America's Best-Selling Car Tuned Up for 2013 NASCAR Season

 

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) and TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) today formally introduced the new 2013 Toyota Camry that will compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) beginning next season at TRD’s Salisbury, N.C. facility.

The introduction of the new 2013 Camry for NASCAR competition marked the culmination of an aggressive redesign to provide the 2013 Camry with an updated and more-unique identity. TRD worked together with Calty Design, part of Toyota’s global network design team, to create an on-track Camry that incorporates design elements which give America’s best-selling car its distinct character.

“We’re thrilled to finally unveil our new 2013 Camry and we think NASCAR fans will really appreciate that our new on-track Camry looks like the one in their driveways,” said Ed Laukes, TMS vice president of marketing communications and motorsports. “Our 2013 Camry looks more like the production vehicle than ever before, and we hope this helps revitalize the long-standing relationship between fans and manufacturers in NASCAR. Never before have we had a Camry competing in NASCAR that looked so similar to its production counterpart.”

A new front grill-area that matches the production model, distinct character lines down the side of the vehicle and an updated rear bumper make the redesigned 2013 Camry stock car more relevant than ever before to its showroom sibling.

“We’re extremely proud of the new Camry and the development of the car was truly a unique process,” said Lee White, president and general manager of TRD. “NASCAR and all four manufacturers were brought together to guide the direction of the new cars. We all worked together to put the ‘S’ back in NASCAR -- we all wanted race cars that look more like our stock, production models -- and together we accomplished that. Our new Camry for 2013 is a great looking race car. Everyone at Toyota is eager to have our drivers in a race car that more resembles the street Camry.”

For 10 straight years, and 14 of the past 15 years, the Toyota Camry has been the best-selling car in America. Built at Toyota manufacturing facilities in Georgetown, Kentucky and Lafayette, Indiana, the 2012 Toyota Camry was recently named the ‘Best Redesigned Vehicle’ by Kelley Blue Book. In addition, the Camry has been named the ‘Most American Car’ by Cars.com’s American-Made Index for three consecutive years.

In an effort to create more distinct and stock vehicles for the race track, NASCAR worked together with the four series manufacturers to determine what areas were either ‘locked in’ or ‘open’ for unique design. NASCAR also allowed for the exchange of glass for solid body pieces.

“When everyone at Toyota first saw the design of the 2013 Camry, the first reaction was, ‘They’re actually going to let you race a car that looks like that?’,” said Andy Graves, TRD’s vice president of chassis engineering. “That just demonstrates how excited everyone was about the new design of the Camry stock car.”

The new 2013 Toyota Camry will make its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Daytona International Speedway’s ‘Speedweeks’ in February.

The FR-S Teaser Video!

The FR-S is running HOT!!

 

The Scion FR-S is filled with playful rear-drive character. Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor

 

Scion’s 2013 FR-S sports car succeeds on the most important level: It’s fun to drive.

Too bad Toyota couldn’t have had a little more fun with the name. The FR-S is known as the Toyota GT-86 in the rest of the world, and even wears GT-86 badges on its front panels. The name brings to mind the expression, “86-ed,” restaurant slang meaning a menu item has sold out, a customer has been banned, or something has otherwise been eliminated.

Imagine a television commercial wherein a Gen-Y hipster driving a GT-86 bests a competitor on a twisty road. At the end, we cut to a close-up of the winner as he looks straight at his nemesis in a VW or Hyundai and says, “You’ve been 86-ed!”

The actual TV ads for the Scion FR-S aren’t as much fun, so it’s a good thing the car is. It has a playful rear-drive character and curvaceous styling that should make it a hot commodity among Scion’s under-30 target market.

The design represents a revisiting of the past for Toyota, evoking a time when the company turned out affordable, rear-wheel-drive performance cars like the 1980s enthusiast-favorite AE86 Corolla. Toyota’s 1960s Sports 800 and 2000 GT are also cited as ancestors. The FR-S, which starts at $24,930, is also Scion’s first proper sports car, augmenting the less expensive, merely “sporty” tC.

The FR-S (“front-engine, rear-drive, sport”) was reportedly drawn up to appease Toyota president Akio Toyoda, who asked, “Where is the passion in our lineup?”

Scion’s emphasis here is on driving character, not big performance numbers.

So absent was the passion that Toyota looked outside its corporate boundaries and developed the FR-S in cooperation with Subaru. As a result, most of the FR-S’ engineering and mechanicals — like its FA20 2.0-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine — come from Subaru. Subie will sell its own, nearly identical version — the BRZ — at a slightly higher price point.

The car’s styling is determined by functional elements under the sheetmetal. For example, the engine is a flat, horizontally opposed four-cylinder, enabling a low hood line that highlights the front wheel arches. From the driver’s seat, the benefits are a low cowl and the ability to place the car visually using those bulging arches. Also, the gaping grille is flanked by intakes with integrated fog lamps, ensuring adequate engine and brake cooling with minimal aerodynamic penalty. With these low-slung curves, the Scion’s silhouette is vaguely Toyota 2000-esque. Its trapezoid-shaped rear incorporates a diffuser, dual exhaust and 12-element LED tail lamps.

The car's front-end styling is dictated by its flat engine design. Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor

This functional approach continues in the cockpit, where the black instrument panel is dominated by a big tachometer, a relatively simple center stack and a flat glovebox area. Imagine the central satnav/audio display pulled out, wires casually hanging, and it smacks of a stripped-out race car interior. The fabric seats are comfortable and bolstered enough for serious track work with attractive double-stitching. The steering wheel is, appropriately, Toyota’s smallest, measuring just 14 inches in diameter.

A standard 300-watt Pioneer audio system can be upgraded to Toyota’s 340-watt BeSpoke app-based multimedia system, whose 5-inch display can be used to call up Pandora, Facebook or Twitter, and includes points-of-interest and routing functions through satellite navigation. There are also the usual USB inputs and extra RCA outputs for external amps.

