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    Toyota Hilux Unveils World Premiere of Spectacular Awesomeness 2023 Edition

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Toyota hilux unveils the world premiere of the “awesome Toyota Hilux”! Developing a fuel cell version! Production of “Toyota Hilux FCEV” using Mirai unit to start in 2011 Is this more than just a Tundra? On December 2, 2022, Toyota Europe announced the start of development of the Toyota Hilux (prototype hydrogen fuel cell vehicle). The awesome Hilux announced! And even bigger “Tundra” & “Corolla Cross” real cars in pics

    This is a great thing! Toyota Europe announces the start of development of the Toyota HILUX (prototype hydrogen fuel cell vehicle)!Toyota is marketing the Mirai as a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). In addition, the “Tundra FCEV” has already been shown as a fuel cell prototype of Toyota’s full-size pickup “Tundra”as a prototype vehicle.The appearance of this Tundra FCEV has a decal with a blue design and the words “FCEV” on the hood and in some other places.

    　This is named the FCEV concept “FCEV Towing Machine,” and the development concept is explained as “Hydrogen for more fun on the move and richer leisure activities. It is also characterized by the smooth running and linear response characteristic of FCEVs, a feeling of spontaneous acceleration from low speeds, and a high level of quietness. Structurally, the Mirai’s fuel cell unit is mounted under the hood, where the engine would normally be housed. In addition, five high-pressure hydrogen tanks are installed in the cargo area, and motors are installed in the rear wheel axles.

    　Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) is developing a fuel cell-powered Hilux. The project will work with highly skilled UK-based technical engineering partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H, and Thatcham Research to convert the Hilux into a fuel cell electric vehicle. The aim is to employ the second generation Toyota fuel cell components used in the Mirai.

    　While TMUK will lead the project, Toyota Motor Europe’s (TME) R&D team will provide expert technical support and help the UK team develop next-generation hydrogen drivetrain capabilities with its own expertise and self-sufficiency. Commenting on the project, Matt Harrison, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said.The UK is one of the key markets for pickup trucks and an important market for Toyota.

    　This project is a great opportunity to develop a zero-emission solution in an important market segment. We are grateful to the UK government for providing the funding for TMUK to investigate the development of a fuel cell powertrain for the Hilux and to support our carbon neutral goals.
    Toyota Motor Europe explains that this project has identified new opportunities in the commercial vehicle market in terms of providing zero-emission products to meet customer needs and a holistic approach to mobility in all sectors.The first prototype vehicle will be produced at TMUK during 2023 and will be ready for small series production following successful performance results.

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    Toyota’s Surprising Unveiling of 2 Revolutionary Concept Models Thrills Auto Enthusiasts Worldwide

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Toyota suddenly unveils its “new model” for the first time in the world! Why the surprise unveiling of the multi-spec model with the TOYOTA logo and the Hilux EV in Thailand?

    What are the two models unveiled at the 60th anniversary ceremony of Toyota Motor Thailand?
    　On December 14, 2022, Toyota unveiled two new models that will be released in the future in Thailand at the “Toyota Thailand 60th Anniversary Ceremony” held in Thailand.

    Novel “Toyota Car” that can do anything is unveiled! See the actual car with a novel design!

    This is amazing! New “IMV 0 Concept” that can freely change its cargo bed part

    　Toyota celebrates the 60th anniversary of its entry into the Thai market in 2022.

    　Toyota entered the Thai market at the dawn of its global expansion, initially importing parts from Japan and assembling and selling them.

    　Later, by developing companies and facilities based on development and production, the company now boasts the top share of the Thai automobile market.

    　The Toyota Hilux has become Thailand’s national car.

    　Toyota President Akio Toyoda, who attended the ceremony, described his relationship with the Hilux as follows.

    It was with this in mind that we launched our new global project, the IMV, in Thailand in 2002.

    　As the first model, we decided to develop an affordable and safe pickup truck here in Thailand from the ground up.

    　At the time, I had just been appointed General Manager of the Asia Division. The development of the new pickup was running into a series of problems and was far behind schedule.

    　I was still young for a general manager, and being from a founding family, there were many skeptics in Japan who said, “This project may fail.

    　I was determined to overturn such voices. I was determined to work hard together with the employees of Toyota Thailand and to ensure that the product would be launched on schedule, no matter what.

    　I went to Thailand, worked with the engineers to come up with a solution, and took the lead in making an immediate decision.

