Showing posts with label toyota. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toyota. Show all posts

2013 Toyota Prius C Hybrid spy photo

take a look for 2013 Toyota Prius C Hybrid spy photo.Toyota’s Prius household would increase to incorporate a scaled-down, lower-priced design, and this year’s Detroit automobile show furnished a vague notion of what it may well appear like in the sort with the cool Prius C notion.
photo spied Toyota Prius C Hybrid spy photo
2013 Toyota Prius C Hybrid spy photo

Based on these spy pictures, it seems that the budget Prius will seem significantly less like the low-slung notion hatch and more like, effectively, a price range Prius. Gone would be the high-set headlamps and razor-sharp front-end sculpting, changed by standard polygonal headlamps, a bland trapezoidal scheme to the air intakes, as well as the Prius’s trademark hood lump.
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2011 Toyota Sienna first drive

2011 Toyota Sienna first drive
This is 2011 Sienna is really a new design, no one could describe it being a huge departure from prior generations. Nevertheless, if there was one particular consistent criticism lobbied in the Sienna formerly, it was its all too plain jane appears. Not an unsightly duckling a lot since it was too non-descript, as well dull. With all the 2011 Sienna, Toyota really seems to get taken people criticisms to heart. The front-end now capabilities a far more aggressive looking nose, and also the total lines in the vehicle have a very bit more flow and edginess. These design and style tweaks are just what it essential, and it does adequate to make it experience far more hip and distinctive.
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Toyota Hilux Terbaru 2011

Toyota Hilux Terbaru 2011 - find new models and there are new Toyota cars, avanza, avalon, rush car by Toyota. Image for new Hilux from Toyota cars 2011.

New 2011 Toyota Hilux, Mobil Toyota Hilux Terbaru tahun 2011
Toyota Hilux Terbaru 2011

Toyota Avanza Terbaru 2011

Toyota Avanza Terbaru 2011. New Avanza 2011 car. New Avanza 2011 car. Latest Models Toyota Avanza is the best option for families. Engine Specifications purchase price avanza toyota new models, pics of new car Avanza 2011.

Mobil Terbaru Avanza 2011, New Car 2011 Avanza
Mobil Toyota Avanza Terbaru 2011

Toyota Rush Terbaru 2011

Toyota Rush Terbaru 2011, Toyota Rush has undergone revision. Toyota Rush tyerbaru appearance looks more sporty appeal in the previous output Rush toyota product.

Mobil Terbaru 2011 Toyota Rush,  New Toyota Car 2011 Rush
Toyota Terbaru 2011 Toyota Rush

There are changes for 5 seater SUV, the changes to the grille new model with a touch of chrome, front bumper with a wide scoop water combined round fog lamp. At the stern design also received revised rear lights.

2011 Toyota Rush for the interior looks more modern, it looks at the audio bulid-in with the dashboard. And on the steering wheel audio switches equipped.

Performance has not changed its main engine and keeps the 1.5-liter engine. Steering using Electonic Power Steering (EPS) so that the steering feels lighter and more efficient.


Mobil Toyota Avalon Terbaru 2011

Mobil Toyota Avalon Terbaru 2011. The car brand from Toyota with the name Avalon is ideal for families. Toyota Avalon is one of Toyota's products, in addition to Avanza, Rush and Hilux.

Mobil Toyota Avalon Terbaru 2011
Mobil Toyota Avalon Terbaru 2011


Mobil Toyota Terbaru 2011

Mobil Toyota Terbaru 2011. Toyota Rush Avanza avalon hilux 2011. Pada tahun 2011 diprediksikan bahwa mobil Toyota akan mengeluarkan mobil model terbaru. All about Toyota Cars, Image, New Cars galleries.

