A $400 million investment is being made by Toyota Motor Corp to move production of its Highlander crossover from Japan to Princeton, Indiana, where the Highlander is currently made.

“This project allows for better utilization of the Indiana plant and will help Toyota capitalize on the improving North American and global auto market,” said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. “In addition to new jobs at the Indiana plant, this project will increase opportunities and jobs for our North American supply base.”

Toyota is anticipating the hybrid variant to boost Highlander sales overall by 50,000 units before 2014. Last year, 101,868 models rolled off the production line in Indiana, while hybrid sales hit 5,000.

Units produced in the Princeton factory will be exported globally, says President Yoshshimi Inaba, Toyota Motor North America President.

The addition of the Highlander hybrid will also be creating 400 additional jobs.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Toyota Motor Corp. has released prices on some 2012 model year vehicles including the 2012 Corolla, Matrix, Tundra, Venza and Highlander. Select models for the 2012 Toyota and Lexus models will see an increase in price.

For the Toyota brand, those models include the FJ Cruiser, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, and Tundra Double Cab and CrewMax models. 2012 Lexus models that see a price bump include LS 460 and LS 600h L models and CT 200h.

2012 Toyota Corolla: Prices for the 2012 Corolla will range from $16,130 for the L grade with a 5-speed manual transmission to $18, 820 for the S grade with a 4-speed automatic. The price reflect increases ranging from $220 to $310 or 1.2 to 1.8 percent. The prices for the 2012 Corolla take effect with the start of production on December 5, 2011.

2012 Toyota Tundra: The base prices will range from $24,435 for the 4.0- liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic to $29,960 for the long bed 5.7-liter V8 with a 6-speed automatic, an increase of $720, or a percentage increase ranging from 2.4 to 3.0 percent. Prices will take effect December 19.

2012 Toyota Venza: Venza LE models will range in price from $27,425 for the four-cylinder front- wheel-drive to $29,775 for the V6 all-wheel-drive, an increase of $240 on a comparably- equipped basis, or 0.8 percent.

2012 Toyota Highlander / FJ Cruiser: The price increases on Toyota models range from $125 for the FJ Cruiser to $400 for the Highlander Hybrid. The model-by-model adjustments reflect individual percentage increases ranging from 0.40 to 1.1 percent.

2012 Toyota Matrix: Matrix pricing carries over unchanged from 2011. The base MSRP will continue to range from $18,845 for the L grade with a five- speed manual transmission to $21,715 for the S grade with all-wheel-drive and a four- speed automatic.

2012 Lexus CT 200h, LS 460, LS 600h L: Price increase of $500. The new prices will become effective for vehicles with December 2011 production.

- By: Omar Rana

Toyota announced today that is recalling 420,000 cars in the United States due to a potential problem with the power steering. The recall consists of approximately 283,200 Toyota models and 137,000 Lexus models where the company will replace the crankshaft pulley on the V6 engine.

“There is a possibility that the outer ring of the crankshaft pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light,” Toyota said. “If this condition is not corrected, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley and the driver may notice a sudden increase in steering effort. There are no reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition.”

The vehicles involved are certain:

• 2004 Avalon
• 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander, Sienna, and Solara
• 2006 Highlander HV
• 2004 and 2005 ES330 and RX330
• And 2006 RX400h

- By: Omar Rana

The world debut of the new 2012 Toyota Camry marks a big point for Toyota Motor Corp. and their future. Because the brand has lost a significant amount of sales to rivals like Hyundai, ToMoCo wants to fight back…hard.

“They (Toyota) have been given a black eye over the past three years for different things, some beyond their control and some that showed kinks in their armor,” said Ed Kim, an industry analyst for AutoPacific Inc., referring to events such as the economic recession, recalls and the Japanese earthquake in March.

At its global launch, ToMoCo went above and beyond with the new 2012 Camry with PR events taking place all over the US, one of which took place at Hollywood’s Paramount Studios in Los Angeles featuring a New York City-themed backdrop with over 200 actors, dancers and musicians.

“It really starts with the all-new Camry; Camry is the keystone of the brand,” said vice president of US sales for ToMoCo, Bob Carter. “Then the cadence comes faster than I’ve seen in 30 years with Toyota.”

To further elaborate on Toyota’s strike back, they also have some significant plans for their own lineup, Scion’s and Lexus’s lineup.

Starting with Toyota, the company will be launching their hybrid Prius v wagon, the plug-in Prius and the Prius c compact hybrid, an updated Tacoma, a battery-powered all-electric RAV4 and a revamped Yaris subcompact. Additionally, for the coming years, in 2013, the Avalon and the Highlander will get a redesign while the RAV4 will be all-new. In 2014, the Toyota Sequoia, Land Cruiser and Tundra will get a redesign. Lastly, in 215, the Toyota Corolla and Prius will be redesigned with the debut of the new FT-86.

Scion will see the new Toyota-based iQ city car and the new rear-wheel drive Toyobaru/Scion FR-S sports car. More details for Scion include a redesign for the xD in 2013 while for 2014, Scion’s A-BAT will make its debut as well.

As for Lexus, the IS and ES will receive redesigns in 2013, the LS will see a redesign in 2014 and the HS and RX will be redesigned for 2015 with the debut of the LF-A roadster.

So the next several years are shaping up to be very important for Toyota as they strive to catch up in sales.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutomotiveNews

Toyota has announced a safety recall involving around 45,500 2006-2007 Highlander Hybrid and 37,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles sold in the United States. The recall involves something called the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) located inside the Hybrid System Inverter, which contains a control board with transistors. Certain transistors on the control boards in some of the subject vehicles were ‘inadequately soldered’ and could be damaged from heat caused by high-load driving.

“If this were to occur, various warning lamps will illuminate on the instrument panel. In most cases the vehicle will enter a fail-safe driving mode, resulting in reduced power in which the vehicle can still be driven for short distances,” Toyota said. “In limited instances, the power supply circuit fuse could blow when the transistor is damaged. If the fuse blows, the hybrid system will stop and the vehicle will coast to a stop.”

Toyota said it is working on obtaining the necessary parts to fix the issue and will start notifying customers mid-July, 2011. Once it gets the replacement parts, Toyota dealers will inspect the IPM and if necessary replaced at no charge.

Customers can go to www.toyota.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center (1 800-331-4331) or www.lexus.com/recall and Lexus Customer Satisfaction (1 800-255-3987) for more information.

- By: Omar Rana

Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America said it will increase production earlier than expected following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

“Beginning in June, overall North American production will reach approximately 70 percent of normal levels, up from approximately 30 percent in May,” Toyota said in a statement. “The improvement in parts availability from Japan is the result of countermeasure activities implemented by affected suppliers.”

The Japanese automaker said it will continue to evaluate production model-by-model on a monthly basis, with a goal to return to fully normalized production by end of 2011.

Models that will return to 100 percent production in June include the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, Sequoia, Sienna and Venza.

Toyota announced this morning that its fourth-quarter profit fell 77 percent as a result of the March 11 earthquake in Japan.

- By: Omar Rana

GM CEO Dan Akerson flashes 'V' for Victory and Volt

That’s a pretty big title up there – well, that’s because we’re playing catching and providing you a quick update to some of important industry news you may have missed while we were covering the 2011 New York Auto Show. We still have a couple of New York Auto Show posts coming so stay tuned.

• GM’s Whitacre gets $5 million, Akerson gets $2.5 million: Edward Whitacre, the former CEO GM, was paid over $5 million in total compensation for his nine months in 2010. Dan Akerson, who replaced Whitacre, was given total compensation worth over $2.5 million last year for working three months. - CNNMoney
• Toyota recalls 308,00 RAV4s, Highlanders: Toyota is recalling 2007 through 2008 model year RAV4 and certain 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles in the United States to replace the airbag sensor assembly. - Toyota
• Saab to resume output next week: Saab CEO Victor Muller said Thursday that the troubled Swedish automaker is on track to win government financing and plans on resuming output sometime next week. - Detroit News
• Elena Ford pleads guilty to driving drunk: Ford executive and great-great-granddaughter of Henry Ford has been sentenced to two years’ probation after pleading guilty to driving drunk with her 11-year-old son aboard. - Bloomberg
• Feds to award $5 million for more EV charging: The U.S. Energy Department said Tuesday that it will spend $5 million to fund and speed up installations of electric-vehicle charging stations. - AutoObserver

- By: Omar Rana

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Just as things starting looking up for Toyota, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted on its website that it has opened an investigation into 43,941Toyota Highlander Hybrid models over concerns that their engines can stall or fail to restart.

The preliminary investigation began after the NHTSA received 32 complaints. It said that 21 of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 mph or more; 26 reported that the vehicle could not be restarted or were towed to dealerships.

A spokesman for Toyota, Brian Lyons, said that the company would work with NHTSA: “We will cooperate fully with NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

Subaru Tribeca

Subaru and Toyota are both working on a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe known as the FT-86 in Toyota’s world and 086A in Subaru’s. Toyota is now also considering sharing the platform for the next-generation Highlander crossover with the Tribeca.

According to a source, the two crossovers have similar dimensions. However, as with every Subaru, the problem lays in how to share a platform that would use a longitudinally mounted boxer engine (as with the Tribeca) with a transverse-mounted engine (as in the Highlander). The new platform would also have to accommodate a hybrid version of the highlander.

With the upcoming Toyota FT-86, Toyota tackles the problem with a Subaru pancake engine, which is the STI’s 305-hp 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder. Meaning earlier reports of the FT-86 being powered by a less-powerful Subaru engine could be wrong.

However, Toyota’s development costs have ballooned and the FT-86 may now cost somewhere in the mid-$20s car rather than sub-$20s.

Toyota FT-86 Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Motor Trend

2011 Toyota Highlander

Following its world debut at the 2010 Moscow Motor Show in August, the 2011 Toyota Highlander is making its North American debut today.

The 2011 Toyota Highlander is available in Base, SE and Limited grades in both two-wheel and full-time four-wheel-drive. The Highlander Base and SE model come standard with a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine that joined the lineup in 2009, offering an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 25 mpg in highway driving. The engine produces 187-hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander Limited model comes standard with a 3.5L V6 engine making 270-h and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine is available on other models as well.

The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid continues on with the company’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system but features a more powerful 3.5L V6, which replaces the outgoing 3.3L V6. The 2011 Highlander Hybrid makes a total of 280-hp and receives an EPA estimated fuel-economy rating of 28/28 mpg (city/highway).

For 2011, standard equipment levels have been improved across all Highlander trim levels. All models now include a standard 50/50-split third-row with rear climate control, improving both cargo flexibility and passenger comfort.  An optional Tech Audio package includes a USB port, integrated satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity for phones and streaming audio.

Prices for the 2011 Toyota Highlander will start at $27,390 for the base 4-cylinder 2WD model while the SE V6 2WD start at $33,150. The 2011 Highlander Limited V6 4WD model will be prices at $36,345.  The 2011 Highlander Hybrid will range from $37,290 for the base model to $42,945 for the Limited model.

Hit the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2011 Toyota Highlander / 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid:

Press Release:

Toyota Highlander Crossover Gets Major Revision for 2011

“¢ Revised Styling with New Front Fascia, Hood and Fenders
“¢ New Standard Three-Row Seating with Rear Climate Control
“¢ Four-Cylinder Engine Availability Expanded
“¢ More Powerful and Advanced V6 for Highlander Hybrid
“¢ New User Technology

TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota has significantly revised its popular Highlander and Highlander Hybrid crossover sport utility vehicles for 2011, giving them enhanced styling, additional standard amenities and new user technology.

The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, which was available only in the Highlander Base grade model for 2010, is now also offered in the SE, the most popular grade (2WD only). The Highlander Hybrid debuts a more powerful and advanced 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, along with a standard Tech Audio Package and unique exterior design elements.

The 2011 Highlander is available in Base, SE and Limited grades in both two-wheel (2WD) and full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD). A 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is standard on the Limited grade and available for the others. All Highlander Hybrid models are equipped with four-wheel-drive with intelligence and available in Base and Limited grades.

The first-generation Highlander pioneered the midsize crossover utility vehicle segment, ushering in car-like performance, comfort and fuel efficiency yet with SUV-like roominess and versatility. The second-generation Highlander amplifies those attributes and is among the leaders in the segment in standard active and passive safety features.

New Styling Details for 2011
The Highlander gets a sophisticated design update for 2011 featuring a new front fascia, hood and fenders, with the profile freshened by black rockers with chrome accents (gas models only). The headlights and tail lamps are also redesigned, as are the 17-inch alloy wheels. The Limited Grade offers stylish 19-inch wheels and also features silver roof rails. The SE grade gains a power liftgate.

The 2011 Highlander Hybrid is more easily distinguished from the gasoline model by its own unique grille and bumper design. It shares the new fenders and hood with the gas Highlander but features color-keyed rockers with chrome accents, plus vertically stacked fog lamps. The projector beam headlights and redesigned taillights feature blue lens covers. Daytime running lamps are now standard on all Highlander models.

Expanded Amenities and Tech for 2011
The Highlander remains a popular family vehicle and caters to that market more effectively for 2011 with more standard amenities and user technologies. In particular, Base and SE grades feature more comfort and convenience features than previously offered. A standard 50/50 split third-row seat and manual rear climate control have been made standard for all 2011 models.

The new Tech Audio is standard for SE and Limited and optional for Base grade and features a USB port, integrated XM Satellite Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription) and Bluetooth®, helping ensure a wide array of “connected” capabilities for passengers. In the Base grade, this is part of a more comprehensive package that also includes a backup monitor with 3.5-inch multi-information display, an eight-way power drivers seat, tonneau cover, engine immobilizer, easy-clean fabric interior, flip-up liftgate window, fog lamps and black roof rails.

The Highlander Hybrid base grade offers a new Leather Package that includes leather-trimmed front seats with front seat heaters, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, power moonroof, HomeLink®, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, plus an engine immobilizer with security alarm. The optional navigation system is now available for the SE grade (previously only on Limited), while the Limited gains standard automatic climate control for the rear and offers a new perforated leather. The Highlander Hybrid Base grade gains standard easy-clean fabric seating, along with an eight-way power driver”s seat, the Tech Audio, the third-row seat and manual rear climate control.

Performance and Efficiency
The Toyota Highlander offers three distinct types of performance: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine joined the lineup in 2009, offering an EPA-estimated 25 MPG rating in highway driving. The 2.7-liter engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of peak torque.

The engine is equipped with a variable intake manifold and dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls phasing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize torque and fuel efficiency. The four-cylinder engine is teamed exclusively with a standard six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

The available 3.5-liter V6 (standard on Limited) produces 270 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 RPM. The V6, also, is equipped with dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. A five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) offers selectable manual sequential shifting.

The Highlander Hybrid model”s Hybrid Synergy Drive features a new, more powerful 3.5-liter V6 for 2011, replacing the previous 3.3-liter V6. The system pairs the gasoline V6 engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator for total system output of 280 net horsepower. A second rear-mounted motor provides automatic on-demand four-wheel drive traction. The 2011 Highlander Hybrid receives EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 28 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.

The 4WD Highlander Hybrid uniquely generates rear-wheel power with a separate electric motor (MGR) that provides additional drive torque on demand. Thus, the Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i system does not require power-transfer gearing or a driveshaft from the front. The system electronically varies front and rear torque distribution depending on traction conditions.

Activating an EV mode switch located on the front center console allows the driver to operate strictly in electric-mode under certain conditions for a limited distance at low speeds, or in some stop-and-go driving conditions. A new ECON drive mode switch activates a throttle control program that reduces the throttle response during acceleration, enhancing fuel economy. The Hybrid System Indicator in the instrument gauge panel provides the driver with a guideline to help maximize fuel consumption.

Handling and Ride
The Highlander continues to build on its strength of delivering one of the most capable, smooth and quiet rides in the segment. Four-wheel independent suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear suspension system. Base and SE Highlander models are equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 245/65 R17 tires; the Limited features standard 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/55 R19 tires. A direct tire pressure monitoring system is designed to alert the driver if pressure in a tire drops to critical levels. All Highlander models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. On conventional Highlander 4WD models, full-time four-wheel drive is available on all V6 grades.

Active Safety
Highlander comes standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System™. This system integrates operation of enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electric Power Steering (EPS) and the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA).

Enhanced VSC helps the driver maintain control by automatically adjusting engine output and braking force at each wheel under certain conditions while also providing steering assistance in the appropriate direction through Electric Power Steering (EPS). Gasoline Highlander models are also equipped with a straight-line steering feature. When varying traction causes ABS to apply different left/right braking force, the system can apply steering torque to help offset left/right pull.

The Highlander Hybrid employs the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. VDIM is designed to enhance handling, traction and braking systems that normally react to vehicle driving conditions by anticipating tire slippage before a skid, slide or wheel spin occurs and helps to make corrections in a smooth, progressive way. In addition to integrating all of the Highlander’s dynamic control systems (VSC, TRAC, BA, EPS, EBD and ABS), the VDIM system also employs powerful proprietary software to integrate the Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i) and Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB).

All Highlander models incorporate a corner-braking feature. Harnessing the integration of the vehicle”s dynamic control systems, this feature limits brake pressure on inside wheels during cornering to help enhance control through the turn. Standard on all models, Hill-Start Assist Control helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backward from a stop by applying braking pressure for approximately two seconds.

Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is standard equipment on all gas 4WD models. The DAC feature is designed to maintain a constant speed and maintain handling and steering control by reducing wheel lock under braking even at slow speeds on slippery descents.

Occupant Safety
Highlander comes standard with seven airbags. These include advanced driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. Roll-sensing side curtain airbags help to protect the occupants of all three rows in the event of certain side collisions or vehicle rollovers. Additionally, all Highlander models are standard equipped with front active headrests.

Comfort and Convenience
Standard features on all Highlander models include front and rear air conditioning; eight-way adjustable driver’s seat (10-way on Limited); power door locks and windows with driver’s window jam protection and auto-up/down feature; manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel; cruise control; multi-function keyless entry system; UV-reduction windshield and rear privacy glass; digital clock; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors and sliding extensions; conversation mirror; illuminated entry system; scheduled maintenance indicator light; full-size spare tire and more.

The Highlander SE and Limited grades feature a standard backup camera with a 3.5-inch multi-information display; this feature is available for Base grade models for 2011 as part of the optional Tech Package. The display includes a backup camera monitor, clock, outside temperature, warning messages, and cruise information that includes average fuel economy, average speed, distance to empty, current fuel economy, and trip timer. On models equipped with the optional navigation system, the backup camera’s images are viewed on the seven-inch navigation screen.

Options
A variety of available options and accessories include a voice-activated touch screen navigation system with an eight-inch screen; JBL premium audio; leather seat trim with heated front seats, and a power tilt/slide moonroof. The optional tow package for V6 models enables up to 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. The four-cylinder tow package enables up to 3,500 pounds of maximum towing capacity. A power liftgate that can be opened and closed with a key fob is an available option on the Base grade and standard on SE and Limited.

Exterior Design
Designed at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the second-generation Highlander moves away from traditional SUV styling cues. Clean, sculpted lines, a wide, stable stance and muscular contours give Highlander a contemporary, dynamic presence. The Base grade Highlander could be mistaken for an upgrade model with its six-spoke 17-inch machined alloy wheels, color-keyed power remote outside mirrors, and silver-painted front grille. The Limited looks the luxury part with chrome door handles and roof rails, puddle lamps and rear spoiler.

Interior Design
The Highlander provides an open, airy and versatile interior with seating for seven or up to 95.4 cubic feet of total cargo capacity (94.1 for Highlander Hybrid). There are numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, along with 10 cup holders, four bottle holders, two front and one cargo-area 12-volt auxiliary power outlets and cargo area tie down hooks.

The Base and SE grades feature a center console, shift knob with silver-painted accents and front driver and passenger assist grips. The center console, shift knob and assist grip on the Limited grade feature wood grain-style trim. Styling features on the inside of the Highlander Hybrid include a silver and wood grain-style interior trim with chrome door handle accents, Optitron meters with blue graphics and a power meter with a hybrid system indicator.

The headrests are adjustable in two ways on the Base grade and four different ways on SE and Limited. The second row provides 40/20/40 split seatbacks. The seat functions as either a three-person bench or, by removing the Center Stow™ seat, a pair of captain’s chairs complete with armrests, creating a convenient walk-through area between the seats for easier access to the third row. A Center Stow™ center console can also be placed between the seats to provide additional storage. The second row also slides fore and aft and reclines.

Access to the third-row is made easy by placing the walk-in lever at an easy to reach position at the bottom of the passenger-side second-row seat. Standard one-touch levers inside the cargo area allow the second-row seats to fold forward and flat. The third-row seats function in a similar manner, using a lever in the back of the seat.