    　The car was finally completed, and thanks to the hard work of the Thai team, it was launched on schedule.

    The car, named “Hilux Vigo,” became Thailand’s “national car,” and was a huge success.

    　The launch of the Hilux Vigo was one of the most memorable experiences of my career, and more than any other project, it was an opportunity to learn leadership skills.

    　I learned a lot from this experience and I am the person I am today because of you, the people of Thailand.

    　So, as a token of my gratitude, I asked the engineers and designers, “What would you like to do to make this project more affordable and truly innovative?

    Let’s make a new IMV pickup truck in Thailand that is affordable and truly innovative.

    　We call this the “IMV 0” concept. The official launch is more than a year away, but today we want to be the first to show it to you.

    　The new “IMV 0 Concept” and “Hilux Revo BEV Concept” were unveiled.

    　The IMV 0 Concept is based on a pickup truck, but the cargo bed can be customized as desired.

    　This makes it a multi-purpose model that can be used for a variety of purposes, including rescue, police, flower sales, racing, and camping.

    　In addition, the exterior and interior are both composed of finely divided parts, allowing for a variety of interior customization, such as replacing only the parts that have been bumped.

    　Even more impressive is its front face, which is shaped like Toyota’s EV concept model, the Compact Cruiser EV, and features the TOYOTA logo, giving it a new and familiar design.

    　The other vehicle, the Hilux Revo BEV Concept, is an EV based on the Hilux Revo that will be sold in the Thai market.

    　Akio Toyoda, president of Mazda Motor Corporation, had the following to say about the two vehicles.

    These two concepts embody the future of the automobile, based on their respective roles and customer needs.

    　One is a car that supports freedom of movement and economic growth. The other is a car that contributes to carbon neutrality and a better global environment.

    I would like to thank the designers and engineers who are preparing these two vehicles, especially the innovative IMV 0.

    　I am confident that these two vehicles will improve the quality of people’s lives and provide new business opportunities.

    　Although these two vehicles are concept models presented for the Thai market, the concept can be deployed in any market.

    　Therefore, if the needs of each country and market increase, there may be a move to introduce them.

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    Unveiling the Bold Toyota Yaris X Urban A Spectacular Debut at Motor Expo 2022

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Toyota “Yaris Crossover”? The “”Deca Yaris”” “”Yaris X Urban”” with a rugged appearance to make its debut at Motor Expo 2022

    Is it bigger than the Japanese Yaris? The Yaris X Urban
    　On November 30, 2022, Toyota’s Thai subsidiary announced the introduction of Toyota’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, the bZ4X, to the Thai market at Motor Expo 2022 held in the suburbs of Bangkok, Thailand, and displayed a number of vehicles.
    　

    　Among them were a number of models that are not available in Japan, including the Yaris X Urban, a customized SUV-like vehicle that could be called a crossover model of the Yaris.

    Tougher, more intrepid, cooler-looking face! Toyota Yaris X Urban interior and exterior

    Toyota Yaris X Urban sold in Thailand displayed at Motor Expo 2022

    　In the Thai market, the Yaris for the Asian market is completely different from the compact car Yaris sold in Japan, including the body, and the crossover type Yaris X Urban is also available as a derivative model of the Yaris X Urban.

    　The body size of the Yaris X Urban is 4140 mm (length) x 1730 mm (width) x 1575 mm (height), much larger than the Toyota Yaris sold in Japan, and is positioned between the Toyota Aqua and the Toyota Corolla Sport.

    　The powertrain is a 1.2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 92 hp and maximum torque of 11.1 kg-m, mated to a CVT.

    　The exterior is based on the concept of “”modern and cool,”” and features skid plate-style parts, side skirts, fender arches, and 16-inch tires to enhance the SUV flavor. In addition, the minimum ground clearance has been raised 30 mm from the base model through the use of a special suspension system, improving the vehicle’s drivability in actual driving conditions.

    　The interior has been given a more distinctive look with leather seats stitched with an “”X”” pattern.

    　The price starts at 614,000 baht (about 2.43 million yen).

    The Yaris X-Alva is available in the Thai market.

    　In addition to the Yaris X Urban, the Thai market also offers a number of other vehicles that are not available in Japan, including the compact sedan Yaris ATIV, the two-door Hilux, the 300-series Hiace, and the SUVs Fortuner and Veloz.

