Tuesday, May 28, 2013

2015 Toyota Prius wins our vote for the best camouflaged car


As you see in the spy shots here (credit to AutoBlog), the car has been heavily camouflaged (even the side view mirrors and alloy design has been camouflaged). This is why we voted the 2015 Prius in the images here as the best camouflaged car.

Prius has already completed its powertrain development and is currently in the process of undergoing road tests. The 2015 model is expected to be highly fuel efficient with best in class fuel economy and will sit on a modular platform. Interiors were also evident from the vehicle on test where it could be seen sporting a three spoke steering wheel and brand new instrument panel design. A new touch panel interface depicting the latest of technology with minimum amount of dials and buttons are seen in its interiors.

The new Prius is expected to sport the same 1.8 liter 2ZR-FXE though it will be mated to a new hybrid system. Batteries are likely to be lithium but other options is still being considered. Toyota is planning on commencing production of the 2015 Prius in the US from early 2015.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

2014 Scion tC Preview

Considering the tC's sales success for the brand, you can understand why the 2014 Scion tC doesn't mess with the system much. The front fascia is new, FR-S-inspired and features a gaping maw and Prius C-inspired headlamps. Get the first look at this beauty here!


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

It's Wallpaper Wednesday!

For Wallpaper Wednesday, check out this photo of the 2011 Highlander! A great Toyota SUV to own. Click download and save this weeks wallpaper to your desktop!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

2014 Toyota Corolla shows just enough to keep us interested

2014 Toyota Corolla teaser - S badge and taillamp

To date, the best idea we have of what the 2014 Toyota Corolla will look like is the shape and styling of the Furia Concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show. Obviously the compact car will turn down the wick a fair bit from that orange machine, and now we have one more scintilla of an idea of what the final product will look like.

Published today on Toyota's official Facebook page, the image above clearly shows the rear quarter of the 2014 Corolla S. Though the low angle is pretty wonky, we can make out that the shape of the taillight cluster is very similar to that of the Furia, albeit without the same LED treatment, A hint of a trunk-lid spoiler is also in evidence, and also follows the Furia's lead.

Toyota points out that the new Corolla will be shown in earnest on June 6. Expect to see the full version of the car by that date at the latest – online leaks have a tendancy to speed these things up.


Courtesy of Auto Blog 

Monday, May 20, 2013

Follow us on Twitter!

Our Twitter page is a whale of a tale with all of our followers joining in our weekly conversations. Don't miss out! Come follow us at @ToyotaofSanford!

https://twitter.com/ToyotaofSanford


Thursday, May 16, 2013

Toyota Collaborator with Google+


Toyota and Google+ have teamed up to make car shopping a little more social with Collaborator. We are proud to share the Toyota Collaborator prototype at Google I/O, and look forward to releasing it to consumers in the future.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Thank you Nicole for this great review of Dennis and our dealership!

"I went to Toyota of Sanford after totaling my 2009 Camry. Dennis was my representative, and he made us feel like old friends. It was a pleasurable experience to purchase my latest Toyota from them. I was so relieved to get a car that I was able to drive home immediately. The entire staff was great, including the sales manager Jay. Thanks guys--It was awesome." -Nicole L. 

For more excellent reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/10QhMbv

Summer Road Trip Tip - Take the scenic route!

Life really is about the journey, so for Pete's sake, have some fun on your trip. If you're particularly confident in your navigator (or navigation system), consider taking the more picturesque side roads instead of broad, mind-numbing interstates that may be packed with big rigs and holiday travelers.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Anthony Davidson reviews the Toyota Auris Hybrid

Paris Motor Show 2012 : 2013 Toyota Auris Hybrid
Anthony Davidson, driver of the Toyota TS030 hybrid endurance racer, takes the new Auris Hybrid out for a spin.

New Auris is the latest model to reflect Toyota's determination to engineer cars that are more appealing and dynamically engaging to drive, while building on its long-established reputation for quality, durability and reliability.

As well as presenting a more confident exterior design and a higher quality interior, new Auris also benefits from improvements to driving dynamics and efficiency enhancements to its powertrain line-up, including the full hybrid system that powers the flagship Auris Hybrid model.

