Toyota Matrix

Toyota unveiled the second-generation Matrix at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show last week. Based on the Corolla sedan, the sporty five-door 'crossover' has been totally redesigned for the 2009 model year.

Development of the new Matrix focused on svelte exterior styling with enhanced interior utility and improved performance. It was made wider with a lower stance than the current model to express a low center of gravity and what Toyota claims to be a 'coupe-like style'. The mid-level S (pictured) and top-range XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler, while a rear deck spoiler is standard on the XRS. From the rear, the Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.

The Matrix interior features an asymmetrical center console, angled toward the driver, and front sport seats. A new three-spoke steering wheel completes the package.

Toyota Crown Hybrid Concept

Toyota is touting technology with its new Crown Hybrid concept. Top of the list is the firm's latest hybrid system, VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management). The large car will of course include other features, which Toyota claims will result in an advanced fusion of driving, environmental and safety performance.

According to the carmaker: 'the time has come to present the next-generation inspirational luxury sedan'. The Crown Hybrid concept is powered by a two-stage THS (Toyota Hybrid System) II motor speed reduction device that helps achieve smooth acceleration, high fuel-efficiency, low CO2 and other exhaust emissions benefits and quietness. Other technological advancements include VDIM with active steering control, to achieve optimal balance among drive power, steering and braking.

Inside, the Crown Hybrid adopts a TFT (thin film transistor) LCD "Finegraphic Meter" to provide the driver with a variety of information in an easier-to-see and easier-to-understand way. A total of 10 airbags are also on board for safety.

Toyota 1/X concept

Toyota will unveil its minimalistic 1/X (pronounced one-Xth) concept vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show next week. The concept is meant to redefine from its very roots the idea of what it means to be environmentally considerate. Among its technological attributes, the vehicle - with a design that aims to harmoniously coexist with people and society - weighs only "1/Xth" that of other vehicles in its class.

The concept, which adopts light but highly rigid carbon fiber reinforced plastic throughout the body frame, features narrow pillars for a better field of vision. Inside the skeletal structure the 1/X maintains an interior space on par with that of the Prius, while its target fuel efficiency is double and its weight has been reduced to 420kg (about one third of the Prius' weight).

Its power unit - located beneath the rear seat for a midship, rear-wheel-drive system - combines fossil fuel consumption-reducing FFV (flexible fuel vehicle) technology and a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a displacement of only 500cc. This allows charging from an external power source and a longer electric-motor cruising distance. The result of its lower weight and fuel conserving technology is a drastic decrease of CO2 and less air pollution.

Toyota Hi-CT concept

Toyota's Hi-CT concept aims to offer a new 'coolness' for automobiles. A departure from conventional vehicles, the Hi-CT (pronounced Hi-city) is an edgy, urban plug-in electric vehicle inspired by the thinking and lifestyles of youth.

Through its avant-garde exterior design and varied configurations, the concept's goal is to offer a sense of enjoyment from a vehicle. Called a 'hi-ride city truck', it features a removable rear trunk and a deck where surfboards, bicycles and other equipment can be loaded.

Powered by plug-in hybrid technology, the Hi-CT is able to be recharged from an external power source, which gives it a greater driving range when running on its battery-powered motor. The concept also includes a 100V AC accessory socket that enables stored electricity to be used to power a variety of electronic gadgetry. And with the battery located under the floor, the Hi-CT achieves a highly efficient cabin with a higher driver position.

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Toyota Mark X Zio

Toyota has just launched the Mark X ZiO, a people carrier with an innovative "three-mode cabin" which can seat four, six or seven people depending on the model. Based on the company's "Vibrant Clarity" design philosophy, the ZiO offers a new type of attractiveness that fuses contrasting design elements.

The exterior offers a new frame combining three rows of seats, a solid structure that merges horizontal and vertical lines and a surface shape that appears to be both soft and hard. The front employs a low overall height and a robust yet graceful hood to express strength, while the side expresses flowing styling through its low height as well as front pillars that extend forward, oblique quarter pillars and a notch shape formed by the hatch door. At the rear the car narrows from the cabin toward the hatch door, conveying a sense of stability through its flowing structure.

The interior seeks to combine a personal feel with a sense of flexibility, achieving a balance between coziness and roominess. The instrument panel and door trim feature gently curved surfaces and lines to create a sense of openness and a feeling of being surrounded by comfort. The center console, door switch panel and instrument cluster feature hairline finishing and a Black Mica color that create a calming and luxurious feel, while 'Crystal Shine' Optitron meters take the form of transparent resin disks with special engravings which, when light is refracted on them, appear to float like crystal clear needles.

Source: cardesignnews

Toyota iQ concept

Toyota's innovative iQ, measuring less than 3 meters in length, bowed in at Frankfurt today.

