Walters Toyota Needs Your Help in Giving Back!

Toyota July Incentives!

Congrats to Keith & Tonya Bentley!

On Saturday June 18, 2011 Walters Toyota/Nissan teamed up for an all day event to give away a car to one lucky person! We had several finalists present and gave away door prizes all day selecting the final winner that afternoon! Keith & Tonya Bentley had a tough choice at the end of the day between a New 2011 Toyota Camry and a New 2011 Nissan Altima and they chose the New 2011 Nissan Altima! We hope you are enjoying your New car! Congrats Again!

Toyota Awards Scholarships To Ten Safe Teens!

Toyota has awarded college scholarships as part of a nationwide safe driving program with Discovery Education. A total of ten high school students have received the awards after playing the interactive road challenge game, Heads Up!, which is designed to promote safe driving habits.
Winners of the scholarships will receive a $5,000 cash prize to be used for educational purposes at an accredited college or university. For Toyota, it was a fun, interactive way to promote safe driving among teen drivers.
“Toyota is dedicated to building awareness among teens about the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging responsible and safe driving habits,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president, national philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation. “With Discovery Education, we congratulate the winners of the Toyota Teen Driver Sweepstakes and all those who participated in the Heads Up! challenge for their commitment to safety.”
The scholarships are just one part of a joint program that Toyota and Discovery Education called “Toyota Teen Driver” that aims to keep teens safer behind the wheel. For the Toyota Teen Driver Sweepstakes, teens played the online, interactive road challenge, Head’s Up, which allows teens to put their driving skills to the test and see how they handle distracting scenarios. The game conditioned teens to avoid distractions like sending text messages, changing a radio station, or drinking a soda.
“Discovery Education recognizes the importance of educating America’s youth on the dangers and consequences of distracted driving and we are thrilled that so many teens shared our commitment to safety by participating in the Toyota Teen Driver Sweepstakes,” said Mary Rollins, vice president of education partnerships, Discovery Education. “Heads Up! is an effective and engaging challenge that allows teens to experience the consequences of distracted driving while fostering safe behaviors behind the wheel.”
More information on the Heads Up! game or other initiatives to promote safer driving can be found at ToyotaTeenDriver.com.

by Toyota in the News on April 28, 2011

TEST DRIVE FOR COAL!

Ten Toyota Models Top Vincentric’s “Best Value” Rankings!

When it comes to “Top 10″ lists, coming up with the “Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Toyota” just got a lot easier: That’s because Vincentric, one of the country’s most widely relied upon sources of automotive value data, recently announced its annual “Best Value in America” Awards, and it was Toyota leading the way with 10 segment winners—more than twice the number of any other brand. In addition, Toyota also earned recognition for best overall brand value in the Passenger Car category.
Garnering the honors for Toyota were:

• 4Runner—Taking the Mid-Size SUV segment for the third consecutive year
• Avalon—Winning the Large Car category for the sixth time
• Camry Hybrid—Besting all other Mid-Size Hybrid Sedans
• FJ Cruiser—The top-rated Compact SUV
• Highlander Hybrid—”Best Value” among the Mid-Size Hybrid SUV ranks
• Land Cruiser—Achieving its fourth straight victory in the Mid-Size Premium SUV segment
• Prius—Leading all Advanced Fuel Technology Compacts for the sixth time
• Tacoma—Now on a seven-year run as the highest-placing Compact Pickup
• Venza—Earning the highest marks in the Mid-Size Crossover category for the second time

Vincentric’s “Best Value in America” Awards are based on a comprehensive range of cost-of-ownership measures including depreciation, fuel, insurance, opportunity cost, financing, maintenance, taxes, state fees and repairs, with all vehicles evaluated across all 50 states as well as Washington, D.C.
“Vincentric’s 2011 Best Value in America Awards use cost-of-ownership to provide an independent benchmark that helps consumers understand which vehicles provide the best value in their segment,” said David Wurster, president of Vincentric.

And with one look at that list, it’s easy to understand why so many customers use that data to buy Toyota products.

Toyota Entune Receives Two Prestigious Awards at 2011 Consumer Electronics Show

•    Toyota Entune wins CNET “Best of CES” Award in Car Tech category
•    Popular Mechanics honors Entune with Editor’s Choice Award
•    Entune to be available on 2012 Prius v

 

TORRANCE, Calif., January 31, 2011 – At the just-concluded Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the debut of Toyota’s Entune™ multimedia system won both a “Best of CES” award from CNET (www.cnet.com) in the Car Tech category, and the Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award.

 

“We were amazed by the media’s overwhelming reception of Toyota Entune at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show,” said Jon Bucci, vice president of the Advanced Technology Department at Toyota. “We listened to our customers and we worked hard to develop a truly easy-to-use, upgradeable multimedia system. It looks like our hard work paid off. We are honored to receive these prestigious awards from both CNET and Popular Mechanics.”

 

Toyota Entune brings popular mobile applications, including Bing, iheartradio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable.com, and Pandora to select Toyota vehicles beginning in 2011. Featuring advanced voice recognition and intuitive in-vehicle controls, Entune is compatible with a wide range of smart phones and features phones. Toyota Entune brings personalized information and data services to the vehicle, and is wirelessly upgradeable, so in-vehicle applications are never obsolete.

 

The first vehicle to offer Toyota Entune will be the all-new 2012 Prius v, the first in a new line of vehicles in the Prius family. Prius v will be the most spacious dedicated hybrid vehicle on the market, with 50 percent more cargo volume than the Prius sedan, and will achieve a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon. The new Prius will also offer Safety Connect, which provides Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Emergency Assistance, and Roadside Assistance.  Safety Connect combined with Toyota Entune offers comprehensive safety services and mobile applications not found in any other vehicle make. Prius v will go on sale in late summer of 2011. 

 

Toyota Entune also includes location-based services, such as personalized traffic, fuel prices, stocks, weather, and sports.  These are combined with a fully featured entertainment and communication system, which includes XM radio, HD Radio, CD player, USB connectivity, Bluetooth® streaming and phonebook.  A high quality JBL sound system is available as an option as well.

About CNET “Best of CES” Award/Car Tech Category
“Each year, CNET editors spend hundreds of hours on the show floor to find the hottest technologies that will drive industry trends for the coming year and beyond,” said Scott Ard, Editor in Chief of CNET. “Toyota Entune was chosen from thousands of products at the show, and demonstrates the innovation to be honored with one of our ‘Best of CES’ award.”

 

Selected by CNET’s unbiased expert editors, winners are recognized as having the hottest products in their respective technology categories for their unmatched innovation and creativity, and their ability to excite consumers and help them explore a world gone digital.  CNET editors reviewed hundreds of entries, as well as scoured the 2010 CES show floor for products to consider for the prestigious award.

 

About Popular Mechanics
"At Popular Mechanics, we've been waiting for a car maker to harness the power and convenience of the mobile phones drivers are already carrying. Toyota's Entune system is a genuine breakthrough that points the way forward," said James Meigs, editor-in-chief of Popular Mechanics.

 

Popular Mechanics, published monthly by Hearst Magazines, inspires, instructs and influences almost 9 million curious readers. Issues engage readers with breakthroughs in the latest innovations in science and technology; educates with informative “how-to” stories on automotive, the home and digital technology; and motivates action with product reviews and comparison tests of the newest equipment and products. Popular Mechanics is also the #1 ranked men’s monthly magazine when it comes to reaching an environmentally conscious audience.

 

About Toyota
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion.  Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers which sold more than 1.77 million vehicles in 2009.  Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion.

 

For more information about Toyota, visit http://www.toyota.com/ or www.toyotanewsroom.com/entune.