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    Odyssey & Sienna”” over Alphard is amazing!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Odyssey & Sienna”” over Alphard is amazing! And “”LM”” over 20 million yen! What are the features of the huge minivan with an overall length of over 5 meters?

    More than an Alphard? What is a great minivan?
    　The year 2022 was a bumper year for domestically produced minivans. The middle minivans from various manufacturers have a variety of features, but they are sometimes compared to Toyota’s large minivan, the Alphard, in terms of design and high functionality.
    　
    　In this context, there are several domestic minivans that surpass the Alphard. What kind of models are there?

    Exceeding the Alphard? New Odyssey 4-Seater Model & Over 20 Million Yen Luxury LM Interior and Exterior in 64 Images

    Exceeding the Toyota “”Alphard””? What is an amazing minivan?

    　The minivan lineup in Japan includes the Toyota “”Sienta”” and Honda “”Freed”” as compact minivans.

    　As middle minivans, 2022 was a bumper year for Toyota’s Noah/Voxy (announced in January 2022), Honda’s Step Wagon (announced in May 2022), Nissan’s Serena (announced in November 2022), and the Mitsubishi Delica D:5.

    　And as for large minivans, Toyota’s Alphard/Vellfire, Nissan’s Elgrand, and Honda’s Odyssey, which will be discontinued in September 2022.

    　Against this backdrop, the November 2022 ranking of registered vehicles was the Sienna in 4th place, the Alphard in 10th place, the Step Wagon in 11th place, the Freed in 12th place, the Noah in 13th place, the Voxy in 14th place, and the Serena in 16th place, despite the recent super-delivery issue.

    　The Alphard is a large minivan and a luxury minivan, and its price range is higher than other models, but it continues to reign supreme in the top 10 ranking.

    　The Alphard is so popular in Japan, but if you look at the overseas market, there are minivans that are larger than the Alphard and have more luxurious specifications than the Alphard.

    　One of them is the Odyssey (North American specifications).

    　The first-generation Odyssey was introduced in 1994, and 433,028 units were sold in Japan over a five-year period before the second-generation Odyssey was introduced in 1999.

    　Since then, the Odyssey has undergone a steady stream of full model changes, but the current fifth-generation model, which was introduced in 2013, is no longer sold in Japan due to the production plant.

    　On the other hand, in markets such as China and North America, it has evolved in its own unique way and is still being sold as of December 2022.

    　In China, Honda’s local joint venture company, Guangqi Honda Automobile, has developed almost the same specifications as the Japanese model as the Odyssey, while another joint venture company, Dongfeng Honda Automobile, has developed the model as the Elysion.

    　Furthermore, in North America, the second generation was introduced as a model with a specially designed body measuring 5105 mm (length) x 1935 mm (width) x 1740 mm (height), in response to the feedback that the first generation was too small.

    　The current Odyssey’s body size is even more massive at 5212 mm (length) x 1994 mm (width) x 1735 mm (height).

    　The exterior design was significantly changed in a minor facelift in July 2020.

    　In addition to a blacked-out grille with a chrome design and LED headlights, the rear has been redesigned with a powerful new look by adding gloss black trim to the lower portion of the windows.

    　It is still sold today as a huge minivan with unique styling.

    　The interior design also differs from the Japanese version, incorporating a switch-type shift and a meter design similar to that of the Civic.

    　In addition, the backrests of the second-row seats can be folded forward to an almost flat position, making it possible to carry a variety of cargo depending on the seat arrangement.

    　Functionality has also been pursued through the addition of hooks on the back of the third-row seats and a center console with a slot for storing charging cords for smartphones and other devices.

    　In the same North American market, Toyota also offers a huge minivan called the Sienna. The first generation Sienna was launched in the North American market in 1997, and has undergone a series of full model changes since then.

    　The current Sienna is the fourth generation Sienna, which has been on sale since the end of 2020; up until the third generation Sienna, the Sienna was equipped with a gasoline engine, but from the fourth generation Sienna, only a hybrid is available.

    　The Sienna was developed as a minivan for the North American market, but the fourth-generation Sienna is produced at the U.S. plant and exported to Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and South Korea. In addition, it is produced and sold locally in China.

    　The body size of the 4th generation Sienna (XSE) is 5184 mm (length) x 1993 mm (width) x 1770 mm (height) x 3060 mm (wheelbase).

    　The exterior design draws inspiration from the iconic Japanese Shinkansen bullet train to create a smooth and speedy shape.

