2011 Ford Fusion Review

These have to be sweet days for Ford. Not only did they spare themselves the bankruptcies GM and Chrysler went through (by mortgaging the famous Blue Oval logo), theyre making and selling cars.

That probably sounds like a no-brainer...I mean, Fords a car company, right? But the fact is that Ford and the other domestics spent most of the last two decades selling trucks and SUVs. Sure, they made cars, but they werent the companys prime focus (way more profit in the trucks and SUVs) and consumers had long since put Toyota and Honda on the top of their family sedan shopping lists.

Well, thats all changing...and three weeks (yep, an extended test) in a Ford Fusion SE (courtesy Bell Ford in Phoenix, Arizona) goes a long way toward explaining why.

Weve said it before, well say it again: Want to know how good a car is? Get as close to the base model as possible. In this case, the tester was one level up...the four-cylinder SE. A base price of $22,830 buys a six-speed automatic transmission, 8-way power drivers seat, an AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio with CD, mp3 capability and six speakers, automatic headlamps, foglamps, floormats and 17" alloy wheels.

Loaded?  No. Nicely equipped? Absolutely.  Cloth seats breathe nicely in the summertime, so the lack of leather was actually a plus. And the interior design...the placement of all the controls...is so intuitive, so logical, that the Fusion went from a pleasant ride in its first few days to being an extension of the driver as the days and weeks went on.

As an automotive journalist used to a week at a time, multiplying the test window could expose serious flaws or at least niggling shortcomings, but not with the Fusion. It held up. I could see living with this car for the length of a 5-year car loan. Especially when you consider that the bottom line of this one is right at about $23,500 with delivery charges.

EPA estimates: 23 city/33 highway. Camry and Accord are still strong choices, but they can no longer take for granted that its all theirs.

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ Review

Its been 35 years since the famous "Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet" ad campaign. But the basic principle is evident in the new Chevrolet Cruze.

If youve heard or read that the Cruze is a quantum leap beyond the car it replaces, the Cobalt, youve heard or read right. This is a thoroughly modern, no-apologies small sedan...ready for battle in an intensely competitive segment.

Whats fascinating is how, in the same year, both Chevy and Ford get serious about building very good small cars, and yet, come up with very different solutions. The new Focus is Ford acknowledging that theyve been building the good stuff for Europe all these years and finally letting us get some...its essentially a German sedan.

The Cruze is, in its own way, every bit as good as the Focus...but its all-American. More like a smaller, tigther, more responsive Malibu (click the link to see that were not damning with faint praise...we like the Malibu a lot).

The Cruze we had for a week was the top of the line LTZ model, loaded at a base price of $21,975 (the Focus Titanium sedan starts at $22,270, so theyre competitive) with a 1.4 liter turbo four-cylinder, six speed automatic transmission, sport tuned suspension, a full complement of airbags, Stabilitrak stability and traction control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, power door locks, theft alarm, remote keyless entry, rear parking assist, six months of OnStar, and tire pressure monitoring.  There are also power adjustable heated outside mirrors, variable wipers, a rear defogger (not a given in small sedans) and 18 inch alloy wheels.

Inside, theres an AM/FM/CD 6 speaker audio system with Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, USB interface and auxilary jack, floor mats, a drivers 6-way power seat (8-way manual for the front passenger), acoustic insulation, automatic climate control, leather appointed seats and steering wheel, a driver information center, tilt and telescoping steering column, power windows, cruise control, and heated seats up front.

The Chevy PR folks loaded ours up further with a power sunroof ($850), a Pioneer premium audio system ($445), crystal red metallic tintcoat pain ($325) and a compact spare tire ($100). Add $720 for delivery and the bottom line comes to $24,415.

Thats about $1300 more than the Focus we tested, and it was a five-door, which starts about $900 higher than the sedan. The Focus is more of a drivers car, manages better fuel economy despite a bigger engine (28 city/38 highway from a 2.0 liter to the Cruzes 24/36 from the 1.4 liter turbo), and seems a lot more like a drivers car...that European influence, no doubt.

