2014 Toyota engines will set the trend

Toyota will introduce a new direct-injection engine next year and follow that up with its first downsized turbocharged power plant in 2014. The company is also dedicated to continuously variable transmissions across its range of small to medium-sized cars. Currently the company doesn't offer any turbocharged vehicles.

"By 2015, through improvement in the engine and powertrain alone, we aim to achieve a fuel-efficiency improvement of 10 percent to 20 percent on the models adopting the improvements," said Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota's outgoing product development chief on Toyota's website.


Key features to Toyota's plan include a 2.5-liter direct-injection, Atkinson cycle engine, to be deployed first in hybrids in 2013. The company would also like to introduce a 2.0-liter downsized turbo-charged engine in 2014 and more six- and eight-speed automatic transmissions for larger cars. Adding a shift to CVTs in small- to mid-sized vehicles is also in the works as well.

The change won't happen quickly however. Engineers are still deciding on how widely technologies such as direct injection and turbocharging should be used.

Toyota tested briefly with turbos in the 1980's but manly as a way to improve output from already powerful engines, not as a way to get a little extra life out of smaller, more efficient ones. Other companies have been featuring turbos for quite some time, such as Ford Motor which makes extensive use of turbocharging from engines with displacements as small as 1.0 liter engines in its pickup trucks.  Companies like Mazda and Honda have started overhauling their engine lineups to make fuel injections their base technology as well.

Starting 2013, Toyota will respond to its competitors by introducing its D-4S direct-injection technology onto its AR family of four-cylinder gasoline engines. Toyota's AR engines are used in such models as the Toyota Camry, RAV4, Highlander and Venza and the Lexus RX.

A direct-injection, 2.5-liter AR four-banger initially will go into the hybrid version of the Toyota Crown, a Japan-market sedan.

"This is the beginning of gasoline direct injection for the four-cylinder engines," said Takashi Shimura, general manager for engine development in a press statement. "Smaller engines will be following this engine. As a trend, this is right. It will be standard."

Construction starts in a few weeks for a 300,000-square-foot expansion at the Huntsville Toyota engine plant so more V6 engines can be built there, and production is expected to begin in March 2014.


Credit: Matt Mercuro


Evans Toyota Scion Fort Wayne
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2013 Toyota Camry Advice

2013 Toyota Camry Buying Advice

The 2013 Toyota Camry is the best car for you if you’re impressed with Toyota’s fresh take on America’s most popular automobile. 

The 2013 Toyota Camry isn’t apt to stray from the looks, features – or prices – Toyota laid out with the fully redesigned 2012 Camry. That marked the first all-new version of this car since model-year 2007. Despite fresh styling, enhanced telematics, and better fuel economy, Toyota kept intact the core appeal that makes Camry such a popular midsize-car choice. A new exterior color or two and perhaps a minor tweak to equipment or options constitute the extent of likely changes for the 2013 Camry. Toyota, however, will be watching closely to see what course corrections might be required to fend off a formidable array of redesigned 2013 Camry rivals, including the 2013 Honda Accord, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 2013 Nissan Altima, and 2013 Ford Fusion. 

Should you wait for the 2013 Toyota Camry or buy a 2012 Toyota Camry? Little reason to wait. The redesigned 2012 Camry is a stellar example of the formula that’s made this roomy, front-wheel-drive midsize four-door sedan so successful. The 2013 Camry is highly unlikely to be more comfortable or refined than the 2012 model. It would have a hard time being more fuel-efficient. And it certainly won’t get more spacious. It won’t look noticeably different, either.

2013 Toyota Camry Changes

Styling: The 2013 Toyota Camry’s styling will be a virtual carbon copy of the all-new look that came on line with the model-year 2012 redesign. Contemporary but conservative is the best description. Creased bodywork, the suggestion of a wedge profile, and a trendy big-mouth lower grille will return. Dimensions will be unaltered and the 2013 Camry will again be a spacious midsize sedan with comfortable seating and a family-vacation-sized trunk.

The 2013 Camry will reprise a front-wheel-drive configuration, which places the weight of the engine and transmission in the nose of the car. That promotes efficient packaging and aids traction in rain and snow by concentrating mass over the tires that also propel the car. Rear-wheel-drive cars have better-balanced road manners, but Toyota’s goal here is a predictable, driver-friendly character, and Camry delivers.

Expect the return of a four-step 2013 Camry lineup, plus two versions of the gas-electric Camry Hybrid. Base models should again wear the L label and the roster will likely ascend through volume-selling LE, sporty SE, and top-line XLE models. The Camry Hybrid will likely return in LE and XLE trim.

Styling distinctions among 2013 Camry models will again be limited mostly to the fine points of trim, though SE and XLE models should again be identified by their alloy wheels. Expect the 2013 Camry XLE to retain an exclusive horizontal chrome strip between the taillamps. And the SE will again have aero-inspired touches and a body-colored instead of chrome grille surround.

Mechanical: The 2013 Toyota Camry will remain mechanically unadventurous -- at least in terms of gaudy horsepower figures or cutting-edge suspension design. Indeed, Camry’s knack for over-delivering on ordinary specifications is a big reason for its wide appeal. Camry is honed to achieve an impressive level of refinement and given its modest aspirations, it provides good all-around performance, too.

Even as prime rivals such as the 2013 Malibu and 2013 Fusion follow the example of the Hyundai Sonata and transition to an all-four-cylinder-engine lineup, expect Toyota to return the 2013 Camry with the traditional choice of four- and six-cylinder engines.

The four will again be a 2.5-liter almost certain to repeat at 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. (Consider torque the muscle behind acceleration, horsepower the energy behind momentum.) The V-6 will be a 3.5-liter likely to remain at 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Expect the V-6 to again be available only on 2013 Camry SE and XLE models in place of the four-cylinder.

Both these 2013 Camry engines will link exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission that allows manual-type gear control via its floor shift lever or, in SE models, with supplemental steering-wheel paddles. SE models also will again feature sport-tuned suspension and steering calibrations. Wheel diameter should remain 16 inches on L and LE models, 17 on XLE versions and on four-cylinder SE models, and 18 on V-6 SEs.   

The 2013 Camry Hybrid will continue to team a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric-motor power for a net 200 horsepower. This is not a plug-in hybrid and will again be capable of running on electricity or gasoline independently or in harness as sensors determine the best mix for acceleration and fuel economy. However, the 2013 Camry Hybrid will also return with a dashboard button to lock in an EV (electric vehicle) mode intended to favor electric propulsion at around-town speeds -- battery charge permitting. The 2013 Camry Hybrid will again use a continuous variable transmission (CVT) that performs the duties of a conventional automatic transmission but without individual gear ratios. 

All 2013 Camrys will come equipped with 10 airbags, including head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows, knee airbags for front occupants, and torso-protecting side airbags for rear outboard passengers. Also on the standard safety list will be an override system that automatically cuts signals from the throttle if the brake and accelerator are applied simultaneously. Like ever 2013 Toyota, Camry will come with the automaker’s Star Safety System. Designed as a comprehensive aid to vehicle control, it integrates the actions of Toyota’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) antiskid system to combat sideways slides, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) to improve control in emergency stops, and traction control to reduce wheel spin on take-offs.

Features: The 2013 Camry probably won’t make any earthshaking additions to its available features but Toyota could spread popular ones among more models or reconsider some that proved slow-sellers in the 2012 Camry. Overall, the 2013 Camry should again offer virtually every infotainment and connectivity item buyers in this class demand, though you’ll probably still need to pop for an SE or XLE model to get a navigation system.

Air conditioning, outside temperature gauge, cruise control, and power windows, locks, and mirrors will continue as standard on every 2013 Camry.  All versions will also return with Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity and a USB iPod interface included in their base price. For model-year 2012, all but the L model came with steering-wheel buttons for Bluetooth and audio control and that’s likely to hold true for the 2013 Camry.

Toyota probably also will continue a slightly confusing array of audio and infotainment systems, starting with one that incorporates a 6.1-inch dashboard touchscreen as standard on all but the 2012 Camry L.

Available as standard or optional, as you climb the model ladder will be an upgrade that includes Toyota’s Entunes system. Entunes works with smartphones to deliver Web-based services such as Pandora Internet radio and text messaging, This upgrade will retain the 6.1-inch touchscreen but integrate a basic navigation system; it’s likely to again be standard on 2013 V-6 SE and XLE Camrys and optional on four-cylinder SE and XLE models. A further upgrade adds a 10-speaker JBL audio system.

Toyota is apt to reserve for V-6 XLE models Camry’s most complete infotainment option. This one includes all the features listed above but has a 7-inch touchscreen that delivers notably greater clarity than the 6.1-inch screen. Toyota could liberalize availability of this setup, but more important would be wider access to blind-spot detection, which warns of unseen vehicles in adjacent lanes and to the carmaker’s Safety Connect system, which provides emergency assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle location assistance. On the 2012 Camry, those safety adjuncts were options confined to the XLE model.

