Acura = Alfa-Romeo = Alpina = Artega = Ascari = Aston-Martin = Audi = BMW = Bentley = Brabus = Bugatti = Buick = Cadillac = Caparo = Chevrolet = Chrysler = Citroen = Covini = Dacia = Daewoo = Daihatsu = Daimler = Devon = Dodge = Donkervoort = Farbio = Ferrari = Fiat = Fisker = Ford = GM = GMC = Gumpert = Holden = Honda = Hummer = Hyundai = Infiniti = Italdesign = Jaguar = Jeep = KTM = Kia = Koenigsegg = Lamborghini = Lancia = Land Rover = Leblanc = Lexus = Lincoln = Lobini = Lotus = MG = Mansory = Maserati = Maybach = Mazda = Mazel = McLaren = Mercedes-Benz = Mercury = Mindset = Mini = Mitsubishi = Morgan = Nismo = Nissan = Noble = ORCA = Oldsmobile = Opel = PGO = Pagani = Plymouth = Pontiac = Porsche = Renault = Rolls-Royce = Rover = Saab = Saturn = Scion = Skoda = Smart = Spyker = SsangYong = Startech = Stola = Strosek = Torino = Subaru = Think = Toyota = Tramontana = Valmet = Vauxhall = Venturi = Volvo = Wiesmann = Yes = Zagato = Zenvo.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Acura TL, 2012, Automobile Insurance & Other Types of Vehicle Insurance

 
 
Acura TL, 2012

The Acura TL received the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG®) award for the best residual value of any Near Luxury vehicle, with the overall Acura brand taking the second place spot for best residual value for all Luxury Brands. Such independent recognition indicates the strong value and quality that the Acura brand offers.

For 2012 engineers went back to work to further refine the Acura TL with even better attributes. Most apparent are the visual changes that incorporate new front and rear styling, but also present is a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission for improved performance and fuel economy, a revised interior and a host of technology upgrades.

At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and much smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look. Also adding to the exterior looks are new 17- and 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted with a revised center cap featuring a raised-style, chrome-plated Acura "A" mark.

To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is used with all TL models. In addition to incorporating engineering enhancements aimed at improving efficiency, a sport-minded double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a double downshift — such as from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system also creates a "blip" of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting.

The transmission teams with a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces heat build-up during operation, but also allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions — which helps generate improved fuel economy. As a result, city/highway fuel economy is now 20/29 mpg — an increase of 3 mpg in highway driving over the 2011 TL. To further improve operating efficiency, the TL's 3.5L V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies while a revised air inlet system provides cooler air for both the 3.5L and 3.7L engines.

The 2012 TL is available in numerous configurations including a choice between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. The performance-minded 6MT model will continue to be offered in the 2012 TL lineup, helping broaden the TL's appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers. However, the TL 6MT goes well beyond the addition of a unique transmission. Acura engineers developed a complete performance package for the 6-speed model that includes numerous enhancements to handling, steering and reliability. Not only is the manual transmission model the best performing Acura TL ever, but it is the top performer in handling amongst every vehicle in its class.

The 2012 Acura TL is a powerful and precise performance luxury sedan that is as confident and composed on a mountain road as it is in the city center. Replacing the previous generation TL's Type-S model is the Acura TL SH-AWD® model that is built for the enthusiast driver. Featuring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, special suspension and steering tuning, the most powerful engine from Acura ever and an optional performance minded close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox, the 2012 TL offers plenty of appeal for both commuters and performance enthusiasts. Unlike some sedan competitors that add all-wheel-drive to their vehicle to primarily help in winter conditions, the TL's available SH-AWD® was specially designed to dramatically enhance sporty handling in addition to further enhancing the vehicle's winter-driving capability. This means that the Acura TL SH-AWD is inspiring to drive year-round.

