Toyota

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From Autonomous Drifting to Space Rockets: Akio Toyoda Expands Vision for Toyota at CES 2025

At the CES 2025 press conference, Toyota unveiled a series of ambitious projects and initiatives, showcasing its transformation from a traditional automaker to a comprehensive mobility company. The presentation, led by Chairman Akio Toyoda, highlighted advancements in autonomous technology, urban development, and even space exploration. While specific details were limited, Toyoda said while he initially found autonomous driving, boring, the technology behind autonomous drifting instilled new excitement in his interests. The presentation went on to show a video of two cars drifting together. This suggests a focus on developing vehicles capable of handling extreme driving conditions without human intervention. The company also alluded to ongoing research into flying cars as part of their CES announcements, although no concrete timelines or

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2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: built, billed right

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is marketed as an inexpensive small sport utility vehicle with superior fuel economy. It’s an enticing description for a family needing solid transportation, reliability, efficiency and strong brand resale value. New with last year’s model, the hybrid joins the Corolla family. Its pedigree stands alone as the best-selling car in history. The Cross debuted in 2022, with the new hybrid, of course, substantially boosting gas mileage. Key Takeaways Test car: the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid in top-line XSE trim, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid system making a combined 196 horsepower, a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive. About $36,000 as reviewed. 45 mpg city, 38 highway and 42 combined on EPA estimates, from

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2023 Toyota Crown Review: Debuts as a bold family hybrid sedan with SUV persona

Nine of the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the United States in 2022 were pickup trucks or sport utility vehicles. Once the top seller for American families, sedans continue to find fewer buyers. Toyota decided not to embrace automotive conformity with its new 2023 Crown. It’s a large family sedan with SUV tendencies. It replaces the Toyota Avalon, which debuted as a 1995 model. It had a 27-year run until four straight years of diminished sales prompted its demise. Key Takeaways Powertrain: The reviewed Limited has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 236 horsepower and three electric motors, a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds for the XLE and the reviewed Limited. 42 mpg city and 41 highway

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2023 Toyota Prius Prime Review: Older Hybrid Good, New Better, No Stereotype

During the past two decades, the Toyota Prius has been as polarizing as any car in the United States. Many consumers associate the vehicle with liberalism and chastise its appearance. Sometimes lost is the significance of the carmaker’s advancement in the hybrid and electric marketplace. The Prius debuted in the United States in 2000, three years after it was unveiled in Japan. It arrived a few months after the Honda Insight, which had limited availability and in only a few states. Toyota’s innovative lineup had mainstream distribution. Approaching its mid-20s, it has surpassed 15 million in global sales. Key Takeaways Prime tested: the top-line XSE Premium, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system producing 220 horsepower. 0-60 mph in 6.6

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The Return of a Legend: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is making a triumphant return, and it’s packed with features that off-road enthusiasts and luxury lovers alike will appreciate. With three distinct trim options (Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and Land Cruiser First Edition), this SUV offers a blend of rugged capability, innovative technology, and refined comfort. Whether you’re navigating rough trails or cruising city streets, the Land Cruiser’s range of options ensures there’s a model tailored to your needs. Explore the specifications, features, and unique characteristics of each trim to discover why the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is set to become a sought-after vehicle in the automotive market. This off-roader, known for its durability and ruggedness, is coming back with a heritage-inspired design and

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Toyota’s Solid-State Battery: A Game Changer for Electric Vehicles

Toyota, the world’s second-largest carmaker, has recently announced a significant breakthrough in battery technology that could revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The Japanese auto giant claims to have developed a solid-state battery with a range of 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) that could charge in 10 minutes or less, a feat that could potentially double the distance of vehicles running on conventional lithium-ion batteries under the same conditions. The solid-state battery, as its name implies, employs solid electrolytes, a departure from the liquid ones found in conventional lithium-ion batteries. This shift is more than just a technical nuance. It’s a potential revolution for EVs, promising to slash charging times, boost capacity, and mitigate the fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries.

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From campus to road trips: best cars for the college lifestyle

Embarking on a college journey is invigorating. From the hustle of studying, attending lectures and tackling assignments to the joys of learning, socializing and exploring, there’s never a dull moment. Having a reliable and practical vehicle can make a significant difference. Whether it’s for everyday commuting, weekend trips or occasional road trips, the right car can enhance the college lifestyle. Many students often wonder what car best fits their college lifestyle. The decision hinges on many factors, including budget, functionality, and the car’s fuel efficiency. And while you may rely on online paper writing services and have the best online essay writers write an essay for me if you’re asking “do my essays for me“, when it comes to choosing

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Toyota Research Institute’s Vision for Seamless AI-Human Integration

Putting Humans First Gill Pratt possesses a unique ability to simplify intricate concepts, making him an ideal spokesperson for Toyota Motor Co. as its chief scientist and CEO of the Toyota Research Institute (TRI). In a recent gathering at TRI’s Silicon Valley headquarters, Pratt engaged with tech reporters and analysts, including SAE Media, to discuss the increasing attention paid to artificial intelligence (AI). It’s a key area of research for TRI’s 200 scientists and engineers. With humor, Pratt addressed concerns surrounding ChatGPT, the controversial chatbot developed by OpenAI in late 2022, and its potential to write term papers for college students. He observed society has become less naive and more skeptical of technology, particularly due to the initial hype around

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2023 BMW M8 Competition Review: Color Me Green Like Money

Nearly 80 percent of all vehicles on American roads have white, black, gray or silver exterior paint. White cars lead the parade of plainness at nearly 26 percent, a dominance related to ease of fleet maintenance and public convention. BMW in recent years has decided not to always conform. The German automaker makes plenty of cars within the spectrum of the mundane. But three 2023 models stretch the limits. The M8 Competition Gran Coupe includes an offering with an Urban Green exterior matched with a Black Full Merino leather interior. The X7 xDrive40i is available with a Sparkling Copper Metallic exterior and Ivory White Merino Leather. The iX M60 EV has an Oxide Grey Metallic exterior choice matched with Oyster

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2022 Toyota Tundra improved but glory days long gone

The Toyota Tundra debuted in its third generation this year as among the most varied available pickup trucks but with a diminishing legacy. The Japanese manufacturer assembles the truck in San Antonio, Texas, a hub for ranchers and RVers and their utilitarian vehicles. Despite the substantial niche market, the Tundra is struggling. Nearly 197,000 sold in 2007, the full-size truck’s best year. Just under 82,000 were purchased in 2021. Serious competition from an omnipresent truck foursome remains, and the Tundra’s smaller, thriving pickup, the Tacoma, has thwarted the big truck’s sales. Key Takeaways Powertrains: a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with as much as 389 horsepower, or a hybrid with an electric motor and 437 horsepower, both with 10-speed automatic transmissions. 0-60

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Toyota Tundra sales plummet, few changes planned for 2023

The Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck had its peak annual sales 15 years ago when the 2007 year-end tally was just under 197,000. With increased competition, the truck’s selling success has never been anywhere close. Since 2018, sales of the Tundra have drastically dipped from 118,258 in 2018 to 81,959 in 2021. It was the poorest sales tally for the Tundra since 2009. In 2020, the Tundra was sharply criticized, including by U.S. News & World Report. It wrote: “It’s been 13 years since this Toyota got a complete redesign. Most full-size rivals have more comfortable interiors, smoother rides, better composure, and higher-end cabins. Though the Tundra comes standard with a powerful V8 engine, it still can’t tow or haul

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2022 Toyota Highlander: maturing SUV remains worthy

The Toyota Highlander turned age 22 in 2022 and it retains its status as a respected midsize sport utility vehicle. Its consistency and versatility have provided long-haul clout. Last year, the Highlander had its best sales year since the three-row family hauler’s debut. Key Takeaways Test car: the top-line Platinum trim, which begins at $47,500; the base L front-wheel-drive choice begins at $35,205. 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission. 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with front-wheel drive; 20 and 27 mpg with all-wheel drive. Seating for seven and 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. Safety: the Safety Sense 2.5+ suite is standard, with a pre-collision system

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2022 Toyota Supra matches sports car rivals, costs less

More than two dozen cars debuted in 1979. They varied from long-gone oddities like the Datsun Bluebird and Ford Durango to icons with legions of followers, the Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Supra. As a compact two-seater, four-seater and wagon, the Jetta is an all-time top seller as a durable, reliable and affordable family car. Key Takeaways Test car: the Supra 3.0, a turbocharged six-cylinder with 382 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic; a manual transmission is not available. $56,390 as driven. 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds for the 3.0-liter, at 22 mpg city and 30 highway. 2.0-liter alternative: 255 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, 25 mpg city and 32 highway. Design: Sports car design attractiveness is subjective, but the Supra

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2023 Toyota Sequoia: vast upgrades for plush, powerful SUV

After five years of only slight changes, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia will debut this summer as a new generation of the large SUV with interior upgrades, technology improvements and a more powerful powertrain. The Sequoia will be offered in two-wheel drive or the available part-time four-wheel-drive system on SR5, Limited, Platinum and Capstone grades. The TRD Pro will be offered only in four-wheel drive. The part-time four-wheel-drive system relies on a transfer case, controlled via a lever on the center console to select between two-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive high or four-wheel-drive low. One powertrain will be offered, the same i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain in the Toyota Tundra. It will include 437 horsepower and 583-pound feet of torque. The towing capacity has been

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#217, RVs, Tesla, Hyundai Santa Cruz, World Car of the Year

New RVs. A massive Tesla recall. Hyundai‘s new hip pickup. The World Car of the Year nominations. It’s all covered, and more, this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia don’t have a guest on Episode No. 217, which gives us the ideal opportunity to catch up with the never-ending and always-changing automotive landscape. We start with the continuing still-new exploits of Bruce and his wife’s adventures in their 29-foot Keystone RV and its towing vehicle a new Ford F-250 pickup truck. Bruce details learning the nuances of backing the RV into a camping site and his quickly advancing skill set as a first-time RV owner. Depending upon perspective, Elon Musk is the most important

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2022 Toyota GR86: It’s back, it’s flawed, it’s fun

If the criteria for purchasing a new car is driving fun but without supreme acceleration, carrying cargo or children, environmental concerns, the latest technology, comfort or a quiet, serene ride, buy a 2022 Toyota GR86. Its seemingly sole purpose is pure joy. The GR86 scoots around in city driving with ease and it deftly maneuvers along country roads because that’s what it does best. For all practical purposes, the pleasure can be shared with no more than one passenger. Key Takeaways Test car: the Premium trim, with a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder making 228 horsepower. $28,635 Base and $31,325 Premium. 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, with the quarter-mile in 14 seconds at 101 mph. 21 mpg city and 31 highway.

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