2006 Toyota Prius - 130k Miles, Rear View Camera on 2040-cars

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Toyota Alphard and Vellfire JDM minivans look weirder than ever

Around these parts, if you want a Toyota minivan, you'll be looking at the Sienna. But in its domestic market, the Japanese automaker offers an entirely different line of passenger vans. And now it's updated one of its larger models. Or two, we should say. Since Toyota operates parallel dealership networks in Japan, the minivan you see here is sold as the Alphard through Toyopet dealers and the Vellfire in its Netz showrooms. They also get subtly different designs, especially at the front. But stylistic and distribution differences aside, these two models are essentially the same. They're smaller than the Sienna we know in every dimension but height, but larger than the Voxy/Noah and Esquire, and come in a variety of trims and configurations: with a 2.5-liter four, a 3.5-liter V6 or a hybrid powertrain, in seven- or eight-seat configurations, with or without handicapped accessibility, and in trim levels that can more than double their price from the base model to the top Executive Lounge. Initially launched in 2002 and redesigned for 2015, the new Alphard and Vellfire also benefit from a redesigned suspension, better NVH insulation and a more accommodating and upscale interior with new technologies (including a new Panoramic View Monitor, Intelligent Parking Assist and collision-avoidance systems) to make them more comfortable, safer and easier to operate. Between the two models, Toyota expects to sell 7,000 units each month in Japan alone (3,000 Alphards and 4,000 Vellfires) before other markets across Asia are even taken into account. Related Video: Toyota Launches New 'Alphard' and 'Vellfire' Minivans in Japan Toyota City, Japan, January 26, 2015-Toyota Motor Corporation today launched the redesigned "Alphard" and "Vellfire" minivans through dealers across Japan. The vehicles were developed to incorporate the idea of a roomy and luxurious saloon space with a new and unprecedented sense of refinement. The new Alphard and Vellfire possess unshakeable presence with a comfortable ride, exceptional handling stability, and a roomy interior. The Alphard exterior emphasizes luxury, while the Vellfire exterior emphasizes boldness. In addition to high body rigidity, a newly developed double-wishbone suspension was adopted for the rear to achieve a luxurious ride and exceptional handling stability. Extensive sound and vibration dampening and an aerodynamic wind-noise reducing body shape realize a quiet ride at all speeds, befitting of a luxury vehicle.

Toyota and Lexus show off advanced safety research vehicle [w/video]

While Google and Audi explore the possibilities of autonomous vehicles, Toyota and its Lexus division are studying the intermediate step of vehicles equipped with a deep suite of technology that help drivers make the best decisions. Introduced at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the Lexus advanced safety research vehicle is an LS sedan fitted with three high-def color cameras to detect objects up to almost 500 feet away, 360-degree Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) lasers that can detect objects up to 220 feet away, three radar units to keep track of other vehicles at intersections, a precision odometer on the rear wheel, GPS that estimates orientation and an accelerometer.
Currently testing at a purpose-built 8.6 acre urban testing ground at the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Susono, Japan the Toyota research vehicle is being used to study how to make better drivers, as well as figuring out how to reduce crashes as the industry's journey through passive and active safety systems progresses. In the event of a crash, new rescue systems are also being tested.
Further investment is being put into the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) that would use shortwave signals to harness information from the car and from other vehicles on the road, as well as roadside infrastructure and even pedestrians. Toyota reasons it could then build a picture of interactions and, for instance, alert the driver to a potential collision at a blind intersection.

Top Gear drag races the BMW i8 and M4 to decide the future

The BMW M4 and i8 represent two every different expressions of the performance car. The M4 relies on its turbocharged six-cylinder combustion engine to spin the rear wheels. Conversely, the i8 packs a turbo three-cylinder and electric motors for its cutting-edge all-wheel drive system. Top Gear is the latest publication to put the pair together to find out which ethos is quicker. We saw Germany's Auto Bild hold a similar race last year, and the i8 scored a clear victory there. We don't want to spoil the winner of Top Gear's attempt, but we can tease that this sprint ends in a photo finish. Pick your favorite, and then watch the video to see which performance coupe takes the checkered flag. Related Video: