Ford took a first stab at navigation systems in 1964, revealing the Aurora concept car with a map that automatically adjusted to the vehicle’s location. Ford’s introduction of this technology came nearly 30 years before the first navigation system for automobiles was produced. (Ford archives)
Toyota Motor held a virtual press conference today, May 18, to debut two hybrid vehicles that the company says will help propel it to offering electrified powertrains on its entire model line worldwide by 2025. The 2021 Toyota Venza midsize SUV crossover and Sienna minivan will have gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains, more luxurious features and full infotainment and safety technologies. Venza will go on sale around August and the Sienna in late 2020.
Positive signs are emerging, said Bob Carter, executive vice president of sales for Toyota Motor North America, as he opened the reveal via teleconference from headquarters in Plano, Texas.
The fourth-generation 2021 Sienna minivan will have a standard gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain across all trim levels. Options include all-wheel drive and a limo-like option for Super Long Slide second-row captain chairs with a stowable middle seat.
“This is an all-new vehicle from the ground up, including a new chassis platform as well as a new electrical platform,” said Chief Engineer Monte Kaehr in a release.
Designed, engineered, and assembled in the U.S., the minivan will debut kick-open and closed sliding side doors and a rear liftgate. An optional vacuum and refrigerator will be available. Other new features include a tilt and telescoping steering column with a heated steering wheel, which Toyota says is a segment first. Tech upgrades include a digital camera rearview mirror, 10-inch color head-up display, and a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system.
The Sienna’s exterior was designed by Toyota’s studios in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich. The front design was inspired by the Shinkansen Japanese bullet train “to appear sleek, speedy and confident,” Toyota says.
With seats for seven or eight occupants, the three-row Sienna will debut a new option for Super Long Slide second-row captain chairs with a stowable middle seat. Occupants will have fore-aft seat travel of 25 inches for unprecedented legroom, Toyota says. The seats can be paired with an optional ottoman feature.
The Sienna with AWD has a tow rating of 3,500 pounds. The minivan can be optioned with a 1,500-watt inverter with a 120-volt household outlet. It can be used to power small appliances for camping, tailgating, or home improvement.
Pricing for 2021 models has not been announced, but starting prices for the 2020 Sienna range from about $32,000 to $50,000 with AWD.
Standard safety technologies on both vehicles will include the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0). It integrates a pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection with low-light detection, full-speed-range dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-trace assist, and road-sign assist. The pre-collision system initiates automatic braking should the driver not react in time in certain emergency situations.
Full specifications will be released later but the hybrid powertrain in the Sienna is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a nickel-metal hydride battery. The powertrain has a combined 243 horsepower. All-wheel-drive models will use a third electric motor to drive the rear wheels. The Sienna has a manufacturer-estimated 33 combined MPG fuel economy, a benchmark for the segment, Toyota says.
The three-motor system in the Toyota Venza is just about the same as for the RAV4 Hybrid, but with a lithium-ion battery replacing nickel-metal hydride. The powertrain has 219 total horsepower and an estimated combined fuel economy of 33 mpg.
Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8-years/100,000-miles. The hybrid battery is covered for 10-years/150,000-miles, whichever comes first, and is transferrable across ownership.
Toyota has sold 15 million electrified vehicles to date through nine models, Carter said. “Nine is nice, but we have room for another hybrid in the lineup,” he said.
The Venza will bring the number of Toyota hybrids to 10 – or 11 with the Mirai fuel cell – for 2021, more than any other brand, Toyota says.
The business plan is to achieve 25 percent of global income from electrified vehicles by 2025, Carter said.
Pricing and more specifications will be released closer to the on-sale date for both vehicles.
Minivans are the most efficient mode of moving people but most of those people today prefer to be moved in a vehicle that looks more like an SUV. So, Toyota tried to provide the experience of an SUV in the Sienna but with minivan comfort and ease of access.
The exterior design was a joint effort by Toyota’s studios in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich. The front end was inspired by a Japanese bullet train “to appear sleek, speedy and confident,” Toyota says.
The headlights are mounted high and stretched around to the sides as if shaped by the wind. The lower grille is contrasted by slim, high tech LED fog lights that are pushed to the corners, to emphasize width and stability.
A sporty XSE model is set apart by dark 20-inch split five-spoke wheels (the biggest wheels yet on a Sienna, Toyota says) and aggressive front and rear bumpers.
The driver area was reconfigured to include an instrument panel of horizontal layers with a large center touch-screen display, small-item storage and the Bridge Console, which connects the instrument panel to the center armrest. The ergonomically designed console is positioned high between the driver and passenger.