    　The headlights are positioned high and stylishly designed toward the rear of the body.

    　The wide-opening front grille is pushed in while widening downward, and LED fog lamps are placed at the extreme end to emphasize the low center of gravity.

    　The fourth-generation Sienna uses the same GA-K TNGA platform as the Venza and RAV4, and the Camry and Avalon sedans, and is available in seven- and eight-passenger configurations with captain seats in the second row.

    　Regarding the fourth-generation Sienna and the minivan market in North America and China, a Sienna development manager had the following to say in the past.

    In North America, the Sienna is a family car, and it carries the same children and other passengers as the Noah Vogt, and it has a low price because it competes with the Honda Odyssey and the Chrysler Pacifica.

    　In the U.S., the Sienna has also been recognized as a car for “”soccer moms”” (mothers who send their children to school), so we developed the 4th generation Sienna with the aim of creating a more stylish and cool design.

    　Customers in the U.S. who have purchased the Sienna say, “”First comes style, and second comes fuel economy.

    　In China, on the other hand, it is a completely different story, with customers saying they want more luxurious equipment in a luxury MPV for the wealthy.

    　In addition, the Alphard brand has been established in China, and the GL8 has been around for a long time, but the big change in the tide is that minivans have been attracting attention in China since the end of the one-child policy.

    　Honda also has a lineup that includes the Odyssey/Elysion, and Toyota has introduced the Sienna from the end of 2021 as its first local production.””

    Odyssey & Sienna”” over Alphard is amazing! And “”LM”” over 20 million yen! What are the features of the huge minivan with an overall length of over 5 meters?

    What is a minivan over 20 million yen that surpasses the Alphard in size, price, and equipment?
    　The Odyssey (North American specifications) and the Sienna are developed solely as minivans for the family segment.

    　On the other hand, the LM (LM300/LM300h), based on the Alphard/Vellfire and packed with Lexus’ specialties, is being developed in some Asian regions.

    　The LM is a luxury minivan world premiered by Lexus at the Shanghai International Auto Show 2019.

    　It was developed mainly for the affluent Asian market and attracted a great deal of attention as a new flagship model for the Lexus brand.

    　The LM’s body size is 5040 mm (length) x 1850 mm (width) x 1945 mm (height) with a wheelbase of 3000 mm.

    　The exterior design expresses the Lexus character with a large chrome spindle grille, LED headlights, and L daytime running lights. The “”L”” chrome trim on the sides adds a sense of luxury different from that of the Alphard.

    　The seat layout is available in three rows of seven seats or two rows of four seats. The four-seat layout in the two-row version creates a space that transcends the concept of a “”mobility tool.

    　The rear seats are equipped with a 26-inch display that can be connected to a smartphone or tablet.

    　The cabinet below it (decorative board in silver ink) is equipped with a refrigerator (14 liters) that can hold two bottles of wine or other items.

    　In addition, privacy and quietness are ensured by the exclusive privacy glass between the front and rear seats in the 2-row version, which can be color-changed.

    Lexus “”LM”” with TV and even refrigerator

    　Thus, in Japan, the Alphard reigns as a synonym for luxury minivan, but overseas, there are huge minivans such as the Odyssey (North American version) and the Sienna.

    　Furthermore, Lexus has developed the LM as a luxury minivan that surpasses the Alphard, and there were models that did more than simply satisfy the demand for a multi-passenger vehicle for the family segment.

    　According to some reports, there are plans to re-tailor the Odyssey sold in China to Japanese specifications and resell it in Japan.

    　The LM is also rumored to undergo a full model change in 2023, and is expected to have a design, features, and performance that surpass those of previous LMs.

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    New Alphard-faced “van” about to be unveiled.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Completely cloned! New Alphard-faced “”van”” about to be unveiled! 3.5m long mini Alphard to be launched in China soon!

    A small model that looks exactly like Toyota’s Alphard is scheduled to appear?
    　A decade ago, China was even called a “”pacri powerhouse,”” but nowadays, there are few opportunities to see “”pacri cars”” in the Chinese auto market.

    Too much pacri! The new “”van”” with an Alphard face is bad…! Look at the actual vehicle design!

    　Nevertheless, “”cars that look a little weird”” still infest the market outside of the powerful major manufacturers.
    　
    　This time, we have learned that a small EV that looks exactly like the Toyota “”Alphard”” is about to make its debut.

