マイブログ リスト

2010年11月22日

Toyota officially outlines eco-car plans & battery research progress

Following the post about Toyota's "eco" future lineup, the company has now officially announced details of its plans for “eco-car” development and launches (confirming what has already been posted), as well as the progress in next-generation secondary-battery research.

1. Hybrid Vehicles: TMC plans to introduce 11 models by the end of 2012, consisting of all-new models and redesigned models.  Of the planned new models, one is a compact with fuel efficiency in excess of 40 km/L under the 10-15 Japanese test cycle.
2. Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles: By early 2012, TMC plans to begin sales of a “Prius”-based PHV, mainly in Japan, the United States and Europe.  Sales are targeted at more than 50,000 units annually, and the price for Japan is expected to be in the 3-million-yen range.
3. Electric Vehicles: In 2012, in addition to the U.S. market, an iQ-based EV will also be introduced in Japan and Europe.
• Launch preparations call for road trials in Japan, U.S., and Europe starting in 2011.
• Launch in China is also being considered, with road trials planned for 2011.
Separately, the “RAV4 EV” concept, which was developed jointly with Tesla Motors, will be on display until November 28 at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, United States.

Toyota launches Ractis (Verso-S) in Japan

Toyota has launched today the new Ractis (ラクティス), aka Verso-S, in Japan. The car made its debut a few months ago at the Paris Motor Show and basically, it's a mini-MPV based on the upcoming Vitz/Yaris. Interior space is claimed to be on par with that of rivaling C-segment cars.
 
The base model is powered by the 1.3 L 1NR-FE engine, while it is available also with the 1.5 L 1NZ-FE engine. The latter one is also available with 4WD. In terms of transmissions, both engine are couple to a CVT gearbox, called Super CVT-i. Prices start from 1,445,000 ¥ (1.3 L - Grade X) and go up to 1,848,000 ¥ (1.5 L 4WD - Grade G).

The Ractis will be on display on all Toyota dealers nationwide from November 27.