2012 Toyota RAV4 EV to use Tesla Motors' components

It has been officially confirmed that the upcoming electric-powered Toyota RAV4 EV compact crossover SUV, which is expected to arrive sometime in 2012, will have its crucial components --including the battery and the gearbox-- developed by the U.S.-based Tesla Motors company.

2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will start from $37,290

The refreshed 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid crossover SUV will be delivered to the U.S. market with a single 3.5-liter V6 gasoline powerplant, four-wheel drive system and a choice of only two trims: Base ($37,290) and Limited ($42,945.)

Choosing between a "normal" and a hybrid-powered Highlander will be a tough thing, especially if you make the choice not only with your wallet (the Highlander SE V6 FWD costs $4140 less than the 4WD Highlander Hybrid Base,) but also with your eyes and heart. The hybrid-powered version of the SUV with its exclusive front fascia looks rather dull and uninspiring, but at the same time offers better mileage in city driving.

According to EPA estimates, the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which is equipped with a 270hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 10hp high-torque electric motor, will offer around 28 mpg in a city cycle, which is 3 mpg better than a base Highlander with a 187hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine can achieve.

The hybrid's "4WD-ness" is a kind of marketing trick, however, since the vehicle's rear wheel is powered only by the electric motor. As many owners of the Lexus RX 450h may witness, this kind of 4WD system often proves ineffective when the vehicle's front wheels are suck in a snow drift or in a particularly nasty mud hole. The electric motor is just too weak to pull the heavy SUV out of the trouble.

However, if you do not plan going off the well-paved roads and live in a warm climate, the Highlander Hybrid may be an interesting choice. While being very fuel efficient and not particularly expensive (especially when compared to the RX 450h that starts from much more impressive $43,235,) the crossover SUV offers a number of pleasantries, including seven-seating capacity, and an optional Leather Package that includes leather-trimmed front seats with front seat heaters, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift knob. The list of features also includes power moonroof, HomeLink, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, as well as an engine immobilizer with security alarm.

For some extra money one may also get a Tech Audio package including a USB port, integrated XM Satellite and Bluetooth, a backup monitor with 3.5-inch multi-information display, an eight-way power drivers seat, tonneau cover, engine immobilizer, easy-clean fabric interior, flip-up liftgate window, fog lamps and black roof rails.

See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid debuts

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Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport to be unveiled in Frankfurt

At the upcoming motor show in Frankfurt, Toyota will present its new Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport vehicle. Well, it takes a lot of guts to envision a cross-country version of a car that was supposed to be an off-roader for starters.




The last generation of Toyota RAV4 was essentially a city-dweller that only looked like a small SUV. Unfortunately, current model doesn't even sport a SUV-like appearance, looking more like a station wagon with slightly increased ground clearance. No wonder that Toyota's marketing department has eventually decided to introduce a trim with more muscular and SUV-like looks.



The Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport will be powered by a choice of three engines, including a 2.0 liter 152 hp VVT-I and a 2.2 liter D-4D diesel.

The list of equipment includes 17-inch alloys, LED tail-lamps, a DVD navigation system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, parking assistance and anthracite colored seats.

The car is expected to arrive in European dealerships by the middle of this month.

See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander starts at $27,300

Technorati tags: Toyota, RAV4, Cross Sport, DVD, LED, SUV

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2008 Toyota Highlander starts at $27,300

The new generation of Highlanders will be slightly more expensive than the outgoing model of the popular crossover SUV. In return, Toyota promises more power, better fuel efficiency and an impressive set of safety features coming as standard.



Based on the Toyota Camry sedan, the 2008 Toyota Highlander will be available in three trims -- Base, Sport and Limited. They will all be motivated by the same new 3.5-liter V6 VVT-i engine capable of producing up to 270 hp, which is 55 hp more than the older 3.3-liter engine could provide. Toyota says that, although being more powerful, the new motor will not be significantly thirstier than the engine available with the last-year's Highlanders.



The crossovers will also be much safer than the older model. The list of standard safety equipment includes enhanced vehicle stability control, with electronic power steering, traction control, seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows in addition to active headrests for the driver and front passenger, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.



As to the prices, the Base trim will be available at $27,300 for the 4x2 models and $28,750 for the AWD. Both models will be about 2 percent more expensive than the outgoing vehicle.

The Sport trim will carry a little bit heavier price tags of $29,950 for the 4x2 and $31,400 for the 4x4.

The top of the line Toyota Highlander Limited will be available at $32,700 for the 4x2 and $34,150 for the 4x4 model. Both members of the Limited trim will be 6 percent more expensive than the current Highlander. Dollar is getting cheaper all the time, yeah?



See also: Hyundai Veracruz crossover will start at $26,350

Technorati tags: Toyota, Highlander, V6, crossover, VVT-i, cars, SUV

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2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid debuts

Toyota has presented its recent take on the hybrid vehicle idea. Its new 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid car-based SUV, unveiled today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, features Toyota's a longer than life list of comfort and safety equipment, as well as VDIM stability system and impressive for its weight and size mileage at 31 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.



Available from September, the new Toyota Highlander Hybrid will be equipped with full-time four-wheel drive with intelligence, electronic brake and throttle control, as well as true electronically-controlled active steering. To make the SUV even safer, Toyota plans to ship the vehicle with its STAR safety system, including anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and enhanced vehicle stability control with electronic power steering.



Of course, what's the most interesting about new Toyota Highlander is its new and upgraded Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which has its maximum power output increased to 270 net horsepower. Toyota says that's enough to motivate the bigger SUV, which is now 500 pounds heavier than the previous model.



The only trouble with the new Toyota Highlander is that it's car-based. Yes, I understand that this breed of mid-size SUVs is much safer on the road and provide more comfortable driving experience, but I'm afraid the new Highlander's off-road capabilities will suck a big deal, hybrid or no hybrid.



Technorati tags: 2008, Toyota, Highlander, SUV, cars, Hybrid, mpg, Hybrid Synergy Drive

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