The Acura TL has a fresh new look to back up its performance, including a new front bumper which teams with a more refined grille. In addition, front end styling benefits from updated headlights and turn signals and a new fog light design. Along with providing improved aerodynamics, the refined front of the Acura TL features a shorter front overhang. Just as with the 2011 TL, the 2012 TL exterior makes use of luxury cues like genuine stainless-steel trim, LED taillights and dynamic surface lines immediately capturing the viewer's attention.

Underhood, for 2012 the Acura TL has a new Battery Management System (BMS) that is designed to increase the overall service life of the battery, reduce the chance of a dead battery and help deliver improved fuel economy. The 3.5L and 3.7L engines make use of an updated cold air inlet system along with all-new dual fine electrode spark plugs that help improve combustion and further expand the operating efficiency of the EGR system.

The Inside, 
the 2012 TL benefits from an even further refined cabin that includes updates such as available ventilated front seats, instrument cluster changes and new surface finishes for many interior appointments. The further expansion of intuitive and customizable technologies enables the 2012 Acura TL owner to better stay connected with the world around them as well as to be able to use their time more efficiently. For 2012, a larger HDD system (now 60 gigabytes) works with a brighter and more colorful monitor, there is an increase to 15 GB of dedicated space for the storage of up to 3,500 songs, and now there is even faster USB port connectivity. Technology improvements abound with the 2012 TL in the form of the availability of Song By Voice™, refinement of Bluetooth® Audio (now with artists name, song title, etc.), new "active pairing" functionality for Bluetooth® enabled cellular telephones, dial-by-number and dial-by-voice tags, and even further expanded map information for the navigation system.

In addition, a Technology Package is available on both models. Featuring items such as Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image mapping, the Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system, Bluetooth® Audio and the Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition), the Technology Package offers a comprehensive electronic array of features. New for the 2012 TL is Song By Voice™ (SBV) that allows the driver to select audio choices via voice activation, rather than having to remove a hand from the steering wheel.

When equipped with the Advance Package, a new blind spot information (BSI) system can detect other vehicles when they are located in the blind spot of the Acura TL driver. Also part of the Advance Package are ventilated front seats and larger wheels/tires.

THE ACURA TL MISSION
Altogether, the fourth-generation Acura TL amplifies and refocuses the original TL's mission as a driver's performance luxury sedan. Competing in the entry premium sedan segment, the 2012 TL advances Acura's mission of providing precisely crafted and focused luxury-performance vehicles. A summary of its powerful attributes:
    * Dramatic new exterior and interior styling together with a superlative level of luxury and technological appointments.
    * Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ model designed for excellent dry and wet weather performance.
    * 6-speed manual transmission developed specifically for the performance enthusiast who has selected the SH-AWD model.
    * Available Technology and Advance Packages that combine premium leather seating surfaces with advanced electronic technologies that make driving more enjoyable, efficient and convenient.

LUXURY MARKET STATUS
The newly refined 2012 Acura TL enters the competitive luxury market at an ideal time as the segment in which it competes is expected to remain strong into the next decade. Available with the largest and most powerful engine in TL history, along with the sport-driving focused SH-AWD® system (the world's first torque-vectoring AWD system when introduced in 2000), the 2012 TL competes with vehicles such as the Audi A4 and A6, BMW 3-Series and 5-Series, Infiniti G37 and M37, Lexus ES, GS and IS sedans, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class.

CONCEPT CUSTOMER
Performance luxury sedan customers value vehicle traits such as dramatic and exclusive exterior styling, emotional and luxurious interior design, and fun-to-drive character. These elements are balanced by an equally keen appreciation for quality, reliability, durability and competitive pricing.

ENGINE & POWERTRAIN
A quintessential component of the Acura TL's mission as a performance luxury sedan is to provide the maximum possible driving enjoyment for enthusiast drivers. Thus, the TL offers a choice of two all-aluminum powertrains. The standard 3.5-liter V-6 develops 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque and drives the front wheels through a sophisticated Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control System. The 3.5L features technologies like a Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, Computer-Controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) for the intake valves and a sport-tuned exhaust system with dual tips. The 3.5L V-6 delivers strong power and 20/29/23 mpg (city/highway/combined) fuel efficiency while meeting California's stringent CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification.

