TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the redesigned “Wish”.

The Wish is a compact seven-seater minivan that has gained a solid reputation for its sporty styling, wide-ranging utility and comfortable driving performance-with sales of more than half a million units-since its launch in January 2003. The new, second-generation model has enhanced sportiness and comfort, and features significant improvements in driving, environmental and safety performance. The result is a vehicle that aims to meet a user’s every “wish”.

All vehicles in the series feature a new-generation engine with “Valvematic”, which is a continuously variable valve-lift and valve-timing mechanism that achieves both excellent driving performance and superior environmental performance. The new engine, in combination with Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent (Super CVT-i) transmission, gives the Wish a maximum of 15%-better fuel efficiency than the previous model and more exhilarating driving performance. Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control (S-VSC) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) side and curtain-shield airbags-standard on all vehicles in the series-give the new Wish class-leading levels1 of safety performance.

Monthly sales target for Japan:6,000 units

Both the 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter engines are fitted with “Valvematic”, which is a continuously variable valve-lift mechanism that controls intake valve-lift volume and valve timing. The mechanism produces optimum power at all speed ranges and provides advanced environmental performance, while engine and Super CVT-i control tuning emphasizes high response, exhilarating acceleration and increased fuel economy. Consequentially, the 1.8-liter front-wheel drive models achieve 16.0km/l in the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) 10-15 test cycle, with CO2 emissions of just 145g/km. The 2.0-liter models achieve 15.2km/l in the MLIT 10-15 test cycle, with CO2 emissions of just 153g/km.

The 1.8-liter, front-wheel drive models have a fuel efficiency that exceeds the level stipulated in the Japanese 2010 standards2 by 20% and the 2.0-liter models exceed the same by 15%. All vehicles in the series achieve emission levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the MLIT’s Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.

Selecting Eco Drive Mode optimizes alignment of driving force with accelerator operation and realizes energy saving in the air conditioning system, contributing to increased fuel efficiency.

Toyota Racing & Timo Glock has experienced a unique view of Melbourne in the lead-up to this Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix by driving a Toyota Hilux on two wheels. Glock spent the day at Calder Park Raceway north of Melbourne where he learned the secrets of stunt driving from the renowned Toyota V6 Hilux Heroes stunt driving team. Check out more in the video above and official press release below!

Toyota Hilux Stunt Team Press Release:

GLOCK ROCKS ON TWO WHEELS

Panasonic Toyota Racing driver Timo Glock has experienced a unique view of Melbourne in the lead-up to this Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix by driving a Toyota Hilux on two wheels.

Glock spent the day at Calder Park Raceway north of Melbourne where he learned the secrets of stunt driving from the renowned Toyota V6 Hilux Heroes stunt driving team.

The team, which performs nationally at leading metro, regional and rural shows in slightly modified versions of the 4×2 V6-powered Toyota Hilux, is made up of Australia’s leading professional drivers.

Glock was tutored by Guinness World Record holder, Lawrence ‘The Legend’ Ryan, and the team’s lead driver Jack Monkhouse, who showed off the finer points of two-wheel driving before unleashing the F1 pilot behind the wheel.

The 27-year-old German was fearless in his approach. Using the determination that took him to second place in last season’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Glock mastered the extremely difficult trick at just his third attempt.

The Toyota F1 pilot then repeated the feat a number of times – piloting the near-standard Hilux a staggering 60 metres on two wheels on his final run.

He then moved on to doughnuts and formation driving where he entertained a large group of invited media with his prowess behind the wheel.

Despite adapting quickly to the driving technique required to perform the tricks, the man who finished 10th last year in his first full season of Formula 1 has his eyes firmly fixed on this weekend’s season-opening race.

“This was a lot of fun,” Glock said of his stunt driving cameo. “Although, I think it would be a little hard to drive a Formula 1 car on two wheels.”

Glock believes the team can succeed if it transfers its testing pace to the races.

“We did strong development in the latter half of last season and my dream was to take this development curve over into 2009. It looks like we have done this with the pace the car has had from the beginning,” Glock said.

“In all conditions the car looks strong. But testing is different to racing, so we have to see how the car performs in qualifying, but my perfect dream would be to win the first race of the season.”

Glock topped the time sheets twice during the final pre-season test in the team’s new TF109 race car, proving both he and the team will be a threat at Albert Park this weekend.

- Vehicles provide support for scientists, teams and officials for the Amundsen Omega3 South Pole Race

- Achievement follows successful 2007 Top Gear expedition to the Magnetic North Pole

- Hilux outperforms snowcats as a faster, more comfortable and fuel-efficient means of transport

Is there no driving challenge beyond the scope of Toyota’s mighty Hilux? The legendary pick-up has completed a journey across Antarctica to the South Pole, further proving the go-anywhere qualities that helped it become the first car to be driven to the Magnetic North Pole in the 2007 Top Gear Polar Challenge.

The expedition also demonstrated that Hilux has advantages over snowcats when it comes to being a sensible transport choice. It can travel much faster, uses significantly less fuel and can carry more passengers – in more comfort, to boot. And thanks to the quality of Toyota’s 3.0 D-4D engine, CO2 emissions are lower.

Hilux models were requested as support vehicles for the Amundsen Omega3 South Pole Race, a 483-mile skiing challenge celebrating the historic rival expeditions of explorers Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott. The Hilux Double Cabs were prepared for the extreme conditions by Arctic Trucks, the Reykjavik-based company which also fettled the Top Gear challenge machines.

Towing custom-built trailers, the Hilux at times had to cope with loads up to 2.5 tonnes – 1.5 tonnes more than their specified capacity, and were also newly fitted with a system to melt snow while on the move, using heat from the engine. Pressed into service to ferry supplies, scientists and team support groups and to carry out reconnaissance duties, the four Hilux have covered more than 2,000 miles each across the rough, frozen terrain in temperatures as low as -30C.

Hilux has already proved its worth as a workhorse of choice for scientists based at Camp Novo and other Antarctic research stations, and is being reviewed as the solution for future transport requirements in the area, demonstrating beyond doubt its ability to tackle the world’s toughest environments.

The combination 1.8 liter fuel engine along with the electric motor gathers up 98 horsepower and 105 feet per pound of torque. A longer, sleeker design in part accounts for the miles per gallon rating of this third generation Prius, up from the second-gen’s 46 mpg. More details and hot Prius pictures in the press release below. And be sure to let us know what you think!

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 50-mile-per gallon rated third-generation Prius hybrid vehicle today at the 2009 North American International Auto show.

Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than one million owners worldwide for more than 10 years.
The midsize third-generation 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.

An Eco-Icon

The first-generation Prius entered the market in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid. The name Prius, “to go before” in Latin, became symbolic of a car that was launched even before environmental awareness had become a mainstream social issue.
From the beginning, Toyota’s full-hybrid system was developed in-house and has become a driving force behind advanced vehicle technology. The company’s exclusive Hybrid Synergy Drive System was introduced in 2004 on the second-generation Prius. Since then, more than 670,000 have been sold in the U.S.

In designing the new, third-generation Prius, Toyota engineers combined a careful refinement of existing systems with an aggressive measure of new technology necessary for the future of automobiles.
Fuel Economy and Environmental Performance

The new Prius will be built using processes that reduce pollution in every stage of vehicle life, from production and driving, through to disposal.

The third-generation Prius extends its record of continuous improvement in fuel economy. The first-generation Prius, which was rated 41 EPA combined mpg, was replaced by the current model, which is EPA rated at 46 mpg, combined city/highway. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency was increased to an estimated 50 miles per gallon for the new Prius.

A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine will power the new Prius. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the larger engine actually helps improve highway mileage. By making more torque, the new engine can run at lower average rpm on the highway. When operating at lower rpm, the new engine uses less fuel. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds.

Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine’s efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance.

A multi-information display panel that monitors fuel and energy consumption is standard. It provides feedback on the Prius’ efficiency using three different displays to help the driver acquire economical driving habits.

Unlike most other hybrid vehicles available, Prius has been a “full” hybrid since introduction. This allows it to run on engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. The system blends the best of parallel hybrid and series hybrid designs to achieve the ability to operate on the electric mode alone, and to charge the batteries while the car is running.

The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Prius is 90 percent newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models.

* The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20 percent compared to the previous model.
* The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight.
* Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20 percent lighter.
* A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration.

The new Prius will offer 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 their best mileage.

Cutting Edge Styling

In designing the new Prius, aerodynamic performance was an important factor. The goal was to create a beautiful silhouette, while not compromising function. Designers preserved the dynamic triangle form of thecurrent model–instantly recognizable as a Prius–but made alterations to the overall profile, pillar position and angle. The front pillar, extended forward, helps refine the performance-focusing, shaped form.

The overall height of the Prius is the same, but the roof profile is altered by moving the top of the roof 3.9 inches to the rear. This emphasizes the wedge shape, and also allows for enhanced rear headroom and improved aerodynamics.

The design of the new Prius’ front and rear corners are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the glazed geometric shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance.
Dimensionally, the new Prius has the same wheelbase as the current generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward.

World’s Lowest Cd

The new Prius received more wind tunnel hours of testing than any other Toyota in history, resulting in the cleanest aerodynamic profile of any mass-produced vehicle in the world. By focusing on the shape of the body, underfloor, wheelhouse liner and shape of the wheels, the designers of the new Prius were able to reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model. The airflow under the car was studied extensively. Engineers made changes to the shape of the fender liner, front surface of the underfloor, and added a fin at the rear floor cover to increase linear stability.

Advanced Equipment For a New Era

An available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a new ventilation system. This solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.

The remote air-conditioning system is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone and that can be remotely operated, so the driver can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.

Reducing the vehicle’s power consumption, available LED (light emitting diode) lamps are used for low beams and also in the tail and stop lamps. Air conditioning, a major energy drain, has been re-engineered to increase efficiency and cool-down performance. In addition, an exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved performance. It also heats up the passenger cabin more efficiently.

Enhanced Vehicle Performance

The next-generation Prius is built on a new platform, which enables improved handling stability, quieter operation, and collision safety. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear intermediate beam design, as before, but handling stability is advanced by improving the stabilizer layout, higher caster angle and tuning the bushing characteristics. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.

Weight was saved through use of aluminum in the hood, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. To meet customer expectations for everyday performance, zero-to-60 acceleration has been improved to 9.8 seconds, more than a second faster, in internal testing.
Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping, has been installed in various locations to reduce road noise.

Functional Interior Is Bigger on the Inside

Proving that small changes add up to big gains, the cargo area of the new Prius was expanded 0.4 inches in length and 2.2 inches in width by using a new and an improved layout of the battery cooling unit.

Rear seat legroom is enhanced by a new space-saving contoured front-seat design.

Viewed from the cockpit, the center cluster smoothly flows from the instrument panel to the console. Handy storage space has been added under the shift lever by taking advantage of the shift-by-wire system. Simple, fin-type air vents are consistent with the cabin’s efficient appearance. Judicious use of silver accents adds a finished, technical feel.

Touch sensors on the steering wheel switches are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road. When the driver touches the audio or info switch located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. This system, called Touch Tracer, is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel.

The ECO indicator on the Multi-Informational Display (MID) provides driver feedback for lower fuel consumption.

In pursuit of developing various advanced technologies aimed at realizing sustainable mobility, Toyota will use plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in the 2010 Prius. The newly-developed plastics, known as “ecological plastic,” will be used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during a product lifecycle (from manufacturing to disposal) than plastic made solely from petroleum; it also helps reduce petroleum use.

Safety Enhancements

The new Prius was designed to comply with class-top level collision safety performance in each global region of sale, and to accommodate increasingly strict safety requirements in the future.

In addition to advanced driver and front passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags front and rear side curtain airbags, driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags and driver’s knee airbag are standard equipment.

Active headrests are used in both front seats to reduce the possibility of whiplash in a collision. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are included with Toyota’s standard Star Safety System.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using advanced millimeter wave radar, is an available option. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable.

Next-generation Intelligent Parking Assist features simplified settings to help guide the car into parking spaces.

A backup monitor, which provides a view of rear obstacles when reverse is engaged, is available with an optional voice-activated navigation system.

Safety Connect, Toyota’s first safety and security service, includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and an SOS call button. Safety Connect will be available a few months after launch.

The development of the Prius has required applications for over 1,000 patents filed across the world, of which 292 are U.S. applications.

Pricing for the 2010 Prius will be announced shortly before it goes on sale late spring.

2010 PRUIS 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 (with AT-PZEV)
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Drive System: Front-wheel-drive
Hybrid battery pack: Nickel-metal hydride
Estimated fuel economy: 50 mpg (combined)*

DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 175.6
Overall Width: 68.7
Overall Height: 58.7
Wheelbase: 106.3
Ground clearance: 5.5
Coefficient of Drag: 0.25
Wheels: 15-inch alloy wheels
17-inch alloy wheels (optional)
Tire Size: 15-inch: 195/65R15
17-inch: 215/45R17 (optional)
Seating Capacity: 5
EPA class rating: Midsize
* Preliminary figure based on Toyota’s internal testing. Actual mileage will vary.