Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

Stunning 2000 Toyota Tacoma Sr5 Extended Cab Pickup 3.4l 4x4 80k Miles on 2040-cars

Year:2000 Mileage:80681 Color: Sunfire Red
Location:

Boulder City, Nevada, United States

Boulder City, Nevada, United States
Advertising:

     

2000 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 XTRA CAB 4x4 TRD

2000 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Xtra Cab V6

 

4-Wheel Drive • TRD Off-Road Package

 

Brand New Timing Belt Service

 

Locking Rear Differential • Skid Plates • Automatic Transmission

Diamond Plate Aluminum Tool Box • Spray-In Over-the-Lip Bed Liner

 

One Owner • 80,681 Miles • Great Service History • Spectacular Condition, Inside and Out

 

If you want to talk deal, pick up the phone

and make your serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond nicely to stupid messages such as:

"What's your reserve?"

"What is your bottom line?"

"What's the least you'll take?"

"What is your bottom dollar?"

"Do you have a Buy-it-Now?"

"What's it take to buy it?"

"What is your asking price?"

I will not email you a figure but we can talk about it.

 

It's a flippin' Auction!  That means . . . it's your number that counts . . . not mine.

 

Also, if yours is among the hundreds of emails I get with any of the above lame questions, I will immediately assume that you(r):

have not taken time to read the listing

have zero intent to purchase

• are clueless about relevant market values

• forthcoming "offer" will be completely detached from reality

 

26 years in the business has proven beyond all doubt that serious buyers read every line, look at every picture, research well enough on their own and feel confident making a real offer.

 

Our presentations are unequalled, on eBay or anywhere else.

We are therefore, usually able to choose from among quality buyers that actually want to purchase a vehicle.

 

THE ONLY WAY TO WORK YOUR DEAL IS TO CALL ME!

My vehicles are so unique and so rare,

knowing how much they will or should sell for is nearly impossible.

That is the magic of an eBay auction . . . serious buyers making a serious offer.

 

2000 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Xtra Cab 4x4 TRD

VIN: 5TEWN72N6YZ685999

Odometer: 80,681

Engine: 3.4 Liter DOHC V6

Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic

Exterior: Sunfire Red  (3K4)

Interior: Gray Cloth  (FJ10)

Built: June, 2000 - Fremont, California

 

Over 152 high resolution pictures below.

 

Standard Equipment

2-Speed Transfer Case with Automatic Disconnecting Front Differential

Power Rack and Pinion Steering

Power Front Disc Brakes with ABS  ??

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Front Seatbelt Pretensioners with Force Limiters

Aerodynamic Halogen Headlamps

Front Tow Hook

Dual Outside Mirrors

Mist Cycle Wipers

Tinted Glass

Tilt-Out Rear Quarter Windows

Forward Facing Rear Jump Seats with 3-Point Seatbelts

Full Door Trim with Cloth Insert

3-Power Outlets

4-Cup Holders

Front and Rear Mudguards

Locking Fuel Door

Double Wall Bed

Front Suspension, Transfer Case and Fuel Tank Skid Plates

Full Size Spare Tire on Steel Wheel

18-Gallon Fuel Tank

 

Optional Equipment

3.4 Liter DOHC V6 Engine

190 Horsepower @ 4,800/220 ft-lb torque @ 3,600 RPM

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Bucket Seats

Center Console with Storage/Armrest

Cruise Control

SR5 Value Package:

Chrome Package

(bumpers, grille and door handles)

Deluxe AM/FM Stereo/Cassette/CD with 4-Speakers

Air Conditioning

Sliding Rear Window with Privacy Glass

Passenger Sun Visor Mirror and Pocket

Convenience Package:

Tilt Steering Wheel

Temperature, 8,000 RPM Tachometer, 110 MPH Speedometer and Fuel Gauges

LCD Twin Tripometer

Digital Quartz Clock

Lighting Package

Power Package:

Power Windows

Power Locks

TRD Off-Road Package:

Locking Rear Differential

Off-Road Suspension:

Larger Front Sway Bar and Progressive Rate Springs

Bilstein Gas Shocks

Black Fender Flares

Alloy Wheels

31 x 10.5 Tires

TRD Graphics

 

Other Items

Aluminum Bed Tool Box

Spray-In Over-the-Lip Bed Liner

Rubber Floor Mats

Firestone Destination LE Steel Belted Radials  31 x 10.50 R15 LT

 

Recent Work

New Timing Belt

New Water Pump

New Ceramic Front Brake Pads

Machine Front Rotors

New Air Filter

Coolant Flush

 

Back-story from  the owner...