    Is this a complete clone? The “”BOMA,”” which looks very similar to the Toyota “”Alphard”” face and Nissan “”Days”” design (image source: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, commonly known as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China).

    　This information was discovered on the website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China (commonly known as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology).

    　The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MITI) is an agency that handles the business of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), and in China, automobile manufacturers are required to submit information on new models to MITI before manufacturing and selling them.

    　The manufacturer preparing to unveil the EV, which can be considered a mini-Alphard, is called Zhongxing Automobile (ZX Auto), which originated as an auto repair shop for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, founded in 1949.

    　The name is similar to, but unrelated to, ZTE, a Chinese IT company sanctioned by the United States.

    　Based in Baoding, Hebei Province, ZTE was one of the first Chinese manufacturers to go overseas when Chinese manufacturers had their hands full at home, and was the first Chinese manufacturer to build a complete car factory overseas.

    　During the Libyan Civil War in the 2010s, pickup trucks produced by CMC, along with those of Japanese manufacturers, were used as “”technical vehicles”” (simple combat vehicles with anti-aircraft machine guns, etc. on the back) and were very active on both sides.

    　For Japanese manufacturers that do not export their vehicles for combat use, they definitely do not want to be used as combat vehicles in conflicts.

    　In contrast, however, CMC advertised that the 7,000 vehicles it exported to Libya played an active role in the conflict, and even today it is proudly listed in the company’s history on its official website.

    　Although Zhongxing Automobile is such a company, its current lineup consists of only three types of pickup trucks, and its power in the market tends to be weakening.

    　In the pickup truck market, Great Wall Motor, which is also based in Baoding, is gaining momentum and has completely lost market share.

    The company has decided to launch the small EV in order to change the situation where a manufacturer that only offers pickups is losing influence even in the only market where it can compete. Completely cloned! New Alphard-faced “”van”” about to be unveiled! 3.5m long mini Alphard to be launched in China soon!

    Just like… an Alphard? What is this 3.5m long mini Alphard-like model?
    　This compact EV will be marketed under the brand name “”Mioku,”” which itself is a newly launched brand.

    　The model name is “”BOMA,”” and with dimensions of 3517 mm (overall length) x 1495 mm (overall width) x 1660 mm (overall height), it will be roughly equivalent to Nissan’s “”Days”” mini-car.

    　In fact, even the rear quarter and front fenders are almost the same as those of the Days.

    　And the extreme feature is the front mask.

    　It looks as if the entire face of the Alphard, which is also popular in China, has been transplanted.

    　Not only the characteristic grille, but also the fog lamp housings and headlights look exactly the same.

    　The motor has an output of 30 kW, but no information is available regarding battery specifications.

    　The information from the Engineering Department shows two specifications with different weights, each weighing 40 kg, so it is highly likely that two different battery capacities will be available.

    　In addition, two types of tire sizes, 155/65R14 and 165/55R15, are listed, and at least two grades will be available.

    　Other than that, no other details, including the announcement, release date, and price, are known.

    　CMC may be planning to take advantage of the recent “”small EV”” boom to make a comeback, but I believe that this is next to impossible.

    　Consumers are not likely to pay attention to a hastily launched EV by a manufacturer that has only been involved in pickup trucks up until now.

    　Not only are the designs hastily prepared, but the quality is a carbon copy of Japanese manufacturers, and one is tempted to question whether they really intend to make an EV at all.

    　Chinese consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the shame of “”pakuri-kuri,”” and major manufacturers with abundant financial resources are pulling out designers from overseas manufacturers to create original, cool designs.

    　In contrast, the makers that have fallen into a bubble, such as CJK, do not have the strength to do so, and have no choice but to repeatedly produce inferior products.

    　Moreover, the small EV market is a “”red ocean market”” with countless competitors, so there is a high possibility that CMC’s EV, which is a manufacturer that can fly when it blows, will be a flop.

    　We will be keeping a close eye on the future of CXC, as it is destined to disappear without a fight if it does nothing to tarnish the face of the Chinese auto industry, which is emerging from the trend of piracy.

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    New “Prius” adopts a new “novel meter.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    New “Prius” adopts a new “novel meter”! What is the actual response to the evolutionary meter in the 5th generation?

    New “Prius” with “top-mounted meters” that are different from the conventional ones
    　On November 16, 2022, Toyota unveiled the fifth-generation all-new Prius for the first time in the world.
    　
    　Along with its sporty and innovative exterior design, the new “”Prius”” is also attracting attention for its new “”top-mounted meters”” that do away with the “”center meter”” that has been used for the past four generations, but what is the reaction?