The car's exterior and interior are all new, and it has the distinction of sitting lower than any other mainstream C-segment model. The overall height is 55mm less than the current model and a lower front end design helps deliver excellent aerodynamic performance with a Cd0.28 drag coefficient, supporting better handling stability and lower fuel consumption.

New Auris adopts the new "face" of Toyota in the design of its grille and the sharp-edged appearance of its headlights and LED daytime running lights, giving the car a more powerful road presence.

In profile there is another dramatic styling change with the extension of the side glazing into three panels. The effect will be rendered even more eye-catching in some versions with a piano black finish for the B-pillars and a dynamic treatment of the C-pillars above a stronger and more pronounced chrome-trimmed rising belt line.

At the rear new Auris has a wider opening tailgate, with an interplay of convex and concave surfaces, a wrap-around combination lamp design and new bumper profile, strengthening the car's broad stance.

The new interior is more spacious and comfortable, and introduces Skyview, one of the largest panoramic roofs in the segment. Toyota has paid special attention to the sensory quality of the cabin and worked in detail to achieve a greater sense of visual unity through consistency of lighting, colours, finishes, and even the font used for the graphics.

The air vent and meter surrounds, centre console and transmission tunnel trim share a high quality satin silver finish, and on higher grades the dashboard itself is leather trimmed. The tactile quality of the interior surfaces has been improved, with baseball-stitched nappa leather used to trim the steering wheel, and soft touch materials featured on the instrument panel's upper surface. The assist grips and door grips have a soft texture finish, the door armrests are padded and the pillars are fabric-trimmed.

Smart packaging has improved the driving position and added 20mm to rear seat knee room and 90mm to the loadspace length. All hatchback versions provide more luggage space, at 360 litres. Repositioning of the battery pack beneath the rear seat has ensured Auris Hybrid has the same load capacity as other models in the range.

New Auris further benefits from a lower ride height, driving position and centre of gravity. The steering and suspension have been revised to help give a more comfortable, responsive and enjoyable drive.

Attention has also been paid to weight management, with greater use of high tensile steel, particularly in the upper part of the body structure. This contributes to a 10 per cent increase in body stiffness and an overall vehicle weight saving of up to 40kg (according to version), while also helping to lower the car's centre of gravity.

Toyota was the first manufacturer to offer a choice of three powertrains in the C-segment and this continues with the new model. Efficiency and dynamic improvements have been made to the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which will be offered in Auris Hybrid. Within the UK the new model will also feature 1.4-litre diesel and 1.33 and 1.6-litre petrol engines. Europe-wide Toyota expects an even one-third share of sales for each powertrain type – full hybrid, diesel and petrol –reflecting how hybrid has matured to become a mainstream rather than a niche choice.


Courtesy of House of Japan

Monday, May 13, 2013

May is Military Appreciation Month!

Toyota-Scion of Sanford proudly salutes and thanks all branches of the US Military! In honor of your service, we have some special discounts and rebates (up to $500!) on our site. Check them out here: http://bit.ly/ZLjBVF
 

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Keep Your Toyota A Toyota!

See how our team of hyper-caring experts can keep your Toyota exactly the way it was meant to be.


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Car Care Tip of the Week: Don’t forget to flush!

Coolant-antifreeze eventually degrades and becomes contaminated. Flush it from your cooling system as recommended in your manual (typically every two years; every five years for newer coolants). Failing to do so can damage your radiator, clog your heater core, and cause the thermostat and water pump to fail.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Military Appreciation Month

May is Military Appreciation Month! Toyota-Scion of Sanford proudly salutes and thanks all branches of the US Military! In honor of your service, we have some special discounts and rebates (up to $500!) on our site. Check them out here: http://bit.ly/ZLjBVF


Thursday, May 2, 2013

2013 Scion xB Interior Walkaround

The interior of the Scion xB includes premium features like a 6 speaker sound system, steering wheel audio controls, and Bluetooth connectivity, all standard. Check it out here!