So, you have  been looking for the nicest, best kept and  maintained Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab SR5  4x4 TRD you can find...and you are here on eBay because  you have already seen a bunch in your neck of the  woods and they have all been less than even your  lowest expectation of quality...junkers. I know how you feel.  Every week I go to specialty dealer-only auctions to find the best of the best in what I call "niche  autos". I'll see roughly 1500-3000 local cars on my  lists every week. First, I sit at my desk and  overview the online lists and pick out the cars I've  come to know are hard to find and great for my  business model of exclusively marketing on eBay. The Tacomas are always hitting that list when they show  up. A handful show up between the three major  auctions and a few local classifieds. These trucks  are sought after, especially in condition like this.  I am extremely picky about what I buy. Ownership  history, service history and condition, condition,  condition are very important to me. All too often,  trucks that are beat to snot, and still sell for big  money. This is one you won't want to let slip past  you. Original spectacular paint, stunning original  interior, a service history that was by the book and  including recent service done by us, including the timing belt and water pump...what more  could you want? A great deal? OK, got that covered  too. No, you will not be buying this car for  wholesale or low book values, but you and I already  know you get what you pay for. If you want unmatched  quality, service care and condition, this truck is a  rare find. Listen to what Foy, our writer had to say  about this Tacoma.  Then really look at the service  history recorded below. Look at every picture very  carefully and see the stunning condition up close  and personal...then make your call with your offer;  you won't be disappointed.

Doug Williams -  Viva Las Vegas Autos - 702-353-7500

 

One owner, 2000 Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab SR5 4x4 TRD with just 80,681 miles.  Beautiful Sunfire Red paint over a gorgeous no accident history body.  Gray cloth interior with power windows, locks, tilt, cruise and deluxe CD audio.  With a truck this exceptional, most sellers would simply give it a shine and call it good.  We took the trouble and expense to have the timing belt changed which, on Toyotas, is a critically important and pricey scheduled maintenance item.  The timing belt service includes a new water pump and coolant flush.  We also installed a new air filter, front brake pads and machined the rotors  . . .

 

available dates/mileage
6-00 compliance label build date
6-5-00 NICB - Oregon - vehicle manufactured and shipped to original dealer  
7-1-00 Oregon DMV - Wilbur 18 miles
8-1-00 Oregon DMV - Wilbur  
9-14-00 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
9-19-01 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
9-9-02 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
11-7-02 Nevada DMV  
12-18-02 Nevada DMV  
8-25-03 Nevada DMV  
8-24-04 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
8-31-05 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
9-9-06 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
8-4-07 Precision Tune Auto Care - Las Vegas, Nevada - LOF  
9-4-07 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
6-28-08 Precision Tune Auto Care - Las Vegas, Nevada - LOF 41,735
9-3-08 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
7-14-09 Precision Tune Auto Care - Las Vegas, Nevada - LOF  
8-29-09 Nevada emissions - Las Vegas 50,580
9-9-09 Nevada DMV - Henderson  
9-11-10 Nevada emissions - Henderson 59,078
9-13-10 Nevada DMV - Henderson  
8-27-11 Nevada emissions - Henderson 66,040
9-9-11 Nevada DMV - Henderson  
12-13-11 Findlay Toyota - Henderson, Nevada - inspection, new vapor sensor/evaporative canister, LOF, wash/detail 68,089
9-1-12 Nevada emissions - Henderson 72,222
9-7-12 Nevada DMV - Henderson  
8-17-13 Nevada emissions - Henderson 77,886
9-12-13 Nevada DMV - Henderson  
3-5-14 Carmax - Henderson, Nevada 80,654
3-11-14 First Choice Auto - Boulder City, Nevada - new timing belt, water pump, ceramic front brake pads/machine rotors, coolant flush and air filter 80,675
3-26-14 current 80,681

 

 

The TRD package (Toyota Racing Development) is more than a pretty decal; locking rear differential, progressive rate springs, Bilstein gas shocks, skid plates, 31-inch tires and black fender flares . . .

 

 

Mud flaps front and rear, pop-out side glass, chrome bumpers/door handles and the shiniest paint you've ever seen on a 14 year old truck . . .

 

This Tacoma also has an aluminum tool box and a spray-in bed liner . . .

