Toyota Supra Back On Track And May Appear In October

Toyota FT-HS Concept

The JDM fanatics over at 7tune.com claim to have the skinny on the next generation Toyota Supra successor. Personally, I’ve been out on big-T performance since they killed my 2JZ-GTE back in 2002. However, rumor has it that the new Supra has been slowly inching along, taking a back seat to the Toyobaru 086A. This time, Paul Walker can choose to go green if he likes. Toyota will follow up on the promise made by the FT-HS Hybrid Sports car by using the 3.5L V6 from the RX450h. Power should add up to 400 hp at the rear wheels. And for those of you who don’t want no part of that there battery shit, they’ve got you covered as well. Follow the jump for more details and what I hope the Supra won’t look like.

Lucky for the old-school ricers out there, Toyota is developing a non-hybrid version as well. The design stage is just about finished and test mule development will begin shortly. Price should be between $30K and $40K when production begins in 2011, and we’ll hopefully get a preview at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show in October.

So, which of you will be the first douchebag with a coffee-can exhaust on your hybrid? The line to get your ass kicked starts here.

Toyota Prius Hearse by Lequios

It’s your last auto ride on the planet, most likely, so why make a CO2-spewing statement that you don’t care if the glaciers melt all over the living? Forget that plush Caddy hearse … you need a Prius! Lequios has come to the rescue of eco-funeral lovers everywhere by producing this $80,000 stretched hybrid. They’ve added 77 inches, for a total length of just over 21 feet, and hundreds of pounds of weight – and yet, the intact hybrid drivetrain will still get your mortician a very respectible 44 MPG.

No word on top speed or performance, but we’re going to go out on a limb here and guess it’ll be slower than just about any other hearse on the planet. Who cares about speed though when you are going out in such green style? By the way, sorry about the cheesy photoshopped images that were provided by the manufacturer. We are aware that the photo above showing the interior is of Lequios’ Mercedes S-Class hearse’s interior … it seems that the manufacturer just wants to illustrate what the Prius hearse’s interior will probably look like.

[Source: Inventorspot]

WTF? No, Seriously, WTF? Aston Martin Cygnet a Rebadged Toyota iQ???

OK, words don’t even begin to describe our reaction to the news that Aston Martin is considering rebranding the upcoming Toyota iQ city car as a Aston Martin. No joke. We’re like not even joking. Multiple sources are reporting that Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, is seriously considering introducing this badge-engineered Toyota into the Aston lineup. In a press release describing the Cygnet concept, Bez describes it as “akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht … allow[ing] us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market.”

In the photo above, you see the Aston designers photoshopping crafting a marque grille onto the diminutive 117.5 inch coupe. Word is it will still be powered by the Toyota engine, a 998cc 3-cylinder that makes all of 67 horsepower. Best of all, the price is set to be roughly double what the Toyota version, the iQ, will sell for in the UK … $33,000 versus $15,000. The photo below shows the Toyota iQ.

This is totally insane. We’ll keep you posted about what pans out with this modern-day Cadillac Cimarron case study.

[Source: Various, including NYT]

Toyota Recalling Vehicles For Capacity Concern

2009 Scion xB: One of Several Recalled Vehicles

In the latest recall from Toyota, 1,348 vehicles, including the 2010 Toyota Tundra, the 2009 Toyota Yaris, Tacoma, Sienna, RAV4, Highlander and the 2009 Scion xB and TC will be pulled back into dealerships because incorrect labels were used that may result in the vehicles’ being overloaded, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2010 Toyota Tundra

In the summary of the recall the NHTSA cites that mislabeling may encourage an overload of carrying capacity, increasing the risk of a crash.”Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash,” said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem.

Toyota will contact owners and provide them with a new, accurate label. In other documentation filed with the federal government, the automaker said “each label will be generated specifically for each consumer’s vehicle, based on the accessories actually installed.” However, Toyota also noted that “a small number of vehicles (less than 50) cannot be remedied with a new, accurate label because the amount of accessories added to the vehicle has caused the cargo-carrying capacity to become negative after accounting for occupancy of each designated seating position.” It said it is “still developing a remedy for these vehicles.”

2010 Toyota Prius has a waiting list, Toyota still expects red-ink this year

While the rest of the automotive industry is struggling moving cars out of the showrooms, there is a high-demand for Toyota’s 2010 Prius, which now has a waiting list. Toyota received about 80,000 orders for the 2010 Prius before it went on sale in Japan. In May, Toyota sold 110,000 2010 models.

