Toyota unveiled the FT-1, a concept sports car that harkens back to the Supra it made in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
The reveal came a year after General Motors
drew rave reviews for the seventh generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, which won 2014 North American Car of the Year, and could tap into a renaissance of high-performance sports cars at the U.S. economy finally gains traction.
Although the Supra isn’t being revived in name — as was rumored among auto enthusiasts — the Japanese automaker is reviving the Supra in spirit.
Calling the grand coupe the Toyota FT-1, the automaker said the vehicle — designed by Americans in Toyota’s Calty Design Research studios — stands for “Future Toyota.”
Calty President Kevin Hunter called the FT-1 “the ultimate, world-class sports car,” saying it signaled a pivot in strategy away from “consensus”-driven design.
The concept version could portend the arrival of a production model that would inject a dose of fresh energy into Toyota’s staid design image — a stated goal of President Akio Toyoda.
The company did not say whether it would build the concept, but it did announce that enthusiasts can drive the car virtually. It will be available as a downloadable vehicle for PlayStation3’s Gran Turismo 6 real driving simulator on Tuesday. The car, the company said, was created digitally to demonstrate what a production FT-1 could achieve.
Alex Shen, a chief designer who also was on hand for the announcement, pointed out some of the design features: wind-swept curves, deep intakes, sling-shot cockpit, steering wheel controls — and a glass window in the hood to show off the car’s engineering.
The car also has a pointy nose, an allusion, perhaps to a Formula One car.It
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■ Related: Chevy Corvette, Silverado named North American Car and Truck of the Year
“This is a symbol of Toyota’s design future,” Hunter said. “This is the kind of project we dream of working on.”
Toyota’s press conference at the North American International Auto Show channeled the same energy embodied in the Supra about 15 years after Toyota stopped producing it.
As journalists awaited the press conference, a giant box was hanging from the ceiling.
When the event began, the box dropped slowly to the floor — and several people in “Star Wars” storm trooper outfits rushed onto the stage to “open” the box.
They immediately encountered a hiccup. The box wouldn’t open right away. A technical assistant rushed to the stage and helped pry the box open.
The FT-1 concept emerged from its shell, sporting a dramatic rear spoiler and sweeping drop-off from windshield to hood.
“The goal is simple but profound: develop a future generation of products that connect on an emotional level,” Hunter said.
Toyota plans to introduce eight completely new or updated models this year and expects to sell 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S., or about 100,000 more than it sold in 2013.
Via Detroit Free Press
Top Eight Check Engine Light Issues
According to CarMD’s 2013 Vehicle Health Index, the cost for car repairs has increased 10 percent this year. Putting off car repairs is a bad idea because unfixed problems often lead to repairs that are more expensive. If the check engine light comes on in your car, take the car to a qualified mechanic immediately. Here are the top eight most frequent reasons for the check engine light activation.
1. Oxygen sensor failing
Oxygen sensors keep engines performing at peak efficiency levels, and they manage emissions. O2 sensors monitor gasses leaving the engine. Engines need exact ratios of fuel and air for the most efficient operation. Malfunctions can drop your fuel economy by up to 40 percent. Engine performance is also negatively affected.
2. Ignition coil problems
Ignition coils take electric current from the battery and ignite the spark plugs. Without properly functioning coils and spark plugs, the electric current powering your car’s engine are disrupted. All the parts in the car’s electrical system take a lot of wear and tear from the electricity passing through them.
3. Spark plugs and spark plug wires
Along with the ignition coils, spark plugs and wires are critical components of the vehicle electrical system. Symptoms of problems with plugs and wires include rough engine idling, engine misses or pings, erratic engine power including power losses and power surges. When engines misfire, fuel economy drops. Ignoring spark plug and plug wire problems can permanently damage the car’s catalytic converter, leading to very expensive repairs.
4. Mass airflow sensor malfunctions
The mass airflow sensor, or MAF, measures the air coming into the engine and calculating how much fuel to add to the mix. This data goes to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Without correct information from the MAF, the ECU cannot correctly balance or deliver the right amount of fuel to your engine. The result is very poor engine performance and 10 to 25 percent decreases in fuel efficiency. Replace this critical component immediately if it begins to fail.
5. Faulty vacuum hose or evaporative emission control system
The evaporative emission control system (EVAP) of a car keeps gasoline vapors from the fuel system and gas tank from release into the air. Leaking vacuum hoses and vents, defective valves and faulty gas caps all contribute to EVAP system problems.
6. Exhaust gas recirculation valve and ports are dirty
The exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) controls your car’s emissions and helps cars run more efficiently. Rough idling, engine hesitation and misfires can indicate an EGR problem. Worsening performance and fuel economy often result from EGR problems. Often the components of the EGR system are dirty or clogged.
7. Catalytic converter failures
Catalytic converters are often the most expensive mechanical repairs made to vehicles. As a part of the exhaust system, it converts dangerous chemicals in car exhaust into less harmful compounds to release into the air. Catalytic converters should last for the lifetime of the car. Most problems with catalytic converters come from underlying problems such as those that occur with bad spark plugs or ignition coil problems.
8. Dead battery and charging system problems
Most cars have computer systems that monitor voltage in the electrical and battery systems. The computers activate the check engine light when anything appears amiss in the charging system of the car. High temperatures in the engine compartment contribute to rapid aging of batteries.
