Toyota unveils 86 race car

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The much applauded Toyota 86, or GT86 as its known abroad is available for racing after Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) launched the cost effective TMG GT86 CS-V3 for private participants.

The TMG GT86 CS-V3 went through a successful development period where it won its class in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and has now been refined and packaged as an entry-level race for easy maintenance, low running cost and fun driving. The TMG GT86 CS-V3 was developed specifically for the V3 class of the Nürburgring-based VLN series.

The road-going Toyota 86 specs are impressive to begin with and provides the perfect platform for an entry-level sports car. The TMG GT86 CS-V3 features a stiffened chassis and optimised weight distribution for racing as well as a racing exhaust, suspension and brakes that aims to deliver a fun and easily accessible racing experience.

TMG President, Yoshiaki Kinoshita said that “We want to share the passion of motorsport with as many people as possible and this car is the result. It is already race-proven having won the V3 class in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and we hope to see many more of these cars competing in the coming months. The GT86 is a perfect car for production-based motorsport. It already looks fantastic and has superb handling, so with further performance and safety upgrades we have created a really exciting and competitive car which is extremely cost effective.”

News Source: Toyota

Toyota is Top Seller for 2012

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Japanese media have reported that Toyota has regained the top-selling spot with having sold almost 5-million vehicles in the first half of the year. Toyota’s brands include Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino who sold in upwards of 4.97 million vehicles in the first half of 2012 with a 34% increase over the same period last year.

General Motors is in close second place for the period with 4.67 million vehicles sold and Volkswagen in third place with 4.45 million vehicles sold. Toyota lost out last year due to the March 11 earthquake in Japan and the floods in Thailand.

Toyota said it expected to sell 9.58 million vehicles by the end of the year but was uncertain whether it would hold the top spot for the whole year.

 News Source: IOL Motoring

Lexus unleashes GS Range

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Toyota’s luxury car brand Lexus has launched its all-new GS range in South Africa incorporating luxury hybrid technology and a fresh design philosophy that may very well put its competitors on the back foot.

First and foremost, the design of the new Lexus GS range is far more striking and enticing than some of its previous models making use of angular contours and spindle like grille. The new Lexus GS range incorporates four models which include the GS 250 SE, GS 350 EX, GS 450h F-Sport and the GS 450h SE.

The GS 450h F-Sport hybrid makes use of the same V6 engine used in the GS 350 EX but has been tweaked to deliver 213kw at 4600rpm. This engine is coupled with an electric motor which pushes the total power output to 252kW and is coupled to an E-CVT gearbox. Fuel consumption for this model sits at 6.2 litres per/100km. Four drive modes are available with this model and include Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+.

The GS 350 makes use of a V6 engine similar to the Lexus IS350 and is capable of 233kW at 6400rpm. The GS 350 makes use of a six-speed automatic gearbox and exhibits a fuel consumption figure of 9.4 litres/100km.

The entry-level GS 250 is powered by a 2.6 litre V6 and produces 154kW at 6400rpm and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption for this model sits at 8.9 litres/100km. The GS 250 will be launched in the month of July 2012.

From an interior perspective Lexus has done well to maintain a high standard of comfort and luxury as you would expect and very few customers will be disappointed with Lexus’ latest GS offering. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a new Lexus GS,

Lexus GS Prices

GS 250 EX - R494 400

GS 350 EX - R564 900

GS 450h F-Sport - R753 700

GS 450h SE - R771 700

All models are covered by a 4-year/100 000km warranty. EX models carry Lexus’ ‘Distance Plan Plus’. The F-Sport and SE models are covered by ‘Distance Plan Complete’  

Look to the Toyota Auris HSD for Green Value

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As you may well know by now, the push towards greener motoring is slowly filtering onto our roads despite the outright dominance of petrol and diesel engines currently used. Hybrid cars are few and far between and Toyota is making a concerted effort to change the trend towards greener motoring primarily through the Toyota Prius.

However, the Prius does not come cheap at the odd R370 000 and Toyota have introduced the Toyota Auris HSD to mend your wallet towards greener driving. The Auris HSD hatchback is also a hybrid and is significantly more affordable than the Prius going for between R272 500 and R299 600, good news for those of us who value green driving.

The Auris HSD hybrid synergy drivetrain is the same as that of the Prius with a 73kW 1.8 litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine combined with a 60kW electric motor. Variable transmission makes the interplay between the two unnoticeable to the driver.

The Toyota Auris HSD claims to consume only 4 litres / 100km with a CO2 emissions figure of just 93g/km. Thankfully the Auris also offers a comfortable ride and is a solution if you are looking for an affordable hybrid car to help out the birds and the bees.  

Toyota World’s Top Seller

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Toyota has taken back the No.1 position as the world’s top selling car company in the first quarter of 2012. The Toyota brand which includes Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino sold 2.49 million units in three months up to March 31, stealing the lead from General Motors who sold 2.28 million units. Volkswagen takes third position with a sales figure of 2.16 million units sold.

Toyota lost its lead to GM in 2010 after facing major hurdles which included quality issues, the earthquake in Japan and the floods in Thailand in 2011. Despite these hurdles, Toyota has come back fighting and will look to maintain this strong position going forward into the future.

All-Electric SUV from Toyota

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Toyota unveiled its all-electric Rav4 SUV at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles this week making it the first all-electric SUV on the market.

The all-electric SUV Rav4 has a maximum range of 160km with a total charging time of six hours. The battery powered Toyota Rav4 will initially only be sold in California for about R390 000 and Toyota hopes to sell 2000 units over the next three years. Although the all-electric Toyota Rav4 might not appeal to everyone and may make long distance driving difficult, Toyota is eager to see how the market responds to this car.

Would you buy an all-electric car?  

Video: Toyota Etios in South Africa

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Here's what to expect from the new entry level Toyota Etios that has just landed in South Africa and will be available in May 2012. The Etios will seek to gain traction in the entry level market and rumors indicate that the Toyota Etios will sell for only R120 000. The Etios is fitted with a powerful 1.5 litre petrol engine and ABS brakes and airbags will come standard. Watch the video and decide for yourself. 

Going Green with the Toyota Prius Plug-In

Tweet Toyota will extend its Prius range with the new Prius Plug-in model being launched later in 2012. This new model mates a full hybrid power train to a 4.4 kWh lithium-ion battery that will see the Prius cover larger distances at greater speeds, all on battery power.

When the charge on the battery is depleted the Prius switches over to its hybrid system and keeps driving, unlike other all-electric vehicles. It will take between 1.5 and 3 hours to charge the Prius depending on the power outlet used and the range in all-electric mode differs from between 16-24 km on a full charge depending on road conditions, acceleration and braking.

The hybrid system is powered by a 1.8 petrol engine mated with two electric motors of 60kW and 42kW respectively. The Prius Plug-in clocks 0-100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180km/h. In all-electric mode the Prius tops 100 km/h. Fuel consumption is impressive at 2.1 litres / 100 km with a CO2 rating of just 49g/km.

Features on the new Toyota Prius include diode headlights, touch screen with satnav and voice recognition, rear view camera, cruise control, Bluetooth and rain sensing wipers. Heating in the front seats will also keep you warm as you steer the leather steering wheel.

It’s still unsure whether the new Toyota Prius Plug-in will reach South Africa.