The Acura TL takes the driving experience to the next level with the availability of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) model, which features a 3.7-liter V-6 engine developing 305 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque — making it the most powerful Acura sedan ever. With additional features including a cold-air intake system, Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) for both intake and exhaust valves, and a high-flow, sport-tuned dual exhaust system with four exhaust tips, the SH-AWD® powertrain truly delivers racetrack-quality performance.

In addition, the 3.7L V-6 meets CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification and delivers city/highway/combined fuel economy of 18/26/21 mpg (6AT model). The innovative SH-AWD® system is unique to Acura and by employing torque vectoring, during hard cornering under acceleration it can send more torque as well as to overdrive the outside rear wheel, thereby creating a "yaw moment" that enhances vehicle dynamics by generating a turn-in effect.

Acura's commitment to sophistication and refinement are equally important, and to this end both V-6 engines shine with features like maintenance-free serpentine accessory belts, low-noise and low-drag electric power steering (EPS), and electronically controlled hydraulic engine mounts that reduce vibration. Moreover, both engines feature a Maintenance Minder™ system and 100,000-mile tune-up interval. With validation testing conducted in environments ranging from Alaska to Death Valley, public streets to Germany's famed Nürburgring, and from Japan to New Zealand, the TL has been proven in an extremely demanding range of driving environments.

BODY & CHASSIS
The 2012 TL takes Acura styling to a dynamic new level. Using the concept "emotion unleashed" as a impetus for developing the body design, Acura designers based in Southern California crafted a performance luxury sedan shape with a surface that expresses motion — even while at rest.

The use of aggressive wheel arches, dramatic character lines along the body side and numerous Acura exclusive design elements (such as the Acura signature grille) create a powerful and distinctive shape. Featuring as standard equipment premium details such as stainless-steel body trim, a power moonroof, HID projector-beam front headlights and LED taillights, the TL enjoys a strong foothold in the premium segment.

Further defining the Acura TL is a rigid unit-body, which positions the frame rails inside (instead of underneath) the floor pan to provide a nearly flat body underside. This frame design improves overall structural strength for enhanced crash safety, while also reducing interior noise and improving aerodynamic efficiency (the reduction in drag in turn enhances fuel economy). The TL also uses a large percentage (47.6-percent) of high-strength steel to improve structural strength while helping to reduce weight. To this end, aluminum is also used for the hood, front suspension subframe and rear suspension knuckles, while lightweight foam-filled body pillars help reduce noise in the cabin.

The TL rides on double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. Several technologies sharpen the TL's handling while significantly reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) inside the car. These technologies include dual-stage "blow off" style hydraulic dampers, hydro-compliant bushings (for the engine, transmission, and select suspension components) and a "smart" engine mount design. The available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD) TL has unique suspension tuning, more aggressive braking-force tuning, front brake cooling ducts, and special tuning for the driver-focused Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Those in search for the ultimate in Acura TL performance will choose the 6MT model that adds close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, exclusive tuning for the SH-AWD system, special rate front springs and dampers, a heavy-duty front differential and driveshafts, unique EPS tuning and more.

Standard on the 2012 TL are 17x8-inch split 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels with Bridgestone Turanza P245/50R17 all-season tires. The available Technology Package has proprietary Michelin Pilot P245/50R17 all-season tires for the 17-inch wheels, with 18x8-inch aluminum wheels fitted with P245/45/18 all-season tires for the TL model with Advance Package. The TL SH-AWD® model includes as standard 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot P245/45R18 rubber. Available on Acura TL SH-AWD® with Advance Package are 19x8-inch aluminum wheels with Goodyear Eagle RS-A 245/40R19 M+S tires.

INTERIOR
The TL's driver-focused objective is strongly presented throughout the interior, where a "dual personal" layout provides a feeling of separate personal space for the driver and front passenger. Sweeping shapes and high-quality materials provide a feeling of intelligent luxury, while a formidable array of standard and available electronics reward the TL occupants with top-flight audio, navigation and communications experiences. On the driver's side, all the controls and instruments are positioned intuitively, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience while still enjoying Acura's substantial array of electronic aids and conveniences.

