Rick Hendrick Toyota Scion Blog
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Building on 47 years of success and close to 40 million sales in the world, the 11th generation Corolla is a dramatically styled, sleeker, more dynamic Corolla that will change consumer perceptions of this iconic compact.
The new Corolla’s exterior design builds on the “Iconic Dynamism” theme seen on the athletic Corolla Furia Concept at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in January. The new Corolla builds on the styling momentum seen in Toyota vehicles launched in the past year, which has produced more expressive vehicle designs. With the new Corolla’s stronger exterior styling, it is clear that Toyota’s brand and product direction will emphasize more compelling styling executions that will appeal to current Toyota customers while also attracting more youthful buyers.
The Corolla’s design theme dictates a more advanced, modern-looking vehicle with a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs, resulting in an athletic stance with greater presence. More pronounced flared wheel arches, and the impactful simplicity of cleanly sculpted surfaces, help lend the Corolla an exterior elegance. When viewing the profile, there is a sweeping character crease in the body’s sheet metal that spans the length of the sedan and accentuates the integrated door handle design. The 2014 Corolla’s exterior form tapers towards the front and rear of the vehicle to emphasize the wheel arches, with a longer, faster sloping roofline that blends into a shorter rear deck to lend the sedan a sportier image.
The new Corolla’s athletic character is complemented by a broad range of styled alloy wheel and wheel cover options ranging from covered 15-inch steel wheels to 17-inch alloy wheels. The new Corolla will also offer three new exterior colors.
The 2014 Corolla’s interior matches the visual impact of the exterior and adds a new level of refinement. The passenger cabin features a clean, horizontally oriented dash panel design that adds to the interior’s sense of spaciousness. The instrument panel and surrounding areas are finished in premium materials with piano black surfaces, metallic accents and decorative pin-striping to help elevate the compact car experience. Exquisite texture graining and soft touch material covers the top of the dash panel and key touch points in the cabin. Adding to the cabin’s elevated tone, Corolla offers a choice of seat-covering materials in premium fabric or available SofTex™ material. Attention to detail is demonstrated in the ornamental stitching spanning the length of the dash panel and the shift boot that adorns the center console’s shifter lever. Sound insulation has been strategically placed along the fenders, cowl, and behind the dash panel to reduce noise entering the cabin helping occupants enjoy Corolla’s available audio systems and connectivity features.
The premium interior extends to the rear seat as well. The new Corolla’s longer 106.3-inch wheelbase creates a more spacious interior, with a rear seat area that is 2.95-inches longer than the previous model, to offer outstanding rear leg room.
The 2014 Corolla will also offer a new LE Eco grade that is differentiated by a more efficient 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine with Valvematic technology; improved aerodynamics; and low rolling resistance tires. The Corolla Eco-badged models will achieve an estimated highway fuel economy rating of over 40 mpg thanks to the new Valvematic engine combined with a newly developed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Corolla L, LE, and S grade models are all powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine with intelligent Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) that produces 132 horsepower.
While the new Corolla has taken the exterior and interior to new levels, the model remains committed to delivering world-class fuel economy in the compact segment. The Corolla LE and S offer a newly developed continuously variable transmission (CVT). This new advanced transmission, named CVTi-S (“i” for intelligent, “S” for shift), helps increase the Corolla’s fuel economy and provide its smooth and efficient power transfer. It has also been engineered to offer improved drivability and mitigate the “rubber band” feeling associated with traditional CVT’s under acceleration. The new CVTi-S has been engineered to strike a balance between addressing fuel economy targets and higher level of drivability to meet consumer tastes.
