What future Toyota cars and trucks will we see from Toyota USA?
Updated 10-29-09. When we talk years, we usually mean model years; cars for the next model year show up around September 1, in most cases.
In 2009, Akio Toyoda took control of Toyota as President. He almost immediately dropped his predecessor’s 2002 plan to have 15% of world market share — up from 11% in 2002 — and demanded that Toyota change its priorities to focus on high-quality, affordable cars. Toyota’s current global capacity is ten million vehicles per year, but the company plans to drop its capacity. Akio Toyoda said that rapid growth had strained Toyota’s resources and resulted in overcapacity.
Technologies
- Pre-crash technologies
- Lexus tech
- The Mazda-engineered Ford Escape uses Toyota technology; a Nissan hybrid also using Toyota patents is due soon.
Toyota Car Updates
The next generation 2010 Toyota Prius was a thorough redesign, with a bigger gas engine and a larger body. Around model year 2011, the plug-in version with superior lithium-ion batteries should show up; the batteries won't be ready for 2010. A hybrid-only sedan will be exclusive to Japan for the time being. The existing Prius hybrid will remain on sale, priced to go up against the Honda Insight, which has been popular in Japan but a failure in the US.
The Corolla will remain largely unchanged until around 2012-13; the Matrix will be replaced by the Toyota Blade. Hybrid power is expected for the new Corolla. The next upgrade for both vehicles should be around 2013.
Camry got a 2010 refresh. Avalon is due for a refresh in 2011 or 2012, with a hybrid arriving about a year afterwards. The Solara will reportedly continue only as a convertible.
A V-8 powered Supra has been turned down; Toyota might argue that the Lexus IS-F is the Supra heir apparent.
A new Subaru based Toyota to enhance the company’s dowdy image is planned for 2012 or so; the Toyota version would be rear wheel drive, while Subaru would get its usual all wheel drive. The main Toyota input would be on sheet metal. The FT-HS hybrid would sport a 3.5 liter V6 and electric motor for a total of 400 hp along with (possibly) Subaru's all wheel drive.
The Yaris will be redesigned for 2012. Even with higher gas prices, Yaris has not really caught in with Americans (though the name might be a factor).
Low cost vehicles: Toyota was interested in growing its share of the ever-larger Indian market as well as expansion in China. A low cost vehicle would slot in below the current Scion line but above the infamous Tata. The ideal is for a reliable, low-cost car, using existing parts where possible but based on a clean-sheet platform; it would probably be sold under a different brand name, with a dedicated sales channel, to avoid diluting Toyota's refined image. Two models are being planned, a four-door sedan similar to the Dacia Logan; and a “people mover” similar to the Renault Kangoo. It is unknown whether Akio Toyoda will give this plan his full support.
Toyota Crossover, Minivan, and “Cute-Ute” Updates
The RAV4 will be redesigned for 2012.
A four cylinder Highlander generates 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 RPM on regular fuel. A dual exhaust manifold helps low-end torque. The ULEV engine pushes power through a six-speed automatic transmission and, with a towing package, can pull 3,500 pounds. It will come standard on two wheel drive models.
The new Highlander is bigger (12 cubic feet of cargo), more powerful (55 hp), and more expensive. Despite the extra weight, gas mileage is expected to remain at 19 city, 25 highway with the V6. It will be four inches longer and three inches wider than the current Highlander, with a three inch wheelbase boost; a 270 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 replaces the 215 horsepower 3.3 liter engine. There will be three rows of seats, and the center middle seat will fold down to become a console.
The Camry-based Venza crossover is more economical than the Camry-based Highlander, and shares Camry power — details and photos are at the Toyota Venza page.
Sienna was due for a redesign for the 2010 model year, for more third-row and cargo space; a six-speed automatic is planned. The hybrid should show up in 2012. More consistently reliable than other minivans, the Toyota Sienna has been moving between third and fourth place in sales, with Dodge, Honda, and Chrysler vying for first, second, and third. Honda appears to have gained sales leadership, ahead of either Chrysler or Dodge (though behind the similar brands when added together), and gaining ground while Sienna seems to languish in sales.
