Toyota doubling hybrid model range

[1931Chevy]

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/13/t...d-model-range/

In a wide-ranging announcement in Tokyo of programs to develop and market environmental technologies and environmentally-friendly vehicles, Toyota Motor Corporation pledged Tuesday to double the number of hybrid models in its product line in the next five years.

The company also said it is pushing ahead on the development of plug-in hybrids, and is currently working on a next-generation hybrid that is capable of a greater range of electric-only operation.

In parallel with its hybrid program, Toyota announced that it will completely revamp its gasoline engine and transmission lineup by 2010 to improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. As part of this initiative, the company unveiled a new 1.8-liter gasoline engine and continuously-variable transmission that will be its main powertrain for compact and midsize passenger vehicles, starting with new-model vehicles due out this fall.

With a nod to the flex-fuel alternative touted by U.S. automakers, Toyota announced a 2007 launch of flex-fuel vehicles for the Brazilian market that can run on 100 percent ethanol. The company also said it's considering flex-fuel vehicles for the U.S. market.

Looking ahead, the company said it is continuing its fuel cell development program, with current efforts focusing on practical drivability issues like cold-weather startup.

Looks to us like Toyota is following the classic strategy maxim, "Hit 'em where they ain't," exploiting its lead in hybrid technologies to take away future market share from competitors without as strong a hybrid product line, like General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. At the same time, the company is covering its bets with high efficiency gasoline-only engines and flex-fuel vehicles that raise the bar from E85 to E100

[give_it_all_]

I just got on here to post this

[genjy]

Toyota has had a hyrbid minivan in Japan since 2001. It's the Estima Hybrid. The Estima is essentially the descendent of the van we know as the Previa. It seems Toyota's hybrid strategy goes beyond the U.S. market and into markets that don't use E85 or have flex fuel cars.

[genjy]

Originally Posted by 1931Chevy

In parallel with its hybrid program, Toyota announced that it will completely revamp its gasoline engine and transmission lineup by 2010 to improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. As part of this initiative, the company unveiled a new 1.8-liter gasoline engine and continuously-variable transmission that will be its main powertrain for compact and midsize passenger vehicles, starting with new-model vehicles due out this fall.

There is a rumor going around claming that the new 1.8L will be the gasoline motor component of the next Prius' electric-gasoline powertrain. The juiciest part of the rumor is that the 1.8L will be mildly turbocharged for better combustion effeciency and power. If the rumor is true, then the next Prius will the be world's first turbocharged hybrid.

[2648562]

I hate to admit it, but Toyota deserves to be the worlds largest car maker.

[cadillacpimpin]

Originally Posted by 2648562

I hate to admit it, but Toyota deserves to be the worlds largest car maker.

then wouldnt it be quite a scene, the worlds largest car maker with the worlds least amount of style

[MNdudeswitz]

Originally Posted by cadillacpimpin

then wouldnt it be quite a scene, the worlds largest car maker with the worlds least amount of style

Style is in the eye of the beholder

[2648562]

Originally Posted by cadillacpimpin

then wouldnt it be quite a scene, the worlds largest car maker with the worlds least amount of style

I know it. And I hate the crap they produce. But they seem to have a better grasp of what Americans want than GM.

[MNdudeswitz]

Originally Posted by 2648562

I know it. And I hate the crap they produce. But they seem to have a better grasp of what Americans want than GM.

By george I think he's got it!

[1931Chevy]

Americans like the crap that toyota builds

[guitarlix]

Originally Posted by 1931Chevy

Americans like the crap that toyota builds

I wouldn't insult the intelligence of millions of people with a blanket statement like that. I work very hard to make a living. For the money I pay, I want the best possible product. THAT to me is the American Way. And right now, to me, for the money that I pay, I think Toyota offers the best product when it comes to automobiles.

I haven't always been a Toyota driver. However, one experience was enough to convince me of their bulletproof reliability and for me personally, safety, reliability and quality rank above all else.

The V6 in Toyota's new Camry puts out 270 horsepower and gets 32 mpg. That and their resalve value didn't hurt in my decision either.

For me, it was a no-brainer. Some people like to stay with what they're most familar with. I'm willing to put in the research to get the best product -whether it's an air mattress, a set of knives, golf clubs, guitars or a new car.

[guitarlix]

Coming back to the original subject, here's one of their newer Lexus hybrids (5th Gear Video Review)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyWB972Et4Y