A premium car varies from other brand vehicles by merely looking at a car’s exterior. The exterior is the face of the car’s over-all character, and quality is seen right before you enter the car. If the exterior is perfect, so what do you expect from the interior? Of course, it is surely going to be great too!  

Now listen up, I know a car that has it… and it’s the 2007 Toyota 4Runner! Try to check out what are the coolest stuff found on its exterior. By the way, I prepared that just for you! So while you are checking on the list, I have to go and fix my Nissan air filters and my Nissan cornering lights so I’ll say bye-bye for now!  

• Aerodynamic projector beam headlamps with auto-off feature 
• Aerodynamic projector beam headlamps with auto on/off feature
• Integrated front fog lamps and multi-reflector taillamps
• Automatic limited-slip differential (2WD models) 
• Multi-Mode 4-wheel drive with Torsen® limited-slip center differential with locking feature (V6 4WD models)
• Full-time 4-wheel drive with Torsen® limited-slip center differential with locking feature (V8 4WD models) 
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) 
• Downhill Assist Control (DAC) (4WD models)
• X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension 
• Skid plates
• 
  
• 16-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R16 tires 17-in. 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/65R17 tires
• 
  
• 17-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/65R17 raised white outline letter tires
• 18-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/60R18 tires
• Color-keyed front and rear bumpers and fender flares, chrome grille, door handles and rear license plate garnish
• Color-keyed front and rear bumpers, fender flares, door handles and rear license plate garnish
• Color-keyed grille
• Smoked chrome grille and headlamp bezels
• Black roof rails with black crossbars
• Tubular roof rack and tubular side steps with graphite-painted finish 
• Black running boards (illuminated on Limited)
• Hood scoop 
• Power black outside mirrors
• Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle 
• Rear privacy glass and electric rear window defogger with timer and UV protection
• Electronic rear hatch locking system
• Front and rear mudguards
• Integrated towing hitch receiver with ball mount kit (V8 models)
• Integrated towing hitch receiver with ball mount kit (V6 models)
• Power tilt/slide moonroof with noise-reduction technology and sunshade
• Color-keyed rear spoiler with center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL)

In Brazil, the Toyota Motor Corporation is set out on making even more waves and take in an even larger share of what they currently hold. To do this, they are going to send in their share of vehicles that could run on biofuel.  

An announcement from their main office says that their subsidiary in Brazil, the Toyota do Brasil Ltda (TDB) has already gone ahead and started the creation and production of two of the company’s new biofuel vehicles that are destined to make their mark in the Brazilian auto industry. These two new biofuel vehicles are both Toyota Corolla units although, to be a biofuel vehicle, some parts had to be changed and modified. These two are the Toyota Corolla Flex and the Toyota Corolla Fielder Flex. Both are going to be bioethanol compatible.  

And starting today, these two new Toyota bioethanol vehicles are going to be available for the public. Anybody who is interested can choose from the two versions and purchase whichever they like. Both of these two new ones actually are based on the current versions which bear the gasoline engine holding 1.8 liters. Some changes include those done to the engine itself as well as on the fuel system.  

Upon testing though, it has been found out that these two new Toyota biofuel vehicles sure do have a lot of spunk. They are even said to run and perform better than the regular Toyota Corolla model units.  

Very interestingly, you should be also aware that these two new Toyota vehicles have been given the capacity to run on 100% ethanol. And such is the very first of its kind in the Toyota Motor Corporation range. Of course, we are all familiar with those who can run on 10% ethanol only but this one has gotta be different than we thought. Just think about it. 100% ethanol.

Every car enthusiast can’t deny the fact that they love Toyota! From the east to the west, up north and down south, everybody needs a Toyota car. Why? It’s because quality, efficiency and practicality comes first in Toyota. There’s no question about that.  

One quality car released by Toyota this year is the 2007 Avalon. This mid-size sedan was first introduced back in 1995 as the Toyota flagship Avalon. Equipped with the best features and built with class and awesome styling, the Avalon is getting the attention it truly deserves from car buyers today.  

If you haven’t gone to any Toyota showrooms, let me just give you a sketch of the 2007 Avalon with these info that I just got yesterday while trying to search for Nissan fuel injectors and a Nissan exhaust tip.     

Specifications and features of the new 2007 Toyota Avalon:

• 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55R17 Michelin MXV4 tires
• 360-watt JBL Synthesis audio system with six-disc CD changer and 12 speakers
• 4-way adjustable power passenger seat
• A 3.5-liter (L) V6 engine with an output of 268 horsepower (hp), powers the Avalon.
• A 5-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) that incorporates a manual-shift provision is standard on all trim levels.
• a maintenance indicator light
• A power moon-roof and dual heated outside mirrors with auto-dimming on the driver’s side.
• a premium AM/FM/CD/ stereo system
• All Avalon models have 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.
• Aluminum wheels
• An in-dash six-disc CD changer
• Avalon XL comes with cloth upholstery
• Climate control, temperature and trip computer.
• Driver/passenger seat heater and cooling fan.
• Driver-side knee airbag, side airbags for front-seat passengers and side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers.
• dual-zone climate control
• HID headlamps.
• Homelink universal transceiver.
• horizontal grille with chrome-accented bars
• Leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and aluminum door scuff plates.
• manually adjustable tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• more aggressive suspension tuning
• multi-function information display for audio
• Optitron gauges and movable
• power door locks,
• Power rear sunshade, unique and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
• power windows and pinch protection
• remote keyless entry
• Smart Key system
• steering-mounted audio and climate controls
• The front-wheel-drive (FWD) Avalon makes 0-60 mph in just 6.9 seconds.
• Traction Control and Brake Assist
• Vehicle Stability Control
• wide lower intake valance with fog lamps (on the Touring, XLS and Limited)
• wood-and-leather-trimmed shift knob/steering wheel

From the 2006 business year to March 2007, Toyota’s operating profit reached 2.24 trillion yen which it the first Japanese company to top the 2 trillion yen mark in operating profits. A spectacular feat, no doubt about it.

This wonderful performance of Toyota is because of the firm's efforts to produce high-quality cars and reduce production costs as much as possible. In 2006 they were able to sold 8.52 million vehicles worldwide and in the January-March 2007, they were able to sold 2.34 million vehicles worldwide which lead to them to the world’s No.1 spot unseating General Motors for the first time in history, which only sold for about 2.26 million vehicles.

For now still Toyota retains as No. 1 with sales of 9.34 million vehicles over 9.2 million unit sales of the General Motors'.
Not to say though that Toyota is already beyond problems, as sales in the North America for this year will probably level off. At the same time in China, other automakers are leading in the market. While Toyota enjoys its spot in the domestic market with 41.5 percent share, their sales dropped 4 percent from the previous year to 2.27 million cars.

This year Toyota will dispense 940 billion yen into research and development since they believe that the key for their cars marketability will be through the expansion of next-generation environment-friendly vehicles.

They are planning to include:

● Hybrids where in batteries will be charged with electricity from a household power source
● Hybrids using a diesel engine and an electric motor
● Cars powered by fuel cells or alternative fuels

It seems that Toyota will continue to lead a positive role in the society with the production of - low-pollution, fuel-efficient vehicles.
Meanwhile if you’re looking for quality mufflers like Borla mufflers be sure to get it from auto shops as reputable as Toyota.

The Toyota Motor Corporation, the fastest growing car maker and recently proclaimed top seller in the whole automotive world, is again making a green move. Toyota is opting to bring hybrid technology to all its models soon.  

According to the Toyota’s powertrain development president in-charge Masatami Takimoto, he is looking forward for the future for in 2020, all models of Toyota will all be hybrid cars. Just like the Toyota Prius, even if it has found to be a little expensive than regular cars, the company had sold 430,000 units of this hybrid car last year.  

The Prius was stalled on its growth because of its price increase, this is what the Toyota Motor Corporation wants to solve. So, Toyota is now again planning to make battery operated vehicles to cut the cost of hybrid cars. A new plug-in Prius will be revealed in the market soon in the late 2008 or maybe early 2009. The battery will be a lithium-ion one. Other factory installed car parts like the Toyota fender, Superchips and Superwinch will all be available on the new car.  

Just as when Toyota plans a greener car for the next decades, there comes the diesel propelled vehicles that gives the hybrid technology a run for their money because of the increase in environmental-friendliness and performance of those vehicles equipped with such an engine.  

Will Toyota be an icon again this time? We will all look forward to that.

Prius has gained an international popularity because of its real time eco-friendly features and outstanding driving performance. In fact, even in UK, Toyota’s pride is famous as well. With great demands on green cars that use both electricity and petrol, Prius has always been the No. 1 hybrid car of all time. And just recently, it was named as the “Most Satisfying Car to Own” as according to a poll that had motorists as respondents.

To prove the demand for it, the Prius has been receiving many orders after it was released in the UK. With price under £17,780, plus a 2 months of waiting list and is also also noted to be exempted from the congestion charge of £8-a-day. The Prius has also become the first Japanese car to enter the league table of the British motorists. Nice one for them.

Twelve notches were prepared and an enormous nine slots are conquered by Japanese car makers namely, Honda and of course, Lexus another Toyota’s arm. The Toyota Prius and the Lexus IS are both found on the top of the list. They scored 86.8% which more than the average industry ratings of 79%. Skoda was the only European car maker to enter the top 12 list. Three of its models were found on the top 12 as well.

The Prius is definitely a car for everybody - even stars in Hollywood are driving the super eco-friendly car. These stars are Cameron Diaz, Harrison-Ford, Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda and the super gorgeous Leonardo diCaprio. British celebrities such as Harry Kewell and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson as well as the late DJ John Peel also patronize the Prius.

The secret lies on Toyota parts such as the Gibson exhaust and Green filters that push real time environmental friendliness. Plus, it makes the vehicle take on 65.7 miles per gallon so there is a lesser gas consumption.

Kudos again for Toyota.

The UK arm of Toyota Motors Corporation has released the details and the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of its brand new model trim for the Toyota Aygo urban car, and extending the range of the vehicle's model lineup.

The Toyota Aygo Blue now joins other Aygo models including Aygo, Aygo+, and Aygo Black.
According to Toyota, the Aygo Blue is "a model that offers high specification and extra style".
This new model trim for the Toyota Aygo comes with exclusive "blue" features inside and out including Lagoon Blue metallic paint, blue interior trim, carpet mats,  and blue accents found on the air vents and instrument panel.

Despite the name, customers wont get blue when driving this vehicle. The Toyota Aygo Blue also features some of the technologically advanced in-car systems like Bluetooth connectivity for the usage of hands-free mobile phones. Other highlights of the Toyota Aygo Blue include leather gear knob, glove box with lid, and air conditioning with an integrated pollen filter and air recirculation function. Toyota also offers a host of optional packages for the Aygo Blue like the Aygo Style pack, which consists of additional features like front fog lamps, five-spoke 14-inch alloy wheels, and chrome-effect front scuff plates.

The Toyota Aygo Blue is equipped with a 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine under the hood, coupled with a standard five-speed manual gearbox. Customers can also choose the MultiMode (M/M) transmission for an additional charge. The Aygo Blue is also equipped with quality tie rods similar to Ford tie rod end found on the Ford Ka, the Toyota Aygo's competitor in the city car vehicle segment.

Check out the MSRP of the Toyota Aygo Blue along with the other Toyota Aygo model trims. The vehicle will roll out in Toyota dealerships all over the UK starting on May 14th.

Aygo 1.0 VVT-i three-door - £6,845
Aygo 1.0 VVT-i five-door - £7,095
Aygo+ 1.0 VVT-i three-door - £7,345
Aygo+ 1.0 VVT-i five-door - £7,595
Aygo Black 1.0 VVT-i three-door - £7,995
Aygo Black 1.0 VVT-i five-door - £8,245
Aygo Blue 1.0 VVT-i three-door - £7,995
Aygo Blue 1.0 VVT-i five-door - £8,245

The Prius, indeed, is the most popular hybrid car that definitely boosts up real time environmental performance. But compared with a regular car model, the Prius is somewhat budget-friendly having a price of only £17,765. But because the infamous hybrid car somewhat lacks a little when it comes to personal touch, a British owner of this vehicle decided to give the Toyota car model a new and retuned version. A personalized one.  

No Toyota parts have been replaced and only the interior and the exterior car parts were altered. The new car was also painted with the new Brechin Slate - the famous paint used on Lexus units. The vehicle would also come including interior parts which were added like the new leather-seats trimmed with hand made stitches. Now tell me that it is not gorgeous. Stunning polished steel Fox RS3 rims are also placed in replacement for the conventional wheels of the Prius.  

Jemca Toyota in North London was the one that supervised the upgrading of the Prius. Jemca’s Prius Sales Specialist, Roger Hart, said, “We are well aware of how high the demand is for Prius, in March alone we registered 176, but we have never had a request like this before. We were delighted to help the new owner achieve just the specification he wanted and believe that the result is the most valuable Prius ever sold in the UK.  It might seem an unlikely car to personalise in this way; we’ve shown just what can be achieved and how far we can go to help our customers obtain exactly the car they desire.”  

The new redesigned car is now selling on its new price - £32,900. I guess that’s a £14,235 increase from its regular unredefined price. Just enough I guess for the personal touch added to the new Prius.

The Panasonic Toyota F1 Team has recently completed the 2nd test drive as a part of their preparation for the upcoming 2007 Spanish Grand Prix that will take place at the Circuit de Catalunya in the city of Barcelona.

Ralf Schumacher started the test drive aboard the TF107 equipped high-quality Toyota parts like Toyota outer tie rod. Schumacher finished the test session with 93 laps at 1 minute and 21.983 seconds.
Schumacher commented: "In general it was a successful day and we made it through everything that we had planned. I've had some problems with the front end at the last couple of races in low grip conditions but it seems to be better here. We made quite a few changes in the set-up and after that I was able to brake and turn in the way that I'm used to. So that helps me and we got along quite well with the car today."

"My fastest lap time came when I went through the chicane but we were still not far from the top so it has been a good test. Obviously we will have to wait and see how it is at the race itself next week, but I'm looking forward to it." he added.

Toyota team continued the testing for the TF107 on the next day with Jarno Trulli. Unlike the first day, the second day of testing posed unpleasant weather condition for the team. Because of this, Jarno only finished 21 laps. He commented: "All I can say is that it has been a wet day. The weather and conditions have been so bad that it has been pretty much impossible for any of the teams to get any meaningful work achieved. We managed to do some work on systems and electronics in the few laps that we were able to do, but that's about it. Hopefully we will have a better day tomorrow. The forecast is better so let's hope we can get some more useful results then."

Gerd Pfeiffer, Test Team Manager also commented: "On a day like this there is very little that you can usefully achieve. We did some work on different engine specs, we looked at some software and did some different mappings for these weather conditions. But that's about all you can do and it's the same for everyone. We will look to achieve more over the course of the next two days. Tomorrow there is a risk of showers in the morning but the afternoon should be fine so Jarno should get some better running then. The test has now been extended to Thursday when there is again a lower risk of rain."

Work zones, including construction zone, maintenance zones or utility zones, are one of the most dangerous areas on the road. According to the National Security Council (NSC), more than 1,000 people are killed and more than 40,000 people injured in road accidents that happened in work zones during 2003.

To reduce the risk of deaths and injuries for pedestrians and motorists, especially Toyota vehicle owners passing through work zones, NSC offers these safety tips:

* Expect the unexpected -- Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road.

* Slow down -- Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.

* Don't tailgate -- Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear end collision.

* Keep your distance -- Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the construction workers and their equipment.

* Pay attention to the signs -- The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone.

* Obey road crew flaggers -- The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.

* Stay alert and minimize distractions -- Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving.

* Keep up with the traffic flow -- Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Don't drive right up to the lane closure and then try to barge in.

* Expect delays -- Schedule enough time to drive safely and check radio, tv and web sites for traffic information.

* Be patient and stay calm -- The work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.

To further ensure vehicle safety, check your auto parts (like K&N Filters) for damages and replace them with new ones.