Belinda Jenkins from Murray, KY wins tickets to The Daytona 500

Belinda Jenkins from Murray, KY was the winner of two tickets to “The Great American Race” - The Daytona 500, NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious motorsports event, on February 28, 2012.  Brad Tyson, General Manager of  Hudson Toyota in Madisonville, KY presents Belinda her tickets.  The Toyota Camry will be the pace car for the 2012 Daytona 500 race.

Toyota confirms NS4 plug-in hybrid concept and production Prius C for Detroit

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Toyota, Electric

Toyota is bringing a new concept to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The company calls its NS4 showcar an "advanced" plug-in hybrid, though it hasn't shared any more information beyond the vehicle's name. While we can't say for certain, odds are the concept will give us a glimpse of what the company has planned for future hybrid design instead of boasting any tangible next-generation technology. As you may recall, Toyota and BMW recently partnered up to create a new lithium-ion battery pack, so it may be some time before we see the tech debut, even in a concept vehicle.

Toyota has also made it clear the company will bring along the Prius C, which will make its North American debut at the Detroit show (see gallery below). The Prius C rides on a platform about the same size as the Yaris, but comes packing a hybrid drivetrain. Word has it the vehicle will come with Prius-besting EPA fuel economy figures, too. Hit the jump for the brief press release, and stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the Detroit show.

Continue reading Toyota confirms NS4 plug-in hybrid concept and production Prius C for Detroit

Toyota confirms NS4 plug-in hybrid concept and production Prius C for Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/toyota-confirms-ns4-plug-in-hybrid-concept-and-production-prius/

This is the second Toyota Camry I have bought

This is the second Toyota Camry I have bought from Hudson Toyota. Both experiences were OUTSTANDING!!!!! From the moment we walked in the door, Mike made the whole experience positive. He helped us find the Best car with the highest safety rating and within our budget for our daughter who is turning 16. I cannot express enough how Easy and how quickly the buying experience was!!!! Like most people, I value my time, and spending the whole day at a dealership is NOT what I ever want to do. Mike was made the whole process quick and painless. I appreciate that tremendously. Since I have owned the vehicle, Mike has made every effort to make sure I am 100% satisfied. Customer satisfaction is what keeps a business going. Mike and Hudson Toyota has continued to excell in this area ...
http://www.google.com/maps/place?cid=16796492851283265507&view=feature&mcsrc=google_reviews&num=10000&start=0#7899339e85453de459da2705a2d8af1f

I just purchased a car less than a month ago and was very pleased with my experience.

I just purchased a car less than a month ago and was very pleased with my experience.

http://twitter.com/myhudsontoyota/statuses/147365929104326656

Hudson Toyota - Everyone was excellent to deal with, I highly recommend this dealership.

Everyone was excellent to deal with, I highly recommend this dealership.
http://twitter.com/myhudsontoyota/statuses/147368239909961728

Toyota Supra rumors continue with 400-hp hybrid power

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Toyota, Rumormill

Have we told you how badly we want a reboot of the Toyota Supra? One of the iconic cars of Gen X youth, the Supra died an untimely death in the mid-1990s along with the rest of the Japanese sports car market. This was, of course, long before most of us had managed to graduate from college and get decent enough jobs to be able to afford anything more exciting than a used Honda Civic.

So yes, we hang on every word out of Japan, and the latest comes via Motor Trend. It's reporting that a hybrid, 400-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 powertrain is being tested for possible release in 2015. The new Supra would look a lot like the FT-HS concept that Toyota showed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, according to the magazine, which also says that if we really want to see this Supra successor, we'd better hope the Toyota GT 86/Scion FR-S does well.

Toyota Supra rumors continue with 400-hp hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Untitled

Everyone was excellent to deal with, I highly recommend this dealership if you want to purchase a new vehicle. Lane was an excellent salesman, very polite and gave us the needed time to make a decision and explained the car accessories completely. The staff that handled the paper work was also excellent.
http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Hudson-Toyota-review-35145/##r519533

Kentucky-built Toyota Camry headed to South Korea

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, South Korea

For years Detroit automakers carped about the low value of the Japanese yen versus the U.S. dollar, but these days, the opposite is true. The yen has rocketed up in value versus the dollar, and Japan's automakers are taking significant measures to mitigate its bottom-line-killing effects. In October Toyota demanded lower prices from its Japanese supply base, and now the Camry will be built in the U.S. and shipped overseas.

