Caricature

Caricature
This cartoon picture was given to me by the Québec Régional Office employees 25 years ago. The older I get, the more I look like it.

24 novembre 2010

Toyota Planning Turbocharging, Direct Injection Across Lineup


The recent switch to “down-sizing” technologies like turbocharging and direct-injection have allowed automakers like Chevy, Ford and Hyundai to leap past Toyota in the fuel economy race in recent years. During that time Toyota’s focus has been on hybridizing its lineup of vehicles, a move that does allow for more significant fuel economy gains, but which is expensive; a cost that is then passed on to the consumer. Toyota’s hybrid plans also tend to mean a less impressive performance numbers.


Steering the industry over the past decade, Toyota now appears to be succumbing to the pressure of its rivals and will begin to roll out extensive use of turbocharging and direct injection in its vehicles. While not a massive leap, it will allow for significant short term fuel economy gains, with these technologies proving just how much potential is left in the internal combustion engine.

In an interview with Automotive News Toyota’s R&D boss Takeshi Uchiyamada commented that we’ll see this engine technology in everything from the Corolla to Camry, while the company will improve its variable valve timing and begin using start/stop systems to further improve technology.

The move should also help Toyota save significantly on R&D costs. With the automaker already boasting excellent fuel economy numbers, just switching to direct-injection will put Toyota back on top in the fuel economy race, without the need to design and build an entirely new generation of engines.

Moving to turbochargers and direct-injection also holds promise for performance enthusiasts. And with Toyota’s long history of turbocharged performance, perhaps a new generation of sports cars like the FR-S/FT-86 could make use of turbo DI engines in order to achieve impressive fuel economy and fun.

[Source: Automotive News via Motor Trend]

Toyota Confirms iQ Will Get Electric Version

Toyota‘s iQ microcar will get a fully electric version in 2011, the Japanese automaker has confirmed. The iQ will come as part of a plan to launch 11 hybrid or electric vehicles by 2012, including a hybrid version of the Yaris hatchback, a plug-in version of the Prius Hybrid and a Prius-based minivan.


In a statement released by the firm, Toyota stated that “improving the efficiency of its internal combustion engines, which account for the majority of sales, while raising performance, reducing costs and expanding the range available”. The company is also investigating new battery technologies that will bring big advances in performance that will be needed for electric cars to succeed in the mass market”.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Toyota Mulling All-Electric Supercar

By Peter Lyon


Mercedes and Audi may have drawn first blood in the electric-powered supercar wars with their SLS AMG E-Cell and e-tron prototypes respectively, but Toyota is reportedly set to take the fight to the Germans with an all-electric super sports car program of its own -- possibly with help from its new partner, Tesla.


An insider close to Toyota tells us that plans have been put in motion to develop a supercar that would rival the E-Cell and e-tron, and even the Citroen Survolt concept first seen at this year's Geneva show. The car is expected to produce more than 500 horsepower and would sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around 4 seconds. Like the E-Cell, the Toyota is expected to route power through four electric motors, one at each wheel. It will also incorporate a switch that allows drivers to select between driving programs such as comfort, sport and super sport, thus permitting drivers to regulate battery use.

It's expected to debut around 2015, and we are first to reveal how one artist in Japan sees the as-yet-unnamed vehicle as it might look attacking the Nurburgring in Germany. The large grille and air intakes beside the headlights are viewed as critical to provide sufficient cooling for the electric motors. The vehicle would reportedly borrow undisclosed know-how from Tesla and utilize aerodynamic expertise gained from the Lexus LFA project.

The fact that company CEO Akio Toyoda just signed a deal to invest some $50 million in electric sports car maker Tesla adds significant weight to the story. Toyoda is said to have dined recently with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and he reportedly took the Tesla Roadster for a spin during the evening. We were told he left suitably impressed, so much so that he's said to have given the green light to the feasibility study into the production of the all-electric sports car. In addition, Tesla has announced that it will deliver two as yet unidentified EV prototypes to Toyota by the end of July, which are believed to be EV versions of the RAV4 and Lexus RX.

Toyota, which has become the hybrid trendsetter largely thanks to the success of the Prius, now boasts the world's largest range of hybrid vehicles and is fully aware of the stricter emissions regulations coming into play worldwide. Not surprisingly, it sees EVs as one way of improving its carbon footprint while helping to repair the company's damaged public image in the wake of the unintended acceleration fiasco.


As Toyota continues to channel a huge portion of its R&D budget into hybrids, improving battery technology and electric motor output has naturally led the company to focus on EVs as well. Its Prius PHEV, which features a lithium-ion battery pack and some 15-mile range on electric power alone follows the company’s initial trials in EV mobility with the FT-HV concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show and the FT-HV II’s debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Our insider also tells us Toyota engineers, who raced two works Lexus LFAs recently in the Nurburgring 24-hour race, were more than impressed by the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid's ability to lead the race for more than 22 hours using a fresh new take on hybrid technology. The GT3 RH is fitted with a hybrid system that stores energy generated by the brakes in a large flywheel, and then redeploys the power to the front wheels. One Toyota engineer we spoke to hinted that such a regenerative system could become the norm in future race cars and open doors for road cars as well.

