New Toyota models that focus on driving enjoyment and legendary ruggedness are a feature of the company’s display at this year’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.
Breaking cover for Toyota is a sports concept car making its international motor show debut, as well as the Australian unveiling of a tough new off-roader.
Toyota will also welcome visitors to the first Australian motor show in 18 months with a HiLux that has been to the top of the world – literally: the first car to reach the Magnetic North Pole.
Highlights of the Toyota stand include:
• FT-86G – a concept car that previews a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe expected on Australian roads post 2012. The show car is sleeker and more aggressive than the FT-86 concept shown at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. The “G” suffix signifies a sports conversion by Toyota’s technical partner GAZOO Racing that offers tweaks to performance and styling.
• FJ Cruiser – is a retro-styled modern SUV that takes its name directly from the 1960s-era FJ40, which was known as the vehicle that could travel to, and return from, any extreme environment. The modern FJ – with a 200kW, 380Nm 4.0-litre petrol engine, dual-range transfer case and large wheel articulation – is designed for serious off-road enthusiasts. It will be launched in the first quarter of 2011.
• The “fire and ice” HiLux reinforces the “indestructible” tag – emphasising that HiLux masters almost everything nature and humans can put in its path. The specially prepared HiLux was the first car to be driven across the Arctic to the Magnetic North Pole. HiLux also demonstrated its go-anywhere ability, making its way through the ice and snow towards the fiery heart of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Now it’s conquering Sydney.
Toyota’s stand also features the upgraded Kluger SUV with new styling, more features – and substantially improved value, with prices being reduced across the range by up to $1000.
An upgraded HiLux adds vehicle stability control, traction control and 17-inch wheels to the SR5 Double Cab turbo-diesel 4×4 – all with no price increase.
Another feature of the stand is a RAV4 modified with cutting-edge ideas from the booming modified street car scene, the result of collaboration with Australia’s leading promoter of street-car shows and events, Auto Salon.
Toyota will also give safety the THUMS up – introducing show patrons to the world’s “smartest dummy”, the latest version of its Total HUman Model for Safety – or THUMS. This is a new-generation virtual human model that allows detailed analysis of internal-organ injuries caused by automobile collisions. The data obtained will enable Toyota to develop and improve safety devices in its vehicles.
Additional fun and excitement on the Toyota stand includes two racing pods where show-goers will be able to demonstrate their “virtual” skills by racing the FT-86G, which features in Sony’s upcoming Gran Turismo 5.
Next week on the stand, Toyota will host an around-the-clock race when Motor magazine presents the 24-hour Gran Turismo 5 Challenge, featuring a field of FT-86G sports cars.
The Australian International Motor Show is at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from 15-24 October.
For more information contact:
Public Relations
Mike Breen
Manager – Public Relations
Toyota Australia
Cnr Gannons Rd and Capt Cook Drive
CARINGBAH NSW 2229
AUSTRALIA
Ph: 02 97103341
Mo: 0418 447 064
Fx: 02 9710 3179
source: advertisertalk