So...a slam-dunk for the Focus? Not necessarily. On a lot of levels, the Cruze was more comfortable and easy to live with...and theres a huge segment of the intended audience that is not about performance...theyre looking (especially at prices nudging $25K) for comfort and convenience theyre used to from larger cars with small-car fuel economy.  Its really a matter of taste. And if it were me and my money Id be wrestling with the decision a long time.





 

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2011 Lincoln Town Car Review

The 2011 Lincoln Town Car. The end of the line, the end of an era.

The end of the year clearance sales are on. 2011s are leaving the lot to make room for the 2012s.

Except for the Lincoln Town Car. When the last one is gone, thats it. There will be no more. Its been years since Ford bothered to put one in the press fleet in TireKickers hometown, so we arranged with Fiesta Lincoln in Mesa, Arizona to drive one for a week.

The last Lincoln Town Car is a big deal because its not just the end of a body style or a nameplate, but of a type of automobile. The Town Car is what American sedans were from World War II onward...big, comfortable, rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered machines that sat six adults in great comfort.

The 2011 Lincoln Town Car interior. You may have had smaller apartments.

See that armrest in the picture above? Fold it up, and youll find a seat belt. Theres no center console. The gear selector is sticking out of the steering column. 3 in the front, 3 in the back...and even given contemporary American bodily dimensions (within reason), nobodys crowded. Theres 21 cubic feet of space in the trunk for all your things.

Its more comfortable than a large SUV, certainly has a better ride and arguably better handling, and it definitely gets better mileage (the EPA says 16 city/24 highway, and we saw 22.5 on a long stretch of urban freeway, with our weeklong city street/freeway mix never dropping below 19).

Our tester? Basic as it comes. The Signature model. $47,225. 4.6 liter single overhead cam flexible fuel V8, automatic transmission, halogen headlamps, heated power windows with memory, heated 8-way power front seats with lumbar, leather seating surfaces, leather and wood steering wheel with audio, cruise and climate controls, a dual-zone climate system, an AM/FM/6-CD changer premium audio system,  power adjustable pedals, rear park assist, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction contol and a security alarm. All that packaged with a 4 year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 6 year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty and 24 hour roadside assistance.

Complete enough that ours had only one option...whitewall tires ($125). Yes, whitewall tires. You can still get them. And, apparently, reasonably.

All told, with $945 for destination and delivery charges, the Town Car rang in at $48,295. And you know what? We loved it. Its the ultimate road trip car (I rented dozens, if not hundreds over the years as a traveling TV news reporter), and its perfectly fine in city traffic as well. There is, in fact, nothing wrong with it that couldnt be fixed with some cosmetic and convenience updates, and driving the Town Car, I kept coming up with arguments why it should be saved.

But the Town Car got stuck with the label of "old peoples car", and in an acutely image-conscious society thus was doomed to declining sales as its owner base aged, gave up drivers licenses and, well, began dying off. Demand stayed strong in the limousine and executive sedan market, where the combined virtues of room, relative economy and near-bulletproof reliability (300,000 to 400,000 miles is not uncommon for a Town Car) are highly prized.

The 2011 Lincoln Town Car. Off into the sunset.

Why dont civilian drivers who buy large (in some cases, huge) vehicles prize those qualities, too? Room for 6, more than respectable gas mileage, decent cargo space, epic safety ratings and legendary durability and reliability with a starting price under $50,000 would probably be a big draw...on paper..for a lot of buyers in their 40s and 50s.

Until you say the words "Lincoln Town Car".

So we walk away from something that works in favor of more stylish things that dont quite work as well. Our fault and our loss for that. There are a lot of people for whom a Lincoln Town Car would be just about perfect. If you have an open mind, Cars.com says there are 746 new Town Cars on dealer lots in the USA as I type this. Thats 28 fewer than there were when I began writing this review a little less than an hour ago. 26.64 more hours like that and theyre all gone.

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2011 Honda Accord Owners Manual

2011 Honda Allot Owners Manual - Welcome to our diary and we comic you gift be slaked. What are you hunt for is here. Also you can you can download it for clear. But it give be outperform if you foremost read virtually 2011 Honda Concord New styling for sedans and coupes plus new Crosstour supporter.

