First Toyota 2000GT produced goes up for sale

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Toyota, Racing

A design and engineering icon, the Toyota 2000GT is the forefather of all Japanese supercars, the ancestor to which the Acura NSX, Nissan GT-R and Lexus LFA must pay homage. It's rare enough to find a 2000GT for sale, but the example being offered by Maine Line Exotics is particularly special.

MF10-100001 is the first Toyota 2000GT produced, and one of the three that Toyota delivered to Shelby American Racing in 1967 to be prepped for the 1968 SCCA season. Two of those cars raced under the Shelby-Toyota banner in 1968. MF10-100001 wore the #23 and was driven by Davey Jordan.

How much does Maine Line Exotics want for this important piece of automotive history? How does $1.7 million grab you? Head over to Maine Line Exotics for more information.

First Toyota 2000GT produced goes up for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Reinvents 2012 Camry, Couches and Cops in Super Bowl Ad

Toyota debuted an unusually humorous commercial for the 2012 Super Bowl that focuses on the "reinvented" 2012 Toyota Camry.
http://www.insideline.com/toyota/camry/2012/toyota-reinvents-2012-camry-couches-and-cops-in-super-bowl-ad.html

Big Mike and Gary Logan are the best

Big Mike and Gary Logan are two of the best salesmen at Hudson Toyota in Madisonville, KY. The guys there are extremely fun to work with and make you feel like family. I am now the proud owner of a 2008 Sequoia and we love it. I've bought more than one vehicle from Hudson and they do their best to make the customer happy. Great job guys!!
http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Hudson-Toyota-review-35145/##r562974

Toyota reveals TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype

Filed under: Coupe, Toyota, Racing

The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. So, apparently, do the world's automakers. At least, that is, when it comes to Le Mans. Case in point: the new Toyota TS030 Hybrid, the Le Mans prototype that the Japanese automaker has just revealed, mere days after Peugeot announced its departure from the endurance racing scene.

Shorthand for the third Toyota Sport prototype - following the TS010 and TS020 that challenged Le Mans in the '90s - the TS030 is the first LMP1 to employ a hybrid drivetrain. (Peugeot was experimenting with a similar system before shutting down its program, and Audi is rumored to be testing one as well, but has yet to announce it to the public.)

Toyota Hybrid System - Racing (THS-R) couples a 3.4-liter V8 to one of two potential electric motor setups: a front-mounted system developed by Aisin AW or a rear-mounted one from Denso. According to regulations, the electric boost can only drive one set of wheels, and Toyota has yet to decide which, although the 500kJ capacitor supplied by Nisshinbo is already a lock.

The carbon fiber chassis, meanwhile, was developed in-house by Toyota Motorsport GmbH in Cologne, Germany - the same outfit that ran the company's F1 team and has been looking for a new project ever since. The facility will serve as the team's headquarters as well, from which it will field one car in its debut at the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps - the second round of the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship - on May 5. Toyota is planning to field a second car at Le Mans in June, but while the first car's driver roster is already confirmed, the team has yet to decide on its second line-up.

Follow the jump for the full press release and spec sheet, and check out the first batch of official images in the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Toyota reveals TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype

Toyota reveals TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Will Field Two New LMP1 Hybrid Racecars at Le Mans

Toyota Racing confirmed plans to enter its new TS030 Hybrid sports prototype at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans.
http://www.insideline.com/toyota/toyota-will-field-two-new-lmp1-hybrid-racecars-at-le-mans.html

Toyota getting help from Gazoo Racing to bring downsized turbo engines to market

Filed under: China, Europe, Technology, Toyota

According to a report by TheDetroitBureau.com, Toyota is teaming up with Gazoo Razing (full name: Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring) to kickstart development and retail rollout of small-displacement, turbocharged engines. While Toyota is the undisputed leader in hybrid sales, the 274,927 gas-electric vehicles sold in 2011 - that's in total, not just the Prius - still represent a tiny portion of overall sales. By contrast, the EcoBoost-equipped Ford F-150 alone sold 100,000 units last year.

Direct injection and updated transmissions are also said to be developmental hot-buttons for Toyota. The first boosted, DI motors could be seen as soon as next year in Japan, then find their way into products for China and Europe. Outside analysts expect America to be in that pipeline somewhere, eventually, with mooted options for introduction being the next-generation Corolla or, even easier, as an added powertrain option for the new Camry.

