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    Bigger than Alphard! A special model of the 7-seater Toyota new “Sienna 25th anniversary car” is now available! About 5.67 million yen .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Huge than the Alphard! The new 7-seat Toyota Sienna 25th Anniversary special model is now available in Ka! About 5,670,000 yen

    Sienna”” Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Birth
    　Toyota’s Canadian subsidiary has announced pricing for the 2023 Sienna on October 4, 2022. The 25th anniversary car, which is already available in the U.S., will be sold exclusively for Canada.

    Toyota’s 5-meter-long minivan “”Sienna”” has an amazing presence! View in pictures

    What is the “”Sienna,”” for which a 25-year commemorative model will also be offered?

    　The Sienna, a minivan sold by Toyota mainly in North America for overseas markets, has a body size of 5184 mm (overall length) x 1993 mm (overall width) x 1770 mm (overall height), compared to the Toyota Alphard, a luxury minivan sold in Japan, which measures 4945-4950 mm (overall length) x 1935-1950 mm (overall width) x 1935-1950 mm (overall height). and therefore exceeds the Alphard in overall length and width.

    　The first generation was introduced in 1998, and the current model, the fourth generation, was released in 2020. It is the Sienna’s first hybrid-only vehicle (2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine + motor).

    　The 25th anniversary model is only available in a 7-seat version, although both 7-seat and 8-seat versions are available.

    　Comfort features include exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats with silver stitching, a 12-speaker JBL audio system, a wireless smartphone charging tray, heated and ventilated front seats, and a second-row ottoman seat.

    　It will also feature an exclusive emblem celebrating the 25th anniversary of its birth.

    　The Sienna 2023 model for Canada will start at $41,650 Cdn ($4.39 million), while the 25th anniversary car will cost $53,860 Cdn ($5.67 million).”

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    Future feeling up! Toyota’s new “Corolla Cross” equipped with an advanced digital meter! Released in Italy.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Up the futuristic look! Toyota’s new “”Corolla Cross”” with advanced digital meters! Launched in Italy

    Aggressive-looking Corolla Cross
    　Toyota’s Italian subsidiary announced on October 7, 2022 that it will launch the new Corolla Cross in the same month.

    Dynamic with a large grille! European Corolla Cross is so cool, so different from its Japanese counterpart!

    　The new Corolla Cross will be introduced as a model positioned between the C-HR and RAV4. In the highly competitive European C-segment SUV market, it will be launched as a model with the comfort, practicality and versatility demanded by active families.

    Toyota Corolla Cross with a different design from the Japanese version (European specifications)

    　The new Corolla Cross is the first Toyota vehicle to feature the new fifth-generation hybrid system. Based on the conventional hybrid system, it delivers more torque, more power from the electric motor, and higher driving efficiency.

    　The powertrain design has been redesigned and a new lubrication and oil distribution system using low-viscosity oil has been adopted. Efficiency and power have been improved by reducing electrical and mechanical losses.

    　In addition, the latest technological developments in lithium-ion batteries have made the new battery system more powerful and 40% lighter than before.

    　This has increased total system output by more than 8%: the 2-liter hybrid (2WD) produces 145 kW/97 hp and achieves 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.7 seconds, while the AWD features a powerful 30.6 kW electric motor at the rear wheels for increased traction in low-grip situations and safe and This provides safe and reassuring driving.

    　In addition, the new model is the first to adopt Toyota’s latest active safety system, Toyota Safety Sense 3. Numerous improvements have been made to the system, which can now be upgraded over-the-air.

    　The Italian version of the new Corolla Cross has a different design than the Japanese version, featuring a dynamic front face with a large grille, similar to the model sold in Thailand and other countries.

    　The interior features a new 12.3-inch digital meter as standard equipment and an advanced cockpit.

    　Three grades are available: Trend, Lounge, and Lounge Lite.

    　The Trend comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, automatic climate control, Toyota Safety Sense 3, 10.5-inch touchscreen, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, power tailgate, and privacy rear window. specifications.

