Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Toyota turns to Nintendo DS as in-car GPS remote, won't guide you to Princess Peach]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turns-to-nintendo-ds-as-in-car-gps-remote/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turns-to-nintendo-ds-as-in-car-gps-remote/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turns-to-nintendo-ds-as-in-car-gps-remote/#comments Image

Let's say you liked adding GPS to your Nintendo DS. How about adding a Nintendo DS to your GPS? Toyota is trying just that through a new Smart Navi GPS unit in its Estima Hybrid minivan that will let passengers control the mapping system. Load up the Bluetooth-equipped Kuruma de DS cartridge and you can enter directions from the back seat instead of waiting for the driver's next chance at a red light. The automaker is also hoping to cut the "are we there yet?" levels of ennui to a minimum by providing trivia questions, hand-drawn map notes and a surfeit of tourist info. Mii characters speak out text information, and you can even use the car as a speaker system in the event your Starfox game needs that much more audio immersion. Estima buyers can get the new Smart Navi and Kuruma de DS in Japan on June 1st, although the $2,586 equivalent price for the GPS, the $92 cartridge and the cost of the Nintendo console itself might be too rich when you don't need a navigator to tell you that the princess is in another castle.

Toyota turns to Nintendo DS as in-car GPS remote, won't guide you to Princess Peach originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 04:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothdsestimaestima hybridEstimaHybridgamingGPSgps navigationGpsNavigationin-carin-car navigationIn-carNavigationmini vanminivannavigationnintendoNintendo DSNintendoDstoyotatoyota estimatoyota estima hybridToyotaEstimaToyotaEstimaHybridtransportationThu, 17 May 2012 04:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota RAV4 EV priced up at $49,800, arriving in California 'late summer']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/toyota-rav4-ev-price-release-date/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/toyota-rav4-ev-price-release-date/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/toyota-rav4-ev-price-release-date/#comments Toyota RAV4 EV priced up at $49,800, arriving in California 'late summer'

It's been two years since we first heard of Toyota's electric vehicle plans and the company's finally ready to talk turkey on pricing. Announced at Los Angeles' Electric Vehicle Symposium yesterday, the "fully equipped" RAV4 EV will arrive before the end of the year for a few hundred shy of 50,000 bucks. The EV will reach up to 100 miles on a single charge, which can be reportedly replenished in around six hours from a 240V charger, while LED and halogen headlights are the latest design additions. The RAV4 will go up for sale in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego -- if you're somewhere in California, you have a shot of getting one. Toyota's got all the details in a press release right after the break.

Continue reading Toyota RAV4 EV priced up at $49,800, arriving in California 'late summer'

Toyota RAV4 EV priced up at $49,800, arriving in California 'late summer' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 08:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevminipostpowered by teslaPoweredByTeslarav 4Rav4toyotatoyota rav4toyota rav4 evToyotaRav4ToyotaRav4EvTue, 08 May 2012 08:18:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW and Toyota come together, right now, over batteries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/bmw-toyota-battery-research/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/bmw-toyota-battery-research/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/bmw-toyota-battery-research/#comments ImageClue's in the headline, really. Car makers BMW and Toyota have finally gotten around to confirming that they're pairing up to research next generation lithium-ion batteries. The focus will be on building environmentally friendly technologies that'll boost the power of future EVs. The duo will also examine new ways of combining materials to build better cathodes, anodes and electrolytes. As part of the deal, Toyota will be buying diesel engines for its European subsidiary from its Teutonic new best friend from 2014.

Continue reading BMW and Toyota come together, right now, over batteries

BMW and Toyota come together, right now, over batteries originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWbmw i3bmw i8bmw project iBmwI3BmwI8BmwProjectIelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesi3i8lithium ionlithium-ionLithiumIonplug inplug in hybridPlugInPlugInHybridPriusproject iProjectITMCToyotaToyota Motor CorporationToyotaMotorCorporationTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony partners with Scion, makes MotorStorm RC free for PS Vita]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/sony-and-scion-make-motorstorm-rc-free-for-ps-vita/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/sony-and-scion-make-motorstorm-rc-free-for-ps-vita/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/sony-and-scion-make-motorstorm-rc-free-for-ps-vita/#comments Getting set up with Sony's latest handheld can be an incredible drain on the wallet, what with the cost of pricey, proprietary memory cards and actual games to play. Consider this then the company's way of tossing early adopters a bone, because for a limited time US-based Vita owners can download MotorStorm RC gratis on the PlayStation Store starting today. Don't send those imaginary thank you cards to the electronics giant just yet; this special promo comes courtesy of a partnership with Scion (Toyota's Gen Y offshoot) and, as such, is pre-loaded with an exclusive, playable version of its subcompact iQ. Yes, you're being pandered to, but who cares? It's free, it's fun and it'll give your thumbs and Nathan Drake a mini-break.

Sony partners with Scion, makes MotorStorm RC free for PS Vita originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadfreeiQMotorStorm RCMotorstormRcpromoPS VitaPsVitaScionSonyToyotaWed, 07 Mar 2012 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota and Samsung turn your smartphone into a second display for your ride]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/toyota-and-samsung-turn-your-smartphone-into-a-second-display-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/toyota-and-samsung-turn-your-smartphone-into-a-second-display-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/toyota-and-samsung-turn-your-smartphone-into-a-second-display-fo/#comments
Toyota and Samsung are pairing up to get the latter's smartphones to work perfectly with the former's vehicles. The duo will launch Samsung Mobile Car Application to sync your Android device to the in-vehicle-infotainment (IVI) systems of modern cars. You'll be able to use voice control and improve the accuracy of your GPS by hooking it up to mobile internet. At the minute it's just an announcement, we won't see any products entering the market until the second quarter of the year. They just wanted to tease, those lovable scamps.

Continue reading Toyota and Samsung turn your smartphone into a second display for your ride

Toyota and Samsung turn your smartphone into a second display for your ride originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 04:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidBarcelonaFinanceGoogleGPSIn CarIn Car ElectronicsIn Vehicle InfotainmentInCarInCarElectronicsInVehicleInfotainmentIVIMobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012SamsungSamsung ElectronicsSamsung Mobile Car ApplicationSamsungMobileCarApplicationSci/TechToyotaTue, 28 Feb 2012 04:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan to reduce rare earth consumption in response to China's export controls]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/japan-china-rare-earths-consumption/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/japan-china-rare-earths-consumption/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/japan-china-rare-earths-consumption/#comments
Japan took another step toward lessening its rare earths dependence today, announcing plans to drastically reduce consumption levels in response to China's continued market dominance. Of particular concern to the Japanese government is dysprosium -- a rare earth used in the production of high-powered magnets. China, which accounts for about 95 percent of the world's rare earth supply, has been tightening export controls on the metal in recent months, sending global prices skyward. With its domestic supplies dwindling, Japan has now committed to reducing its dysprosium consumption by 30 percent over the next few years, as part of a $65 million initiative. Much of that money will presumably go toward helping manufacturers develop alternative production and recycling methods, as some already have. Toyota, for instance, has found a way to produce hybrid and electric vehicles without using dysprosium, while Mitsubishi, Panasonic and TDK are currently looking at ways to extract the metal from old air conditioners. If effective, the government's program would reduce domestic consumption by between 200 and 400 tonnes per year.