Consumer Reports Recognizes Several Toyota Vehicles

         Recommended- Consumer Reports recommends 20 out of 26 Toyota, Scion
     and Lexus products, the highest of any manufacturer (Pages 56-69)

     Best overall fuel economy- Toyota tied for the most with three out of
     thirteen vehicles (Page 10)
     Top picks- Toyota took 3 out of 10, more than any manufacturer;
     Sienna, Prius and RAV4 ( Pages 7-9)
     Best- Toyota has the most models listed in the "Best of the Best"
     used car category (Pages 80-81)
     Best vehicles under $20,000- Toyota tied for the most with four out
     of fourteen (Page 11)
     Five year ownership costs- Toyota has three out of the five least
     expensive vehicles to own (Page 12)
     Best values- Corolla, Prius, Camry, Sienna, RAV4, and Highlander
     (Page 20)
     Reliability over time- Toyota has the most reliable vehicles overall.
     Toyota vehicles have the fewest problems per 100 as the vehicles age.
     After five years most manufacturers' vehicles have twice as many
     problems as Toyota (Page 78)
     Problem free- The most problem free 5 year old model is the 2006
     Toyota Highlander V-6 (Page 78)
     Green car- Prius named green car of the year (Page 8)

Consumer Reports has more than 7 million subscribers and their survey is
influential because of how many consumers consider it before buying a new
vehicle.  Their latest results yielded data from over 1.3 million
responders.

Toyota Launches Entune In-Vehicle Multimedia System

It’s a match made in heaven: On the one hand, “Consumers have grown accustomed to having the world at their fingertips through their mobile phones,” according to Jon Bucci, vice president of the Advanced Technology Department at Toyota. And on the other, those buyers also have grown accustomed to Toyota meeting all their transportation needs. Now the automaker is putting both those expectations together with the Toyota Entune multimedia system, recently introduced at this year’s International CES consumer electronics show.
“And unlike other industry solutions, Entune allows the driver to interact with informative and entertaining mobile content without fumbling with their phone,” added Bucci. “We offer features that our customers demand and integrate them seamlessly in the vehicle.”
Among those features will be:

• Mobile Apps—Entune will launch offering the Bing search engine to help drivers find more than 16 million points of interest, with destinations sent directly to the vehicle’s navigation system; OpenTable, capable of making reservations at any one of 15,000 restaurants across the country; MovieTickets.com, providing access to film tickets and reviews; and the ability to get customized, real-world information about traffic, fuel prices, weather, stocks and sports.
• Music—Tuning into Entune will deliver more than 750 local radio stations via iheartradio, access to the Pandora music-streaming service, XM satellite radio, HD radio and USB connectivity for personal media players.
• Voice Recognition—Entune’s best-in-class voice-recognition system is able to respond to conversational speech commands, so there’s no need to worry about memorizing thousands of specific voice directions to operate the system.

In addition, Entune can be upgraded wirelessly, so it always packs the latest applications and functionality, and it was designed to be compatible with a wide range of current cell phones.
“Toyota has always been a leader in the automotive industry, so it makes sense it would bring the latest in mobile technology to the car,” said Chris Daniels, general manager of Bing for Mobile, Microsoft Corp. “By bringing Bing Maps and Bing for Mobile technology to the car, we are helping Toyota enhance the overall in-vehicle experience to be as rich and robust as possible, which means personalizing the information to each driver’s needs.”
The new Entune multimedia system will be available in select Toyota vehicles beginning later this year.

The Only Minivan On The 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick List: Toyota Sienna

By Toyota in the News on February 22, 2011

With minivans once again growing in popularity, there are a lot of new choices on the market today—but only one earned a place among the 2011 Top Safety Picks chosen by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): That was the all-new Toyota Sienna. Only vehicles that offer electronic stability control and score the highest possible marks in the IIHS’ front, side, rear and rollover crash evaluations earn the award, so this is no small honor for Toyota’s “Swagger Wagon.”

But it is further evidence of Toyota’s renewed dedication to customer safety, which also includes making the company’s Star Safety System a standard feature on the Sienna. This comprehensive suite of safety technologies includes anti-lock brakes, brake-force distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control and traction control. Seven airbags are standard as well, ranging from dual-stage front and seat-mounted airbags for the front seats to a new driver’s-side knee airbag and side-curtain airbags that extend the length of the cabin to offer protection to passengers in all rows.