12 novembre 2010

Toyota's Five Year Future Car Plan

Below is a future car article by the automotive experts at Motor Trend Magazine.
By Peter Lyon


As the U.S. government continues its investigation into the biggest recall scandal in Toyota's history, the embattled automaker's bosses clearly have plenty to worry about at present. But the world's No. 1 auto manufacturer is still as focused as ever on the business of making cars and has some fascinating sheetmetal in the pipeline to prove it. Just one look at what's coming in the next five years will cement that fact.


Unusually exciting concepts for Toyota unveiled at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon -- the FT-86 G Sports Concept and the GRMN Sports Hybrid concept boasting a 400-horsepower V-6 and electric motor combination -- garnered headlines around the world, with company CEO Akio Toyoda front and center promoting them on stage. But it's the cars they didn't show at the salon that will launch Toyota into the decade.

As we've reported, Lexus is planning a next-generation version of its aging GS sedan which is expected to hit the market within two years. A GS F version is also reportedly in the pipeline. The question is what will power the super GS. We've recently learned that Toyota is strongly considering dropping a detuned version of the LFA's thumping 552-horsepower 4.8-liter V-10 under the hood of a GS F model. Targeting the likes of BMW's M5 head on, one source close to Lexus tells us that engineers will reduce the LFA's engine capacity to 4.6-liters and drop power to around 450 horsepower, with the aim of generating beefier bottom-end torque, making the new GS Japan's most powerful sedan ever. We had previously reported that the GS F would employ a version of the IS F's 5.0-liter V-8, but forces inside Toyota are apparently now pushing hard for the V-10. Word is that if the V-10 gets the green light, it may appear in at least one other vehicle to help spread the cost.

Another highlight of the GS F will be the incorporation of a Toyota-first rear-wheel 'torque split unit' that channels power between the right and left rear rubber in much the same way as Mitsubishi's AYC system or Honda's SH-AWD unit does, except that the Lexus system will only engage on the rears.

The other star attraction in the upcoming Lexus lineup will be the next generation SC 600h, which is due to be unveiled in mid-2014. While the current SC is scheduled to go out of production in July of this year, the new SC coupe will resurface powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 hybrid system that drives the rear wheels. Set to lock horns with the Mercedes SL, the new luxury two-door is also expected to employ the GS's rear-wheel torque split unit.


One Lexus we will see a lot sooner however, is the CT 200h five-door hatch, which will debut at the upcoming Geneva motor show and go on sale in January 2011. Dropped onto a Prius platform, and boasting paddle shifters, rear double wishbone suspension, its own unique voltage converter and upgraded power delivery, the CT's main claim to fame will be the implementation of Toyota's first mass-produced lithium-ion battery pack.

A few months after the CT 200h lands in showrooms, we can expect to see a Prius-based five-door wagon entering the market, it too fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack. But while it will be available in two body styles in Europe and Japan -- a wagon and a minivan -- the U.S. market will most likely just get the wagon.

While Toyota is in the process of introducing its first plug-in hybrids, starting with the Prius next year, we can expect to see the company's first rear-drive, plug-in hybrid sports coupe to go on sale by early 2015. Rumored to be based on the next generation Lexus IS platform, but launched through the Toyota sales network, this coupe is expected to do battle with hybrid sports cars from Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi. Yet another vehicle to be 'hybridified' will be the next generation RAV4, which is slated for an April 2012 debut.

Although some of these plans are subject to change, one thing is certain: all future Toyota models will all have proper floor mats and accelerator pedals, and the hybrids will all employ revised brake systems eliminating the alleged flat spot.

Generation Y Buying Toyota, Honda and Ford Cars

Thursday November 11 2010

By Amy Tokic
 
Generation Y has come of age and are now setting their sights on what new car to buy. And according to research firm AutoPacific, younger car buyers are choosing vehicles made by Toyota, Honda and Ford.


Also among the top 5 brands are Chevrolet and Nissan. Making their way onto the 2010 Gen Y (people born around 1983) list are Kia and Hyundai, who squeezed out Mazda and Jeep for a coveted spot on the list.

“The fact that Generation Y has a bigger footprint in brands like Hyundai and Kia than in past years means these brands are definitely doing something right to gain Gen Y’s attention,” says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific.

The Ford Fiesta is popular with this generation, not only because of its size and cost, but also because it’s featured sponsorship on popular shows such as American Idol and various online contests and promotions.

You’ll find the results of AutoPacific’s top 10 list after the jump.

