The computer used to pilot this driverless car has been given the ok by officials.

Google’s calling it: ‘Transitioning a Mixed-mode Vehicle to Autonomous Mode.’ This allows a car to switch back and forth from human control to self-controlled (autonomous) mode.

Data is fed to the vehicle, telling it where to stop or move forward, up to 10 meters. A second set of sensors detect other vehicles and the cars’ surroundings: i.e.: trees, lampposts, landmarks, etc.

“The autonomous vehicle may be used as a virtual tour guide of Millennium Park in Chicago,” the patent explains. “In the example embodiment, the vehicle may have an instruction to drive to the Cloud Gate (Silver Bean) sculpture at Millennium Park. When the vehicle arrives, the autonomous instruction may tell it to wait in the location for a predetermined amount of time, for example 5 minutes.”

We still think Google owes the people behind Knight Rider some likeness rights.

Source: WCF

The 2012 Camry has been redesigned inside and out. This new, angular sedan fits in nicely with fellow Corolla and Yaris models, which also receive similar sculpting for next year.

And for those who were wondering – yes, Kelly Clarkson still performs music. Good for her.

Ready for release later this year, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have a revised front end. Engine options will carry over from previous models, including a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a 4.0-liter V6 with 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.

Both companies have announced a “strategic partnership to develop a global cloud-based telematics system aimed at achieving a low-carbon society through efficient energy use.” Well, that’s a mouthful.

The Microsoft/Toyota partnership will enhance PC programs, moving them to the “Cloud” platform, most likely using mobile apps. The number of people who browse web pages via mobile or portable devices vs. computers is growing quickly.

This system will be based on Microsoft’s Azure cloud-computing platform. Its purpose – maintain smooth driving and monitor energy management, GPS and multli-media capabilities. Microsoft already has the corner on “auto infotainment” with the popular Ford Sync system, and it headed towards EV energy-management.

The goal is to develop Windows Azure applications starting with Toyota electric / hybrid vehicles by 2012, and a complete global cloud-based platform by 2015. Both companies better how this works, as they’ve staked $12 million into this venture.

Toyota is conducting trials in Japan, calling it the “Smart Center pilot” program. It connects “people, automobiles and homes for integrated control of energy consumption.” And the automaker and Microsoft are betting that as EVs and plug-in hybrids become the norm, cloud-based telematics systems will increasingly manage their attendant energy-efficiency issues.

Via: Edmunds

Toyota Logo pic via: CEO World

First up, Toyota will begin sales of the Prius V – a “minivan” sized MPV (Multi-person Vehicle) that is just as much hybrid as its smaller counterpart. The car was originally teased on a billboard outside Las Vegas during last year’s SEMA auto show:

Second, the Honda CR-Z Sports Hybrid competition – Toyota’s Prius C Concept, coming our way in early 2012. This vehicle is a smaller, eco-friendly solution for the urban driver:

Third, coming out in late 2012, is the highly anticipated Plug-in Prius. Already a big get overseas, the all-electric rechargeable Prius will undoubtedly roll in and out of dealership lots with the quickness of a bunny:

Have a look at the official video from Toyota, and let us know what you think:

The new Highlander looks a bit larger and longer than it’s older counterparts. Highlander does take up a few more centimeters of the driveway, but out on the street it’s a dream to drive – smooth handling and turning that folds to your every whim.

Highlander hits dealership lots later this year. The updated model features a revised front end, restyled headlights, new hood and redesigned fenders. To separate the Toyota hybrid variant from the standard Highlander model, it has been outfitted with a unique grille, fog lights and additional body-color trim to choose from when you go to the dealer.

Inside, all models come nicely equipped with three-row seating, front and rear air conditioning, rear privacy glass and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Options include GPS navigation, a JBL premium audio system, leather upholstery (with heated front seats) and a power moon roof.

Under the hood, three different engines are available for you to choose from: A 2.7-liter four-cylinder produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.5-liter V6 produces 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Toyota’s hybrid Highlander comes with a 3.5-liter V6 producing a combined 280 hp and has an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 28 MPG city / 28 MPG highway.

Contact your local Toyota dealer today and find out more about 2011′s Highlander.

Source: WCF

Toyota declined to say how much the settlement was for. The automaker recalled nearly 8 million vehicles for accelerator issues, covering both loose floormats and stuck pedals.

Back in 1997, Toyota introduced the original Prius, which was the first mass-produced hybrid-electric vehicle. Its 10-year journey took it across the globe, making it one of the best made hybrid cars to date, having supremacy over other hybrid vehicles.

But it was easy when your competition came from one or two other Japanese car makers who couldn’t get the battery systems or vehicle design right at first. But as 2011 comes even closer, every Joe-blow company from Chevy to Honda, Ford and soon even Kia has its own line of hybrid variants. And with others selling their hybrids for thousands less, how can Toyota survive?

It’s a question of reputation, quality and loyalty. Those three items make this a recipe for success. Sure, Prius has come under fire in recent months of supposedly trying to kill one or two of its owners… but hey, maybe that one guy in California deserved to have his wits scared out of him.

Prius has the name – it is well known as the first and best hybrid out there. Toyota, even after all that braking issues stuff, remains a favorite of car buyers, and the sale figures show.

2011′s upcoming hybrid, along with a full electric plug-in version, have a number of fun additions. These include a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA), and steering wheel touch controls.

The first-generation Prius was rated 41 EPA mpg, and the second-generation model pushed that figure to 46 mpg. The 2010 model marks another significant incremental improvement to 50 miles per gallon (combined city/highway). And a larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine powers the car.

An electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation system also boost efficiency. Furthermore, the engine has no belts under the hood, resulting in better fuel economy and less potential maintenance. The new transaxle and inverter are both 20 percent lighter, reducing the car’s overall weight.

The new Prius offers three alternative driving modes. EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve the best possible mileage.

Other energy-saving features include available LED low beams and taillights, a more efficient air conditioning system, and a unique ventilation fan that promises to reduce the need for air conditioning in the first place.

The air circulator — which is powered by solar panels — prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked. This, in turn, makes cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle.

Toyota says it listened to customer feedback, and sharpened handling, reduced road noise, increased interior volume, and improved acceleration. The zero to 60 mph sprint takes 9.8 seconds now — an improvement of over one second. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.

However, around the bend comes Chevy’s Volt, Honda’s $18,500 Insight and Nissan’s Leaf EV. Toyota might have to step up its game even more, outside of moon-roofs and solar panels, to remain in the hybrid game.

Specs: LeftLaneNews

Much of it was due to a rebounding auto market in the United States where a fall in loan defaults and rising sales produced boyant numbers at Toyota’s financial services arm which accounted for 85 percent of its total North American operating profit.

There is more good news for Toyota, which took a hit on U.S. consumers’ view of the brand with the recalls. According to YouGov BrandIndex, a company that tracks consumers’ attitudes towards brands, Toyota is back to an overall positive image.

Source: WCF