The 2011 Sienna stands apart from the crowd for other reasons, too. Completely redesigned for the new model year, Toyota’s minivan offers a choice of both four- and six-cylinder engines, front- or all-wheel drive, a sporty SE model that delivers a surprisingly dynamic driving experience, aggressive sheet metal, a roomier and more versatile interior than the 2010 model, and much more. In fact, thanks to these kinds of advantages, sales of the Sienna were up nearly 20 percent through November of this year.

Impressively, seven other Toyota products also were named to the 2011 list of IIHS Top Safety Picks:

• Toyota Corolla
• Toyota Venza
• Toyota Highlander
• Toyota Avalon
• Lexus RX
• Scion tC
• Scion xB

“Toyota is pleased to have received eight IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2011, which we believe is reflective of our ongoing commitment to developing safe and reliable vehicles for our customers,” said a company representative.

 

Toyota wants to salute do-gooders by giving 100 cars over 100 days to organizations that could really use a new set of wheels. And voters like you decide who gets a new ride every day!

Toyota Scion To Offer Complimentary Maintenance

It looks like there’s been another significant industry breakthrough for Toyota: The company recently announced it has become the first full-line brand to offer a standard complimentary maintenance program for all new vehicles in its entire lineup, in addition to now providing the same service for new products from its Scion division.
“The two complimentary maintenance plans were developed to help improve overall cost of ownership and provide invaluable peace of mind for our customers,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “The new programs were inspired by owner feedback and once again reflect how Toyota listens to its customers.”
Toyota had already offered complimentary service as part of its early-year sales promotions, and the results were very impressive. In fact, some 73 percent of Toyota buyers said that it improved their confidence in the company’s products. It’s a demonstration of good will that improves customer relations, Huntington Toyota says.
The two new service plans, which have been integrated into the pre-existing Toyota Care and Scion Service Boost programs, mean that customers can benefit from normal, factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance, all at no charge, for either two years or 25,000 miles (whichever comes first). This includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, lubrication of key chassis parts and components, and regular 19-point vehicle inspections, along with lockout protection, flat-tire service, towing, jump starts and more. It’s the kind of service normally offered by luxury brands, Toyota Huntington says.
This customer-satisfying service is already available on the new Scion and Toyota products at Scion Dealer MD today.
(Note that only retail vehicles will qualify for the complimentary maintenance and roadside assistance programs. Vehicles that are part of rental, commercial, livery or taxi fleets are excluded.)

Driver Error Caused Sudden Acceleration

Toyota is a name that you’ve certainly heard in the news over the past year thanks to endless counts of people coming forward to report issues with their Toyota Vehicles. Last year, the recalls were the hot topic- accidents and reports of sudden acceleration on certain Toyota models had consumers in an uproar.
On Tuesday, February 8^th, there was a report released by NHTSA-NASA on the electronic throttle system that contained the results of an extensive 10 month study they conducted.
It seems the incidents were caused by “user error”, the pedal sticking or the floor mat bunching up. Toyota has released an official statement in regards to this report, saying that they welcome the findings and appreciate the thoroughness of the review.
So what will this do for the reputation? It’s already been starting to restore the positive brand image for Toyota that once was — with the stock price rising and positive sentiment across social media channels and automotive sites.
For more information on the findings of the report, please check out the official NHTSA-NASA study of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.

Toyota and Lexus Dominate '2011 Best Overall Value of the Year Awards' from IntelliChoice

•    Toyota Leads All Brands With Seven Awards
•    Lexus Leads All Luxury Makes Taking Four Trophies

 

SAN FRANCISCO, February 5, 2011 - - Seven Toyota vehicles and four Lexus models today took the top spot in IntelliChoice’s “2011 Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) Awards” at the 2011 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention here.  With 21 total awards handed out, Toyota and Lexus combined garnered over half of the trophies presented with 11 top honors. 