The 2010 Toyota Prius is just rolling into U.S. showrooms and has brought back overtime at the Japanese automaker’s Tsutsumi plant.

Nonetheless, despite strong-Prius sales, Toyota still expects red-ink this year. The company reported in May that it expects global sales to fall 14 percent in the year to March 2010.

“I feel very relieved and excited that they are selling well,” said Akihiko Otsuka, chief engineer of the Prius. “I expect sales to push up the entire car market. I am not pessimistic about the future.”

Honda said earlier this morning that it may have difficulty reaching its annual target for the 2010 Honda Insight.

2010 Toyota Prius:

Gas should be $10/gallon, Toyota Prius isn’t a true hybrid

Speaking at Wired Business Conference, Tesla Motors founder and CEO Elon Musk said that he is “anti-tax” but “pro-carbon tax.” Gasoline “should probably be $10″ per gallon Musk said.

“I’m not paying for the true cost of gasoline at the pump…since nobody’s explicitly paying for the CO2 capacity of the oceans and atmospheres, it’s getting consumed. We will pay for it down the road, but we are sort of ignoring it for now.”

Taking a shot at the Toyota Prius, Musk said: ”A Prius is not a true hybrid, really,” he said. “The current Prius is like, 2 percent electric. It’s a gasoline car with slightly better mileage.”

Tesla recently delivered the 500th Tesla Roadster to an entrepreneur in New Jersey. The company is now working on getting its Tesla Model S sedan on the road by mid-2011.

Tesla Model S:

Source: CNET Green Tech

2010 Lexus RX and 2009 Toyota Venza get IIHS 2009 Top Safety Pick award

The 2010 Lexus RX and the 2009 Toyota Venza SUVs have both earned the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s 2009 Top Safety Pick award. To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute’s front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control, which is standard on the Toyota Venza and Lexus RX.

“Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results,” says Institute president Adrian Lund.

The 2009 Toyota Venza and the 2010 Lexus RX both received a rating of ‘Good’ in frontal offset, side impact and rear strength tests.

Toyota iQ3 (iQ Cubed) pricing details announced for the UK

Unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor show in March, Toyota has now announced pricing details on the 2009 Toyota IQ3 (iQ Cubed). Alongside the 1.0L VVT-i, the iQ3 will be offered with a 1.33L Dual VVT-i and Toyota Optimal Drive Technology with prices starting at £11,495 ($18,773 USD) for the manual model and £12,495 ($20,407 USD) Multidrive automatic.

The new engine in the iQ pumps out 98-hp with a maximum torque of 92 lb-ft. A new Stop & Start system reduces fuel-consumption of the iQ by three percent helping it return 58.9 mpg (49 mpg U.S.). The Multidrive automatic model averages a fuel-economy of to 55.4 mpg (46 mpg U.S.).

The Toyota iQ3 will be offered with four accessory packs including iStyle, iUrban, iSports and iConnect. Other optional include leather seating and satellite navigation.

Toyota iQ3 (iQ Cubed):

Press Release:

CLEVERER THAN EVER: INTRODUCING THE NEW TOYOTA iQ3

* New iQ3 (iQ cubed) powered by 98bhp 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine with Toyota Optimal Drive
* Toyota Stop & Start system increases fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions
* Class-leading fuel economy and emissions - 58.9mpg and 113g/km (six-speed manual)
* Also available with Multidrive CVT transmission - 55.4mpg and 120g/km
* Exclusive iQ3 equipment features, including 16-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels and chrome door mirror housings
* On sale now, price £11,495 (manual) and £12,495 (Multidrive)
* Four accessory packs available - iStyle, iUrban, iSports and iConnect
* Optional Leather seat trim and Satellite Navigation

Toyota’s iQ range is extended for the first time since launch with the introduction to the line-up of a 1.33-litre engine. The highly efficient lightweight unit, already successfully deployed in Auris, Yaris and Urban Cruiser is offered exclusively in the new iQ3 model.

Benefiting from Toyota Optimal Drive technology for a class-leading combination of power, fuel economy and low emissions, it uses Dual VVT-i control of both intake and exhaust valves to deliver strong torque at low to medium engine speeds and achieve maximum efficiency.

The headline figures broadcast the exceptional customer benefits in terms of running costs. With manual transmission, iQ3 returns an official 58.9mpg in combined cycle driving, and 113g/km of CO2 - Band B for road tax (£35 annual charge) - both of which are best-in-class figures. Equipped with Toyota’s new Multidrive CVT system, fuel economy is just as good, while emissions rise slightly to 120g/km, but remain within Band B.