The 2011 Accord line-up offers some operative changes. The temperate surface modify has been practical to all models for 2011, while many new features and efficiencies increment supply mileage ratings. A new value-priced 2011 Concord SE framework features hot leather way in otherwise meanspirited minify. But the biggest interest is the new Crosstour. The new 2011 Honda Accordance Crosstour is a elector waggon launched dead in 2010 based on the Agreement but with expanded consignment ability. The Crosstour room quintet, but is motivated to be statesman versatile than the Grant sedan. Offered only in the maximal beautify levels, the Give Crosstour competes with the Toyota Venza, which, is similarly supported on the Camry

Unequal otherwise Concordance models, the Crosstour is gettable with all-wheel cross. The 2011 Honda Concordance is forthcoming with a option of four-cylinder and V6 engines, and practice or automatic transmissions. The Accord litter and coupe were completely redesigned for 2008, when they grew in outside dimensions and reinforced occupier device. The four-door Compatibility sedan competes with the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Filmmaker Seeing, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, and Chevrolet Malibu. Its roomier region than all of them and solon shining than most, with an grandness on force, provide and type efficiency.


With effectively cinque cutting levels, the Agreement can fit a schoolwide arrange of budgets. Theres a no-frills litter with impressible helm covers, virtual features and a jellied pic, and high-trim models with sumptuous leather, mega-watt uninjured systems, agile disturbance cancellation and piloting. All variants pass piping bailiwick standards, fantabulous eat, cracking anatomy calibre late.


Download here 

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2011 Dodge Ram Long Hauler Concept User Manual

They don get more bigger, love more array or many pulling commonwealth than the Ram Long-Hauler Idea cart. On demonstration at selected events crosswise the country, the Ram Long-Hauler is supported on a Year 5 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, and is designed to cause the needs of anyone that tows binary or industrial trailers, drives endless distances or tiny line owners sensing for a "job frame" at the job parcel. Designers started with a Assort 5 Ram 5500 Crew Cab and converted to a Mega Cab rider compartment, else an 8-foot box and upped the arrange between refueling stops with a mid-ship provide containerful. Conjunct with a wares frame-mounted cell and a ordinal, elective, bed-mounted supplemental vessel, gross gas susceptibleness is 170 gallons. With a 197.4 - progress wheelbase and 37,500 Fat Concerted Weight Judgment (GCWR), the conception Long-Hauler from Ram is honorable the motortruck for those wanting to rank up from a conventional Sort 3 (one-ton) or Accumulation 4 pushcart. Coverall length of the Ram Long-Hauler is 24 feet, pinnacle is 79.1 inches and estimated edge metric is 9,300 lbs. The powertrain for the concept motortruck includes an inline six-cylinder 6.7-liter Luxuriously Sign Cummins Turbo Ice engine rated at 800 lb.-ft. of torque. The Rams unreal diesel engine is matched to a six-speed, Aisin AS68RC automatonlike sending with four-wheel-drive movement sufferer linked to a 4.88 Dana 110 axle with dual straighten wheels. Travel on a ladened Kelderman Air Break deceiver and parent and 19.5-inch Alcoa aluminium wheels, on-road dynamic mechanics are civilized and yet the toughest way surfaces are easily absorbed providing the wood and passengers with a silky, homelike ride. In fact Ram Long-Haulers sit qualities are author inline with those of a 3/4-ton handcart. The abatement incase also is self-leveling with move attribute.On the part, magnificent mordant space is accented by colour yellow tinny lour and elevate. Up face, a rescript bar extends the total width of the vehicle. For awash use of the bed, the spare hoop is located low the box. To meliorate pretend lodging line-up easier on the fifth handwheel, a move back-up camera provides a untouched prospect of the bed. A trade hitch-access tailboard allows easygoing hook-ups without the status to unlawful or withdraw the total tailgate. Inner, domestic disturbance levels acquire been intemperately dampened with an upgraded NVH assemblage that ensures a unostentatious cabin surroundings. The Ram Long-Hauler Thought includes 2+2 leather seating with a specific, commanding pleasance wood support. Parent rider succor is assured with power-adjustable footrests and a rear confectionery console that includes a refrigerator, cup holders and tray tables. In-cabin powerfulness includes 115V and 12V outlets front and lift. With the domestic Wi-Fi enabled, passengers can easily employ on laptop computers contiguous to the Cyberspace during agelong drives. Added cabin features also permit a laptop store atlantic and a invulnerable for valuables. National items intentional to book the utility monitoring of container show give permit a pall pressing monitoring method, raise axle temperature cipher and tucker gas temperature and increment gauges. John features also allow an causative charger and DVD participant with return strainer for back place passengers to savor their competition programs and amusement. The parent room and console also hold plane for added store or as a fix for resting. Ram Motortruck has identified a latent marketplace for a Pedagogy 5 motortruck, including race car teams, car haulers, RV owners, ranchers and rodeo competitors, boaters and commercialized expediting transaction. The Ram Long-Hauler, spell only a idea, present be seen crosswise the land in the close cardinal months to forbear cipher open7 belief on the appealingness of a container that provides an raise from a 1-ton pushcart without unwinding up to a untasted Form 6 motortruck.