 

“Dominating the IntelliChoice’s 2011 Best Overall Value Awards is another example of how Toyota and Lexus continue to produce vehicles that retain their outstanding value,” said Don Esmond, senior vice president of Automotive Operations for Toyota Motor Sales, USA.  “In a tough economy, finding a dependable vehicle that also holds its value over an extended period is one of the most important aspects of buying a new car.”

 

IntelliChoice determines the winners of the BOVY Awards based on the top vehicles in 21 categories that represent the best overall value.  Each winner is determined by analysis of ownership costs, including depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance.     

 

Toyota Segment Winners
Passenger Car – Prius
Premium Passenger Car – Avalon
Compact Crossover/Wagon – RAV4 four-cylinder
Minivan – Sienna
SUV – 4Runner
Compact Pickup – Tacoma
Full-Size Pickup – Tundra

Lexus Segment Winners
Premium Compact Passenger Car – IS 250
Premium Convertible – IS 250C
Premium Crossover/Wagon – RX 350
Premium Full-Size SUV – GX 460

2011 Toyota Highlander

Super Funny Nathan James commercial on the all new 2011 Toyota Highlander!

Happy Belated 60th Birthday to the Land Cruiser!!



In 1951 Toyota introduced the Land Cruiser, a vehicle designed with go-anywhere capabilities. The Land Cruiser quickly earned a reputation for its reliability and for its ruggedness, having been the first vehicle to be driven to Mt. Fuji’s sixth hill station, a climb rising 2,500 meters. Since its introduction, it has conquered the Arctic (and Antarctic) wastes, traversed deserts, ploughed its way through tropical rain forests and generally taken the worst the world can throw at it in its stride. The Land Cruiser has also became a favorite among police fleets and militaries around the world and
After sixty years on the market, the Land Cruiser has evolved substantially. While it remains one of the toughest machines on four wheels, it has become increasingly sophisticated, mating strong off-road performance with unparalleled levels of luxury.
To celebrate this major milestone, Toyota will introduce two 60th anniversary models of the 2011 Land Cruiser. Unfortunately, both models are built for the UK only. But Land Cruiser fans can rest assured that the model available here in U.S. lives up to its safari-conquering spirit.
Powering this luxurious brute is a 5.7-liter DOHC V8 engine which produces 381 horsepower 401 lb-ft of torque. Ninety percent of peak torque is available at just 2,200 rpm, helping make the Land Cruiser an outstanding tow vehicle. This unit is also equipped with Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, which optimizes power, fuel efficiency and emissions.

The 2011 Land Cruiser is features a range of systems designed to maximize ruggedness and durability in extreme driving conditions. This includes Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) which enhances both on-road handling response and off-highway capability. Unlike more car-like crossovers, the Land Cruiser is equipped with a lightweight, compact transfer case which provides full-time four-wheel drive with a low-range for traversing challenging driving surfaces, such as steep inclines. Traction control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and make helps make traversing difficult terrain easier, and safer.
Inside, the latest generation Land Cruiser comes luxuriously equipped, with standard features that include rear privacy glass, a JBL premium audio system with in-dash six-disc CD changer and 14 speakers; Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start that allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle by carrying the key; anti-theft security system; engine immobilizer; cruise control; power moonroof; auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors; HomeLink®; steering wheel-mounted audio; heated, power front seats with driver’s memory; and power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory. Other features include Toyota’s advanced Safety Connect telematics system, which dispatches emergency responders in the event of a collision and provides a range of other useful features.

The Toyota Land Cruiser continues to be a unique package backed by an iconic history. The latest model retains the characteristics that have made it a legend, but it also boasts the comfort and technology that will ensure its everlasting popularity.

Nascar & Toyota

NASCAR^® used T.H.U.M.S. to help analyze high-speed impacts, leading to better seat structure design and 2010 rule book changes.
Crash test dummies are fine for showing certain aspects of an impact, but they don't have the soft tissues and organs to better imitate the internal injuries of the human body. To extend the science, Toyota created T.H.U.M.S. software for more in-depth simulations.

