its thanks to its partners in this achievement: Aguti created and implemented the livery concept while rational motion integrated the electric powertrain, traction battery and control strategies. EVO Electric motor technology delivered the power. The TMG EV P001 is based on a Radical chassis as modified by TMG for e-WOLF.

Disassembling a Toyota RAV4 EV battery pack [video]

We recently found a Youtube based TV series called ElectricThrust that focuses on EVs.

The RAV4 EV is an all-electric version of the popular RAV4 SUV produced by Toyota. With only 800 left on the road today, they were quickly dying off; That is, until Toyota teamed up with Tesla to mass produce these vehicles by 2012.

Clint, along with battery guru Derek Barger from Click High Tech Systems LLC, Broke into this EV to find out why it is starting to lose its "pep" With over 130,000 miles tacked onto it's battery pack the Rav4 is still running considerably well!

The most recent 'episode' was uploaded 8 months ago and their URL is dead so this series may be DOA but we will keep you posted on any new episodes.

Toyota unveil EV racing prototype

Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has revealed further details of its plan to make Nürburgring history on 29 August by setting a new electric vehicle (EV) lap record on the demanding 20.832km Nordschleife.

TMG's high-performance electric powertrain will power the car as it aims to significantly improve on the current lap EV record of 9min 1.338secs. Based on unofficial testing and depending on weather conditions, TMG expects to hit lap-record pace immediately, with additional days scheduled as back-up.

The TMG electric powertrain uses two electric motors to deliver peak power of 280kW and a top speed of 260km/h with zero emissions. That makes it ideal to power any future single-make electric motorsport series and TMG will begin commercial sales of its electric powertrain technology in 2012.

Total weight of the two-seater sports car is just 970kg, including the lithium-ceramic battery which allows for nimble handling around the demanding Nordschleife, essential for setting a competitive lap record.

TMG General Manager Electric & Electronics Ludwig Zeller said: "We want to demonstrate the high level of performance which can now be reached with an electric powertrain, not only in motorsport terms but as part of TMG's existing development work on road car EV technology. There is no more evocative place to illustrate this performance than on the Nordschleife. Our target is to beat the existing record by more than just a few seconds because that will demonstrate just how far our technology has developed since TMG began working on KERS systems in 2007. Many people are still dreaming of an electric future for motorsport; at TMG we believe this is much closer than some think and we intend to show what can be achieved with a high-performance electric powertrain."

TMG today revealed the first images of its electric vehicle, with a modern, dynamic livery from Aguti which captures a sense of electrifying speed. These images can be seen by clicking here.

TMG is also proud to announce its partners in this lap record attempt, all of whom enjoy visible branding on the electric vehicle. Aguti created and implemented the livery concept while rational motion integrated the electric powertrain, traction battery and control strategies. EVO Electric motor technology delivers the power and Yokohama is the tyre supplier.

Official timers will be present to authenticate the lap record while video and a photography crew will record a milestone achievement in EV development. These materials will be made available to all media immediately after any successful record attempts.

Plug-in Prius gets 128mpg range

The production version of the new Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 15 September.

The first plug-in version of the Prius uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, combining an electric motor for short distances and low speeds with a small petrol engine to provide flexibility and range.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid features a more compact lithium-ion battery which is claimed to help achieve fuel efficiency of 128.4mpg. The new technology also reduces CO2 emissions to 49g/km –almost half that of the standard Prius.

Toyota says the new model has, “extended EV driving range for shorter journeys in towns and cities, while the efficient hybrid petrol engine gives the car uncompromised long range capability and the very low fuel consumption of the standard Prius.”

This new plug-in model will become the flagship model in the Prius range. It joins a host of other efficient Toyota vehicles including the Auris hybrid, the new seven-seat Prius+ and the new Yaris hybrid.

The first plug-in version of the Prius will go on sale in Autumn 2012 and will cost around £30,000. The Prius Plug-in qualifies for the Government’s incentive payment of £5000 for plug-in electric vehicles, so the on-the-road price will be closer to £25,000.

Toyota shooting for Nurburgring EV Lap record on August 29

Toyota has reportedly announced it will attempt to smash the existing electric vehicle lap record at the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife on August 29.

The current electric vehicle lap record at the 'Ring stands at 9 minutes and 1.338 seconds, a time that Toyota says it has already beaten during informal testing. On August 29, Toyota will hit the track with a battery-powered two-seater that soars to a claimed top speed of 162 miles per hours, rips from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and is loosely based on the radical Alpha-1 SRF, a vehicle developed by Toyota Motorsport GmbH for German firm e-Wolf.