    　The Lounge adds heated seats, blind-spot monitors, a panoramic roof, a JBL hi-fi system, and a map-integrated navigation system to the leather and fabric interior.

    　Lounge Lite has the same features as Lounge except for the JBL hi-fi system and the map-integrated navigation system.

    * * *

    　The price of the new Corolla Cross in Italy ranges from 38,000 to 43,500 euros, or about 5,360,000 to 6,130,000 Japanese yen.

    　The new Corolla Cross with the same specifications will be launched in Germany on November 25, 2022, and in addition to the 2-liter hybrid, a 1.8-liter hybrid will also be available.”

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    Why did you make the Toyota “Alphard truck”? The “monster truck” with a total length of nearly 6m looks amazing! What is the identity of the astonishing custom car that students work on .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Why did you produce the Toyota “”Alphard Truck””? The nearly 6-meter-long “”Monster Truck”” looks amazing! What is the true nature of the astonishing custom car created by students?

    Why an Alphard Truck? A luxury minivan turned into a monster truck!
    　The Alphard is one of Toyota’s most popular models. Recently, it has become synonymous with luxury minivans.
    　
    　The Alphard has been converted into a monster truck, but what kind of vehicle is it?

    This is amazing! The finished version of the powerful “”Alphard Truck””! And look at the past “”LM style””!

    Alphard Super Duty Truck”” to be built for Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 (Image courtesy of Japan Automobile College)

    　Every year, the Tokyo Auto Salon showcases a variety of custom and tuning cars.

    　Among them, the customization department of the Nihon Automobile College (commonly known as NATS) in Chiba Prefecture has become the talk of the town for the custom cars created by its students each time.

    　In the past, the “”NATS R35 Road Star”” based on the Nissan “”Fairlady Z Roadster (Z33)”” was made to look like a “”GT-R (R35),”” and the “”COSMO VISION”” based on the Mazda “”Roadster”” was a modern revival of the “”Cosmo Sport.

    　Furthermore, a variety of custom cars will be produced, including the “”LM800T,”” which is based on the design of the Lexus “”LM300h,”” and an American lowrider version of Toyota’s third-generation “”Crown (MS50 model).

    　Among these, a super duty truck based on the Alphard will be produced for the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, and it has been named the “”Alphard Super Dury Truck.

    　The term “”duty truck”” refers to a pickup truck with two rear wheels on each side for a total of four wheels, a customization seen in North America and elsewhere.

    　The truck was built by extending the rear end of the Alphard’s body and joining the cargo area, and although the overall length has not been measured, it is expected to be close to 6 meters.

    　So why did they decide to convert the Alphard, a luxury minivan, into a super-duty truck?

    　The student in charge of the production had the following to say.

    The idea to build a duty truck came from a group of members interested in truckin’ (sporty truck customization) and American cars.

    　When choosing a base vehicle, we decided on the Toyota Alphard because we wanted to draw attention to the unexpectedness of using a familiar Japanese vehicle as a base.

    　I am certain that this will be a one-of-a-kind custom car.

    　With such a production background, what were some of the difficulties involved in creating a custom car that had never been done before?

    First of all, we had a hard time finding the right combination of strength and weight (in order to obtain official approval) by extending the body of the car, so we had to make sure that it was sturdy.

    　The cargo bed was made from panels of the current Hilux with the support of the local Chiba Toyota Group.

    　We are aiming to complete the production with the support of many other parts makers as well.

    * * * *

    　As of October 2022, the Alphard Super Duty Truck has been completed with the Alphard and Hilux welded together.

    　After further processing, the completed version is scheduled to be unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon to be held in January 2023.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    Honda, “HV Fit RS” revival for the first time in 9 years!? New “Fit RS” released! What is the ultimate performance?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Honda revives the “”HV Fit RS”” after 9 years! The new “”Fit RS”” is now on sale! What is the new “”Fit RS””?

