2014 Scion tC taps into its inner FR-S. Lookin' good!

Cashing in on some of the excitement surrounding the FR-S, Scion has given its front-wheel drive coupe a refreshed look at the New York Auto Show. When the 2014 Scion tC shows up at dealers this June, the entry-level coupe with have an improved exterior styling to give the car a sportier appearance while also adding some new cabin tech and an updated six-speed automatic transmission.

The new face of the tC includes an oversized lower grille very similar to the FR-S, but reshaped headlights, hood and vertical lower accent lights also creates a more dynamic look for this budget-priced coupe. At the rear of the car, clear-lensed taillights and a blacked-out lower diffuser finishes the major styling changes. Inside, a new touchscreen audio system also includes Bluetooth connectivity, and the optional Scion BeSpoke Premium Audio includes navigation and Aha Internet radio app.

Building on the tC's sportier image, the automatic transmission adds a little extra excitement as well with a new manual shift mode and a rev-matching, throttle-blipping feature. For better driving dynamics, Scion also promises a more rigid body structure and enhanced suspension components.


Courtesy of Auto Blog

Scion FR-S Race Lap: Toyota Pro/Celebrity

Watch from inside as we take the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race Scion FR-S for a lap around Willow Springs!

Car care tip of the week: Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles!

Rotating your tires is the key to maintaining even wear. As a rule of thumb, tire rotations should be done every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, unless otherwise noted in your car’s owner’s manual. Not only will this extend the life of your tires and give you a smooth ride, but it will also keep you safe on the road and save you money.

Toyota RAV4 EV Demo

Introducing the new RAV4 EV, with cutting-edge technology, dynamic performance and modern advancements inside and out. What makes RAV4 EV so extraordinary is getting all that, plus features for the real world. 

Great job Dan! Keep up the great work!

"I talked with Dan Graham and Joe Winns from Toyota of Sanford, and told them what we were looking in a new car. There were only 14 in the southeast region and they located one in New Bern. The dealership went to New Bern from Sanford to get the vehicle and then brought the vehicle to me in Zebulon from Sanford. That is a one way trip time of one hour and twenty minutes from Sanford to Zebulon. Dan explained all features on the car, which was loaded with new technology. We went to the dealership a few days after that and bought the car. After the sale Dan called twice within twentyfour hours to see if I had any questions or problems with the car. Everybody was friendly and knowledgeable about all aspects of the car and closing transaction. This was our second purchase from Toyota of Sanford and if we purchase another vehicle, the first place we will go will be Toyota of Sanford and deal with Dan and Joe again." -Robert W.

For more great reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/Yn86m8

Shoutout to Jay for providing this customer with excellent customer service!

"Jay Anthony is the best salesman that I have ever met. I traveled over 2.5 hours to buy from him. My wife and I bought a vehicle from him a year ago, and we went back. He is very knowledgeable,and the level of service is wonderful. The management is not pushy, they made us feel right at home each time." - noturavgjoe 

For more DealerRater reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/Yn86m8

Kudos to Josh for receiving this outstanding Yelp review!

"At first the experience was kinda crummy, not our sales person fault though. But in the end all I have to say it go see JOSH RAGAN! All around great sales person and he definitely did all he could to please us. We were more than satisfied when we left. If Josh sees this, From Joe and Kristy, Thank you SOOOOOOOO much! I highly recommend Josh!" -Kristy D.

For more great reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/Yn7InD

Drivers Announced For ‘Revved Up to Race’ 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

 

 

The red carpet and race cars are ready as Toyota announced today the participants from film, television, music, sports and the military who will compete for checkered flag glory in the 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.  The 37^th annual charity race will take placeApril 20 on the 1.97-mile street course in downtown Long Beach, Calif., as part of the 39^th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The field of racers will navigate the new 210-horsepower Scion FR-S race vehicles through high speed turns to benefit “Racing for Kids,” a national fundraising program supporting children’s hospitals throughout the United States.  This year’s field of popular celebrity racers includes:

• Cristian Castro (@CristianCastro):Grammy Award-nominated and best-selling Mexican pop singer. Famous from a young age, one of his best known albums is “Mi Vida Sin Tu Amor,” with four singles in the top ten of Billboard's Hot Latin tracks. In April, he will release a new album “Primera Fila,” celebrating 20 years as a singer.
• Kate del Castillo (@katedelcastillo):Mexico’s most acclaimed actress, best known for her starring role in long-running mini-series “La Reina del Sur.” Other credits include “Under the Same Moon,” “Trade” and a guest appearance on the Showtime series “Weeds.”
• Brett Davern(@BDavv): Actor who stars as Jake Rosati in MTV's hit series “Awkward.” Other credits include the film, “Beautiful Ohio” and appearances in “Cold Case,” “CSI: Miami,” “In Plain Sight,” and “Medium.”
• Jenna Elfman(@JennaElfman): Actress known for her quirky role on the TV series “Dharma & Greg,” which earned her a Golden Globe Award.  She now stars as the first lady in the family comedy “1600 Penn.”  Film credits include “Friends with Benefits” and “Keeping the Faith.”
• Jessica Hardy(@swimhardy): A multiple world record-holder in swimming and a 2012 Olympic medalist. A Long Beach, Calif. native, she also does motivational speaking and served as an ambassador for the United States Olympic Committee Team For Tomorrow.
• Jesse Metcalfe(@JesseMetcalfe):Actor best known for his role as a teen gardener on “Desperate Housewives” and who currently stars in the TNT continuation of “Dallas,” based on the 1978 series of the same name. Film credits include “John Tucker Must Die” and “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.”
• Dakota Meyer (@Dakota_Meyer): Former U.S. Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his 2009 actions in Afghanistan. He wrote, Into the Fire: A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War, fundraises with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, and has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the Hiring Our Heroes program.
• Jackson Rathbone (@JacksonRathbone): Actor best known for playing Jasper Hale in the hit “Twilight” movie series. Other film credits include “The Last Airbender.”
• Michelle Rodriguez (@MRodOfficial): Film actress best known for her tough girl physical roles, including starring in the record-breaking sci-fi film “Avatar,” the successful “Fast & Furious” franchise,  the 2012 hit “Resident Evil: Retribution” and as a tough LAPD cop in TV’s “Lost.”
• Jeremy Sisto (@JeremySisto):Actor best known for playing Billy Chenowith on the series “Six Feet Under.” He also played Detective Cyrus Lupo on “Law & Order” and currently stars in the series “Suburgatory.”
• Mark Steines(@MarkSteines):Emmy award-winning journalist and host of the Hallmark Channel’s new how-to show, “Home & Family.” He spent more than 17 years on “Entertainment Tonight,” establishing himself as a trusted and charismatic figure in entertainment news. 
• Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes): Emmy award-winning comedian, writer and actress who ranks among Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America. She has hosted her own late night talk show, “The Wanda Sykes Show” and has appeared on TV shows including, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and films such as “Evan Almighty.”
• Michael Trucco(@MichaelTrucco): Actor best known for playing Samuel Anders on SyFy's acclaimed series "Battlestar Galactica" and Justin Patrick on the USA Network series “Fairly Legal.”  Other credits include appearances on “Revenge,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “One Tree Hill.”
• Rutledge Wood (@RutledgeWood): Auto racing analyst on Fox Sports/SPEED and co-host of “Top Gear USA.”

Pro drivers competing against the stars for the title include motocross champion and MTV’s “Nitro Circus” star Andy Bell (@AndyBell), 2012 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race winner and comedian Adam Carolla (@AdamCarolla), Olympic gold medalist swimmer Tyler Clary (@TylerClary)and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) driver Melanie Troxel (@MelanieTroxel).

“This talented and inspiring celebrity group will not only help Toyota share the story of this long-running charity event, but they also will feel the rush behind the wheel on the famous Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach track,” said Les Unger, Toyota national motorsports manager. “The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race thrills both the participants and the crowds while giving back to kids in our communities through donations to Children's Hospital of Orange County and Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach.”

Rounding out the field is Glenn Faber, partner and general manager of Los Angeles area Keyes Toyota, as well as two charity auction winners: Dave Pasant, a retired insurance executive, and Carter Lay (@CarterLay), philanthropist and LAY'S® chips heir.

The Toyota Pro/Celebrity race is one of the longest-running, corporate sponsored events of its kind. Since 1991, Toyota has donated more than $2 million to the Racing for Kids organization, on behalf of this race and its participants. In addition to Toyota’s contributions, a $15,000 donation will be made in conjunction with the 16^th annual “People Pole Award.” Sponsored by People magazine, the award honors the pole-position winner of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race qualifying session on April 19.

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Your car care tip for the week: Add Trees to Your Commute!

Even if it takes you out of your way, trees may make your ride less stressful. An Ohio State University study found that scenic drives were more calming than those involving strip malls and endless asphalt. 


Courtesy of Men's Health Magazine

Top 10 Least Expensive Hybrid Cars for 2013

Just a few years ago, hybrid cars were new and relatively rare, but these days, they're a common and familiar sight on most city streets. The segment's list of available hybrid cars runs the gamut from high-end luxury barges like the Fisker Karma to more economical picks like the ubiquitous Toyota Prius. Whatever your needs, there's sure to be a hybrid out there tailor-made to suit your requirements.

If your main concern is affordability, you'll want to take a look at the models shown below. These are the 10 least expensive hybrids for 2013. Some of these models (like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight) have been around since the dawn of the hybrid segment. Others, like the Toyota Prius C and Ford C-Max Hybrid, are newer arrivals.

