The FR-S Teaser Video!

The FR-S is coming and it's HOT!!

The much anticipated Scion FR-S' release is just around the corner and not just racing fans are pumped. Anyone who likes driving at all will love the rear-wheel drive sports car that will be responsible for making Scion a force in the racing world.

The FR-S is has already won a series in it's class and had become the choice for a racing league in Canada. Here is a review of the working class sports car.

 

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Toyota Rediscovers the Joy of Rear-Wheel Performance

• Scion FR-S
• Automotive
• · $24,930 base
• · Scion

Reviewed by Eric Tegler · May 25, 2012

The Scion FR-S is filled with playful rear-drive character. Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor

 

Scion’s 2013 FR-S sports car succeeds on the most important level: It’s fun to drive.

Too bad Toyota couldn’t have had a little more fun with the name. The FR-S is known as the Toyota GT-86 in the rest of the world, and even wears GT-86 badges on its front panels. The name brings to mind the expression, “86-ed,” restaurant slang meaning a menu item has sold out, a customer has been banned, or something has otherwise been eliminated.

Imagine a television commercial wherein a Gen-Y hipster driving a GT-86 bests a competitor on a twisty road. At the end, we cut to a close-up of the winner as he looks straight at his nemesis in a VW or Hyundai and says, “You’ve been 86-ed!”

The actual TV ads for the Scion FR-S aren’t as much fun, so it’s a good thing the car is. It has a playful rear-drive character and curvaceous styling that should make it a hot commodity among Scion’s under-30 target market.

The design represents a revisiting of the past for Toyota, evoking a time when the company turned out affordable, rear-wheel-drive performance cars like the 1980s enthusiast-favorite AE86 Corolla. Toyota’s 1960s Sports 800 and 2000 GT are also cited as ancestors. The FR-S, which starts at $24,930, is also Scion’s first proper sports car, augmenting the less expensive, merely “sporty” tC.

The FR-S (“front-engine, rear-drive, sport”) was reportedly drawn up to appease Toyota president Akio Toyoda, who asked, “Where is the passion in our lineup?”

Scion’s emphasis here is on driving character, not big performance numbers.

So absent was the passion that Toyota looked outside its corporate boundaries and developed the FR-S in cooperation with Subaru. As a result, most of the FR-S’ engineering and mechanicals — like its FA20 2.0-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine — come from Subaru. Subie will sell its own, nearly identical version — the BRZ — at a slightly higher price point.

The car’s styling is determined by functional elements under the sheetmetal. For example, the engine is a flat, horizontally opposed four-cylinder, enabling a low hood line that highlights the front wheel arches. From the driver’s seat, the benefits are a low cowl and the ability to place the car visually using those bulging arches. Also, the gaping grille is flanked by intakes with integrated fog lamps, ensuring adequate engine and brake cooling with minimal aerodynamic penalty. With these low-slung curves, the Scion’s silhouette is vaguely Toyota 2000-esque. Its trapezoid-shaped rear incorporates a diffuser, dual exhaust and 12-element LED tail lamps.

The car's front-end styling is dictated by its flat engine design. Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor

This functional approach continues in the cockpit, where the black instrument panel is dominated by a big tachometer, a relatively simple center stack and a flat glovebox area. Imagine the central satnav/audio display pulled out, wires casually hanging, and it smacks of a stripped-out race car interior. The fabric seats are comfortable and bolstered enough for serious track work with attractive double-stitching. The steering wheel is, appropriately, Toyota’s smallest, measuring just 14 inches in diameter.

A standard 300-watt Pioneer audio system can be upgraded to Toyota’s 340-watt BeSpoke app-based multimedia system, whose 5-inch display can be used to call up Pandora, Facebook or Twitter, and includes points-of-interest and routing functions through satellite navigation. There are also the usual USB inputs and extra RCA outputs for external amps.

The FR-S’ sporting intent is signaled by a refreshingly light curb weight (between 2,700 and 2,800 pounds, depending on options) with a 53/47 percent front/rear weight distribution, a rigid chassis, and an independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and double wishbones in the rear. Add a reasonable 200 horsepower, put power down at the rear wheels, and you’ve got a zippy handler.

Scion’s emphasis here is on driving character, not big performance numbers. The direct-injected 2.0-liter boxer keeps the FR-S’ center of gravity lower than a Porsche Cayman’s, and power delivery is linear up to the 7,400-rpm redline. The FA20 engine is also tuned for sound: A “Sound Creator” channels audio from the engine’s air intake into the cabin. Unfortunately, the note isn’t that appealing, and my guess is that aftermarket exhaust makers will step in profitably.

The rear is dominated by a diffuser and a pair of large LED lamps. Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor

The engine mates with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift mode. Manual shift throws are direct and definitive. I never mis-shifted during a day at the track, and clutch take-up is not too heavy or light. The automatic pops off quick, rev-matched downshifts with surprisingly clever anticipation. The steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters earn a minor demerit, since they’re too small for easy use when the wheel is turned beyond 90 degrees.

Given the FR-S’ power-to-weight ratio, I’d guess the zero-to-60 time to fall somewhere in the mid-six-second range. Not blazing, but stoplight drags aren’t its mission. Backroad twisties, hot-lapping and drifting are.

Those strengths are abetted by some quick steering. Working in concert with the suspension, it allows you to easily adjust yaw. Steering feel isn’t great, but you forget about it. Jump off the throttle mid-corner and the FR-S oversteers like a front-drive car. Catching the tail is easy and fun. Drifting simply requires a little practice. The three selectable driving modes (“normal,” “sport,” and a third setting that disables the traction and stability controls) allow for progressively less intervention in that regard.

Stoplight drags aren’t its mission. Backroad twisties, hot-lapping and drifting are.

The 2.0-liter Boxer is light on torque (151 pound-feet) which you do notice on the street. Conversely, the lack of twist gives you a certain freedom on the track. Rather than wait anxiously to pick up the throttle as you would in a big power sports/muscle-car, you can simply slap the gas pedal past a corner apex. It makes you smile.

The engine doesn’t elicit the same response. I expected the 2.0-liter to rev more freely than it does. The Boxer winds relatively slowly, feeling a bit truck-like. Its character doesn’t match the playful nature of the rest of the FR-S.

But there’s a lot of good stuff, including ventilated front and rear brake rotors that stopped the car without fade during my four successive lap stints. The light overall weight aids braking performance and agility, even on the FR-S’ hard compound tires. Enthusiasts will likely go for grippier rubber once the first set wears down. Scion embraces customization, and the company will offer a range of appearance and performance accessories after launching the car.

Toyota has rediscovered accessible rear-drive performance in a market where, until recently, only Mazda’s MX-5 has played. This unique quality — and its extended possibilities — brings a lot of driving fun to the table. But it also brings precisely the kind of street-cred lacking in Scion’s “secretary-friendly” tC.

WIRED An affordable, lightweight, rear-drive sports car tuned for performance young enthusiasts can extract — a boon for Scion. Affordability is bolstered by average fuel economy in the mid-20-mpg range, two years of free scheduled maintenance, and Toyota reliability. It’s got some pretty curves.

TIRED The Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter Boxer feels a bit lazy when revved, and could use more torque. Despite help from the artificial “Sound Creator,” the engine sounds only so-so. Buyers won’t care, but the rear seats are useless to anyone beyond their toddler years.

The 14-inch steering wheel is Toyota's smallest. Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor

Florida judge rules flashing lights for speed trap warning is covered under free speech

 

Count this one as a big victory for motorists. A Florida man has won his First Amendment case against the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, who wrongfully ticketed him for flashing his lights to warn other drivers of a speed trap. According to the Orlando Sentinel, a Circuit Court judge not only said that the deputy who ticketed Ryan Kintner had misapplied a state law banning aftermarket flashing emergency lights, but also ruled that flashing your lights to communicate with other drivers qualifies as constitutionally protected speech.

But this victory for Kintner is just a stepping stone towards a larger case. According to the report, his attorney has filed a class action lawsuit that charges the Florida Highway Patrol with willfully violating a 2005 court order prohibiting the police from ticketing motorists for flashing their brights. The report says that case has a hearing scheduled for next month, so this is certainly not the last we'll hear on the issue.

