.

.August 06, 2003
.
This Week:

• Toyota Launches Alphard Hybrid

• Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer to offer a combination of EU 4 and diesel particulate filter

• Porsche accelerates away again in Germany

• All-New 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Pricing Announced

• Chrysler Group Applies Flexibility and Reduces Capital Expense in Preparation for the Launch of the All-New 2004 Dodge Durango

• MINI Announces 2004 Model Year Pricing and Changes

• Ford Motor Company Reports July And Year-To-Date U.S. Sales

• New entry-level engine for the Volkswagen Touran

• Renault reports sharp rise in net income and operating margin of 3.2% 

• Cathleen O'Hare Named Buick Communications Manager

© 1998 - 2003 Copyright & 
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com  

.
Toyota Launches Alphard Hybrid

Photo: Toyota

Tokyo - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION announced today the nationwide launch of the Alphard Hybrid, the hybrid version of the dynamic Alphard minivan, through "Toyopet" dealers ("Osaka Toyota" dealers in the Osaka region) and through "Toyota Vista" dealers, which will have hybrid vehicles in their product line-ups for the first time. The Alphard Hybrid features the Toyota Hybrid System-CVT (continuously variable transmission) (THS-C), which employs a hybrid battery with greater output than previous hybrid batteries and boasts better energy management. The system comprises a 2.4-liter high-efficiency gasoline engine, front motor and Super CVT and works in unison with an E-Four electric 4WD system that regulates a rear-mounted, rear-wheel-propelling electric motor and coordinates electric power distribution to all four wheels. An ECB (Electrically Controlled Brake system) provides efficient wheel-by-wheel brake control. Together, these features allow the Alphard Hybrid to simultaneously achieve groundbreaking high fuel efficiency, low emission levels and outstanding maneuverability and cruising stability.

The Alphard Hybrid can generate large amounts of electricity, which allows the use of a variety of home appliances, thus reaching new horizons in minivan enjoyment.

The advanced THS-C hybrid system efficiently uses engine and motor drive power, while the E-Four electric 4WD system recovers energy from each wheel, to achieve roughly twice the fuel efficiency called for by Japanese 2010 fuel efficiency standards (at 17.2km/liter in the 10-15 Japanese test cycle, as certified by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport) and greatly reduce CO2 emissions, despite the fact that the Alphard Hybrid is a 2-ton class 4WD vehicle. The Alphard Hybrid also qualifies as an ultra-low emission vehicle achieving emission levels 75% lower than 2000 standards under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.

The high-efficiency 2.4-liter gasoline engine, front motor and Super CVT transmission combine to ensure a smooth and dynamic performance. The 4WD system provides better driving performance by using power from the rear-wheel drive motor when accelerating from start or on slippery road surfaces.

At the same time, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and Brake Assist, along with VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), TRC (Traction Control System), ECB and the hybrid system integrate control of the electric 4WD system to coordinate electric power distribution and braking force to all four wheels for superior handling and driving stability by controlling the vehicle before it breeches the limits of normal controllable movement.

Taking advantage of its innovative hybrid system, the Alphard Hybrid can generate up to 1,500 watts of power while it is stationary or moving. It has standard household 100-volt AC power outlets that can be used to power a variety of home appliances, adding a new dimension to outdoor and business activities.

Sales Channels

Sales outlets: 

• "Toyopet" dealers ("Osaka Toyota" dealers in the Osaka region) and "Toyota Vista" dealers

• Monthly sales target: 600 units

• Alphard Hybrid Boasts Functionality and Advanced Styling

• Outstandingly low fuel consumption

The Alphard Hybrid realizes about twice the fuel efficiency specified by Japanese 2010 fuel efficiency standards while also qualifying as an ultra-low emission vehicle, consuming fuel at the rate of 1 liter every 17.2 kilometers (in the Japanese 10-15 test cycle).

To achieve this superior performance, the Alphard Hybrid's THS-C hybrid system efficiently combines the drive power of the engine and the front motor, and the E-Four electric 4WD system recovers energy from each wheel, while driving resistance has been reduced.