We've listed each hybrid's MSRP, but remember that the prices shown are for base models. You may have to invest a bit more to get the options you desire. Many of these vehicles also feature rebates and incentives that give you the chance to save even more. Check out each vehicle's True Market Value before deciding on a purchase.

1. 
   2013 Honda Insight — $18,600
2. 
   2013 Toyota Prius C — $19,080
3. 
   2013 Honda CR-Z — $19,975
4. 
   2013 Toyota Prius — $24,200
5. 
   2013 Honda Civic Hybrid — $24,360
6. 
   2013 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid — $24,985
7. 
   2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid — $24,995
8. 
   2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid — $25,200
9. 
   2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — $25,650
10.  
    2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid — $26,140 
    
    
    
    
    
    
     Courtesy of Edmunds

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Toyota Motor Sales Continues to See Steady Growth in February

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported February 2013 sales results of 166,377 units, an increase of 8.7 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Unadjusted for 24 selling days in February 2013 versus 25 in February 2012, TMS sales were up 4.3 percent over the year-ago month. 

Toyota Division posted February total sales of 149,038 units, up 8.7 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis.  Volume-wise, Toyota Division sales increased 4.4 percent over February 2012.

“Despite rising gas prices, severe winter storms and concerns about the federal budget, February was a good indication of the overall strength of the market,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “With the most fuel efficient full line of vehicles, Toyota is well positioned, and we’re encouraged by very positive consumer reaction to our new Avalon and RAV4.”

Lexus Division reported February total sales of 17,339, up 8.3 percent on a DSR basis and up 3.9 percent by raw volume, compared to the same period last year.

Other Highlights:

• Avalon posted its best month since November 2007, up 63.1 percent with sales of 5,703 units
• RAV4, bolstered by sales of the all-new 2014 model, recorded its best-ever February with sales of 13,329 units, up 5.1 percent
• Corolla sales of  24,999 units were up 12.9 percent
• Camry posted sales of 31,270 units, while the Prius Family recorded sales of 17,812
• Total TMS truck sales of 70,051 units, up 16.1 percent
• Total TMS Hybrid sales were 26,966 units, up 2.3 percent on a DSR basis
• Both Tundra and Highlander posted their best February sales since 2008, up 15.5 and 14.1 percent, respectively
• Tacoma recorded sales of 12,644 units, up 18.5 percent, its best February since 2008
• Lexus RX sales of 6,938, up 19.8 percent
• Lexus ES sales of 4,817, up 60.7 percent

*Note:  Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume (compared to the year-ago month).


Courtesy of Toyota USA

Monday Maintenance Tip: Here is what you should and shouldn't do when it comes to washing your car!

February's $1,000 Test Drive Winner!

Here we are with our brand new service manager David White to select our winner for the $1,000 Test Drive Challenge. This time the winner is Nicholas Materese of Sanford! Next month it could be you! Simply come by and test drive and new or pre-owned Toyota here at Toyota of Sanford. It has never been easier to win $1,000. Short drive, Save big at Fred Anderson's Toyota of Sanford.

Toyota i-ROAD leans its way into the city!

According to Toyota, the "i-ROAD takes the company closer to its goal of creating the ultimate range of eco cars." As you're surely aware, that range of eco cars includes the enormously successful Prius family, but this new machine is nothing like the hybrid hatchback. And it's not even a car – Toyota calls the i-ROAD a Personal Mobility Vehicle.

Toyota's i-ROAD Concept, which debuts at this week's Geneva Motor Show, is adorned with just three wheels, meaning it's just as much a motorcycle as it is a car, and the driver and passenger sit in tandem style instead of side-by-side. This arrangement allows for a very thin 850mm width, which is about the same as a large motorcycle. Because the cockpit is enclosed, the occupants don't need helmets, nor are they open to the elements outside.

Also like a traditional two-wheeler, the i-ROAD tilts through the turns and when driving on uneven surfaces. Toyota says its computer-controlled Active Lean technology automatically balances the vehicle with no input from the driver.



Despite the automaker's expertise in hybrid drivetrains, the i-ROAD is a pure electric vehicle, and Toyota says it "believes in the feasibility of EVs to serve as a main mode of transport for short urban journeys." There's a two-kilowatt motor in each front wheel, meaning the i-ROAD offers up just over five horsepower, which isn't a lot but should be enough to get moving up to city traffic speeds (no performance specs are available).

An on-board lithium ion battery allows for a range of around 30 miles, after which the vehicle can be recharged in three hours using "a conventional domestic power supply."


Courtesy of Auto Blog

Hey, fans! Here's your weekly car care tip: Roll 'Em Up!

Nixing the AC lowers fuel consumption, but only if you're not driving on the highway. Otherwise, opening the windows uses more gas because of the drag you're putting on the car. Instead, run your AC in recirculation mode, which recycles some already-cooled air from inside the car, requiring less energy than completely cooling the air that comes in from outside.