Toyota and Nintendo Team Up for In-Car Navi

 

For those who often feel they are competing against their in-vehicle navigation system to get to their desired destination, Toyota has a new tool that may help you beat the voice that lives in your dashboard.

The Japanese automaker has teamed up with Nintendo to turn the Nintendo DS into navigational remote control that allows users to set destinations, map out routes, and even get sightseeing information.

Dubbed the Kuruma de DS, the game card is Bluetooth-enabled for easy pairing of the handheld game with the vehicle's navigation system, according to a Kotaku report. The interface features Nintendo Mii characters and even sports a speedometer.

The game will also show you information about where your vehicle has been and even pose quizzes.

However, this little tour de fun is a bit pricey: Toyota's top-end navigation system runs about $2,600, while the game itself costs about $90. And you will also have to factor in the cost of traveling to Japan, because for now it looks as though the pair will be available only in Japan

Fuel Economy #1 Reason for a New Car

 

 

CONSUMER REPORTS SURVEY: AMERICANS SAY FUEL ECONOMY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CAR BUYING FACTOR. COME IN AND TEST DRIVE THE BEST SELLING HYBRID IN AMERICA.

Nearly three-quarters of drivers would consider an alternative fuel vehicle for their next car

YONKERS, NY - With fuel prices at near record levels, consumers are driving less and contemplating a move to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, according to recent survey by Consumer Reports.

The survey found that 37 percent said their leading consideration when shopping for their next car will be fuel economy. A distant second was quality (17 percent) followed by safety (16 percent), value (14 percent) and performance (6 percent).

"These results make it clear that high fuel prices are continuing to impact driver behavior and influencing future purchase considerations," said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports deputy auto editor. "While quality, safety and value are still important, this may be foreshadowing a market shift by folks seeking relief at the pump."

Some two-thirds of owners surveyed said they expected their next vehicle to get better fuel mileage than the one they're driving now. While gasoline costs (90 percent) were the number one reason cited for wanting a more fuel-efficient vehicle, more than half of respondents also had other reasons, including a desire to be more environmentally friendly (62 percent) and concern about dependence on foreign oil (56 percent).

Women disproportionately said they were motivated by the environmental benefit of better fuel economy (65 percent vs. 58 percent of men), more concerned about dependence on foreign oil (63 percent vs. 49 percent of men), and impacted by changes on the home front (38 percent vs. 31 percent).

For more information regarding Consumer Reports' fuel economy survey, helpful fuel economy tips and advice on selecting the most fuel-efficient car for your needs visitwww.ConsumerReports.org/fuel.

The survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, found that car owners were open to different ways of saving at the pump, from downsizing to looking at hybrids, electric cars, or models with diesel engines. In all, nearly three quarters (73 percent) of participants said they would consider some type of alternatively fueled vehicle, with flex-fuel (which can run on E85 ethanol) and hybrid models leading the way. Younger buyers were more likely to consider an alternatively-fuel or purely electric vehicle than drivers over the age of 55.

Of those who said they plan to move to a different type, owners of large SUVs were the most open to downsizing, frequently planning to move to a smaller SUV. Small cars were the leading category targeted by survey respondents for their next vehicle, followed by larger sedans and midsized SUVs. Further illuminating a future market shift, larger sedans (18 percent) and minivans (7 percent) are on fewer participants' radar relative to their current model.

With the federal government expected to finalize new fuel efficiency standards later this year that would require manufacturer's average fuel economy to reach 54.5 miles-per-gallon by 2025, some 90 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statements "Auto manufacturers should offer a greater variety of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles in the near future." Almost 80 percent felt the same about the statements "Fuel economy standards should require auto manufacturers to increase the overall fleet average to at least 55 miles per gallon," (79%) and "I am willing to pay extra for a more fuel efficient vehicle if I can recover the additional cost through lower fuel costs" (81%).

"When gas prices are high, it's always tempting to rush to trade-in for a more fuel-efficient car to save at the pump. But our research has shown that you're often better off financially to stick it out with the vehicle you have if it's less than three years old, because a new vehicle will cost you more in depreciation than you would save on gas" said Bartlett. The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted the random, nationwide telephone survey in two waves, April 5-7 and April 12-15, 2012, contacting 2,009 adults. The Center interviewed 1,702 adults in households that had at least one car.

Toyota to Increase V6 Engine Production in Alabama

                                          80M investment to create 125 jobs

Total North American job announcements hit 1,100 this year

 

ERLANGER, Ky. (May 17, 2012) -- Toyota announced today it will expand its Huntsville, Ala. engine facility to increase North American production of V6 engines. The approximately $80 million investment will bring total plant investment to more than $700 million. Approximately 125 new jobs will be created, increasing employment nearly 10 percent to 1,150.

The expansion will allow Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. (TMMAL) to build an additional 216,000 engines each year, boosting total V6 annual capacity to 362,000. A new 300,000 sq. ft. building will be constructed. The increased production will begin in March 2014.

TMMAL currently assembles 4-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines for eight of 12 Toyota North American built vehicles. TMMAL is the only Toyota plant globally to produce these three types of engines in one facility.

This investment will increase engine production at the Huntsville plant to more than 700,000 annually, and will increase total Toyota engine production in the U.S. to more than 1.4 million per year. Toyota also builds engines in Kentucky and West Virginia.

“We are proud to announce our fourth expansion, only a few months after celebrating 10 years of success in Huntsville and Madison County,” said Jim Bolte, President of TMMAL. “Today wouldn't be possible without continued commitment from our outstanding team members and support from our community partners.”

“Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama has been a dedicated corporate citizen in Alabama for more than ten years, and today’s announcement is an exciting new chapter for this company and this community. Toyota’s success in Alabama is a testament to the hard-working men and women of the production and leadership teams who have dedicated themselves to producing quality products,” said Governor Robert Bentley. “This expansion is also a testament to the business climate we’ve worked hard to create in Alabama – a climate in which companies are encouraged to expand, innovate, and create new jobs. We thank Toyota for the company’s continued confidence in Alabama and Huntsville, and we look forward to a continued long-term relationship."

Today’s announcement is the latest in a string of Toyota production increase announcements since February including Toyota plants in Indiana, West Virginia, Canada and Kentucky. Cumulative investment total is approximately $645 million and more than 1,100 jobs are being added.

“This V6 line addition continues to reflect our growing optimism for an improving North American market, and we continue to study more localization in North America,” said Steve St. Angelo, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.

# # #

Comments from elected officials

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby:

“I am looking forward to Toyota’s Huntsville expansion and the many economic opportunities that it will bring to North Alabama. It is encouraging to see manufacturing growth in our great state, and a true testament to all that Alabama has to offer to businesses.”

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions:

“It is great news for our state that Toyota has announced plans to expand the Huntsville plant once again. In 2003, I was present when Toyota celebrated the start of production of the V8 engines for the Tundra pick-up truck—an event that marked the first time that Toyota V8 engines had been built outside of Japan. Just last year, I was glad to be at the Huntsville plant when Toyota began producing 4-cylinder engines. Today’s V6 expansion announcement will help further grow the Alabama economy, and is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of the Toyota Huntsville workforce.”

U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks:

“Toyota's expansion is good news for North Alabama and a testament to the hard work and skills of Alabama workers. Toyota’s commitment to bringing 125 new jobs to the Tennessee Valley is an investment in our state’s economy, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have in our community.”

Prius c: IIHS Top Saftey Pick

The Insurance Institute forHighway Saftey has crowned the entire Prius line including the new Prius c as Top Safety Picks! Check out the Prius c crash saftey test below.

A big thanks to a very loyal customer!

 

Would you like to read the rest of our reviews on Google Maps? Click YES!

"We are a 3 car Toyota family, we currently have 3 Toyotas all purchased or leased at Tri County Toyota. A 2002 Camry,A 2004 Highlander and a 2010 Rav4. In 2002 we began our long relationship with Tri County. We have never been steered wrong on any occassion, the staff is up front and honest. The most important factor is we feel safe driving a vehicle sold and serviced from Tri County Toyota" ---Mike and Carolyn P.

Toyota Save in May Sales Event: Trucks

Need a new truck? Come in for big savings on the worlds most dependable trucks. Schedule a test drive here http://bit.ly/ArTzQo

Toyota back on top as world's largest car maker

 

In a comeback for the ages, Toyota has reclaimed its spot as the world's largest automaker.