Remote keyless entry would be a worthwhile addition to the L-model’s standard-equipment list (it’ll be on all other Camrys), but don’t expect Toyota to make the 2013 Camry L available with any extra-cost features. It should return a fairly extensive options list for the other models.

A power moonroof should again be available for LEs and SEs and remain standard on XLEs. Among other popular features, a Convenience Package with proximity unlocking, pushbutton ignition, and a rearview backup camera should remain optional on 2013 Camry SE and four-cylinder XLEs and standard on V-6 XLEs.

Expect leather upholstery and heated front seats to again be optional on the four-cylinder XLE and standard on V-6 XLEs. And leather seats trimmed in imitation-suede should again be optional for all SE models.

2013 Toyota Camry Prices

Pricing for the 2013 Toyota Camry was not announced in time for this review but expect a base price range of around $22,500-$31,000. (Estimated base prices in this review include the manufacturer’s mandatory destination fee. For 2012 Toyota cars, that fee was $760. Toyotas sold in Southeastern and Gulf states may carry a different fee.)

Expect base prices of around $22,500 for the 2013 Camry L model and $24,000 for the 2013 Toyota Camry LE. The 2013 LE should again add to the L such standard features as variable intermittent windshield wipers and the steering-wheel Bluetooth and audio controls.

Estimated base price of the 2013 Camry SE is $24,500 with the four-cylinder engine and $27,500 with the V-6. The 2013 SEs should again come with their own exterior spiffs, plus sport-calibrated steering and suspension and front bucket seats with special side bolstering for support during fast turns. Expect a power driver’s seat to remain standard on the V-6 SE and optional on four-cylinder SEs.

Estimated starting price for the 2013 Camry XLE is around $27,500 with the four-cylinder engine and around $30,000 with the V-6. Dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, unique fabric trim, and a power moonroof should again be among its standard upgrades. Expect leather upholstery and heated front seats to again be standard on V-6 XLEs and optional on four-cylinder XLEs.

Estimated base price for the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid is around $26,000 for the LE model and around $29,500 for the XLE version. Except of course for powertrains and some special hybrid-data instrumentation, the 2013 Camry Hybrids will be similarly equipped to their gas-only LE and XLE counterparts, with leather upholstery and the moonroof options exclusive to the XLE.

2013 Toyota Camry Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Toyota Camry were not released in time for this review but don’t expect them to vary greatly from the 2012 numbers. In general, four-cylinder Camrys should remain among the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans. V-6 Camrys, though, will likely be somewhat less fuel-efficient than the turbocharged four-cylinder engines various rivals will use in place of six-cylinders.

Anticipate fuel-economy ratings of 25/35 mpg city/highway and 28 mpg combined city/highway for 2013 Camrys with the four-cylinder engine.

Look for ratings of 21/30 mpg city/highway, 25 mpg combined for 2013 Camry SEs and XLEs equipped with the V-6.

The 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE model should repeat at 43/39 mpg city/highway and 41 mpg combined, with the marginally heavier 2013 Hybrid XLE again coming in at 41/38 mpg, 40 combined. 

2013 Toyota Camry Release Date

The 2013 Toyota Camry should be in showrooms during late summer 2012.

What's next for the 2013 Toyota Camry

By redesigning the Camry for model-year 2012, Toyota got a jump key on competitors that will be all-new for model-year 2013. The 2013 Honda Accord, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 2013 Nissan Altima, and 2013 Ford Fusion will boast fresh styling of their own and interesting powertrain and technology story lines.

Toyota could tweak the Camry in response but isn’t likely to make any notable changes until model-year 2014. A midcycle facelift probably is on tap for model-year 2015, with the next full redesign likely slated for model-year 2016. How this seventh-generation Camry will change over the course of its lifecycle is open to debate. But we’re not betting on introduction of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or elimination of the V-6. Neither move would fit the expectations of Camry’s vast and loyal customer base. 

Whether the seventh-generation Camry design will spawn a two-door coupe or convertible model also is open to conjecture. The Toyota Solara was a Camry spin-off that served that role but was discontinued after the 2008 model year because of slow sales. Among key rivals, only the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima have offered coupe body styles in addition to their sedans. No direct competitor is available as a convertible.