    Equipped with an exclusive suspension system
    　Honda launched a minor-changed new Fit model on October 7, 2022. The sporty type “”RS”” is said to be back after an absence of about two and a half years, but what kind of specifications did the fourth-generation Fit come with?

    New “”Fit”” model with a new face is launched! More horsepower and more powerful! See the rapid “”RS”” in 29 images.

    The new “”Fit”” with minor changes (image: Fit RS)

    　The RS type of Fit has been available since the second generation model launched on October 26, 2007.

    　In addition to the special suspension, 1.5-liter engine, and 5-speed MT (CVT and 5-speed AT versions also exist), a sportier and higher quality character was pursued.

    　In addition, the second-generation Fit was additionally launched on May 24, 2012 as the “”Hybrid RS,”” offering a wider range of variations.

    　Subsequently, the third-generation Fit (launched on September 6, 2013) also featured the RS type as a gasoline model, but when the current fourth-generation Fit (launched on February 14, 2020) was introduced, the RS type disappeared from the lineup.

    　The Fit RS, which will be revived for the first time in two and a half years, will be available in two versions: a gasoline version (to be announced on November 10) and a hybrid version. This will be the first time in about nine years that the hybrid RS type has been revived.

    　The RS RS features an exclusive front grille, front bumper, side sill garnish, rear bumper, rear spoiler, and aluminum wheels to emphasize its sporty appearance.

    　The RS’s exclusive suspension, which has been thoroughly refined for performance, has been adopted to achieve both a fun-to-drive and a high quality, exhilarating ride.

    　The hybrid version also features a deceleration selector with four levels of deceleration force when the gas pedal is released, and three drive mode switches (NORMAL, SPORT, and ECON) exclusively for the hybrid version.

    　The overall powertrain of the fourth-generation Fit has also been enhanced with these improvements.

    　The hybrid version achieves a maximum output of 123 hp with a 14 hp increase in the drive motor.

    　The gasoline version uses a 1.5-liter engine with a 0.2-liter larger displacement. The maximum output is 118 hp, up 20 hp from the previous 1.3-liter engine.

    　The price (including consumption tax) of the minor-changed new Fit is set at 1,997,600 yen for the hybrid version and 1,592,800 yen for the gasoline version.

    　As for the RS type, the hybrid version will be priced at 2,346,300 yen, and the gasoline version will be announced on November 10, 2022, with no price announcement at this time.

    　Now here is a quiz.

    　The new Fit, which underwent a minor change, is now available in new exclusive body colors for the RS type and the SUV-look CROSSTAR. Which of the following colors is it?

    Slate Gray Pearl

    Premium Crystal Red Metallic

    Fjord Mist Pearl

    Rose Gold Metallic

    The correct answer is “”Slate Gray Pearl”” for [1].

    　The correct answer is [1] Slate Gray Pearl.

    　Honda describes the new Honda color, Slate Gray Pearl, which is exclusively available for the RS and CROSSTAR, as “”a modern gray that evokes the image of an early morning city with soft light shining through.
    “

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    Suzuki’s new “Jimny 5-door” will finally be announced in early 2023. What is the truth about the rumored “long body & hybrid”? Japan’s shortest introduction is 2024?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Suzuki’s new “”Jimny 5-door”” to be unveiled in early 2011? What is the truth behind the rumored “”long body and hybrid””? The earliest introduction in Japan is 2024?

    Hybrid also available? Jimny Long is finally nearing its debut!
    　While the Jimny continues to have long delivery times in Japan, we are receiving information from overseas about road tests of the Jimny 5-door and 3-door Long.
    　
    　The current JB64 & 74 made its world debut about 6 months after the road test started to be scooped, so we believe that the long model will be unveiled soon.

    Jimny “”5-door”” will look like this? See the too cool appearance of the long version in the past.

    Is the rumored “”Jimny 5-door”” or “”3-door long”” finally becoming a reality? Announced in early 2023? Japan in 2024 at the earliest?

    　This time, however, it seems to be a little different from the JB64 & 74.