    The meters “”look different! View photos of the interior of the old and new Prius, which underwent a dramatic change with the model change.

    In addition to its innovative styling, the new Toyota Prius (5th generation model) has attracted attention for its elimination of the “”center meter”” that has been used for four generations.

    　The new Prius was developed with the aim of combining the high environmental performance that successive generations of the Prius have continued to improve over the past 25 years with the new appeal of “”eye-catching design”” and “”captivating driving.

    　The new model also attracted attention for its elimination of the center meter, which had been used for four generations.

    　Toyota explains that the center meter, which was first used in the first-generation Prius that first appeared in December 1997, realized excellent visibility by placing the digital meter on top of the instrument panel and reduced the time required for the driver to read the meter compared to the conventional meter located in front of the steering wheel.

    　The second-generation Prius, introduced in 2003, had the display system positioned far away for easy viewing, while audio, navigation, and air conditioner operation switches were located on the steering wheel, making them easier to see and use.

    　The third-generation model improved on these features, and the fourth-generation (previous generation), which underwent a model change in 2015, added a 4.2-inch color twin LCD screen and a multifunctional multi-information display in addition to the meter panel.

    　The new fifth-generation Prius, which appeared in this context, features an updated meter layout and a new “”top-mounted meter””.

    　This style was first adopted in the new bZ4X electric vehicle (EV), which went on sale in May 2022.

    　Compared to the regular meters located in front of the steering wheel, the meters are positioned so that they can be seen through the upper side of the steering wheel, reducing eye movement and making them farsighted, which means that they are easier to see.

    　Although the placement of the meters has been moved, in terms of improved visibility, it is clear that the design concept of the conventional center meter is actually a development of the conventional center meter design concept.

    　Meanwhile, the center display has been enlarged to a maximum size of 12.3 inches. The multi-information functionality that was present in the center meter of the previous generation (4th generation) Prius has been consolidated.

    　Until now, opinions about the center meter of the previous generation Prius have been divided on social networking sites, with some saying it was “”hard to see”” and others saying “”easy to see.

    　Mr. A, who actually owns a fourth-generation Prius, says the following.

    When I first bought the car, I was puzzled by the operation and visibility because it can display a variety of information.

    　Now I am used to the controls at hand and can easily operate the audio system, air conditioning, and adjust the cruise control.

    　One of the reasons why the center meter is difficult to read may be that some customers are puzzled by the various displays other than the meters.

    　In contrast, while some on social networking sites commented that the new top-mounted meters “”look easier to read”” and “”better than the previous generation,”” others expressed concern that “”drivers sitting lower may not be able to see the meters properly (because the steering wheel covers the meters).

    　In addition, there are some who say that the gauges are smaller, but it is not well known that the gauge panel itself has been enlarged to 7 inches, compared to the previous 4.2 inches.

    　Anyway, as of early December 2022, the new Prius has not yet been shown to the public, so no one has actually experienced the new meter layout, and the comments on social networking sites are only impressions based on publicly available photos.

    　According to Toyota, the new Prius is scheduled to go on sale this winter (spring 2023 for the PHEV model).

    　We may hear different voices in the future as test drives are deployed at dealerships and further delivery of vehicles to users progresses.

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    Toyota’s “Harrier,” with its “high-quality interior” and leather sofa.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Toyota’s “Harrier,” with its “high-quality interior” and leather sofa, is popular among men and women in their 20s! What is the special “luxury” you want to drive on a Christmas date?

    Toyota’s Harrier has a “cabin space” that is too upscale.
    　Nile Corporation, a car leasing business, conducted a survey on Christmas driving dates. The results of the survey were released on December 6, 2022.
    　
    　Among the cars surveyed, the Toyota Harrier, a Toyota luxury SUV, took the top spot for the “”car I would like to drive on a Christmas drive date.
    　
    　What features does the Harrier have that make it the car of choice for a Christmas date? In this article, we will take a look at the interior of the Harrier.

    Perfect for a date! See the high-quality interior of the Toyota Harrier, an overly fashionable Toyota luxury SUV, in 17 images.

    The “”special luxury”” of the Toyota “”Harrier”” that you want to drive on a Christmas date.

    　The Harrier, an urban SUV with an emphasis on a coupe silhouette, will be launched in June 2020 with the current model, the fifth generation.

    　It was recently partially upgraded in September 2022, with upgraded driver-assist functions and a new plug-in hybrid vehicle.

    　Such a Harrier is popular among a wide range of generations, including young people, as it is supported by both the “”Generation Y”” of 26 to 39 year olds and the “”Generation Z”” of 10 to 25 year olds in the above survey.

    　One of the most distinctive features of the Harrier is the high quality of the interior.

    　The interior has a chic and relaxed atmosphere overall, with a voluminous and spacious feel from the instrument panel to the left and right door trims, for example.

    　The instrument panel is softly padded, which gives it a soft feel where it touches the body, and is a point where the high quality can be felt.

    　The center console, designed to resemble a horse’s saddle, has a broad and imposing design.

    　The Z “”Leather Package,”” the highest grade of the Harrier, uses high quality genuine leather sofa-like seats, with a choice of two interior colors, black or brown.

    　The brown interior is particularly well-designed, with a gray wood finish on the center console and door switch base panels, and satin brown piping ornaments on the instrument panel, door trim, and other areas.

    　The Panorama Roof with Electric Shade is available as a factory-installed option.

    　In addition to opening and closing the motorized shade, the dimming function makes it possible to instantly switch between dimming and transmission with the shade open and without time lag.

    　When the light is dimmed, a sense of quality is also ensured, with soft light shining through as if through a shoji paper sliding door.

    　In this way, it can be said that the interior space of an adult is finished with a calm and luxurious atmosphere and chic colors.

    　Other features of the Harrier include its exterior.

    　With its flowing proportions, the Harrier’s main body has a teardrop shape that resembles a drop of water from front to rear, expressing a simple yet strong sense of movement.

    　The front headlamps feature two L-shaped luminous lines. The rear taillights and stop lamps, which emit a single red horizontal light, add further individuality to the rear lamps.

    　The price of the Harrier ranges from 3,128,000 to 4,538,000 yen for the gasoline model, 3,718,000 to 5,148,000 yen for the hybrid model, and 6,200,000 yen for the newly equipped plug-in hybrid model.

    　In addition to its sleek, urban exterior, the Harrier’s interior is designed with a calm, high quality atmosphere that gives it a special feel, making it a luxury SUV in its own right.

    　The Harrier is becoming popular as the car of choice for Christmas dates and other special occasions.

  • |

    “Toyota’s “bold face” new SUV “C-HR Concept” .

    ByPawani

    Toyota’s “”bold face”” new SUV “”C-HR Concept”” will be released as it is? What is the “”precedent”” of commercialization of a novel “”show car””?

    The first generation “”C-HR”” was also born with a concept car design
    　On December 5, 2022, Toyota’s European division premiered the C-HR Prologue concept car.
    　
    　The model is said to hint at what the new, second-generation C-HR will look like, but the current (first-generation) C-HR, which appeared in December 2015, has a history of being brought to market with a bold concept car design that was largely retained, and it seems likely that the new model will follow a similar process.

    “”Too bold! Photos of the first-generation C-HR and its prototype concept car .

    Above: first (current) generation “”C-HR”” (production model) launched in December 2015 / Below: the C-HR Concept (concept car) at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany in September 2015

    　The current C-HR is a model with enhanced driving performance using the newly developed TNGA GA-C platform, which has been matured on the world’s roads, especially in Europe.

    　The Japanese version is available in 1.2-liter gasoline turbo engine and 1.8-liter hybrid versions.

    　The C-HR’s design was also extremely original.

    　The combination of the bold fender shape around the wide, protruding front and rear tires and the compact-looking cabin gave it a sporty, coupe-like style that asserted a strong individuality unmatched by any other car.

    　Such an overly bold design has its roots.

    　First, the design was brushed up after being exhibited at the Paris Motor Show in France in October 2014, and then reintroduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany the following September 2015, using the “”C-HR Concept”” design as the prototype.

    　While the Paris Show model had three doors, the concept model exhibited at the Frankfurt Show had five doors, making it more realistic, and the production version largely followed that image.

    　Toyota explains that the new C-HR Prologue concept car faithfully inherits the DNA of the first-generation C-HR and is a demonstration model of the new (second-generation) C-HR.

    　The C-HR PROLOG’s futuristic form has a strong impact, but it also cleverly inherits the bold image of the first-generation C-HR.