The insulated body and the newly developed two-way compressor incorporated in the motor optimize the use of the air conditioner, thus conserving fuel.

Reduced drive resistance

The highly aerodynamic body design along with reductions of the operating resistance in each part of the powertrain have reduced drive resistance and loss of drive energy, helping lower fuel consumption.

Insulated body

The specially developed windshield glass reduces the amount of solar radiation penetration and the roof and roof panels contain an insulating material to reduce cabin temperature, which helps conserve energy when the air conditioner is operating.

Intuitive air conditioning system

The Alphard Hybrid uses the world's first newly developed two-way compressor with a built-in motor. The engine powers the air conditioner when the engine is running, and the compressor's internal motor powers it when the engine is not running, helping to conserve energy and provide enhanced comfort.

Clean emissions

The Alphard Hybrid qualifies as an ultra-low emission vehicle achieving emission levels 75% lower than 2000 standards under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.

Ultra-advanced driving performance

Hybrid system, E-Four

The THS-C hybrid system combines a 2.4-liter high-efficiency gasoline engine, front motor and Super CVT transmission. Its efficient use of drive power achieves low fuel consumption and enables a smooth ride. The E-Four electric 4WD system provides better driving performance by using power from the rear-wheel drive motor to optimize electric power distribution to all four wheels according to driving conditions. It provides additional drive power when needed, such as when accelerating from a standing start or on slippery surfaces.

Engine

Developed for hybrid vehicles, the 2.4-liter 2AZ-FXE engine has a high-expansion ratio cycle that enhances fuel economy by improving efficiency and reducing friction loss. Additionally, optimum control of the Super CVT and front motor create low emissions levels. Combined with the motor, the engine allows for powerful driving from low to high speeds.

Transaxles

The Super CVT's wide-range gear ratio allows the front transaxle to contribute to smooth driving from low to high speeds. The rear transaxle combines the rear motor and differential gear in a single unit, for a more lightweight and compact structure. This design eliminates the need for a propeller shaft, keeping overall weight increase to a minimum.

ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake) system

The ECB system adopts a by-wire system that uses electronic signals to detect the amount of pressure on the brake pedal and control the distribution of braking force. Independent as well as linear hydraulic controls for each wheel provide excellent environmental performance, outstanding handling and driving stability.

Environment-considerate brake system

Vehicle-mounted sensors provide information such as the amount of brake pedal operation, as well as vehicle speed. The system determines the most efficient distribution of labor between electric and hydraulic application of the brakes, in addition to using gathered information to calculate optimum hydraulic pressure. The ECB system is controlled together with the E-Four to maximize the collection and conversion of kinetic energy into electric power. The system also controls the brake pedal's rigidity in response to the amount of pressure applied, creating a natural braking feel.

Outstanding driving stability

The VSC and TRC systems, the ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, as well as the ECB system, the hybrid system and E-Four, integrate coordination, drive and control. Through these technologies, a groundbreaking level of driving stability has been achieved to make the car safer and easier to control before it breeches the limits of controllable movement.

Reaching new horizons in outdoor possibilities

Since the Alphard Hybrid's system can generate up to 1,500 watts of auxiliary power, it offers an expanded range of possibilities for outdoor activities.

Up to 1,500 watts of power

The hybrid system can generate up to 1,500 watts of power when the vehicle is stationary or moving, and has standard 100-volt household AC power outlets in its center cluster and luggage area. These outlets can be used to power home appliances such as hairdryers and microwave ovens and recharge items such as power-assisted bicycles and electric carts, adding a new dimension to leisure activities. Work equipment or equipment for the elderly or disabled can also be used with ease.

Advanced ITS features and optimized functions

Multi-information display

The 6.5-inch multi-information display in the center of the instrument panel, specially developed for hybrid vehicles, has an energy monitor showing the hybrid system's operational status. The fuel gauge can display the distance that can be traveled on the remaining fuel, as well as per-minute fuel consumption rates. It can also calculate such rates over driver-specified intervals and show the amount of regenerated energy.