    　To begin with, the long version of the Jimny Sierra will be delivered to the Indian Army ahead of the civilian version.

    　The schedule seems to have been shifted due to the Corona disaster, but the first deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

    　Perhaps in anticipation of this, Maruti Suzuki India will launch the Jimny 5-door for the domestic market in late January 2023, according to most of the local media.

    　The local model name is likely to follow the “”Gypsy”” after the older, longer model.

    　Now, over the past few years, we have received various information from abroad that the long version of the Jimny Sierra will be prepared in three-door long and five-door versions. Besides, all kinds of users have produced and posted their own projected renderings.

    　The Indian media has predicted that only the 5-door will be sold in India, while the 3-door is destined for the UK and other European markets.

    　However, given that the Gypsy used to be a 3-door long and that police vehicles are 3-doors, it may be sold in India as well.

    　The power unit to be installed will surely be a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine similar to that of the Jimny Sierra.

    　However, although the K15B engine has sufficient power specs for a short body, we have always wondered if it would be sufficient for users with a long body, or even for those who normally carry four passengers.

    　Although there is a variety of information from overseas, we believe that the 1.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine from the Suzuki Escudo is a realistic option.

    　With specifications of 136 hp and 21.4 kg-m, this engine is superior to the 1.5-liter engine and is sure to make even a long body run smoothly.

    　Some media have reported that the hybrid system of the Escudo will be used, but I personally think that this is unlikely.

    　The basis for the prediction of adopting a hybrid system is probably the name of Jimny’s 4WD system.

    　In Japan, Jimny’s part-time 4WD does not have a name, but in India it is called “”All Grip Pro””.

    　The 4WD system of the Jimny in the UK also has the name “”All Grip””.

    　In Japan, All Grip is an electronically controlled full-time 4WD system used in the Escudo.

    　However, it is highly unlikely that the Jimny, which is known for its excellent performance over rough roads, will adopt full-time 4WD.

    　If it were to adopt all-grip (in Japan), it would also be difficult to install a low range sub-transfer.

    　It is also unlikely that they will develop something like Mitsubishi’s part time 4WD system with a full time 4WD mode just for the long model.

    　Furthermore, without full-time 4WD, it would be difficult to adopt a hybrid system.

    Finally, the new Suzuki “”Jimny 5-door”” will be announced in early 2011. What is the truth behind the rumored “”long body and hybrid””? The earliest introduction in Japan is 2024?

    When will it debut in Japan? 2024 at the earliest?
    　Incidentally, a close check of the scoop photos taken in Europe revealed no all-grip mode-switching related switches like the Escudo’s on the instrument panel or around the AT selector.

    　From this, it seems certain that the same 4WD system as before will be used.

    　In addition, a large 9-inch monitor audio system can be seen, and we can expect that a more operable one will be available as an option.

    　Among the information from overseas is the adoption of a monitoring system that visualizes 360-degree conditions around the vehicle and a 6-airbag system, which is quite possible.

    　The Jimny 5-door is already confirmed to be produced in India, but according to a source familiar with Suzuki, “”It will probably also be produced at the Mashar Suzuki plant in Hungary.

    The line that used to produce the SX4 S-Cross has been vacated, so it is reasonable to expect that a production line dedicated to the Jimny 5-door may be built here.

    　If and when the Jimny Sierra 5-door goes on sale in Japan, it may be imported from Hungary, just like the Escudo.

    In the UK, a right-hand-drive and two-seat version, the “”Jimmy Lite (LCV),”” is on sale.

    　Now, the Jimny 5-door, which is likely to debut in India in January 2023, is likely to be delayed in Japan for the time being.

    　One of the factors contributing to this is the long delivery time issue that has not been resolved. In the 23 wards of Tokyo, it has already taken more than two years to deliver the car, and even in earlier areas, it has taken more than seven months.

    The Jimny Sierra is manufactured at the Kosai Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, but less than 30% of the total production is destined for Japan.

