Toyota Sienna, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

Toyota Sienna, 2011

Third-generation Toyota Sienna minivan at a media conference at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto show. The Toyota Sienna is well known as a transportation solution for moving people and cargo comfortably and efficiently. The third-generation Toyota Sienna will look and drive more like a sedan, conform to new ideas about personal comfort, easily accommodate cargo, and handle big loads.

The 2011 Sienna has been reinvented to handle these needs as it shifts to a more expressive and dynamic vehicle with a stronger profile, high shoulder character and responsive handling. With state-of the art features and rewarding driving dynamics, it is a vehicle that car-lovers will find satisfying to drive. Toyota Sienna will offer new models, including a sporty SE and a four-cylinder powertrain, as it continues to be the only offering in the segment with an all-wheel-drive option.

"The all-new Toyota Sienna is an example of Toyota's commitment to lead the marketplace as it anticipates consumers' needs and changes in lifestyle," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. The third-generation Sienna combines a contemporary style with features not previously seen in a minivan, and a fun-to-drive spirit that will surprise many, along with the flexibility, spaciousness and features that have defined the segment.

Visually Intriguing
The Toyota Sienna will come in five conveniently configured grades, all sharing a distinctly new visual direction and features. The third-generation Toyota Sienna explores a more modernly advanced and bold design. The sportier profile is complemented with distinctive window shapes. Working closely with engineering, Toyota Sienna designers were able to create a high and wide shoulder to embed a deliberately hidden door slider within the window graphic.

The strong high shoulder and distinct fender flares visually emphasize the wheels. Dimensionally, the new Toyota Sienna rides on the same wheelbase as the prior generation, but it is wider and slightly shorter overall.
In the front is a bold face design. Sophisticated headlamps angled higher than the grille lends a confident front presence. The sculptural rear corner separates the Toyota Sienna from boxy minivans as it surrounds the functional yet elegant LED taillights.

The interior features upscale quality and elegance, yet every element are logical and functional. The distinctive swept shape of the IP creates the perception of increased personal space for both driver and passenger. Careful attention to the details adds extra value to each component. Sleek seat designs add flexibility and roominess while central climate and audio controls are integrated into a single graphic element.
Overall, the new Sienna has a sportier, classier appearance. A Cd of 0.306 is the result of careful design work and is a contributing factor in maintaining a quiet cabin and providing excellent fuel economy.
 

ThePower, Plus Efficiency
A choice of two responsive DOHC engines will be available: a 3.5-liter V6 or 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. Both engines offer the latest in efficient, lightweight technology, including Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), roller rocker arms and an Acoustically Controlled Induction System (ACIS) that changes the length of the air-intake pipe to supply more torque on demand.

The 3.5-liter V6 makes 266 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, with expected EPA-estimated mileage ratings of 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway (16 mpg city/22 mpg highway on AWD models). It also has a 3,500-pound tow capacity. With 187 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine produces responsive power that exceeds some competitors V6 performance, while delivering expected EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Both engines are matched with state-of-the-art, electronically controlled six-speed transmissions with sequential shift that provide smooth gear-shift feeling, quiet performance and a lightweight, compact size.

The suspension uses front MacPherson struts, combined with rack-and pinion steering for smooth, linear steering feel. Electronic Power Steering (EPS) delivers a more solid direct on-road feel. With a wider stance, the new Toyota Sienna has a more direct steering feel. Under-body aero parts also contribute to dynamic performance.

Models and Features
The Toyota Sienna will come in five grades: Sienna grade, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. All-wheel-drive is available with the V6 on LE, XLE and Limited models.

With five distinct model choices, the new Toyota Sienna can be tailored to a wide range of purposes and pocketbooks. The Toyota Sienna can be configured with seven- or eight-passenger seating, in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, with a range of prices and features to accommodate different mixes of practical needs and high aspirations.

The Toyota Sienna and LE grades are available with either the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or the 3.5-liter V6. The value-driven Toyota Sienna grade and popular LE are equipped with an array of standard features that include: cruise control, Daytime Running Lights with manual on/off feature, tri-zone air conditioning, six- or eight-way-adjustable driver's captain's chair, power windows with auto up/down and jam protection, AM/FM CD player with four speakers, XM compatibility, auxiliary jack, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and three 12V outlets, among other amenities. The Star Safety SystemTM, which includes Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Traction Control (TRAC), is standard on all models.