This achievement is not at the expense of performance. The engine develops a maximum 98bhp at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 125Nm at 4,400rpm. Nought to 62mph can be achieved in 11.8 seconds (11.6 with Multidrive) and top speed is 106mph. This underlines the fact that iQ is more than just a city runabout, giving a strong, stable and enjoyable drive at motorway speeds.

Matched to a compact, lightweight six-speed manual gearbox, the engine features Toyota’s Stop & Start system. This automatically cuts the engine when the car comes to a stop and the gear shift is moved to neutral; when a gear is selected, the engine restarts quickly (in just 0.4 seconds) and seamlessly, thanks to the use of a permanently engaged gear mechanism. In urban driving - iQ’s natural environment - Stop & Start can yield fuel consumption savings of up to 15 per cent.

iQ3 is also available with Multidrive, Toyota’s new stepless CVT (continuously variable transmission).

One of the key elements of the 1.33-litre engine is its piston design. Smaller and lighter than on the previous 1.3 unit, they are designed with a smaller contact area and use carbon ceramide, an advanced material more commonly used in Formula One engineering, to reduce friction.

iQ3 carries forward the premium specification of iQ2 but with some additional, exclusive features: the door mirrors have chrome-finished housings and the car rides on larger, 16-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels. The choice of six paint finishes includes Decuma Grey metallic, which is also exclusive to iQ3.

The standard equipment features include automatic headlights and wipers, climate control, electric folding and heated door mirrors, Smart Entry and Start, auto-dimming rear view mirror, six-speaker sound system, front fog lights and a leather trimmed steering wheel. Nine airbags are fitted, including the world’s first rear window airbag, and the active safety package includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRC).

iQ3 is on sale now. On-the-road prices are £11,495 for the six-speed manual version and £12,495 with Multidrive.

iQ Accessory Packs and Options

Four themed accessory packs have been assembled for iQ, giving owners an easy way to give their car that something extra.

* iStyle (£295) adds chrome surrounds to the front fog lights, chrome side sills, a chrome strip on the tailgate and aluminium scuff plates.
* iUrban (£345) provides rear parking sensors, a reversible rubber/velour boot liner (for use when the rear seats are folded flat) and carpet mats.
* iSports (£495) focuses on style with a neat roof spoiler, deep rear skirt and inverted delta-shape chrome exhaust tailpipe finisher.
* iConnect (£375) keeps you in touch on the move with Bluetooth, plus the neat detachable Glovebag to store documents and small personal items.

With such a high standard specification on iQ3, there are just two extra-cost options: leather seat upholstery (£690) and a fully integrated satellite navigation system with Bluetooth and iPod integration (£930).

Toyota/Subaru RWD coupe design will be inspired by the Lexus LF-A

The much anticipated rear-wheel-drive sports coupe from Toyota and Subaru is on track for a 2011 release. The folks over at 7Tune have dug up some more information on the Toyobaru, internally known as the 086A. According to insiders, design of the 086A will be inspired by the Lexus LF-A with slight differences between the Subaru and Toyota versions.

Sources say that Subaru is considering an STi version of the car while Toyota still has yet to confirm a TRD version. Nonetheless, an STi version is expected to be offered regardless of whether Toyota offers a TRD version or not.

Insiders say that keeping the price of the 086A at 2 million yen is very crucial for the success of the car. We hope to have official details from Toyota and Subaru soon. In the meantime check out the specification list put together by 7Tune after the jump.

Toyota Subaru Compact FR “086A” Specifications:

Engine: EJ20 Direct Injection Gasoline 4 Cylinder

Capacity: 1994cc

Power: 200PS

Torque: 20.0kg/m

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

Wheelbase: 2470mm

Total Length: 4200mm

Total Width: 1750mm

Total Height: 1300mm

Weight: 1200kg

Cost: 2,000,000 JPY

Source: 7Tune

GM denies talking to Toyota about licensing hybrid synergy drive

General Motors announced yesterday that the Pontiac Vibe will end production in August at the company’s New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) facility jointly operated in partnership with Toyota.

GM’s North America President Troy Clarke today denied reports that the Detroit automaker is looking to license Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive systems.

Clarke said that GM is ”still in discussions with Toyota on the joint venture and potential products.”

