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new Toyota Prius has a 2-seater open version!
ByPawaniToyota Unveils Striking Two-Seater Convertible Concept: The Prius Star
In a bold move that has set the automotive world abuzz, Toyota has unveiled a surprising addition to its iconic Prius lineup – the Prius Star, a captivating two-seater convertible variant of the fifth-generation Prius. This unexpected revelation, which emerged on November 16, 2022, marks the latest evolution of the pioneering hybrid car that first revolutionized the industry a quarter-century ago. With a blend of innovative design, eco-conscious engineering, and a dash of sporty flair, the Prius Star aims to capture the hearts of enthusiasts and environmentally-conscious drivers alike.
Theo Throttle, a visionary virtual car tuner renowned for his imaginative concepts, took the reins on bringing the Prius Star to virtual life. Through a meticulous process, Throttle seamlessly melded the distinctive face of the new Prius onto a two-seater convertible framework reminiscent of the Mazda Roadster, resulting in a stunning synthesis of hybrid technology and open-top excitement.
Underneath its striking exterior, the Prius Star retains the core strengths that have made the Prius a symbol of eco-friendly driving. The iconic “monoform silhouette” is a nod to the Prius legacy, while the integration of Toyota’s second-generation TNGA platform further enhances stability by lowering the center of gravity. The adoption of larger 19-inch tires adds a sporty dimension, transforming the Prius Star’s proportions into an embodiment of style and agility.
A trio of powertrain options awaits discerning drivers. Opt for the 1.8-liter engine for efficiency, the 2.0-liter engine paired with a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) system for a dynamic blend, or elevate your experience with the 2.0-liter engine and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) setup. The PHEV variant achieves a striking 223 horsepower and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, signaling a new era of spirited driving for the Prius lineage.
Throttle’s ingenuity shines through in the transformation process of the Prius Star, documented on his YouTube channel. Through a careful transplant of the Prius front fascia onto the roadster foundation, followed by meticulous modifications to the body and framework, Throttle brings the Prius Star to life. The finished rendering leaves a lasting impression, seamlessly fusing the Prius’s sporty aesthetics with the allure of a two-seater convertible.
While Throttle’s creations remain imaginative renderings, unendorsed by manufacturers, their striking realism and thoughtful design invite contemplation. The virtual realm, it seems, provides a canvas for bold exploration, reimagining the boundaries of automotive possibilities. Throttle’s social networking channels continue to showcase an array of captivating concepts, from a station wagon iteration of the Prius to a Lexus-inspired Toyota GR Yaris.
As automotive enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers eagerly anticipate Toyota’s future endeavors, Throttle’s creations serve as a tantalizing glimpse into a realm where innovation and design intertwine, sparking conversations and aspirations for what lies ahead in the automotive landscape.
Breaking News: Toyota Alphard FIELD 4 Concept Sets New Standard in Design and Sustainability
ByPawaniToyota Alphard FIELD 4 2024.08.22(Toyota Alphard FIELD) by RAI STAR In a dazzling showcase of innovation and sustainability, Toyota Auto Body unveiled its latest masterpiece, the Toyota Alphard FIELD 4 Concept, at the prestigious Automotive Technology Expo 2024. Held from July 17 to 19 at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, this…
Toyota evolves the new 5th generation Prius!
ByPawaniToyota evolves the new 5th generation Prius! Proposing “”KINTO Unlimited,”” an upgradeable system even after purchase! The initiative that will “”change the way you interact”” with your car!
What are the subs that will “”evolve”” the safety and other aspects of the car even after delivery?
On December 7, 2022, Toyota announced the introduction of “”KINTO Unlimited,”” a new system that evolves the company’s “”KINTO”” subscriber service, for the new Prius model scheduled for release this winter.
In addition to enabling post-purchase “”evolution”” in terms of both software and hardware in terms of safety and functionality, the new system will also realize “”monitoring”” using connected devices.“”Innovative”” in both appearance and shifting! The new Toyota Prius, which is about to go on sale, in 51 photos.
Toyota’s new 5th generation “”Prius”” will be unveiled for the first time in the world on November 16, 2022, and is scheduled to go on sale in Japan this winter (PHEV models will go on sale in the spring of 2023).
The term “”subscription,”” which has been heard in many industries in recent years, stands for “”subscription service.
It refers to a new style of ownership in which goods and services are not purchased or owned with cash or loans, but can be easily used for a fixed period of time by paying a fixed amount on a regular basis, and is currently gaining popularity in various business models.