Within this compact transmission, the size disparity between the CVTi-S’ small and large internal pulleys has been maximized to provide the widest possible range of gear ratios to improve acceleration and fuel economy. The new CVTi-S fluid-pump design helps reduce parasitic loss at high speeds, and the transmission’s software creates discrete sequential shift points to help CVTi-S operate with character similar to a traditional automatic transmission during acceleration. The Corolla S offers a manual-mode shift gate in the console shifter, or steering wheel paddle shifters, allow drivers to affect fast, sequential “shifts” through 7-speeds with the CVTi-S with “gear” change shown in the instrument panel’s TFT display.
A six-speed manual transmission is available on the Corolla L and S grades. Drive modes that offer recalibrated throttle, transmission and steering responses are available on the Corolla LE Eco and Corolla S. For ECO drive mode on the LE Eco, the initial throttle inputs are less sensitive to help encourage more fuel-efficient driving and eliminate sudden starts. On the S grade, the SPORT mode software helps make the accelerator pedal feel more responsive to input along with CVTi-S shifting logic that enhances acceleration feel. In SPORT mode, Corolla’s electronic power steering is programmed to offer a more positive steering feel.
The 2014 Corolla unibody makes extensive use of lightweight, high-strength steel to help keep vehicle weight below 2,900 pounds in the interest of fuel economy. In addition to improved collision performance, such construction also gives the Corolla’s structure increased rigidity to optimize chassis and suspension performance, giving the new car a more responsive and engaging driving experience.
The 2014 Corolla is the first compact car equipped with standard LED lowbeam headlamps, and all models are standard equipped with eight airbags, and Bluetooth® hand-free phone and audio-streaming connectivity. The Corolla will be available in four trim levels (L, LE, LE Eco, and S) that offer a wide range of popular features to help distinguish each trim level.
Some of the available equipment includes the following:- Touchscreen audio
- Apps accessible through the audio head unit
- Smart Key/ Push-button start
- Power moonroof
- Back-up monitor
- SofTex™ Seats
- Available Paddle shifters
- Rear deck lid spoiler
The 2014 Corolla will elevate the consumer’s experience for the world’s most popular sedan with modern, expressive styling, a more premium interior experience, improved fuel economy and performance, and a strong menu of available features. Vehicle pricing, final grade content, and option packages will be made available closer to launch timing.
2014 Corolla
| Basic Exterior Dimensions Compared to Current model (change in parenthesis) | | Overall length | 182.6 in. (+3.90 in.) 183.1 in. for S-grade | 4639 mm (+99), 4650mm for S-grade | | Overall width | 69.9 in. (+0.63 in.) | 1776 mm (+16) | | Overall height | 57.3 in. (-0.39 in.) | 1455 mm (-10) | | Wheelbase | 106.3 in. (+ 3.93 in.) | 2700 mm (+100) | | Front Overhang | 37.7 in. (+0.90 in.) | 958 mm (+23) | | Rear Overhang | 38.6 in. (-0.94 in.) | 981 mm (-24)
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At least not in the way you might think. It's a common misconception amongst drivers that if their battery is flat, a good long drive will charge it up. After all the alternator generates power, right? Well yes, and no. Have you ever seen or driven a car where, as you sped up, the lights got brighter? That's because the battery was dead and all the electrical power was coming from the alternator. The faster the engine spins, the more power the alternator provides, and the brighter the headlights become.
In a properly functioning car, the 12V electrical system is mostly reliant on the battery itself. The alternator provides a 'topping off' charge to help maintain the battery, but can't really be relied on to charge it. Why? Because when your car is running, it consumes quite a bit of electrical power between all the onboard computers, wiring harnesses, instrumentation, headlights, radios, electric windows, high- and low-tension circuits etc.
The alternator in most cars is typically sized to match the demands of a running car. In other words, when the engine is on and the car is running, the alternator compensates for the electrical load and typically doesn't offer much more. Sure there might be some surplus power produced at speed, but to fully charge a nearly dead 12V battery would take a 2000 mile drive at 80mph or more with everything electrical turned off. A quick 10 minutes down the motorway isn't doing anything for you.