Initial sales reports for 2012 so far suggest that the Japanese brand, which was badly hit by natural disasters last year, is now outselling American rival General Motors.

Toyota was the world's largest automaker between 2008 and 2010, but lost its crown to GM after the Japanese earthquake and then flooding in Thailand seriously disrupted its production.

Now though, the brand is back on top, having sold 2.49 million between January and March, compared to 2.28 million by General Motors.

Volkswagen, the world's number three, sold 2.16 million, Bloomberg calculated.

Many observers consider Toyota to be in a better position now than it has been in years -- with global gas prices still high, demand for its fuel-efficient vehicles is soaring, especially for the Prius.

Demand for the model in the U.S. alone is outpacing the prediction of 220,000 vehicles sold in 2012, Toyota said this week, with the Prius comfortably selling more in April than competitors such as the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt combined.

This week it unveiled its first all-electric vehicle, the RAV4 EV, at an electric vehicle show in Los Angeles.

The electrified SUV is a reprise of one of the world's first electric vehicles, the original RAV4 electric, with several new enhancements -- it's been developed with the help of leading electric automaker Tesla, and now features a 100 mile (160km) range and performance equivalent to the gas-powered RAV4.

Voting for Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Opens

Automaker Giving Away 100 Cars to 100 Nonprofits between Now and Aug. 21

Winners Selected by the Public Each Day on Facebook at www.100carsforgood.com

 

TORRANCE, Calif. (May 14, 2012) – At 10:00 am ET/7:00 am PT today (Monday), Toyota will open voting for the second year of 100 Cars for Good, a national philanthropic program that will award 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 consecutive days. Winners will be selected each day through public voting on Facebook at www.100carsforgood.com.

Five nonprofit organizations will be profiled each day. Registered Facebook users will be able to vote once daily for the nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new vehicle. The organization with the most votes at the end of the day will win a new vehicle. The four runners-up will each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota.

100 Cars for Good voting will be open every day from 10:00 am ET/7:00 am PT to 12:00 am ET/9:00 pm PT. Voting will continue through Tuesday, August 21.

“At Toyota, we appreciate what a big difference a new car or truck can make for organizations working to improve lives and strengthen communities across America,” said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor Sales. “Over the past 20 years, Toyota has contributed more than half a billion dollars to nonprofits throughout the U.S. 100 Cars for Good allows us to build on that commitment in new ways, putting the public in the ‘driver’s seat’ as we work to help community organizations make an even bigger impact. We wish all of this year’s finalists the best of luck.”

The 500 finalists for 100 Cars for Good represent all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Profiles of all of this year’s finalists can be found at www.100carsforgood.com.

Winning nonprofits will be able to choose from one of six Toyota models: Camry Hybrid, Highlander SUV, Prius v hybrid, Sienna minivan, Sienna Mobility or Tundra full-sized pickup. A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.

To help participating nonprofits with their 100 Cars for Good campaigns – and to help them develop lasting digital marketing and social media skills that are critical to today’s nonprofits – Toyota has provided each finalist with a toolkit that includes a digital video camera, training materials and free online advertising credits. The company is providing social media training support online to the finalists as well.

Follow 100 Cars for Good on Facebook at www.100carsforgood.com

The TOP-TEN Gifts for MOM!

Mother’s Day comes every year and most of the time we don’t know what we should get to express how much our Moms mean to us. Here is the top-ten things Mothers want for their special day. Stick to the list and you can’t go wrong.

No.10 Flowers

If sending these along to your mom wasn't the first idea that popped into your head, we'd recommend seeing a neurologist. That said, women have an uncanny ability to discern the quality of flowers, so don't think she won't know you opted for the cheapest bouquet you could find. Conversely, by taking the high road and shelling out for the FTD luxury collection, she'll know you've done something special and show her pleasure by placing them prominently in her home for everyone to see.

Why? Though it may seem trite, there's a reason why giving flowers on Mother's Day is popular. Like flowers, being a mom is a beautiful thing, and beautiful things definitely deserve each other’s company.

No.9 Candles

Loved by women for their flattering and soothing light, and mind-clearing aromas, you can never go wrong adding to your mom's candle stockpile. If you opt for this approach, make sure your selection is made from vegetable soy wax like that used in these Pacifica Perfume candles, because they burn better right to the very end.