Luxury and technology are evident from the moment the TL's doors are first opened, and detail after detail underscores Acura's commitment to winning over the luxury customer. From the shape and feel of the door handles and the precision of the door-sill plates, to the richly appointed leather seating and the ergonomic positioning of seat bolsters, armrests and controls, the Acura TL immediately connects with the luxury customer. But it is the remarkable range of standard features that do the convincing — features like 10-way power driver seat (8-way power seat with 2-way lumbar support) and 8-way power passenger seat, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters for the Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission, and an 8-speaker, 276-watt audio system with 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio with Note function, Bluetooth Audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, and HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface.

An available Technology Package adds a desirable range of electronic upgrades to the extensive list of standard luxury features, beginning with the Keyless Access System (with smart entry and pushbutton ignition) and luxurious full-grain perforated premium Milano leather seating surfaces. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the TL driving experience, the electronic features continue with an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, rearview camera and an updated 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display, plus the available AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps. In addition, an AcuraLink Satellite Communication System provides a continual interface between the TL and Acura. An interface dial complements powerful voice recognition capability that provides intuitive access to navigation, audio, climate control and other features. For the ultimate audio experience, the Technology Package includes an Acura/ELS Surround® 10-speaker, 440-watt premium audio system with DVD-Audio, DTS™, CD, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio, Bluetooth® Audio and a 3,500-song hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system.

With the available Advance Package, added to the Acura TL are ventilated front seats and a blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver to vehicles detected adjacent to the TL.

SAFETY
The Acura Division's interest and concern for safety engineering is well known. This concern for safety extends to the driver and passengers of the TL, the safety of occupants of other vehicles, and even the injury mitigation to pedestrians. The 2012 TL provides such safety with a complement of the latest safety engineering and features.

The story begins with the TL's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. Introduced to the Acura Division in the 2005 RL (and now integrated into every Acura model), ACE is a body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the TL. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.
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Insurance Informations
Automobile Insurance & Other Types of Vehicle Insurance
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Since 1937, Progressive has provided automobile insurance to millions of customers. Today, we're one of the largest automobile insurance groups in the country, and we've earned that spot through competitive insurance rates and superior customer and claims service. For automobile insurance — and so much more — choose Progressive
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Sunday, October 2, 2011

Toyota Corolla, 2011, Corolla LE, Corolla S model

 
 
 
 
Toyota Corolla, 2011

At the 2010 Los Angeles Auto show, the 2011 Toyota Corolla - the best selling subcompact in America - will feature new front and rear exterior styling, new interior design changes, Toyota Care complimentary maintenance plan, standard Smart Stop Technology, and two new colors. With a compelling combination of responsive, fun-to-drive performance, proven value and significant safety credentials, more than 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide since 1966. The 2011 Corolla will go in sale in December.

The 2011 Toyota Corolla continues to offer Toyota's Star Safety System standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.

Performance and Efficiency
The 2011 Toyota Corolla is  in three grades: the base-model Corolla, LE, and S. All models are equipped with the 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, which produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to help optimize performance and fuel economy. Internal components are optimized to reduce friction.

Handling and Ride

The smooth-riding Toyota Corolla is built around a stiff body structure that relies on high tensile-strength steel, gussets and cross members for its strength, rigidity and lightweight construction. Front suspension is composed of a compact, rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar. The Corolla's torsion beam rear suspension employs a coil-over-shock arrangement that allows efficient packaging along with solid handling and excellent ride comfort.

Brakes consist of 10.7-inch vented discs up front for all models and nine-inch drums in the rear. An electric power-assist steering system uses a compact motor, speed reducer and torque sensor built into the steering column. The system varies the amount of assistance according to engine RPM and vehicle speed. The result is appropriate weight and responsiveness at higher speeds, and light effort at low speeds. Electric power steering reduces parasitic losses to the engine, thereby aiding fuel economy. It is also environmentally efficient, because it does not require hydraulic oil.