Toyota notes in the post-jump press release that it will build 6,000 Toyota Camry units in Georgetown, Kentucky and ship the units to Korea. The massive Georgetown plant employs nearly 7,000 employees working around the clock. This marks the first time Toyota will export the American-made Camry, yet Toyota isn't new to U.S. exports. The automaker exports 100,000 vehicles built in the U.S. annually, shipping them to 19 countries.

The announcement is likely an exciting one for workers at the Georgetown plant, and Toyota feels more exports could be forthcoming. Toyota's North America President, Yoshimi Inaba, states "we look forward to other opportunities to continue growing exports from our American operations." Hit the jump to read over the press release.

Continue reading Kentucky-built Toyota Camry headed to South Korea

Kentucky-built Toyota Camry headed to South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/kentucky-built-toyota-camry-headed-to-south-korea/

Toyota 'Shareathon' Offers Shoppers Up To $1,000 Cash: Video

If you're planning to buy or lease a new Toyota before January 3, 2012, listen up, because Toyota is offering you the chance to nab up to $1,000 through its annual "Shareathon" promotion. Shareathon is part of Toyota's year-end sales event, better known as Toyotathon. Here's how the promo works: 1. Find the Toyota you want to purchase or lease...

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thecarconnection/toyota/~3/vBedO-Vk90U/1070554_toyota-shareathon-offers-shoppers-up-to-1000-cash-video

Toyota Supra rumors continue with 400-hp hybrid power

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Toyota, Rumormill

Have we told you how badly we want a reboot of the Toyota Supra? One of the iconic cars of Gen X youth, the Supra died an untimely death in the mid-1990s along with the rest of the Japanese sports car market. This was, of course, long before most of us had managed to graduate from college and get decent enough jobs to be able to afford anything more exciting than a used Honda Civic.

So yes, we hang on every word out of Japan, and the latest comes via Motor Trend. It's reporting that a hybrid, 400-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 powertrain is being tested for possible release in 2015. The new Supra would look a lot like the FT-HS concept that Toyota showed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, according to the magazine, which also says that if we really want to see this Supra successor, we'd better hope the Toyota GT 86/Scion FR-S does well.

Toyota Supra rumors continue with 400-hp hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/toyota-supra-rumors-continue-with-400-hp-hybrid-power/

Hudson Toyota Customer Service

I just purchased a car less than a month ago and was very pleased with my experience. Big Mike was very friendly and informative. So I went back this weekend and purchased a work vehicle. I would recommend Hudson Toyota and Big Mike to anyone looking to purchase a new or used vehicle.Becky D.
http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Hudson-Toyota-review-35145/##r521424

Customer service at Hudson Automotive in Madisonville, Ky.

The customer service at Hudson Automotive in Madisonville, Ky. exceeds any that I have ever come into contact with before. They make you feel like you are the only customer in the store. Their knowledge of the vehicles they sell is outstanding. Also, if they do not know the answer to your question, they will work until they find that answer for you. If you had a rating above the (5) on your list, I would give this dealership an even higher rating. This dealership is not the closest one to me, but I plan to do all my business with these people. They are head and shoulders above the others I have dealt with in the past.
http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Hudson-Toyota-review-35145/##r504039

HUDSON TOYOTA IS TURNING BLACK FRIDAY GREEN!

HUDSON TOYOTA IS TURNING BLACK FRIDAY GREEN!  You’ll save GREEN by bringing a new TOY to HUDSON TOYOTA.  Your toy donation to the Jerry-O WTTL Toy Drive will give you an extra $500 in Trade-In Assistance on the purchase of any New and Pre-Owned Vehicle at Hudson Toyota.  And, with your toy donation get a FREE Tire Rotation plus a complimentary 27 point Safety Inspection.  You will save even more GREEN when you shop at the merchants set up in Hudson Toyota Chrysler Dodge Jeep Showroom.  Bring your holiday shopping list  … you’ll find a variety of great gifts at prices that will make you smile!  Shop GLITZ & GLAM, JOCKEY, PAMPERED CHEF, TREASURE TRUNK, MARY KAY, PRINCESS HOUSE, TUPPERWARE, TASTEFULLY SIMPLE, SCENTSY, LIA SOPHIA, BRAMBLE BEE FARM, 31 and more.

Y106.9 Radio station will be in the showroom broadcasting live and playing all your favorite Holiday Music from noon to 2pm on Friday. 

Bring a new Toy to Hudson Toyota on Black Friday.  Your toy donation will support the Jerry-O WTTL Toy Drive helping Santa give our local children a toy at Christmas.

KBB 2012 Best Resale Value awards dominated by Toyota

Filed under: Car Buying, Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Lexus, Toyota

Kelley Blue Book has announced the company's 2012 Best Resale Value Awards. The honors are handed out based on projections crafted by the KBB staff of automotive analysts for cars and trucks expected to retain the largest percentage of their original list price after five years.

For 2012, KBB has named Toyota as the best resale brand with Lexus taking the top honor in the luxury brand category. There aren't any surprises there, and the list of individual winners isn't likely to shake anyone's tree either. Toyota brands earned five category awards, while Honda alone took four categories, including sub-compact car, compact car, hybrid and van.

The Ford F-150, meanwhile, took home the full-size pickup nod and the only award for the Blue Ovals brands, while the Chevrolet Camaro V6 and SS snagged the sports car and high-performance car categories, respectively. There were a few surprises in the mix, however. The Jeep Wrangler brought home the only win in the compact SUV category and the only nod for Chrysler this year. The Audi A5 snagged the gold in the luxury car category and the Chevy Volt beat out the Nissan Leaf in the electric car category.

Kelly Blue Book says that residual value should be at the top of car buyers concerns when it comes time to bringing home a new model as depreciation represents the largest potential new-car expense. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading KBB 2012 Best Resale Value awards dominated by Toyota

KBB 2012 Best Resale Value awards dominated by Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/kbb-2012-best-resale-value-awards-dominated-by-toyota/

Prius C revealed among Toyota lineup for Tokyo Motor Show [w/video]

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

We've heard the argument before: Why get a big hybrid when a small hatchback can, in real-world conditions, post similar fuel economy figures. And to them, Toyota answers with the new Prius C.

Smaller than the existing Prius, the Prius C will launch at the rapidly approaching Tokyo Motor Show and makes its U.S. debut shortly after at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The nimble Prius C is about the size of a Yaris but packs a hybrid drivetrain, coupling an as-yet undisclosed "high-output" electric motor with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. Destined to be called the Aqua in the Japanese Domestic Market, the hybrid hatchback also boasts a low center of gravity for better handling and luggage space. Compared to the standard Prius, the lower weight and smaller, less powerful engine in the Prius c will result in better-than-Prius fuel economy. Toyota says it will achieve over 50 miles per gallon in the city, the highest city fuel economy for any non-plug-in vehicle.

Of course the Prius C isn't the only debut Toyota has in store for Tokyo, as the production FT-86 - also boasting a low center of gravity thanks to a Subaru-sourced boxer engine mounted low in the frame - is set to bow at the Japanese expo as well. But Toyota isn't stopping there. It also has three environmentally-friendly concepts in store as well.

The rather sleek FCV-R previews a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle that's targeted for a 2015 market launch. The FT-EV III previews the upcoming electric version of the iQ with a short-range battery-powered drivetrain. Finally Toyota is keeping its lips tightly sealed on the details of the Fun-Vii, a third concept car that hopefully has more to it than displaying flowers alongside its flank.

We'll have to wait until the show opens to find out more, but for now you can follow the jump for the full press release from Toyota and scope out the high-resolution images for a closer look at what TMC has got in store.