NASCAR worked with Toyota to analyze all of their crash data between 2003 and 2009 to improve driver safety. The software helped NASCAR discover more about accidents on the racetrack, resulting in driver’s-seat shape changes and even two changes to the rule book to promote NASCAR driver safety.

WALTERS NISSAN

We are very happy to announce the addition of another dealership to the Walters Auto Group! We are now up and running at Walters Nissan! We are located at 36 Venters Lane in Pikeville KY and welcome everyone to come and see what we have to offer! Please visit the new website at http://www.waltersnissan.com/ to view our new and pre owned inventory!

Thanks As Always!

New 2011 Corolla Unveiled!

Already the top-selling compact car in America, the Toyota Corolla has been refreshed for the 2011 model year and looks ready to defend its crown against the best the competition has to offer.
To help achieve that goal, Toyota designers provided the Corolla with an enhanced interior and nuanced exterior makeover that includes upgrades to the car’s front bumper, radiator grille, front lower grille, headlamps, trunk lid, rear combination lamp and rear bumper. The changes add another level of sportiness to the Corolla’s athletic appearance, which is further emphasized by a new 16-inch wheel design for the Corolla S. At the same time, much attention to detail was spent in tailoring the Corolla’s exterior for reduced wind noise. Windshield moldings, wiper-blade covers and more have all been fine-tuned for a quieter cabin. And that comprehensive approach to improving the entire ownership experience is on display throughout the 2011 Corolla.
For example, the Corolla also boasts a perky and responsive 1.8-liter I4 engine with dual variable valve timing and other cutting-edge technology for both competitive power ratings—132 hp and 128 lb.-ft. of torque—and strong EPA numbers. The Corolla can achieve EPA ratings of up 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with a five-speed manual transmission or 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway when relying on its four-speed automatic. In addition, that autobox also features standard manual-shifting functionality for added driver control.
Toyota’s approach to safety is worth noting as well. The Corolla boasts the automaker’s Star Safety System as standard content, leveraging protective technologies like vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, brake-force distribution, brake assist and the Smart Stop system. This feature, standard on all Toyotas, automatically reduces engine power under certain conditions when both the brake and the gas pedal are pressed at the same time. Further evidence of Toyota’s commitment to vehicle quality can be seen in the company’s move to add complimentary maintenance service to the 2011 Corolla—and its entire lineup.
Covered is all normal factory-recommended maintenance, such as oil and filter changes, tire rotations, lubrication of key chassis components, a 19-point inspection, and 24-hour roadside assistance for lockouts, flat tires, tows, jump starts and other important services.
In other words, the 2011 Toyota Corolla is certain to remain a big seller in the compact car segment after it debuts at local dealerships this December.



The New Prius V

                              The New Prius V from the Detroit Auto Show!

 

What's New for 2010

The 2010 Toyota Prius has been fully redesigned. Key improvements for this third-generation model include more power, better fuel economy, enhanced steering feel, more conventional interior controls and sleeker styling.