Mitsubishi Concept-cX

The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX is a compact car that creates a new SUV/sports hatchback crossover category; a crossover that stirs a sense of adventure to "cut a swathe" through the hustle and bustle of urban life. The design gives the exterior a purposeful and functional form using a dynamic wedge shape and large tires. The front visage combines the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille that defines the new Mitsubishi Motors design identity and tailors this to the car's crossover pedigree to project an appearance that is aggressive and powerful. The interior uses a modern and sporty design that engenders a sense of expectation about the car's performance and melds this with a high level of comfort. By visually accenting the strength of the underlying frame structure and through the contrasting use of soft padding, the design creates an interior space that wraps its occupants in a protective and comfortable cocoon. The concept car uses a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8-liter clean diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) with diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system for compliance with Europe's Euro 5 emission standards. The power unit is mated to Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) which delivers superior power transmission efficiency in a powertrain that realizes zippy performance with excellent fuel economy and low emissions. The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX 's 4100 mm compact body makes for easy maneuverability around town and the high driving position improves visibility and brings the easy drivability expected of a SUV. Utility is enhanced with the split tailgate already well received on the Outlander for the way it facilitates loading and unloading of luggage. In the performance department, Concept-cX also uses Mitsubishi's electronically-controlled 4WD system and large 225/45R19 tires to deliver outstanding handling performance and stability both on tarmac and off-road.

Mitsubishi L200 Club Cab

Mitsubishi L200 - The right pickup for Europe The L200 belongs to the line of authentic 4x4s that established the Mitsubishi Motors name in Europe. It is no surprise then that it owes much of its design inspiration to the most stunning of all, the 2002 Pajero Evo 2+2 concept / Pajero Evolution racer. This approach already gave birth to New Colt (from the 2001 CZ2 concept), to Grandis (from both the 2001 CZ3 Tarmac and Space Liner concepts) or to "i" (from the 2003 "i" concept), as it will lead to an all-new 2007 C-segment sedan (from the 2005 Concept-Sportback). The L200´s nearly identical sharp lines, Mitsubishi "Mount Fuji" grille and firm stance remains clearly visible, but adapted to production, regulations and real-life driving conditions. Such is the reason for a more rounded edge of the bonnet in order to provide L200´s driver with an unobstructed view of the road. It also contributes to L200´s lowest Cd in its segment (0.46 to 0.51 according to versions, vs. 0.58 for the current L200) for lower fuel consumption and lower wind noise level. With 30% of current L200 owners mentioning design as their first reason for purchase, MMC designers also approached the pickup concept with fresh eyes. Even more than with the outgoing truck, they turned the bed into a bold styling feature, fully integrated in the overall design theme - instead of a mere box - through a dramatic body/bed split line, matching the curved window line. he driving machine Whilst L200´s dimensions (500 cm x 180 cm for Double Cab) are well suited to a European environment (narrower roads, crowded cities, tight parking), Mitsubishi Motors´ new truck will prove a comfortable place to sit in for its occupants with for instance, the longest cabin length of the segment (215,3 cm / Double Cab for instance). Consistent with this approach, L200´s drivers will appreciate, amongst other: * the 5.9 m class-leading turning circle, * the fast panoramic windshield positioned away from the instrument panel, for a more relaxing cab forward-like driving position, * the good all-around visibility provided by this windshield and by a low beltline, * the no non-sense transfer case lever (with shift-on-the-fly capabilities), as opposed to the currently fashionable rotating switch. On the move, the new L200 will also add a high level of active safety to the one-tonne pickup equation, with: * Active stability & traction control systems with ABS, * Pajero-like full-time "Super Select" 4-wheel drive system, a feature unique in this segment, which allows the driver to drive in 4wheel drive in all circumstances w/o being confronted with excessive wear. * New double A-arm independent front suspension with coil springs, for better on/off road stability. In parallel, the new L200 will offer a more powerful - and now with Direct injection and Common Rail technologies - 2.5 Diesel engine: * With 100kW / 136 ps @ 4,000 rpm, 314 Nm @ 2,000 rpm and a competitive 13.8kg/ps weight/power ratio it will offer a level of performance right at the heart of the segment. * It will also be the only Euro-4 compliant Diesel engine in its class, either mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox or to an electronically controlled 4-speed gearbox. * Its target fuel consumption is set to be the lowest in the segment, * Lastly, its service interval is now every 20,000 km.