The direction is not meant to take away from Toyota's hybrid position and expansion in the U.S., with the company still expected to put hybrids in "for just about everything we offer." Overseas, though, hybrids made the same impression as in the States, which could explain the initial markets chosen for Toyota's new tech.

Toyota getting help from Gazoo Racing to bring downsized turbo engines to market originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota begins testing new hybrid LMP1

Filed under: Motorsports, Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Europe, Toyota, Racing

The sudden departure of Peugeot from the Le Mans racing scene came as quite a shock, we know. But don't count the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship - or the famed 24-hour race at its center - out for the count before it's even started, because another powerhouse is already gearing up to take Peugeot's place. And that powerhouse is Toyota.

The Japanese auto giant announced its plans to build and campaign a new LMP1 racer at Le Mans and the WEC back in October. Toyota Motorsport GmbH (which ran the company's F1 team until its withdrawal in 2009) then set about designing the car, partnering with Team Oreca to help with the logistics of entering the pinnacle of endurance racing, and hired three top pilots to, you know, actually drive the thing.

With all those pieces in place, the Toyota team began testing their new prototype racer last week at the Paul Ricard test track in France. Toyota itself didn't release much in the way of details, but Alex Wurz was said to have led the shake-down, with his team-mates Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima on hand to share in the driving duties as well.

And while no "official" photos were "officially" released, Toyota PR rep Scott Brownlee tweeted a couple of snapshots to whet our appetites. The result looks, predictably enough, much like the latest LMP1 racers fielded by Audi and the departed Peugeot, but as with most things, it's what's underneath the surface that will count the most. In Toyota's sake, that would be a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain of some sort, but we'll have to wait a little while longer - as the next round of testing and the car's anticipated debut at Spa come May approach - to find out more.

Toyota begins testing new hybrid LMP1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Prius camper conversion has us charging for the woods

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Hatchback, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon, Specialty, Design/Style

Love it or hate it, Toyota has done an impressive job with the Prius. What started as a single model has grown to a whole family, including the versatile new Prius V minivan. But for some even that won't prove enough space, so Japanese conversion outfit Campinn has developed this rather bizarre appendage for the standard Prius hatchback.

Unveiled this weekend at the Tokyo Auto Salon, this conversion turns the current Prius into a camping van of sorts, complete with convertible sofa-bed and overhead sleeping area. It's made of fiber-reinforced plastic and boosts the car's length to 196 inches and its height to 81.1, and comes complete with a skylight and a back door for slipping out un-noticed when people are gathered around the front gawking and laughing at what looks like a hybrid with a tumor.

Toyota Prius camper conversion has us charging for the woods originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota NS4 Plug-in Hybrid Bows at 2012 Detroit Auto Show

The Toyota NS4 plug-in-hybrid sedan may hint at elements of the next Prius, although Toyota says it was envisioned as "removed from the Prius family." It debuted on Tuesday at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
http://www.insideline.com/toyota/toyota-ns4-plug-in-hybrid-bows-at-2012-detroit-auto-show.html

Toyota Prius C brings hybrid economy to the masses for under $19,000

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota

C is for Cookie. At least, that's what the baking industry lobbyist known as Cookie Monster would have us believe. At Toyota they have another idea, where C is not for Cookie, it's not for Car and it's not for Compact. In the latest addition to the Prius family, C is for City.

What you're looking at is a new, smaller hybrid from Toyota, which is eagerly growing the Prius range from one four-door to include the Prius V (for Versatility), the Prius plug-in hybrid and this, the Prius C. It's both smaller and more affordable than the existing Prius range, while delivering superlative fuel economy figures. In fact, with a 50-mpg combined rating, the Prius C claims the best economy of any car this side of a plug-in EV.

Motivation is provided by a 1.5-liter four that, together with the electric motor, delivers up to 99 horsepower at peak (compared to the Prius liftback's 134hp). It's also more nimble than its bigger brother, and more affordable: when the Prius C reaches showrooms in the spring, it will wear a sticker price under $19,000. In the meantime, you can check out our gallery of high-resolution images from the show floor above, the stock images below and jump into the press release for more details.

