2013 Toyota Avalon Confirms Hybrid

When we reported the unveiling of the 2013 Toyota Avalon in April (Check it out at http://newtoyotanews.blogspot.com/2012/04/2013-toyota-debuts-new-avalon-at-new.html), Toyota had not revealed powertrain details for it, leading many to speculate the original 268 hp 3.5 liter V-6 engine would carry over. There were also rumblings of the possibility of a Hybrid engine being in the works.

Well ladies and gentlemen; we can now report that Toyota has confirmed a hybrid version of the 2013 Avalon is scheduled for production, coming in the form of a 154-hp, 153-lb-ft 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 engine, capable of making the 2013 Avalon able to reach 140 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque combined.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid’s fuel economy is EPA rated to reach 39/40 mpg city/highway and 40 mpg combined. The regular 3.5-liter V-6 engine gets 21/31 mpg city/highway and 25 mpg combined rating.

The engine will be powered by two electric motor-generators. One of the electric motor generators will start the gas engine and charge the batteries and the other functions as a traction motor and a regenerative braking unit. There is also a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack behind the rear seats. The combined output of the gas engine and electric motor has been rated at 200 hp.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon’s hybrid system will offer three hybrid modes: EV, ECO and Sport.

EV mode allows the vehicle to run exclusively on electric power for up to one mile at 25 mph or less under certain conditions. ECO mode improves the Avalon’s efficiency by reducing the gas engine’s throttle response and HVAC output. Finally, Sport mode enhances the Avalon’s throttle response and steering feel.

Those interested in buying a 2013 Toyota Avalon will have the choice between a 3.5-liter V-6 and the hybrid drivetrains when the car goes on sale later this year.

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What Would YOU Do?

Let’s face it; most contests that come up give you the feeling of “well this is a scam”. However every once in a while, as seen by the huge Mega Millions pot that hit Maryland this year, a contest comes up that makes you say: “You know? I actually have a chance!”

Well ladies and gentlemen this summer Jerry’s Auto Group created a contest that will make you feel just that. Starting June 1^st and running until Labor Day (September 3^rd) Jerry’s is hiding keys in their primary market area and giving clues as to their location. Those who find the winning keys are then entered to win at a wrap up event hosted by Jerry’s Auto Group (For more info on the contest visit http://newtoyotanews.blogspot.com/2012/05/jerrys-auto-group-announces-car-give.html)

The two cars that are available to win are the 2012 Scion iQ and the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, which made us start thinking: If we were to win these cars what we would do with them? The following ideas came to mind.

Try The Scion iQ’s Turning Radius and Parallel Parking Skills

We have all seen the commercials for the Scion iQ showing off its impressive turning radius as well as its ability to be parked in virtually any parking spot. (if you haven’t seen this check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFg5xPmrCv4&feature=relmfu and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-dxD_ygD9Y )



The first thing I would do is find an empty lot and show off my iQ’s turning radius to my friends. The Scion iQ has a turning radius of 12 feet, making it possible to complete even the tightest turns. Another test for this radius would be performed during U-Turn attempts at tight interceptions. Something tells us that the iQ will be able to pull a U-turn in even the tightest intersections.

After showing off the iQ’s impressive turning radius I would move directly into attempting to recreate the parallel park job seen at the commercial (though seeing as I am not a trained driver I would be going much slower, and the two cars would be cones….I don’t want to ruin my baby ).

The one terrible thing about living in Baltimore will actually come in the handiest for the parallel park job test. As we all know finding street parking in the Baltimore area is almost impossible. Hate when you drive by a spot that you know you would fit in had the person there parked 5 inches forward? Well with the Scion iQ you don’t have to worry about that. The 2012 Scion iQ is about 120 inches long, making it easy to fit in all of those hard to park areas. Look out Baltimore parking, prepare to be defeated.

Take the Sonic on a romantic road trip!

A few weeks ago I made a post via social media asking our followers what they would do if they won a car and one answer really stood out to me. One person said that they had always wanted to be able to take a road trip across the 50 states in the U.S, and that is a dream that I have shared for many years.