Rob Leupen, Toyota Motorsport's director of business operations, told the Charging Point, "We are extremely confident we can break the record by some distance, which is an indication of how electric vehicle performance is continuously improving." Only time we tell if Toyota's attempt to tame the 'Ring blows a hole through the existing record, which is held by the spectalur Peugeot EX1.

Source: The Charging Point

Toyota and Tesla to Build RAV4 EV in Ontario Canada

Toyota and Tesla Motors confirmed today that their jointly-developed RAV4 electric vehicle will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Woodstock, Ontario beginning in 2012.

“The Tesla-Toyota joint development team has agreed that building the vehicle at the Woodstock plant on the same line as the gasoline-powered RAV4, will streamline and simplify the production process and guarantee the highest level of quality control,” said Ray Tanguay, TMMC Chairman, who hosted Canadian officials at the plant today and thanked them for their support. “This is a great example of Toyota’s determination to collaborate with companies with leading edge technology.”

As previously announced, Toyota will pay Tesla approximately $100 million to supply the electric powertrain, which includes the battery, motor, gear box and power electronics for the RAV4 EV. Tesla will build the electric powertrains at its production facility in Palo Alto, California and then ship them to TMMC for final assembly into the vehicle.

The RAV4 EV will be sold at U.S. Toyota dealers through Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS). Details including pricing, volume and regional distribution will be determined and announced at a later time.

In July of last year, Tesla and Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing, America (TEMA) collaborated to convert 32 conventional gas-engine RAV4 compact SUVs into fully functional RAV4 EV prototypes.

Toyota Targets at Least 16,000 U.S. Plug-In Prius Sales

Toyota said it expects U.S. sales of at least 16,000 plug-in Prius hatchbacks in 2012 after the model debuts early in the year.

The new version of the world’s best-selling hybrid, designed to be recharged at a standard 110-volt outlet, will go at least 13 miles solely on its lithium-ion battery pack, John Hanson, a Toyota spokesman, said in an interview. After that, it will operate like a standard Prius, averaging 50 miles per gallon of gasoline in city and highway driving, he said.

“We think it’s going to be a strong seller and we’ll deliver to whatever level the market wants,” he said yesterday. “We’re certainly on line to sell 16,000 to 17,000 in 2012.”

Toyota has dominated sales of alternative-power vehicles since it brought the Prius to the U.S. in 2000, selling 140,928 of the hybrids last year. The new version from the Toyota City, Japan-based company joins a market for rechargeable autos led this year by Nissan Motor Co.’s electric Leaf and General Motors Co. (GM)’s plug-in Volt.

The Leaf and Volt offer greater all-electric range, with as much as 100 miles for the Yokohama, Japan-based Nissan’s model and about 35 miles for the GM car. The Prius plug-in will have a pricing edge. Hanson said the new version will begin U.S. sales “very early” next year, without elaborating.

Toyota’s target is “reasonable, but the issue will be availability,” said Alan Baum, principal of automotive consulting firm Baum & Associates in West Bloomfield, Michigan. The Japan-built plug-in will also be in demand in Toyota’s home market and Europe, so U.S. supplies may be tight, he said.

Federal, State Incentives

Toyota expects the plug-in Prius to sell for $3,000 to $5,000 more than a standard version, which starts at $23,520, said Jana Hartline, a company spokeswoman.

The car should qualify for a federal tax credit of at least $2,500, Hartline said. While Toyota hasn’t begun a promotional campaign for the plug-in, 29,000 potential customers have “pre- registered” to buy one on the company’s website, she said.

In California, the plug-in Prius should also qualify for a $1,500 rebate and be allowed to use carpool lanes even with a solo driver, said Mike Ferry, program manager for the state’s Center for Sustainable Energy, which distributes the payments. The most populous U.S. state is requiring sales of plug-ins and battery-only autos starting in 2012 to reduce pollution.
Leaf, Volt Prices

Nissan said yesterday that 2012 model Leafs would cost $35,200 to $37,250, an increase of 7.4 percent and 10 percent from 2011 versions, to cover additional equipment. That’s before a $7,500 federal tax credit. Ferry said the Leaf also qualifies for a $2,500 California rebate in 2012 and carpool-lane access.

GM’s Volt costs $40,280, before the $7,500 federal tax credit. While the 2011 Volt didn’t qualify for California rebates, the Detroit-based automaker has said it will meet state requirements by 2012. That would let buyers get a $1,500 rebate and access to carpool lanes with a solo driver, Ferry said.

Toyota’s Hartline said the plug-in Prius’s “relatively small battery” doesn’t require 240-volt home chargers, which cost about $2,000 to install and may also require rewiring for older houses that can add a few thousand dollars in expenses.

“We’re finding in our research, from our demonstration program, that that is an appealing factor for many people,” said Hartline, who is based at Toyota’s U.S. sales unit in Torrance, California. The model recharges in three hours from a 110-volt outlet or as little as 90 minutes from a 240-volt charger, she said.

Toyota RAV4 EV Coming to Market in 2012

Recent reports have incorrectly stated that the 2012 RAV4 EV will only be marketed to fleet and car sharing programs. We’d like to set the record straight. The 2012 RAV4 EV will definitely be sold to the general public. We anticipate robust public interest in the RAV4 EV and are keen to inform consumers that their future vehicle options include a battery electric Toyota.

Toyota is the only manufacturer bringing two battery electric vehicles to the market in 2012 - the RAV4 EV and the Scion iQ EV. While the RAV4 EV will be available to the public, the Scion iQ EV will be marketed to fleet and car sharing programs only.

Multiple reports have been corrected on various automotive blog sites

Toyota

Toyota Hilux 2012 é revelada

A Toyota as imagens oficiais da Hilux 2012. Utilitário chega na Austrália em setembro e chega por aqui somente em 2012.

A Hilux, tem novos faróis e faróis de neblina, novos para-choques com entradas de ar, nova grade frontal, na traseira as lanternas e a tampa da caçamba tiveram pequenas mudanças. Ela ainda recebe novas rodas de liga leve de 15 ou 17 polegadas.

Os motores utilizados são o 2.5 e o 3.0 da D-4D. O motor de 2.5 recebeu modificações e agora gera 144 cavalos. O consumo médio divulgado é de 13.6 km/l.

Toyota City smart homes to use EVs for standby power

The Toyota City Low-Carbon Society Verification Promotion Council, an organization of 26 entities, including Toyota City and private companies, has completed model smart houses*1 in the Higashiyama and Takahashi districts of Toyota City for testing energy-management systems and has started trial operations under the Verification Project for the Establishment of a Household and Community-based Low-Carbon City in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.

1. Project Description

The Verification Project is being conducted as a Next-Generation Energy and Social System Demonstration project (a five-year project running from 2010 to 2014) of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Toyota City was selected as a demonstration area for the Verification Project in April 2010 to support development of testing equipment and information systems. The key feature of the project is the pursuit of optimal energy use in living spaces at the community level.

1) Optimization of Household Energy Use
Household energy consumption is increasing. The Verification Project seeks to coordinate supply and demand within communities in conjunction with the use of both grid and renewable natural energy to achieve local production of energy for local consumption. Verification of distributed power supply from storage batteries and reduced carbon emissions from homes will be carried out, with the overall aim to reduce household carbon dioxide emissions by 20% (70% or more for smart houses).

2) Achieving Compatibility between Environmental Preservation and Resident Satisfaction
The Verification Project will predict and control energy consumption and support activities using an original energy data management system (EDMS) and home energy management system (HEMS). The aim is to maximize the use of renewable energy while achieving energy savings and conservation that maintains community quality-of-life levels and comfort.

3) Creation of Low-Carbon Traffic Systems
In addition to reducing the carbon dioxide emissions from road traffic through the introduction of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), the Verification Project will use IT and ITS technologies to efficiently integrate motor vehicles and public transportation for commuting and other travel with the aim of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the transport sector by 40%.

2. Verification of the Household and Regional Energy Sectors

This year, the Verification Project’s second year, marks the start of the testing phase for energy management at the household and community levels. Sales of the smart houses, where trial operation of the system will be conducted, began on June 3. The first phase of verification testing will begin in September at 14 of the smart houses.

In each house, a HEMS will link energy-generating devices (solar cells, fuel cells, etc.) and energy storage devices (household storage batteries, EcoCute heat-pump water heaters, etc.) in the home with next-generation vehicles (PHVs and EVs) and intelligent household appliances to optimize and make possible visualization of electric-power supply and demand and control of individual household devices. Storage batteries connected to and controlled by the HEMS will support low-cost and low-carbon energy consumption in the home and can serve as an emergency power source.

On the community level, the EDMS will coordinate the balance of the electric power supply and demand within the region by linking homes, convenience stores, schools, and the like with the aim of achieving local production of energy for local consumption by the community. For example, if a shortage of power generated by solar panels in the community is predicted, residents will be advised to limit their energy consumption, and eco-points will be awarded for conduct in accordance with those recommendations. Also, information concerning electricity usage and accumulated eco-points can be sent to specialized terminals, PCs and smart phones to encourage ongoing environmentally-friendly behavior that can be reasonably carried out.

