2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD TX Pro

Toyota is adding two new limited-edition trim packages for the 2011 Toyota Tacoma.the 2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD TX Pro performance packages which will go on sale this month. The first deliveries of the 2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD TX Pro packages will begin two months later, in September.

The T|X and T|X Pro will be available on 2 or 4 wheel drive Tacoma Prerunner models with 2 or 4 doors and the TRD Offroad package. 16″ TRD alloy wheels, BF Goodrich tires, tubular side steps, a stainless steel exhaust tip and special graphics comprise the $1,699 T|X Package, a $754 savings compared to ordering each option as a separate component.

The T|X Pro Package simply adds a TRD cat-back performance exhaust system to give the V6 model a throatier sound and, according to the company, a small boost in power.

Ordering for the 2011 Tacoma T|X Pro Package will begin in July, and the T|X Package will launch two months later in September.




press release

The Toyota Tacoma, the best-selling compact pickup truck in America, offers two new accessory packages for 2011 based on a concept truck first shown at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show. The T|X and T|X Pro packages, available in conjunction withthe Off-Road Package, add Toyota Racing Development (TRD) accessories in a unique combination at a special value price.

Toyota developed the Tacoma T|X concept truck to gauge consumer reaction at the 2009 SEMA Show. The concept featured unique dual customgraphic designs on each side of the truck, and an assortment of aggressive performance features inspired by
traditional TRD elements that conveyed the lifestyle of Tacoma owners. The overwhelmingly positive reaction to the truck was a major inspiration for the development of the two new packages.

Available on a limited basis, the new T|X and T|X Pro Packages translate a sporty SEMA concept into a package the customer can add to aTacoma V6 Access Cab or V6 Double Cab on both 4x2 PreRunner and 4x4 drive types equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. The extra dose of performance makes it the most capable off-road Tacoma in the Toyota lineup.

The T|X Package gives the Tacoma a sporty and even semi-menacing look with TRD 16-inch black alloy bead-lock wheels and 265/70R16 BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tires. Black tube side steps, a stainless steel exhaust tip and unique exterior graphics give the T|X the look of a custom truck, but at a special value. The MSRP of the T|X Package is $1,699, a savings of $754 compared to the package items ordered as separate options.

The T|X Pro Package is a performance-driven package with a TRD cat-back performance exhaust system to give the V6 a throatier sound anda bit more power. Also priced at an MSRP of $1,699, the T|X Pro Packagerepresents a savings of $720 versus the package contents added as separate accessories. Both T|X and T|X Pro packages deliver a superior value to aftermarket accessories, especially considering that they are covered under the three-year/36,000 mile comprehensive vehicle limited warranty.

The TRD Off-Road Package underlying both T|X editions provides a carefully tuned balance of off-road performance and on-road handling. Chassis modifications include an electronic locking rear differential, progressive-rate front springs, specially tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, a 28-mm front stabilizer bar and B.F. Goodrich Rugged Trail tires. Fog lamps top off the package for a tough, sporty appearance. Added features on the TRD Off-Road Package include a 400W/115V powerpoint in the bed, sport seats with adjustable lumbar support and unique fabric, plus an overhead console with a compass and outside temperature display.

Ordering for the 2011 Tacoma T|X Pro Package will begin in July and the T|X Package will launch two months later in September.

2010 Toyota Sports Car FT-86 G Sports Concept Car

Toyota baffled every car lover beyond belief when revealed the FT-86 G Sports Concept car on the very first day of the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010. The new concept car from the world's largest automaker has been revealed in person and virtually. The Toyota FT-86 G Sports Concept Car was introduced to the public at the Tokyo Auto Salon, and is proudly featured in the new trailer for Gran Turismo 5.

2010 FT-86 G Sports Toyota Concept Car

With an array of upgrades, particularly turbo charging of the Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, the example was developed to help promote Toyota’s new G Sports styling kits, exclusive to the Japanese market. Toyota plans to use the badge in series of cars modified by motorsports firm Gazoo Racing to be released only in Japan.