Toyota Truck Updates
The Toyota Tundra has an optional 381 horsepower V8, beaten only by Dodge in horsepower; it is a true American-style full-sized pickup. Built in the United States, it may get a heavy duty model (three-quarter or full ton), necessary for that “macho” image so important to American commuters, in three or four years. A new 4.6 liter V8 with 310 hp became the base engine in 2010, adding around 30 hp and 2 mpg. One of its two factories is being converted to car production.
The big 5.7 liter V8 is also be used in the Lexus LX570 and will be in the next Land Cruiser.
The Tundra may benefit from Toyota’s acquisition of chunks of Isuzu; the Isuzu diesel engineers are far more advanced than those at Toyota, and were the main brains behind the successful GM Duramax engines. A diesel engine using Isuzu technology should end up in the Tundra sooner rather than later - possibly at about the same time GM and Dodge bring out their diesel-powered 1500 models. For serious American fleet buyers, the diesel is a very popular option, because it requires less maintenance, provides more grunt, and consumes far less fuel, cutting fuel bills nearly in half in some cases (and farmers can make their own biodiesel). Again, diesels also boost the “rough and tough” image.
The Tacoma is due for redesign in 2013.
Land Cruiser will hold on, supported by international sales, with a redesign coming soon. The 5.7 liter engine is likely to appear with 381 horsepower; the fancy Land Cruiser, Lexus LX570, already uses that engine.
The FJ Cruiser was to have been dropped but apparently it showed up anyway.
The upcoming Sequoia will take advantage of all Tacoma upgrades, and will also reportedly feature a new independent rear suspension. Interior space should increase. It is to be made larger and more powerful - following the Tundra it’s based on. Like the Tundra, it will get a new 4.6 liter V8 in 2010.
The 4Runner, just redesigned for 2006, will be re-engineered again for 2010.
Scion line
The Scion xD (see details and photos) replaces the xA. The new xB (see details and photos) has 158 horsepower from the Camry four-cylinder replacing the 103 hp 1.5 liter four. The small Toyota iQ may or may not reach the U.S. as a Scion.
Toyota’s new Scion reduces costs by using a more modular architecture - maximizing common ground on the three vehicles - even as they grow farther apart by using different engines and wheelbasese.
Lexus
The ES will be freshened for 2010 and redesigned again in 2012, using a hybrid powertrain from the RX 400h.
The GS-F has been put on hold, and the GS itself is set for a 2011 redesign. The SC was set for a redesign for 2009 - with weight loss and a bigger engine - but may be dropped due to poor sales and a unique platform.
The hybrid-electric LS600h will be the first production car in the world with LED headlights (since the headlights tend to drain the battery while at stoplights with the engine off). The LS460 and LS 460 L got all wheel drive for 2009; the LS600h L already had it. These use a Torsen limited slip differential normally set for a 40:60 rear bias, but it can vary between 30:70 and 50:50 as needed. The AWD versions have 357 hp and 344 lb-ft of torque, and can do 0-60 in around 5.9 seconds; they come with air suspension, Variable Gear-Ratio Steering (VGRS), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, a wood and leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, and power rear sunshade.
The IS sedan has a 204 horsepower V6 in the IS250 engine (fueled by direct injection!), and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; Europeans can get it with a 2.2 liter turbodiesel producing 177 hp but a full 295 lb-ft of torque. As with other Lexii, the IS will have the pre-crash safety system, active cruise control, active suspension, and a whopping ten airbags. There will also be an IS350 with a 3.5 liter V6 producing over 280 horsepower. Brembo brakes will bring it to a halt.
In 2011, we can expect the final form of the production LF-A sports car (photos in the Auto Show section) called the LF-1, pulling down $160,000 and boasting a V10 and all wheel drive. There have been numerous delays on this one.
A small four-cylinder Lexus hybrid sedan is due for 2011, to satisfy those who want luxury and excellent gas mileage.
A redesigned RX (including a redesigned hybrid-electric RX400h) is due soon - to be the RX350.
The new JX seven-seat crossover based on the GS, probably with the 3.5 or 4.7 liter engine, may not appear. The GX (4Runner) is due for a redesign in 2010 but may be dropped or replaced.