 

Now realistically speaking we are aware that the Chevy Sonic will not be ideal for a full family road trip, so instead we came up with a better idea: A romantic getaway for our significant others!

If you are, or have been, in a relationship you know that every couple dreams of that romantic getaway, away from work, stress and everything else that makes vacations necessary. Many couples hope for it, and most are never able to fulfill their dream due to lack of funds, unreliable vehicles, etc. However, winning a brand new car takes the stress of wondering whether your car will break down on the side of the road out of your dream vacation.

The 2012 Chevy Sonic is the perfect vehicle for a romantic getaway.  It is comfortable, it is spacious and the 1.8-liter model with the automatic transmission can get 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined. 35 MPG Highway means you will save your money at the pump so you can spend it on your sweetheart; it is a win-win if I ever saw one.

Another reason why this would be the perfect road trip vehicle is because the 2012 Chevy Sonic is simply a fun car to drive! It offers light steering and it quickly reacts during turns. It even drives well on trails, making this a fun car to take to your getaway, wherever it may be.

Turn garage into entertainment center

While this is one that doesn’t specifically relate to what you would do with the car, it does relate to what having the car can do for you!

Take a look at the size of a one car garage and compare it to the diminutive size of the 2012 Scion iQ; Catch my drift?

The Scion iQ is so tiny (its only about 120 inches long) that it offers its owner the ability to use that garage for something better and more entertaining. This could be a perfect place to create your “man cave”, a good work area or even your own personal work out zone.

If I had my dream garage it would have the following.

1)    Big Screen T.V (Flat screen to save room ;o))

2)    Man Couch or Recliner Man Chair

3)    Video game system (PS3 or Xbox 360) to use for entertainment, DVD play and Netflix direct stream purposes.

4)    My Scion iQ

See? Entertainment made easy!

Cruise Europe with the iQ

If anybody has been to Europe you know that European streets were not made for most average sized vehicles to go in. After reading how our friends at Google used the Scion iQ to cruise the streets of Belgium (find it at http://blog.autoshopper.com/articles/3409/Google-Uses-Toyota-iQ-For-Street-View-On-Narrow-Belgian-Roads/) I figured, why not fulfill a lifelong fantasy of traveling the old continent?

The Scion iQ would be the perfect car to travel around in Europe. It is fuel efficient, It’s easy to maneuver in Europe’s busy streets and it is the perfect size to make it anywhere. If I could choose one car to have during a European road trip, this would certainly be it!

So What Would YOU Do?

So now that you have read my ideas I would like to hear from you. What would you do if you won a 2012 Chevy sonic or a 2012 Scion iQ?

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JERRY’S AUTO GROUP ANNOUNCES CAR GIVE AWAY

Teams with Make-A-Wish Foundation to Make a Marylander’s Dream Come True

Baltimore, MD- May 30, 2012- On Monday May 28^th, 2012 Jerry’s Auto Group announced plans to hold a contest where the winner will win a brand new vehicle. The beneficiary of this promotion is the Make-A-Wish foundation in Maryland. 

When reached for comment, Dave Warder, General Manager of Jerry’s Auto Group stated: “This is a unique opportunity for us at Jerry’s Auto Group to give back to the Maryland community. Our motto at Jerry’s is ‘It’s About You’ and this contest is just about that, our faithful customer base.”

Every day this summer, from June 1st through Labor Day (September 3^rd), Jerry’s Auto Group will hide a key in their Primary Market Area.  Once hidden, Jerry’s Auto Group will release clues to win that day’s key every hour, from 8am to 1pm, on their group website, JerrysItsAboutYou.com. The clues will also be given to each store’s Facebook Fans, Twitter Followers, and Google+ Circles.

In order to claim that day’ key, be the first to contact Jerry’s with the location of the Key found and the serial number.  Those who successfully claim that day’s key will be eligible to win a new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic or a new 2012 Scion iQ. (Valued at $17,500 MSRP).

2012 Scion iQ



2012 Chevrolet Sonic



Instructions on how to claim a Key, that day’s clues, etc. will be found at JerrysItsAboutYou.com prior to June 1, 2012.

“We look forward to wrapping up the contest with a grand finale for our key winners”, said Warder.

Every Key winner will receive an invitation to Jerry’s Auto Group’s Annual Fall Car Show and Festival, which will be located at Jerry’s Chevrolet, on Sunday September 16^th. There, key winners will trade their Jerry’s key for real ones. The key that successfully starts a vehicle will be the winner.

Dave Warder has been employed by Jerry’s Auto Group for over 33 years.

Jerry’s Auto Group operates Jerry’s Toyota, Mitsubishi, Scion and Chevrolet, all located in the Towson/Baltimore area. 

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Toyota Supra Successor in the Works Could Be a Hybrid

We have heard rumblings on this before, but once again the idea of a successor to the Supra has hit the news, and it looks like this time it will come into fruition.  

The original concept of a Supra successor was created in 2007 and was named the FT-HS. After a tough economic downturn in 2008 Toyota was forced to scrap the project, until now.

With the releases of the Lexus LFA Supercar and the Scion FR-S (based on the popular 80’s racing vehicle the Toyota AE86), the timing couldn’t be more perfect for Toyota to release its own sports vehicle.

The new Supra is expected to feature a mid-engine, all-wheel-drive architecture and it is  rumored that it will feature a 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid system that would receive some high-performance tuning to make it capable of generating over 400 horsepower. The way the vehicle will work is that the V-6 will power the rear wheels of the car, while in-wheel electric motors generate power to the front wheels. The engine will feature a CVT transmission similar to the new Lexus RX.

There is no clear word on what the Supra’s design will look like, however it will use the GRMN MRS (Gazoo Racing Meister of Nurburgring) prototype chassis, named after car developer Hiromu Naruse, which has been tested at Fuji Speedway.

While there has been no official approval from the higher-ups at Toyota, it has been speculated that this new Supra could see a release day in 2015. Pricing for this vehicle can only be speculated now, however it is expected to be placed over the Scion FR-S and it is likely to command about $60,000.

Stay tuned for more information on the possible return of the Supra!

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Toyota Working on Mood Sensing Vehicles

So you had a long day huh?

If you take the time to look around at the other drivers on the road during your morning/afternoon commute you will see many different types of drivers. A common driver you might find in your morning commute is the one that is barely awake as he drives to work. On your afternoon commute you are more likely to find the angry road rage driver.

Both of these drivers can be bad news right? Well thanks to Toyota’s technological advancements we might soon be behind the wheel of vehicles capable of knowing if we are having a bad day or are falling asleep at the wheel.

Details of this technology were first revealed in 2006. Since then the idea has been built into a working vehicle capable of identifying the emotional state of a driver and react if needed.

Some of the actions the system can take include producing more safety reminders if the driver seems distracted or even directly controlling a vehicle by braking or steering to avoid an obstacle.

For example, angry drivers could be warned about potential hazards such as a pedestrian crossing the road much sooner than a calm driver. On top of that, the vehicle’s system is able to tell what direction the driver is facing in order to warn him/her of potential hazards located in the opposite direction that the driver is facing.

How Does it Work?

The technology behind these super smart cars works by using sensors that take readings from 238 different points all over the driver’s face and uses them to calculate his/her emotion. The benefits to these sensors is that the reading mechanism will work even if a driver’s face is partially covered, such as when wearing sunglasses.

At this point the technology is being perfected so that it can recognize what a driver is doing. The vehicle will be able to sense times where the driver is looking at their phone or controlling the radio and then offer to help so he or she can stay focused on the road.

As of this writing the technology is still in its early stages, however we could see aspects of it in Toyota’s cars in about six years.

Stay tuned.