Mobil Toyota-Terbaru 2011, gambar Toyota Avalon terbaru, Avalon Car 2011
Mobil Toyota Avalon Terbaru 2011

Mobil Terbaru 2011 Toyota Rush,  New Toyota Car 2011 Rush
Mobil Toyota Terbaru 2011 Toyota Rush

Mobil Terbaru Avanza 2011, New Car 2011 Avanza
Mobil Toyota Avanza Terbaru 2011

New 2011 Toyota Hilux Mobil Toyota Terbaru 2011 Hilux
Mobil Toyota Terbaru 2011 Hilux

Toyota Verso-S MPV

Small MPVs might not be the hottest commodities here in the United States, but these little functional wonders sell like hotcakes in other markets, especially Europe. To keep up with the growing segment, Toyota has given its Verso hatch a rather substantial makeover, and we'll see the all-new Verso-S debut at the Paris Motor Show in just a few weeks.
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2010 Toyota MR2 Gumpert Apollo

Gumpert Apollo replica that's based on a additional bearing Toyota MR2 (1990-1999) on eBay. While the aboriginal mid-engined Apollo supercar gets an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter, twin-turbo V8 with 650HP or an batty 800HP in Sport form, the Toyota-based replica makes do with a adapted adaptation of the Japanese sports car's four-cylinder turbo engine, with the agent claiming it yields "255 WHP at 15psi and 303 WHP at about 19psi" on the dyno. Hit the 'read more' button beneath for the abounding angel gallery.
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Toyota - Driving to Save Lives


Toyota uses their top-notched engineering skills in their cars, SUVs, and trucks to surpass the safety standards set by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and their products have been over and over again perfectly exceptional throughout the course of testing and evaluation. Toyota revealed more than a few unique technological advances to guarantee the safety of the passengers because Toyota does not only intend to make superior cars but also construct secure and consistent vehicles. Keep these safety parts in check to make your driving fluently smooth.

Brake Pad

This is the anti-friction material lining used in disc brakes, brake pads give support to decrease heat up and enhance the living period of your TOYOTA braking elements. The rubbing of your car's brake pads against the rotor is transformed to stopping power. It depends mainly on the composition of the brake pad and your driving behavior that wear rates may differ. Brake pads should be substituted on a regular basis. Normally, the initial indication of tattered brake pads is a squealing sound. The squealing occurs when the wear indicator on your brake pad touch next to the rotor.

The brake pad is probably the most vital protection of your car. With no effusive functional brake pad, you are inviting a disaster each time you drive.

Oxygen Sensor

Oxygen is a very significant element for your car's internal ignition, you have to check or gauge its level of content to ensure ideal running condition of your car's emission system. The oxygen sensors help out the engine to reach a proficient performance and create fewer and safer emissions.

Oxygen sensors just like the Toyota oxygen sensor are spark plug-shaped deliberately designed to dish up as a central component of the car's emission system and that of the exhaust control system. In the greater view of the subject, an oxygen sensor is an electronic piece of equipment that measures the percentage of oxygen in the gas or liquid that is being analyzed.

Head Lights

Headlights are illumination piece of equipment intentionally designed to provide lighting at some stage of low visibility periods such as night time and rain or smoggy surroundings. Headlights are fixed in front of the car to illuminate the road ahead of and point you with your driving. In addition to this function, headlights also provide as a safety apparatus because it gives out signal to the oncoming vehicles of you being there. Without headlights, driving at low visibility is completely unsafe.

Headlights are normally in pairs particularly in passenger-carrying road vehicles where they are usually placed on each side of the frame. It is very essential that the two headlights are carrying out as it should be to avoid the discernment by an approaching vehicle that what you are driving is car and not a motorcycle and letting him take the protective measures upon passing you by.

Toyota is undoubtedly the best Japanese brand that infiltrated the global car market. Being Japan's biggest car manufacturer and second in the world, Toyota's technological proficiency in making vehicles and advanced engineering is world renowned.

Our genuine effort to increase your knowledge base on various auto parts. We are selling Discount Auto parts across USA, if you don't find what you are looking for don't hesitate to drop us an email and we will get back to you with it. We provide high quality Toyota Auto Parts.

Toyota Recall Models & Years

It has been reported that Toyota issued a safety warning for its 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus cars. It is because of potentially deadly floor mats.

Toyota is finally taking action against the number of complaints for floor mat issues with certain models and announcing a recall of his vehicles.

Seven models that are being recalled could potentially have removable mats and it could interfere with the pedal and can cause it to stick.

This is by far the biggest recall that the auto giant had to make in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration issued a statement to all owners of Toyota and Lexus models from 2004-2010. They informed that car owners may need to send their vehicle in for recall.

