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Toyota recalls 52k units of 2011-2012 Avalon for potential short circuit

Toyota is issuing a recall for roughly 52,000 examples of its 2011 and 2012 Avalon sedans in the US because a possible short circuit in the wiring for audio system's subwoofer may cause a fire. According to Toyota, it's possible for the subwoofer's wires to move out of position if contacted by cargo in the trunk. If one of the wires then contacts the metal frame of the speaker, it could trigger a short circuit. "If this occurs, the subwoofer could overheat, increasing the risk of a fire," according to the automaker. "There were two reports of thermal events – no outright fires," said Toyota spokesperson Cindy Knight to Autoblog. Toyota reports there are no reports of injuries, fatalities or crashes from this problem. Dealers will repair this problem at no cost, but until then, they will immediately disconnect the rear subwoofer as a precaution for owners. The recall notices will be sent out in mid-February, according to Knight. TOYOTA RECALLS CERTAIN 2011-2012 MODEL YEAR AVALON VEHICLES TORRANCE, Calif., January 28, 2015 – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., today announced plans to conduct a safety recall of approximately 52,000 Model Year 2011-2012 Avalon sedans. In the involved vehicles, cargo could contact one of the audio system subwoofer wires located inside the trunk, and move the wire out of its normal position. If one of these wires contacts the metal frame of the subwoofer, it may result in an intermittent short circuit. If this occurs, the subwoofer could overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. Toyota is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities caused by this condition. Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a notification by first class mail. Toyota dealers will provide a repair for the audio system. Until the remedy is available, as a precaution, Toyota dealers will disconnect the rear subwoofer. Detailed information is available at www.toyota.com/recall and by calling Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331. ###

Toyota launches new Pixis Epoch kei car in Japan

Kei cars may be small in size, but they're big business in Japan. The latest arrival to the category is the little hatch you see above, the Toyota Pixis Epoch.
It's the fourth vehicle produced by the Daihatsu division but sold under the Toyota brand. As with other keis, power comes from a 660cc engine. It's mated to a continuously variable transmission driving either just the front wheels or all four. In both configurations, the Pixis Epoch features a stop-start system that helps its emissions and fuel efficiency figures come in well below even the Japanese government's stringent standards.
The whole package measures just 3,395 mm (133 inches) long, 1,475 mm (58 inches) wide and 1,500 mm (59 inches) tall, but offers a relatively spacious and utile interior, plus a tight turning radius of just 4.4 meters. Pricing ranges from 795,000 to 1.2 million yen - that's less than $10,000 (and no more than $15k). Further details in the press release after the jump.

2016 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab revealed along with more details

The Toyota Tacoma stepped behind the curtain for a makeover, and has emerged for 2016 with an appearance both chunky and menacing, plus lots of new tech and features. We've already seen its exterior, but some details we didn't get are that there will be a new locking tailgate that can lower itself slowly, without slamming, an available tri-fold hard tonneau, and four new wheel designs. Supporting that will be a stiffer frame with more high-strength steel and additional hot-stamped, ultra-high-strength steel in a lighter bodyshell. Engines will come in two flavors, either the carryover 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a brand new 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 that utilizes both direct and port fuel injection. The four-pot only can only be had with a six-speed automatic transmission - one extra gear than before - with electronic shifting, the sixer can be specified with that or a six-speed manual. We haven't been given numbers yet, but Toyota says the new truck is "more powerful and fuel efficient," meaning we expect a raise on the 236 horsepower of the current 4.0-liter V6. The dash is laid out with a driver-focused "handlebar" theme, finished with soft materials and metallic accents. Tech options include push-button start, Qi wireless charging, a Multi-Terrain Select system, and blind-spot detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, while luxury is attended to with a power moonroof and leather-trimmed seats. To aid the ambiance, engineers improved the seals, added an acoustic windshield, a sound-absorbing headliner and a floor silencer pad to make the cabin quieter. The suspension has also been retuned to deliver a smoother ride and provide more travel. One neat convenience touch: a GoPro mount next to the rear-view mirror. Five trims will be offered when it goes on sale: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. Before then, there's a press release below with more information, and we'll soon have live pictures from the Detroit Auto Show floor. DOMINATE DIRT...OR ROCKS...OR PAVEMENT IN THE ALL-NEW 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA - Toyota Tacoma Rebuilt Inside and Out - New Engine, Transmissions and Suspension Tuning - Legendary TRD Off-road Toughness - Best-selling Mid-Size Pickup for 10 Straight Years - Designed, Engineered and Assembled in North America DETROIT, January 12, 2015 - - Whatever the terrain, Tacoma is king of the hill.