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Toyota Announces Pricing for Baja Series Tacoma

Do you love off-roading as much as we do? If so you will be happy to read that Toyota Motor Inc. has announced pricing for the TRD T/X Baja Series package for the Tacoma pickup truck. The off-road package will add $5,015 to the sticker price of a four-wheel-drive Toyota Tacoma, bringing the price to $33,800 (after the $650 factory credit and including shipping charges)

The Baja Series Package can be ordered on both the Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4x4 models equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package.

The Baja Series package adds the following features to your Tacoma:

A 4.0-liter V-6 engine with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, traction and hill control systems.

Performance upgrades for the package includes a TRD exhaust system, raised suspension sitting on Bilstein shocks and TRD coil springs, and BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16).

On top of these features the TRD T/X Baja Series package increases  the Tacoma’ s front ride height by nearly two inches and adds bead-lock style off-road wheels for a better off-road experience.

The Baja Series was co-developed with Toyota Racing Development (TRD), The automakers motorsports and performance division. It gets its name from Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, where the grueling Baja 500 and 1000 desert off-road races are held. Toyota has a long history with these races, earning numerous titles at the Baja 500 and the Baja 1000.

The Tacoma received an upgrade for 2012, offering buyers a restyled front end that included a new hood, grille and headlights. The Tacoma also received some interior redesigns.  For more information on the redesigned 2012 Tacoma go to http://newtoyotanews.blogspot.com/2012/02/2012-toyota-tacoma.html

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Toyota Venza Will See Redesign for 2013 Model

I’m sure you have heard the saying “if the shoe fits, wear it”. While Toyota could have followed that saying with the Toyota Venza, it's a popular model with no major bugs or problems; they decided to give us a refreshed and slightly re-designed Venza for the 2013 Model year. The new Toyota Venza was introduced at the New York Auto Show. It will go on sale in late May of this year.

One careful look at the re-designed Venza’s exterior and you will notice a new set of freshened fog lamps and a redesigned front grille. Take a look at the back and you will notice restyled rear lights. Under the hood, the Venza will have the same engines from last year carried over, offering a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6, depending on trim level. The 2013 Veneza will be equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The 2013 Venza will offer three new colors as available choices: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl and Cosmic Gray Mica.

Inside the car the interior will look very similar to previous models, with the exception of new available interior colors (black leather or black cloth upholstery) and new buttons on the steering wheel. One great plus for the 2013 Venza’s interior is that there are more standard features on the LE trim than before. The LE Trim now offers a blind spot mirror, puddle lamps, an eight-way power-operated driver's seat, tilt/telescope steering wheel, and more. The Limited trim receives LED running lights and a premium navigation system with Toyota’s Entune connectivity available. Most of the new features are offered across the model range at an additional cost.

Toyota’s Complete Press Release is Available Below.

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Toyota Venza Adds Significant Updates for 2013 Model Year

The Toyota Venza crossover now offers enhanced exterior styling, added value through several new standard convenience features and updated option packages that include the Entune™ multi-media system for 2013 model year.

Venza's aerodynamic shape has been tastefully modified with a new upper and lower grille, fog lamps and rear taillights. The updated styling is complemented by a new 19-inch wheel design and three new exterior colors: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica.

The 2013 Venza is available in LE, XLE and Limited grades. The LE and XLE models are available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD); the Venza Limited is powered by the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Value has been enhanced and ordering simplified with the addition of many standard features in all three grades.

Venza was developed specifically for the North American market, appealing to customers who prioritize bold, innovative design, a luxurious and refined interior and excellent handling, but they still require roominess and versatility. Venza provides SUV flexibility with its fold-flat rear seats, spacious cargo area, elevated driver sightline, available AWD and up to 3,500-lbs. towing capacity.

The Venza design was the creation of Toyota's Calty Design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. Calty designers leaned toward a sleek crossover concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior, but they also included important SUV attributes, such as cargo space, towing capability and available all-wheel drive performance.

Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. And It is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky. More than 70 percent of Venza's components come from North American suppliers.