The issue here, which a lot of you might already know is to do with the floor mats on some of the models of Toyota. This problem can cause the accelerator pedal to get stuck in a wide open throttle position and wedge itself against the floor mat. And this is considered by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration as a major safety issue.

"A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death," said Toyota in its statement.

If you own one of the Toyota models then we would advise you to visit the link Toyota Recall Models & Years and download a list of models affected by this recall and the procedure to be followed.

About the Author

Hi, I am technical writer and freelance photographer. I often write about gadgets, games & all stuffs that you can use free on internet. Like free ebooks, free games, free dating & free keys. You can see my website free stuffs to download at have fun.

Best Fuel Efficient Cars for 2010


Over the last few years, the world has witnessed an emergence of numerous car models. It won't be wrong to say that today the level of competition has been increased and the market has got bombarded with different car models. Every new model being introduced in the auto market contains new features. Perhaps, today every car is acting as a luxury sedan and contains magnificent features that make it difficult for buyers to make a proper selection. However, the fuel efficiency has been one key feature that has always played a vital role in making the proper selection of a good car.

Today there are still many people who are looking for more economical and fuel efficient cars. In fact, if we carefully study the current scenario, the average person merely can't manage to pay for a vehicle that consumes to much fuel. Ultimately, the money spent in purchasing a car is more like an investment, and no body likes to make a wrong decision. That fact remains that along with the environment; there is one key factor that drives people to shop for cars that are not just environment friendly, but fuel efficient that in turn affects the budget as well. It doesn't matter whether you are purchasing a car for your daily commuting or excursions, you should have a car that suits your lifestyle and consumes less fuel. If you are planning to buy a fuel efficient car, here are some of the best models you can look for:

Honda Civic- EPA city/highway mileage: 26/34 (manual), 25/36 (automatic), 40/45 (hybrid)

For years, Honda Civic has been one of the most popular compact cars admired in Australia. Without doubt, today its popularity can be attributed to its steady high level of finish and luxury, but its fuel efficiency element cannot be ignored. In fact, when it comes to squeezing every last inch of motion out of a drop of gasoline, there cannot be any comparison. The current model is the best and the most fuel-efficient. If that isn't enough, there is another model of Honda, a hybrid version of the Civic as well as the super-green Civic GX, which can run on natural gas and requires no gasoline at all.

Ford Focus- EPA city/highway mileage: 24/35 (manual), 24/33 (automatic)

In terms of fuel efficiency and performance there cannot be any comparison to the Ford Focus. Designed by Ford's European division, this car model fuel economy trails a bit compared to Japanese compacts, but it's cheap to buy, and pleasing to drive. It is easy on your pocketbook when it comes to keeping the gas tank filled. A 13.5 gallon fuel tank usually allows you to travel almost 325 miles non-stop.

Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC- EPA city/highway mileage: 23/32

There are very few cars in the world that can match the fuel efficiency of Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC in terms of diesel powered cars. This model is the best answer who always thinks - a diesel car always consumes more fuel. In fact, if you get the chance to test-drive a Mercedes E320 BLUETEC then you must go for it. Its key feature of 3-liter V6 power plant offers an impressive power of a V8 with the fuel economy of a compact sedan.

Toyota Camry Hybrid- EPA city/highway mileage: 33/34

Toyota Camry Hybrid is one of the most affordable cars in the current scenario. In fact, it is one of the best models that feature rock-solid dependability, exceptional comfort along with better fuel economy at an economical price. Adding to this, it is one among those models that can offer an altogether conventional driving experience and features a bigger (2.4 litre) engine and conventional tires that makes it a fuel economical car.

Toyota Corolla- EPA city/highway mileage: 26/35 (manual), 27/35 (automatic) Today it won't be wrong to consider Toyota Corolla as one of the country's best-selling vehicles. It is in fact considered as one of the most remarkable economical cars in present context. It features impressive fuel economy with the volume-selling base 1.8-liter engine, and its ride is more compliant than the typical compact sedan's.

Today it is not that difficult to get the best car for your money that can save you fuel as well. All you need is proper research and to compare the fuel efficiency for the best deals on the car you want. Owning a car actually matters, and so it is better to make a selection considering the fuel efficiency factor.

About the Author

Automarket.com.au is one of the biggest automotive portal of Australia offers a huge range of brand new cars or used cars for sale, free car advertising to the car dealers and private sellers, car dealership in Australia and more latest news and reviews about new or used cars. Browse on the site and find your dream car at the best affordable prices.