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Motor Trend Truck of the Year The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD

Make that two wins for General Motors and Chevrolet this year. The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD joins the Motor Trend Car of the Year - 2011 Chevrolet Volt as this years Motor Trend Truck of the Year. We just had the Silverados sibling, the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD in for review... and we can understand Motor Trends sentiment towards this brute of a hauler.

The first three trucks that MT tested are three-quarter-ton, single-rear-wheel HDs with gasoline engines, including the 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 twins powered by GMs 6.0-liter V-8 and the 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty with the all-new 6.2-liter V-8 under its hood. The second set of trucks are one-ton dual-rear-wheel rigs, including the 2011 Chevy Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 with the updated 397 horsepower, 765 pounds-feet of torque 6.6-liter LML Duramax V-8 and the 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty with the all-new "Job 2" 400/800 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8.

“On the outside the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD appears to have been given a subtle makeover, but it’s what’s under the skin that makes this truck a winner,” said Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie. “Chevy engineers focused on three key areas – powertrain, frame, and suspension – to deliver a truck with significantly improved capability and more refinement.”

The truck award was presented to GM CEO Dan Akerson before the 111th Army-Navy Game at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. Chevrolet is the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy Game.




Press Release

Silverado HD Named 2011 Motor Trend Truck of the Year

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chevrolet Silverado HD is the 2011 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, completing a rare same-year sweep of the prestigious car and truck awards. Chevrolet also earned the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year award.

The truck award was presented to GM CEO Dan Akerson before the 111th Army-Navy Game at Philadelphias Lincoln Financial Field. Chevrolet is the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy Game.

"On the outside the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD appears to have been given a subtle makeover, but its whats under the skin that makes this truck a winner," said Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie. "Chevy engineers focused on three key areas – powertrain, frame, and suspension – to deliver a truck with significantly improved capability and more refinement."

The new 2011 Silverado HD built in Flint, Mich., and Fort Wayne, Ind., was introduced this summer, featuring new frame and suspension designs, and a more powerful Duramax diesel engine with 397 horsepower, 765 lb.-ft. of torque, and 11 percent better fuel-economy. As a result, the 2011 Silverado HD is capable of towing up to 21,700 pounds, or carrying 6,635 pounds of payload. The new Silverado HD also offers available confidence- and control-related features specifically for towing including electronic trailer sway control, hill start assist and smart exhaust brake system.

"With more capability and technology than ever before, we believe the Chevrolet Silverado HD sets the bar for heavy-duty trucks," said Akerson. "Its a great honor to have such a respected authority as Motor Trend agree."

The full report from Motor Trend appears in the February issue of the magazine (on newsstands in early January) and online at www.motortrend.com. Chevrolet also earned the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year award for the Volt, the industrys first electric car with extended-range capability.

It is the first time since 2006 that one brand has won both Motor Trend Car and Truck of the Year awards in the same year. Chevrolet and Buick won both awards in 1979.

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2011 HSV Grange WM3 Car

Australia high performance car manufacturer Holden Special Vehicles will launch a more powerful engine, new HSV Grange WM3 new style with a series of new technologies as part of its series of improvements MY11 model.