Safety
The Toyota Corolla is engineered to absorb and disperse impact energy throughout the entire body structure, including front and rear crumple zones. Strengthened door beltline reinforcements help share the impact load, which in side impacts is also directed to the underbody. A direct tire pressure monitor system comes standard on every Corolla.
As part of the Toyota Star Safety System, Vehicle Stability Control automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle's braking force at individual wheels to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading.

Comfort and Convenience
The 2011 Corolla upholds a 40-plus year heritage for providing outstanding value in standard equipment. All models feature a standard all-weather package. The Toyota Corolla grade features new 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers; P195/65 R15 tires; a color-keyed front grille and exterior door handles; a heavy-duty rear window defogger with timer; AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, and auto sound leveling; air conditioning with pollen filter; intermittent windshield wipers; daytime running lights; black folding power mirrors that are larger for improved rear visibility; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; multi-information display with outside temperature, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, average speed and travel distance; fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable drivers seat; four-way adjustable front passenger seat; 60/40 split folding rear seats and a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet.

The popular Toyota Corolla LE grade adds variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle; color-keyed power heated outside mirrors; AM/FM/CD audio with six speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, and auto sound leveling; cruise control; multi-function in-key remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, trunk release, panic and remote illuminated entry; power windows with driver side auto down; tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with metallic accents and audio controls; and power door locks with shift-activated automatic locking feature.

The sporty Corolla S grade adds newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 tires; multi-reflector halogen headlamps with black housing; color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, sport side rocker panels, unique S badge and rear mudguards; color-keyed rear spoiler, integrated fog lamps; front sport seats; chrome-tipped exhaust; an new tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with audio controls; chrome exhaust tip; sport fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable drivers seat and four-way adjustable front passenger seat; metallic style interior trim and analog sport instrumentation.

Exterior Design
The Toyota Corolla's design, created with input from styling studios in Turin, Italy, strikes a sporty profile. New 2011 exterior-design changes were made on the front bumper, radiator grille, front lower grille, headlamps, trunk lid, rear license garnish, rear combination lamp, rear bumper and reflex reflector. Built on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, the Corolla provides room for five, and its 12.3 cu. ft. trunk rivals midsize cars' trunks in capacity. The sporty profile is the result of pulling the A-pillar forward and the C-pillar rearward, which also enhances aerodynamic performance for optimal fuel efficiency.

Just above the dense mesh grille that helps form the now familiar Toyota T-face, an interlayer of anti-chipping coating is used to help minimize paint damage from stone chips. The side-view mirrors have increased in size for excellent visibility; heated side-view mirrors are available. The standard body kit on S the model adds a sporty look while also enhancing aerodynamics. The kit includes a front spoiler, rocker moldings, and upper and lower rear spoilers. Engine undercovers improve air management under the car on all models.

Toyota designers focused significant attention on reducing wind noise. The A-pillar is specially profiled for this purpose. The windshield is made from acoustic glass and the window-frame structure is designed to reduce vibration of side glass. The windshield molding, wiper blade covers and shape of the cowl air intake louvers are all designed to minimize noise. Windshield washer nozzles are partially shielded by the rear edge of the hood, instead of sitting atop the hood or cowling. Inside, the carpeting is designed to better absorb noise.

Interior Design
The 2011 Corolla features a number of new interior design features that enhance its distinctive style. A new seat color and pattern enhances Toyota Corolla's contemporary looks, while the combination meter design has been changed with the aim of enhancing clarity. The instrument panel upper and door trim upper color has been changed, revealing a sophisticated cabin appearance. A newly designed steering wheel on the Corolla S is provides a sporty image.