Toyota Mark X G Sports Concepts - 2010 Tokyo

The recently revealed 2010 Toyota Mark X was given a sporty makeover at the Tokyo Auto Salon with the presentation of the G Sports branded concept model. The rear-wheel drive sport sedan that's based on the Lexus GS boasted a full body kit with a new front bumper that incorporates LED daytime lights, hood and fender vents, chunky side skirts, carbon fiber roof and trunk spoiler, and a new rear bumper with side air outlets and a diffuser.

The carbon fiber exterior mirrors, four-pipe exhaust system and the 20-inch aluminum wheels in Yokohama Advan Sports tires complete the list of the exterior mods.

Inside, the sedan's cabin is spiced up with Recaro sport seats, a new leather steering wheel and transmission lever with red stitching and plenty of carbon fiber decorative trim.

Toyota's G Sport division kept the standard Mark X's 318HP 3.5-liter V6 engine but upgraded the mid-size saloon's braking system and suspension hardware while they also added underbody panels to improve the vehicle's aerodynamics.

The automaker is planning to launch G Sport versions of most of its JDM models starting from this summer. Aside from the Mark X, Toyota also showed G Sport concepts based on the FT-86 coupe, Noah and Voxy vans and the Prius Hybrid.



Toyota Prius Custom Plus Concepts - 2010 Tokyo

If you couldn't find a modified Prius to your likings at the grounds of this year's edition of the Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan, chances are that you never will. We lost count of how many customized Prius' made their way to the Makuhari Messe exhibition center, but Toyota alone displayed three different concept versions of its popular hybrid model.

Making its debut alongside the Prius G Sports and TOM's Prius studies was the Prius Custom Plus Concept (CCP) prepared by Toyota's in-house customizing and accessories division.

The prototype model looks thoroughly worked over thanks to the wide body kit that further accentuates the Prius hybrid's wedgy shape.

Together with the new nose job that boasts massive Lamborghini-styled air-vents, the Prius CPC gets custom-made fenders, beefy side skirts, new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser and side spoilers, and a large rear wing made out of carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber is also the material of choice for the new hood, roof, the cameras on the doors that replace the exterior mirrors and the rear panel on the trunk door.

The uniquely styled 18-inch alloy wheels that are shod on 215/40 R18 Goodyear tires sum up the exterior modifications.

The Fast and Furious / Racing theme is continued inside with the addition of gauges on top of the dashboard and just above the new steering wheel that's wrapped in Alcantara.

The same material is also used to trim the new Recaro bucket seats and most parts of the cabin.

Despite the go-fast looks, the only performance mods on the Prius CCP concerns the high-performance brake system and the sports suspension that lowers the car's ride height by 10mm up front and 15mm at the rear.

Toyota Mark X G Sports Concept Debut for Tokyo Auto Salon

Toyota has unveiled the Mark X G Sports concept at Tokyo Auto Salon.

Based on the standard Mark X, the concept features a new front bumper, a revised hood, a sport grille, and LED daytime running lights. Out back, there is a modified rear bumper (with an integrated diffuser), a four tailpipe exhaust system, and a trunk-mounted spoiler. Other styling tweaks include front fender vents, aggressive side skirts, and 20-inch aluminum wheels with high performance Yohokama Advan Sport tires.

The interior is outfitted with a sports steering wheel (with red stitching and faux carbon fiber accents), RECARO sport seats, faux carbon fiber trim, and a Alpine audio system.

Under the hood, power is provided by a 3.5-liter V6 with 234 kW (318 PS) and 380 Nm of torque. It turns the rear wheels through a six speed automatic transmission.



[Source: Toyota ]

Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid concept packing 400-hp 3.3-liter V6

Back in November, the rumormill was set ablaze when reports began to surface that Toyota was working on a new MR2 packing hybrid power. Today, those rumors have been laid to rest... kinda.

In addition to the G Sport Series FT-86 and Prius, Toyota trotted out a concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon based on the third generation MR-S (ZZW30). Although the MR2 was nixed in the U.S. in 2005 (and in Japan in 2007), Toyota and its partners at Gazoo saw fit to resurrect its midship drop-top by fitting a 3.3-liter V6 where the old 1.8-liter four-cylinder used to reside and an electric motor mated to a THSII hybrid system up front. That's right, the MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept is all-wheel drive, and between the two mills, it's churning out over 400 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).