GM and Toyota together produce the Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Corolla at NUMMI.

2011 Toyota Supra to get 400-hp via 3.5L V6 mated to a hybrid system

Till this day, the ultimate sports car for Toyota enthusiasts remains the Toyota Supra. The beloved Toyota sports car ended production in 2002, and ever since there has been continuos speculation of a successor.

When the Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Concept made its debut back in 2007, the possibility of a Supra successor started to look bright; however, Toyota later said that sports car just have a lesser priority on the company’s to-do list.

Well, according to the insiders at 7Tune, work has secretly continued on a Supra successor and with enthusiast Akio Toyoda now taking over as CEO, we’re probably closer than ever to a new Toyota Supra.

Internally known as the 086A, a prototype is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. The car has moved out of design phase and sources say that Toyota is looking at a 3.5L V6 engine that will be mated to the current Toyota Crown hybrid system delivering a total of 400-hp to the rear-wheel-drive sports car.

As reported before, the Supra successor is expected to debut in late 2011.

Toyota’s new leader warns of another two tough years

We’re pretty sure Akio Toyoda, grandson of Toyota’s founder, didn’t expect taking over the company at a time where demand in the auto industry is at an all time low. Nonetheless, the 53-year old Toyoda family member is here and ready to push the world’s no.1 car company back to profit, which he warns could take another two tough years.

Toyoda said that he will do more to build a more autonomous North American operation and shift focus to marketing a more region-specific vehicle lineup. Toyota, which now faces a second year of record loss, will aim to cut costs so it can be profitable using just 70 percent of its factory capacity.

“We want to do everything possible to avoid a third consecutive year of losses,” Toyoda told reporters.

Toyoda said that he is focused on taking the company ‘back to basics,’ without closing plants or slashing full-time jobs.

Toyota promised its shareholders to do better to recover from a 461 billion yen ($4.8 billion) operating loss. For now, for the year to March 2010, Toyota forecasts an even bigger loss of 850 billion yen.

Toyota and Daimler talking cooperation on sharing development cost

According to a report by Auto Motor und Sport, Toyota is considering building versions of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class on its own MC platform. The move will allow Toyota to better use its European plants in the long term.

The publications cited sours at Toyota’s Tokyo headquarters as saying that the two companies are looking into ways to share development cost and examine the possibility of a joint production of the Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans.

“It’s part of our normal business practice that we regularly talk to other carmakers but there are no specific projects planned at the moment,” a spokeswoman for Toyota Motor Europe said.

Damiler, on the other hand, called the report “speculation.”

Toyota woes spell trouble for Fuji Speedway

Toyota's Timo Glock at the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix at the Fuji Speedway

In any game of chicken, it's all about who flinches first. Ever since its first running in 1963, the Japanese Grand Prix has bounced between Fuji Speedway and Suzuka Circuit, the former dominating in the '60s and '70s before the latter got the exclusive in the late-'80s through 2006, at which point Fuji took over again. The rivalry is about more than just the tracks, though: With Toyota owning Fuji and arch-rival Honda owning Suzuka, the back-and-forth has become something of a turf war between the country's automotive powerhouses.
Two years ago, the two tracks worked out a deal that would have the race alternating year to year, sort of like Germany's arrangement between Hockenheim and the Nürburgring. However, emerging reports suggest that tightening belts at Toyota could spell trouble for Fuji Speedway. The costs of hosting a Formula 1 grand prix event continue to escalate, and those costs may be harder to justify for the cash-strapped auto giant - especially if ticket sales don't cover the budget. Honda is likely in no better a financial situation, as evidenced by their unfortunate withdrawal from the sport. But if Toyota flinches first, Honda might win the race... in one sense or another.
[Source: F1-Live | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]

Toyota woes spell trouble for Fuji Speedway

Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size models

According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, Toyota is considering a partnership with Daimler to build Mercedes-Benz' A- and B-Class sub-compacts on the Japanese automaker's MC platform. The idea is to maximize the efficiency and output of Toyota's European plants, and could also include sharing development costs on each brand's next generation flagships: the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class. Daimler has dismissed the report as "speculation," while a Toyota Motor Europe spokesman toed the company line, only saying "It's part of our normal business practice that we regularly talk to other carmakers but there are no specific projects planned at the moment."
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Reuters]

