2014 Toyota Sienna Xle on 2040-cars

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Toyota gives a free RAV4 to 50-millionth customer [w/video]

Not surprisingly, the 50-millionth Toyota product sold in the US was a Camry, but Toyota had a big surprise in store for Michael Dee, the buyer of said milestone vehicle. Toyota group vice president Bill Fay showed up at Dee's house to not only personally thank him for the purchase, but also completely paid off that brand new Camry, presenting the owner with a clear title.
But that wasn't all. As you can tell from the image above, Fay had one more trick up his sleeve. The group VP brought along a brand new 2013 Toyota RAV4, which was also presented to Dee in appreciation. The best part is that Dee's genuine amazement was all caught on video, which is posted below.

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.

2014 Toyota 4Runner revealed at Stagecoach Music Festival

Toyota has just pulled the sheet off its updated 2014 4Runner at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival near Palm Springs, California. Toyota is the title sponsor at the festival, and claims that this is the first ever global reveal of a new automobile at a major music festival. We're also guessing this is the first time that the 4Runner has seen duty inside what looks like a vintage circus act's cage.
We can see from the photos (and the earlier teaser images) that the body-on-frame SUV has received a freshened look with new smoked light fixtures front and rear, along with a reworked front fascia and grille. The profile view seems largely unchanged, though there are new wheel patterns on offer.
The 4Runner will continue to be offered in three trims, including SR5, more luxurious Limited, and off-road-ready Trail specification. Both 4x2 and both part- and full-time 4x4 models will continue to be available, all will be powered by the same 4.0-liter 270-horsepower V6 and five-speed automatic as last year.