Toyota

Toyota

Toyota

Toyota

Toyota

Toyota Auris HSD, 2011, European Toyota Hybrid Car

 
 
Toyota Auris HSD, 2011

The Toyota Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) introduces full hybrid technology to a core model at the heart of Toyota's model line-up. It marks the first step in the deployment of HSD technology across the company's entire European model range by the early 2020s.
Built in Britain at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK's Burnaston factory, it targets an important shift in customer perceptions of full hybrid drive technology.

Exterior design
The Toyota Auris HSD adopts the new exterior styling introduced across the Auris 2010 model range, including a completely redesigned front-end. It also displays a number of model-specific features which help improve the car's aerodynamic efficiency and reference the presence of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain.
The opening in the upper front grille has been optimised to promote a smooth flow of air over the upper half of the body, and the lower grille has been made larger to reduce airflow resistance and improve engine cooling efficiency.

With a revised foglamp configuration, the flat, vertical surface of the corners of the front bumper corrects the airflow as it passes over the front wheels, helping minimise turbulence in the wheelarches.
Further improvement in aerodynamic efficiency is achieved by a ride height reduced by 5mm; purpose-designed alloy wheels with integrated aerodynamic caps; low rolling resistance tyres; and a large, roof-mounted rear spoiler. Working together to smooth and control the flow of air over the car, these HSD-specific design modifications reduce the coefficient of drag from Cd0.290 to 0.283, contributing to reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The Interior design
The interior features a number of modifications, including a revised instrument binnacle in which the tachometer has been replaced by an Eco Drive Assist Monitor. The centre-dial information panel includes additional HSD-specific information such as Energy Flow and Eco Drive Result monitors.
A hybrid blue smart start button has been added to the side of the instrument cluster and the centre console incorporates switches for the Parking Control and EV, ECO and Power drive modes, and a shift-by-wire gear lever.

The illumination is changed to display greenish-white numbers on a hybrid blue background on the meter panel, audio and heating controls, and the Smart Start, Drive Mode and Parking Control switches.
A choice of upholsteries specific to the model will also be available: a blue-flecked fabric or Alcantara panels with leather surrounds.

Hybrid Synergy Drive
Toyota Auris HSD is a full hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric modes alone, or a combination of both. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive system delivers the energy-saving qualities of a series hybrid, combined with the performance benefits of a parallel hybrid.

The technology delivers impressive, seamless acceleration and remarkably quiet running, with class-leading fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from 74.3mpg and 89g/km.
Toyota's latest generation Hybrid Synergy Driver uses a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine, a powerful electro motor, generator, high performance battery and a power control unit. A power split device with a planetary gear system combines and reallocated power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to the car's operational requirements.

The lightweight and compact four-cylinder, 1,798cc Atkinson Cycle VVT-i engine develops 97bhp at 5,200rpm and 142Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The high performance permanent magnet synchronous 60kW electric motor generates a maximum 207Nm between zero and 13,000rpm.
Powered by the hybrid battery, the electric motor works in tandem with the petrol engine to boost acceleration in normal driving. When the car is operating in EV (electric vehicle) mode, it alone powers the driven wheels.
Toyota Auris HSD eco driving experience
The Toyota Auris HSD has four driving modes, including three that can be selected "on-demand" by the driver to maximise the HSD powertrain's capabilities and provide comprehensive eco driving support for those who want to adopt a more environmentally efficient style of driving.
EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power lone, giving zero fuel consumption and emissions. ECO mode maximises efficiency and fuel economy, and Power mode boosts system performance. In addition, an Eco Drive Monitor helps driver's maximise the HSD system's efficiency.

The driver can monitor the flow of energy around the HSD system in each mode, via the multi-information display in the instrument panel, which helps promote an easy, fuel-efficient driving technique. There is also a clear and simple power consumption gauge that shows how much power is being used or generated at any given time.

The inherent quietness of Hybrid Synergy Drive, Toyota has paid special attention to NVH reduction measures to create a calm and quiet cabin environment at all speeds. Road and engine noise have been rigorously suppressed with extensive use of sound-proofing materials. Full-thickness glazing and a multi-layer acoustic windscreen further reduce noise for quieter performance at cruising speeds.