[Source: USA Today]

1. Toyota

2. Honda

3. Ford

4. Chevrolet

5. Nissan

6. Hyundai

7. Volkswagen

8. Kia

9 . Dodge

10. Subaru

05 novembre 2010

November 5th, 1895 - George B. Selden is granted the first U"S" patent for an automobile

George B. Selden (September 14, 1846 in Clarkson, New York – January 17, 1922 in Rochester, New York) was a patent lawyer and inventor who was granted a U.S. patent for an automobile in 1895.[1][2]


The idea of a horseless carriage was in the air during George's youth, but its practicality was uncertain. In 1859, his father, Judge Henry R. Selden, a prominent Republican attorney most noted for defending Susan B. Anthony, moved to Rochester, New York, where George briefly attended the University of Rochester before dropping out to enlist in the Sixth U.S. Cavalry, Union Army. This was not to the liking of his father who after pulling some strings and having some earnest discussions with his son managed to have him released from duty and enrolled in Yale. George did not do well at Yale in his law studies, preferring the technical studies offered by the Sheffield Scientific School, but did manage to finish his course of study and pass the New York bar 1871 and joined his father's practice.

He married shortly thereafter to Clara Drake Woodruff, by whom he had 4 children. He continued his hobby of inventing in a workshop in his father's basement, inventing a typewriter and a hoop making machine.

For a time, Selden represented photography pioneer George Eastman in patent matters.

Inspired by the mammoth internal combustion engine invented by George Brayton displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, Selden began working on a smaller lighter version, succeeding by 1878, some eight years before the public introduction of the Benz Patent Motorwagen in Europe, in producing a one-cylinder, 400-pound version which featured an enclosed crankshaft with the help of Rochester machinist, Frank H. Clement and his assistant William Gomm. He filed for a patent on May 8, 1879. His application included not only the engine but its use in a 4 wheeled car. He then filed a series of amendments to his application which stretched out the legal process resulting in a delay of 16 years before the patent US patent 549160 pdf was granted on November 5, 1895.

The Selden Road-EngineShortly thereafter the fledgling American auto industry began its first efforts and George Selden, despite never having gone into production with a working model of an automobile, had a credible claim to have patented an automobile in 1895.[1][2] In 1899 he sold his patent rights to William C. Whitney, who proposed manufacturing electric-powered taxicabs as the Electric Vehicle Company, EVC, for a royalty of $15 per car with a minimum annual payment of $5,000. Whitney and Selden then worked together to collect royalties from other budding automobile manufacturers. He was initially successful, negotiating a 0.75% royalty on all cars sold by the Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers, the ALAM. He began his own car company in Rochester under the name, Selden Motor Vehicle Company.

However, Henry Ford, owner of the Ford Motor Company, founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1903, and four other car makers resolved to contest the patent infringement suit filed by Selden and EVC. The legal fight lasted eight years, generating a case record of 14,000 pages. The case was heavily publicized in the newspapers of the day, and ended in a victory for Selden. In his decision, the judge wrote that the patent covered any automobile propelled by an engine powered by gasoline vapor. Posting a bond of $350,000, Ford appealed, and on January 10, 1911 won his case based on an argument that the engine used in automobiles was not based on George Brayton's engine, the Brayton engine which Selden had improved, but on the Otto engine.

This stunning defeat, with only 1 year left to run on the patent, destroyed Selden's income stream. He focused production of his car company on trucks, renaming his company the Selden Truck Sales Corporation. It survived in that form until 1930 when it was purchased by the Bethlehem Truck Company. Selden suffered a stroke in late 1921 and died at 75 on January 17, 1922. He was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester. It is estimated he received several hundred thousand dollars in royalties.


Source: Wikipedia  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_B._Selden

04 novembre 2010

TOYOTA SIENNA NAMED BEST NEW MINIVAN IN AJAC’S 2011 CANADIAN CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

[TORONTO, ONTARIO] – The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) named the 2011 Toyota Sienna as the Best New Minivan in the 2011 Canadian Car of the Year Awards following rigorous testing during the annual TestFest for the Canadian Car of the Year Awards competition.


With a suggested retail price starting at just $27,900, the completely redesigned and stylish new Sienna comes in eight different models featuring a choice of 4-cylinder or V6 engines and front-wheel or the segments only all-wheel drive option, making it easy for Canadians to find the perfect Sienna to meet their needs. The new Sienna offers unique features including tip-up second-row seats, tri-zone climate control, a driver’s knee airbag, power one-touch up and down on all windows and available widescreen DVD screen, 2nd row ottoman seating, easy-clean fabric and more.

“We’re pleased that AJAC’s members recognized the Toyota Sienna’s unique combination of style, performance, versatility and innovation which makes Sienna a favourite with busy Canadian families,” said Warren Orton, Director at Toyota Canada Inc. “Thank you and congratulations to all Toyota associates across North America who contributed to the design, manufacturing and sale of the 2011 Toyota Sienna - you helped make this award possible.”