That's why you should invest in a battery charger if you ever find yourself with a low battery. Use the grid's power supply to charge your car's battery instead of trying to overload your alternator. Chargers come in many sizes from 0.75 to 1.5 amps for slow 'trickle' charging, all the way up to 200 amp quick chargers (although you'll need a dedicated electrical supply for something that beefy). Optimate, Battery Tender and Black & Decker all do reasonable chargers in the $20 to $60 range, available from most local car parts stores or online mega vendors, and using them is pretty easy.
They'll typically come with a variety of connectors - clamps, ring connectors and accessory plugs. The accessory plug might seem like the ideal choice but many modern cars don't have live 12v accessory sockets when the ignition is off, plus you're trying to charge a hefty car battery through tiny cables so I just wouldn't recommend that. Ring connectors are good if you need to charge the battery time and time again because you can wire one end of the charging cable permanently to the battery.
The most useful connectors are going to be the crocodile clips. Simple to use - connect the red one to the positive battery terminal and the black on to the somewhere on the chassis or engine, plug the charger in and leave it alone. A decent modern charger will be able to charge in three or four different modes - bulk charge, top-off and maintenance are the most common three. It should choose which mode to use based on the condition of the battery, and there'll be a light or indicator on the charger to tell you what's going on.
Two final points : some cars, notably high end Audis and VWs, have their 12v battery in the trunk or under the driver's seat. Typically they'll have charging posts under the hood somewhere for easy access - Audi put theirs under a plastic flap at the back of the engine bay, in the middle. Flip it open and there's a "+" post in there. For the negative terminal, just clamp the clip to any part of the chassis or engine where there's bare metal.
And secondly : if you have to keep charging the battery, it means either your alternator is about to give up, or more likely, the battery itself is about to give up. Expect 3 to 4 year's life out of a normal 12v car battery, irrespective of what the manufacturer or guarantee tells you. 5 years is out of the ordinary. 6 years is extreme. If you live anywhere with wild temperature swings, expect 2 to 3 years before you need a replacement.
Some concept cars were never meant for this world; they were either too expensive to produce, or were just never designed to actually be a reality, or at least not in the immediate future. Many of the best concept cars include designs that are more abstract than practical, while others contained the germs of good ideas that would be incorporated into other car designs. Some, however, are just impressive for taking a risk on what we’d normally consider to be good car design. With this in mind, the best concept cars that never saw the light of day include:
Propeller Driven Car This concept was designed in 1913 by Marcel Leyat, and was notable for replacing an engine with a propeller; the car also featured spoke-less wheels and was extremely light at just 625 pounds. While it never went into full production, the propeller driven car, or the Leyat Helica to give it its full title, did make an appearance at the 1921 Paris Auto Show.Citroen Tubik A Type H van designed to include nine seats, the Tubik is distinguished by its sheer size - it was over 4.8 m long - and by looking like it would give most buses a run for its money. The elongated body of the car and van hybrid also contributed to its imposing frame.Cadillac Sixteen A 16 cylinder Cadillac with 1000 horsepower, the Sixteen was intended to demonstrate an alternative market for the brand that would make it more appealing for younger drivers; the concept’s super powered design never made it off the ground, though.Hyundai Qarmaq The result of a joint venture between GE and Hyundai, the Qarmaq was ahead of its time for being almost completely built using recycled plastics. The concept proved to be too expensive to build, though, although its intentions fit with today’s hybrids and electric vehicles.Nissan Pivo The main appeal of the Pivo came through its rotating cabin, which could turn by 360 degrees, meaning that the vehicle itself had no reverse gears. Intended as a city car that could reduce accidents, the pod style cabin remains an intriguing design idea for future cars.Cadillac World Thorium A nuclear powered car notable for having a front grill wider than the length of its body, and 16 wheels, the Thorium was predicted to last for a century without any maintenance.Airflow Glass Car Pierre Sabas designed this concept, which wraps an electric engine in glass, lowering the car’s suspension and allowing for four capsules to act as passenger seats. The Airflow Glass Car was intended to demonstrate the potential for a more aerodynamic design.The Stackable Car This concept involved adapting the idea of trolleys and bikes being ‘stacked’ in public for rental; small cars with omnidirectional movement, and no engine block or drive shaft (the motors were in the wheels) could be picked up and driven short distances.Bentley SenseS A futuristic concept from designer Arturo Peralta, the Bentley SenseS was used to promote biotechnology, whereby the car is uniquely linked to your own mood and biorhythms, presumably to encourage responses to speed and handling. The outside of the vehicle was pitched around using solid hologram technology.Lexus LF-LC The most believable of these concepts, the Lexus LF-LC concept is built by the Takumi (or “artisan”) master designers ensuring the sharpest eye for detail. The LF-LC’s leading concept appears to be, however, its next-generation hybrid technology which produces up to 500hp. Not your average Lexus, and a certainly not any cheaper than buying them used!
GM Hy-Wire A vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells and by-wire technology, the GM Hy-Wire concept included a transparent glass front and rear panels, no hood, and open seat backs, allowing people to see into the workings of the vehicle’s engine.
Only choose superior car detailing supplies to keep your car's interior and exterior like new. There are plenty of decent quality waxes and polishes on the market today and if the last time you waxed or polished your car was over a decade ago, things have changed considerably since then. The wax and polish compounds are far more sophisticated both in terms of protection from fading, the look of the finish, and the ease of application. For example Turtle Wax Ice gets rid of that old problem of white wax residue. Is a clean car a vanity thing? Partly, yes, but if you park under a tree where birds help repaint your car with recycled blueberries, that guck will come off a lot easier if it falls on a waxed paint job.
Tip: If you find a bird has pooped on your car, wash it off as quick as you can. There are compounds in bird waste that can damage most car paint jobs. If you leave it in the sun and the poop bakes on, you could end up with a dull spot in the paint.
Also: If you want to show your support for a cause, car magnets are better than bumper stickers. They don't damage the paint and are easy to move around and ultimately remove when the fad has passed.
Before you pack your car and hit the road for your driving trip, you can conduct a pre-vehicle inspection to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down miles away from home. A pre-trip vehicle check can determine how road-ready your vehicle is so you can take steps to have the problems fixed before your road trip. Having a thorough inspection done on your car will give you peace of mind as you travel and help make your journey safer. Here is a pre-trip vehicle check to follow: - Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
- Check the brake system and make sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.
- Check filters and fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. Dirty air filters can waste gas and cause the engine to lose power.
- Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
- Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
- Check that the gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.
The 2014 Toyota 4Runner appears to be getting a styling refresh that is as out of the ordinary for Toyota as the venue at which it will be debuting. Launching on April 27 at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, CA, the 2014 4Runner looks to be getting more of an in-your-face design. Toyota says this marks the first time it has ever revealed a new product at a music festival.The new headlights break from the rectangular shape present on the current model for an edgy, scalloped shape. Below the headlights are vertical air inlets – looking quite similar to the 2014 Subaru Forester XT – but it isn't clear if all models will get these or just special trim levels. The other image Toyota released was of the smoked, LED taillight.As the presenting sponsor of the music festival, Toyota will have legendary off-road driver Ivan "Ironman" Stewart at the show as well as an off-road driving course for people to drive the automaker's trucks and SUVs.
The following is a press release giving some additional information about both the 2014 4Runner and the Stagecoach Music Festival:
2013 Stagecoach Country Music Festival Sets the Stage for 2014 Toyota 4Runner Reveal
- First-ever Toyota Global Automotive Reveal at a Major Music Festival
- Exclusive Musical Performance by Multi-Platinum Country Music Star Dierks Bentley
- 'World of Wonders' Circus-themed Fan Experience, Ride & Drive and Campground Activities
TORRANCE, Calif., April 18, 2013 - - Toyota will stage the world debut of the redesigned 2014 4Runner mid-size SUV on Saturday, April 27 at 1:15 p.m. PDT at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, Calif., near Palm Springs. The event marks the automaker's first-ever public reveal at a major music festival.