Performance and Efficiency
The 2013 Venza offers four-cylinder and V6 models in FWD and AWD versions. Venza's 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 181 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The four-cylinder Venza is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway for the FWD model and 20/25 for the AWD.

The 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway and 18/25 for the AWD. Both engines are teamed with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The six-speed ECT-i provides an engaging driving experience and helps optimize fuel economy. Uphill/downhill shift logic selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.

Venza's Active Torque Control AWD System optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to help ensure stable acceleration and smooth cornering on all road surfaces. AWD offers enhanced traction and helps provide excellent overall handling in inclement weather.

An available Towing Prep Package on V6 models equips Venza with an engine oil cooler, larger radiator fan and heavy-duty alternator.

Handling and Ride
Venza was designed with a lower center of gravity than typical SUVs to help provide dynamic handling, which is further enhanced by the large wheels and tires. The four-cylinder models ride on standard 19-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Distinctive 20-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are standard for the V6 model. Power-assisted, ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes are standard on all models.

Venza's body structure relies on high tensile-strength steel, gussets and cross members for its strength, rigidity and optimized weight. Front suspension consists of a rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar, and the rear suspension is a dual-link MacPherson strut setup with stabilizer bar. Electric power steering (EPS), with its ideally weighted steering effort, contributes to the Venza's spirited driving dynamics. EPS helps provide a more direct steering feel at both high and low speeds and delivers just-right assist when maneuvering the vehicle into tight parking spaces.

Safety
Toyota's STAR Safety System is standard on all Toyota models and features enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC) Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and the Smart Stop Technology (SST).

VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle's braking force at each wheel to help control loss of traction during cornering. TRAC helps maintain traction during challenging driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, Brake Assist supplements the applied braking power until the driver releases the pedal. Smart Stop offers an additional level of safety by automatically reducing engine power when a vehicle's brake and accelerator pedals are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions, helping to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), also standard on all Venza models, temporarily provides pressure to the brakes while the vehicle is stopped on an incline to help ensure easier starting with no rollback.

In addition, Venza provides seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, driver and front-passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Front seat-belt pretensioners retract the seat belt in a severe frontal collision, while the dual-stage force limiters help limit the seat-belt force applied to the driver's and front passenger's chests.

Driver and front-passenger seats employ active headrests. If the vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism will move the headrest upward and forward to help limit movement of the occupant's head.

Comfort and Convenience
Venza's generous utility includes several clever storage locations and lighting. The adjustable center console features a sliding cover and armrest, three iPod®/MP3 player holders with wire concealment features, and a large storage compartment.

The center-console compartment is also equipped with a USB port, auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power outlet. The upper portion of the center console houses the gearshift lever for easy and comfortable driver reach. An on/off switch on the overhead console enables front-seat occupants to operate all four personal overhead interior lights.

Interior storage is further complemented by a total of 10 front and rear beverage holders (six bottle holders and four cup holders). These include dual-illuminated, sliding front cup-holders in the center console, two in the rear-seat armrest, and front- and back-door bottle holders.

Entune Multi-Media System
The 2013 Venza now offers the Toyota Entune multimedia system. This system leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

Toyota Entune supports engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, and sports. Toyota Entune has a large selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iHeartRadio's 750+ stations, and Pandora's personalized music service.

The audio systems combined with Entune feature a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands.

An Abundance of Standard Features
The Venza LE grade comes well equipped with new standard features that include a blind spot mirror and outer mirror turn signals with puddle lamps. Additional key standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second-row-seat vents; eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar; 3.5-inch LCD multi-information display; a tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with integrated audio controls; an overhead console with map lights; rear-seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets.

The LE also comes standard with the Display Audio system, which includes a 6.1-inch touch screen, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, vehicle information, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

The available Convenience Package for the Venza LE adds a power liftgate and a rear back-up camera. The Preferred Package adds a panoramic glass roof with front power moonroof and Display Audio with Navigation and Entune.