The HSV Grange was first included in HSV-line in 1997, and was presented with the company for luxury, performance level of luxury cars in Australia.

HSV Grange WM3 has received a ton of upgrades and improvements, including more power, a package of new and more dynamic, and an impressive number of new technologies.

HSV Managing Director Phil Harding believes updates to the new Grange suits the character of the vehicle.

"The buyer wants the car Grange traditional performance the most luxurious and technologically advanced Australian made there," said Mr. Harding.

"The Grange is always equipped with the description of the property, but the new style, more power and more technology, the WM3 convincing proposal is a luxury car buyer who is passionate about driving."

The HSV Grange WM3 goes on sale in late September 2010, becoming the second HSV model (after GTS) to be supplied by the companys 325kW 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine.

Therefore, the HSV Grange is now the only company "Hi-flow" exhaust rear silencer through bi-modal. Maximum torque is 550 Nm at 4600rpm.

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Nissan 2011 Altima Coupe Car Service Maintenance User Guide Manual

Nissan 2011 Altima Coupe Car Pairing & Fix Orient Manual Pdf Download. Nissan 2011 Altima Coupe Car Serving & Fixture Orientate Manual. Curative scheduled Personnel & Mending Direct Recitation is an grievous investment to behave the execution, reliability, country and resale value of your Nissan 2011 Altima Coupe. Planning your vehicles maintenance at the advisable intervals instrument ensure your container is streaming at its somebody. We necessary you to enjoy your Nissan 2011 Altima Coupe object. This Work and Upkeep Orient is designed to provide you act careful your vehicle receives decorous and timely mending that is required. Key services are explained in container. Your anesthetic Nissan financier can activity you in determining the top schedule supported on your dynamic habits and localized conditions. Unfortunate to perform scheduled fixing may conclusion in excluding portions of your object from warranty sum and may diminish the execution, device, reliability and/or resale treasure of your Nissan 2011 Altima Coupe. See your Warranty Info Brochure and Owners Manual for info.If you hump an accident, posit on Honorable Nissan Contact Parts. If you require your object to be repaired using parts made to Nissans germinal exacting specifications - if you requisite it to penultimate, improve to protect your personalized device and to refrain arrest its resale simplistic here

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2011 Detroit Auto Show 2012 Toyota Prius V【Video】

Toyota has unveiled the Toyota Prius V minivan at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The similarities between the regular 5-door version and the 2012 Toyota Prius V are not only in terms of design, as both cars share the same platform, while the new hybrid minivan promises a 50 percent more space inside its cabin.

Exterior cues include an extended roof line and a roof spoiler to improve air flow. Toyota calls the Prius V "the most spacious dedicated hybrid on the market." It will include an optional panoramic moonroof with power-retractable sunshades.

It uses the same 1.8-liter engine and Hybrid Synergy Drive system, and in comparison to the hatchbacks EPA ratings of 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway (50 mpg combined), the Prius V is rated at 42 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, for a combined rating of 40 mpg.

Making the most of that larger cabin are sliding second-row seats and a fold-flat front passenger seat, plus a standard back-up camera. The Prius V also marks the debut of the companys Entune multimedia system that was introduced at last weeks Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Source: Toyota






Press Release

New Prius v and Prius c Concept Make Their Worldwide Debut

• Priusv fits the lifestyle of young, active families

• Priusc Concept an inspiration for future small, entry hybrid

• Plug-in to arrive in the first half of 2012

DETROIT (Jan. 10, 2011) – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the Prius family of vehicles today at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. In addition to the current third-generation Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV), the new Prius v midsize hybrid-electric vehicle and the Priusc Concept vehicle joined the iconic hybrid brand, broadening the appeal of Prius to all ages and lifestyles.

With the expansion of the Prius family, a new evolution of vehicles will further increase the acceptance of hybrids with Prius’ same core values of high fuel economy, low emissions, proven technology and environmental stewardship.

“This is no ordinary family. It’s a modern family with a Prius for everyone,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “The Priusv is an all-new dedicated hybrid vehicle, and all future Prius family members will be as well. They will all share common Prius attributes but will be unique, with a special appeal to different buyers.”