Japan to reduce rare earth consumption in response to China's export controls originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiachinaconsumptiondysprosiumeconomicseconomyexportexport controlExportControljapanjapanesemanufacturingmetalmitsubishipanasonicrare earthrare earth mineralsrare earthsRareEarthRareEarthMineralsRareEarthsrecyclingresourcestdktoyotatradeWed, 08 Feb 2012 21:41:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW and Toyota to collaborate on future lithium-ion tech, love notes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/bmw-and-toyota-to-collaborate-on-future-lithium-ion-tech-love-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/bmw-and-toyota-to-collaborate-on-future-lithium-ion-tech-love-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/bmw-and-toyota-to-collaborate-on-future-lithium-ion-tech-love-n/#comments What kind of doors open when you're Toyota and you sell over three million hybrids? Apparently a partnership with BMW on "next-generation" lithium-ion packs and all sorts of future green debauchery. Whether the collaboration will bear fruit in time for München's upcoming lithium-ion powered i3 and i8 remains to be seen, but the tie-up should save the duo mucho dinero as they pool development time and cut costs with economies of scale. The memorandum will also grant Toyota's European outfit with access to BMW's 1.6 and 2.0 liter diesel engines come 2014. Does that mean we're a little over three years from the bimmer powered oil burning Prius of our dreams? Guess we'll have to find out, but we can't imagine things are exactly peachy over in France right about now.

Continue reading BMW and Toyota to collaborate on future lithium-ion tech, love notes

BMW and Toyota to collaborate on future lithium-ion tech, love notes originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw i3bmw i8bmw project iBmwI3BmwI8BmwProjectIelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesi3i8lithium ionlithium-ionLithiumIonplug inplug in hybridPlugInPlugInHybridpriusproject iProjectItoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusFri, 02 Dec 2011 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota Fun-Vii concept car envisions instantly customizable interior and exterior]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fun-vii-concept-car-envisions-instantly-customizable-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fun-vii-concept-car-envisions-instantly-customizable-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fun-vii-concept-car-envisions-instantly-customizable-inte/#comments Look, the reality is that you can't drive your car into a Pay 'n' Spray every 15 minutes or so à la Grand Theft Auto, but what if you can simply change the vehicle's skin at the tap of a button? Toyota certainly likes the sound of that and has thus come up with the funky-looking Fun-Vii concept car. What's more, even the interior can be changed as well, and similarly it can be used as a display space for navigation or even racing simulation (assuming the latter's disabled while actually driving, of course). This is all good and well, but unlike many other concept exhibits we've seen, Toyota's mockup couldn't seat people -- we suspect the "car" only used a back projection from within, so we couldn't get to see what it'd feel like to play a Tron-like game inside the "car." Nevertheless, we look forward to day when this idea becomes a reality -- here's looking at you, flexible OLED! Video after the break.

Gallery: Toyota Fun-Vii eyes-on

Continue reading Toyota Fun-Vii concept car envisions instantly customizable interior and exterior

Toyota Fun-Vii concept car envisions instantly customizable interior and exterior originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearancecarconceptconcept carConceptCarcustomcustomisabledoraemonexterioreyes-onfeaturedfeaturesFun-ViiGrand Theft Autohands-oninteriorjapanjean renoJeanRenoSci/Techtokyo motor showtokyo motor show 2011TokyoMotorShowTokyoMotorShow2011toyotatoyota Fun-ViiToyotaFun-viivideoThu, 01 Dec 2011 23:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota FCV-R concept brings fuel cell cars closer to reality, aiming for 2015 launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fcv-r-concept-brings-fuel-cell-cars-closer-to-reality-ai/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fcv-r-concept-brings-fuel-cell-cars-closer-to-reality-ai/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fcv-r-concept-brings-fuel-cell-cars-closer-to-reality-ai/#comments Amongst the many concept EVs we've seen at the Tokyo Motor Show this week, Toyota thinks that fuel cell vehicles still have a chance. Hence the above cool-looking FCV-R, an actual functional hydrogen car featuring a multi-LCD panel dashboard along with a driving range of around 700km or 435 miles. Alas, interested buyers will have to wait until around 2015 before Toyota launches its first fuel cell car, which is currently projected to cost around $125,000. And of course, there's no saying on whether hydrogen fuel stations will be widely available across the nation by then. For now though, you can take a closer look at the FCV-R in our video after the break.

Gallery: Toyota FCV-R hands-on

Continue reading Toyota FCV-R concept brings fuel cell cars closer to reality, aiming for 2015 launch

Toyota FCV-R concept brings fuel cell cars closer to reality, aiming for 2015 launch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fcv-rfeaturedfeaturesfuel cellFuelCellhands-onjapantokyo motor showtokyo motor show 2011TokyoMotorShowTokyoMotorShow2011Toyotatoyota fcv-rToyotaFcv-rvideoThu, 01 Dec 2011 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota to unveil Prius C, hydrogen and electric hybrid concepts at 2012 Tokyo Motor Show]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/toyota-to-unveil-prius-c-hydrogen-and-electric-hybrid-concepts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/toyota-to-unveil-prius-c-hydrogen-and-electric-hybrid-concepts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/toyota-to-unveil-prius-c-hydrogen-and-electric-hybrid-concepts/#comments
If there's one absolute truth to cars, it's this: next year's models will generally make you regret the one you just bought. Over at the Tokyo Motor Show, this standard will probably hold true, with Toyota set to launch a smaller-than-current-Prius in the form of the Prius C, or "Aqua". The C, which takes some interesting technological steps forward, packs a hybrid drivetrain, coupling an as-yet undisclosed "high-output" electric motor with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. According to Toyota, this combination will yield over 50 miles per gallon in the city, the highest city fuel economy for any non-plug-in vehicle. Getting into more experimental territory, Toyota is also expected to unveil the FCV-R concept, this model previewing a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle with room for four passengers and luggage space currently being targeted for a 2015 market launch. This, along with the FT-EV III (which will preview an upcoming electric version of the company's iQ model with a short-range battery-powered drivetrain) round out Toyota's morsels for the new model year. Stay tuned for additional pricing and release dates as they become available, and head down past the break to see what to expect from the new Prius.

Gallery: Toyota Motor Show 2012 Preview Gallery

Continue reading Toyota to unveil Prius C, hydrogen and electric hybrid concepts at 2012 Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota to unveil Prius C, hydrogen and electric hybrid concepts at 2012 Tokyo Motor Show originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AquacarcarscityeconomyelectricFCV-RFT-EV IIIFt-evIiifuelhybridpiggy bankPiggyBankpower trainPowerTrainPriusPrius CPriusCTokyo Motor ShowTokyoMotorShowToyotavideoWed, 16 Nov 2011 20:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia Drive with MirrorLink on Toyota Touch Life hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/nokia-drive-with-mirrorlink-on-toyota-touch-life-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/nokia-drive-with-mirrorlink-on-toyota-touch-life-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/nokia-drive-with-mirrorlink-on-toyota-touch-life-hands-on-video/#comments Just a few meters from the entrance to Nokia World at London's sprawling ExCel Exhibition Centre, we found a Toyota iQ compact with Nokia branding on the door. And in the dash was Toyota's new Touch Life smartphone integration system, complete with Nokia Drive compatibility and display mirroring via MirrorLink. In addition to mirroring your Symbian Belle (or MeeGo) display on the 7-inch touchscreen, Touch Life also provides a driver-friendly interface, including enormous icons to control music playback, or to place calls to contacts by tapping their name and photo, or by using the jumbo telephone keypad. It also integrates with the Nokia Drive app, with a very simple (and also oversized) navigation interface. The concept is simple: access basic smartphone functions as you drive while limiting distractions. While you're parked, you'll have unrestricted access to your phone's interface, but non-critical features are disabled as you drive.