    　It is not surprising that the Jimny Sierra is not easily distributed in Japan. With the Sierra’s delivery date being more than a year away, if a 5-door model were to go on sale, it would inevitably draw boos from users who have been waiting for a long time.

    　Such opinions have been expressed by several industry insiders, with one arena store manager asserting, “”The 5-door model will not be released until at least 2024.

    　It seems that many Suzuki dealers have made it a condition that even if they have a contract for a Jimny or Jimny Sierra, they can switch to the 5-door model when it is introduced, and there could be some confusion if it is launched.

    　Temporarily, it is likely that some parallel importers of vehicles sold in India will appear in Japan, but they will be at a premium because of emissions inspections and other factors.

    　Many people must be thinking about purchasing a 5-door Jimny. We are still waiting to see when it will make its debut in Japan.

    Tomoki Yamazaki”

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    Domestic old car prices are soaring! To “double” the domestic price! Nissan “Skyline RS Turbo C” in the 80’s is about 6 million yen! “Best Individual” Bid in Australia.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Old domestic cars are soaring! Double”” the domestic price! Nissan “”Skyline RS Turbo C”” from the 80’s sold for about 6 million yen! Sold in Australia

    A superb R30 Skyline
    　Collecting Cars is an auction site of the same name run by its own company, and is an auctioneer of cars from around the world, including Germany, Australia, and the UK.

    Old Japanese cars are soaring in price? A look at the interior and exterior of a superb Nissan Skyline RS Turbo C sold in Australia.

    　In October 2022, a Nissan “”Skyline”” was put up for auction and sold for A$60,500 (about 5.7 million Japanese yen).

    Nissan “”Skyline 2-door hardtop 2000 turbo intercooler RS-X”” sold at auction

    　The Skyline auctioned this time is a 1984 “”Skyline 2-Door Hardtop 2000 Turbo Intercooler RS-X””, also known as “”Turbo C””.

    　Among the RS series, the highest model of the 6th generation Skyline (R30) released in 1981, this is a later model that underwent a minor change in 1983, and was given the so called “”Iron Mask”” face with thin headlights and a narrow radiator grille.

    　The RS-X Turbo C exhibited here is the last and most powerful version among them.
    It is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder “”FJ20″” turbo engine. This final version of the series is equipped with an intercooler that cools the air compressed by the turbo to improve efficiency, and boasts a maximum output of 205 hp.

    　A 5-speed manual transmission is used.

    　The exterior color of the exhibited car is white with a decal on the side that reads “”4VALVE DOHC RS-TURBO INTERCOOLER.

    　The interior is black and red fabric. The silver panels in various places are also in very clean condition.

    　Although the car is in almost original condition, the suspension has been replaced with a Blitz coilover suspension, a stainless steel rear exhaust muffler, and a CD player.

    　The exhibit also comes with the original wheels, suspension adjustment wrench, and service note.

    　The mileage is low considering its age at 87,693 km. The exterior and interior are both in very clean condition with no damage, and the car is listed as having no mechanical failures and no warning lights.

    　The listing area is Rochdale, Queensland, Australia.

    　The vehicle is listed on the auction site along with 158 high-resolution images and a video, which shows the vehicle in considerable detail.

    　The unit offered in this auction was sold on October 4, 2022 for A$60,500 (approximately 5.7 million Japanese yen).

    * * *

    　The late-model Skyline RS, nicknamed “”Tekkamen,”” can be seen with several used cars for sale in Japan.

    　Depending on the condition, the price is around 1.7 to 3 million yen, which means that this unit is sold for almost double the price in Japan.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    The “light Alphard” explodes with a glaring face! The new “Tanto Custom” also has a cool “another style”

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The “”Light Alphard”” with a glamorous face and a sense of style! The new “”Tanto Custom”” has a cool “”other style

    Two colors available: plated and dark black plated
    　On October 3, 2022, Daihatsu released the facelifted Tanto Custom. Dealer options for the model are also available.

    The “”light Alphard”” has a new “”Giraffe”” face with an explosive sense of style! What does the new “”Tanto Custom”” look like in another style?

    　The “”Another Style Package”” is said to be a dealer-installed option, but what kind of appearance will it give?

    The new Tanto Custom with the “”Another Style Package

    　The “”Another Style Package”” for the new Tanto Custom is equipped with carefully selected chrome decorative parts to tastefully upgrade the powerful front face of the car.

    　The package delivers a cool style with a strong presence.

    　On the front, the front grille upper garnish and front bumper lower molding expresses a tightened look.

    　In the rear, back door garnishes and rear bumper lower garnishes are available to give a sophisticated impression to following vehicles.

    　The aforementioned parts are available in two colors, chrome and dark black chrome, to match with the body color or to suit your preference.

    　Incidentally, there is also a recommended set that offers a 30% discount if you purchase all the specified parts at once.

    * * * * * * * * *

    　The new Tanto Custom has been redesigned with a minor change, giving it a face so powerful that it even approaches that of the Toyota Alphard, a Japanese luxury minivan.

    　Check out the dealer options as well, and you may find a design that you like even more.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    Wild feeling is amazing! Toyota’s SUV “RAV4” now available in rally specs!? Lift-up and wide fender equipment! The rendering of the strongest specification is released .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Wild and wonderful! Rally version of Toyota’s SUV “”RAV4″” is now available! Lifted up and equipped with wide fenders! Rendering of the most powerful specs revealed!

    Toyota’s Current RAV4 to Rally Specifications
    　The Toyota RAV4 (RAV4) is a popular full-fledged crossover SUV. The current model is the fifth generation model, which was introduced in 2019.

    A sure-fire winner? Rally-spec rendering of Toyota’s RAV4 in 60 images.

    　Automotive CGI artist Basel Masri has posted a rally-spec rendering of the RAV4 that has created quite a buzz.

    Rendering of Toyota’s RAV4 converted to rally specifications (photo: Basel Masri)

    　The first generation of the RAV4 was launched in 1994 as a full-fledged crossover SUV, and since then successive generations of the model have gained popularity around the world.

    　The current model, the fifth generation, was introduced in 2019, and on June 22, 2022, a partially redesigned model with larger LCD meters and other improvements will be announced in Europe, but not yet in Japan.

    　An EV version of the first-generation RAV4 has competed in rallies in the past, but the current model has no history of participation. Basel Masri’s imaginative rendering of the current RAV4 model, customized to rally specifications, has been released.

    　Basel Masri is a designer who has created customized renderings of various cars, including Toyota, Lincoln, and Mercedes-Benz, and posted them on his social networking sites.

    　In Basel Masri’s rendering, the RAV4 has been raised and fitted with off-road tires, giving it the proportions of a rally car.

    　The exterior is painted in white with green and red stripes reminiscent of the “”Castrol”” colors of the Celica GT-FOUR and Corolla WRC cars that Toyota competed in the WRC in the past.

    　All the plastic parts under the front bumper were cut away and replaced by a large skid plate. A snorkel intake extends from the hood.

    　The sides are fitted with wide fenders, mudguards are fitted underfoot, and the side windows of the rear doors appear to be filled in in the style of an off-road competition vehicle.

    　At the rear, the plastic portion of the lower bumper has also been painted.

    　The rendering created by Basel Masri is, of course, an unrealistic rendering, but since custom lifted RAV4s do exist in reality, with parts such as snorkel intakes, etc., the possibility that someone will appear somewhere to recreate a similar customization cannot be completely ruled out. We cannot completely deny this.”

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    Expectations are at MAX! The reason why SNS is exciting ,The current 4th generation “”Prius”” was controversial due to its flashy design!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Expectations are maxed out early on! Why is there so much interest in the new Prius even before its official unveiling? Why are social networking sites abuzz with excitement?

    The current 4th generation “”Prius”” was controversial due to its flashy design!
    　The Toyota Prius, now in its 25th year since its first-generation debut in December 1997, has been the driving force behind the popularization of hybrid cars that boast excellent fuel economy.
    　
    　The current model is the fourth generation, launched in December 2015, and already seven years after its debut, rumors of a full model change have been heard.
    　
    　Although the truth is not yet known, there have been reports of sightings of a test vehicle believed to be the new Prius on social networking sites, and the excitement seems to be building even before the official announcement.

    (Image) “”Too novel style! A look at the fourth-generation Toyota Prius with a “”flashy face”” that has a strong futuristic feel (17 photos).

    The fourth-generation (current) Prius (body color: “”Thermotect Yellow””) at the time of its full model change in December 2015, which also drew attention for its strong “”flashy face.

    　The fourth-generation Prius made a spectacular debut as the first car developed based on TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture), which represents Toyota’s structural reform of car manufacturing.

    　The newly developed “”TNGA-C platform,”” featuring a low center of gravity packaging, was adopted for the first time to improve handling performance by enhancing body rigidity and lowering the center of gravity.

    　In addition, the Toyota Safety Sense, an advanced driving support function, and other features are newly adopted.

    　Of course, as the original hybrid car, fuel efficiency, the most important consideration, has not been overlooked, and the combustion efficiency of the engine has been greatly improved, while the motor, power control unit, and battery have also been made more efficient, compact, and lightweight.

    　The fourth-generation Prius was such an innovative car, but what surprised me the most was its design.

    　At the time, Toyota said, “”We aimed for a unique design that is instantly recognizable as a Prius,”” and while inheriting the triangle silhouette common to previous generations of Prius, the car’s strong styling and detailing attracted much attention.

    　The headlight units and rear combination lamps were quite distinctive, and the design was a matter of taste.

    　The new “”Thermotect Yellow”” coloring, which has a gorgeous fluorescent image, has a synergistic effect, further reinforcing this impression.

    　The fourth-generation Prius was born with great pomp and circumstance as a symbol of change, but many people were puzzled by its “”too flashy design”” and the image change from the Prius up to the third-generation model was too great.

    　Looking back, the simple and clean design of the 3rd generation Prius overlapped with the image of an “”eco-car”” and gave a sense of originality and progress, but the 4th generation may have been too big a swing.

    　Also, by the time the fourth generation was launched, other Toyota models were being added to the hybrid lineup one after another, which was a negative factor for the original hybrid car, the Prius.

    　As a result, the Prius was unable to surpass the sales volume of the third-generation Prius, which went down in history as a blockbuster.

    　The overly flashy styling has since been replaced by a minor change in December 2018 with detail design changes to the front and rear lamps, giving it a cleaner look.
    High expectations for the new Prius? Why is there so much interest in the new Prius even before its official unveiling? Why are social networking sites so excited?

    New Styling! What will happen to the next “”Prius””?
    　As mentioned above, the current 4th generation Prius is already in its 7th year since its debut.

    　The first through third generations underwent model changes in a six-year cycle, and rumors of a full model change for the Prius have become frequent.

    The roofline, with its arched arc, symbolizes the “”Prius-ness”” inherited from successive generations of the Prius [photo: second-generation Prius, introduced in 2003].

    　Among these, a scooped image spotted in Japan has been generating a lot of excitement on social networking sites.

    　While the authenticity of these images is not known at all, photos of a test vehicle that has been disguised as a Prius have been widely shared on social networking sites, with people asking, “”Is this the next Prius?

    　This is another indication of the high level of interest in the next Prius.

    　The test vehicle has a sporty form with a rather sharp front shape. The overall length is long, and the height appears to be quite low.

    　It is hard to believe that this is a Prius at first glance, but it is also clear that the car has inherited the same identity as previous Prius models, with the apex of the roof arching over the center of the body.

    　According to the images that have been spreading, the body of the car is fully covered with camouflage wrapping, making it difficult to discern the undulations of the fenders and other details such as the size and shape of the light units.

    　Nevertheless, the silhouette of the car is enough to foreshadow a change to clean and simple styling.