    * * *

    　The production model of the new C-HR, like the first generation, will be available as a hybrid vehicle as well as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicle.

    　However, as of December 5, 2022, no announcement or launch date for the production version has been made.

  • |

    The CG of the “GR Prius” is amazing!

    ByPawani

    Toyota’s new “”Prius”” with powerful over fenders “”GR spec””? The three mufflers are too cool! The CG of the “”GR Prius”” is amazing!

    Is it feasible? GR-spec Prius
    　The new Toyota Prius will make its world premiere on November 16, 2022, and is expected to go on sale this winter.

    It looks so fast! View a rendering of the new Toyota Prius armed with over fenders and GR specs .

    　Theo throttle, a virtual car tuner, has posted a rendering of the Prius in GR spec.

    Rendering of the new Toyota Prius transformed to GR specifications (Photo: Theo throttle)

    　The Prius was created in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. To date, four generations of the Prius have been introduced, with a cumulative global sales volume of approximately 5.05 million units, and it has been widely used around the world.

    　In 2022, which marks the 25th anniversary of its birth, the fifth generation of the new Prius will make its debut. In addition to its strength of high environmental performance, the new Prius was developed to be a car with “”a design that makes you fall in love with it at first sight”” and “”a driving experience that makes you fall in love with it.

    　The exterior inherits the iconic “”mono-form silhouette”” of the original Prius, but has evolved to sportier and more stylish proportions with a lower center of gravity based on the second-generation TNGA platform and the adoption of large 19-inch diameter tires.

    　The hybrid and PHEV models are scheduled to go on sale this winter and spring 2023, respectively.

    　Toyota’s GR, on the other hand, is a sports car series developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. The current lineup includes the Toyota GR86, GR Yaris, GR Supra, and GR Corolla.

    　Theo throttle’s rendering of the Prius, customized to GR specifications, has been released.

    　The exterior is painted a bright red, and the front face and fenders are fitted with parts designed to look like a GR Corolla. The roof and door mirrors are painted black, giving the car a sporty look.

    　The rear view is also equipped with a GR Corolla-like bumper, and the muffler has a three-pronged design that is uniquely eco-car-like.

    　The car has been praised as “”This is amazing! This is a beautiful Prius”” (editor’s translation).

    Theo throttle

    　Theo throttle has created renderings of various “”what if”” cars that do not yet exist in reality, such as a Toyota Tundra with Lexus specifications and a Toyota Century with SUV specifications, and has posted them on his social networking service.

    　The renderings created by Theo throttle are, of course, unrealistic designs that have not been approved by the manufacturer, but since the previous generation Prius (PHV model) also has a GR Sport model, we cannot completely rule out the possibility of a GR model appearing.

  • |

    Black bZ4X”” and “”Black Aria”” are proliferating on the streets!

    ByPawani

    Black bZ4X”” and “”Black Aria”” are proliferating on the streets! EV Taxis”” in full swing? What is the plan of a cab app company?

    Aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 30,000 tons per year by 2027
    　Cabs are about to enter the EV era in earnest.

    Look twice without thinking! Photos of the German version of Toyota’s “”bZ4X”” cab

    　On December 12, 2022, MoT, the company behind the GO cab app, announced the launch of its “”Taxi Industry GX Project”” worth up to 28 billion yen to help create a decarbonized society.

    　GX stands for “”Green Transformation,”” an initiative to reform the economic and social system as well as improve the environment through a shift to renewable and clean energy.

    　The cab industry GX project aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 30,000 tons per year by 2027 through the conversion of cabs to EVs and other measures.

    　Participating in the project are approximately 100 cab operators nationwide, mainly in urban areas, as well as Toyota, Nissan, NTT DoCoMo, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, ADI, and others.

    　Up to 2,500 Toyota bZ4X EVs and 2,500 Nissan Leaf and Aria EVs will be provided by 2031. A maximum of 2,900 chargers (400 rapid and 2,500 regular) will also be installed at each office.

    　Nissan will develop and provide an optimal system for operation and energy management when EVs are introduced to the cab fleet.

    　A new insurance menu will also be provided to compensate for the risk of financial damage caused by equipment malfunction or failure.

    　Through these initiatives, MoT explained that it expects to reduce CO2 emissions by almost 100% and save 30,000 tons per year.

    　The company plans to expand this initiative to all cab operators and aims to raise decarbonization awareness throughout Japan through GX in cabs.