The design places the shifter and necessary functions within easy reach, along with cup holders, available wireless charger and storage areas for smaller items, Toyota says. Beneath the bridge is a large open area for convenient storage of larger personal items such as a purse or bag.
All Sienna trim levels will have:
• 9-inch touch-screen display;
• Six-speaker audio system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa;
• Seven USB ports;
• Hands-free Bluetooth phone and music streaming;
• Power windows with one-touch up and down;
• Dual, power sliding side doors. (Kick-type sliding doors and a power tailgate standard on XLE and higher trim levels.)
• Three-zone climate control;
• Fabric upholstery with eight-way power driver’s seat. (Softex leatherette trimmed seats on upper trim levels.)
• Second-row sunshades.
Standard safety technologies include the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), an active safety system that includes:
• Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection with low light detection
• Full-speed-range dynamic radar cruise control
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Lane trace assist
• Road sign assist
The pre-collision system provide automatic braking should the driver not react in time in certain emergency situations. The PCS system can also detect a bicyclist and even a pedestrian in low-light situations.
Other standard safety features include 10 air bags (including a driver’s knee bag and a passenger-seat-cushion air bag), blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.
The Toyota Hybrid System II in the Sienna will deliver 243 total horsepower and have a manufacturer-estimated 33 combined MPG fuel economy, a benchmark for the segment, Toyota says. What will be noticeable, Toyota says, is the kick in low-speed torque from two electric motors working with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
The powertrain warranty covers all hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, for 10-years/150,000-miles, whichever comes first. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8-years/100,000-miles.
During off-the-line starts in Sienna or Venza, the all-wheel-drive system can send up to 80 percent of power to the rear wheels to help prevent front-wheel slip. The Hybrid AWD system enhances cornering agility by helping to reduce understeer for a more confident handling feel, Toyota says.
Instead of a heavy AWD transfer case and space-robbing driveshaft to the rear wheels, electronic on-demand system uses a third electric motor.
Using the navigation system in both vehicles, the Predictive Efficient Drive analyzes driving habits and memorized road and traffic conditions to optimize hybrid battery charging. When the driver activates PED, the system learns repeating routes and can predict when and where the vehicle is likely to slow down or stop. Then, through optimum accelerator pedal release timing guidance, the feature can reduce energy consumption.
The midsize Venza debuts a revived nameplate last used in 2015 for the discontinued wagon. It is built on the same TNGA-K platform as the Highlander and RAV4 and is known as the Harrier in Japan. (It’s also similar in stance and styling to the Lexus NX.)
The midsize two-row, five-seat crossover utility vehicle is intended to fill a gap in Toyota’s lineup of seven SUVs and crossovers and fits between the compact RAV4 and large-midsize Highlander SUV. It is expected to have an estimated 40 mpg in combined fuel economy, Toyota says.
The lithium-ion battery pack is small enough to be installed under the rear seats, so it does not take up any cargo or passenger space.
Optional features will include the new Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. The electrochromic glass technology allows drivers to switch from transparent to frosted modes, with UV protection from sunshine. Other upgrades include a 12.3-inch touch-screen display with a nine-speaker JBL audio system and a digital rearview camera mirror.
Venza has eight-way power driver seats on all grades with a four-way passenger on the Limited (but no height adjustment). The power driver’s seat integrates an auto slide-away function that on entry or exit, the seat automatically moves to the rearmost position to optimize ingress and egress. When the Venza is started, the seat moves to the last position set by the driver.
Ventilated front seats are standard on Limited and draw cool air from the air conditioning system into the seats. The ventilated seat option integrates S-FLOW cooling technology (from Lexus) that directs air conditioning only to occupied seats, helping to reduce energy consumption.
Toyota says the Venza represents graceful grand touring, which it emphasizes with thorough soundproofing.
The high-strength TNGA-K platform is a rigid platform to block noise intrusion, Toyota says, which helps curb vibration through the steering, floor and structure. From there, suspension tuning resists road surface disturbances, tire noise is reduced via strategically placed insulation and an acoustic glass windshield helps minimize wind noise.
Sound-blocking and absorbing insulation with body-sealing material are placed throughout the structure, under the carpeting, and above the headliner. The materials and their placement were optimized to minimize the noise in the frequencies that typically interfere with conversation, Toyota says.
As one example, the floor silencer pad is one large piece rather than separate segments. The pad’s surface coverage reaches about 92 percent. Holes and gaps between parts are filled in with sound-damping material for greater road-noise reduction.
Under the hood, sound-absorbing insulation around the engine compartment helps reduce intake noise, helped by the placement of two special resonance chambers that help minimize air intake noise in the 530Hz and 650Hz ranges.