The FR-S’ sporting intent is signaled by a refreshingly light curb weight (between 2,700 and 2,800 pounds, depending on options) with a 53/47 percent front/rear weight distribution, a rigid chassis, and an independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and double wishbones in the rear. Add a reasonable 200 horsepower, put power down at the rear wheels, and you’ve got a zippy handler.

Scion’s emphasis here is on driving character, not big performance numbers. The direct-injected 2.0-liter boxer keeps the FR-S’ center of gravity lower than a Porsche Cayman’s, and power delivery is linear up to the 7,400-rpm redline. The FA20 engine is also tuned for sound: A “Sound Creator” channels audio from the engine’s air intake into the cabin. Unfortunately, the note isn’t that appealing, and my guess is that aftermarket exhaust makers will step in profitably.

The rear is dominated by a diffuser and a pair of large LED lamps. Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor

The engine mates with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift mode. Manual shift throws are direct and definitive. I never mis-shifted during a day at the track, and clutch take-up is not too heavy or light. The automatic pops off quick, rev-matched downshifts with surprisingly clever anticipation. The steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters earn a minor demerit, since they’re too small for easy use when the wheel is turned beyond 90 degrees.

Given the FR-S’ power-to-weight ratio, I’d guess the zero-to-60 time to fall somewhere in the mid-six-second range. Not blazing, but stoplight drags aren’t its mission. Backroad twisties, hot-lapping and drifting are.

Those strengths are abetted by some quick steering. Working in concert with the suspension, it allows you to easily adjust yaw. Steering feel isn’t great, but you forget about it. Jump off the throttle mid-corner and the FR-S oversteers like a front-drive car. Catching the tail is easy and fun. Drifting simply requires a little practice. The three selectable driving modes (“normal,” “sport,” and a third setting that disables the traction and stability controls) allow for progressively less intervention in that regard.

Stoplight drags aren’t its mission. Backroad twisties, hot-lapping and drifting are.

The 2.0-liter Boxer is light on torque (151 pound-feet) which you do notice on the street. Conversely, the lack of twist gives you a certain freedom on the track. Rather than wait anxiously to pick up the throttle as you would in a big power sports/muscle-car, you can simply slap the gas pedal past a corner apex. It makes you smile.

The engine doesn’t elicit the same response. I expected the 2.0-liter to rev more freely than it does. The Boxer winds relatively slowly, feeling a bit truck-like. Its character doesn’t match the playful nature of the rest of the FR-S.

But there’s a lot of good stuff, including ventilated front and rear brake rotors that stopped the car without fade during my four successive lap stints. The light overall weight aids braking performance and agility, even on the FR-S’ hard compound tires. Enthusiasts will likely go for grippier rubber once the first set wears down. Scion embraces customization, and the company will offer a range of appearance and performance accessories after launching the car.

Toyota has rediscovered accessible rear-drive performance in a market where, until recently, only Mazda’s MX-5 has played. This unique quality — and its extended possibilities — brings a lot of driving fun to the table. But it also brings precisely the kind of street-cred lacking in Scion’s “secretary-friendly” tC.

WIRED An affordable, lightweight, rear-drive sports car tuned for performance young enthusiasts can extract — a boon for Scion. Affordability is bolstered by average fuel economy in the mid-20-mpg range, two years of free scheduled maintenance, and Toyota reliability. It’s got some pretty curves.

TIRED The Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter Boxer feels a bit lazy when revved, and could use more torque. Despite help from the artificial “Sound Creator,” the engine sounds only so-so. Buyers won’t care, but the rear seats are useless to anyone beyond their toddler years.

The 14-inch steering wheel is Toyota's smallest. Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor

Scion FR-S Will Power Canadian Race Talent in Drifting League

 

The sporty, rear-wheel drive Scion FR-S is already making a name for itself in the minds of automotive enthusiasts. Following the FR-S’ class win in the 24-hours of Nurburgring, Scion is continuing it’s assault in the motorsports scene.

 

Today Scion announced that it will be debuting its Racing Team in the Canadian Driftmania series, with a new FR-S drift car. Scion has chosen local legend Pat Cyr to represent the Scion brand. Cyr has more than a dozen podium results on his record, including the Canadian Driftmania Championships as well as the US Xtreme Drift Circuit series.

Cyr has previously competed with an AE86, one of the cars Scion looked back at when developing the FR-S.

“We’re thrilled to be supporting grassroots racing in Canada through our involvement with Pat Cyr and his Cyrious Drift team – one of the top teams in the game,” said Larry Hutchinson, a Senior Executive at Scion Canada. “With his passion for the AE86, Pat has a deep appreciation for how that heritage shines through in the FR-S. He’ll have a lot of fun building his FR-S drift car this year and racing it next year.”

Louisiana man's Toyota pickup hits 1 million miles

Even after driving his truck more than 1 million miles, Glen Allen doesn’t think the old girl has reached the end of the road. She keeps on rolling, even on a long trip.

“I can leave right now, punch your address into my GPS and drive with as much confidence as I have when I drive to the grocery store a quarter mile away,” says Allen, who lives in St. Amant, La.

That’s important for a man who makes his living driving across the country, escorting vehicles carrying oversized loads.

Allen bought his 1996 pickup truck in January 1997 from Price LeBlanc Toyota in nearby Baton Rouge. The truck had six miles on it.

It was his fourth Toyota vehicle, the only brand he’s ever owned. “I bought my first one when I was 21 years old,” he says. “It was an ’84 Xtra Cab, white with gray interior.”

He later bought a ’91 Corolla and a ’93 Toyota pickup truck. “I’ve been very impressed with Toyota’s products,” he says. “I really don’t have the desire to purchase anything else.”

He’s particularly pleased with his current truck. “For a small truck, it has plenty of leg room and head room,” he says. “It’s been a comfortable little truck for me. I can reach anything I need from the driver’s seat.”

