What does the future hold for Toyota USA?
Updated 8-12-08. When we talk years, we usually mean model years; cars for the next model year show up around September 1, in most cases.
Toyota is bringing out next-generation factory technology which saves energy and increases flexibility; more on this later.
Toyota’s pre-crash technologies: Keeping your eyes on the road (closed-eye detector; 2008)
New crossover (Toyota Venza)
The new Camry-based crossover will be smaller and more economical than the current Camry-based Highlander, and will share Camry powerplants (or just the V6). We have details and photos at the Toyota Venza page.
Toyota Car Updates
The next generation Toyota Prius is due in model-year 2010. This will be a fairly thorough redesign, and will include the use of a bigger gas engine (the Corolla’s new 1.8 liter powerplant) and a larger body. The same styling will be maintained, and only one model will be available. Around model year 2011, the plug-in version with superior lithium-ion batteries should show up; the batteries won't be ready for 2010. A second hybrid-only vehicle will be exclusive to Japan for the time being.
The Corolla was replaced for the 2009 model year (see Corolland’s report); the Matrix will be replaced by the Toyota Blade. Hybrid power is expected for the new Corolla, going along with Toyota’s commitment to make a hybrid version of each vehicle. The major changes are a stiffer new body structure, dramatic safety increases, lower noise from better aerodynamics, and minor boosts in gas mileage stemming from addition of variable valve technology to the exhaust valves as well as the intake valves; the Camry engine will be optional for better acceleration. A new CVT is also planned. A CVT can increase gas mileage slightly but more important, reduces the weight and (reportedly) the cost of the transmission. The next upgrade for both vehicles should be around 2013.
Toyota is reportedly planning to bring the Camry to a full half million units sold per year in the US, which will be double the Impala’s sales (GM is planning to limit Impala sales to 250,000 to avoid putting cash on the hood). No major changes are planned until a “refresh” in 2010.
The Avalon is due for a redesign in 2011 or 2012, with a hybrid finally arriving about a year afterwards. The Solara will exist only as a convertible.
The Mazda-engineered Ford Escape, using Toyota technology, is also being sold, and a Nissan hybrid also using Toyota patents is due soon.
A V-8 powered Supra has been rumored to debut since 2003 but so far no final decision has been made public. It does not look likely now. The Lexus sports car due in 2008-2009 may be its spiritual replacement; or there may be an FT-HS hybrid sporting a 3.5 liter V6 and electric motor for a total of 400 hp; and they may use Subaru's all wheel drive.
The Yaris will show up in four-door hatchback form in 2009, possibly with a late launch; the whole car will be redesigned for 2012. Even with higher gas prices, Yaris has not really caught in with Americans (though the name might be a factor).
A new Subaru based Toyota to enhance the company’s dowdy image is planned for 2012 or so; the Toyota version would be rear wheel drive, while Subaru would get its usual all wheel drive. The main Toyota input would be on sheet metal. Plans for the Supra appear to have been dropped.
Low cost vehicles: Toyota is particularly interested in growing its share of the ever-larger Indian market. This would slot in below the current Scion line but above the $2,500 Tata. The ideal is for a reliable, low-cost car, using existing parts where possible but based on a clean-sheet platform; the vehicle would probably be sold under a different brand name, with a dedicated sales channel, to avoid diluting Toyota's refined image. Two models are being planned, a four-door sedan similar to the Dacia Logan; and a “people mover” similar to the Renault Kangoo.
Toyota Truck Updates
The Toyota Tundra may help Toyota to slip past Ford and become the United States’ second largest automaker; with an optional 381 horsepower V8, neatly beating every domestic truck engine in horsepower, the Tundra is a true American-style full-sized pickup. Built in the United States, it may get a heavy duty model (three-quarter or full ton), necessary for that “macho” image so important to American commuters, in three or four years. In the meantime, a new 4.6 liter V8 will become the base engine in 2010, adding around 30 hp and 2 mpg.
The big 5.7 liter V8 will also be used in the Lexus LX570 and probably the next generation Land Cruiser.
The Tundra may benefit from Toyota’s acquisition of chunks of Isuzu; the Isuzu diesel engineers are far more advanced than those at Toyota, and were the main brains behind the successful GM Duramax engines. A diesel engine using Isuzu technology should end up in the Tundra sooner rather than later - possibly at about the same time GM and Dodge bring out their diesel-powered 1500 models. For serious American fleet buyers, the diesel is a very popular option, because it requires less maintenance, provides more grunt, and consumes far less fuel, cutting fuel bills nearly in half in some cases (and farmers can make their own biodiesel). Again, diesels also boost the “rough and tough” image.
The RAV4 will be redesigned for 2012.
The Tacoma is due for redesign in 2013.
Despite a bigger Sequoia taking over the Land Cruiser's market position, the Land Cruiser itself will hold on, supported by international sales, with a redesign scheduled for 2009. At that time, the 5.7 liter engine is likely to appear with 380 horsepower; the fancy Land Cruiser, or Lexus LX570, already uses that engine.
The FJ Cruiser was scheduled for a 2012 redesign, but it may simply be dropped due to falling sales.
A hybrid version of the Camry-based Highlander is now sold in the United States, with gas mileage at 31 city, 27 highway (EPA; real mileage is about 30 city, 24 highway). The new Highlander is bigger (12 cubic feet of cargo), more powerful (55 hp), and more expensive. Despite the extra weight, gas mileage is expected to remain at 19 city, 25 highway with the V6. It will be four inches longer and three inches wider than the current Highlander, with a three inch wheelbase boost; a 270 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 replaces the 215 horsepower 3.3 liter engine. There will be three rows of seats, and the center middle seat will fold down to become a console. A four cylinder may return.
The new Sequoia will take advantage of all Tacoma upgrades, and will also reportedly feature a new independent rear suspension. Interior space should increase as well. It is to be made larger and more powerful - following the Tundra it’s based on. Like the Tundra, it will get a new 4.6 liter V8 in 2010.
The 4Runner, just redesigned for 2006, will be re-engineered again for 2010.
Toyota minivans
Sienna is due for a redesign for the 2010 model year, for more third-row and cargo space; a six-speed automatic is planned. The hybrid should show up in 2012. Nicer than the Odyssey in most ways, and certainly more reliable, the Toyota Sienna is now the third-best-selling minivan in America, after Dodge and Honda but ahead of Chrysler.
Scion line
The Scion xD (see details and photos) replaces the xA. The new xB (see details and photos) has 158 horsepower from the Camry four-cylinder replacing the 103 hp 1.5 liter four.
Toyota’s new Scion reduces costs by using a more modular architecture - maximizing common ground on the three vehicles - even as they grow farther apart by using different engines and wheelbasese. The t2b concept car shown in New York in 2005 is one example; it could be built as the current microvan/mini-SUV, or as a fastback.
Yet to be shown is the replacement for the popular tC.
Lexus
Lexus debuted the new LX 570 luxury utility vehicle during the 2007 New York International Auto Show. It remains a thinly disguised Land Cruiser and uses the Tundra’s powerful 5.7 liter V8.
The ES will be freshened for 2010 and redesigned again in 2012, using a hybrid powertrain from the RX 400h.
The GS-F has been put on hold, and the GS itself is set for a 2011 redesign. The SC was set for a redesign for 2009 - with weight loss and a bigger engine - but may be dropped due to poor sales and a unique platform.
The hybrid-electric LS600h will be the first production car in the world with LED headlights (since the headlights tend to drain the battery while at stoplights with the engine off).
The new IS sedan is here, with a 204 horsepower V6 in the IS250 engine (fueled by direct injection!), and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; Europeans can get it with a 2.2 liter turbodiesel producing 177 hp but a full 295 lb-ft of torque. As with other Lexii, the IS will have the pre-crash safety system, active cruise control, active suspension, and a whopping ten airbags. There will also be an IS350 with a 3.5 liter V6 producing over 280 horsepower. More worrisome for other automakers is the massive 425 horsepower due from the 2008 IS-F, with a small five-liter V8 producing that massive thrust. Brembo brakes will bring it to a halt. A coupe is expected in calendar-year 2008 with a hardtop convertible following a year or two later.
In 2011, we can expect the final form of the production LF-A sports car (photos in the Auto Show section) called the LF-1, pulling down $160,000 and boasting a V10 and all wheel drive. There have been numerous delays on this one.
A small four-cylinder Lexus hybrid sedan is due for 2011, to satisfy those who want luxury and excellent gas mileage.
A redesigned RX (including a redesigned hybrid-electric RX400h) is due soon - to be the RX350.
The new JX seven-seat crossover based on the GS, probably with the 3.5 or 4.7 liter engine, may not appear. The GX (4Runner) is due for a redesign in 2010 but may be dropped or replaced.
TRD
Just after the unveiling of the Lexus F series, Toyota Australia is set to reveal a new range of performance cars under the established TRD brand. They can be seen at http://trd.com.au/ and should be officially shown at the Melbourne International Motorshow in March. (Thanks, diablotaz)