The Prius midsize liftback has accounted for more than 955,000 sales in the U.S. since it was introduced in 2000. The third-generation Prius, which reached dealerships in June 2009, has continued the hybrid’s heritage of exceptional fuel economy and low emissions, while becoming the third-best selling Toyota passenger car in the U.S.

The Prius has also been a technological flagship vehicle, offering new features to the Toyota brand like Touch Tracer Display, Solar Powered ventilation, Smart Key System with Push Button Start, Lane Keep Assist, an Advanced Parking Guidance System and LED headlamps.

Priusv: “Versatility” for Young, Active Families

The new Prius v, with “v” expressing the vehicle’s versatility, will meet the needs of growing families with active lifestyles while providing the same attributes traditionally found in the Prius DNA. It will share the current generation Prius’ platform and Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. Featuring a compact exterior yet spacious interior, the Priusv will feature over 50-percent more interior cargo space than the current Prius.

With a balance between outstanding spaciousness, refined style, and smooth aerodynamics, Priusv has a low 0.29 coefficient of drag, which does not inhibit the vehicle’s convenient packaging. It is a new vehicle designed from the ground up, with a shape that evolved from Prius rather than being an elongated version.

The exterior styling is sleek, rounded and bold, with an extended roofline that allows the vehicle to retain the triangular silhouette symbolic of Prius. The trapezoidal-shaped front features sharp-edged headlamps, wind-slipping aero corners for improved aerodynamics and an enlarged under grille, which all help create a unique design evolving from the current Prius. Priusv’s rear styling is highlighted by a refined backdoor panel, intricate combination taillights and a specially designed roof spoiler that improves air flow.

Inside, the Priusv emphasizes overall proportion with spaciousness and flexibility for active families. Comfortable interior space and good visibility has been assisted by a high seating position, ample head room, and an impressive 38-inch couple distance, providing generous rear legroom. A low, wide-opening rear hatch reveals 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, making it the most spacious dedicated hybrid vehicle on the market and better than some compact SUVs.

Comfortable seating for five is specifically designed for young families. Sliding second row seats allow for easier ingress and egress and rear-storage flexibility, with a 45-degree recline for greater comfort. The 60/40 split, folding rear seats present four different seat arrangements that provide excellent usability for passengers and luggage, while a fold-flat front-passenger seat allows for extremely long cargo.

Also available, and a Toyota-first, is a resin Panoramic View moonroof with power retractable sun shades that provides an open atmosphere in the cabin with a 40-percent reduction in weight as compared to conventional glass roofs of the same size, and excellent heat insulation performance.

Up front, instrument-panel controls, including a single-dial air-conditioning control and a center-mounted digital combination meter, provide an advanced look and user-friendly command. The driving controls – including the Push Button Start, parking switch, electronic shift lever, and driving mode selection – are distinguished by silver trim.

Despite the spaciousness of a family friendly midsize vehicle, the Priusv will deliver estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 42 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined, the best fuel economy ratings of any SUV, crossover, or wagon on the market. It will also emit 66-percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.

Like the current generation Prius, the Priusv is a showcase of technology that will include many of the same standard features. Four driving modes (Normal, Power, Eco and EV) satisfy a variety of road conditions and driver preferences. A Smart Key System with Push Button Start, an electronic shift lever, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and a back-up camera are standard. Available options include energy-efficient LED headlamps, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with a Pre-Collision System (PCS), and Advanced Parking Guidance System.

For a high level of safety, there are seven airbags, a high-strength cabin and an energy-absorbing body structure with impact beams, cross members and leg absorption pads. New driver and front-passenger seat design helps lessen possible whiplash injury during a collision.

Like all Toyota models, the Priusv will feature Toyota’s Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.

Priusv will be one of the first Toyotas with the Entune™ multimedia system. For the first time ever in an automobile, this innovative new system leverages the mobile phone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated and wireless upgradeable navigation, entertainment and information services.

Toyota Entune debuts the first-ever support for engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, news and sports.