Continue reading Prius C revealed among Toyota lineup for Tokyo Motor Show [w/video]

Prius C revealed among Toyota lineup for Tokyo Motor Show [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/prius-c-revealed-among-toyota-lineup-for-tokyo-motor-show/

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Gets Price Cut

The redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid starts at $26,660, reflecting a $1,150 price cut over the 2011 model, Toyota announced on Monday.
http://www.insideline.com/toyota/camry-hybrid/2012/2012-toyota-camry-hybrid-gets-price-cut.html

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Gets Price Cut

The redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid starts at $26,660, reflecting a $1,150 price cut over the 2011 model, Toyota announced on Monday.
http://www.insideline.com/toyota/camry-hybrid/2012/2012-toyota-camry-hybrid-gets-price-cut.html

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Gets Price Cut

The redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid starts at $26,660, reflecting a $1,150 price cut over the 2011 model, Toyota announced on Monday.
http://www.insideline.com/toyota/camry-hybrid/2012/2012-toyota-camry-hybrid-gets-price-cut.html

Electric Cars Face Federal Scrutiny After Chevrolet Volt Fire

General Motors on Monday said no fires have resulted from its internal tests of the Chevrolet Volt, in the wake of a federal investigation into the fire risk of the lithium-ion batteries used in plug-in electric vehicles.
http://www.insideline.com/chevrolet/volt/electric-cars-face-federal-scrutiny-after-chevrolet-volt-fire.html

Electric Cars Face Federal Scrutiny After Chevrolet Volt Fire

General Motors on Monday said no fires have resulted from its internal tests of the Chevrolet Volt, in the wake of a federal investigation into the fire risk of the lithium-ion batteries used in plug-in electric vehicles.
http://www.insideline.com/chevrolet/volt/electric-cars-face-federal-scrutiny-after-chevrolet-volt-fire.html

Friendless, product quality and willingness to deal made me drive away the same day!

I was searching for a used Toyota 4-Runner on the internet and was willing to go nearly anywhere to find exactly the right one. Imagine my surprise when I found one so close to my hometown! I had never been to Hudson before, but their friendless, product quality and willingness to deal made me drive away the same day!
http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Hudson-Toyota-review-35145/##r495805

Toyota wants Intel inside its future cars

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Toyota, Infotainment

Here's a fun fact: According to Mobile Future, the connected car is the third-fastest growing technological device in the world, falling only behind smart phones and tablets. If that's not proof that personal transportation is falling ever more heavily into the appliance realm, we don't know what is.

Toyota is looking to get ahead of that trend by partnering with Intel on a joint research project designed to yield its next-generation of infotainment systems. Intel says that the company has been researching vehicle connectivity for years now, and that it hopes the new partnership with Toyota will produce more seamless smart phone integration.

That makes two of us.

But the project won't just focus on improving current technology. Intel also says that the two corporations will investigate ways to integrate vehicles with owners' homes. What does that mean, exactly? We have no idea, and chances are it will be at least a year or two before we find out.

Continue reading Toyota wants Intel inside its future cars

Toyota wants Intel inside its future cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/toyota-wants-intel-inside-its-future-cars/

Busch Suspended by NASCAR; Stewart, Edwards 1-2 at Texas

Kyle Busch was suspended from NASCAR races Saturday and Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway.
http://www.insideline.com/car-news/busch-suspended-by-nascar-stewart-edwards-1-2-at-texas.html

Toyota recruits top drivers for new Le Mans program

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Toyota

Toyota is dead serious about its new Le Mans effort. To that end, the Japanese auto giant is developing an all-new hybrid LMP1 racer, it has retained the considerable services of Team Oreca to help with trackside logistics, and it has now announced its driver lineup. And make no mistake about it, these are no rookies.

Headlining the roster is Alex Wurz, who holds the title as the youngest winner in the history of Le Mans. The Austrian driver won again for Peugeot two years ago, and he has also taken the checkered flag at the Petit Le Mans, the Spa 1,000km and the Sebring 12 Hours, to name just a few. And as if that weren't enough, he's also an accomplished former Formula One driver, having driven for and scored podium finishes for a variety of teams including Benetton, McLaren and Williams (though not Toyota).

Joining Wurz will be Nicolas Lapierre, a French driver with a distinguished record in both lower formula racing (like F3 and A1GP) and endurance racing, including a win at Sebring this year. Finally, Toyota has added Kazuki Nakajima (one of Japan's best F1 drivers of the modern era) to the team that will be developing and fielding the new LMP1 at La Sarthe and other FIA World Endurance Championship races next season. The car is expected to make its debut "early in the new year" at a yet-to-be-determined European venue.