Return of a Camry-based coupe or convertible could help Toyota inject a bit of sportiness into the Camry family without having to compromise the core mission of the sedan. The Venza crossover shows how Toyota has already broadened Camry’s reach without diluting its sedan flavor. Venza plays the role of a Camry station wagon, but goes SUV-trendy with a high seating position and available all-wheel drive.

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Credit: Chuck Giametta

2014 Toyota Tundra – What To Expect

What follows below is projected enhancements, categorized as definite, likely, and possible.

Definite Enhancements

1. Larger fuel tank. Based on comments from Toyota engineer Mike Sweers (the man currently in charge of designing and developing the next generation Tundra) in this Wall Street Journal article, we know that the new truck will have a larger fuel tank.

2. More traditional styling. From the same article above, we learn that the truck will have a more traditional and aggressive truck like look. Hopefully, we’ll see a glimpse of this new look in the next year or two on a Toyota concept.

3. More aerodynamics and a lower ride height. One of the easiest ways to improve truck fuel economy is to reduce the ride height a little bit as well as flatten the underside the vehicle. The trick is doing these things without impacting ground clearance.

4. New dash. This is almost a foregone conclusion. While we may still see the over-sized knobs, we’ll definitely see better quality materials, new gauges, and a modified layout.

5. Direct injection. A source has confirmed that the 2014 Tundra will be offered with at least one direct injection engine. It’s unknown as to whether this will be the same direct injection V6 that is added to the 2014 Tacoma or direct injection for the 4.6L & 5.7L. Here’s to hoping it’s all three. Direct gasoline injection is a great way to improve fuel economy – it’s estimated that it can improve gas mileage from 5-10%, depending on the engine. (NOTE: We’ve heard from less reliable sources that Toyota will replace the 4.6L V8 with a smaller turbocharged V6…but this is still very much speculation.)

Likely Enhancements

1. Variable valve lift. Variable valve timing (VVT) is commonplace, but variable valve lift is still a newer feature on most vehicles. Toyota, long a fan of VVT, currently has a couple of engines running a variable-valve lift system. This should make it’s way into all Toyota vehicles in by the middle of the decade.

2. Electric steering. Hydraulic steering pumps are less efficient than electric motors. GM and Ford both plan to move this into their full-size trucks soon, and Toyota will likely follow. In fact, this will be a common feature industry wide.

3. Weight reduction. Toyota will definitely be emphasizing a lower curb weight in the next generation Tundra. However, what they will do to reduce weight is to be determined. It could be that we’ll see a composite pickup bed (similar to the Tacoma), increased use of high-strength steel (which is lighter albeit more expensive), and more expensive sound-deadening materials that dampen road noise without adding weight.

4. New frame design. Between the Tundra frame rust fiasco and complaints about harsh ride and bed bounce, the current Tundra’s frame is a weak spot in many consumer’s eyes. While it’s true that Toyota’s frame is similar in design to heavy-duty trucks offered by GM and Ford, the fact of the matter is that the current frame doesn't have a good reputation. Look for Toyota to come up with something new.

5. Integrated trailer brake controller. If this feature isn’t already an option, it will be by 2014. Here’s to hoping it comes along sooner.

6. Engine stop-start. This system shuts off the engine at stop lights and then quickly restarts when it’s time to go. It’s a pretty good idea, it saves fuel, and the technology has been around for years. Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive VP in charge of R&D, has been quoted as saying that stop-start will be added to select products. Considering the amount of fuel used during idle by a big V8 – and considering the special allowance for stop-start systems in the most recent set of CAFE regulations – stop-start seems like a logical addition to the Tundra.

7. A new smaller and more efficient V6. Toyota is bringing out a replacement to the 4.0L V6 in the Tundra and Tacoma – the only question is when.

Possible Enhancements

NOTE: These items are based on informed speculation…but speculation none the less.

1. A diesel version of the half-ton Tundra. Once again, rumors of a diesel half-ton Tundra are picking up steam. While we’re highly skeptical, this is added to the list of “possibles.”

2. A Turbocharged V6 to replace the 4.6L V8. Based on the success of the EcoBoost F150 and comments from a handful of Toyota execs, Toyota seems likely to add a turbo-charged engine to the Tundra line-up at some point. Our best guess is that it will be a turbo-charged version of the new direct injection V6 that debuts in the Tundra and Tacoma. But will it be ready for 2014? Probably not. 2016 seems more likely.

3. More configuration options. We’ve been told that Toyota recognizes the Tundra’s limited configurations hamper sales – especially fleet sales. If Toyota allowed customers to pick and choose options, they could probably gain some sales. Initially, this seemed likely to be addressed in the redesign. However, recent conversations indicate that the next generation Tundra will likely have the same number of limited options that the current generation has.

4. A Hybrid Tundra is guaranteed, but it’s unlikely it will debut prior to 2016.

Unlikely Enhancements

1. HD version. An HD Tundra will not debut in 2014 – the future of the HD truck is still very much unknown, in fact, and may never be built.

2. 6.5′ bed on crew cabs. This option has been desired by a few in the comments section, but our source says it’s off the table.

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Credit: http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2014-tundra-what-to-expect/

2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

A brand-new Avalon sedan is Toyota's plan for the 2013 model year, and this time Toyota's steering its full-sizer in a more lively and interesting direction, with more attractive sheetmetal, more advanced features, and another helping of high-tech safety equipment.

It's a counter to today's Avalon, which was a quick reskin of an older model that's widely known for the, er, older clientele it attracts. The new Avalon's a brisk lane-change out of that rut: it's truly handsome, not quite an Audi A7 clone but with enough of that car's stance that there's no Camry vapor trail left in its lines. The grille's a fresh look related to, but not identical to, the family face being applied to all Toyota's crossovers. It's let down at the rear, where the taillamps cut along diagonals that put droop in the tail.

The Avalon's dash received special attention from designers; Toyota wanted the new Avalon to have a premium feel and look, and it shows. The cabin's theme is one that's been styled into most of the current generation of Toyotas, but rises above the usual swipe of differently textured plastics. The climate and audio controls sit on a plane closer to the driver, above a layer that's trimmed with wood grain, which itself is stacked over a dash zone framed in metallic trim. It's unique--not Camry knockoff. Toyota executives keep calling the design "sensational," and while we're not sure it's quite so exuberant, it's really a magnitude of change from the last Avalon.

The big four-door carries over its existing V-6 powertrain, with some changes, and adds a version of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system found in the latest Camry Hybrid, where it helps that sedan achieve EPA ratings of 43/39 mpg.

On base cars, Toyota's 3.5-liter V-6 puts out 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic adopts a sport-shift mode, and incorporates throttle blipping for smoother gear changes. On Avalon Touring and Limited models, the automatic also gets paddle controls for shifting, and the drivetrain has Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes that adjust steering, throttle, and shift feel. Zero to 60 mph times are estimated at under 7.0 seconds; gas mileage is rated at 21/31 mpg, or 25 mpg combined.

On the new Avalon Hybrid, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder runs a lean Atkinson cycle, teamed with nickel-metal hydride batteries and two motors tucked into the transaxle. Gearing is handled by a continuously variable transmission. A net of 200 horsepower coaxes 0-60 mph times of 8.2 seconds out of the Hybrid four-door, and three driving modes are offered. EV, Eco, and Sport. EV mode allows drivers to run the Avalon on battery power alone up to 25 mph, while Eco mode cuts down on throttle response and HVAC output. Sport mode adapts the Avalon Hybrid's throttle and transmission for quicker response.

The bottom line: the Avalon Hybrid has a 680-mile driving range on a single tank of gasoline, and EPA ratings are estimated at 40/39 mpg and 40 mpg combined.

On another front, Toyota's made a concerted effort to keep weight down in the new Avalon. The new Avalon Hybrid weighs less than 3600 pounds, while the standard car is under 3500 pounds in base trim. The 2012 model begins above 3600 pounds. At the same time, the new Avalon's body has been stiffened for better quietness and handling performance from its strut and multi-link suspension. Seventeen- and 18-inch wheels are on the Avalon's spec sheet.

Compared to the 2012 model, the new Avalon's also shrunk a bit in length, width, and height, though the wheelbase is identical to the outgoing model. Toyota says the front-seat hip point is lower for better headroom, and the seats have been improved for more support. It's also found a more compact way to install the available sunroof, so it doesn't rob headroom. The Avalon's trunk has grown by 1.6 cubic feet, to 16.0 cubic feet total.

New features for the Avalon include Entune, the mobile-app system that ports functionality from phones to the Avalon's infotainment system--streaming Pandora music into the stereo, for example. A USB port, satellite radio, and ambient lighting are featured, as are an optional navigation system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a three-zone climate control system.

Finally, the Avalon's safety package moves into a higher plane, with ten standard airbags and a rearview camera now standard. Blind-spot monitors are an option.

The new Avalon goes on sale this summer.