Ardmore Toyota Technology Genius Team available to help with all your Toyota’s Technology Needs
Max Paul’s Ardmore Toyota has a tremendous Technology team and the best news of all is they will help you with all your Toyota Technology questions even if you purchased your Toyota elsewhere. Questions about Entune App Suite, Safety Connect, Navigation, Bluetooth are all fair game for the team of Technology Geniuses at Ardmore Toyota. Click here to learn more about the Technology Genius Team: https://www.ardmoretoyota.com/technology_genius.html
On Monday December 2nd, 2013, Radnor High School students were greeted by a smashed car outside the school’s main entrance to reinforce the dangers of distracted driving during the school’s Driver Safety Week, Monday, Dec. 2 through Friday, Dec. 6. The damaged vehicle, which was involved in an actual “using a cell phone while driving accident,” was loaned to the Radnor Police Department by Ardmore Toyota and will be displayed throughout Radnor Township over the next three weeks to promote safe driving.
Max Paul’s Ardmore Toyota (along with Ardmore Auto Body, Paul Bros, Auto Body & Central City Toyota) participated in a Press Conference outside of Radnor High School. The Press Conference was attended by members of the Radnor School District (Dean of Students Brett Thomas), Radnor Township (Elaine Schaefer, President of Radnor Township Board of Commissioners), and Radnor Police Department (Lt. Chris Flanagan). Ardmore Toyota was represented by Ryan Pesin.
Here is the story from the December 3rd Edition of the Delco Times: http://www.delcotimes.com/general-news/20131203/radnor-high-students-get-stark-reminder-of-dangers-of-texting-driving
Prius Tops All Cars on Value
If you’re looking for the car that is considered the best overall value among all models, Consumer Reports says look no further than the Toyota Prius, The Detroit News reports today. Consumer Reports awarded the Best New-Car Value honor to Prius for the second straight year and lauds it as having “outstanding reliability and the lowest estimated five-year ownership costs at 47 cents per mile.”
The automaker also has top models in three of the 10 categories on the best-value list. In addition to taking the top overall ranking, Prius took first place in the compact/subcompact category. The Avalon Hybrid Limited scored highest among large cars.
Ardmore Toyota Living Beyond Breast Cancer
On Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 Ardmore Toyota & Central City Toyota made a donation to the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Foundation in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Located just down the street from Ardmore Toyota on Lancaster Ave. in Haverford. Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) is dedicated to assisting people, whether they are newly diagnosed, in treatment, recently completed treatment, are years beyond or are living with metastatic breast cancer. They are also there for the family members, caregivers, friends and healthcare providers to provide breast cancer information and support. Want to donate to LBBC? Click Here: http://www.lbbc.org/Donate Thank you to Jean, Sandy, Brittaney and the entire staff at LBBC.
Toyota Earns Best Brand Award and Six Category Honors from Kelly Blue Book’s 2014 Best Resale Value Awards
Kelly Blue Book’s editors awarded Toyota the 2014 Best Brand prize as part of the online publication’s (www.kbb.com) 2014 Best Resale Value Awards. These awards recognize vehicles that show less depreciation during the first 5 years of ownership, and thus can represent wiser financial choices for consumer purchase. Based on Kelly Blue Book’s calculations, on average, a 2014 vehicle will lose 39.7% of its value after five years. The Kelly Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize overall brand value and model-year vehicle category winners. In helping Toyota garner top honors with the 2014 Best Brand award, Toyota’s trucks made a strong showing while helping the brand earn awards in six vehicle-segment categories. Click here for the full story
MANNA Pie in the Sky Fundraiser
Ardmore Toyota & Central City Toyota helped as official pickup centers for the annual MANNA Pie in the Sky fundraiser November 26th and 27th, 2013.
Every pie sold through the Pie in the Sky fundraiser will allow MANNA to provide a client with a full Thanksgiving dinner for four people. As the largest fundraiser of the year, the goal of this event is to sell 8,000 pies and raise more than $200,000 for the organization.
Especially for people at acute nutritional risk due to life-threatening illness, MANNA prepares and delivers delicious nourishing meals and counsel, empowering individuals to battle illness and improve their quality of life.
We had over 200 pies picked up at our two dealerships.
Ardmore & Central City Toyota thank all the guests who picked up their pies at our dealerships.
Thanks for your support! Visit www.mannapa.org or www.mannapies.org for more information!
8 Toyota Models Win 2014 ALG Residual Value Awards
In Hollywood, they say it’s all about the residuals. If you own a Toyota, the same might be said for the car in your driveway. On the eve of Tinsel Town’s automotive event of the season, Toyota models were awarded 8 Residual Value Awards from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data.
Avalon – Fullsize Car
Prius C – Alternative Fuel Vehicle
Highlander – Midsize Utility Vehicle – 3-Row
Sequoia – Fullsize Utility Vehicle
FJ Cruiser – Off Road Utility Vehicle
Tacoma – Midsize Pickup
Land Cruiser – Premium Fullsize Utility Vehicle
Toyota Launches TeenDrive365 to Help Families Navigate One of the Most Dangerous Years of a Teen’s Life
The first year a teenager gets their driver’s license will be one of the most dangerous of their lives and while cars today are safer than ever, automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. On Monday November 18th, 2013, Toyota launched TeenDrive365 a driving safety platform to help families navigate the critical first year of a teen’s independent driving. Click Here to learn more.
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