2015 Toyota Yaris Review And Image

2015 Toyota Yaris Review And Image - Toyota has resolved a few of the complaints that plagued the previous-generation Yaris, namely the NHV levels inside the cabin. More sound insulation and more premium interior materials help push the Yaris’ feel upmarket, while it still keeps its low price point. With three trim models and two body lengths to chose from, the Yaris is a pretty customizable hatchback .

 For 2015, 10 years after its introduction, the Toyota Yaris is getting its second restyling with revised looks inside and out, a quieter cabin, a fuel-efficient engine, and all the versatility that comes with the three- and five-door versions. The U.S.-spec Yaris debuted in 2005 with lots of spunk and clever packing wrapped in an inexpensive sub-compact. Offered in both the three-door and five-door hatchback styles, the Yaris filled a niche near at the bottom of Toyota’s lineup. Refreshed in 2011, the Yaris continued its mission largely unchanged, save for a more modern design. Now for 2015, Toyota is improving the Yaris with more refinement and a better driving experience, while still retaining its superb value proposition. Starting at just $14,485, the Yaris makes a great city car or a sweet first car for a teenager. Its 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder will keep curious teens out of trouble with Johnny Law, while the expansive cargo area and decent back seat might land them in trouble with mom and dad.

With the updated features and added benefits, Toyota may see the Yaris climb back up the sales charts to the level of its glory days in 2008 when sales of the hatch topped 100,000 units. Selling only 21,343 units in 2013, the Yaris was apparently in desperate need of a makeover. Let’s see what Toyota has done to turn up the heat.

2015 Toyota Venza Review And Image

2015 Toyota Venza Review And Image - At the front, the new Venza has received a new upper and lower grille, fog lamps, and rear taillights. Toyota is also offering a new set of 19" wheels and a choice of the new exterior colors: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica.


The Toyota Venza was launched for the first time back in 2008, but it’s preparing to enter the 2015 model year with enhanced exterior styling, added value through several new standard convenience features, and updated option packages. Its official debut was made at the 2012 New York Motor Show and sales are scheduled to begin later in 2012. Like the previous version, the 2015 Venza will be offered in LE, XLE, and Limited grades, with a choice of four-cylinder or V6 engines. Both front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations will also be offered.

For 2013, the list of standard equipment will include, depending on the trim level: Driver Memory Seat, Reverse Tilt Outer Mirrors, Display Audio with Navigation and Toyota Entune, LED Daytime Running Lights, and Premium HDD Navigation with Entune and JBL.

2015 Toyota Tundra Baja 1000 Review And Image

2015 Toyota Tundra Baja 1000 Review And Image - The Tundra reached its U.S. sales peak in 2007, when the big rig was all-new and came from its billion-dollar assembly plant right in the heart of Texas. Since then, the Tundra has struggled to even crack 100,000 units, which is a major sore spot when even the dullest Toyota sedans like the Corolla are able to rack up more than triple the total volume of the Tundra.

The Toyota Tundra really needs an all-star halo truck to liven up its competent but forgettable range of full-size trucks, which are redesigned for 2014. This exclusive speculative preview of the 2015 Tundra Baja 1000 imagines how a Ford Raptor rival from Toyota would compare with the hot-selling off-roader from the segment-leading F-150 .

So what is missing from the Tundra ’s three cab styles, short and long bed options, and three engines that top out with a potent 5.7-liter V-8 making 383 horsepower? The Tundra is missing more than a few million loyal customers, first and foremost, versus the long-trenched buyers of Ram , Ford , Chevy or GMC trucks. Even the also-ran Nissan Titan PRO-4X is trying on some new off-road hero truck ideas for next year’s all-new model. For slow-moving
Toyota ? So far, the world’s most admired car maker has only dipped its toes into the pool.

The new 1794 Edition of the Tundra packs more fake silver trims than a Nokia factory, and the Toyota Racing Development 4x4 stickers its dealers like to apply do not seem to have the same effect as the Raptor ’s unique grille, huge fender flares, Fox racing suspension and sand-basted attitude. TRD is just about the worst acronym imaginable, so this TopSpeed preview of a Tundra off-roader is dubbed the Baja 1000.

2015 Toyota Tacoma TRD Review And Image

2015 Toyota Tacoma TRD Review And Image - If you’re familiar with the Baja 1000, you know that it’s not one of the most glamorous races in the world, nor is it for the faint of heart. That’s a big reason why Toyota and TRD went to great lengths to customize this particular Tacoma, allowing it to serve its purpose as a support vehicle for another SEMA attendee, the Tundra TRD Pro Desert Race Truck.

Toyota will have its hands full at the 2015 SEMA Auto Show. But don’t tell that to the company because it’s probably enjoying all the attention it’s getting. Its lineup of trucks is dotted with interesting projects, one of which is the Tacoma TRD chase vehicle that’s doing double-duty in the coming weeks. First up, it’ll be at SEMA, proudly showing off all of its customization details in front of the world’s biggest gathering of auto aftermarket-heads. Immediately after SEMA, the Tacoma TRD will be part of a collection of Toyotas that will head south to Ensenada, Mexico to be part of the 47th Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

Since it’s going to be spending most of its time in the desert, the Tacoma TRD was fully customized to handle the rigors of off-road racing. It’s not going to compete in the race, but it’s better to be prepared for it anyway, right ? It may not end up being as glamorous as the Tundra TRD Pro Desert Race Truck itself, but the Tacoma TRD is still a wonderful creation that illustrate the pickup’s impressive versatility. Whether it’s being used as an off-road partner or it’s being custom-fitted to become a full-fledged support vehicle, the Tacoma TRD has the chops to be successful in whatever environment it finds itself in.

 

 

2016 Toyota Supra Convertible Review And Image

2016 Toyota Supra Convertible Review And Image - Once we created the coupe version of the our Supra rendering, the convertible version was pretty simple. All we needed to do was eliminate the center section of the roof, flatten out the rear section of the roof and add a frame just above the windshield. We also had to take some time to add in some seats to give it a more realistic look.When Toyota launched its FT-1 concept , the entire industry stood up and took notice of this new sports car . After further investigation, nearly all of us media folk drew 

a direct line between the new concept and the eventual return of the legendary Supra . We took the initiative to create a rendering of an FT-1-based Supra back in February, and what good is a new supra without the removable targa top that the model was known for having? So we are now adding a rendering of the convertible Supra to our repertoire today.Just like with the coupe version of the Supra, converting the convertible model required revising the nose to lose that wild, F1 -like nose, add more traditional headlights, smoothen out some of the air intakes and add on a more Supra-like rear spoiler. I suspect that the convertible version will arrive about a year after the Supra coupe.

2015 Toyota Sienna Review And Image

2015 Toyota Sienna Review And Image - Toyota decided to take an unconventional approach to launching the 2015 Sienna and has enlisted the help of three kid-caring, viral Interwebz families that will help promote the van’s image as a cool parent-mobile. The marketing strategy piggybacks on the success of Toyota’s Swagger Wagon campaign back in 2011.

The Swagger Wagon is rolling into 2015 with some minor changes and updates centered mainly around a few exterior cosmetic bits and a few interior pieces. The new Sienna minivan isn’t much different from the outgoing van, which debuted back in 2011. The Sienna dates back to 1998 when Toyota launched the all-new minivan as a replacement for the mid-engine Previa minivan. (Yes, the Previa’s engine sat under the front seats!) The Sienna then moved into its second generation in 2004 and onto the third generation in 2011.

Officially the new Sienna will be launched in person at the Artscape, a free-arts festival in Baltimore, MD that happens from July 18th through 20th. But for those outside of Baltimore, the parents behind “Action Movie Kid,” “Eh Bee Family,” and “Convos with My 2-Year-Old” will be touting the Sienna’s launch hard on the web. Click past the jump to read the full review of the updated 2015 Toyota Sienna.

2015 Toyota RAV4 - Driven Review and Image

 2015 Toyota RAV4 - Driven Review and Image - Since this is my second RAV4, and very little has changed over the model years, I decided to use this as a chance to really test some other aspects of the RAV4. My last model got great fuel economy, but I spent more time than average on the highway, and I didn’t use it to move too much cargo, nor did I attempt to take it off-road. This time around I put the RAV4 through much more rigorous testing to see how it really holds up under pressure.

 The Toyota RAV4 is one of the oldest and most successful crossovers on the market. It started sales way back in 1995, making this year the 20th anniversary of the nameplate. The RAV4 rolled into a new generation in 2014, which carries on into 2015 with very few changes. To celebrate the anniversary, Toyota does offer a special Blizzard Pearl Premium Package that adds a new Blizzard Pearl paint and 18-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone color scheme. Sadly, my 2015 model didn’t come with the new paint color.

2015 Toyota Prius Persona Series Special Edition Review and Image

2015 Toyota Prius Persona Series Special Edition Review and Image - This is actually the second time we’ve seen a Persona Series Prius, as Toyota released one in 2013 too. It comes with plenty of exterior and interior upgrades that really bring out a side of the Prius we rarely get to see. That’s about as big a compliment you can throw at the hybrid sedan that doesn’t involve its outstanding fuel efficiency.

The Toyota Prius has been around since 2001 and very rarely have we ever used the words "elegant" and "luxurious" to describe it. But Toyota is determined to infuse those two things on the 2015 Prius with the unveiling of the Persona Series Special Edition . Yes, the Toyota Prius is getting a special edition treatment. But that’s not even the most surprising part about this whole thing. Believe it or not, the Prius Persona Series Special Edition actually looks pretty darn good. Who knew! The Toyota Prius Persona Series Special Edition will arrive in dealerships in September with a price of $26,985. Another $325 will be added to that total if customers opt for the Blizzard Pearl exterior paint. Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Toyota Prius Persona Series Special Edition.

 

 

Toyota Is Now Taking Orders For The 2016 Mirai Review and Image

Toyota Is Now Taking Orders For The 2016 Mirai Review and Image - However, the process is a bit different than placing an order for conventional cars, as production of the Mirai is limited. Specifically, vehicles will be placed with "select, eligible customers" which will be contacted directly by a Toyota representative to discuss ownership.The first examples of the Mirai are set to arrive in October 2015, when selected customers will take delivery from one of the eight authorized Toyota dealers across California. Each Mirai will cost $57,500 plus an $835 destination fee.

Following a couple of announcements that it plans to increase production of the upcoming 2016 Toyota Mirai due to unexpected demand, Toyota has finally begun taking orders for the hydrogen-fueled family car. Starting today, California drivers who want to switch to alternative fuel can request a Mirai using Toyota’s dedicated Web page here. A group of lucky customers will also benefit from the Mirai Trailblazer support program, which includes three choices: APR Support of 0% for 60 months + $7,500, Purchase Support of $7,500, or Lease of $499 per month for 36 months and $3,649 due at signing.

As a brief reminder, all Mirais come with three years’ of complimentary fuel, Safety Connect and Entune with hydrogen station finder app, and 24/7 customer call support. Other benefits include no-cost scheduled maintenance for three years or 35,000 miles, no-cost enhanced roadside assistance for three years, regardless of mileage, and eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on key fuel cell vehicle components.

 

 

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - Driven Review and Image

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - Driven Review and Image - What’s more, this crossover offers a hybrid powertrain and an AWD system that’s available together – giving this seven-passenger vehicle the ability to traverse slippery terrain while getting an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined. That’s impressive. I recently spent a week with a 2015 example of Toyota’s third-generation Highlander. My tester came loaded to the gills in its Limited trim with the hybrid powertrain and yes, AWD. A healthy list of options pushed the price toward the $54,000 mark, making it competitive with several luxury-brand crossovers, though it doesn’t carry the ostentatious luxury vibe.

The Highlander might have started life back in 2001 as a midsize crossover, but over time it has transformed into a larger, three-row people mover that offers an alternative to the minivan segment. Sure Toyota offers the Sienna, but those who won’t rock the Swagger Wagon can take refuge in the Highlander. So how well does the Highlander carry out its duties? Continue reading to find out.They Highlander has certainly morphed into a larger crossover in nearly every dimension. It’s length now accommodates that third-row seat while the extra width makes interior comfort downright superb in the first two rows.

Stylistically, the Highlander’s looks land halfway between conservative and outlandish – with it’s overall looks taking the more traditional look. Pick out the details, however, and the interest starts to build. Those taillights, for example, jut outward from the body in an attempt at taming the wind as it swirls around the back. They also looks pretty cool. Other adornments include the chrome trim around the side windows, the large spoiler over the rear glass, and the large front grille with its multi-tiered design. A few points that really stood out on my tester were how well-integrated both the side steps and the trailer hitch receiver were. Both optional features added to the Highlander’s overall design and functionality. And even with its hybrid powertrain, the Highlander can still tow 3,500 pounds.

Toyota GT86 Review and Image

 Toyota GT86 Review and Image - The fleet of RWD sports cars will make their debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, an annual event held on the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex, England. There, they will participate in the festival’s Moving Motor Show on June 25th, where visitors will have the chance to drive each on a prescribed route around the Goodwood Estate, including the renowned 1.16-mile hill climb course. The GT-86s will most likely be in high demand, so get there early if you want a decent shot at the driver’s seat. Of course, if you miss the Toyotas, don’t fret – it’s expected that models from Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin will also be made available.

Whether the Toyota GT 86 has the long-lasting popularity that the Mazda MX-5 currently enjoys is still debatable at this point. After all, the former’s only been alive for a little over a year, while the latter has been around almost 25 years now. To help celebrate five decades of race and rally cars, Toyota has recreated a handful of old-school liveries and classic styling cues in a series of six one-off GT86 coupes. Afterward, the Toyotas will move to the Goodwood racing circuit where they will be put on static display in support of the popular Drift Experience. Launched in 2013, this low-grip driver’s education program utilizes the GT86’s universally acclaimed handling prowess to teach the basics of at-limit driving.

Each of the GT-86 one-offs was giving the custom vinyl treatment courtesy of Motor Mode, a UK-based specialist in automotive wraps and decals. They faithfully reproduced the original liveries to match the lines and proportions of the more modern coupe. To complete the look, ride height was dropped by 40 mm (1.57 inches) using lowering springs. This appropriately brought the arches down to fit snugly against new wheels from Rota, which provided just the right set of retro-looking rollers to complement the new vinyl, individualized for each car. Finally, a new stainless steel exhaust from Milltek Sport adds the correct kind of aural presence, not to mention a healthy dose of power as verified by the trusty ole’ butt-dyno.