Continue reading Toyota Prius C brings hybrid economy to the masses for under $19,000

Toyota Prius C brings hybrid economy to the masses for under $19,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Prius c Debuts: 2012 Detroit Auto Show

The latest addition to Toyota's rapidly expanding Prius family is the entry-level Prius C.
http://www.insideline.com/toyota/prius-c/toyota-prius-c-debuts-2012-detroit-auto-show.html

Toyota greenlights iQ Supercharger Concept for production [w/video]

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Performance, Etc., Japan, Videos, Hatchback, Scion, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Here's a surprise: Toyota has announced the company will produce the iQ Supercharger first unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon in limited quantities. The automaker has confirmed the development at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon. The vehicles will be built by partner Gazoo Racing and will feature a brawnier version of the same 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine found in the standard iQ. With a little forced induction on its side courtesy of a supercharger, the engine should be good for 130 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 36 ponies and 44 lb-ft over the stock configuration.

Like the concept, the production model will wear a not-so-subtle widebody kit, stiffer suspension and more aggressive brakes than its standard siblings. A six-speed manual transmission will be the only gearbox option. Indoors, buyers can expect to find custom seats and gauges that read all the way up to 124 mph.

Toyota and Gazoo Racing only plan to produce 100 of the muscle-bound iQ Supercharger models, and there's no indication its Scion cousin sold in the States will receive a similar treatment. What a shame. Hit the jump for a brief introductory video featuring the original concept as well as the full press release.

Continue reading Toyota greenlights iQ Supercharger Concept for production [w/video]

Toyota greenlights iQ Supercharger Concept for production [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Response from the owner

Perry was excellent. He went over and beyond to help me with finding a vehichle for my son. We went to buy an 2000 eclipse we seen on the internet. I spoke with Perry Hunt on the phone before I went there and the car was everything he said it was. Thank You so much for all your help Perry.Angi Cain
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These are your top 10 best-selling vehicles for 2011

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

The figures have been tallied for the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2011, and not surprisingly, the Ford F-Series pickup truck is king of the heap once again. Dealers sold a total of 584,917 F-Series units in 2011, beating out the second-place Chevrolet Silverado by 169,787 units. The Toyota Camry filled out the podium with 308,510 sales, which left the top three unaltered from their 2010 rankings. Fourth place went to the surging Nissan Altima, which jumped from its seventh place position last year. Likewise, the Ford Escape enjoyed a jolt in popularity as well. While the aging CUV took the 13th spot last year, the Ford sold 254,293 units to take fifth place in 2011.

That bumped the Honda Accord and its Crosstour variant to sixth place. Interestingly enough, the Honda duo just barely beat out the Ford Fusion by 5,000 units. Were the two Honda models to be split, the Fusion would have easily knocked the Accord further down the list. Likewise, the Toyota Corolla and Matrix teamed up to edge out the Chevrolet Cruze for ninth and tenth places, respectively. Head over to The Examiner for a full chart detailing the top 20 best-selling vehicles in the U.S. for 2011.

These are your top 10 best-selling vehicles for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota unveils updated 2013 Land Cruiser

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Toyota

For a country that loves (or, at least, loved) sport utility vehicles, the Toyota Land Cruiser has certainly slipped to the back of our minds. It carries one of the most iconic go-anywhere, do-anything nameplates in the industry, and yet in 2011, only 1,662 Land Cruisers were sold here in the United States, making it one of the ten worst-selling vehicles of the year. But since the vehicle's product cycles are largely dictated by other markets where it's more popular, the big Toy continues to carry on, and for the 2013 model year, there are a host of new updates.

Slight visual tweaks to the exterior include the addition of LED running lamps up front, as well as HID low-beam headlamps and a refreshed grille. Aside from that, not much else has changed as far as design goes, and while the Land Cruiser does look a bit old, it's decidedly rugged and handsome.

The Land Cruiser's 5.7-liter V8 is carried over unchanged, still with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque on tap, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Of course, because the Land Cruiser is billed as a true off-road vehicle, driving aids like KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) and Multi-Terrain Select are standard. Inside, the Land Cruiser gets a brand new hard-drive-based navigation system complete with Toyota's new Entune infotainment system.

