Toyota Owners Club

We're all set for another year of the Toyota 86 Racing Series! Over 40 drivers will compete in up to 6 events during the 2018 season. We can't wait to see how each driver progresses, both...

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing made a productive start to the 2018-19 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season Prologue The team entered two TS050 HYBRIDs for the official test session, which ran from 10am on Friday to 4pm on Saturday and featured most of this season’s WEC entrants, including seven non-hybrid LMP1 cars. The Prologue is the first time for the TS050 HYBRIDs to share a track with this season’s LMP1 competition, who benefit from 69% more fuel than the Toyota's as well as other technical advantages intended to enhance their performance. The #7 car ran for the full 30 hours in the low downforce specification which will be used at Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans. Mike Conway, José María López, Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson and Alex Wurz all drove the car during 839 laps. The main focus of that car was to test the reliability of components, as well as optimising procedures in case of unexpected issues. To that end, the team simulated technical problems to allow mechanics, engineers and drivers to practice parts changes and procedures for bringing the car back to the pits. Together the two Toyota TS050 Hybrid race cars completed 1,002 laps, a distance of more than 3,600 miles. Race drivers Kamui Kobayashi and Kazuki Nakajima were absent from the Prologue due to racing commitments in Super GT in Japan while Fernando Alonso is participating in Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Overall, the team made important progress in its preparations for the new WEC season and, with the team’s pre-season testing programme now complete, all efforts turn towards the opening race of the season, at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on Saturday 5 May. Mike Conway: “It’s been good to not only get on track with our two cars and two packages, but also the competition so we can get used to driving in traffic again. It has been really productive in terms of the programmes we wanted to get through so everyone is feeling positive; we feel pretty well prepared for Spa and Le Mans.” José María López: “We have had two great days in perfect weather. It was the first time this pre-season to run with traffic so that was good preparation. I enjoyed every lap and I am feeling confident prior to Spa; I’m ready to start racing. We have done a lot of testing but we know need to be prepared for everything so we never stop working.” Sébastien Buemi: “It was good to be with the other cars on track again to finally get a feeling for how our well we have worked during the winter. I am really happy actually with how it has gone for us these past two days. Hopefully, we will be well prepared for Spa so we can kick off the season positively.” Anthony Davidson: “It’s nice to be back at the Prologue and for the first time we have done an endurance test during this event. Reliability is the key to Le Mans and that’s what we’ve been working on here. It’s nice to be with other cars on the track as this brings a sense of realism to the testing. It’s much more representative.” Alex Wurz: “They were not easy conditions with the wind but I was happy to be back, to drive again and to return the car in one piece after some decent lap times. It’s good to be back driving in traffic because this always mixes things up; I enjoyed a nice fight with my old team-mate Stéphane (Sarrazin) at one point!”

All-new model to be introduced in the UK and Europe during the first quarter of 2019 First RAV4 to be built on a Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, bringing significant benefits in ride, handling, safety and driver enjoyment New TNGA powertrains – 2.5-litre hybrid electric system and 2.0-litre petrol unit Improved driving dynamics and all-wheel drive systems Stand-out design with robust styling cues and comprehensive advances in perceived and sensory quality Toyota will reveal the all-new, fifth generation RAV4 SUV at the New York International Auto Show on 28 March, the first RAV4 to be built on a Toyota New Global Architecture platform. The new RAV4 remains true to its impressive heritage as the original pioneer of the recreational SUV segment, making significant advances in powertrain technologies, dynamic performance, intelligent safety provisions and all-round quality. Robust design concept The robust styling of the new RAV4 expresses the strong and capable qualities that define Toyota’s approach to the latest iteration of the world’s best-selling SUV, notably higher ground clearance and a wider stance. The design communicates the kind of “go anywhere” sense of fun and adventure that RAV4 ownership can bring, resonating with a target customer base of young families who enjoy life, whether moving around town or heading off to enjoy, sports, leisure or simple sight-seeing in the wide open spaces. Manoeuvrability has always been a virtue of the RAV4 and this has not been compromised in the new design. In fact, at 4,600mm long, the new model is only marginally different in length compared to the current model. But while reductions have been made in the front and rear overhangs, 30mm have been added to the wheelbase, allowing for an even more spacious and comfortable cabin. Luggage space has been increased, too, and has versatility designed-in with folding rear seats, a double load floor and deck side nets. Vehicle width has been increased by 10mm, to 1,855mm, which translates into a more comfortable and spacious cabin for the occupants. Innovations in powertrain technologies and driving dynamics The new RAV4 will be available with two TNGA powertrains, both more fuel-efficient and powerful than those deployed in the current model. A new hybrid electric 2.5-litre powertrain combines fuel and emissions efficiency and quiet operation with more power and greater responsiveness. Hybrid electric remains a unique selling point for RAV4 in its class, attracting ever-larger numbers of customers. A new 2.0-litre petrol engine will also be available, with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. Driving dynamics have been greatly enhanced with significant improvements to the performance of the all-wheel drive systems. For the hybrid version, Toyota has developed a completely new electric motor drive that makes efficient use of power from the car’s hybrid system, using a second electric motor to drive the rear wheels to generate high torque. This reduces energy losses, contributing to greater fuel economy, and offers excellent AWD performance in different driving conditions. For the 2.0-litre petrol model, the new mechanical AWD system has also been improved, featuring a twin coupling and rear disconnect on the automatic transmission versions. The TNGA platform, with its low centre of gravity and optimised weight distribution, further strengthens the RAV4’s dynamic capabilities, enabling a more rigid body construction and more precise, stable and accurate responses to driver inputs.

There are many myths surrounding Hybrid vehicles. We gave Guy Sebastian the All-New Camry Hybrid to bust them. Here's what he thought. Learn more about Hybrid here - https://www.toyota.com.au/h...

Push start to go! Guy Sebastian thought that Hybrids were hard to drive… until he test drove the All-New Camry for himself #Trybrid Learn more about Hybrid here - https://www.toyota.com.au/hybrid.

Guy Sebastian took the All-New Camry Hybrid for a test drive to dispel servicing and maintenance myths #Trybrid Learn more about Hybrid here - https://www.toyota.com.au/hybrid.

Guy Sebastian took the All-New Camry Hybrid on a test drive to dispel some myths, like does a Hybrid need to be plugged in? #Trybrid Learn more about Hybrid here - https://www.toyota.com.au/hybrid.

From Sydney to Melbourne and everything in between, all on a single tank! Guy Sebastian took the All-New Camry Hybrid for a test drive and gave us his opinion #Trybrid. Learn more about Hybrid...

What did Guy Sebastian learn when we gave him the All-New Camry Hybrid? Well… unlike his phone, Hybrids don't need to be plugged in as they charge whilst you're driving. #Trybrid Learn...

If you want to know just how reliable, hard-wearing and capable a machine the Toyota Hilux is, you can’t do better than ask the people who drive them day-in, day-out. That’s what makes Hilux’s latest award, Professional Pick-Up and 4×4 magazine’s Working Pick-Up of the Year, announced today, all the more relevant and rewarding. Unlike many other awards, these honours are determined by people who rely on their pick-ups and all-wheel drive machines every day for their business. A more rigorous and practical judging panel would be hard to find, representing a wide range of professions and jobs including farming, fencing, plant hire, builders, road gritters, estate managers, agricultural suppliers and a professional hunter. Hilux had to prove its mettle in a series of driving scenarios, including driving off-road and towing, in a test programme at the Carlton Towers Estate in Yorkshire. Speaking for the team of 12 judges, Liam Campbell, Professional Pick-Up and 4×4 founder and editor, said: “The Hilux has long been regarded as the no-nonsense workhorse, and this continues into the latest generation with its fantastic residual values, a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and its highly regarded build quality and durability. However, it didn’t just impress in terms of productivity and capabilities; the jury also made a note of its comfortable ride and handling on the road.” James Clark, Toyota Press Relations Manager, said: “Hilux couldn’t hope for a better commendation than to be named the best in its class from the people whose livelihoods depend on a vehicle they can rely on to do the job, every time. With each new generation of Hilux we have made advances in performance, comfort and safety, but never at the cost of its fundamental abilities as a tough, robust machine that can tackle the toughest working conditions.”

This shadowy teaser image shows the silhouette of the all-new, fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4. We are delighted to announce that the car will make its world debut on Wednesday, 28 March, at 09:10 EDT (14:10 BST) during the 2018 New York International Auto Show. You will be able to watch the live reveal here: https://livestream.com/Toyota/NYC2018

Toyota HiLux 4x4 SR5 - with free on-road costs Find out more: https://www.toyota.com.au/special-offers-and-great-value/offer-details?offerid=d51f05b0-1b1e-4d65-b234-f62195218a50.

Corolla Ascent Sport - from just $23990 Find out more: https://www.toyota.com.au/special-offers-and-great-value/offer-details?offerid=78e30fb9-cf40-41b7-ab07-1f3d722ceb7b.

Toyota RAV4 GXL - with everything you need to just get in and go Find out more: https://www.toyota.com.au/special-offers-and-great-value/offer-details?offerid=73af4399-58ad-4b2f-a96b-3b0df2ba32df.

Toyota Motor Corporation announced that it has developed a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), six-speed manual transmission, 2.0-litre engine, 2.0-litre hybrid electric system and all-wheel drive systems based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), its framework for making ever-better cars. The new technologies it is deploying offer both improved driving and environmental performance. The new CVT is the world’s first to feature a launch gear, which significantly improves transmission efficiency at low speeds. It delivers direct and smooth response to the driver’s use of the accelerator pedal, and superior fuel efficiency. DIRECT SHIFT-CVT: A NEW TYPE OF CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION The basic functions of any transmission are to achieve efficient operation, maintain the engine within its most efficient speed ranges and effect highly responsive gear changes. To improve these functions, Toyota has worked to reduce mechanical losses, adopt a wider gear range and improve shift tracking. This results in a direct, smooth driving experience with superior fuel efficiency – improved by six per cent compared to the current Toyota CVT. Reduced mechanical losses The new unit marks a world-first1 for a CVT in a passenger vehicle by using a launch gear. This secures more efficient operation in lower gear ratios where belt efficiency is typically poor. The system uses gear drive when starting from stationary, giving powerful acceleration and resolving the momentary sluggish feeling that can occur under acceleration. Launch performance is thus made smooth and comfortable. When switching from gear drive to belt drive, the transmission uses highly responsive gear change control technologies, developed from those used in automatic transmissions. Conversion to wider gear ranges In line with the use of a launch gear, belt drive is specified for higher gear ratios. This new set-up not only improves the efficiency of belt use, but also allows wider gear ranges to be adopted. This delivers a class-leading1 gear ratio range for 2.0-litre powertrains of 7.5. Improved shift tracking The use of launch gears reduces input load, which in turn means that the size of the belt and the pulley components can be reduced. The belt angle has been made narrower and pulley diameters have been made smaller, resulting in shift speeds that are 20 per cent faster. This helps secure powerful, rhythmic acceleration NEW SIX-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION Toyota has also developed a new manual transmission, responding to global needs, particularly in Europe. Compared to the existing unit, the new system is 7kg lighter and is shorter by 24mm, making it one of the smallest transmissions in the world and contributing to improved fuel efficiency. It achieves world-leading1 transmission efficiency, while the use of iMT (intelligent manual transmission) controls automatically adjusts engine revs when changing gear to ensure smooth shifts, free from any uncomfortable recoil. 2.0-LITRE DYNAMIC FORCE ENGINE: A NEW IN-LINE FOUR-CYLINDER DIRECT INJECTION PETROL ENGINE Toyota’s new Dynamic Force Engine uses high-speed combustion technologies and a variable control system. It has been engineered to achieve higher thermal efficiency, with a reduction in the losses associated with exhaust and cooling systems, the friction between moving parts and other operating aspects. As a result, the new 2.0-litre engine achieves world-leading1 thermal efficiency of 40 per cent in apetrol vehicle and 41 per cent in a hybrid electric vehicle. In addition, compared to existing engines, the new units deliver higher torque at all engine speeds and will comply ahead of time with expected future exhaust regulations in all countries where they will be sold. 2.0-LITRE TOYOTA HYBRID SYSTEM (THS II) Toyota has developed a new hybrid electric system for 2.0-litre engines, using the same size, weight and loss-reducing technologies applied in the current, fourth generation Prius. The new system gives improved driving performance while maintaining superior fuel efficiency. Under acceleration, the hybrid system reduces engine revs while drawing increased electric power from the battery. NEW DYNAMIC TORQUE VECTORING AWD AND E-FOUR AWD SYSTEMS Toyota has developed two new all-wheel drive systems with the aim of improving fuel efficiency and achieving high levels of AWD handling, stability and off-road performance. The new Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system is designed for use in petrol-powered vehicles. It uses a torque vectoring mechanism, which independently distributes torque to the left and right wheels according driving conditions, allowing the driver to steer the vehicle exactly as intended. It also achieves high off-road performance, even in the toughest conditions. The system incorporates a disconnect system, which features the world’s first1 ratchet-type dog clutches on both the front and rear wheel shafts. These clutches stop rotation of the drive system, which transmits driving force to the rear wheels when in two-wheel drive mode. This significantly reduces energy losses and improves fuel efficiency. The new E-Four system will be used in hybrid electric vehicles. It delivers 30 per cent more total torque to the rear wheels (which are electrically driven) than the current version. By using a new control system that optimally distributes torque to the rear wheels, based on driving conditions, it delivers a high level of off-road performance, handling and stability. Furthermore, both the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD and E-Four systems benefit from AWD Integrated Management (AIM), which harmonises engine, transmission, braking and AWD systems to gain excellent handling and stability, regardless of road surface conditions. MARKET INTRODUCTION AND ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT Toyota intends to expand the number of models equipped with the new powertrain units from spring 2018 onwards. These powertrain units will not only contribute to improved environmental and driving performance in conventional petrol engined vehicles, but their core technologies will also support improved performance in electrified vehicles, including hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. In this way, these technologies have a role to play in Toyota’s efforts to popularise electrified vehicles. Where TNGA-based powertrains are concerned, Toyota has already announced plans to introduce 17 versions of nine engines, 10 versions of four transmissions and 10 versions of six hybrid systems by the end of 2021. The new CVT, six-speed manual transmission, 2.0-litre petrol engine and 2.0-litre hybrid electric system are four of the planned components. Within the next five years, to the end of 2023, Toyota aims to have TNGA powertrain units installed in approximately 80 per cent of the Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles sold each year in Europe, Japan, the USA and China. It forecasts that these units alone will improve fuel efficiency sufficiently to reduce the CO2 emissions from Toyota vehicles by more than 18 per cent. 1 As of February 2018 (Toyota Motor Corporation) 2 Comparison of average amount of CO2 emitted by Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in 2015 in Japan, the United States, Europe, and China and the average amount of CO2 emitted by Toyota and Lexus vehicles planned to be sold in 2023 in Japan, the United States, Europe, and China, including vehicles equipped with the newly developed powertrain units. Estimated CO2 reduction contribution made only by newly developed powertrain units based on certified data in each country or region.