Production of the conventional engine Highlander, Toyota”s 12th North American-built model, began in October 2009 at the company”s plant in Princeton, Indiana. Moving the Highlander assembly line to this facility represented a $450 million investment.

Limited Warranty
Toyota”s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Toyota Highlander

The redesigned 2011 Toyota Highlander has made its official world debut at the 2010 Moscow Motor Show and we have to say… Toyota is finally getting some emotion and aggressiveness back into its styling.

The new 2011 Highlander receives a total new front end design with new headlamps, a new grille and a new front bumper. While it is a total redesign, the overall theme of the front still resembles the other Highlanders of the past. The back of the 2011 Highlander still remains very close to the current generation model but gets new tail-lights.

Those looking to purchase the 2011 Toyota Highlander in Russia and Ukraine will have the options of 3.5L gasoline V6 producing 273-hp mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The United States should get the redesigned Highlander very soon but it may have some minor design changes. However, powertrain choices are expected to remain the same with the 187-hp 2.7 4-cylinder and the 270-hp 3.5L V6. The hybrid Highlander will also continue on as is.

Hit the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2011 Toyota Highlander:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Toyota Highlander

The redesigned 2011 Toyota RAV4, which was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show didn’t get much attention on the stateside; however we now have a leaked picture of the 2011 Toyota Highlander, which will be unveiled at the 2010 Moscow Motor Show for the Russian and Ukrainian markets later this year.

Expect the U.S. 2011 Highlander to look similar with some minor changes in order to meet stateside safety standards and regulations.

We’re going to be pretty blunt and honest and say that the design of Toyota’s current lineup is pretty dull and boring – so seeing the new RAV4 and Highlander take a new sleek shape has us feeling better about the Japanese automaker’s future design language.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoBlog (via WCF)

Toyota announced today that it is temporarily suspending sales of eight models that are involved in the recall for a sticking accelerator pedal. The vehicles include the 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla, 2007-2010 Toyota Camry, 2010 Toyota Highlander and others.

“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter. “This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We”re making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.”

Toyota said that it will recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models.

Click through for the list of 8 vehicles that will be discontinued.

Toyota”s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

2009-2010 RAV4,
2009-2010 Corolla,
2009-2010 Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
Certain 2007-2010 Camry,
2010 Highlander,
2007-2010 Tundra,
2008-2010 Sequoia

- By: Omar Rana

Toyota has announced the pricing details for its 2010 lineup including the new 2010 Avalon, Yaris, RAV4, Highlander, Tacoma and the FJ Cruiser.

For 2010, The Toyota FJ Cruiser gets several upgrades including dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms on the 4.0-liter V6, that adds 19-hp and a 1 mpg. The 2010 FJ Cruiser also gets some minor suspension upgrades and a new Army Green exterior color option. Pricing starts at $23,680 for the 2WD automatic to $25,270 for the 4WD automatic, an increase of $360.

2010 Toyota RAV4: $21,500 for the 2WD 4-cylinder – $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.
2010 Toyota Highlander: $25,705 for the 4-cylinder 2WD – $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid.
2010 Toyota Avalon: $27,945 for the XL – $35,285 for the Limited
2010 Toyota Tacoma: $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a 5-speed manual – $27,075 for the V6 4×4 Double Cab Long Bed with a 5-speed automatic.
2010 Toyota Yaris: $12,355 for the 3-door model with manual – $13,915 for the 4-door sedan with an automatic.

Click through for the press release.

Press Release:

Toyota Announces Pricing on 2010 Avalon, Yaris, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, RAV4, and Tacoma

TORRANCE, Calif., July 30, 2009 — Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2010 Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact, FJ Cruiser off-road sport utility vehicle (SUV), Highlander mid-size SUV, RAV4 compact SUV, and the Tacoma pickup truck. The 2010 models will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of Highlander (September).

The 2010 FJ Cruiser, the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota line-up, will feature several upgrades, including dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms on the 4.0-liter V6, which add 19 horsepower and a one mpg increase. Minor suspension changes reduce the turning radius by more than a foot, and a new Army Green exterior color is offered. The base MSRP for FJ Cruiser will range from $23,680 for the 2WD automatic to $25,270 for the 4WD automatic, an increase of $360, or 1.4 to 1.5 percent.