Toyota Camry tops this year's Cars.com American-Made Index

Cars.com has once again published its annual American-Made Index that rates vehicles built within the United States based on their sales and percentage of domestic parts content. This year's list has a number of movers and shakers based mainly on the fact that a troubled economy has torpedoed sales of some models and others are now ineligible because their parent brands are being canceled.
The Ford F-150 has lost its top ranking in the American-Made Index for the first time since Cars.com began producing the list back in 2006. The new No. 1 is - gasp - the Toyota Camry. Assembled in Georgetown, KY and Lafayette, IN, the Camry's upswing in domestic parts content helped it barely edge out the F-150, which has seen both its sales and domestic parts content fall year-over-year. Toyota, in fact, had four models make the American-Made Index this year including the Sienna, Tundra and first-timer Venza.
General Motors placed the Chevrolet Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra, while Ford had the aforementioned F-150, and list newcomer Ford Taurus, which enjoys the highest domestic parts content of 90 percent. No Chrysler vehicles made the top ten, although one Honda did: the Lincoln, AL Odyssey has an 80 percent domestic parts content rating and thus sewed up the #10 spot. You can view the full list after the jump and visit Cars.com to read more about how the index was produced.
[Source: Cars.com]

Aston Martin Cygnet adds a smart set of clothes to the Toyota iQ

Toyota iQ-based Aston Martin Cygnet Concept

With a nod to our current global economic and environmental issues, super GT maker Aston Martin has reportedly announced the world's first super luxury supermini. Having blown their development budget on the V12 Vantage RS, Rapide and One-77 hypercar, they turned to an unlikely partner for some help: Toyota. Aston Martin has taken the Toyota iQ 3+1 commuter and given it a tailored suit from Savile Row. The result is the new Aston Martin Cygnet you see above. In case you're wondering, a "cygnet" is a baby swan, not to be confused with an ugly duckling.
Although technically just a concept, word has it that the vehicle will be put into limited production and sold exclusively to existing Aston Martin owners, at least initially. There's a full press release after the jump, but the Cygnet should sell for around £20,000 (around $33k USD) when it goes on sale late next year. The car will retain the iQ's unique 3+1 seating but will be tailored to the individual customer's needs when it is assembled in Gaydon. Think of it as a move to "1-down" BMW's MINI brand. We only have the one photo for now, but from what we can see it doesn't look as unfortunate as we might have expected with Aston's distinctive grille, hood cutouts, side vents, and of course, the winged badge. Still, you have to wonder what this sort of thing might do to the Engish company's brand equity, no? Follow the jump for the presser. Thanks to everyone for the tips!
[Source: Toyota via Autocar]

Aston Martin Cygnet adds a smart set of clothes to the Toyota iQ

Toyota reaffirms 2015 release of new hydrogen vehicle

Toyota Highlander FCV

In 2007, Toyota drove one of its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia. Earlier that same year, a Toyota FCHV drove from Tokyo to Osaka on one tank. The company is certainly in favor of at least researching the technology, and it has repeatedly said that it will start series production of a fuel cell vehicle in the middle of the next decade. At one point, Toyota hinted that 2014 might mark the big year, but that's looking unlikely now.
During a recent shareholders' meeting in Japan, Toyota VP Masatami Takimoto said that Toyota now plans to start production of this new car in 2015. That's still quite soon, as no one expects the hydrogen infrastructure problem to be solved by then.

Toyota reaffirms 2015 release of new hydrogen vehicle

Toyota Prius ad campaign most liked by TV viewers (w/VIDEO)

2010 Toyota Prius Harmony commercial

By now, we've all probably seen the commercials from Toyota's latest marketing campaign for the 2010 Prius hybrid... and we've all probably developed an opinion about them. Any time an advertising campaign is as interesting and different as this one, there are bound to be opposing viewpoints either favoring or strongly disliking them.
Fortunately for Toyota, it seems that more people like the commercials for the 2010 Prius than not. In fact, Toyota's "Harmony" spot topped Nielsen's Top 10 Most-Liked New Ads list in May, and the "MPG" commercial came in at #3. For what it's worth, an advertisement for Coke came in at #2.
If you've somehow managed to miss these commercials on television since the campaign was launched back in May, we've pasted three of them after the break for your viewing pleasure. Oh, if you don't like the American marketing campaign, there's always the Japanese commercials with Superman - or better still, check out Casual Mafia's "In My Prius" sendup.
[Source: Advertising Age via Prius Chat]