Toyota is also rolling out KINTO, a subscriber service, for new and used vehicles starting in 2019.
KINTO’s fixed monthly service fee includes not only the vehicle itself, but also the costs associated with the vehicle, such as voluntary insurance, automobile tax, registration fees, and regular vehicle maintenance.
The number of users is growing, with the total number of KINTO applications reaching 52,000 as of the end of November 2022, an increase of 22,000 over the previous year.
Meanwhile, Toyota analyzes that user needs are becoming more complex and diverse.
For example, the need to “”continue to drive a car with peace of mind”” is not realistic because it requires users to switch cars in order to receive the benefits of the latest technology, which continues to evolve every day, in a timely manner.
However, users are also increasingly interested in keeping their car life expenses as low as possible.
In response to this trend, Toyota and KINTO have been working together to create a new service that “”continuously provides added value even after the vehicle has been delivered,”” which has been difficult to achieve with conventional vehicles, by making changes starting with vehicle manufacturing. We have launched a new service, KINTO Unlimited.
Specifically, KINTO Unlimited responds to new needs by adding two value-added services: evolution (updates) and monitoring (connectivity).
The value maintained is allocated in advance to a reduction in the monthly fee for subscriptions, allowing users to use the service at a more reasonable price.
Toyota is evolving the new 5th generation Prius! Proposing “”KINTO Unlimited,”” an upgradeable system even after purchase! What is the initiative that will “”change your relationship”” with cars?
The new KINTO Unlimited service details the value-added features of the new KINTO Unlimited service in four different ways.
You can update it even more! The new KINTO Unlimited service will enable “”evolution”” and “”monitoring”” of the new Toyota’s 5th generation “”Prius”” even after the contract is signed!
The first is “”software updates.
For the first time in a Toyota vehicle, the concept of “”OTA (Over The Air)”” has been introduced, enabling functional evolution by updating the vehicle’s software to the latest version, just like a PC or smartphone.
This cost is included in the monthly fee, so there is no additional burden on the user.
The second is hardware upgrades.
In anticipation of future upgrades, Toyota’s first “”upgrade-ready design”” specification includes the addition of harnesses and other equipment necessary for retrofitting from the time the new vehicle is manufactured.
In addition to the addition of comfort equipment, the new model is prepared for the evolution of advanced driving support functions, etc., whose performance has been remarkably improved.
For starters, the lineup includes a blind spot monitor, panoramic view monitor, and heated steering wheel, with more to be added in the future.
Each item will be available in two options: as a one-time purchase or as an addition to the subscriber’s monthly fee.
The third is the “”Connected Driver Trainer.
Based on driving data, the system analyzes and diagnoses a driver’s driving tendencies and provides safe driving advice through a dedicated application.
The fourth is “”Connected Car Care.
The system adds a function that determines the periodic inspections that were previously performed at regular intervals, such as every six months, based on individual vehicle data, and provides information on how to perform oil changes and other inspections at more optimal times.
As of December 7, the new Prius has not yet been officially launched, so details such as KINTO Unlimited’s price and grade settings have not been disclosed.
Toyota plans to start the service with some grades of the new Prius and expand it to other models based on the response.
SUV with black emphasis!Daihatsu announces new “Rocky ADS” The fearless design is cool .
“SUV with black emphasis! Daihatsu Announces New “”Rocky ADS”” at Nuns! Cool fearless design!
What is “”Rocky”” with an emphasis on a black feel?
Daihatsu’s Indonesian subsidiary has unveiled a modified version of the “”Rocky”” compact SUV at the Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2022, which opened in Jakarta (August 11-21, 2010).The black-emphasized grille is cool! What does the new Daihatsu “”Rocky ADS”” look like? See in pictures
The new “”ADS”” version, which can be selected for each grade, features a new design.The improved “”Rocky”” model (Indonesian specifications) unveiled at the Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2022
The improved Rocky ADS model to be sold in Indonesia adopts a black-based design.
The black front grille, outer mirrors, and 16-inch black aluminum wheels (available on certain grades only) give it a fearless SUV-like appearance.
Some body colors have also been changed.
The Indonesian version of the Rocky will be equipped with either a 1-liter turbo engine or a 1.2-liter NA engine, and will be priced between 205.2 million and 273.6 million rupiah (approximately 1.86 million and 2.47 million yen).