In addition to charging PHVs and EVs from household electricity, V2H*2 (vehicle to home) supply of electric power from motor vehicle batteries to the home will also be tested. During normal times, vehicle batteries can store excess power from the home and from the community, contributing to efficient energy usage. And during emergencies, the batteries support regional energy autonomy by acting as mobile power sources.

List of Member Organizations and Businesses of the Toyota City Low-Carbon Society Verification Promotion Council (26 organizations as of June 30, 2011):
Aichi Prefecture, Toyota City and (in alphabetical order): Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc., Circle K Sunkus Co., Ltd., Denso Corporation, Dream Incubator Inc., Eneres Co., Ltd., Fujitsu Limited, Hewlett-Packard Japan, Ltd., KDDI Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd., Nagoya University, Secom Co., Ltd., Sharp Corporation, Systems Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd., Toho Gas Co., Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, Toyota Housing Corporation, Toyota Industries Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Smile Life Inc., Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Yamato Transport Co., Ltd., Yazaki Corporation

*1Houses that contain an IT network of electrical appliances and other household equipment, solar panels, household storage batteries, onboard automobile storage batteries, and other devices, enabling household power leveling and optimized energy usage
*2Charging of PHV and EV batteries from household electricity and supplying electric power from onboard automobile storage batteries to the home

New 2011 Toyota Matrix

Toyota has launched their new 2011 Toyota Matrix.New model of Toyota include some advanced features and technologies.Toyota relieved full specifications of 2011 Toyota Matrix and that contains 2011 Toyota Matrix features and 2011 Toyota Matrix overviews.You will have to get a full and detailed structure of 2011 Toyota Matrix from here.Some rare and high quality wallpapers of the 2011 Toyota Matrix has been included here.

Newest Toyota Matrix Model For 2011

On the outside, the subtle refresh is limited to all-new front and rear bumpers with integrated front and rear underbody spoilers and a large mesh front fog lamp bezel. The newly designed 16-inch steel wheels and 17-inch, five-spoke alloy rims plus the introduction of a new Spruce Mica color round off the changes.

2011 Toyota Matrix On The Road

2011 Toyota Matrix is attainable in two versions: base Matrix and the sporty S grade. Powertrain selection conatain 1.8- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions. All-wheel drive (AWD) with active torque control is available in the Toyota Matrix S, teamed to the 2.4-liter engine.

2011 Toyota Matrix Interior View

The 2011 Toyota Matrix has everything to forward you top most comfort while having an easy ride. Engine of this 2011 Toyota Matrix has a strong horse power while soundless starting. This 2011 Toyota Matrix is really easy to drive and control in a rough and scattered road.

The Matrix grade is provided with a 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, which devolopes 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) controls valve timing on both the taking in and exhaust camshafts to help make optimal performance and economy. The 1.8-liter engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission (ECT).

Toyota to Show New GRMN Hybrid Concept at Nurburgring

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will show the "GRMN (GAZOO Racing1 tuned by MN2) SPORTS HYBRID Concept II", a convertible mid-ship gasoline-electric hybrid concept, at the 39th Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race to be held near Nürburg, Germany, from June 23 through 26.

The GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II is an updated version of a gasoline-electric sports concept shown at Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 and has been developed to embody the enjoyment of automobiles. The vehicle features advanced styling and an improved sports-hybrid AWD system with the main power unit (gasoline engine, rear-wheel drive motors and transmission) located in the middle of the body and a front-wheel drive motor in front—all positioned to improve maneuverability, enhance driving enjoyment and provide enhanced stability. Meanwhile, top-down driving in electric-vehicle mode gives a fresh and exhilarating driving experience.

TMC launched the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric vehicle in 1997, and has long conducted active research on applying hybrid technologies to racing and sports cars. The GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II is positioned as the next step in the evolution of these efforts.

GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II Details

Engine	Type	2GR-FXE
	Displacement	3,456 cc
	Maximum output	183 kW (249 PS)
System	Maximum output	220 kW (299 PS)
Body	Length	4,350 mm
	Width	1,890 mm
	Height	1,200 mm
	Wheelbase	2,575 mm
	Weight	1,500 kg or less
Vehicle layout		Mid-ship with front electric motor
Tires	Front	225/40R19
	Rear	255/35R19

 

24 Hours Nürburgring Race Outline

Name	39th ADAC Zurich24h-Race 2011
Dates	June 23 through 26, 2011 (main competition runs from June 25 through 26)
Venue	Nürburgring (Nürburg, Ahrweiler, State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)