 

 

First generation Tacomas (1995-04) have epic reliability and impressive resale value.  Besides routinely fetching absolute top dollar, we usually close the nicer examples on the very first listing.  Even high mileage trucks are a hot seller for us and a Tacoma with 80,000 miles, at this condition level; we should be able to pick our very best buyer.  That's how good Tacomas are and this Tacoma has had the required (and expensive) timing belt service performed . . .

 

Spectacular interior with power windows and locks, cruise control, tilt steering, am/fm/cd/stereo, console storage, dual front airbags, fold-down rear jump seats and a lot more . . .

 

Reclining bucket seats, 3-power outlets, cup holders, round tires and clear glass; this Tacoma has it all!

 

3.4 Liter DOHC V6 Engine  (5VZ-FE)

190 horsepower @ 4,800/220 ft-lb torque @ 3,600 RPM

 

Looks like a brand new truck under here and we can see skid plates up front, under the transfer case and fuel tank . . .

 

Full size spare and a big-ass muffler.

 

VIN Decode: 5TEWN72N6YZ685999
country 5 United States
manufacturer T Toyota
vehicle type E truck, Tacoma
body and drive type W Tacoma, Xtra Cab, 4x4  (1996-04)
engine N 3.4 liter V6, 1996-04  (5VZ-FE)
series 7 Tacoma, Xtra Cab, 4x4  (1996-04)
grade/restraint system 2 deluxe Tacoma, dual airbags  (1998-00)
line N Tacoma  (1996-05)
check digit 6 matches per NHTSA
model year Y 2000
assembly plant Z Fremont, California
sequential production number 685999

 

 

Compliance label with June, 2000 build date.

 

New front brakes.

 

Original owner books.

 

A note from the owner.

I am a “used car dealer” but before that, I’m an automobile enthusiast.  I love original rare and high quality modified vintage cars and over the past decade I’ve been in business, have come to appreciate an expanding selection of high-demand, high value vehicles.  I specialize in and am always on the lookout for cars and trucks that were cherished by their previous owners.  I have an experienced eye for quality but I’ve discovered that my preferred buyer can instantly discern such a vehicle and I have therefore, built my business and reputation around finding these kinds of cars for this type of customer.  Super low miles and/or gentle ownership are strict requirements but a car must do something for me on a personal level if there is any hope of convincing you, the bidder, that this is an above average, exceptional vehicle.  If nothing about the car excites me, it probably won’t do much for you either and I would soon be out of business.

With just four employees and no sales people, I realize how unusual a “dealership” like mine may at first glance appear.  It has taken great care and effort to create such an organization and often, an unusually high investment in a particular car we are about to list.  To sell the best it is critical to have a trusted expert in my corner and Chris, owner of A-Best Auto Repair in Henderson, Nevada has my back.  He and his crew can fix anything; from a low budget beater to the absolute most expensive exotic you can name, no job is too big and no small detail unimportant.  They do an exhaustive 130 point inspection on each and every vehicle and nothing escapes their methodical investigation.  Experience has shown that everything I spend making a car truly “right” will come back to me not only with a higher selling price, but a happy customer that says good things about me.  Moreover; it allows my writer to describe the car with ease and confidence, something that simply is not possible unless he thinks it is true.  If major issues are found or the cost of fixing the car the way it should be makes it too expensive to sell, my choice is an easy one.  I simply absorb a few hundred dollars loss for my trouble and sell it at auction.

After the vehicle is fully sorted it arrives at our facility where it encounters the suspicious eye of Tom, my writer that creates the presentations you see on eBay.  He believes absolutely nothing I or anyone else tells him about the car as he combs over every inch, researches its history and documents originality and authenticity.  Historical significance, rarity, special features, possible modifications and much more are used to accurately describe the vehicle with integrity and honesty.  Most important for the potential buyer are the 100 to 150 high resolution pictures that I take myself.  The pricey equipment I use would be right at home in the hands of the very best professional photographers and I’ve developed a logical format that walks you around the entire vehicle with close-up shots of every square inch.  I provide detailed views of the interior, under the hood and then put it on a lift to show the undercarriage and confirm that the beauty of the car you are considering is not merely skin deep.  Even our detailers are enthusiastic about the cars they so meticulously clean.  This reconditioning can sometimes take several days and I’ve converted a paint booth, especially prepared for the professional clay bar and polishing each car lovingly receives.

Usually, I’ll also include a high definition video that shows the car doing its thing.  If it’s a fast car, we film it going fast.  If it’s a 4x4 you’ll see it crawling up a hill.  In every case you will hear things like a rumbling exhaust, working sound system and watch the temperature fall on a digital, laser thermometer pointed at an air conditioning vent.  How many “dealers” will video a Lotus Esprit doing a buck-eighty?  We do.