” “SUV with black emphasis! Daihatsu Announces New “”Rocky ADS”” at Nuns! Cool fearless design!
What is “”Rocky”” with an emphasis on a black feel?
Daihatsu’s Indonesian subsidiary has unveiled a modified version of the “”Rocky”” compact SUV at the Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2022, which opened in Jakarta (August 11-21, 2010).The black-emphasized grille is cool! What does the new Daihatsu “”Rocky ADS”” look like? See in pictures
The new “”ADS”” version, which can be selected for each grade, features a new design.The improved “”Rocky”” model (Indonesian specifications) unveiled at the Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2022
The improved Rocky ADS model to be sold in Indonesia adopts a black-based design.
The black front grille, outer mirrors, and 16-inch black aluminum wheels (available on certain grades only) give it a fearless SUV-like appearance.
Some body colors have also been changed.
The Indonesian version of the Rocky will be equipped with either a 1-liter turbo engine or a 1.2-liter NA engine, and will be priced between 205.2 million and 273.6 million rupiah (approximately 1.86 million and 2.47 million yen).
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Toyota Estima: Once Revolutionary Minivan, Now Faces Dark Clouds with 90% Sales Plunge!
ByPawaniThe Mysterious Disappearance of Toyota’s “Original Luxury Minivan” – The Story of the Estima
Toyota, a renowned automaker known for its innovation, has seen numerous successes in the automobile industry. However, amidst its triumphs, there lies a tale of a beloved minivan that eventually faded into oblivion – the Toyota Estima. The Estima, considered the original luxury minivan, once captured the hearts of drivers with its unique design and spacious interior. So, what led to the disappearance of this pioneering vehicle from the market?In 1990, Toyota unleashed the first-generation Estima, a bold departure from traditional minivans. Instead, it presented itself as a “new luxury car” with its strikingly smooth and rounded egg-shaped body. Nicknamed the “genius egg,” the Estima stood out due to its rare underfloor midship layout. This innovative design placed the engine sideways at a 75-degree angle, while the front tires were positioned in front of the driver’s seat. As a result, the midship layout achieved an impressively spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and remarkable quietness, elevating the minivan experience to unprecedented heights.
Despite its higher price point, around 3 million yen at the time, the first-generation Estima garnered immense popularity and quickly became one of Japan’s representative minivans. Building on its success, Toyota introduced the Estima Lucida/Emina in 1992. These models, smaller in size, became known as the “child Estima” due to their affordability, priced approximately 1 million yen cheaper than the original Estima. The Lucida and Emina achieved significant success, further solidifying the Estima’s position as a standard minivan model.
With the turn of the millennium, Toyota embarked on a full model change for the Estima, giving rise to the second-generation Estima in 2000. The company also introduced the “Estima Hybrid,” equipped with a cutting-edge hybrid system, offering both powerful acceleration and improved fuel consumption. The future looked bright for the Estima, and its popularity seemed destined to soar.
However, dark clouds began to gather over the Estima’s fate when Toyota introduced another upscale minivan under the same brand in 2002 – the “Alphard.” Based on the second-generation Estima’s framework, the Alphard boasted a larger body and a luxurious, spacious interior. It featured a more “powerful” design, clearly distinguishing it from the Estima’s gentle-looking front mask. Despite the competition, many loyal Estima fans persisted, but a crucial turning point was approaching for both models.
In 2006, Toyota launched the third-generation Estima and followed up with the second-generation Alphard in 2008. The Alphard’s “stiff” front mask appealed to a broad audience, leading to an increase in sales. On the other hand, the Estima’s reasonable pricing made it challenging to compete with the Alphard and Vellfire, and the number of Estima sales began to decline significantly. By the first half of 2019, the monthly average of registered Estima units plummeted to a mere 791, representing less than 10% of the combined Alphard and Vellfire sales.
As the shadows grew darker, the Estima’s role came to an end in October 2019, and the vehicle disappeared from the market without undergoing a model change. Though the Estima had once carved its name in automotive history, the shifting landscape of the automobile industry played a significant role in its fate.
Fast forward to 2023, Toyota continues to innovate, releasing the new luxury minivans “Alphard” and “Vellfire,” along with the upcoming “LM” under the Lexus brand. These new offerings are replete with luxurious exteriors, powerful engines, and opulent interiors, capturing the attention of automotive enthusiasts.
