Toyota’s new Scion is truly something to behold
The FR-S represents a huge departure for Toyota’s Scion brand. For starters, it looks really good.
Second, it offers genuinely remarkable performance. At its best, the FR-S harkens back to old-school sports cars with ample — but not absurd — power output, glove-tight steering and a ride that’s very firm but still not too punishing considering all the fun you’re having.
That’s if you’re the driver, of course. Your passengers might not be having such a good time. Besides the firm ride, the FR-S’s backseats are awfully snug. This is one of those cars in which the driver’s absolutely got the best seat in the house. (Keep in mind, not all cars in this class even have backseats. At least they’re there in a pinch.)
The weight balance is nearly perfect. The center of gravity feels as if it hovers somewhere just over the 6-speed gearshift lever. The small, lightweight car is a blast to throw around curves and corners.
Coolest cars under $18,000
The engine is a pleasure to push all the way to its redline and its 200 horsepower output felt like more than enough to play with. My only real complaint was a clutch that engaged too abruptly and too high. It made it hard to shift smoothly, especially in the higher gears, a fact that only added to passenger annoyance. The car I was given to test was a pre-production prototype, though, so this may be something that’s been changed in the final production cars.
The FR-S is the fruit of a collaboration between Toyota (TM) and Fuji Heavy Industry (FUJHF)’s Subaru division. (Toyota owns 16.5% of Fuji.) A nearly identical car will be sold as the Subaru BRZ.
Toyota did some engineering work on the engine, which retains Subaru’s famous “boxer” shape in which the cylinders go straight out to the sides. Toyota takes credit for most of the car’s very un-Subaru-like exterior design. Subaru engineers did most of the work on the suspension.
In the United States, Subaru has long been known for selling only all-wheel drive cars, so this model represents somewhat of an adjustment for that brand, too. Subaru fans may find it an adjustment worth making.
-Courtesy of CNN Money
The 2012 Toyota Camry today was named No. 1 in the “American-Made Index” in the United States for the fourth-consecutive year by cars.com in its annual American-Made Index. In addition, Toyota had more vehicles named to the index’s Top 10 than any other brand with Sienna coming in fourth and Tundra placing seventh.
To compile the list, cars.com took into consideration use of domestic parts, the final assembly point of vehicles and U.S. sales. “U.S. sales are a component of our index for a number of reasons,” noted Patrick Olsen, editor in chief of cars.com. “For one thing, it’s safe to say that the more a vehicle sales, the more U.S. workers are involved in production and delivery of the vehicle and the more U.S. dealers are profiting.”
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The Construction of our all new facility is going great. We are going to keep you updated on the construction, but Sales, Service and Parts are fully operational. Take a look at these creative t-shirts that everyone is wearing at Central City Toyota. “The Dust is a Must. Central City Toyota…a little chaos leads to BIG REWARDS. Grand Re-opening Nov. 1st, 2012.
What do you think of the T-Shirts?
The Construction of our all new facility is going great. We are going to keep you updated on the construction, but Sales, Service and Parts are fully operational. Take a look at these creative t-shirts that everyone is wearing at Central City Toyota. “The Dust is a Must. Central City Toyota…a little chaos leads to BIG REWARDS. Grand Re-opening Nov. 1st, 2012.
What do you think of the T-Shirts?
Give Your Battery a Check-Up
Though the car batteries of today are “maintenance free” car batteries, it does not mean that they will last forever. Just like all other aspects of your car, it’s important to ask your dealer to review your battery from time to time to ensure that your vehicle will continue to start reliably.
By asking your dealer to occasionally give your battery a check-up, you’ll ensure that you never find yourself stuck without starting power. Though our car batteries are not something we think of as often as our tires or our brakes, they are definitely a feature worth considering and servicing to maintain a reliable, safe car.
Happy 4th of July!
Wishing you an Independence Day filled with pride in our country and hoping you enjoy the 4th of July with family and friends.
BMW, the world’s largest luxury automaker, is teaming up with Toyota, Japan’s largest automaker, to focus on the next generation of cars. More specifically they will be developing electric drivetrains, fuel cell technology and finding new ways to make lighter vehicles.
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At the Tokyo Toy Show last week, Toyota introduced the Camatte concept, a 9-foot-long Toyota for tots that’s powered by an electric motor and lead-acid battery. The car, which isn’t street legal, has a top speed of 25 mph and seats three. Toyota didn’t talk price.
The Camatte has a center-positioned driver’s seat. And the back seat is big enough for a parent to squeeze in and, through remote controls, assist in braking and steering if the front-seat child needs help.
Toyota envisions the Camatte as a recruiting and training tool for the next-generation of Japanese drivers. It is something that children of well-heeled parents can drive at go-kart tracks or on private roads — and, in the process, perhaps develop a love affair with driving.
While Toyota has no firm plans to sell the Camatte, it isn’t kidding around.
Virtually all Japanese carmakers are casting about frantically for ways to spur interest in cars among young buyers in Japan, who no longer covet them as status symbols.
When you purchase a car, it’s not to merely get you from one place to another. We also turn to our cars for comfort, and at times, even entertainment. As we cruise in our vehicles, we relax into our plush seats, often with a beverage in the cup holder, and our favorite music playing over the speakers.
As you enjoy all the aspects of your vehicle, it’s important to never overlook safety – another important element we always consider when purchasing a car. Whenever you drive, make certain that your mirrors are adjusted so that you can always see any vehicles that may be behind you or to your sides, and also make sure that the music is never so loud that you cannot hear emergency vehicles or other warnings, such as a honking horn. Also, though you may be tempted to do so, do not multitask while driving – don’t play with the radio while you’re drinking your coffee!
Your vehicle is meant to be both enjoyed, and respected — so, always make it a top priority keep yourself safe, while you cruise around town!
According to a story by Alex Taylor of CNN Money, Toyota has long been the single most popular car brand, outpacing both Ford and Chevrolet. But soon, Taylor and several experts say, all Toyota vehicles, including Scion and Lexus, will surpass Ford Motor’s Ford and Lincoln brands and move into second place in U.S. sales after General Motors.
“We see Toyota overtaking Ford Motor Company this year,” says veteran analyst Tom Libby of R.L. Polk.
CNN Money offers 10 reasons why Toyota is overtaking Ford in the American market, including the strength of its Lexus brand, the success of Camry and the dominance of the Prius.
Click Here for the full Story.
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