But despite its boosted output, the 2,800-pound concept is a bit on the porky side compared to its 2,200-pound predecessor. Toyota claims it can run to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds – still better than the stock ZZW30, but at what a cost to the MR2's supreme chuckability? While there's no chance of Toyota putting the MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept into production, this could point the way for things to come – for better or worse. Make the jump for a promo video.








[Source: Gazzo via Carscoop]

Toyota FT-86 G Sports Concept with 2.0-liter Turbo Engine Debuts


The first day of the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 saw Toyota announcing its plans to roll out a new series of modified cars under the "G Sports" name for the Japanese market this summer. These special variants will be developed in cooperation with Toyota's tuning and racing partner, GAZOO, and will benefit from a series of performance upgrades.

And what a better way to grasp the attention of buyers and petrol heads alike for the new G Sports models than to reveal a specially modified version of the FT-86 concept that previews Toyota's upcoming rear-wheel drive compact coupe.

The FT-86 G-Sports Concept that made its world debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon boasts an array of upgrades the most important being the turbocharging of the Subaru-sourced, 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine.


Neither Toyota or Gazoo disclosed any further details on the mechanical improvements or performance figures.


As you can see from the photos, the FT-86 G Sports Concept boasts a wide body aero kit with blistered wheel arches, a carbon-fiber hood with air-vents, redesigned front and rear bumpers as well as jumbo-size rear wing.

The concept model's exterior mods are rounded off by a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Potenza RE050 tires size 245/40 R19 up front and 275/35 R19 at the rear.

The only interior upgrade that is mentioned by Gazoo is the addition of a pair of Recaro bucket seats.



[Via: Toyota , Live pics: FT86 Club ]


Toyota confirms - again - plans to build production plug-in hybrid vehicles

toyota-prius2009-1.jpg

Plug-in hybrids and lithium-ion batteries are the Next Big Things and Toyota, it would seem from the recent flurry of electric car news, might be losing its grip on first place in the hybrid/lithium-ion battery race.
Lithium-ion batteries developed in a joint project between Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Continental (who will make the batteries) are used in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid as well as a BMW 7-Series hybrid concept car, and will be the sole power source for the pure electric Mini E. Of course, General Motors has the much ballyhooed 2010 Chevrolet Volt almost ready for primetime.

So has Toyota been resting on its Prius?

Not hardly, says Irv Miller, veep of Toyota’s American corporate communications. Says Miller, “Let me be clear about this: We believe strongly in the viability of plug-in hybrids in some applications, and in their use of lithium-ion batteries. We believe so strongly, in fact, that we plan to begin production of PHEVs late next year.”

Toyota has a joint venture (60 per cent owned by Toyota) with electronics giant Panasonic, which will begin production-line assembly of lithium-ion batteries developed entirely in-house.

2009-toyota-prius-leaked.jpgToyota, along with Advanced Power and Energy Program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), began a test of plug-in hybrids equipped with nickel-metal-hydride (NmH) batteries to accumulate real-word data in late 2007. However, the NmH batteries, even in an oversized battery pack, gave only about seven miles of pure electric operation, and as such was not intended for general distribution.

While conceding that seven miles would be adequate for most weekend trips, Toyota still almost frustratedly cited the advantage of its current hybrid system as being independent of the extension cord.

So as announced by Katsuaki Watanabe, president of Toyota Motor Corp., at last year’s Detroit Auto Show, Toyota will build and deliver what he called "a significant fleet" of plug in hybrids to fleet users in the latter part of 2009.

Toyota will introduce the third generation of Prius at the Detroit auto show in January, and (purposefully?) leaked photos of it have been circulating the web and have been confirmed by Toyota as being accurate. Presumably at that time we’ll know, too, whether that plug-in hybrid will be in the form of a specially-equipped Prius.

What we won't know is when Toyota will offer a PHEV to the general public. Or will we? Stay tuned.