Standard on the "G edition" and optional on standard grades are, with a G-BOOK-compatible DVD voice navigation system: 1) a Blind Corner Monitor, which indicates the approach of other vehicles or pedestrians from the left and right; 2) a Back Guide Monitor with a color CCD camera and voice-guidance function, which uses signals from a steering sensor to calculate the likely reverse path during reversing and display it on the monitor screen, and 3) a lane-monitoring system that uses images from the Back Guide Monitor camera to measure the lateral distance to white or yellow lines on major highways and triggers an alarm when the distance falls below a pre-set level.

Radar Cruise Control, which uses laser radar sensors and steering sensors to keep track of the vehicle's lane and any preceding vehicle and ensures that a safe distance is maintained in accordance with vehicle speed, has been made optional on the "G edition."

Optional on all grades is a built-in electronic toll collection unit that allows for quick tollgate pass-through (only available with a navigation system).

Exterior and interior design - Futuristic styling with a sense of presence

The exterior design portrays dynamic and distinctive styling that assumes a commanding presence. The impressive front introduces a robust body, while the distinct rear expresses a futuristic vision.

The styles of the hybrid-exclusive front grill, front bumper, headlights, LED rear combination lamp, rear garnish and emblem all work to mark a clear distinction from the Alphard G and Alphard V.

The front grill adopts the same paint color as the body. A chrome-plated latticework with two horizontal lines and a chrome-plated emblem create an elegant effect.

The Alphard Hybrid features solid bumpers that offer functionality and advanced styling. Square, dual-lens low-beam headlights enhance its hi-tech image.

The rear's combination lamps and high-mount brake light use LEDs to improve visibility and reduce electric power consumption. The rear garnish adopts the same color as the body, creating a sense of unity as a whole, and a gilded finish applied around the reversing lights accentuates the sense of sophistication.

The Alphard Hybrid comes in a total of five high-class colors, including the new hybrid-exclusive colors Pale Blue Mica Metallic and Light Purple Metallic, which are all appropriate for a distinctive vehicle body.

Interior design

A new interior layout that stores the hybrid batteries underneath the front seat allows for a large luggage space that can hold eight golf bags even with eight passengers in the vehicle.

The instrument panel achieves a futuristic and luxury feel through its center cluster panel with a black wood grain "inner maple" motif not available in the conventionally powered Alphard minivans and a Wide Multi-AV Station panel in a metallic tone. The Optitron Meter uses LEDs as the light source for enhanced visibility and a high-quality feel and includes a real-time fuel gauge.

The seat cover is made exclusively for hybrid vehicles. The jacquard moquette fabric, which provides a sense of volume and a nice feeling to the touch, is available on the G Edition, and a smooth printed knit fabric is offered on the standard grade.

Convenient and high-function fittings

The sliding doors on both sides have a power-slide function (standard on the G Edition and optional on standard grades). The G Edition can be equipped with the option of a rear door that is operated automatically using switches located by the driver's seat and on the bottom edge of the rear door itself and also with a remote control.

Dual automatic air conditioning with independent front and rear controls that regulates interior temperature and humidity with a personal vent for each seat is standard on all grades.

The Alphard Hybrid Live Sound System (with DVD voice navigation) created exclusively for the Alphard Hybrid is standard on the G Edition and optional on the standard grades.

A rear-seat entertainment system with DVD voice navigation and a 9-inch-wide rear-seat multi-display TV screen that allows different video and audio sources to be accessed in the rear and front seats is optional on the standard grades. There is also an optional 10-speaker, 5.1ch DVD theater sound system for the G Edition.

The seven-seat models come with a "Side Lift-up Seat"-a second-row seat on the left side-to enable ingress and egress by elderly and disabled persons.

Welcab-Specially equipped vehicles with factory-installed features for the disabled

The "Welcab Side Lift-up Seat" type enables removal of the left-side second-row seat for use as a wheelchair.

(July 30, 2003)