The demo unit we saw is still a few months away from hitting production, so there were a few hiccups. After connecting the Nokia 701 to the system, the smartphone's display appeared on the in-dash screen within a few seconds. We had full access to all of the phone's features until shifting into drive, when a much simpler screen popped up, with Call, Drive and Music modules. Everything worked rather seamlessly until we neared the end of the demo, when an "Enjoy the sound while driving" message appeared on screen, where the navigation window had been just a moment before. There isn't a firm release date in place, and the demo unit only appears to work with Symbian Belle at the moment -- though MeeGo support (and likely Windows Phone as well) will be available after launch. Jump past the break to see how it works from behind the wheel.

Gallery: Nokia Drive with MirrorLink hands-on at Nokia World 2011

Continue reading Nokia Drive with MirrorLink on Toyota Touch Life hands-on (video)

Nokia Drive with MirrorLink on Toyota Touch Life hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appAppleApple iPhoneAppleIphoneappsautocarcar connectivity consortiumcar modeCarConnectivityConsortiumCarModecarshands-onin-carin-car connectivityIn-carConnectivityinfotainmentinfotainment systeminfotainment systemsInfotainmentSystemInfotainmentSystemsiOS 4Ios4iPhoneMirrorLinkmobilepostcrossnokianokia 701nokia symbiannokia worldnokia world 2011Nokia701NokiaSymbianNokiaWorldNokiaWorld2011smartphonesmartphone integrationsmartphone mirroringSmartphoneIntegrationSmartphoneMirroringsymbiansymbian belleSymbianBelleterminal modeTerminalModetouch lifeTouchLifetouchscreentoyotaToyota Touch LifeToyotaTouchLifevideoThu, 27 Oct 2011 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota introduces Touch Life smartphone mirroring system, your Prius and iPhone can become one]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/toyota-introduces-touch-life-smartphone-mirroring-system-your-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/toyota-introduces-touch-life-smartphone-mirroring-system-your-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/toyota-introduces-touch-life-smartphone-mirroring-system-your-p/#comments
If you're looking to get your smartphone more in-sync with your car, you may want to consider a new Toyota with the Touch Life infotainment system. Given a compatible smartphone / app combo, it can mirror the phone's display on its 7-inch touchscreen for access to navigation, music or social networking services. Nokia owners can connect their Symbian Belle devices by way of MirrorLink, developed by the Car Connectivity Consortium, in its first deployment by the automotive industry. Apple iPhone (and iPod) faithful will have to install Application Launcher in order to sync up with the infotainment system. If driving distractions are a concern, steering wheel controls play nice with the tech as well -- it's not quite SYNC Applink, but we'll take it. Toyota promises features and smartphones will continue to be added, but for a current list of compatible cars, devices and apps, check the press release below.

Continue reading Toyota introduces Touch Life smartphone mirroring system, your Prius and iPhone can become one

Toyota introduces Touch Life smartphone mirroring system, your Prius and iPhone can become one originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appAppleApple iPhoneAppleIphoneappsautocarcar connectivity consortiumcar modeCarConnectivityConsortiumCarModecarsin-carin-car connectivityIn-carConnectivityinfotainmentinfotainment systeminfotainment systemsInfotainmentSystemInfotainmentSystemsiOS 4Ios4iPhoneMirrorLinkmobilepostcrossnokiasmartphonesmartphone integrationsmartphone mirroringSmartphoneIntegrationSmartphoneMirroringterminal modeTerminalModetouch lifeTouchLifetouchscreentoyotaToyota Touch LifeToyotaTouchLifeWed, 26 Oct 2011 01:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota Prius C undergoes name change, comes out feeling 'Aqua' blue]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/toyota-prius-c-undergoes-name-change-comes-out-feeling-aqua-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/toyota-prius-c-undergoes-name-change-comes-out-feeling-aqua-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/toyota-prius-c-undergoes-name-change-comes-out-feeling-aqua-b/#comments Ladies and members of the so-hip-it-hurts demographic, Toyota's got a Prius hybrid just for you. The curved, futuristic-looking EV first did the dais spin for us at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year and now, armed with a hue-matching 'Aqua' moniker, is prepping to rollout to lots in January of 2012. A report in Nikkei indicates this fuel efficient gas / electric car will get just about 40km/l (or 94mpg), besting its current Prius family member's 32km/l (about 75mpg). And as for that price tag, look for it to retail at around 1.7 million yen (or $22,000) when it makes its eventual splashy blue bow in the Japan and US next year.

Toyota Prius C undergoes name change, comes out feeling 'Aqua' blue originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybridminipostPriusPrius AquaPrius CPriusAquaPriusCToyotatoyota priusToyota Prius AquaToyota Prius Ctoyota prius hybridToyotaPriusToyotaPriusAquaToyotaPriusCToyotaPriusHybridFri, 30 Sep 2011 04:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota breaks compressed air speed record, hits 80.3MPH with Ku:Rin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/toyota-breaks-compressed-air-speed-record-hits-80-3mph-with-ku/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/toyota-breaks-compressed-air-speed-record-hits-80-3mph-with-ku/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/toyota-breaks-compressed-air-speed-record-hits-80-3mph-with-ku/#comments

Thankfully styled like the more dashing cousin in the typically awkward-looking compressed air car family, Toyota's Ku:Rin (meaning Air-Wheel) has smashed the speed record for cars powered by (not necessarily hot) air. Sure, measuring a svelte 0.8m across, there's certainly no space for the kids or the groceries, but it can reach a maximum speed of 80.3MPH. All that driving force is generated from compressed air which acts as the fuel, expanding and powering the single motor. Don't expect air compressors to replace those petrol pumps just yet -- the range for this streamlined beauty is a meager two miles. Take a look at NHK's report in More Coverage for redefining of "blown away."

Toyota breaks compressed air speed record, hits 80.3MPH with Ku:Rin originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80.3MPHcarcarscompressed aircompressed air carCompressedAirCompressedAirCarElectric carElectricCarJapanJapaneseKu RinKu-Rinku:rinkurinnhkspeed recordSpeedRecordToyotaMon, 26 Sep 2011 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota demos Prius' proximity notification system, touts 'futuristic' purr (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/toyota-demos-prius-proximity-notification-system-touts-futuri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/toyota-demos-prius-proximity-notification-system-touts-futuri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/toyota-demos-prius-proximity-notification-system-touts-futuri/#comments
Silence may be a virtue under most circumstances, but not when you're driving around a leafy, residential neighborhood in your Toyota Prius. That's why the manufacturer came out with its very own vehicle proximity notification system last year -- a "futuristic," underhood noisemaker designed to alert pedestrians and the visually impaired to the plug-in's presence. Now, Toyota has offered more details on its safety system, in a freshly released demo video starring the 2012 Prius V. The car's artificial engine noise, as the company explains, only kicks in at speeds below 15 miles per hour, allowing it to broadcast its audible heads-up across parking lots or other low-speed zones. The sound itself, meanwhile, emanates from external speakers and consists of a blend of high and low frequencies that won't be by muffled by background noise or physical obstacles. The vehicle's pitch shift technology also enables the tone to rise in pitch as the car speeds up and to fall as it slows down, giving others an idea of how fast it's approaching. Accelerate past the break to see the full video for yourself, while John Kerry nods in silent approval.

Continue reading Toyota demos Prius' proximity notification system, touts 'futuristic' purr (video)

Toyota demos Prius' proximity notification system, touts 'futuristic' purr (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota prius2012 toyota prius v2012ToyotaPrius2012ToyotaPriusValertautoblindcardemoelectric vehicleElectricVehicleengineevfrequencyfuturistichoverboardhybridhybrid carhybrid plug inHybridCarHybridPlugInnotificationpedestrianpedestrian safetyPedestrian Safety Enhancement Act 2010PedestrianSafetyPedestrianSafetyEnhancementAct2010plug inPlugInpriusproximityproximity notification systemProximityNotificationSystemsafetysoundspeakertoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusunderhoodvideovisually impairedVisuallyImpairedFri, 23 Sep 2011 07:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Toyota's Prius plug-in hybrid (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/hands-on-with-toyotas-prius-plug-in-hybrid-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/hands-on-with-toyotas-prius-plug-in-hybrid-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/hands-on-with-toyotas-prius-plug-in-hybrid-video/#comments Yesterday we attended Toyota's Green Drive Expo where we were given the opportunity to take the production version of the Prius plug-in hybrid (PHV) -- and its smorgasbord of technology -- for a spin. We spent a couple hours driving interfacing with the computers aboard the Advanced model, which besides being outlet-friendly, includes some unique features within the Prius lineup. Explore our gallery below, and hit the break for our impressions and hands-on videos with the latest incarnation of Toyota's iconic vehicle.

Gallery: Toyota Prius production plug-in hybrid

Continue reading Hands-on with Toyota's Prius plug-in hybrid (video)

Hands-on with Toyota's Prius plug-in hybrid (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 21:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 prius2012 toyota prius2012Prius2012ToyotaPriusAdvancedbattery chargerBatteryChargerelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEntuneEVGPSgps navigationGpsNavigationgreen drive expoGreenDriveExpohands-onheads-up displayHeads-upDisplayHUDhybridhybrid electrichybrid electric vehiclehybrid vehicleHybridElectricHybridElectricVehicleHybridVehicleinfotainmentJBLled headlightsLedHeadlightsLithium-ionlithium-ion-batteriesmillimeter wave radarMillimeterWaveRadarnavigationOnStarPHVplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridPop-TartsPriusprius plug-inprius plug-in hybridPriusPlug-inPriusPlug-inHybridStar TrekStarTrektoasterTouch Tracer DisplaytouchscreenTouchTracerDisplayToyotaToyota Priustoyota prius plug in hybridToyota Prius plug-inToyotaPriusToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInHybridvideovoice controlVoiceControlSat, 17 Sep 2011 21:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota officially unveils production Prius plug-in hybrid, available March 2012 for $32,000]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/toyotas-prius-plug-in-hybrid-gets-official-unveiling-available/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/toyotas-prius-plug-in-hybrid-gets-official-unveiling-available/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/toyotas-prius-plug-in-hybrid-gets-official-unveiling-available/#comments Prius fans, that long road to a promised plug-in hybrid's coming to an end. Toyota rolled out its production model PHV at the Green Drive Expo, announcing a March 2012 availability for the car, and a $32,000 price tag for the base model. The partial EV will be offered in two trim versions with a touchscreen audio / navigation display and Toyota's Entune in-car entertainment system to come standard, with the Heads Up display reserved for the advanced models. Expect to get about 87 MPGe with the auto in combined drive mode, and 49MPG when it switches to hybrid. As for that old NiMH battery, the new 4.4kWh Li-ion replacement gains a full charge after about three hours on a 120v source, and can re-up the juice in less than two hours on a 240v connection. You can dive into the PR for all the details after the break, and look forward to our in-depth hands-on in a few.

Continue reading Toyota officially unveils production Prius plug-in hybrid, available March 2012 for $32,000

Toyota officially unveils production Prius plug-in hybrid, available March 2012 for $32,000 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autocarcarsEVhybridsToyotaToyota Priustoyota prius plug in hybridToyota Prius plug-inToyotaPriusToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInHybridFri, 16 Sep 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: magnetic highways, MoMA tech exhibit and lasers in the sky]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-magnetic-highways-moma-tech-exhibit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-magnetic-highways-moma-tech-exhibit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-magnetic-highways-moma-tech-exhibit/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Renewable energy supercharged our transit system this week as Inhabitat showcased Vycon's plans to tap speeding subway trains for immense amounts of kinetic energy, and we took a look at an innovative magnetic highway system that harvests energy from passing cars. Biofuels also got a boost from several unlikely sources as researchers discovered that bacteria in panda poop is incredibly efficient at breaking down plant matter, and scientists developed a way to recycle newspaper into biofuel. We also showcased a real-time energy monitoring device for kids, we learned that some radioactive areas around Fukushima are more dangerous than Chernobyl, and we took a look inside a subterranean atomic shelter that has been transformed into a cavernous underground office.

How do machines communicate with people? If you're pondering that idea, you'll be interested in this exclusive video interview with Museum of Modern Art curator Paola Antonelli on MoMA's new 'Talk to Me' technology exhibit which recently opened in New York City. We were also amazed by several artistic innovations this week as Wacom unveiled a pen that instantly digitizes anything you can draw and Sarah Garzoni created a beautiful series of printed paper butterflies.

In other news, we shined the spotlight on several brilliant advances in lighting technology as scientists successfully created rain by shooting laser beams into the sky and a designer unveiled a solar OLED tile system that can transform skyscrapers into zero-energy displays. We also brought you several bright ideas in wearable tech as Halston unveiled a glow-in-the-dark sequin gown, a ghostly troop of illuminated radiation suits wandered through the German countryside, and a Cornell student developed a type of clothing that traps toxic gases. Meanwhile the Hudson River lit up with a luminous field of 200 LEDs and Laser Power Systems unveiled plans for a nuclear powered car. Speaking of green transportation, we also spotted a high-tech E-Max motorcycle that converts pressure into power, and we watched Toyota's all-electric P001 racer become the first EV to break the Nurburgring's 8-minute speed record.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: magnetic highways, MoMA tech exhibit and lasers in the sky originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalanimalsbacteriacare-maxeco-friendlyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVglowglow in the darkGlowInTheDarkgreeninhabitatInhabitats Week in GreenInhabitatsWeekInGreenlaserlaser beamsLaserBeamslightlightingmotorcycleoledp001pandaradiationsolarsolar powerSolarPowertoxictoyotaVyconSun, 04 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota to take on Nurburgring without a sound, aims to beat EV record]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/toyota-to-take-on-nurburgring-without-a-sound-aims-to-beat-ev-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/toyota-to-take-on-nurburgring-without-a-sound-aims-to-beat-ev-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/toyota-to-take-on-nurburgring-without-a-sound-aims-to-beat-ev-r/#comments All bets are on as Toyota hits up the Nürburgring next week, hoping to shatter the existing EV speed record over all 12.9 miles of the Nordschleife, affectionately nicknamed "green hell." To break the current nine minute, 1.388 second world best, Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) is unleashing an electric race car with two motors and a top speed of 260kmph (174mph) without emissions. The Radical-based car is similar to the one used by the Racing Green Endurance team on its epic 16,000 mile road trip, only lighter thanks to lithium-ceramic batteries. The company hopes breaking the record will show racing fans just how far electric cars have come, with GM Ludwig Zeller saying, "Many people are still dreaming of an electric future for motorsport; at TMG we believe this is much closer than some think." Full details are in the PR after the break, or you can just take a detour to the Black Forest next week and check it out yourself.