Why?: A weekend at home smelling a yummy candle is much more appealing than noticing your or the family dog’s lack of hygiene

No.8 Gift card

This isn't the type of gift we recommend every day, but in the case of moms who spend the majority of time shopping for others, receiving a gift card to their favorite shop can often break down their selflessness for a change by giving them the treat to shop for themselves. Don't assume, however, that you can pass this relatively easy gift off without putting some thought into some attractive packaging and a well-written card.

Why? The saying goes "it's the thought that counts," but the fact is letting moms choose their own special gift will guarantee they get what they want.

No.7 Gift basket

This idea may seem better suited for a corporate convention, but not every gift basket is created equal. Packed with her favorite gourmet foods, and useful tools to make cooking them a real pleasure, a customized gift basket from Dean & DeLuca is a very classy gift. However, if you’re really looking to earn good-son brownie points, you should be the one to prepare this gift's goodies for her as an added way to show you care.

Why? Food is meant to be shared with loved ones, so if you play your cards right, she might just let your stomach benefit from your good taste in gift giving as well.

No.6 Home spa treatment

While celebrating all of her accomplishments as a mother, many women find themselves reflecting on all the time that has passed to get here. By giving the gift of home spa products like this pomegranate salt glow scrub from Aromafloria, she can treat herself to a relaxing day at home while marveling at all she has accomplished. More importantly, though, her day of home pampering will also give her skin a more youthful appearance akin to the days when she focused on herself and not her kids.

Why? Every mom needs to be reminded of the beautiful woman she is as an individual, no matter how much you'd rather not think about it.

No.5 Home decor

Men may brush these tokens off as pointless knickknacks, but unique home decor accessories such as this Swan's Island Merino throw are the kinds of gifts that detail-oriented moms love, because they help distinguish and freshen up the sanctuary that is her home.

Why? The old throw rug on the couch has started to resemble the Dead Sea Scrolls and this soft merino wool should provide her comfort even when you're not around.

No.4 Sweet treats

Unless she's in the extreme minority, your mom will always appreciate sweet treats. Chocolate, of course, is certainly a safe bet, but if you're really looking to impress, sending an edible arrangement of her favorite fruit dipped in chocolate takes this gifting concept from the minor leagues to the pros. Made to be as beautiful as they are tasty, they're also great for sharing when the family gets together

Why? Sending over a basket of treats will make her feel great and indulge her sweet-tooth urge she so often says no to.

No.3 Greenery

The process of caring for a living thing is an instinct that typically stays with moms long after they've kicked you out. To cater to this instinct, give her beautiful greenery she can also tend to, such as a gorgeously packaged BloemBox.

Why? Apart from adding color and wonderful fragrance to her home, raising plants doesn’t result in dirty dishes and unmade beds, the way raising you did.

No.2 Perfume

Some moms wear perfume every day, while others save it for special occasions. Regardless of what bucket your mom falls into, giving her a bottle of her own favorite fragrance will save her a trip to the department store and keep her smelling like she prefers. If you’re an inattentive son and don't know what she likes, giving her a bottle of the classic Chanel No. 5 might just save your bacon.

Why? Scent is the most powerful sense attached to memory, so make sure you always remember your mom in the best possible way.

No.1 Massage and spa treatment

Mother's Day gifts are all about making moms feel good, and nothing fulfills that goal more directly than giving mom a massage and spa treatment. Lucky for you, giving this gift just got easier thanks to SpaFinder, since there's no need to struggle with the hassle of finding a local spa. One universal gift certificate is accepted at over 5,000 spa locations and can be used for any service the spa offers.

Why? After a lifetime of making you feel good when you needed it the most, treating her to a day of relaxation is one small way of paying her back.

The 2012 Toyota Venza is the total package

Enjoy great brake specials at Tri County Toyota

Your brakes play a vital role in the performance of your vehicle . We're here to help make sure they are in great shape. This month we are offering our Facebook Likers and Twitter Followers a brake special that is out of this world. Make sure you take advantage of this great offer.

All-New Toyota RAV4 EV Unveiled at EVS26

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. today revealed the highly anticipated all-new Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26^th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. This all-electric SUV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6. Arriving fully-equipped with an MSRP of $49,800 the RAV4 EV doesn’t compromise on performance, comfort or versatility.

“It’s all about blending the best of two worlds,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division. “The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV – in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.”

The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers have succeeded in bringing an outstanding product to market in record time.

The RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota’s most popular SUV model. The collaborative team set its sights on refining the customer experience. From advanced charging options to interior comfort to interactive displays, the vehicle has been designed for customer ease of use and maximum vehicle range.

The front wheel drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 HP (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm.

RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low center of gravity. In fact, at 0.30 Cd, RAV4 EV achieves the lowest coefficient of drag of any SUV in the world. Compared with the gas powered RAV4, Toyota re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under body design to maximize air flow around the vehicle. The RAV4 EV’s battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle, contributing to a more sedan-like ride.

On the exterior, RAV4 EV features upscale LED low beam projector headlights with halogen projector high beams. A manual leveling system allows customers to redirect the headlights when the vehicle changes significantly in pitch due to a heavy load. Five vertical LEDs make up the daytime running lights, which dim to parking lights. The rear combination lights are LEDs accented by a unique light smoke outer lens. Other exterior variations from the gasoline powered RAV4 include new exterior emblems on the front, rear and the front door panel utilizing the signature Toyota “environmental blue.”

The vehicle will be available later this year in three exterior colors: Blizzard White Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic. The interior features a unique “Neutron” fabric, woven with a subtle sheen and blue accent, on the seat inserts and door trim.

Inside, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat includes variable front seat heaters, which extends heater coverage to the occupant’s upper back. The split reclining rear seats with folding center arm rest fold flat for increased cargo space, with a total cargo capacity equivalent to the conventional RAV4 of 73 cu. ft. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components.

The highlight of the interior is an eight-inch capacitive touch screen with a state of the art graphic display, featuring navigation, telematics, and EV drive information and settings designed specifically for the RAV4 EV. Entune™ is standard (with three year complimentary access to Entune™ services) along with SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with 3-month trial subscription to XM Select package), AM/FM radio, Bluetooth® streaming audio, and USB port with iPod® connectivity. The dash display color illuminates red when the vehicle is operating in sport mode and blue in normal driving mode.

Toyota’s approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. Leviton offers multiple options for charging solutions. For the shortest charge time of approximately six hours, Leviton offers a custom 240V (Level 2), 40A, 9.6 kW output charging station. For more information visit Leviton.com/Toyota. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available.

The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units over the next three years. The battery warranty is 8 years or 100,000 miles.

“We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” said Carter. “It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance. We look forward to seeing how the market responds."

 

In July 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors jointly announced an agreement to develop an all-electric version of the RAV4, with the intent to bring the vehicle to market in 2012. Tesla contributed its EV technology expertise, daring spirit, quick decision making and flexibility. Toyota contributed design, engineering, manufacturing and production expertise. In an industry where development cycles are typically five years, Toyota and Tesla brought a dynamic product to market in less than half that time.

TOYOTA/TESLA DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES

• May 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce collaboration to develop electric vehicles, parts, production systems and engineering support
• July 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce development of RAV4 EV
• November 2010 – Toyota reveals RAV4 EV Phase Zero prototype at LA Auto Show
• February 2011 – Tesla begins delivery of 31 converted RAV4 EV Phase Zero demonstration program vehicles
• April 2011 – Toyota provides first media drive opportunity of Phase Zero demonstration program vehicle at 2011 Sustainable Mobility Seminar
• August 2011 – Toyota/Tesla announce RAV4 EV manufacturing location - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc., Woodstock, Ontario

http://bit.ly/J9BvHX

What do the richest people in the world drive?

What would you drive if you have 50 billion dollars in the bank? I think most people would commission to have a flying car built or at least that is what we might have done. Beauty can be found in the ugliest cars, believe it or not. Some of us wouldn’t trade in our 5 or 10 thousand dollar car for the world, simply because we love it. Of course, most billionaires are very boring and stick to the traditional Bentley, Rolls, Lambos, Ferraris and Maseratis, but there are a few on our list that will surprise you.

