Toyota might be smug in regard to being on the threshold of world dominance in the car wars, but motorsports on the other hand has given many company executives reason to chomp on green tea flavored Tums.

Formula 1 has been a virtual money pit. A lot of investment on Toyota’s part with lackluster results. Ralf Schumacher has been shown the door and GP2 Champion Timo Glock has been put into the hot seat along side Jarno Trulli . But with most of us in North America not content to follow a sport where an occasional pass awakens announcers, and makes them sound like dolphins on helium, we turn our sights on NASCAR and Toyota’s chance of visiting Victory Lane via Joe Gibbs and associates.
Continue reading →

This one looks a little scary and could keep me awake at night.

Toyota will unveil a concept for a small hybrid pickup at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

Toyota said the A-BAT truck was conceived by its U.S. sales and design experts with suburban drivers in mind. Looks like a discussion during the aftermath of a wild Christmas party initiated this one.
Continue reading →

One of the most titanic battles since Godzilla vs. Mothra is about to unfold in Japan. Honda might have been on top in sending the Insight, the first gas-electric hybrid to the U.S. back in 1999, but the Prius evolved into the undisputed King of Green.Honda, still doing the slow burn from being left at the starting gate, has decided to do battle and try to make a monster move against Toyota.

Company president Takeo Fukai says Honda is investing heavily in hybrids and insists the battle “has just begun.” The technology’s first phase was all about cultivating a green image, Fukui says. The next phase will emphasize making the vehicles more affordable and fuel efficient, he says, and Honda has two cars in the pipeline that he promises will challenge Toyota’s clean and green supremacy.
Continue reading →

No Spy Shots, no sketches, no nothing on the 2009 Toyota Venza crossover which will be introduced at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

I do know that the five-seat Venza was designed and engineered in the United States, and will be built at Toyota’s Georgetown, Ky., plant. This is the real production deal, as Toyota steamrolls right past a concept version.

Toyota released the usual blabber about an unrevealed product - “Venza will be a unique blend of sedan and sport utility vehicle, offering seating for five, easy ingress and egress, a car-like ride and functional utility.”

By the way, exactly what is a “crossover sedan”?

Don’t expect Ford or Chrysler to suit up for the Super Bowl. The automotive teams have been set and two of the Detroit 3 did not make the playoffs.

Chevrolet, Toyota and Audi will advertise during the Feb. 3 Super Bowl telecast.

Chevrolet plans a 60-second commercial during the game’s second quarter, said General Motors spokeswoman Ryndee Carney. That spot will be GM’s only ad in the game, although Chevrolet and Cadillac will air multiple spots during the pre-game and post-game shows, respectively.
Continue reading →

With all the talk and reveals of super cars in the news today, does anyone know what Toyota’s first super roll out was? We take you back to the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965 to pull the concept canvas off the Toyota 2000 GT.

The car officially went into production in 1967.

1967 Toyota 2000GT

Continue reading →

Toyota’s attempts to convince the public that they are going for the green might have backfired in a big cloud of emissions at the LA Auto Show. The normally beloved darling of the left coast car fiesta has drawn the ire of environmentalist’s big time.

To get things started, after introducing a television advertising campaign that shows a car virtually becoming biodegradable before our eyes, the Japanese automaker unveiled a full-size SUV that literally repulsed those whose thoughts turn to clean air and reduced use of natural resources.
Continue reading →

A few weeks back at SEMA Toyota gained fanfare when they unveiled the 2009 Matrix. I say fanfare because SEMA is not usually the venue to show off new OEM stock product. But Toyota did, and now Chevy unleashes the next salvo in LA, the 2009 Vibe, its head on challenger to the Matrix.
Continue reading →

Honda Civic

Have you noticed that since “greening” your automobile has become the in thing for many Gore types the real greening is starting to take place in the pockets of automakers? I support a cleaner environment and more fuel efficient vehicles, but in order for me to smell the flowers in the future automakers are smelling cash.

Nothing wrong with that of course. Everyone deserves to make a buck, especially our beloved Detroit 3, but certain indications are showing that green friendly is no longer cash friendly.
Continue reading →

Recently, in the Carnival of Wheels, somebody made a comment about the incredible number of Prius’ on the road. I replied that we don’t see them here in the Toronto area. While in Connecticut, I see what they were talking about. These things are everywhere. The funny thing is that while traveling at 80 mph, I was passed by at least 4 of them.

A hybrid at over 80 miles per hour! Why bother you MORONS!