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Toyota iQ concept - Frankfurt 2007
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Toyota ist

The second-generation Toyota ist has been recently unveiled in its home market of Japan. Designed to appeal to second-generation baby boomers who attach importance to the spirit of innovation and individuality, the ist is a crossover hatchback developed with dynamic driving and easy operation in mind.

Development of the new ist was based on the Toyota brand design philosophy "Vibrant Clarity". The vehicle's unique crossover silhouette was formed by combining a body widened to 1.7 meters with a compact length that is less than 4 meters, evoking the strength and vitality of an SUV.

The front features a wider track compared with the first-generation ist, creating a sense of stability and power, while the side emphasizes the individuality of the compact body with 16-inch wheels and sculpted body lines. The rear creates a unique sense of presence with overhanging fenders and a powerful, broad look.

Inside, the seemingly floating center console features smooth curves that flow like water over a protruding rock. The concentric Optitron meters (with multi-information display) with speedometer and tachometer needles centered on concentric circles, creates an advanced radar-like feel.

Toyota Noah and Voxy

Toyota has launched the second-generation Noah and Voxy. The Japanese market minivans are claimed to extend the advanced functioning of the first generation, including a more comfortable and easy to use interior.

Based on the Toyota "Vibrant Clarity" design philosophy, the two vehicles feature more expressive front ends and curved surfaces along the side panels. The Voxy (shown in red) features stepped headlights, flush fender lines and sharp character lines that extend from the front to the rear. The Noah is a more subdued redesign, retaining its familiar form but with a more sculpted form extending from the grille to the hood. The trapezoidal silhouette of both cars at the rear emphasizes a sense of stability.

Toyota will also offer aerodynamic versions of the two vehicles with aerodynamic components such as a large bumper and rear spoiler, overhanging wheel flares, and 16-inch wheels to give the vans a sportier appearance.

Source: cardesignnews

50 white cars - examples the most popular colour choice for cars

The TechArt Porsche Cayenne Magnum. Ugly or full of character? I have to be honest I’m not normally a fan of the Cayenne but I love what TechArt have done with the beast. Just look at those white wheels!

The 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Utterly gorgeous.

The Landrover LRX Concept.

Nissan GT-R. This piece of Japanese metal really suits white doesn’t it?

2008 BMW M3 Convertible. I’m reliably informed that BMW are releasing this car to the press etc. in white later this year.

2008 Mercedes Benz CLC Class.

Audi TTS Coupe.

Audi TTS Roadster.

BMW 7 Series.

BMW M5.

Porsche GT3 Cup S racing car.

Toyota 4Runner. Bit of an acquired taste maybe.

Cadillac Escalade Platinum Edition. Those were the days when I used to own one of these babies.

But now I’ve converted back to right hand drive and possibly the best car in the world. The Range Rover Supercharged. My car, awesomely awesome.

The Artega GT.

The Bentley Brooklands.

Bentley Continental GTC. How lush?

Hummer H3.

Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring Edition.

Toyota FT-HS Concept.

The RENNTech AMG CL65. 695HP? Yes please!

Rahal Letterman (David) Racing BMW M3.

Mayback 57-S.

Chevrolet Camaro.

BMW 1-Series tii Concept.

Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Edo Shark Porsche 911 Turbo.

Audi A5. Why do Audi cars in particular look so well in white?

Heavily customised Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Otherwise known as the Popemobile!

This is the gorgeous Audi R8. Simply stunning in white.

This is the new Audi A4. After the R8 it’s understated, but also looks well in white.

This is the Audi TT Roadster with modifications by Abt Sportsline.

This is the Audi Q7 V12 TDI concept. Are you bored of black 4×4’s? I know I am so its refreshing to see one in white.

Last of the Audi’s is the small but perfectly formed S3.

It’s very hard to find an Aston Martin of any kind, never mind a V8 Vantage in white. Had to look to Dubai (where else) for this one.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

Bentley Continental GT.

BMW M3 in Alpine White. Gorgeous.

OK so not quite white but doesn’t this Ferrari F430 Spider look good in ivory?

The Ford Kuga is due to be launched in the UK later this year. Not bad for a Ford is it? Bit better looking than the bland new Mondeo anyway.

The Mercedes ML Edition 10, due out early 2008.

I struggled to get a picture of the new Mercedes C Class in Sport trim in white but hopefully you can see from the image below how good it looks.

Even the humble Volkswagen Polo GTI suits a white coat of paint.

And the Polo’s big brother, the Golf GTI.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. I saw one of these in Vegas earlier this year (in a shopping mall) and it just looked fantastic in white.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Versace Edition. Wow!

BMW 1 series. I didn’t like these at first but they’ve really grown on me now.

Fiat Grande Punto Abarth.

Honda Civic Type R. The pic below is the official concept, bizarrely you can’t buy it in white in UK showrooms.

Porsche 911 Turbo by Techart

What I’m listening to right now: Rockcity - “See You Around”