The new Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof uses electrochromic glass technology to switch from transparent to frosted modes, with UV protection.
The standard backup camera features projected path and dynamic gridlines, while an available rear camera cleaning system sprays washer fluid to clear away water droplets, mud, snow and snow-melting road treatments from the lens.
The Limited model has a bird’s-eye view camera system with perimeter scan. It gives a panoramic overhead view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Other upgrades include a 12.3-inch touch-screen display with a nine-speaker JBL audio system and digital rearview camera mirror. XLE and Limited grades have a standard smart key system for unlocking and push-button ignition.
Two-tone, 18-inch alloy wheels are standard with 19-inch standard on XLE and Limited, with super chrome finished alloy wheels.
Cup holders can accommodate large drink sizes, while the center stack tray can handle the largest iPhone models. Bottle holders in the door panels can take 24-ounce bottles.
Cargo space behind the second row is up to 36.3 cubic feet, with no intrusion from the lithium-ion battery pack. It is small enough to be installed under the rear seats, so it does not take up any cargo or passenger space. The standard tonneau cover can be stored in the storage space beneath the deck board when not in use.
Audio Plus is standard on LE and XLE and includes an 8-inch touch screen. Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL is optional on XLE and standard on Limited. The system features a 12.3-inch touch-screen display with controls that can be switched between the driver or front passenger.
Connectivity features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa and Bluetooth wireless technology. Apple CarPlay includes access to Siri, while Android Auto connects with Google Assistant.
Cargo space has no intrusion from the lithium-ion battery pack. (Toyota)
All Toyota Venza grades come with a three-month trial for satellite radio Toyota Remote Services trial subscriptions. Available dynamic navigation features enhanced 2D landmark display, land guidance display, and freeway exit display. All Venza models will come equipped with Toyota Safety Connect with a one-year trial subscription.
Official pricing had not been announced at the time of posting this story. Industry sources, however, have reported Toyota Venza pricing should start around $35,000 and top out at around $45,000.
May 13 was a checkered-flag day for Maserati and Stirling Moss in 1956. The renowned British racecar driver won the Monaco F1 Grand Prix on that day, piloting a Maserati 250F. The victory stands out among the many trophies in the champion’s collection. And in tribute, Maserati announced on May 13, 2020, that a prototype of the Maserati MC20, the new Maserati super sportscar, will pay homage to Sir Stirling Moss, the British motor-racing ace who died April 12 at the age of 90. Testing of the Trident’s new super sports car continues.
The design used for this prototype is taken from the Maserati Eldorado, the iconic single-seater driven on its debut in Monza in 1958 by Stirling Moss at the “Trofeo dei due Mondi.” The “Race of the Two Worlds” was open to European and American cars.
According to a report in DriveMag.com, the Maserati Eldorado, “wrote history as it became the first single-seater in Europe to be sponsored by a brand not connected to the world of motorsport — in this case, a company that made ice-cream [Eldorado Sud].”
The 1958 Eldorado was based on the Maserati 250F Formula One racer, according to a report in Wikipedia, and given the chassis number 4203. The car was then identified as the 420M/58. Its twin cam V-8 engine was adapted from the Maserati 450S endurance racer and was capable of speeds to 217 mph.
It is very fitting that the Trident brand has chosen the date of May 13 to recall the great British driver, Maserati said in a statement. His victory that day at the Monaco Grand Prix was an amazing win. Moss led the race from the first to the last of the 100 laps around the winding Monaco circuit. It was a doubly good day for Maserati as the brand took third place as well — also in a 250F — by French driver Jean Behra.
Moss, who recorded 16 victories in 66 starts in Formula 1 Grand Prix racing, is one of the most successful drivers never to have won the world title, a Maserati spokesperson said in the release. “Sir Stirling came within a whisker of the crown on more than one occasion, finishing in second place on four occasions, and third in three championships. For this reason, he was known as the ‘king without a crown.’ ”
In the 1956 season and some 1957 races, Moss drove a Maserati 250F (“his favorite,” he often recalled), beaten only by Juan Manuel Fangio. Moreover, Moss’ Argentinian rival took his 1957 title at the wheel of another 250F, confirming the reliability and superiority of the Modena-built car.
With the Stirling Moss “signature” for the MC20 prototype, Maserati commemorates one of the greatest names in the annals of world motorsports, who wrote some of the finest pages in its own racing history.
The list of Masers piloted by the British driver also includes the Tipo 60 Birdcage, Tipo 61 and 300 S.