While the Estima may have vanished from the scene, the automotive landscape has changed dramatically, providing potential opportunities for new and improved models. As the market evolves, who knows if a modern, high-tech reincarnation of the “original luxury minivan” may find its way back into the hearts of drivers once more, solidifying its place as an upper-class minivan for the ages. Only time will tell what Toyota has in store for its minivan lineup.
Exhilarating Upgrade Lexus LC500 Convertible Showcases 2023’s Unmatched Luxury and Performance!
ByPawaniLexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, is set to introduce improvements to its flagship coupe, the Lexus LC, in June 2023. The enhancements promise to elevate the already impressive driving experience by focusing on steering stability, ride comfort, and overall functionality. Recently, the editorial department at N had the privilege of test driving the updated “LC500 Convertible,” a two-door open model with an electric retractable soft top, which left them awe-inspired.
The Lexus LC made its debut in March 2017, captivating automobile enthusiasts with its unique design and exceptional driving performance. It plays a pivotal role in establishing the standard for ride quality across all Lexus models. The lineup includes the gasoline-powered LC500, equipped with a 5-liter V-type 8-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, and the hybrid LC500h, boasting a 5-liter V6 engine paired with a motor – both featuring rear-wheel drive.
The test drive featured the LC500 Convertible in a striking new exterior color named “Heat Blue Contrast Layering (Heat Blue).” The combination of this captivating blue hue with a white interior exudes elegance and uniqueness. Under the sunlight of early summer, the LC500 Convertible stood out from the crowd, showcasing a charismatic aura that separated it from other vehicles on the road. The heat blue color, previously associated with sporty “F” models like the NX F Sport and IS F, surprisingly emphasized the luxurious image of the LC, raising expectations not only for its power performance but also accentuating its elegant essence.
While the exterior design remained unchanged, the complex spindle grille with diamond-shaped textures, the wide raised front and rear fenders, and the character lines connecting the headlights to the taillights were accentuated under the sunlight, highlighting the LC’s glamorous body shape. The car attracted attention wherever it went, making the driver feel like they were riding in something truly special.
Stepping inside, the refined interior cocooned the driver and passengers in luxury. The combination of a white base covered with blue leather, along with elegant stitching, created a seamless and inviting environment. The wide field of vision from the driver’s seat and the center tachometer positioned at 6 o’clock instilled a sense of high drivability in addition to the luxurious ambiance.
The June 2023 update brought a new 12.3-inch touch display to the interior, replacing the conventional touchpad. With wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the convenience and intuitive operation of the infotainment system were significantly enhanced, further elevating the driving experience.
Turning on the engine, the quietness befitting a luxury car was immediately evident, with no vibrations during idling. Closing the soft top provided such excellent airtightness that the cabin felt like that of a coupe, creating a serene and comfortable space, ideal for leisurely drives or simply relaxing in style.
However, the real magic occurred when the accelerator was pressed. The LC500 Convertible came to life with the unmistakable beat of its V8 engine, providing exhilarating sensations as it soared to 7000 rpm while emitting a clear and transparent sound unique to naturally aspirated engines. Contrasting its luxurious demeanor, the engine’s robust yet elegant sound urged drivers to push the accelerator to the limit, while also allowing for a leisurely and luxurious cruising experience.
Remarkably, the test drive was conducted in the “Normal” mode of the “Drive Mode Select” feature, leaving room for even more excitement when switching to “Sports S” or “Sports S Plus” modes, specifically designed for winding roads, high-speed driving, and even circuit experiences. The LC500 Convertible’s 10-speed automatic transmission was highly responsive to the driver’s commands, offering seamless gear changes in “M” mode.
Thanks to the underbody updates, including optimized suspension components and a change to hub bolts with washer for wheel fastening, the LC500 Convertible delivered exceptional ride comfort and handling performance, even on cobbled road surfaces. Despite its weight, the vehicle’s high body rigidity and suspension settings gave it the agility and responsiveness of a medium-sized sports sedan, making it a pleasure to drive even within city limits. On the expressway, the LC truly shines, providing a thrilling experience on high-speed corners.
The test drive may have been short, but it left an indelible impression. The Lexus LC500 Convertible promises to offer drivers a unique and unforgettable driving experience, one that transcends the boundaries of luxury. Priced starting from 15.5 million yen, this top-notch masterpiece showcases the wonders of Lexus’ exceptional car manufacturing, making anyone who takes the wheel feel like a special individual with a passion for extraordinary automotive engineering.