Toyota Entune brings the largest selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iheartradio’s 750+ stations, Pandora’s personalized music, the driver’s personal songs from portable media players and iPods (via USB or Bluetooth audio streaming), and more than 170 stations from XM satellite radio.

Featuring a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused on the road, Toyota Entune eliminates the need to memorize thousands of voice commands and helps reduce driver distraction.

Entune will also allow for audio read-back and replay capabilities for text messages, with the ability to respond by pre-set “Quick Reply Messages.”

Priusv will combine Entune with a standard Display Audio system rich with dynamic entertainment and communication features. The system will include HD Radio with iTunes tagging for future purchase; XM radio, weather, sports, stocks and local fuel pricing; Bluetooth hands-free phone and wireless audio; and full iPod integration including music and video.

A new evolution in hybrid vehicles with excellent cargo space and Prius’ heritage of environmental performance and fuel economy, the 2012 Priusv will go on sale in late summer 2011.

Priusc Concept: Small “city”-centric Hybrid Vehicle

While the current Prius has ushered hybrid technology into the mainstream, and the Priusv will provide the additional room and versatility for active families, compact shoppers are interested in a smaller hybrid at an entry price point and with superior fuel economy. The Priusc Concept, with c representing a “city”-centric vehicle, will appeal to young singles and couples who want an eco-sensitive, high-mileage, fun-to-drive Prius.

This dynamic vehicle with urban appeal will pursue outstanding fuel efficiency in a compact package, while also providing a surprisingly spacious interior. It will include many advanced technology features, including some offered on the current Prius.

Priusc Concept is the inspiration for an additional Prius family member that will come to market in the first half of 2012 as the most value-oriented hybrid in the U.S. market with the highest mileage of any “cordless” hybrid.

Prius Plug-In Vehicle: the Best of Both Worlds

Since its initial launch 10 years ago, one of the Prius’ main efficiencies has been a hybrid system with its own on-board recharging system that never needed to be plugged in to take people where they wanted to go. With the addition of new technology and shifts in the market, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the family member that represents the best of both worlds – the superior fuel economy of the Prius with added EV driving capability.

Depending on driving conditions, Prius Plug-in can be driven approximately 13 miles on battery power at speeds up to 60 mph. Its compact Lithium-ion battery provides less weight and a quicker recharging time, taking three hours on 110 volts and 1.7 hours on 220 volts. It can be “topped off” anytime with a convenient short charge.

After the EV power is depleted, the Plug-in performs like an economical third-generation Prius, the most fuel efficient midsize hybrid vehicle in America. Unlike pure EVs, it will be a seamless transition for consumers, with the only difference from a regular Prius is that it can be plugged in at convenient intervals.

Currently, ore than 150 Lithium-ion-battery powered Prius Plug-ins are part of a demonstration program in several U.S. cities. The program’s goal is to demonstrate plug-in technology, educate and inform the public, evaluate performance, and better understand the benefits to future customers. This will help pave the way for an on-sale target in the first half of 2012.

The Plug-in will be initially offered in 14 West and East Coast states (Arizona, California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Virginia and New Hampshire) where nearly 60 percent of all Prius models are currently sold.Availability in all remaining states will be a year later.

When it comes to market, the Prius Plug-in will represent the most eco-sensitive and advanced choice within the Prius brand of products.

2012 PRIUSv PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Powertrain

1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i
Engine horsepower:	98 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Engine torque:	105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Electric motor:	Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Electric motor power output:	80 hp/153 lb-ft torque
Hybrid system net horsepower:	134 hp
Emission rating:	SULEV/Tier 2 Bin 3
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Drive System:	Front-wheel-drive
Hybrid battery pack:	Nickel-metal hydride
Estimated fuel economy:	42 mpg city/38 mpg hwy/ 40 mpg comb.

Dimensions (inches)

Overall Length:	181.7
Overall Width:	69.9
Overall Height:	62.0
Wheelbase:	109.4
Ground clearance:	5.7
Coefficient of Drag:	0.29
Wheels:	16-inch alloy wheels 17-inch alloy wheels (optional)
Tire Size:	16-inch: 205/60R16 17-inch: 215/50R17 (optional)
Seating Capacity:	5
EPA class rating:	Midsize Station Wagon

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