Comfort is vital to Allen, who can rack up 90,000 miles a year escorting trucks carrying bulldozers, cranes and other heavy equipment. “I could get a call in the next five minutes telling me to go to Minnesota,” he says. “I never know where I’m going or when I’m going. I’ve got to keep my bag packed.”

Despite the uncertainty, he says, “It’s exciting because I get to go to a lot of places I never dreamed of going. I’ve been to 38 states and Canada. I enjoy taking back roads, running into little hole-in-the-wall restaurants.”

Allen doesn’t spend all of his time on the road. He sometimes spends hours in parking lots while the big trucks are being loaded. But he doesn’t mind waiting because his cabin is comfortable enough for naps. “I get some of my best sleep in my truck,” he says.

Even during Louisiana’s scorching summers. “I can sit in my truck all day long with the air conditioning on, and the temperature never goes up,” he says.

Allen calls his truck “My Little Red Demon.” As for the gender, he says, “I think a vehicle is always a ‘her,’ isn’t it? You treat her nicely, and she’ll take care of you.”

Allen has treated his vehicle nicely. “I don’t dog the truck,” he says. “I don’t hot rod it at all.”

He gets the tires rotated regularly and changes the oil every 5,000 miles. He replaced the original engine at 658,000 miles. “The original clutch looked so good, the mechanic was tempted to put it back in.”

He got the truck painted a couple of years ago because “I wanted her to look good when she turned a million.”

Yes, Allen was confident his truck would reach that milestone. “Once I saw how far the first engine got me, I thought I could get to a million.”

Today, his truck has about 1,080,000 miles on it. Although his family and friends have urged him to get a new truck, he’s in no hurry. “It’s still in great shape,” he says. “Even if I get a new truck, I’ll keep this one for local jobs.”

When the time does come, Allen will probably get a Tacoma “unless I’m just completely blown away by a Tundra.”

In the meantime, he says, “I take care of my truck the best I can and boogie down the road. We spend a lot of time together. She’s the love of my life, what can I say?”

By Susan Pack

The Toyota Design Team is Gearing Up for the Future

 

Toyota wants to introduce better car design into its future products. The company already has the reliability part of building cars down pretty well. But it’s design has been milquetoast, its cars frequently characterized as “appliances,” and the company wants to turn that around, said Kevin Hunter, the president of Toyota’s CALTY Design Studio.

“We’re going to act more instinctively,” he said. “We’ll continue listening to the customer, but we can’t do creative design only listening to the consumer. They don’t know what they want five years from now. We’re going to make some predictions.”

We saw it first with the Scion FR-S, which is a sleek, slinky little sports car that’s both aggressive and handsome at the same time. But sports cars are hard to goof up. It’s stuff like the Camry and Sienna, the company’s bread and butter, that Hunter wants to look more expressive and appealing. In fact, it’s about time that design stopped taking a backseat to engineering and logic, when the engineering department would tell the design staff to “make this pretty,” and as Hunter notes, this led to dull, compromised, badly proportioned vehicles.

“We’re going back to the precepts Toyota was founded on.”

It also helps that Akio Toyoda, the company’s newly-minted president, is a car enthusiast who’s genuinely interested in vehicle design. Hunter says it’s a genuine change for Toyota: “we haven’t had that as long as I’ve been with the company.”

And while speaking bluntly, Hunter claimed that Toyotas look “cute or surprised.” (Just look at the last MR2, a car that Hunter nonetheless cited as a great Toyota design.) But new Toyotas will “express the confidence and optimism,” as evident on the new Avalon and the NS4 concept, shown above. Lexus is already undergoing this design “renaissance” with the GS and it’s “spindle” front grilles. And of course, while this might sound like typical car designer posturing, styling from the sexy LF-LC concept—designed by Hunter and his team at CALTY – will make its way into future Lexus and Toyota (and even Scion) models.

“In the past, let’s face it, we had boring design,” Hunter said. “We’re moving to more unexpected designs; that’s our big message.”

Toyota Hits Four Million Unit Global Sales Milestone for Hybrids

TORRANCE (May. 22, 2012) – Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in Japan announced its global hybrid vehicle sales totaled four million units through April 2012.

Toyota currently sells 18 hybrid passenger vehicles in 80 countries and regions around the world. This year, hybrid vehicle accounted for 15 percent of TMC’s global vehicle sales. Prius, Toyota’s first hybrid passenger car, went on sale in Japan in 1997. Hybrid technology was later introduced to the U.S. in 2000 with the arrival of the Prius.

Since then, the Toyota Division of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. sold 1.5 million hybrid vehicles in the U.S., accounting for 65 percent of all hybrid vehicles sold in the region. Prius, the iconic hybrid brand, comprises half of all hybrids on the road in the U.S. with sales totaling 1.2 million units through April 2012.

The expansion of the Prius has been successful in the U.S. since the Prius v was introduced in to the market in November 2011 followed by Prius c and Prius Plug-in during the first quarter 2012. In that time, Prius family sold 60,859 units in the U.S.

"All of us at Toyota would like to sincerely thank our customers, who have made Prius the best-selling hybrid in the industry," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. "While we're proud of this accomplishment, we are not stopping here as hybrids will continue to be a core technology for Toyota."

In addition to the Prius Family, Toyota’s other U.S. hybrid models include versions of the Camry and Highlander, which feature larger displacement applications of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Toyota calculates that the total number of its hybrid vehicles sold globally since 1997 have produced to approximately 26 million fewer tons of C02 emissions than would have been emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

CONSUMER REPORTS SURVEY: AMERICANS SAY FUEL ECONOMY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CAR BUYING FACTOR

Nearly three-quarters of drivers would consider an alternative fuel vehicle for their next car

YONKERS, NY - With fuel prices at near record levels, consumers are driving less and contemplating a move to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, according to recent survey by Consumer Reports.

The survey found that 37 percent said their leading consideration when shopping for their next car will be fuel economy. A distant second was quality (17 percent) followed by safety (16 percent), value (14 percent) and performance (6 percent).