Continue reading Toyota recruits top drivers for new Le Mans program

Toyota recruits top drivers for new Le Mans program originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/toyota-recruits-top-drivers-for-new-le-mans-program/

I couldn't help but notice the friendliness of the staff.

I was totally taken by the customer service provided from the time I stepped into the dealership. I couldn't help but notice the friendliness of the staff. I enjoyed my experience from beginning to end.
http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Hudson-Toyota-review-35145/##r491539

jeff b's review

i shopped around on line. they had a great price and you can't beat the lifetime warranty!!!! well worth the drive. with all the pics you pretty much know what to expect when you get there.
http://local.yahoo.com/info-15388537-hudson-toyotachrysler-madisonville?tab=reviews&allreviews=1#474bef5f7df436313d71a54baad908e7

Toyota unloads bounty of SEMA rides

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Sedan, Truck, Hatchback, Toyota, Specialty, Off-Road, Racing

Toyota is bringing an arsenal of custom vehicles to SEMA 2011, including three pickups and one very cool Yaris B-Spec Racer. The pint-sized bruiser is based on the 2012 Yaris SE and should be bashing fenders with the rest of the SCCA B-Spec class contenders soon. Toyota says that Jamie Bestwick, of BMX fame, will campaign the car in the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America in Elkhart, Wisconsin. The car features all of the hardware necessary to meet spec, including an eight-point SCCA roll cage, fire-suppression system, race seat, and six-point harness.

Toyota also has something special for those of you who prefer to take your racing off the track. The Long Beach Racers Tacoma is inspired by the upcoming Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series, and features custom 60mm Bilstein race shocks, 35-inch BF Goodrich tires, a 50-gallon fuel cell and a big-brake kit among other goodies. All of that kit will come to bear when the truck heads to the Baja 1000 next year.

DC Shoes and West Coast Customs will also show off a unique Toyota Tundra built just for the motocross crowd while Oakley crafted a special Surf Tacoma to cater to the surfers of the world. A pre-production version of the Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series pickup will also be on display as will the Camry Daytona 500 pace car.

Toyota unloads bounty of SEMA rides originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/toyota-unloads-bounty-of-sema-rides/

Honda: Dealer Inventory of 2012 Honda Civic Is Virtually Zero

Sales of the 2012 Honda Civic appear to be stalled. The Japanese automaker says it's because dealer inventory is "virtually zero" due to natural disasters in Asia.
http://www.insideline.com/honda/civic/2012/honda-dealer-inventory-of-2012-honda-civic-is-virtually-zero.html

Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S specs leaked via training manual

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Scion, Toyota

We may have a clearer picture of what the Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S will bring to the table when the production version finally arrives. A few scans of a purported Toyota training manual on the vehicle have made their way into the hands of the internet via the FT86Club.com forum.

If the site's translations are accurate, the vehicle will boast a 2.0-liter flat-four producing 197 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 150 pound-feet of torque at 6,600 rpm. While not overwhelming numbers, if the handling is as good as we've been hearing, the powertrain should be enough to hustle the 2,667-pound coupe around your favorite twisty road at a respectable pace.

The sheet also reveals that the FR-S will come in two trims, at least in Japan. A higher-spec variant will come with a limited-slip rear differential in both manual and automatic-equipped vehicles, while the lower-spec model will only have the LSD when equipped with a third pedal (which is just fine by us).

Topped-out JDM versions will also have a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED accent lighting, a six-speaker audio system, sport pedals and white-faced gauges. Models will also be differentiated by wheel size, with higher-trims wearing modest 17-inch rollers and lower models rolling on 16-inch stock.

Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S specs leaked via training manual originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/toyota-ft-86-scion-fr-s-specs-leaked-via-training-manual/

Toyota Tacoma Anchors Truck Display at 2011 SEMA Show

Toyota is displaying several custom versions of its midsize Tacoma and full-size Tundra pickups at this week's SEMA show.
http://www.insideline.com/toyota/tacoma/toyota-tacoma-anchors-truck-display-at-2011-sema-show.html

Toyota FT-86 leaked again in TRD catalog

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Toyota

Maybe there was a time when a car was unveiled and that was that. But we can't quite recall such a time. Especially not when dealing with a vehicle as hotly anticipated as the sportscar developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru. The car alternately known as the FT-86, the Scion FR-S and the Subaru BRZ has been the source of a seemingly endless run-up that's included concept cars, spy shots and more leaks than a colander. And now we have one more.