Toyota's push to build green cars may destroy 17th century Japanese rice paddies

Toyota has worked hard to cultivate its image as the "green" automaker. And with so many hybrids on the road, it's hard to argue. Some critics have cited the fact that mining for battery components is bad for the environment and the thousands of miles that massive, CO2-spewing ships travel to park those hybrids on our shores more than negate the positive effects. It's hard to argue with 50 mpg for $22,000, though, and, after all, politicians love them some hybrids.
Toyota's plans to build a new technical center and test track only 30 miles from its Aichi, Japan headquarters has those critics chirping anew, as the land pegged for construction is a 17th century rice patty. Toyota plans to use the facility to fine-tune its vehicles and stay ahead of Honda and GM in the hybrid game, but the cost of the price may be a bit too steep.
To clear the 1,631 acres to create the facility, Toyota will need to deforest 691 acres, fill the rice paddies and flatten mountains. Flatten mountains? Really? Good thing Toyota also owns Hino heavy trucks. Activists allege that the construction will destroy the habitat of the endangered gray-faced buzzard and oriental honey buzzard, too.
[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Three Lions/Hutton Gallery/Getty]

Toyoda wonders aloud if Toyota has faltered by following GM's lead

During the reign of company President Katsuaki Watanabe, Toyota became the number one automaker in the world, along with amassing $52 billion in cash and marketable securities. That sounds like one of the most amazing runs in the history of the automotive industry, but it's more than a little disappointing to company scion Shoichiro Toyoda.
The 84 year-old Toyoda is apparently the mild-mannered type, but Bloomberg is reporting that he read the riot act to Watanabe and his fellow execs. The news agency's sources say that Toyoda railed Watanabe for being "so anxious to boost sales and profits that he'd let Toyota emulate bankrupt General Motors." Toyoda also reportedly chastised execs for becoming too dependent on large and expensive cars, trucks and SUVs, saying, "customers need to save money."
Toyota may have made $17.7 billion in 2007, but the $4.5 billion it lost in 2008 and the $5.7 billion it expects to shed in 2009 shows that Toyoda may be on to something. If the company is to turn around in the next few years, though, it'll have to come at the hand of another Toyoda. Shoichiro's son Akio takes over as president on Tuesday.
[Source: Bloomberg | Image Source: AFP/Getty]

115 Plug-in Toyota Prius test cars fail to crack 50 mpg average in year-long test

When Consumer Reports tested out the Hymotion L5 plug-in Toyota Prius conversion earlier this year, they weren't overwhelmed with the results. Sure, the mileage they observed was boosted to about 67 mpg over the first 35 miles of the drive, but that didn't match the claims of 100 mpg (or more) that Hymotion and A123 Systems make about their product.
To be fair to Hymotion, their qualifies mileage talk about their plug-in Prius MPG "that can achieve up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles" this way:

Hymotion PHEV fuel economy is based on independent testing performed at Argonne National Labs and Idaho National Labs. Actual mileage will vary based on each individual's driving style, route, traffic, climate conditions, terrain and other factors.

Unfortunately for Hymotion, there are new results of tests done at the Idaho National Laboratory now available and they might make the company a little less eager to promote the work done by INL. The lab drove two groups of Prius test vehicles (one 40-car fleet and another 75-car fleet) from early 2008 until March 2009 for almost 500,000 miles and found that the average fuel economy tallied 46 and 49 mpg, respectively. As you might expect, driving style and the battery mode (charge sustaining vs. charge depeleting) had a big impact on the figures. You can view the result data in these PDFs: 1, 2. Add it all up, and it sounds like PHEV proponents might want to take former Tesla marketing boss Darryl Siry's advice to electric vehicle manufacturers to heart.
What do you think - are plug-in hybrids the next big thing, an overhyped solution, or something in between? Drop us a line in the comments.

[Sources: Idaho National Laboratory; Hydrogen Car Revolution]

There's a Toyota Prius wait list?

2010 Toyota Prius

Auto sales are down - that's not exactly a surprise to anyone anymore. But Toyota has revived a little something from last summer called a wait list - for people who are interested in buying a new 2010 Prius. According to a story in The New York Times, Toyota is running its Prius production plants in Japan 24 hours a day and offering overtime to workers - even bringing in workers from other areas of the country - to meet demand for the hybrid car. Panasonic EV Energy, the Prius' battery supplier, is also working constantly to keep churning out packs for the model.
This is the effect of those higher-than-expected sales numbers. The NYT says that the waiting list is "several months" long in Japan. While impressive considering the marketplace, Toyota is still warning that 2009 will not be a profitable year for the company.