The prototype of the MC20 is an important car for Maserati as it aims to return to a leading role on the racing circuits. Its most recent world championship was won in 2010 with another extraordinary car, the MC12.
The arrival of the MC20, “Maserati Corse 2020,” will be the first car to adopt a new engine 100 percent designed, developed and produced by Maserati, the spokesperson said. “But like all new Maserati models, it also will be available in an electrified version.”
The new MC20 sports car will be produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant in Modena, where major production line upgrades are underway.
Maserati will mark the new era and relaunch of the Maserati brand and unveil the MC20 at its special event in September, “MMXX: The Way Forward.”
Ford might have been angling to poach buyers who were considering Chevrolet’s Nomad wagon, but it didn’t work out that way. According to the report in Wikipedia, “The impetus for the creation of the Del Rio was Ford’s desire to remain in the two-door sport wagon market started by the Chevrolet Nomad and Pontiac Safari.
“While the Nomad was Chevrolet’s most expensive model, offering a premium vehicle with a show-car-inspired body style, the Del Rio was strictly based on an existing product, the utilitarian two-door Ranch Wagon, Ford’s least expensive station wagon, as part of the Custom 300 series.
“Beginning with the basic body, buyers of the Del Rio were offered a unique two-tone paint scheme (optional), better quality interior and exterior brightwork (including gold anodized aluminum accents) and a higher grade vinyl upholstery. Four-way power seats were available.
“While the Ford sold more Del Rios in 1957 (46,105) than Chevrolet did with its Nomad in its three years of production, Ford terminated the Del Rio program at the end of the 1958 model year after selling only 12,687 of its “sport wagons.”
Italian luxury vehicle marque Maserati has been a manufacturer of racing and grand-touring cars since it was established on Dec. 1, 1914, in Bologna, Italy. The “House of Trident” will mark a new era for the future of mobility and the relaunch of the Maserati brand in September at “MMXX: The Way Forward,” when it will unveil the MC20 supercar at the special event. Follow the event at 2020 Modena.
The current Maserati lineup of vehicles is comprised of three models: the sixth generation of the Quattroporte flagship sedan, the Ghibli executive sports sedan (the brand’s first midsize sedan) and the Levante SUV. Production of the Gran Turismo coupe ($135,000) and GT convertible ($151,000) ended last year, but cars might still be available at dealerships.
] Here’s a look at what is new for the 2020 model year:
The brand’s first SUV is named for a warm Mediterranean wind that can change from light breeze to gale force in an instant. With near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the Levante luxury performance SUV is powered by a choice of twin-turbo V-6 or V-8 engines. The two trim levels of V-6 have 345-hp in the base model and 424-hp in the Levante S. The V-8-powered GTS and Trofeo models have 550-hp and 590-hp. Starting prices range from about $75,000 to $170,000.
For 2020, entry models now have standard soft-close doors, heated leather sport steering wheel and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The driver assistance package and adaptive LED matrix headlamps are also standard on the Levante GranLusso, GranSport and GTS.
Interiors can be upgraded with the Ermenegildo Zegna PELLETESSUTA woven leather in one of the 50 limited edition GranSport models.
The midsize sport sedan takes inspiration from Maserati’s first 2+2 fastback and is named for an African desert wind. The Ghibli is available with a choice of two twin-turbo V-6 engines at 345-hp and 424-hp and available AWD on the 424-hp. Soft-close doors, heated leather sport steering wheels and the driver-assistance package are now standard on all GranSport and GranLusso trims for 2020, plus optional Skyhook Performance suspension on GranLusso trims. Starting prices range from about $71,000 to $80,000.
When it was first introduced in 1963, the Quattroporte was the world’s first luxury sport sedan and created the category, Maserati claims. The full-size flagship sedan has twin-turbocharged V-6 or V-8 powertrains. The 424-hp twin-turbo V-6 is available in rear- or all-wheel drive or in rear-drive only for the 523-hp twin-turbo V-8 model.
For 2020, optional column-mounted paddle shifters are offered for the S Q4 and S Q4 GranLusso. Soft close doors, heated leather and wood steering wheel, power rear sunblind and driver assistance package are all standard.
Interiors can be upgraded with the Ermenegildo Zegna PELLETESSUTA woven leather in one of the 50 limited edition GranSport models.
Maserati vehicles are built at three locations:
• The historic plant on Viale Ciro Menotti, Modena, opened in 1939, is currently undergoing major upgrades to accommodate the new MC20 super sportscar.
• The Avvocato Giovanni Agnelli Plant in Grugliasco, in Turin, constructs the Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans.
• The Levante SUV is produced on its own line in the Turin Mirafiori complex.