Subaru just gave us its first official glimpse of what to expect with the BRZ STI Concept that's headed for the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, but before that, we brought you a couple of leaks from the Toyota side of things: one showing the stock version, and another dolled up with bolt-ons from the Modellista accessories catalog. Now we can add one more as images have surfaced on FT86Club.com of the FT-86 accessorized with parts from Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

We have to say we're more enthused by the standard model without the extra baubles, but this latest leak serves to further demonstrate the endless possibilities in store for customizing what is bound to become a popular model among enthusiasts.

Toyota FT-86 leaked again in TRD catalog originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/toyota-ft-86-leaked-again-in-trd-catalog/

Toyota Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Limited Edition headed for dealers

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Truck, Toyota, Off-Road

Toyota has given SEMA 2011 visitors a glimpse at a pre-production version of the company's Tacoma TRD T/X Limited Edition. The newest addition to the Tacoma line is set to begin production in late spring of next year and will offer buyers a 4.0-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. An electronically controlled locking rear differential provides extra grip over uncertain terrain while active traction control, hill-descent control and hill-start assist control should help make things easier on the driver. The whole thing should breathe a bit easier and sound a bit better thanks to the standard TRD exhaust, too.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires are mounted on bead-lock style wheels, and 60 mm Bilstein race shocks paired with TRD springs up front help give the pickup a little more flex. The Tacoma TRD TX Limited Edition is fitted with 50 mm shocks in the rear with a remote reservoir and the front end rides two inches higher than its stablemates.

Lest we forget, there are also those rather loud bodyside graphics...

Continue reading Toyota Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Limited Edition headed for dealers

Toyota Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Limited Edition headed for dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/toyota-tacoma-trd-t-x-baja-series-limited-edition-headed-for-dea/

Toyota Yaris B-Spec Club Racer

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Toyota, Racing

Toyota tucked its Yaris B-Spec Club Racer amongst a flotilla of pickups at SEMA 2011. The slammed hatch is set to compete in the SCCA B-Spec class with BMX guru Jamie Bestwick behind the wheel. The race-ready Yaris was built by SportsCar Magazine and features a stripped-out interior and an Autopower Industries eight-point SCCA roll cage for less weight and greater driver safety. OMP supplied the complete fire suppression system as well as a six-point racing harness and a WRC-style steering wheel.

A Cusco Zero-3 suspension gives the hatch greater grip and Cusco center-lock pillow ball upper mounts provide greater rigidity and less suspension flex than the stock components. Enkei 15-inch wheels shod in Hoosier racing tires help keep the car stuck to the tarmac as well.

SportsCar Magazine gave the Yaris B-Spec Club Racer a little nudge in power as well thanks to an AEM series 2 engine management system, a Beta Motorsports cat-back exhaust and a custom tune by Church automotive testing.

Toyota Yaris B-Spec Club Racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/toyota-yaris-b-spec-club-racer/

Toyota unloads bounty of SEMA rides

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Sedan, Truck, Hatchback, Toyota, Specialty, Off-Road, Racing

Toyota is bringing an arsenal of custom vehicles to SEMA 2011, including three pickups and one very cool Yaris B-Spec Racer. The pint-sized bruiser is based on the 2012 Yaris SE and should be bashing fenders with the rest of the SCCA B-Spec class contenders soon. Toyota says that Jamie Bestwick, of BMX fame, will campaign the car in the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America in Elkhart, Wisconsin. The car features all of the hardware necessary to meet spec, including an eight-point SCCA roll cage, fire-suppression system, race seat, and six-point harness.

Toyota also has something special for those of you who prefer to take your racing off the track. The Long Beach Racers Tacoma is inspired by the upcoming Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series, and features custom 60mm Bilstein race shocks, 35-inch BF Goodrich tires, a 50-gallon fuel cell and a big-brake kit among other goodies. All of that kit will come to bear when the truck heads to the Baja 1000 next year.

DC Shoes and West Coast Customs will also show off a unique Toyota Tundra built just for the motocross crowd while Oakley crafted a special Surf Tacoma to cater to the surfers of the world. A pre-production version of the Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series pickup will also be on display as will the Camry Daytona 500 pace car.

Toyota unloads bounty of SEMA rides originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota FT-86 Goes Social With New iPhone App

Toyota is inviting iPhone owners to post and share images and video of the upcoming FT-86 sports car on a dedicated Web site.
http://www.insideline.com:80/toyota/ft-86/toyota-ft-86-goes-social-with-new-iphone-app.html

Hudson Toyota Needs You!

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Are you the new Toyota Prius C?

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota

The upcoming Toyota Prius C has been unveiled in concept form, caught wearing a ton of camouflage and maybe whispered its new name to us (Aqua). But that doesn't mean we're not still interested in what will be the smallest and cheapest model in the Prius family when it arrives in 2012. Thankfully, CarScoop is here to help. A reader sent in a leaked brochure featuring what appears to be the production version of the little hybrid. The scans show off the C so nakedly we want to give it a modesty slip. Almost.

The production version of the Prius C - if that's indeed what we're looking at - loses a lot of the angular, sporty style of the concept, but it still carries a welcome refinement of the traditional Prius wedge. The biggest different is at the front end: the concept's striking headlights have been eliminated in favor of smaller versions of the Prius Liftback's instantly-identifiable lights. The rear end now blends the look of a standard Prius with a Nissan Leaf.

We like most everything about the concept better (see also: the wheels), but if Toyota can hit the speculated numbers - around 60 miles per gallon for around $20,000 - we'll take the highly efficient baby Prius no matter what it looks like. See more scans in our gallery or check out the whole brochure over on CarScoop.

Are you the new Toyota Prius C? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kenneth Moen drifts a hillclimb with his bonkers Toyota Supra turbo

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Etc., Videos, Toyota

Nothing incinerates a perfectly good set of tires better than a drift car. And no drift car makes as much smoke as Kenneth Moen's turbocharged Toyota Supra. Yes, Ken Block turns out some great videos with high production values and plenty of tail-wagging craziness... but wait 'til you get a load of this.

Moen pointed his battle-scarred Supra in the general direction of 'up' at the Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena in Lillehammer, Norway, a facility you may recall from the 1994 Winter Olympics. Smoke-filled antics ensued, and it was all captured on video for your viewing pleasure.

If you fancy yourself a fan of drifting insanity, do yourself a favor and watch the video after the break.

Continue reading Kenneth Moen drifts a hillclimb with his bonkers Toyota Supra turbo

Kenneth Moen drifts a hillclimb with his bonkers Toyota Supra turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota returning to Le Mans with hybrid LMP1 car

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Toyota, Racing

Toyota has announced that it is returning to the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile's World Endurance Championship in 2012. The car it will be contesting the series with is a new prototype that will use a hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain. We can only hope the experience will equal more exciting future models under the Prius range...

The last time Toyota competed in Le Mans racing was in 1999, just before the Japanese automaker abandoned the GT-One program to focus on Formula One.

We don't expect Toyota's new LMP1 racer to have anything in common with the erstwhile GT-One, which was powered by a 600-horsepower 3.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Though always fast, Toyota's last-gen endurance racer never quite put together a complete race. Here's hoping the effort produces more consistent results this time around. Check out the official announcement after the break.

Continue reading Toyota returning to Le Mans with hybrid LMP1 car

Toyota returning to Le Mans with hybrid LMP1 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota builds giant arcade claw game to sell cars in Japan

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Japan, Videos, Hatchback, Toyota, Humor

There is no greater test of skill and dexterity than an arcade claw game. Open heart surgery? For amateurs. Watch making? Child's play. Plucking an oddly-shaped stuffed animal from the clutches of its brethren with nothing but three flaccid claws and a joy stick is what it's all about.

Toyota recently tapped into humanity's bizarre fascination with robotics, oversize stuffed animals and, of course, the claw game in a promotion for the company's tiny Ractis. Using a scaled-up version of the same game we all know and love, contestants battled for the keys to their very own sub-compact hatch.

Alright, so it's all more than a little weird. Whatever. We're more concerned with the fact that the winner will have a hard time fitting their huge stuffed bear into their apartment, much less their Ractis. Hit the jump to check out the insanity for yourself.

Continue reading Toyota builds giant arcade claw game to sell cars in Japan

Toyota builds giant arcade claw game to sell cars in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/toyota-builds-giant-arcade-claw-game-to-sell-cars-in-japan/

Marine Technology Builds Corvette-Inspired $1.7-Million Speedboat

Marine Technology's ZR48 is loaded with 2,700 horsepower and an interior that looks straight out of the cockpit of a Chevy Corvette ZR1.
http://www.insideline.com:80/chevrolet/corvette/marine-technology-builds-corvette-inspired-1-7-million-speedboat.html

World's Oldest Running Car Fetches a Record $4.62 Million

An 1884 De Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout, the world's oldest running motorcar, sold for $4.62 million at RM Auctions' Hershey sale, more than doubling its original pre-sale estimate. It represents a world record for an early motorcar sold at auction.
http://www.insideline.com:80/car-news/worlds-oldest-running-car-fetches-a-record-462-million.html

Thailand flooding halts Honda and Toyota auto production

Filed under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Honda, Toyota

Japanese automakers are having a rough year coping with Mother Nature. First it was earthquakes in Japan, and now flooding in Thailand. Since late July, typhoons in Southeast Asia have caused billions of dollars of damage, and now production at three Toyota plants and one Honda facility has been halted, according to the Associated Press.

While Toyota's plants in eastern Thailand haven't been directly affected by the weather, the inability of suppliers to deliver parts has caused the shutdowns there. Honda's plant in Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, isn't so lucky. Offline since October 4, and flooded since October 8, Honda officials can't even assess the damage because the plant remains inaccessible.

The four factories produced over 800,000 vehicles last year. This included 630,000 Toyotas and 170,000 Hondas, representing roughly eight and five percent of each automaker's respective global volume. Among the vehicles produced in Thailand are the Toyota Corolla and Camry and the Honda Civic and Accord, but none of the Thai plants produce vehicles for the North American market.

Thailand flooding halts Honda and Toyota auto production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Launches 2012 Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series

The updated 2012 Toyota Tacoma compact truck adds a new TRD T|X Baja Series next spring.
http://www.insideline.com:80/toyota/tacoma/2012/toyota-launches-2012-tacoma-trd-tx-baja-series.html

Toyota urges suppliers to slash prices or be left behind

Filed under: Government/Legal, Japan, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

For years, Detroit automakers would argue that the Japanese yen was artificially devalued, and that the value of the currency was a big competitive advantage to the likes of Toyota and Honda. To erase this gap, The Detroit Three pressured suppliers to lower costs in any way possible, which caused ill-will within their supply bases. In fact, Japanese automakers routinely scored higher in supplier relation studies, while General Motors, Ford and Chrysler hovered at the bottom of the list.

One massive global recession and a fast-rising yen later, it appears that the shoe is on the other foot. Automotive News reports that Toyota has made it clear to its 219 largest domestic suppliers that costs must be cut or business will be lost to countries with cheaper labor.

Toyota reportedly loses $343 million in profit for every one yen the currency rises against the dollar. Given that the Japanese currency has risen by 13 versus the dollar over the past year, Toyota could be looking at a staggering $4.5 billion in losses. For perspective, that's more than half of Toyota's total research and development spending for any given year. Ouch.

And Toyota isn't alone in looking for ways to combat the rising yen. Honda recently announced that it was going to build more vehicles outside of Japan. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn recently asked the Japanese government to adjust the issue of the rising yen, or risk losing a great deal of the country's industrial base.

Given its currency conundrum, we can't blame Toyota for looking for more cost-effective ways to build vehicles. But when GM, Ford and Chrysler were in the same predicament, corners were cut and many vehicles were less competitive than they could and should have been. As a result, The Detroit Three had to add heavy incentives just to move product and their reputations suffered. Here's hoping history doesn't repeat itself.

Toyota urges suppliers to slash prices or be left behind originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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