When you’re done reading this article and your net worth is still under a billion dollars come in and check out some ‘real life’ vehicles. There are definitely some you may fall in love with, whether you’re wealthy or not.  CLICK HERE to schedule a test drive, a service appointment, or just to check us out. Also head over and LIKE our Facebook page for some special offers and some pretty sweet content!

Here is our Favorite: Google tycoon Eric Schmidt has the most modest car of all: a Toyota Prius. The environmentally-friendly cars start at just $11,000. But don't expect it to last--Schmidt has often spoken about the automated cars of the future.

See the full gallery on Posterous

1.       Carlos Slim Helu is the world's richest man, according to Forbes. The Mexican telecom giant drives himself to work in his Bentley Continental Flying Spur. But don't let his modest driving habit fool you: the price tag on the car is more than most houses at about $300,000.

 

2.       Bill Gates' Porsche 959 Coupe is one of only 230 in the world. It took a federal law signed by then-president Bill Clinton to allow the billionaire to drive the car because there was no crash-test rating. The price for such a car? $225,000 when new, they now go for well over $400,000.

 

 

3.       Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, member of the Saudi royal family, drives a Rolls-Royce Phantom. The entry level version of the prince's car costs $246,000, while an upscale version a royal would surely need is a cool $447,000.

 

 

4.       Billionaire Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, is famous for his many cars. Among his most prestigious is this McLaren F1. In 1998, the car was declared the fastest ever to hit the road and its invention is seen as revolutionary. Production of the cars stopped that year and now they can fetch up to $4.1 million each.

 

5.       Nike founder Phil Knight has a $120,000 Audi R8. Knight, however, went for a bolder approach and got a black model with a contrasting silver sideblade. A Nike employee snapped his car, seen here, at the company's headquarters in Oregon.

This is how to teach teens the perils of distracted driving

A European group called Responsible Young Drivers wanted to showcase the dangers of texting while driving, and got ad agency Publicis to help them out. The result: a two-minute spot that put trainee drivers in Belgium with an instructor who said part of their driving test would be to avoid an obstacle while texting a random sentence that he'd dictate.

Almost everyone is guilty of using their phone while driving. Please watch and share this video. Maybe we can cut down on the 1.2 million accidents caused by texting and driving and the video is pretty funny

Buy a Scion iQ and get a FREE Playstation Vita!

The hot new iQ joins the hottest new portable gaming system. Click HERE to come in for a test drive!

Scion Announces Collaboration with its iQ and Sony’s PlayStation®Vita

TORRANCE, Calif., May 1, 2012 – Scion is pleased to announce that starting May 1 through July 31, 2012, buyers of a new 2012 Scion iQ will receive a PlayStation^®Vita (PS Vita), portable entertainment system, while supplies last. The promotion coincides with the nationwide release of the iQ, Scion’s fourth vehicle and the world’s smallest four-seater. For full details, please visit www.scion.com/psvita.

“Scion is very proud of the iQ’s intelligent and functional design,” said Jack Hollis, Scion Vice President. “Similar to the PS Vita, the Scion iQ comes loaded with premium technological features, has a focus on functionality, is concentrated into a suitably small package and most importantly is tons of fun."

Scion is excited to give iQ owners an entertaining way to enjoy the world’s smallest four-seater, even when they are not in the driver’s seat. Originally released March 7^th as a limited-time free download to PS Vita owners, MotorStorm RC included the Scion iQ as an in-game vehicle option. The award winning PS Vita is equipped with a 5” OLED, high definition touch screen, dual analog sticks, front touchscreen and rear touch pad, two cameras, built in microphone, and combined with the best gaming content, provides an unmatched portable gaming experience.

Meeting the needs of a new trendsetting generation of urban drivers, the iQ succeeds at taking big ideas and concentrating them into a small package. The iQ is a small car that offers the functionality and comfort that drivers expect from a car twice its size. The iQ comes standard with 11 airbags and features an impressive EPA rating of 37 miles per gallon on regular unleaded gas.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 iQ is $15,265. The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $730 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Warranty and Complimentary Scion Service Boost

Like all Scion models, the iQ is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The iQ will also come standard with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles whichever comes first, and three years of 24-hour roadside assistance.