Toyota confirms - again - plans to build production plug-in hybrid vehicles

toyota-prius2009-1.jpg

Plug-in hybrids and lithium-ion batteries are the Next Big Things and Toyota, it would seem from the recent flurry of electric car news, might be losing its grip on first place in the hybrid/lithium-ion battery race.
Lithium-ion batteries developed in a joint project between Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Continental (who will make the batteries) are used in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid as well as a BMW 7-Series hybrid concept car, and will be the sole power source for the pure electric Mini E. Of course, General Motors has the much ballyhooed 2010 Chevrolet Volt almost ready for primetime.

So has Toyota been resting on its Prius?

Not hardly, says Irv Miller, veep of Toyota’s American corporate communications. Says Miller, “Let me be clear about this: We believe strongly in the viability of plug-in hybrids in some applications, and in their use of lithium-ion batteries. We believe so strongly, in fact, that we plan to begin production of PHEVs late next year.”

Toyota has a joint venture (60 per cent owned by Toyota) with electronics giant Panasonic, which will begin production-line assembly of lithium-ion batteries developed entirely in-house.

2009-toyota-prius-leaked.jpgToyota, along with Advanced Power and Energy Program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), began a test of plug-in hybrids equipped with nickel-metal-hydride (NmH) batteries to accumulate real-word data in late 2007. However, the NmH batteries, even in an oversized battery pack, gave only about seven miles of pure electric operation, and as such was not intended for general distribution.

While conceding that seven miles would be adequate for most weekend trips, Toyota still almost frustratedly cited the advantage of its current hybrid system as being independent of the extension cord.

So as announced by Katsuaki Watanabe, president of Toyota Motor Corp., at last year’s Detroit Auto Show, Toyota will build and deliver what he called "a significant fleet" of plug in hybrids to fleet users in the latter part of 2009.

Toyota will introduce the third generation of Prius at the Detroit auto show in January, and (purposefully?) leaked photos of it have been circulating the web and have been confirmed by Toyota as being accurate. Presumably at that time we’ll know, too, whether that plug-in hybrid will be in the form of a specially-equipped Prius.

What we won't know is when Toyota will offer a PHEV to the general public. Or will we? Stay tuned.

Toyota confirms - again - plans to build production plug-in hybrid vehicles

toyota-prius2009-1.jpg

Plug-in hybrids and lithium-ion batteries are the Next Big Things and Toyota, it would seem from the recent flurry of electric car news, might be losing its grip on first place in the hybrid/lithium-ion battery race.
Lithium-ion batteries developed in a joint project between Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Continental (who will make the batteries) are used in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid as well as a BMW 7-Series hybrid concept car, and will be the sole power source for the pure electric Mini E. Of course, General Motors has the much ballyhooed 2010 Chevrolet Volt almost ready for primetime.

So has Toyota been resting on its Prius?

Not hardly, says Irv Miller, veep of Toyota’s American corporate communications. Says Miller, “Let me be clear about this: We believe strongly in the viability of plug-in hybrids in some applications, and in their use of lithium-ion batteries. We believe so strongly, in fact, that we plan to begin production of PHEVs late next year.”

Toyota has a joint venture (60 per cent owned by Toyota) with electronics giant Panasonic, which will begin production-line assembly of lithium-ion batteries developed entirely in-house.

2009-toyota-prius-leaked.jpgToyota, along with Advanced Power and Energy Program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), began a test of plug-in hybrids equipped with nickel-metal-hydride (NmH) batteries to accumulate real-word data in late 2007. However, the NmH batteries, even in an oversized battery pack, gave only about seven miles of pure electric operation, and as such was not intended for general distribution.

While conceding that seven miles would be adequate for most weekend trips, Toyota still almost frustratedly cited the advantage of its current hybrid system as being independent of the extension cord.

So as announced by Katsuaki Watanabe, president of Toyota Motor Corp., at last year’s Detroit Auto Show, Toyota will build and deliver what he called "a significant fleet" of plug in hybrids to fleet users in the latter part of 2009.

Toyota will introduce the third generation of Prius at the Detroit auto show in January, and (purposefully?) leaked photos of it have been circulating the web and have been confirmed by Toyota as being accurate. Presumably at that time we’ll know, too, whether that plug-in hybrid will be in the form of a specially-equipped Prius.

What we won't know is when Toyota will offer a PHEV to the general public. Or will we? Stay tuned.

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