"These results make it clear that high fuel prices are continuing to impact driver behavior and influencing future purchase considerations," said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports deputy auto editor. "While quality, safety and value are still important, this may be foreshadowing a market shift by folks seeking relief at the pump."

Some two-thirds of owners surveyed said they expected their next vehicle to get better fuel mileage than the one they're driving now. While gasoline costs (90 percent) were the number one reason cited for wanting a more fuel-efficient vehicle, more than half of respondents also had other reasons, including a desire to be more environmentally friendly (62 percent) and concern about dependence on foreign oil (56 percent).

Women disproportionately said they were motivated by the environmental benefit of better fuel economy (65 percent vs. 58 percent of men), more concerned about dependence on foreign oil (63 percent vs. 49 percent of men), and impacted by changes on the home front (38 percent vs. 31 percent).

For more information regarding Consumer Reports' fuel economy survey, helpful fuel economy tips and advice on selecting the most fuel-efficient car for your needs visitwww.ConsumerReports.org/fuel.

The survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, found that car owners were open to different ways of saving at the pump, from downsizing to looking at hybrids, electric cars, or models with diesel engines. In all, nearly three quarters (73 percent) of participants said they would consider some type of alternatively fueled vehicle, with flex-fuel (which can run on E85 ethanol) and hybrid models leading the way. Younger buyers were more likely to consider an alternatively-fuel or purely electric vehicle than drivers over the age of 55.

Of those who said they plan to move to a different type, owners of large SUVs were the most open to downsizing, frequently planning to move to a smaller SUV. Small cars were the leading category targeted by survey respondents for their next vehicle, followed by larger sedans and midsized SUVs. Further illuminating a future market shift, larger sedans (18 percent) and minivans (7 percent) are on fewer participants' radar relative to their current model.

With the federal government expected to finalize new fuel efficiency standards later this year that would require manufacturer's average fuel economy to reach 54.5 miles-per-gallon by 2025, some 90 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statements "Auto manufacturers should offer a greater variety of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles in the near future." Almost 80 percent felt the same about the statements "Fuel economy standards should require auto manufacturers to increase the overall fleet average to at least 55 miles per gallon," (79%) and "I am willing to pay extra for a more fuel efficient vehicle if I can recover the additional cost through lower fuel costs" (81%).

"When gas prices are high, it's always tempting to rush to trade-in for a more fuel-efficient car to save at the pump. But our research has shown that you're often better off financially to stick it out with the vehicle you have if it's less than three years old, because a new vehicle will cost you more in depreciation than you would save on gas" said Bartlett. The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted the random, nationwide telephone survey in two waves, April 5-7 and April 12-15, 2012, contacting 2,009 adults. The Center interviewed 1,702 adults in households that had at least one car.

The 8-Step Guide to the American Road Trip

Whether you hope to rediscover the back roads of your home state or retrace Route 66 all the way from Illinois to California, a successful road trip requires a mix of advance planning and flexibility while traveling. Here are eight steps to help you put together the perfect summer trip.

1.   The perfect vehicle

The perfect vehicle is essential to the perfect road trip and the choice all depends on the type of trip you will be taking. The choice could range from a fast 2-seater all the way to an RV. Either way you want something that will handle all your activities, keep you comfortable and last but not least get you where you’re going.

2. Choosing your travel partners

Choosing companions for your road trip adventure might be the most important decision you make. Remember, you'll be spending almost 24 hours a day, day after day, in close quarters together, so it's extremely important that everyone's personalities and interests mesh well.

3. Figuring out where to go

Brainstorming your itinerary is the fun part of trip planning, and you can do as much or as little of it as you like. "Some people just have a general idea about where they want to go and let their impulses drive them while others plan a general route and then improvise along the way," says Mercer.

You might start by studying maps or browsing guide books like Let's Go Road tripping USA. Or, there are countless online resources you can use to generate ideas:

• Find scenic roads around the country by visiting the website of the National Scenic Byways Program. The site covers 96 nationally designated scenic drives in the U.S. such as the Kancamagus Scenic Byway through the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Big Sur Coast Highway along Route 1 in California. Detailed information is listed for each route including maps and directions, points of interest, and events happening nearby.
• Link to the official tourism websites of all 50 states through the Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory. State tourism sites include a wealth of information about state attractions, accommodations, events, weather, and more. Most also link to the visitors' bureaus of individual cities and regions within the state.
• Locate national parks by state or zip code using the interactive map on the National Park Service website. Each park has its own homepage where you'll find maps and information about activities, climate, and park services.
• Find obscure sites and landmarks in the U.S. through HamptonLandmarks.com, a site that allows you to search through a database of more than 1,000 U.S. landmarks by city, state, or category. The website also details sample road tours that combine visits to numerous sites such as the Diamonds in the Dust tour of baseball sites in the Midwest and the Smile and Say Big tour of photogenic landmarks in West.
• If you're really into visiting oddball attractions, you should also browse RoadSideAmerica.com, which lists more than 5,000 offbeat sites in the U.S. and Canada such as the "world's largest hairball" in Webster, SD, or "Prairie Dog Town" in Oakley, KS.
• Plan your itinerary around events and festivals happening around the country using WhatsOnWhen.com. Search by location, theme, keyword, or date to find reports on thousands of notable events.
• Read instructive and inspirational articles about road tripping on RoadTripAmerica.com. The site also has a forum where you can post questions and ask for suggestions.

Planning is helpful, but don't get carried away scheduling every moment of your trip. Part of the fun of road tripping is the serendipity of stumbling upon unexpected sites or interesting people.

4. Planning the route

If you prefer to let the road take you where it will, you can skip this part. But if you'd rather know where you're going in advance, there are several online tools you can use to map your route. Keep in mind, however, that no online planning tool is perfect and none are completely comprehensive or fully up to date, so bring along a separate road atlas and guide book.