The Toyota 4Runner, now in its fifth generation, has been in the Toyota SUV lineup for nearly three decades and continues to be one of the few fully capable SUVs available in its segment. The 4Runner combines rugged body-on-frame construction with suspension technology that yields ride comfort more often associated with car-based platforms. 4Runner is available in a variety of configurations and in three models: a well-equipped SR5, top-of-the-line Limited, plus a Trail grade for amazing off-road capability.
Returning for its seventh year as presenting sponsor of Stagecoach, California's premier country music festival, Toyota will kick off the three-day event with vintage circus-themed fan experiences followed by the unveiling of the 2014 4Runner. The reveal takes place on a unique Toyota stage and will be hosted by SiriusXM™ radio personality, Buzz Brainard with a very special performance by chart-topping country recording artist, Dierks Bentley.
As part of the reveal celebration, Toyota invites fans to enter a sweepstakes from April 25-29 for a chance to win one of six guitars autographed by Dierks Bentley. Information and official rules can be found on the Toyota USA Facebook page and at http://www.toyota.com/stagecoachsweepstakes/terms.html.
Toyota World of Wonders
In addition to the 4Runner festivities, Toyota will host the World of Wonders, a whimsical atmosphere of carnival curiosities where music fans can take a break from the desert sun. On-site activities include:
Camry Claw – A custom-built Camry with an arcade-style claw machine operated through the sunroof offers a chance at fun prizes.
RAV4 Palm Reader – Guests can get a glimpse into the future and find out if their wishes will be granted.
Tacoma Charging Station – A rapid-charging station will be available for guests to recharge their mobile devices.
Tundra Strongman – Guests can see how their strength measures up to Toyota's full-size pickup truck.
Carnival Arcade – This retro-styled game zone is outfitted with a ring toss and milk jug throw.
Cooling Zone – Music fans can lounge under misters in an attempt to beat the heat.
Big Top Photo Booth – Guests can accessorize themselves with circus-themed props for a personalized photo opportunity.
Toyota World of Wonders will also feature hourly line dancing lessons, temporary tattoo parlor and leather accessory creation station. Off-road racing legend Ivan "Ironman" Stewart will also be on hand to greet fans, sign autographs and provide driving demos throughout the weekend. Stagecoach commemorative silkscreen posters and cooling bandanas will also be available while supplies last. Toyota World of Wonders activities will operate Friday through Sunday from noon until 8:00 p.m. PDT unless otherwise specified.
Toyota Drive Center
For those eager for a little more driving excitement, the Toyota Drive Center will offer a nearly 132,000 square-foot off-road course located in Lot 6C. Participants will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the current generation 4Runner, Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia and FJ Cruiser models to experience the vehicles' dynamic handling and Toyota's commitment to quality, durability and reliability. For each guest who participates, Toyota will make a contribution to one of three partner charities: American Red Cross, AMVETS and National Park Foundation. Participants can also enter for a chance to win a Weber® grill.
The Toyota Drive Center will be open Friday through Sunday from noon to 7:00 p.m. PDT. Guests with a valid driver's license can register to participate in the Toyota World of Wonders tent.
The Toyota Hangout
Toyota will bring the fun into the Stagecoach campground, with more activities and giveaways for festival goers at the Toyota Hangout. For a limited time, campers can enjoy complimentary breakfast burritos, Stagecoach RV flags, a bean bag battle tournament and a Tundra Endeavour display. Ivan Stewart will hold an autograph session in the Toyota Hangout on Sunday, April 28 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Toyota will also host the Stagecoach Campground Contest to reward the festival's most creative campers.
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