Continue reading Toyota to take on Nurburgring without a sound, aims to beat EV record

Toyota to take on Nurburgring without a sound, aims to beat EV record originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electric carelectric carsElectricCarElectricCarsEVlithium-ceramic batteryLithium-ceramicBatteryNurburgringpower trainPowerTrainrace trackRaceTrackRacingracing carracing greenRacing Green EnduranceRacingCarRacingGreenRacingGreenEndurancetoyotatoyota motorsport gmbhToyotaMotorsportGmbhTue, 23 Aug 2011 05:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford partners with Toyota to share technology, create new hybrid system for trucks and SUVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/ford-partners-with-toyota-to-share-technology-create-new-hybrid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/ford-partners-with-toyota-to-share-technology-create-new-hybrid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/ford-partners-with-toyota-to-share-technology-create-new-hybrid/#comments Ford Toyota Ford of course knows a lot about trucks, and Toyota has a couple decades of hybrid knowledge in its back pocket. So, if you were looking to make a hybrid truck, wouldn't you want to bring these corporate titans together? Shockingly that's actually coming to pass, with the two companies announcing a "memorandum of understanding" today that will see them acting as "equal partners" to create a new rear-wheel drive hybrid platform intended for light trucks and SUVs -- but sadly not sports cars. That platform is expected to be completed by sometime next year, but the two will also be sharing data to advance infotainment and in-car technology systems, meaning someday your Entune might talk to your Sync and the whole telematics world could be a better place.

Continue reading Ford partners with Toyota to share technology, create new hybrid system for trucks and SUVs

Ford partners with Toyota to share technology, create new hybrid system for trucks and SUVs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>entunefordhybridhybrid truckHybridTruckinfotainmentpartnershipsynctelematicstoyotatruckMon, 22 Aug 2011 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Plug-in Prius pulling into American driveways in February or March of 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/plug-in-prius-pulling-into-american-driveways-in-february-or-mar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/plug-in-prius-pulling-into-american-driveways-in-february-or-mar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/plug-in-prius-pulling-into-american-driveways-in-february-or-mar/#comments Plug-in Prius Good new PHV fans, the plug-in Prius you've been promised should start pulling into American driveways in February or March of 2012 -- at least according to a startup date chart at Donlen. The fleet management firm claims initial orders will be taken on November 10th of this year, with the vehicle scheduled to into production in January. An Autoblog tipster also claims to have some rather vague details about trim and color options, as well as its estimated MSRP, which should be below $30,000. Now we've just got to figure out how many extension cords it'll take to reach from our apartment window to the street below.

Plug-in Prius pulling into American driveways in February or March of 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donlenhybridphvplug-in hybridplug-in priusPlug-inHybridPlug-inPriuspriusprius phvprius phv plug inprius phv plug-inPriusPhvPriusPhvPlug-inPriusPhvPlugIntoyotatoyota priustoyota prius phvToyotaPriusToyotaPriusPhvTue, 09 Aug 2011 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota's new crash-avoidance technology takes control of the wheel]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/toyotas-new-crash-avoidance-technology-takes-control-of-the-whe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/toyotas-new-crash-avoidance-technology-takes-control-of-the-whe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/toyotas-new-crash-avoidance-technology-takes-control-of-the-whe/#comments Crash-avoidance technology in cars is hardly anything new, of course, but Toyota's gone a bit further than most with its latest effort. While complete details are still a bit light (including any word of an actual rollout to vehicles), the new system is said to use a combination of both front and rear cameras, and millimeter wave radar technology to detect pedestrians or obstacles that could lead to a crash. The real kicker, however, is that when the car does detect a possible collision, it actually takes control of the wheel to avoid it instead of just stopping the vehicle. What's more, that's just one new safety measure that Toyota recently showed off to reporters in Tokyo -- it's also working on things like a pop-up hood that could provide some additional protection in the event of a crash, and a steering wheel that can measure the driver's heartbeat and avoid a crash if they suffer a heart attack.

Toyota's new crash-avoidance technology takes control of the wheel originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collisioncollision avoidanceCollisionAvoidancecrashcrash avoidanceCrashAvoidancemillimeter wavemillimeter wave radarmillimeter-waveMillimeterWaveMillimeterWaveRadarradarsteeringsteering wheelSteeringWheeltoyotaFri, 22 Jul 2011 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota Scion iQ EV plugs-in for official 2012 launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/toyota-scion-iq-ev-plugs-in-for-official-2012-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/toyota-scion-iq-ev-plugs-in-for-official-2012-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/toyota-scion-iq-ev-plugs-in-for-official-2012-launch/#comments The Scion iQ, Toyota's tiny EV car that could, got an official 2012 launch yesterday at the automaker's annual dealer meeting in Vegas. The quiet, though far from specific launch announcement frees this 65 mile-per-charge roadster from its pre-production limbo. Shown off last March at the Geneva Motor Show, the Scion iQ had been put on indefinite hold while factory production in the carmaker's disaster-stricken homeland ramped back up to speed. With all signs now set to go, the only red-light still lingering is the micro-subcompact's undisclosed MSRP. Considering the recent bankruptcy of Norwegian Think's EV offering, we're glad to see Toyota looking out for its little guy.

Continue reading Toyota Scion iQ EV plugs-in for official 2012 launch

Toyota Scion iQ EV plugs-in for official 2012 launch originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarselectric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleEVJapanScionScion iQScion iQ EVScionIqScionIqEvToyotaToyota electric carToyota Scion iQToyotaElectricCarToyotaScionIqToyoto Scion iQ EVToyotoScionIqEvFri, 01 Jul 2011 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota Prius Project's concept bike lets you shift gears with your mind]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/toyota-prius-projects-concept-bike-lets-you-shift-gears-with-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/toyota-prius-projects-concept-bike-lets-you-shift-gears-with-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/toyota-prius-projects-concept-bike-lets-you-shift-gears-with-yo/#comments
Got mind control on the mind? Check out this new concept bike from Deeplocal -- a Pittsburgh-based design house that's adding a neurological twist to the art of cycling. As part of Toyota Prius Project No. 11, the company outfitted the seat post of a Parlee PXP aero road bike with a wireless transmitter, allowing users to remotely shift gears with a smartphone. Deeplocal's designers then added a set of neuron transmitters to a helmet and re-programmed the PXP to communicate with them -- meaning, in theory, that riders could control the bike's gears by simply thinking about it. Theory, of course, isn't the same thing as practice, but perhaps the concept will become a reality if we think really hard about it.

Toyota Prius Project's concept bike lets you shift gears with your mind originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aero road bikeAeroRoadBikebicyclebikebrainconceptconcept bikeConceptBikecyclingdeeplocalhelmetmindmind controlmind controlledMindControlMindControlledneurologyneuroscienceparleeparlee cyclesparlee pxpParleeCyclesParleePxppriuspxppxp bikePxpBikeroad bikeRoadBiketoyotatoyota priustoyota prius projectToyotaPriusToyotaPriusProjecttransportwirelesswireless transmitterWirelessTransmitterFri, 01 Jul 2011 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota premiers smart charging G-Stations in Japan, world instantly jealous]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/toyota-premiers-smart-charging-g-stations-in-japan-world-instan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/toyota-premiers-smart-charging-g-stations-in-japan-world-instan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/toyota-premiers-smart-charging-g-stations-in-japan-world-instan/#comments
Recharging tired EVs and plug-in hybrids in Japan just got a little more exciting thanks to Toyota's upcoming G-Station charger, which relies on contact-less smart-cards to identify vehicles and owners. Toyota's Windows Azure-powered Smart Center drives the machines, which allows users to connect to the internet and use smartphone apps to find chargers, receive notifications, and check usage history. The G-Station will be coming this July in two flavors, creatively named Type A for the standard and Type B for the more advanced model. Pricing for the aforementioned units will be 280,000 yen ($3,469 USD) and 448,000 yen ($5,549 USD) respectively. Toyota is expecting to sell around 3,000 units by the end of 2012, making these stations available to its retail car dealers, shopping malls and restaurants. Soon the outside of pachinko parlors will be just as electric as the inside.

Toyota premiers smart charging G-Stations in Japan, world instantly jealous originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AzurechargerChargeringchargerschargingcharging stationCharging stationsChargingStationChargingStationscloudcloud computingCloudComputingcomputingelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarsElectricVehicleinternetJapanplugplug inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridPlugInSmart CenterSmartCenterstationToyotaWindows AzureWindows7WindowsAzureThu, 23 Jun 2011 09:21:00 EST<![CDATA[2012 plug-in Prius to include selectable EV mode, full battery regeneration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/2012-plug-in-prius-to-include-selectable-ev-mode-full-battery-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/2012-plug-in-prius-to-include-selectable-ev-mode-full-battery-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/2012-plug-in-prius-to-include-selectable-ev-mode-full-battery-r/#comments
We already know to expect Toyota's Entune infotainment system in the dash of the 2012 Prius, but the hybrid's monster EV batteries will be powering much more than a touchscreen and apps. According to ConsumerSearch, next year's plug-in vehicle will include two new features aimed at improving the car's electric-only range for local driving, especially when your commute also includes a trip down the freeway. The first improvement comes in the form of an EV mode button, allowing you to turn off EV for highway driving, which tends to drain those batts faster than a Thunderbolt in Hotspot mode. The Prius will also offer full battery regeneration, so power-off activities like braking and driving downhill will restore the hybrid's EV-only range -- especially helpful if you live in a hilly area or tend to make frequent stops. Both new features should have a fairly significant impact on efficiency, so you'll soon be able to drive further in the city without tapping a single drop of crude.

2012 plug-in Prius to include selectable EV mode, full battery regeneration originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarsconsumersearchconsumersearch.comelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevhybridhybrid carHybridCarplug inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridPlugInpriusprius vPriusVtoyotatoyota priustoyota prius vToyotaPriusToyotaPriusVThu, 16 Jun 2011 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota to launch social network for people who like to befriend car dealerships]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/toyota-to-launch-social-network-for-people-who-like-to-befriend/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/toyota-to-launch-social-network-for-people-who-like-to-befriend/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/toyota-to-launch-social-network-for-people-who-like-to-befriend/#comments Man, social networks have taken on a loose definition as of late, haven't they? Toyota just announced plans to launch one for its customers, and while our initial reaction was an eye-roll and sighs of "what the world needs now," the truth is that it's really just a system that uses Twitter and Facebook to let you know when something's amiss. Dubbed Toyota Friend (and built on Salesforce.com's private Chatter network), the service will dish up battery power warnings to electric vehicle owners, along with maintenance tips -- advice that can pop up on phones, tablets, and "other advanced mobile devices." In addition to their friendly neighborhood car dealerships, folks can befriend other cars and the friends and family who own them, though it's unclear from the press release below why you'd care. (Okay, we suppose if we had a teenage driver we might want to know if they were about to break curfew.) If that all sounds like bunk, you probably won't get a test drive soon, anyway -- the service is slated to launch in 2012, in Japan, and, initially, for electric and hybrid vehicle owners only.

Continue reading Toyota to launch social network for people who like to befriend car dealerships

Toyota to launch social network for people who like to befriend car dealerships originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 May 2011 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarspartnershippartnershipsSalesforce.comsalesforce.com chatterSalesforce.comChattersocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingToyotatoyota friendToyotaFriendvehiclevehiclesMon, 23 May 2011 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Shell opens America's first pipelined hydrogen-fueling station in Southern California]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/shell-opens-americas-first-pipelined-hydrogen-fueling-station-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/shell-opens-americas-first-pipelined-hydrogen-fueling-station-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/shell-opens-americas-first-pipelined-hydrogen-fueling-station-i/#comments Residents of SoCal's Torrance should consider themselves lucky, as they're now living in America's first-ever city to have a pipelined hydrogen-fueling station. You can thank Shell and Toyota for picking up this government-funded green project. Sure, while the few other hydrogen stations still rely on delivery by supply truck (presumably running on diesel, ironically), this nevertheless marks a new milestone for our squeaky clean fuel, and it's only a matter of time before more stations get piped up to Air Products' hydrogen plants. If there's any indication of a time frame, Wired reminds us that 2015 should see the arrival of many new mass-market hydrogen cars from Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz. Not long to go now, fellow tree huggers.

Shell opens America's first pipelined hydrogen-fueling station in Southern California originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Air ProductsAirProductscarDepartment of EnergyDepartmentOfEnergyfuelfuel cellFuelCellfuelingfueling stationFuelingStationhydrogenhydrogen fuelhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelHydrogenFuelCellrefuelrefuelingrefueling stationRefuelingStationShellsocalSouth Coast Air Quality Management DistrictSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrictsouthern californiaSouthernCaliforniastationTorranceToyotatransporttransportationvehicleWed, 11 May 2011 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[All 2014 Prius hybrids to roll with plug-in and 2011 pricing, Hoitz and Gamble rejoice (update: not true)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/all-2014-prius-hybrids-to-roll-with-plug-in-and-2011-pricing-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/all-2014-prius-hybrids-to-roll-with-plug-in-and-2011-pricing-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/all-2014-prius-hybrids-to-roll-with-plug-in-and-2011-pricing-ho/#comments
Hybrid cars are sleek, efficient, and even occasionally sexy. Cheap they are not, however, though Toyota hopes to stir up the market in 2014, with affordable plug-in models that also boast much-improved mileage ratings. That year's Prii will ship standard with plug-in, and will quietly conquer at least 90 highway miles per gallon (compared to about 50 mpg for current models), according to Autoblog. The 2014 Prius will also be priced comparably to current non-plug-in models -- around $25,000 -- assuming Toyota can successfully reduce the cost of batteries and other key components. We can only hope that fuel prices aren't any higher three years from now, but even if they are, at least you'll still be able to afford to commute in something larger than a Vespa.

Update: Oops! Toyota responded to this report saying "there is no formal plan to make all Priuses [sic] plug-in by 2014." Not even a possibility, Autoblog was told. Ah well.

All 2014 Prius hybrids to roll with plug-in and 2011 pricing, Hoitz and Gamble rejoice (update: not true) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014carhybridhybrid vehicleHybridCarHybridVehiclephevplug inplug in hybridplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridPlugInPlugInHybridpriipriustoyotaTue, 10 May 2011 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota and WiTricity team up for OTA car charging]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/toyota-and-witricity-team-up-for-ota-car-charging/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/toyota-and-witricity-team-up-for-ota-car-charging/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/toyota-and-witricity-team-up-for-ota-car-charging/#comments Some day you'll charge everything wirelessly -- phones, cars, graphing calculators, all using the same basic technology. That's the sort of utopian vision Toyota had in mind when it formed the Wireless Battery-charging Alliance with WiTricity. The young Massachusetts-based company is pushing "resonance" technology, which charges electronics without contact and is supposedly more efficient than induction-based charging -- a category that includes the popular Qi standard. This new partnership ups the ante, adding electric vehicles to the list of chargeable devices, a vision of the future where Prius batteries can be filled wirelessly, while sitting in driveways and parking garages. Exxon's engineers are no doubt working to perfect the hose-free gasoline transfer as we speak. PR after the break.

[Thanks, Paul]

Continue reading Toyota and WiTricity team up for OTA car charging

Toyota and WiTricity team up for OTA car charging originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carchargingcharging stationChargingStationelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVgreenpriusresonanceresonance chargingResonanceChargingToyotawireless chargingWirelessChargingwitricityThu, 28 Apr 2011 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota Entune and Prius V hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/toyota-entune-and-prius-v-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/toyota-entune-and-prius-v-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/toyota-entune-and-prius-v-hands-on/#comments This year at CES we got our first glimpse of the Toyota Entune infotainment system, and then a week later at the North American International Auto Show we got our first close-up look at the bigger, hatchbackier Prius V. Now, here at the New York International Auto Show, the two pieces have come together into one five-door package. The car and the infotainment suite are slated to hit dealerships this summer and we sat down in one to try out the other. See if you can figure out which is which before clicking on through to check out our impressions.

Gallery: Toyota Entune and Prius V hands-on

Continue reading Toyota Entune and Prius V hands-on

Toyota Entune and Prius V hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackberryentunehands-onhybridinfotainmentiosiphonepriusprius vPriusVsmartphone integrationSmartphoneIntegrationtoyotavideoWed, 20 Apr 2011 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype Tesla-powered RAV4 driven, demonstrates extreme brake regen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/prototype-tesla-powered-rav4-driven-demonstrates-extreme-brake/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/prototype-tesla-powered-rav4-driven-demonstrates-extreme-brake/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/prototype-tesla-powered-rav4-driven-demonstrates-extreme-brake/#commentsPrototype Tesla-powered RAV4 driven, demonstrates extreme brake regen What happens when you put the powertrain from a Tesla Roadster into an SUV? You get the Toyota RAV4 EV, an early prototype of which PluginCars got a chance to drive. It referred to a "sophisticated proof of concept," basically a drivable show car, and the performance is reasonably stout: 0 - 60MPH in nine seconds -- not bad for a 3,900lb car. Range is estimated to be 100 miles in real-world conditions, but that's liable to change between now and when the car is expected to hit dealers, sometime toward the end of 2012. We're guessing the Roadster-style pushbutton gear selector will be gone by then, too.

Prototype Tesla-powered RAV4 driven, demonstrates extreme brake regen originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rav4rav4 evRav4Evteslatest driveTestDrivetoyotaFri, 08 Apr 2011 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota sells one million Prii in US alone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/07/toyota-sells-one-million-prii-in-us-alone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/07/toyota-sells-one-million-prii-in-us-alone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/07/toyota-sells-one-million-prii-in-us-alone/#comments Thank you Toyota, for teaching us the plural of Prius, because somehow, "Toyota sells one million Priuples" just doesn't jive. That's right, the Japanese automaker announced Wednesday that it has officially sold its one millionth Prius on American soil. It's reportedly also reached a couple of other sales milestones in the last six months, with worldwide Prius sales reaching two million in October and overall Toyota hybrid sales exceeding three million in March. Now that's a whole lot of Prii. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Toyota sells one million Prii in US alone

Toyota sells one million Prii in US alone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 million1 million sold1Million1MillionSoldamericacarcarshybridmillionone millionone million priiOneMillionOneMillionPriipriusprius salesprius sales usPriusSalesPriusSalesUssalestoyotatoyota priustoyota prius hybridToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHybridunited statesUnitedStatesUSThu, 07 Apr 2011 00:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft and Toyota to partner on smarter charging systems for EVs (update: yes)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/microsoft-and-toyota-to-partner-on-smarter-charging-systems-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/microsoft-and-toyota-to-partner-on-smarter-charging-systems-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/microsoft-and-toyota-to-partner-on-smarter-charging-systems-for/#commentsMicrosoft and Toyota to parner on smarter charging systems for EVs? Today at 3:00pm EST Microsoft and Toyota are holding a little webcast and, while they're staying mum on just what the topic of discussion will be, we're hearing they've been having some heart-to-hearts about making dumb power grids a little smarter. The details naturally are yet to be unveiled, but we're presuming it'll be similar to what Microsoft and Ford have worked on for the Focus Electric, technology that enables the car to know when rates are cheapest and only charge up then, also providing detailed data on the car's power consumption. The Tesla-powered RAV4 EV will be Toyota's first pure electric vehicle, and while it surely won't be as invigorating to drive as the similarly Tesla-powered Roadster, thanks to Microsoft maybe it'll be a little smarter. It'll certainly be cheaper.

Update: Sure enough. Toyota and Microsoft have announced a ¥1 billion (about $12 million) deal to extend Microsoft's telematics wizardry (which powers Toyota's Entune system, among many others) to help "link people, automobiles and homes for integrated control of energy consumption." Interestingly it's all going to be built on Azure, Microsoft's cloud operating system that, apparently, works in cars as well. That and lots more PR speak after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft and Toyota to partner on smarter charging systems for EVs (update: yes)

Microsoft and Toyota to partner on smarter charging systems for EVs (update: yes) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 07:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleElectricVehicleentuneevmicrosoftsmart chargingsmart gridSmartChargingSmartGridtoyotaWed, 06 Apr 2011 07:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Car Connectivity Consortium forms to bring more smartphones to more interiors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/car-connectivity-consortium-forms-to-bring-more-smartphones-to-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/car-connectivity-consortium-forms-to-bring-more-smartphones-to-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/car-connectivity-consortium-forms-to-bring-more-smartphones-to-m/#commentsCar Connectivity Consortium forms to bring Terminal Mode to more cars, more devices Though Terminal Mode has always been an open standard we've never really seen any tech companies outside of Espoo show much interest in the stuff, which lets a car mirror a phone's display. When Nokia sort of shifted gears and signed on with Microsoft that left us wondering what would be next for the company's infotainment efforts. Good things, as it turns out. The Car Connectivity Consortium has been founded to drive "global innovation for in-vehicle connectivity," and both Terminal Mode and Nokia will play a big part -- though a bigger part will be played by Daimler, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, and VW. They're joined by electronics companies Alpine, LG, Panasonic, and Samsung, making us think that maybe Terminal Mode's time has properly come. Also on the docket for the CCC is study of NFC, which will hopefully standardize the sort of awesome key interactivity BMW recently showed off.

Continue reading Car Connectivity Consortium forms to bring more smartphones to more interiors

Car Connectivity Consortium forms to bring more smartphones to more interiors originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinecar connectivity consortiumCarConnectivityConsortiumdaimlergeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhondahyundaiinfotainmentlgmercedesmercedes-benznokiapanasonicsamsungsmartphone integrationSmartphoneIntegrationterminal modeTerminalModetoyotavolkswagenvwThu, 17 Mar 2011 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony, Subaru, and Toyota close factories in wake of earthquake, other companies check in]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/sony-subaru-and-toyota-close-factories-in-wake-of-earthquake/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/sony-subaru-and-toyota-close-factories-in-wake-of-earthquake/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/sony-subaru-and-toyota-close-factories-in-wake-of-earthquake/#commentsSony, Subaru, and Toyota close factories in wake of earthquake, other companies check in Our thoughts this morning are with the folks in Japan and the other Pacific areas affected by the massive 8.9 earthquake that struck about 230 miles East of Tokyo. Reports of damage are flooding in from the country, and indeed many familiar manufacturers are checking in. Sony and Toyota have both stopped operations in their factories due to damage. Tragically, one Honda worker lost his life after a wall collapsed, while several Panasonic workers are said to have suffered minor injuries. It remains to be seen exactly what impacts this will have on consumers, but Sony's closed factories were responsible for the production of Blu-ray discs and batteries, while the numerous automotive shutdowns could result in short-term shortages. This bad news sent stocks downward, with German share prices for Sony dropping 2.5 percent and Honda 4.5 percent. We're still watching with concern to see what other impacts the resultant tsunamis could have, but for now we'll keep hoping for the best.

Update: Some further news from Smarthouse, which indicates that Sharp's new 10G LCD plant in Sakai City shut itself down automatically upon first signs of a quake. Hooray for technology.

Sony, Subaru, and Toyota close factories in wake of earthquake, other companies check in originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disasterearthquakehondajapanpanasonicsonytoyotatsunamiFri, 11 Mar 2011 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota unveils its Global Vision, pledges 10 new electrified cars by 2015]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/toyota-unveils-its-global-vision-pledges-10-new-electrified-car/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/toyota-unveils-its-global-vision-pledges-10-new-electrified-car/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/toyota-unveils-its-global-vision-pledges-10-new-electrified-car/#commentsToyota unveils its Global Vision, pledges 10 new electrified cars by 2015 Toyota's getting serious with this plural Prius stuff. If you still don't buy that Prii is the correct term you'd better hurry up and get over it, as the company just announced its "Toyota Global Vision," including a plan to launch 10 more hybrid vehicles by 2015. Surely that counts the new models unveiled in Detroit, the taller Prius V and the funkier Prius C, but it remains to be seen exactly what else the company will use to build up those numbers. Toyota also says that more fuel cell and fully electric cars are coming, along with numerous "genuinely exciting models," so maybe if we're really good over the next four years one of those Prii will actually be fun to drive.

Toyota unveils its Global Vision, pledges 10 new electrified cars by 2015 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015hevhybridhybrid carhybrid vehicleHybridCarHybridVehiclephevpriipriustoyotaWed, 09 Mar 2011 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota to start selling home battery chargers in 2012, sate the electrical appetites of the Prii]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/toyota-to-start-selling-home-battery-chargers-in-2012-sate-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/toyota-to-start-selling-home-battery-chargers-in-2012-sate-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/toyota-to-start-selling-home-battery-chargers-in-2012-sate-the/#comments We've seen the plug-in Prius (a few times, actually), but what we hadn't seen was how Toyota planned to get the juice from the grid to its car until now. Turns out, the automaker plans to sell home battery chargers starting in 2012 so that buyers of PHEV Prii can fully take advantage of that plug in the front fender. The chargers come in two flavors: one for the garage and one for the exterior of your home, and will cost upwards of ¥200,000 ($2411) fully installed, making it quite a bit more than GM's $2000 Voltec charging station. The good news for us all is that Toyota's charger uses the same SAE J1772 plug found in the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf, so we're hopefully just weeks away from the first-ever EV charger price wars. Popcorn grabbing seems a must given the circumstances.

Toyota to start selling home battery chargers in 2012, sate the electrical appetites of the Prii originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 05:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargercharging stationChargingStationelectric vehicle chargerElectricVehicleChargerevev chargerEvChargerpriipriusprius plug-inprius plug-in hybridPriusPlug-inPriusPlug-inHybridtoyotaWed, 23 Feb 2011 05:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota decrees the plural of 'Prius' is 'Prii,' your Latin teacher looks on admonishingly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/toyota-decrees-the-plural-of-prius-is-prii-your-latin-teach/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/toyota-decrees-the-plural-of-prius-is-prii-your-latin-teach/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/toyota-decrees-the-plural-of-prius-is-prii-your-latin-teach/#commentsToyota decrees the plural of 'Prius' is 'Prii,' your Latin teacher looks on admonishingly The world faces many challenges and concerns when it comes to the future of transportation, but one of the biggest hurdles to a utopian future has finally been overcome. Toyota, using the might of its international team of engineers and wordsmiths, has finally decided what you should say when you see multiples of the company's hybrids parked together. They are to be called Prii -- not Priuses, not Priuples, not Boring Cars. Just Prii. Remember it.

Continue reading Toyota decrees the plural of 'Prius' is 'Prii,' your Latin teacher looks on admonishingly

Toyota decrees the plural of 'Prius' is 'Prii,' your Latin teacher looks on admonishingly originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carhybridhybrid vehicleHybridVehiclephevplug-inpriipriustoyotaMon, 21 Feb 2011 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota to show off iQ EV prototype, put it into production next year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/toyota-to-show-off-iq-ev-prototype-put-it-into-production-next/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/toyota-to-show-off-iq-ev-prototype-put-it-into-production-next/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/toyota-to-show-off-iq-ev-prototype-put-it-into-production-next/#comments Toyota has been showing off an electric vehicle concept based on its iQ ultra-compact for a couple of years now, but it looks like it's finally worked up enough confidence to actually put it into production. The first step down that road will occur at the Geneva Motor Show next month, where Toyota will show off a "near-production" prototype of its iQ EV (not necessarily the actual name), which is apparently much like its FT-EV concept, but with an improved lithium-ion battery pack that promises a range of 105 kilometers (or 65 miles) on a single charge. Assuming all goes as planned, the car will then be put into production following some additional testing later this year, and Toyota will reportedly begin leasing it to consumers at some point in 2012 -- Europe seems to be first in line for the car, but it will apparently be headed to North America as well.

Toyota to show off iQ EV prototype, put it into production next year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 02:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-electricelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevft-evgenevageneva motor showGenevaMotorShowiqiq evIqEvprototypesciontoyotatoyota iqToyotaIqThu, 17 Feb 2011 02:43:00 EST