Mark Sedenquist, the publisher and managing editor of RoadTripAmerica.com, recommends TripKing, a free planning tool that can be found on RV.com and several other sites. This tool can help you plan your trip hour-by-hour, allowing you to not only map out a route but also find restaurants, lodging, attractions, and other points of interest along the way.

Megan Edwards, the president and editor of RoadTripAmerica.com, also suggests a similar free planning tool, TravMatrix. "What makes this tool interesting is the amount of customized information a road tripper can gather about the availability of certain travel service amenities along a particular Interstate highway," says Edwards. "For example, it is easy to get a list of all of the hot tubs along a certain stretch of highway."

5. Finding cheap accommodations and dining

If you have friends or relatives who live in interesting places, a road trip is the perfect way to visit them. Not only will you fulfill those long-time promises to visit, you'll also cut down on lodging and food costs and have access to a free tour guide.

If you can't stay with friends, try mixing camping with occasional stays in hotels when you feel the need to clean up. For camping, Mercer suggests staying in official campgrounds rather than at rest stops or other locations. You can find and reserve camp sites in 44 states through ReserveAmerica, but to find out all the options, you may need to consult a guide book or ask around at a local gas station or visitors' center.

Find affordable hotels on your route by using a guidebook or a hotel-booking site like PlacesToStay.com or Orbitz. It never hurts to try calling the hotel directly to see if lower prices are available. You can also try looking for hostels on HostelWorld.com, but keep in mind that many U.S. hostels require an international passport.

One of the best parts of a road-trip is experiencing what the entire nation has to offer for food. This is your chance to hit up all those places you have seen on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

The cheapest way to eat is to stop at grocery stores and stock up on bottled drinks, sandwich fixings, and other snacks. You can always stop at fast-food chains, but you're on the road to experience new things. So, try to fit in some meals at local diners, farmer's markets, and the occasional restaurant.

6. Keeping gas costs under control

Gas may be your biggest expense, but there a few things you can do to reduce costs. Here are some ideas:

• Bring one or more friends along to split the costs.
• Choose a fuel-economy car over a gas-guzzler if you have a choice.
• Fill your gas tank and drive during the cooler parts of the day when fuel consumption is less, suggests Edwards.
• Find the lowest fuel price in any area of the U.S. or Canada using RoadTripAmerica.com's Fuel Cost Calculator. "[The calculator] allows road trippers to obtain fuel costs when comparing different types of vehicles, fuel efficiencies, and miles traveled," says Sedenquist.

7. Keep safe and happy on the road

Problems and tempers are bound to arise at some point along your trip, but keeping cool and being prepared can help minimize the trouble. To keep peace between yourself and your travel mates, Mercer says to not get too ambitious with your itinerary and to schedule time outside the car every day. Flexibility and the ability to compromise also go a long way. "Sometimes you get stuck in places unexpectedly and you have to leave yourself time to stop and enjoy where you are," says Mercer.

It's also important to treat your car well and be prepared for roadside emergencies. Keep an extra set of keys and carry basic repair tools, plus a safety kit with flares and extra water, says Mercer. Before traveling, you should also make sure your car insurance is up to date and look into roadside assistance services like AAA. Reading up about car maintenance and repair is helpful too.

8. Documenting your journey

Documenting your trip through journaling and photography is now easier than ever with digital cameras and travel blogs. Several free online travel blogs allow you to write journal entries, upload photographs, map your route, and keep in touch with friends and family as you travel. Before you hit the road, set up your personal travel blog on a site like TravelPod and TravelBlog and then write entries as you travel. Both sites automatically send e-mail notification to your friends and family when you update the blog.

Or, you can keep a written journal on the trip and then put together a scrapbook with photos when you get home. Include ticket stubs, maps, postcards, addresses of new friends, and other memorabilia from you trip. With a scrapbook, you'll have a tangible way to recall your epic adventure for years to come.

Toyota to Increase V6 Engine Production in Alabama

80 million dollar investment to create over 120 new jobs. This brings the total job announcements up to 100 this year.

 

ERLANGER, Ky. (May 17, 2012) -- Toyota announced today it will expand its Huntsville, Ala. engine facility to increase North American production of V6 engines. The approximately $80 million investment will bring total plant investment to more than $700 million. Approximately 125 new jobs will be created, increasing employment nearly 10 percent to 1,150.

The expansion will allow Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. (TMMAL) to build an additional 216,000 engines each year, boosting total V6 annual capacity to 362,000. A new 300,000 sq. ft. building will be constructed. The increased production will begin in March 2014.

TMMAL currently assembles 4-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines for eight of 12 Toyota North American built vehicles. TMMAL is the only Toyota plant globally to produce these three types of engines in one facility.

This investment will increase engine production at the Huntsville plant to more than 700,000 annually, and will increase total Toyota engine production in the U.S. to more than 1.4 million per year. Toyota also builds engines in Kentucky and West Virginia.

“We are proud to announce our fourth expansion, only a few months after celebrating 10 years of success in Huntsville and Madison County,” said Jim Bolte, President of TMMAL. “Today wouldn't be possible without continued commitment from our outstanding team members and support from our community partners.”

“Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama has been a dedicated corporate citizen in Alabama for more than ten years, and today’s announcement is an exciting new chapter for this company and this community. Toyota’s success in Alabama is a testament to the hard-working men and women of the production and leadership teams who have dedicated themselves to producing quality products,” said Governor Robert Bentley. “This expansion is also a testament to the business climate we’ve worked hard to create in Alabama – a climate in which companies are encouraged to expand, innovate, and create new jobs. We thank Toyota for the company’s continued confidence in Alabama and Huntsville, and we look forward to a continued long-term relationship."

Today’s announcement is the latest in a string of Toyota production increase announcements since February including Toyota plants in Indiana, West Virginia, Canada and Kentucky. Cumulative investment total is approximately $645 million and more than 1,100 jobs are being added.

“This V6 line addition continues to reflect our growing optimism for an improving North American market, and we continue to study more localization in North America,” said Steve St. Angelo, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.

# # #

Comments from elected officials

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby:

“I am looking forward to Toyota’s Huntsville expansion and the many economic opportunities that it will bring to North Alabama. It is encouraging to see manufacturing growth in our great state, and a true testament to all that Alabama has to offer to businesses.”

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions:

“It is great news for our state that Toyota has announced plans to expand the Huntsville plant once again. In 2003, I was present when Toyota celebrated the start of production of the V8 engines for the Tundra pick-up truck—an event that marked the first time that Toyota V8 engines had been built outside of Japan. Just last year, I was glad to be at the Huntsville plant when Toyota began producing 4-cylinder engines. Today’s V6 expansion announcement will help further grow the Alabama economy, and is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of the Toyota Huntsville workforce.”

U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks:

“Toyota's expansion is good news for North Alabama and a testament to the hard work and skills of Alabama workers. Toyota’s commitment to bringing 125 new jobs to the Tennessee Valley is an investment in our state’s economy, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have in our community.”

The IIHS has crowned the Prius c as one of their TOP SAFTEY PICKS!

The IIHS has crowned the Prius c as one of their TOP SAFTEY PICKS! Want to see the Prius c in action? Take a look at the side impact video below.

 

 

Thanks for the feedback!

 

Would you like to read more customer reviews? Click HERE for all of our Dealer Rater reviews.

"I needed a new car and had been looking around. I stopped by several in the area and was impressed with the Prius and with the friendliness and low pressure style of the salesman, Tommy Love." - Luke

Toyota Save in May Sales Event: Trucks

Need a new truck? Come in for big savings on the worlds most dependable trucks. Schedule a test drive here http://bit.ly/zt2WKb

Toyota back on top as world's largest car maker

Japanese brand reclaims crown from GM thanks to 2.49 million sales in first quarter of 2012

 

In a comeback for the ages, Toyota has reclaimed its spot as the world's largest automaker.

Initial sales reports for 2012 so far suggest that the Japanese brand, which was badly hit by natural disasters last year, is now outselling American rival General Motors.

Toyota was the world's largest automaker between 2008 and 2010, but lost its crown to GM after the Japanese earthquake and then flooding in Thailand seriously disrupted its production.

Now though, the brand is back on top, having sold 2.49 million between January and March, compared to 2.28 million by General Motors.

Volkswagen, the world's number three, sold 2.16 million, Bloomberg calculated.

Many observers consider Toyota to be in a better position now than it has been in years -- with global gas prices still high, demand for its fuel-efficient vehicles is soaring, especially for the Prius.

Demand for the model in the U.S. alone is outpacing the prediction of 220,000 vehicles sold in 2012, Toyota said this week, with the Prius comfortably selling more in April than competitors such as the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt combined.

This week it unveiled its first all-electric vehicle, the RAV4 EV, at an electric vehicle show in Los Angeles.

The electrified SUV is a reprise of one of the world's first electric vehicles, the original RAV4 electric, with several new enhancements -- it's been developed with the help of leading electric automaker Tesla, and now features a 100 mile (160km) range and performance equivalent to the gas-powered RAV4.

2012 Camry Re-invented Commercial

This is one of our favorite commercials! Is there something you would like to see re-invented?

The TOP-TEN Gifts for MOM!

Mother’s Day comes every year and most of the time we don’t know what we should get to express how much our Moms mean to us. Here is the top-ten things Mothers want for their special day. Stick to the list and you can’t go wrong.

No.10 Flowers

If sending these along to your mom wasn't the first idea that popped into your head, we'd recommend seeing a neurologist. That said, women have an uncanny ability to discern the quality of flowers, so don't think she won't know you opted for the cheapest bouquet you could find. Conversely, by taking the high road and shelling out for the FTD luxury collection, she'll know you've done something special and show her pleasure by placing them prominently in her home for everyone to see.

Why? Though it may seem trite, there's a reason why giving flowers on Mother's Day is popular. Like flowers, being a mom is a beautiful thing, and beautiful things definitely deserve each other’s company.

No.9 Candles

Loved by women for their flattering and soothing light, and mind-clearing aromas, you can never go wrong adding to your mom's candle stockpile. If you opt for this approach, make sure your selection is made from vegetable soy wax like that used in these Pacifica Perfume candles, because they burn better right to the very end.

Why?: A weekend at home smelling a yummy candle is much more appealing than noticing your or the family dog’s lack of hygiene

No.8 Gift card

This isn't the type of gift we recommend every day, but in the case of moms who spend the majority of time shopping for others, receiving a gift card to their favorite shop can often break down their selflessness for a change by giving them the treat to shop for themselves. Don't assume, however, that you can pass this relatively easy gift off without putting some thought into some attractive packaging and a well-written card.

Why? The saying goes "it's the thought that counts," but the fact is letting moms choose their own special gift will guarantee they get what they want.

No.7 Gift basket

This idea may seem better suited for a corporate convention, but not every gift basket is created equal. Packed with her favorite gourmet foods, and useful tools to make cooking them a real pleasure, a customized gift basket from Dean & DeLuca is a very classy gift. However, if you’re really looking to earn good-son brownie points, you should be the one to prepare this gift's goodies for her as an added way to show you care.

Why? Food is meant to be shared with loved ones, so if you play your cards right, she might just let your stomach benefit from your good taste in gift giving as well.

No.6 Home spa treatment

While celebrating all of her accomplishments as a mother, many women find themselves reflecting on all the time that has passed to get here. By giving the gift of home spa products like this pomegranate salt glow scrub from Aromafloria, she can treat herself to a relaxing day at home while marveling at all she has accomplished. More importantly, though, her day of home pampering will also give her skin a more youthful appearance akin to the days when she focused on herself and not her kids.

Why? Every mom needs to be reminded of the beautiful woman she is as an individual, no matter how much you'd rather not think about it.

No.5 Home decor

Men may brush these tokens off as pointless knickknacks, but unique home decor accessories such as this Swan's Island Merino throw are the kinds of gifts that detail-oriented moms love, because they help distinguish and freshen up the sanctuary that is her home.

Why? The old throw rug on the couch has started to resemble the Dead Sea Scrolls and this soft merino wool should provide her comfort even when you're not around.

No.4 Sweet treats

Unless she's in the extreme minority, your mom will always appreciate sweet treats. Chocolate, of course, is certainly a safe bet, but if you're really looking to impress, sending an edible arrangement of her favorite fruit dipped in chocolate takes this gifting concept from the minor leagues to the pros. Made to be as beautiful as they are tasty, they're also great for sharing when the family gets together

Why? Sending over a basket of treats will make her feel great and indulge her sweet-tooth urge she so often says no to.

No.3 Greenery

The process of caring for a living thing is an instinct that typically stays with moms long after they've kicked you out. To cater to this instinct, give her beautiful greenery she can also tend to, such as a gorgeously packaged BloemBox.

Why? Apart from adding color and wonderful fragrance to her home, raising plants doesn’t result in dirty dishes and unmade beds, the way raising you did.

No.2 Perfume

Some moms wear perfume every day, while others save it for special occasions. Regardless of what bucket your mom falls into, giving her a bottle of her own favorite fragrance will save her a trip to the department store and keep her smelling like she prefers. If you’re an inattentive son and don't know what she likes, giving her a bottle of the classic Chanel No. 5 might just save your bacon.

Why? Scent is the most powerful sense attached to memory, so make sure you always remember your mom in the best possible way.

No.1 Massage and spa treatment

Mother's Day gifts are all about making moms feel good, and nothing fulfills that goal more directly than giving mom a massage and spa treatment. Lucky for you, giving this gift just got easier thanks to SpaFinder, since there's no need to struggle with the hassle of finding a local spa. One universal gift certificate is accepted at over 5,000 spa locations and can be used for any service the spa offers.

Why? After a lifetime of making you feel good when you needed it the most, treating her to a day of relaxation is one small way of paying her back.

The 2012 Toyota Venza is the total package

Enjoy the 2012 Toyota Tundra at Toyota of Orangeburg

The 2012 Toyota Tundra simply gets the job done. Visit us today and enjoy a test drive.

Click here for more information

All-New Toyota RAV4 EV Unveiled at EVS26

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. today revealed the highly anticipated all-new Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26^th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. This all-electric SUV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6. Arriving fully-equipped with an MSRP of $49,800 the RAV4 EV doesn’t compromise on performance, comfort or versatility.

“It’s all about blending the best of two worlds,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division. “The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV – in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.”

The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers have succeeded in bringing an outstanding product to market in record time.

The RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota’s most popular SUV model. The collaborative team set its sights on refining the customer experience. From advanced charging options to interior comfort to interactive displays, the vehicle has been designed for customer ease of use and maximum vehicle range.

The front wheel drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 HP (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm.

RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low center of gravity. In fact, at 0.30 Cd, RAV4 EV achieves the lowest coefficient of drag of any SUV in the world. Compared with the gas powered RAV4, Toyota re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under body design to maximize air flow around the vehicle. The RAV4 EV’s battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle, contributing to a more sedan-like ride.

On the exterior, RAV4 EV features upscale LED low beam projector headlights with halogen projector high beams. A manual leveling system allows customers to redirect the headlights when the vehicle changes significantly in pitch due to a heavy load. Five vertical LEDs make up the daytime running lights, which dim to parking lights. The rear combination lights are LEDs accented by a unique light smoke outer lens. Other exterior variations from the gasoline powered RAV4 include new exterior emblems on the front, rear and the front door panel utilizing the signature Toyota “environmental blue.”

The vehicle will be available later this year in three exterior colors: Blizzard White Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic. The interior features a unique “Neutron” fabric, woven with a subtle sheen and blue accent, on the seat inserts and door trim.

Inside, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat includes variable front seat heaters, which extends heater coverage to the occupant’s upper back. The split reclining rear seats with folding center arm rest fold flat for increased cargo space, with a total cargo capacity equivalent to the conventional RAV4 of 73 cu. ft. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components.

The highlight of the interior is an eight-inch capacitive touch screen with a state of the art graphic display, featuring navigation, telematics, and EV drive information and settings designed specifically for the RAV4 EV. Entune™ is standard (with three year complimentary access to Entune™ services) along with SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with 3-month trial subscription to XM Select package), AM/FM radio, Bluetooth® streaming audio, and USB port with iPod® connectivity. The dash display color illuminates red when the vehicle is operating in sport mode and blue in normal driving mode.

Toyota’s approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. Leviton offers multiple options for charging solutions. For the shortest charge time of approximately six hours, Leviton offers a custom 240V (Level 2), 40A, 9.6 kW output charging station. For more information visit Leviton.com/Toyota. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available.

The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units over the next three years. The battery warranty is 8 years or 100,000 miles.

“We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” said Carter. “It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance. We look forward to seeing how the market responds."

 

In July 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors jointly announced an agreement to develop an all-electric version of the RAV4, with the intent to bring the vehicle to market in 2012. Tesla contributed its EV technology expertise, daring spirit, quick decision making and flexibility. Toyota contributed design, engineering, manufacturing and production expertise. In an industry where development cycles are typically five years, Toyota and Tesla brought a dynamic product to market in less than half that time.

TOYOTA/TESLA DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES

• May 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce collaboration to develop electric vehicles, parts, production systems and engineering support
• July 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce development of RAV4 EV
• November 2010 – Toyota reveals RAV4 EV Phase Zero prototype at LA Auto Show
• February 2011 – Tesla begins delivery of 31 converted RAV4 EV Phase Zero demonstration program vehicles
• April 2011 – Toyota provides first media drive opportunity of Phase Zero demonstration program vehicle at 2011 Sustainable Mobility Seminar
• August 2011 – Toyota/Tesla announce RAV4 EV manufacturing location - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc., Woodstock, Ontario

http://bit.ly/J9BvHX

A New Supra in the Works? Motor Trend says YES!