    　On social networking sites, comments such as “”I have a feeling it’s going to be cool,”” “”A sports car? It looks like a Prius, even though it is completely different from the 4th generation.

    The new Prius has also played a symbolic role in the transformation of the company.

    　The fourth-generation Prius at the time of its debut was highly impressive with its strong, flashy styling, partly because of its role as a symbol of change.

    　Although no official announcement has been made by Toyota, we can hardly wait for the fifth generation of the next Prius to arrive on the scene to see if it will meet the growing expectations of users.
    “

  • | | |

    From “Corolla” to “Harrier”, “Changed!”

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “From “”Corolla”” to “”Harrier””, “”Change? What is the “”Full Color Liquid Crystal Display”” that Toyota’s latest cars are adopting all at once?

    Full-face LCD color meters are now available in four different tastes and three different layouts
    　Toyota has successively upgraded its major models: the Harrier on September 26, 2022, the Corolla on October 3, 2022, and the RAV4 on October 4, 2022. One of the new features common to all models is the “”meter.
    　
    　This section introduces the “”color LCD panel”” that has replaced the “”analog meter”” that used needles in the past.

    Image: Design changes can be made “”at will! Photos of the “”color meters”” used in the new Harrier and other models (42 photos)

    Two examples of the “”12.3-inch TFT Color Meter + Multi-information Display”” newly adopted in Toyota’s new Harrier and other models

    　The current Harrier, a popular luxury SUV, will be in its fourth generation when it is introduced in 2020.

    　The major news from the first partial improvement in two years is the addition of the Harrier PHEV, a new lineup equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, in addition to improved safety features.

    　The Corolla, Toyota’s leading mass-market car brand, was fully remodeled in June 2018, with the hatchback preceding it. The sedan and station wagon (Corolla Touring) are next, with the new model coming in September 2019.

    　This is the first major facelift in the three to four years since its debut, including changes to the powertrain lineup and the introduction of a new 1.5-liter engine.

    　The RAV4 underwent a full model change in April 2019, and the timing of the partial upgrade comes three and a half years after its full model change.

    　The RAV4 PHV plug-in hybrid vehicle, which had been an independent model, has been integrated to become a part of the RAV4 lineup, and the special edition Adventure “”OFFROAD package II The “”Adventure “”OFFROAD package II”””” is a special edition model with a greatly enhanced off-road image on the exterior.

    　A common improvement among the three models is the new 12.3-inch TFT color meter and multi-information display.

    　This upgrade from the conventional analog meter that uses the rotating needle as an indicator has resulted in a color LCD display over the entire surface of the meter, giving the impression of a more advanced image.

    　The panel design has four tastes: Casual, Smart, Tough, and Sporty, and three layouts are available, allowing the user to change the display to suit his or her preference.

    　The multi-information display, which consolidates information in the center of the meter, has been modified to display three types of information: left, center, and right, so that multiple information can be displayed at the same time.

    　According to Toyota’s official website, the basic layout is the same for all three models, but only the high-end Harrier model has a “”satin-plated meter ring”” around the meter that displays speed and other information to enhance the design.

    　It will be interesting to see if the 12.3-inch TFT color meter will be expanded to other models in the future.

    * * * *

    　In addition to the 12.3-inch TFT color meters, another improvement common to the three popular models is the improvement of the display audio system compatible with the connected navigation system.

    　The display audio system incorporates a large screen display and functions that are linked to smartphones and connected functions, and a navigation system can be added as an option.

    　Toyota first offered this feature when the current Corolla was introduced, and it has since been rolled out to various models.

    　The new Harrier has the same large 12.3-inch display as before some improvements, but with improved specifications.

    　In addition to the 8-inch display audio, the new Corolla has a new 10.5-inch Display Audio Plus (with in-car navigation function). This is larger than the previous maximum 9-inch display.

    　And the new RAV4 has likewise been expanded from the conventional maximum 9-inch display audio (additionally available at the time of partial improvement in 2020) to a larger 10.5-inch display.
    “