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Toyota has a long history of technological innovation, and things have never been more promising or exciting than they are today. While the company always has quite a bit going on, we at Village Toyota feel these six Toyota technologies, in particular, are ones to watch going forward.
Toyota has a long history of technological innovation, and things have never been more promising or exciting than they are today. While the company always has quite a bit going on, we at Village Toyota feel these six Toyota technologies, in particular, are ones to watch going forward.
Hybrid Synergy Drive
Photo: Toyota-global.com
Toyota’s advanced hybrid drivetrain technology is fully computer controlled and is one of the relatively few “full hybrid” systems on the market that allows you to switch power entirely over to the electric motor. The lack of mechanical connection between the engine and its controls means that fuel efficiency is optimized as the internal combustion engine adjusts to match the actual load on the vehicle — a particular advantage in stop-and-start traffic right here in Citrus County. This technology is employed in a wide range of Toyota’s vehicles including the Prius, Camry Hybrid, and a number of different Lexus models.
Toyota New Global Architecture
Toyota’s new modular system for automotive bodies is revolutionary from an efficiency standpoint. From the customer end, however, what’s cool about it is how highly customizable the vehicles are going to be thanks to these new manufacturing procedures. TNGA’s considerable cost savings and efficiency improvements are also going to translate into both higher quality vehicles and better pricing for buyers. The Toyota Prius is already using this architecture, and the majority of Toyota’s lineup is expected to be shifted over to it by 2020.
Entune
Photo: Toyota.com
Toyota’s Entune is the best infotainment system in the automotive business. You can not only control it from your mobile phone or tablet, but it uses your existing data plan so that you don’t have to pay any extra subscription fees. You can use Bluetooth to stream your music locally from files downloaded to your device, or stream online through Pandora, iHeartRadio or Slacker. There’s also a massive range of apps encompassing pretty much all the major reservation and informational services you can think of, and it’s kind of nice to have old-school analog knobs as a control option along with the touch screen.
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
A December 2016 safety study found that Toyota’s sonar parking assistance system reduces reversing accidents by 40% and pedal mishap accidents by a whopping 70%. This system kicks in whenever there is a sudden start, scanning both in front of and behind the vehicle for the presence of solid objects and automatically engaging the brakes if one is detected. The ICS system is available for the 2017 Prius.
Kirobo Mini
Photo: Toyota-europe.com
OK, so it’s not technically a vehicle feature, but it’s one of the cutest and neatest things ever. Kirobo Mini is a small mascot robot and driving companion from Toyota meant to sit in the cup holder and accompany you during long trips. He’ll recognize voice commands and even chat back to you and scan your face to try to read your mood from your current expression, and presumably will also integrate with Entune if you have it. Kirobo becomes available in Japan in late May of 2017, and from there we’ll have to see if Toyota rolls him out in other countries.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
Debuting with the 2016 Toyota Mirai, the company’s new hydrogen fuel cell system harnesses the power of water for locomotion. And since it runs on water, that’s all that comes out of the exhaust pipe! Obviously, this technology is a potential game changer, but widespread adoption will require hydrogen fuel cell stations to be built in a wide enough network to make it feasible for people to travel. Other zero emission technologies are competing with hydrogen for this level of commitment, but this is something to keep a close eye on.
Interested in taking some world-class Toyota tech for a spin around the Homosassa area? Get in touch with us or stop by the Village Toyota dealership at 2431 S Suncoast Blvd with any questions or to arrange a test drive in one of our new Toyota cars, SUVs, minivans, or trucks.
Sources & Photos:
http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/environmental_technology/hybrid/
https://www.toyota-europe.com/world-of-toyota/articles-news-events/introducing-kirobo-mini
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