Body modifications include a wider, and smoothed-out front bumper that leads to wider wheel arches. A new front spoiler can also be seen at the bottom. The car's hood, now with air vents, is made from carbon fiber.

The car has a new rear spoiler sitting on top of the decklid, which now includes a new strip of lighting. The rear bumper is more squared off, with a diffuser that brings the dual exhaust pipes to the center.

Toyota FT-86 G has rounded off exterior mods with a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Potenza RE050 tires size 245/40 R19 up front and 275/35 R19 at the rear. The only interior upgrade that is mentioned by Gazoo is the addition of a pair of Recaro bucket seats.

2010 Toyota Sports Car FT-86 G Sports Concept Car

Toyota baffled every car lover beyond belief when revealed the FT-86 G Sports Concept car on the very first day of the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010. The new concept car from the world's largest automaker has been revealed in person and virtually. The Toyota FT-86 G Sports Concept Car was introduced to the public at the Tokyo Auto Salon, and is proudly featured in the new trailer for Gran Turismo 5.

2010 FT-86 G Sports Toyota Concept Car

With an array of upgrades, particularly turbo charging of the Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, the example was developed to help promote Toyota’s new G Sports styling kits, exclusive to the Japanese market. Toyota plans to use the badge in series of cars modified by motorsports firm Gazoo Racing to be released only in Japan.

Body modifications include a wider, and smoothed-out front bumper that leads to wider wheel arches. A new front spoiler can also be seen at the bottom. The car's hood, now with air vents, is made from carbon fiber.

The car has a new rear spoiler sitting on top of the decklid, which now includes a new strip of lighting. The rear bumper is more squared off, with a diffuser that brings the dual exhaust pipes to the center.

Toyota FT-86 G has rounded off exterior mods with a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Potenza RE050 tires size 245/40 R19 up front and 275/35 R19 at the rear. The only interior upgrade that is mentioned by Gazoo is the addition of a pair of Recaro bucket seats.

2010 Toyota Rukus

Toyota launched its head rotation Rukus - hot and hip urban alternative to small vehicles sport utilities and sport wagons. New challenges Rukus rules car design with brazen square shape, which has become a landmark.

Toyota laugh Rukus - with square lines and flat surfaces - for people who "think in a box.

Toyota A-BAT Hybrid Pickup Jeep Concept

The Japanese automaker, Toyota, present A-BAT hybrid pickup concept at the Detroit Motor Show later this month.

Far from a conservative-style vehicles, which currently favors Toyota showrooms, unique look of the concept is the combination of large body surface, intersect with a hard surface planes, crisp lines and the trapezoidal profile. Toyota A-BAT in 19-inch wheels sit at the corners of the car creates a tough and is ready.

The Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept Car

Toyota wants to adolescent dreams about work, apparently.

FT-HS hybrid sports car concept will be premiered on January 7 at the North American International Auto Show, and we can expect, 50:50 weight distribution and the 400 + hp monster of transmission is very similar to the Lexus GS 450H: 3,5 liter V6,

related to the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system (which may mean Sulev emissions, but no word on fuel economy yet). This may be the next Supra.

Interestingly, this is not a direct effect of the car on the environment, although we can expect that it is better than "traditional" V8 gasoline engine with the sports car will compete with the (lesser of two evils). No, the interesting thing is "halo" effect, it could, making hybrids cool and desirable new public. Even if they never end up buying this model, they saw technology and associate it with something they want, not what they do not.

Tesla to partner with Toyota to Build Electric Vehicle

Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors have announced that they intend to cooperate on the production of electric-vehicles, parts and production system and engineering support. Toyota will purchase a $50 million of Tesla’s common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla’s currently planned IPO.

Toyota will invest $50 million for a private placement of Tesla common stock and the state of California will provide a sales tax abatement to Tesla for capital equipment expenditures to tool up the plant. Musk estimated that the abatement will amount to about $20 million over the next several years.

The NUMMI - New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. - plant located in Fremont, only 17 miles from Tesla's new headquarters, ceased operations on April 1 after producing its last car, a red Toyota Corolla S believed to be destined for a museum in Japan.

The first car to roll of the production line will be Tesla's Model S electric sedan which costs around $57,400. While Tesla will still be late to the game when compared to the LEAF or the Volt, this amps up the company's reputation ten-fold. For a recent study just named Toyota as one of the top three companies consumers would buy an EV from.




Press Release

Tesla Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation Intend to Work Jointly on EV Development, TMC to Invest in Tesla

May 20, 2010 - Palo Alto, California, U.S.A. - Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced that they intend to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support.

The two companies intend to form a team of specialists to further those efforts. TMC has agreed to purchase $50 million of Tesla's common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla's currently planned initial public offering.

"I sensed the great potential of Tesla's technology and was impressed by its dedication to monozukuri (Toyota's approach to manufacturing)," said TMC President Akio Toyoda. "Through this partnership, by working together with a venture business such as Tesla, Toyota would like to learn from the challenging spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility that Tesla has. Decades ago, Toyota was also born as a venture business. By partnering with Tesla, my hope is that all Toyota employees will recall that 'venture business spirit,' and take on the challenges of the future."

"Toyota is a company founded on innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainable mobility. It is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Toyota would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla," said Tesla CEO and cofounder Elon Musk. "We look forward to learning and benefiting from Toyota's legendary engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise."

TMC has, since its foundation in 1937, operated under the philosophy of "contributing to the society through the manufacture of automobiles," and made cars that satisfy its many customers around the world. TMC introduced the first-generation Prius hybrid vehicle in 1997, and produced approximately 2.5 million hybrids in the twelve years since. Late last year, TMC started lease of Prius Plug-in Hybrids, which can be charged using an external power source such as a household electric outlet. The company also plans to introduce EVs into the market by 2012.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla service rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.


Tesla Motors Announces Factory in Northern California
Silicon Valley factory will become the home of the Model S sedan

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Tesla Motors has purchased the former NUMMI factory in Fremont, California, where it will build the Model S sedan and future Tesla vehicles. As recently as April of 2010, the NUMMI factory was used by Toyota to produce the Corolla and Tacoma vehicles using the industry-leading Toyota production system. It is one of the largest, most advanced and cleanest automotive production plants in the world.

It is capable of producing half a million vehicles per year or approximately 1 percent of total worldwide car production. The award-winning plant was the birthplace of the vaunted Toyota Production System, a widely copied system that lead to dramatic quality improvements and unprecedented manufacturing flexibility and worker satisfaction.

The Model S is expected to be the first pure electric premium sedan and is designed from the ground up to take full advantage of the electric vehicle architecture. The sedan, which Tesla unveiled in March 2009, has an anticipated base price of $49,900, including a federal tax credit, and is intended to deliver the foremost design and technology in the automotive world. With an optional extended-range battery pack, the Model S will travel over 300 miles per charge.

The factory is located in the city of Fremont near Northern California's Silicon Valley, very near Tesla's Palo Alto headquarters. The location means Tesla can hire best-in-class engineers in Silicon Valley. The short distance also ensures a tight feedback loop between engineering, manufacturing and other divisions within the company.

"The Tesla Factory effectively leverages an ideal combination of hardcore Silicon Valley engineering talent, traditional automotive engineering talent and the proven Toyota production system," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "The new Tesla Factory will give us plenty of room to grow."

Toyota produced its last car there just last month. Tesla began discussions to acquire the site this spring, when it was also evaluating opportunities in Downey and Long Beach. The turnkey nature of the facility with its recent production of top quality vehicles and its considerable room for expansion made it stand out from other sites.