Introduction

The last Toyota Prius flipped the automotive world on its head, changing the purchasing priorities of American car buyers seemingly overnight. Attracted to its sky-high fuel economy, practical body style and green image, consumers came to the Prius for many new car searches (regardless of their actual motoring needs). What was once an automotive oddity relegated to hemp-wearing greenies, the Prius grew to become the country's 13th-best-selling vehicle in 2008. Now there is the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius. It's poised to keep the hybrid revolution going, but with key changes to make it more appealing to an even wider audience.
A quick look at the 2010 Prius will reveal a familiar shape, but it's a little sleeker and a tad (dare we say) sportier than its predecessor. Visually, it looks smaller, but it's an optical illusion that creates a more streamlined appearance. Indeed, the 2010 Prius is less than an inch longer and wider than last year's model. The interior is a different story, as headroom has been reduced by a fraction of an inch. This wouldn't seem to be a big deal, but in our testing we found that taller rear seat occupants had their hair grazing the roof, and that wasn't the case before.
Under the hood resides a revised version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. There's a larger and more powerful gasoline engine now, but instead of providing quicker off-the-line acceleration, it allows more effortless highway cruising. A smaller electric motor contributes less torque to the overall powertrain dance, but it improves efficiency. There are other mechanical changes, too, but the end result is a jump in fuel economy, from last year's EPA-estimated 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway to this year's 51/48 mpg.
Toyota has also addressed other previous Prius faults. A more rigid chassis and a revised electric-assist steering system help to improve steering feel and driver confidence -- the old Prius' steering had a disconnected, video-gamelike feel. While the Prius still isn't exactly fun to drive, its straight-line stability is a lot better now, and in general it feels more like a normal car.
The latest Prius might even seem like a small, ultra-efficient luxury sedan depending on how you equip it. Luxury-themed items like heated leather seats, a solar-powered sunroof (cools the interior when parked), a navigation system, radar-based adaptive cruise control (matches your speed to the car ahead), a pre-collision system (retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes if a crash is unavoidable) and a lane-departure warning system for inattentive drivers are all available. Also, the automated self-parking system you've seen in Lexus commercials makes its way onto the Prius' options sheet.
The Prius has been a huge success, and with such success comes added competition. The all-new Honda Insight looks similar to the Prius, has similar fuel efficiency and costs less, but it's smaller and less sophisticated. The Ford Fusion Hybrid's more traditional body style and more involving driving dynamics should appeal to those who want their hybrid to be a little more like a normal car. The Camry Hybrid is another possibility, as is the limited-availability Altima Hybrid. Regardless, when it comes to an ultra-practical, ultra-efficient automotive choice that, depending on equipment, can be anything from an economy car to a luxury car, the 2010 Toyota Prius cannot be beat.

The Plural of Prius

2011 FJ Cruiser to Conquer in Comfort

by Toyota in the News on October 26, 2010

What do you get when you mix a striking heritage-based design with the amenities of a modern-day SUV and anytime, anyplace off-road abilities? None other than the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser, revised and enhanced to make getting the best of all worlds even better.
Drivers who like to play dirty can enjoy a rough-and-ready Trail Teams Special Edition that offers both new style and new capabilities. These range from a unique appearance that showcases an Army Green exterior, set off with black bumpers, front grille and door handles, to significant hardware upgrades. The Trail Teams’ Off-Road Package boasts a beefed-up chassis, trail-tuned Bilstein shocks, a locking rear differential, Toyota’s Active Traction Control system, alloy wheels from Toyota Racing Development, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, and robust engine, fuel tank and transfer cases. But this is more than just a hard-core rock crawler.
The special edition also offers amenities like a premium JBL 10-speaker sound system, remote keyless entry, cruise control, rear privacy glass and both 12- and 120-volt outlets. That audio system, standard on the Trail Teams edition, is also a new option on the rest of the FJ Cruiser lineup as just one of the many comfort advances provided in this tough Toyota.

For example, the standard stereo setup now features MP3 playback capability, six speakers, a USB port for iPod connectivity, hands-free phone functionality, music streaming and a free 90-day trial subscription to XM Radio, and it’s all now controllable via the FJ Cruiser’s now-standard steering-wheel-mounted controls. Accessing that interior is easier, too, thanks to significant improvements in rear-seat access via the Cruiser’s rear clamshell-style doors. The doors open a full 90 degrees, while the front-passenger seat now folds further forward to make it easier for back-seat passengers to enter and exit.
And everyone will benefit from Toyota’s standard STAR Safety System, an integral part of every Toyota product on sale in the U.S. This comprehensive suite of safety features includes vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and roll-sensing side-curtain airbags. These units can detect a potential rollover situation and signal the vehicle’s stability control system to help reduce lateral skidding.
The 2011 FJ Cruiser is set to cruise into Walters Toyota later this fall!