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Motor Trend reports Toyota may have plans to resurrect the Supra name, or at least a new sports coupe to fill the role of the long-dead two door. Hot on the heels of sports cars like the Lexus LFA and Scion FR-S, designers are reportedly working on dusting off the 2007 FT-HS Concept for another go at life. Paired with the company's GRMN MRS Prototype chassis, the vehicle will likely deliver up to 400 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6 engine.

It would not be a surprise if a new sports car from Toyota hit the market within the next couple of years and speculation is that it will do more than compete with the FR-s, BRZ and the LFA. With more competition in the low 20,000 range of rear wheel drive sports cars even though 2 of them come from Lexus and Scion, Toyota is sure to design a new beast.

We can speculate all we want but as of right now we will have the FR-s and the Lexus LFA to have fun with. But keep your ears open because there will be a new sports car from Toyota and we can only hope it will be the Supra.

For your enjoyment we bring you the Toyota sports concept gallery with a host of photos featuring the 2007 FT-HS Concept. Why show you this old concept? Because design features will come from this concept, not all, but some. Enjoy!

What do the richest people in the world drive?

What would you drive if you have 50 billion dollars in the bank? I think most people would commission to have a flying car built or at least that is what we might have done. Beauty can be found in the ugliest cars, believe it or not. Some of us wouldn’t trade in our 5 or 10 thousand dollar car for the world, simply because we love it. Of course, most billionaires are very boring and stick to the traditional Bentley, Rolls, Lambos, Ferraris and Maseratis, but there are a few on our list that will surprise you.

When you’re done reading this article and your net worth is still under a billion dollars come in and check out some ‘real life’ vehicles. There are definitely some you may fall in love with, whether you’re wealthy or not.  CLICK HERE to schedule a test drive, a service appointment, or just to check us out. Also head over and LIKE our Facebook page for some special offers and some pretty sweet content!

Here is our Favorite:

Google tycoon Eric Schmidt has the most modest car of all: a Toyota Prius. The environmentally-friendly cars start at just $11,000. But don't expect it to last--Schmidt has often spoken about the automated cars of the future.

See the full gallery on Posterous

1.       Carlos Slim Helu is the world's richest man, according to Forbes. The Mexican telecom giant drives himself to work in his Bentley Continental Flying Spur. But don't let his modest driving habit fool you: the price tag on the car is more than most houses at about $300,000.

 

2.       Bill Gates' Porsche 959 Coupe is one of only 230 in the world. It took a federal law signed by then-president Bill Clinton to allow the billionaire to drive the car because there was no crash-test rating. The price for such a car? $225,000 when new, they now go for well over $400,000.

 

 

3.       Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, member of the Saudi royal family, drives a Rolls-Royce Phantom. The entry level version of the prince's car costs $246,000, while an upscale version a royal would surely need is a cool $447,000.

 

 

4.       Billionaire Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, is famous for his many cars. Among his most prestigious is this McLaren F1. In 1998, the car was declared the fastest ever to hit the road and its invention is seen as revolutionary. Production of the cars stopped that year and now they can fetch up to $4.1 million each.

 

5.       Nike founder Phil Knight has a $120,000 Audi R8. Knight, however, went for a bolder approach and got a black model with a contrasting silver sideblade. A Nike employee snapped his car, seen here, at the company's headquarters in Oregon.

This is how to teach teens the perils of distracted driving

A European group called Responsible Young Drivers wanted to showcase the dangers of texting while driving, and got ad agency Publicis to help them out. The result: a two-minute spot that put trainee drivers in Belgium with an instructor who said part of their driving test would be to avoid an obstacle while texting a random sentence that he'd dictate.

Almost everyone is guilty of using their phone while driving. Please watch and share this video. Maybe we can cut down on the 1.2 million accidents caused by texting and driving and the video is pretty funny

Buy a Scion iQ and get a FREE Playstation Vita!

The hot new iQ joins the hottest new portable gaming system. Click HERE to come in for a test drive!

Scion Announces Collaboration with its iQ and Sony’s PlayStation®Vita

TORRANCE, Calif., May 1, 2012 – Scion is pleased to announce that starting May 1 through July 31, 2012, buyers of a new 2012 Scion iQ will receive a PlayStation^®Vita (PS Vita), portable entertainment system, while supplies last. The promotion coincides with the nationwide release of the iQ, Scion’s fourth vehicle and the world’s smallest four-seater. For full details, please visit www.scion.com/psvita.

“Scion is very proud of the iQ’s intelligent and functional design,” said Jack Hollis, Scion Vice President. “Similar to the PS Vita, the Scion iQ comes loaded with premium technological features, has a focus on functionality, is concentrated into a suitably small package and most importantly is tons of fun."

Scion is excited to give iQ owners an entertaining way to enjoy the world’s smallest four-seater, even when they are not in the driver’s seat. Originally released March 7^th as a limited-time free download to PS Vita owners, MotorStorm RC included the Scion iQ as an in-game vehicle option. The award winning PS Vita is equipped with a 5” OLED, high definition touch screen, dual analog sticks, front touchscreen and rear touch pad, two cameras, built in microphone, and combined with the best gaming content, provides an unmatched portable gaming experience.

Meeting the needs of a new trendsetting generation of urban drivers, the iQ succeeds at taking big ideas and concentrating them into a small package. The iQ is a small car that offers the functionality and comfort that drivers expect from a car twice its size. The iQ comes standard with 11 airbags and features an impressive EPA rating of 37 miles per gallon on regular unleaded gas.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 iQ is $15,265. The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $730 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Warranty and Complimentary Scion Service Boost

Like all Scion models, the iQ is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The iQ will also come standard with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles whichever comes first, and three years of 24-hour roadside assistance.