The RAV4, the first ever car-based SUV originally introduced in 1996, receives minor styling enhancements for 2010, including chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4. RAV4 models will carry a base MSRP that ranges from $21,500 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.

The 2010 Highlander gas model, which will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) beginning in October, will have an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder. Highlander Hybrid carries over unchanged for 2010. The MSRP for the 2010 Highlander gas and hybrid models remains unchanged except for the Highlander Sport, which adds a stainless-steel exhaust tip and will increase $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.

Avalon, Toyota’s flagship passenger car since 1995, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. For 2010, Avalon adds rear-passenger auto up/down windows and one new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic. The base MSRP for the 2010 Avalon ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, an increase of $100, or 0.3 to 0.4 percent.

Tacoma, the best-selling compact pickup truck in the U.S., will carry over unchanged except for an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality, and it will not receive a price increase for the 2010 model year. Tacoma’s base MSRP ranges from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4×4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Yaris will receive standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) in 2010, equipping all Yaris models with Toyota’s Star Safety System^TM that also includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electric Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Yaris is the only vehicle in its segment to offer this set of safety features as standard equipment. With all of these enhancements, Yaris base MSRP will increase only $150 and will range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission, an increase of 1.1-1.2 percent.

Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Toyota announced the pricing on the 2009 Toyota Highlander SUV today. With a new entry level 187-hp 4-cylinder engine, the 2009 Highlander will have a starting price of $26,450. The 2009 front-wheel-drive 3.5L V6 Highlander will start at $28.345. Sales of the 2009 Toyota Highlander will begin next month.

Toyota also announced six new extra value packages on the Base, Sport and Limited Grade models for the new Highlander. According to Toyota spokesman, one of the new packages on the Highlander Hybrid bundles automatic front and rear-air conditioning and a sunroof and carries a price tag of just $1,310. Normally those packages run for about $2,010.

Toyota says that its new 2.7L 4-cylinder engine will return an estimated fuel-economy of 20/27 mpg (city/highway). The 3.5L V6 will return 18/24 mpg. Competitors, the 2009 Nissan Murano and the 2009 Honda Pilot, do not offer a 4-cylinder engine.

Source: InsideLine

Update: The Detroit Free Press has corrected its story. Highlander sales were down 36 percent. It was actually the Toyota Sequoia, one of Toyota’s largest SUV, that was up 51.9 percent.

Honda, which has been pretty well cushioned from huge sales declines than other automakers, said that November sales fell 31.6 percent. Honda said that sales of its Honda and Acura brands dropped 76,233 from 111,431 during the same period last year. The sales drop affected Honda’s entire lineup besides the Pilot which was up 4.5 percent to 5,601. Civic sales however fell 29.6 percent to 17,690.

Rival Toyota also reported sales drop in the U.S. of 33.9 percent for a total of 130,307 units from both Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles. Lexus sales were down 34.7 percent to 16,223 while Toyota sales were down 33.4 percent to 114,084. For Toyota, Yaris sales were down 16.6 percent to 4,545 units while the Highlander Sequoia was up 51.9 percent to 1,873.

A pretty awkward mix for a market that is moving away from SUVs to compact cars. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Source: The Detroit Free Press

When the new 2009 Toyota Highlander arrives in showrooms mid-to-late January, it will be offered with a new 2.7L 4-Cylinder engine that will help make the mid-size SUV one of the best in its segment in terms of fuel-economy.

The new 4-cylinder 2009 Highlander has an EPA fuel-economy estimate of 27 mpg highway, 20 mpg city and 22 mpg combined. Running on regular 87 octane fuel, the 2.7L 4-cylinder engine will produce 187-hp with a maximum torque of 186 lb-ft. Not that you probably care when buying a vehicle in this segment, but 0 to 60 mph is said to come in 9.7 seconds. The engine will be mated to a new 6-speed automatic.

The 2009 Toyota Highlander 4-cylinder model will come with Toyota’s two-wheel-drive mode. Other standard features include a AM/FM/CD audio system with six-speakers; front seats with height-adjustable active head rests and eight-way adjustable driver’s seat; power door locks and windows with auto-up/down feature; cruise control; a multi-function keyless entry system; rear privacy glass; and much more. When equipped with a towing package the 4-cylinder Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.