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Toyota announces new, more efficient powertrains for 60 percent of its vehicles by 2021

In the face of increasingly strict standards on fuel economy and CO2 emissions, Toyota announced today that it's introducing a new hybrid system, a new 2.5-liter direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine, and two new transmissions – an eight- and a 10-speed. The development of all of these components will be based around the Toyota New Global Architecture, or TNGA. Development of the systems has moved forward and the new powertrains will find their way into vehicles starting next year. TNGA, like Mazda's Skyactiv technology, is a complete design philosophy that focuses on more than just a clean or efficient engine. The first vehicle to deploy the TNGA platform was the current, fourth-generation Prius. With TNGA, Toyota focused on improving handling, ride, and braking performance. The new powertrains are meant to compliment this new platform by being both engaging to drive and fuel efficient. Since TNGA can be adapted for front-, rear-, or all-wheel-drive layouts, it's capable of underpinning a number of potential products. Toyota is arguably the leader in hybrid technology, and taking lessons learned in the development of the current Prius, the automaker has developed the new Toyota Hybrid System II, or THS-II, for rear-wheel-drive applications. Performance has improved versus the outgoing model, and Toyota says efficiency, especially at high speeds, has been improved. In addition, the system's use in plug-in vehicles has been improved. For the first time, the electric motor will be able to provide direct driving power, whereas before it simply acted as a generator. The new, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, like the THS-II, has been designed around the TNGA platform. Most notably, the thermal efficiency of the engine has been improved. This means a higher output and improved exhaust and cooling. The new engine, which works in both traditional and hybrid applications, will proliferate through the Toyota and Lexus lineup. Toyota's two new automatic transmissions, like the new engines, are based on the TNGA system. That means a lighter and more compact design relative to similar transmissions. The 10-speed is intended for rear-wheel-drive Lexus products like the GS and LS. The tuning has been adjusted to improve response and smooth out shifts, though it's impossible to say how much it's been improved without getting behind the wheel.

Toyota aims to build autonomous car around 2020 [w/videos]

The race is on to get increasingly sophisticated forms of autonomous driving technology on the road, and brands like Tesla are bringing these solutions to some drivers now. But as one of the world's largest automakers, it's no surprise to see Toyota competing in the field, as well. By 2020, the company thinks a person could be largely unnecessary for freeway trips. With a suite of tech called the Highway Teammate, a modified Lexus GS is already showing what's possible. Using a combination of millimeter wave radar, LIDAR, and cameras, the GS gets a full view of the road, and software processes all of the info to make decisions. The result is a ride on the freeway without human interaction. The system can merge, change lanes, make passes, take curves, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Accurate map data is a necessity to make this work, so the system currently only being tested on Tokyo's Shuto Expressway. While Highway Teammate might not be the best name, it accurately communicates the way Toyota thinks of the tech. The company is making big investments in artificial intelligence to assist drivers, not completely replace them. You can see the system in action in the video below, and the second clip's gravely serious narrator explains the company's idea of having a fully connected road someday. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. New Toyota Test Vehicle Paves the Way for Commercialization of Automated Highway Driving Technologies Toyota City, Japan, October 6, 2015-Toyota has been testing a new automated driving test vehicle called Highway Teammate, with the aim of launching related products by around 2020. In addition to demonstrating the capabilities of next-generation safety technologies, the vehicle represents Toyota's view of the evolving driver-car relationship in the age of artificial intelligence. Toyota believes that interactions between drivers and cars should mirror those between close friends who share a common purpose, sometimes watching over each other and sometimes helping each other out. Toyota refers to this approach as the Mobility Teammate Concept, and Highway Teammate represents an important first effort to give form to this concept.

Lexus RC F and GS F 10th Anniversary Editions are all black and blue

Lexus's F marque, the letter affixed to sport-tuned and performance models, debuted just over 10 years ago when the IS F hit dealer showrooms. The V8-powered sedan was a direct competitor to the tried and true BMW M3. The IS F was followed by the V10-powered LFA, RC F coupe and GS F sedan. In celebration of the F sub-brand's 10th anniversary, Lexus is rolling out two new limited edition variants of the RC F and GS F. In America, only 240 RC Fs and 100 GS Fs will be available. There is a price to pay for exclusivity. The RC F 10th Anniversary Edition starts at $80,810, a $16,160 premium over the standard model. It's not just special badging. The new model comes standard with the Performance Package, Triple Beam headlights and Intuitive Park Assist. Those three options will run you $7,160 on their own. At $89,350, the GS F 10th Anniversary Edition is only a $5,000 premium over the standard model. Both cars come with matte Nebula Grey paint, 19-inch black BBS wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and Brembo brakes with blue calipers. The RC F has blue leather seating with white accents up front as well as blue accents on the shift knob, steering wheel and instrument panel cover. The GS F gets blue leather seating both front and rear. There are blue carbon-fiber accents, blue suede on the dash and blue seat belts. Additionally, the GS F gets blue leather on the steering wheel, console and shift knob. The RC F and GS F are still powered by a 467 horsepower naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both cars also pack a torque vectoring differential. Look for these special edition models later this year. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Lexus RC F and GS F 10th Anniversary Edition cars View 15 Photos News Source: Lexus Design/Style Lexus Coupe Luxury Performance Sedan lexus rc f lexus gs f