Toyota has a similar mild refresh in store for the Land Cruiser's luxury twin, the Lexus LX 570, which we'll see at the Detroit Auto Show next week. For the full scoop, read Toyota's official press release after the fold.

Continue reading Toyota unveils updated 2013 Land Cruiser

Toyota unveils updated 2013 Land Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hudson Toyota By far the best car buying experience I've ever had.

By far the best car buying experience I've ever had. Very knowledgable and professional! I was impressed by the low key, no pressure approach.
http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Hudson-Toyota-review-35145/##r540334

We couldn'task for any better treatment from Hudson Toyota

The two sales persons were very nice also knowledge of the car we purchase. We couldn'task for any better treatment from Michael & Russ. I feel they work as hard as they could to make the deal.
http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Hudson-Toyota-review-35145/##r540704

Hudson Toyota We are very pleased with our visit to this dealership.

We saw advertised prices on a TV ad in Evansville and although Madisonville is a good drive away, we printed out internet coupons/ info and called to verify offer was as described. There were questions for salesman to check with a supervisor before answering and a clear response was given (ad did not match TV or coupon offer in reference to 'fully loaded' on TV ad or asterisked items of floor mats and power seat in coupon). The price still was reasonable and could not be matched in Evansville. We drove down, were warmly greeted by salesman Layne Smith, the person we had spoken to on the phone. He worked with us in having the vehicles we were interested in brought to test drive, walked us through paperwork and spent as much time as necessary with us. We did not feel pressured or rushed, even as the day was getting late. After the paperwork, we were handed over to Donna Winstead, the delivery coordinator. She was warm, friendly and took as much patience and time as needed to explain how various functions worked on the car. Her manner was greatly appreciated as it was late and we had a long drive home. We are very pleased with our visit to this dealership.
http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Hudson-Toyota-review-35145/##r541944

We bought our 2012 Car at Hudson in Madionsville,Ky.

We bought our 2012 Car at Hudson in Madionsville,Ky.We drove 2 hrs to buy from Hudson. Mike Smith was our salesperson. {Big Mike}. He did a great job, answering all guestions we ask. We will send family and friends to Hudson to buy from Big Mike. The whole staff there that we had contact with was very helpful. We will never go anywhere else.
http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Hudson-Toyota-review-35145/##r541779

2012 Toyota Camry gets Consumer Reports "Recommended" rating

Filed under: Sedan, Toyota

Toyota was once the unquestioned lead sled dog when it comes to the Consumer Reports "Recommended" list, but the automaker and the consumer advocacy group have had a bit of a falling out over the past couple years. In 2010, the publication removed the Recommended ratings of many models as a result of Toyota's unintended acceleration controversy. In January Ford nearly overtook Toyota in overall Recommended ratings.

We're on the verge of a new year, and it appears that the Toyota is getting back on CR's good side. Bloomberg reports that the February issue of CR reveals that the 2012 Camry has scored the coveted tag. The non-profit lauded the Camry for its improved interior and fuel economy, along with an upgraded ride. The four-cylinder Camry averaged 27 miles per gallon during CR testing, tying the Hyundai Sonata for most efficient in the mid-size segment.

We're quite certain that the 2012 Camry would have sold like gangbusters whether or not it was Recommended by Consumer Reports. But at the same time, CR subscribers seem to really like their Toyota models, so it certainly helps to have a thumbs-up from the powerful publication.

2012 Toyota Camry gets Consumer Reports "Recommended" rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, I did it again!

Well, I did it again! I have now bought a 2009 Yaris, a 2010 Corolla S, a 2011 Camry LE, and, just today, a 2012 Camry SE. All of these cars came from Hudson.I have bought four new vehicles of my own at Hudson and have referred five other people who ended up buying cars there. Hudson is batting 9 for 9! I have been very happy with my buying experience and so have the other folks whom I sent to Hudson.You just cannot go wrong by dealing with Hudson in Madisonville. They truly want to make you happy because they want you to come back for the next car you buy.Big Mike Smith was my salesman for the last three cars I bought there. He is a great guy to deal with.A really nice thing about Hudson is that they DO NOT put pressure on the customer to buy. The customer is welcome to look, test drive, and then take his time to make his decision without someone hounding him with "what will it take to sell you that car today?"Tom
http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Hudson-Toyota-review-35145/##r535387