No “dealer,” on-line or in the real world, takes it to this level.  No other seller or organization provides you, the buyer, with so much information.  I do this because it is the only way I can convince a person; often a world away, unable to touch or feel their purchase, that my vehicle is for real and what I say is the truth.  All the above is necessary for me to stay in business while keeping integrity intact.  I want every buyer to be happy and I need glowing feedback on eBay.  To accomplish that I need satisfied customers that are as thrilled with their purchase as I was when I bought it.

If you have any questions at all, please call me on my cell at: 702-353-7500.  If your inquiry is sincere and your offer  serious, you’ll find me the most accommodating business partner you’ve ever dealt with.  If you call or e-mail asking for my reserve or “what is my bottom line” I will be looking for ways to politely end the conversation.  Until you are ready to actually pull the trigger, I will happily quote you the absolute highest nationally advertised suggested retail price I can find – a number we both know will not buy the car so, don’t waste your time, or mine.  I am after all, a “used car dealer.”

Serious buyers know the maximum they can offer.  I then must simply decide if I can sell for that number.

If you hit the reserve, the decision is no longer mine.  I must sell at that number.

OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

If you want to make a deal,

pick up the phone and talk a serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond to emails asking for "bottom line, sale price, reserve, or Buy-it-Now" figures on top line cars.

THE ONLY WAY YOU GET THOSE FIGURES IS TO CALL ME!

The book values posted below are relevant to "real" selling figures.

NADA & KBB wouldn't be in business if their values were not real but their figures are averaged for the entire nation.  If this car is less than or better than this average, bid or offer accordingly.

Please ask about our service programs and pricing.

 

Cars sold without warranties are sold As-Is.

 

Waiver's of Warranty will be signed if declined.

 

All automobiles have breakdowns; some minor, some serious.  I know, because I fix them without the advantage of a warranty.  You don't have to.  Seriously consider a safety net for the unknown.

 

Most vehicles are already pre-qualified for the warranties with AULcorp.com

 

Terms of Sale
 

This vehicle is safely stored in our beautiful climate controlled showroom in Boulder City, Nevada.  We are just 25 minutes from Las Vegas International Airport (McCarran) and welcome the opportunity to meet the winning bidder there and drive them to our facility for vehicle delivery.  We have years of experience with vehicle shipping, nationwide and across the globe.  We stand ready to facilitate whatever arrangements are necessary, at the buyers request and expense.  This vehicle will not be delivered or released for shipment until complete payment is received and all funds have cleared.

Third party, pre-purchase vehicle inspections are welcome BEFORE the auction ends.  We are happy to answer questions about this vehicle and resolve any concerns you may have BEFORE YOU BID and BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS . . . THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.  If you are in the Las Vegas area, we invite you to stop by for a demonstration.

A $1000 non-refundable partial payment must be received 24 hours from the end of this auction .  We prefer VISA but will accept PayPal if necessary.

Full payment must be received within four (4) business days of the end of auction.  Cashiers-check, direct deposit or cash in person are acceptable but BANK to BANK WIRE TRANSFER IS PREFERRED for US winners and required for all winning bidders outside the United States.  Loan checks can be accepted only after prior approval from the owner, Doug Williams.  M/Os will NEVER be accepted.  CHECKS in ANY FORM MUST BE CLEARED as CASHABLE FUNDS before delivery of any item.

Free and clear title is in seller's possession and will be transferred upon payment in full.

Important:   Winning bidders on-line enter a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle presented here.  Bidders that win the auction and then do not pay, will be aggressively pursued.  Non-paying bidders will be prosecuted.  If you do not intend to purchase this vehicle, DO NOT BID.

We will happily do whatever is required to assist a legitimate bidder that intends to purchase the vehicle with their transaction.

This vehicle sold AS-IS, with no warranty.  This is not a new vehicle, it is used.  A used vehicle will have normal wear and tear congruent to its age and/or mileage.  This vehicle may have dings, scratches or other indications of use because it has been used.  Terms such as "perfection," "flawless" or "mint" may not be subjective but all other descriptions are.

When you bid, you understand and agree to these terms.

Please call Doug @ 702-353-7500 with ANY questions. Email: Doug@VivaLasVegasAutos.com

Sales tax, smog and title fees may be applicable to Nevada residents.

A document fee of $200.00 will be added to the closing auction price.

An optional 15 day drive-away permit is available for $8.25. 

New eBay bidders with (0) feedback or international bidders

please make contact by email or phone at least 2 hours before bidding.

We reserve the right to cancel bids if necessary  to protect our clients.

Research for this ad was done with all due diligence toward an accurate presentation of the facts.  All information herein represents our sincere effort to be correct.  If we have made any errors or provided information later found to be inaccurate, we will correct these mistakes and resolve any issues that occur as a result, as far as it is within our ability to do.  Descriptive words like "perfect" or "flawless" are subjective opinions because nothing is perfect; flaws are inevitable.  If you question what you see, feel free to inspect our vehicles in person or by a professional inspection service strictly prior to the close of the auction.  Post auction inspections are unacceptable and we reserve the right to sell to the follow up bidder immediately.

 

 
 
Viva! Las Vegas Autos, Inc.
707 Yucca St.
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
Office Line - 702-889-Viva (8482)
Fax Line - 702-889-8486
Dlr # 26850
 
Doug Williams
Owner
 
Direct Line -  702-353-7500
 
 
 

Win Victoriously, Your Way!

Find Out How to Make Your Deal Immediately!

We Can and Will Find a Way to Make it Happen for You on eBay.

Beat all the last minute bidders to the punch!

Save Time & Last Minute Disappointment

Keeping the Deal on eBay & Keeping it Safe!

 Don't worry eBay!

We'll make sure the auction completes & does not happen off of eBay!

We wouldn't want eBay to think we're trying to circumvent their fees!

Keeping our clients safe and getting positive feedback is critical to us!

Almost as critical as EBay's enforcement of their circumventing fees policy.  

 
 
 

A Note for Potential Victims

 

 Please let us know if you see our vehicles under listings of obvious question or if you receive a "Second Chance Offer" with any e-mail other than ours.  You can easily recognize the crooks with the stupid low "Buy it Now" price and the direct e-mails off the eBay system.  They'll never disclose a telephone number or address either.  If they won't talk to you, return a call or can't send you a copy of a title to the vehicle . . . DON'T SEND THEM MONEY or fall for their sneaky e-mails and redirects attempting to get your seller ID and password.

 

* Be Careful! *

 

Be sure to ask about our Available Warranties

&

Review our Programs and Pricing on the Links below.

 

 

 

Some Vehicles May Qualify for the Premier Warranties of AUL.

 

 

 

 

Auto Services in Nevada

Walkers Mobile Auto Repair ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service
Address: Callville-Bay
Phone: (702) 301-7657

Vegas Speed ★★★★★

Automobile Parts & Supplies, Automobile Customizing, Auto Springs & Suspension
Address: 2625 E Craig Rd Ste D, N-Las-Vegas
Phone: (702) 657-3769

Vegas New Finish Technology ★★★★★

Automobile Body Repairing & Painting
Address: 5304 french lavender, N-Las-Vegas
Phone: (702) 480-4234

Swing Shift Auto ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Emission Repair-Automobile & Truck
Address: 5415 Cameron St, North-Las-Vegas
Phone: (702) 220-4620

Safe Lube Plus ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Auto Oil & Lube
Address: 1270 N McCarran Blvd, West-Wendover
Phone: (775) 786-0885

Purrfect Auto Service ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service
Address: 5735 S Durango Dr Ste A, Sloan
Phone: (702) 260-0249

Auto blog

Production Mazda Vision Coupe concept, GRMN Supra, new BRZ/86 coming

Tue, Sep 3 2019

After writing about what's in store for the next-generation Subaru WRX, Japan's Best Car magazine is back with more spy work on what's ahead for the coming Mazda sedan, fighting-spec GRMN Toyota Supra, and next-generation Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86. All three are supposedly headed for previews at this year's Tokyo Motor Show before rolling out in 2021 and 2022. Mazda showed the Vision Coupe concept at the 2017 Tokyo show, then sneaked a mention of a rear- and all-wheel drive "Large Architecture" and two inline-six engines into a 2019 investor's report. Best Car says that concept's production version will house a 3.0-liter Skyactiv-X SPCCI inline-six with "M-Hybrid" 48-volt assistance. Output figures remain a mystery, but the mag says engineers are aiming for 345 horsepower. The real deal isn't slated for dealers until 2022, bringing what Mazda bills as a "BMW, Audi quality car at the price of Volkswagen." A further treat: Best Car says the Hiroshima automaker is laying out a two-door version on the same platform. Not even a month after 2020 Toyota Supra chief engineer Tetsuya Tada told us, "With a sports car, the promise is to offer more performance with each additional version," this report says the full-fat GRMN Supra will raise the stakes. Expected in the latter stages of 2021, the current 335-hp Supra will get an "output eventually close to 400 ps" (about 394 horsepower) from its BMW-source 3.0-liter straight-six. Along with that will come a lighter, stiffer body, and a sportier suspension tune to manage and make the most of the 60-horse increase. Best Car says the next-generation Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ will move to a new platform, without specifying whether it would be Toyota's TNGA platform suggested by a report in April — not that there are many other options. Neither the footprint nor the body dimensions are predicted to change, and transmissions will continue to include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. The new platform will hold a new engine, although it won't be the revelation many fans want. The magazine says the Subaru 2.0-liter FA20 will retire, making way for the Subaru 2.4-liter FA24. The FA24 is the same engine in the Subaru Ascent crossover, where it produces 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. There'll be no such fireworks for the sporty twins due in the first half of 2021, output reported to be "improved to 220 ps," or 217 hp — a 12-hp bump over the current figure.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt

Wed, 04 Sep 2013

Toyota has been known to make some exciting cars over the years, but its hybrids, well... let's just say a Prius appeals to a different kind of buyer. The TS030 Hybrid LMP1, on the other hand, now that's more our speed. And at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, the Japanese industrial giant will bridge the gap with the concept car you see here. Previewed in bits and pieces along the way, Toyota has now revealed the full details and array of photos of its new Yaris Hybrid-R concept. And what the full picture reveals is a Prius C that's gone to the gym - or more appropriately, the track.
Powering this little pocket rocket is TMG's Global Racing Engine: a 1.6-liter inline-four with direct injection and a Garett turbocharger to drive 300 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. A pair of electric motors provide an extra 60 hp to each of the rear wheels for a combined output of 420 hp and through-the-road all-wheel drive. A third 60hp electric motor serves as traction control under acceleration and acts as a generator under braking to feed the TS030-derived super capacitor that boasts a higher power density and faster charge/discharge speed than a traditional battery. The system can provide a 40-horse boost for ten seconds in Road mode, or the full 120hp for five seconds in Track mode.
Though based on the three-door Yaris, there'd be no mistaking this for any ordinary econo-hatch. 18-inch TRD alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires pack the wheel wells and a wider grille dominates the front fascia, while black and blue trim contrast sharply with the white bodywork. The rear pillar incorporates a quick-fill competition-spec fuel cap, LED daytime running lights illuminate the way and oversized brakes keep it all under control. The interior boasts Recaro racing buckets in black leather and blue Alcantara. There's more to digest in the press release below, but the bottom line is that if this is where Toyota is taking its hybrids, we want to climb into the driver's seat, and we're looking forward to seeing the concept in the flesh next week.

Child cobalt miners: Automakers pledge ethical minerals sourcing for EVs

Wed, Nov 29 2017

BERLIN - Leading carmakers including Volkswagen and Toyota pledged on Wednesday to uphold ethical and socially responsible standards in their purchases of minerals for an expected boom in electric vehicle production. Demand for minerals such as cobalt, graphite and lithium is forecast to soar in the coming years as governments crack down on vehicle pollution and carmakers step up their investments in electric models. To cover its plans for more than 80 new models by 2025, Volkswagen alone is looking for partners in China, Europe and North America to provide battery cells and related technology worth more than 50 billion euros ($59 billion). Talks with major cobalt producers, including Glencore, at VW's Wolfsburg headquarters last week ended without a deal. More than half of the world's cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country racked by political instability and legal opacity, and where child labor is used in mines. On Wednesday, a group of 10 leading passenger-car and truck manufacturers announced an initiative to jointly identify and address ethical, environmental, human and labor rights issues in raw materials sourcing. The partnership dubbed "Drive Sustainability" consists of VW, Toyota Motor Europe, Ford, Daimler, BMW, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo Cars and truckmakers Scania and Volvo. The alliance "will assess the risks posed by the top raw materials (such as mica, cobalt, rubber and leather) in the automotive sector," said Stefan Crets of the CSR Europe business network. "This will allow Drive Sustainability to identify the most impactful activities to pursue" to address issues within the supply chain.Reporting by Andreas Cremer.Related Video: Image Credit: Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post via Getty Images Green BMW Ford Honda Jaguar Land Rover Mercedes-Benz Automakers Toyota Volkswagen Volvo Green Automakers Green Culture Electric Scania ethics mining