The Venza XLE provides a major luxury and convenience upgrade to the vehicle and adds standard features such as leather-trimmed seating surfaces, steering wheel and shift knob; four-way power passenger seat; multi-stage heated front seats; driver seat memory; reverse tilt outer mirrors, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune; anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer; Smart Key System with Push Button Start and illuminated entry; power rear liftgate and a back-up camera. Also standard on the XLE is a TFT multi-information display that can be customized to adjust the font size and content, and navigation voice instructions available in Spanish, French or English (XM Traffic is only available in English).

Aside from powertrain choices, the XLE offers one major option the Premium Package, which includes a panoramic glass roof with front power moonroof, and Display Audio with Navigation , Entune and JBL®, that includes 6.1-inch Touch Screen, AM/FM CD Player with MP3/WMA Playback Capability, 13 JBL® Synthesis Speakers including Subwoofer, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio (Includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package), HD Radio™ withiTunes® Tagging, Auxiliary Audio Jack, USB Port with iPod® Connectivity and Control, Vehicle Information, Hands-Free Phone Capability, Phonebook Access, Advanced Voice Recognition, and Music Streaming Via Bluetooth® Wireless Technology.

The V6-only, top-of-line Venza Limited comes standard with the Premium HDD Navigation with Entune™ and JBL® multimedia system. The system features a seven-inch high resolution touch screen with split-screen capability, AM/FM CD Player with MP3/WMA Playback Capability, 13 JBL® Synthesis™ Speakers including Subwoofer, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capability (Includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package); HD Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging, Auxiliary Audio Jack, USB Port with iPod® Connectivity and Control, Vehicle Information, Hands-Free Phone Capability, Phonebook Access, Advanced Voice Recognition, and Music Streaming Via Bluetooth® Wireless Technology.

The Venza Limited combines the Premium HDD Navigation with Entune and JBL and the panoramic glass roof with front power moonroof, and it adds high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with automatic high beams and LED Daytime Running Lights. The high-beam feature detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high- to low-beam.

Customers looking for a pet-friendly vehicle will find a wide range of pet utility accessories available at Toyota dealerships. Among the available choices are a rear liftgate pet ramp, booster seat with harness, pet buckles and rear seat zipline-style harnesses, pet carriers and bucket seat, bench seat and hammock style waterproof seat covers.

Exterior Design
The Venza sports an aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, forward A-pillar, crisp character lines, and a low roofline. Continuous brushstroke lines run from the front grille to the D-pillar. A bold front end features a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for a sporty yet refined appearance. Venza's sophisticated and confident appearance is completed by an angled rear hatch, spoiler and wide wraparound taillights that interconnect with the hatch door. Tight tire-to-body gaps contribute to the sophisticated, refined appearance.

The Venza design is highly practical, with a rear load-in height that is almost as low as that of the Sienna minivan. The generously sized liftgate opening enhances the vehicle's utility. An available power liftgate integrates jam protection that detects obstruction in the door's path and reverses the motor. Venza provides a low step-over height for improved ergonomics, and because the closed doors cover the rocker panels, the driver and passengers are protected from accumulated road-dust while getting into and out of the vehicle.

Interior Design
The Venza interior is designed to enhance driving enjoyment and offer premium comfort. Venza is available in three interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black, which is new for 2013. Each color is offered in fabric on LE and leather on XLE and Limited.

The flow of the center console creates a unique "60/60" design that gives both the driver and front passenger the feeling that 60 percent of the space is accessible from their seating position. All grades have a standard Optitron® speedometer and tachometer. The XLE and Limited grades also include a TFT multi-color center instrument panel display. Dual-zone automatic climate system controls are centrally located on the upper console, providing easy access for both the driver and front passenger.

Personal space lends overall comfort to the vehicle's interior with ample head room, shoulder room, hip room and couple distance. Cargo-area utility is enhanced with fold-down 60/40 rear seats, one-touch fold-down seat levers and a tonneau cover.

Limited Warranty
Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

The Venza will also come standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance an