LAcarGUY Wins Prestigious Sustainable Business Council Industry Achievement Award
The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) recently announced the Inaugural SBC Industry Achievement Awards recipients during an awards ceremony attended by preeminent sustainable business leaders from throughout Southern California. Five Inaugural SBC Giving Tree Awards trophies that are Ficus Bonsai in Bamboo planters, to coincide with Earth Day and be symbolic of the event’s sustainable message, were presented during the award’s ceremony.
SBC’s Sustainable Business Award results were a tie. The two recipients have impressive sustainability credentials. The Miyako Hybrid Hotel is a Silver LEED certified hotel built to show that business, luxury services and green facilities and operations are not mutually exclusive.
As a business located in the city of Los Angeles, with an active Sustainable City Plan implemented in 1994, LAcarGUY commits to conducting business in a manner that safeguards health, protects the environment and conserves valuable materials and resources.
LAcarGUY won SBC Sustainable Business Award because we are a business that is a leading contributor to the Southern California economy and society. Our sustainable achievements are acknowledged by the general public, scholars, critics and peers. LAcarGUY continues to advance the sustainable business industry.
Progress Continues On The New Audi Pacific Terminal Store
We are one month in to the construction of the largest Audi Terminal store and the new home of Audi Pacific! On top of all that the new home for Audi Pacific, in keeping with the core values here at LAcarGUY will be a LEED Certified building!
We have a time-lapse camera set up to track the building of the new store, and periodically we will be posting those to show everyone the progress. Have a look at our latest video, despite some of the crazy weather, we are making excellent progress.
Seriously…Self-Cleaning, Smog-Eating Walls???
We thought we’d preview a couple of the things you’re actually going to be able to SEE on the outside. Like, obviously enough, the actual exterior of the building. And there are some pretty cool bits of information about its various parts.
First, our mother company, AUDI, has somewhat recently created a new model for all dealerships worldwide, called the Terminal…mainly to create more space for cars. But—as you may have heard—Germany is pretty progressive minded in building, so they always try to think about sustainable materials and design.
To that end, our new façade will consist of a 2mm thick perforated aluminum, shaped into an outside cover (or ‘skin’) for our building, and anodized bright silver (which, btw, also increases wear resistance!). Not to be dull, it’s decorated with a pattern consisting of hexagonal honeycomb holes. This reduces the weight and gives a 3-D sort of effect.
What we especially like about this is that it’s aluminum, and right now (as we are still building and not yet sure where our product is coming from) we can state that our aluminum will be at least 50% recycled content…it could be more. A little Aluminum education: the total recycled content in domestically produced, flat aluminum for the construction market is about 85%. On top of that on average about 60% for the total product content is from post-consumer sources. And just to continue on the magic of aluminum, someday down the road if this building changes, aluminum is 100% recyclable! (www.aluminum.org)
Now I know you’re dying to hear about those “smog-eating walls”, right? Guess what…they are self-cleaning, too, which means lower maintenance! We think they’re pretty innovative, which is why we wanted to try them out (in a couple areas)…and by using them in our LEED building, we hope to inspire others to do the same!
You’ll be able to see these panels right by our front entrance, and as the service drive canopy. The magic is in a new titanium dioxide coating called EcoClean™ that is pre-painted to a specific aluminum surface we are also using (aluminum covers our whole exterior in one way or another), and it does several things:
SELF-CLEANING: It’s relatively simple science (if you want to think back to high school just for a few seconds): when the titanium dioxide in EcoClean™ is exposed to sunlight, its electrons transfer energy to oxygen and water molecules in the air to form free radicals made of negatively-charged oxygen and hydorxyl radicals. These free radicals become powerful oxidizers that can attack any organic material near them—like dirt, grease and grime—causing it to decompose and fall away from the surface. And when water—like rain—hits this surface, too, everything just slides right off. Pretty nice and low maintenance!
SMOG-“EATING”: EcoClean™ also attacks nitrogen oxide, a primary component of smog. When nitrogen oxide molecules float near those free radicals, they break down the nitrogen oxide into a harmless nitrate. And voila, less bad stuff!
To understand a little more about this, please watch this video.
Audi Confirms First Hybrid For U.S. Market
by Zach McDonald HybridCars.com
Audi has confirmed that the long-awaited Q5 Hybrid will finally be coming to the United States for 2013, according to a report on Cars.com’s Kicking Tires blog. The compact crossover will be Audi’s first hybrid available for purchase in North America.
Audi’s experiments with hybrids date back to at least 1989, when it showed off the first of three gas-electric “Duo” concepts. But in recent years, the carmaker has had several false starts when it comes to bringing a hybrid model to the United States. First, it was reported in 2008 that a hybrid Q5 would launch alongside the standard model in the U.S. for 2009, but that plan was soon quashed due to falling fuel prices and the carmaker’s dissatisfaction with nickel-metal hydride battery packs. For a while, it looked like Audi had put hybrids on the back burner in favor of it and parent company Volkswagen’s favorite fuel-saving technology, clean diesel.
Why not offer both? Reportedly, Audi’s clean diesel engines perform equally or better than their gas-electric counterparts in European fuel efficiency tests, making the hybrids a tough sell. In the U.S., Audi will remedy this by offering a 3.0L, 6-cylinder diesel Q5 variant and a 4-cylinder hybrid model-the diesel will be tuned for performance and the hybrid for fuel economy.
The Q5 Hybrid will pair the same 211-horsepower, 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine found in the current base model Q5 with a 54-horsepower electric motor, powered by a 1.3 kWh lithium ion battery pack. Combined, the engine and motor output up to 245 horsepower and 354 pounds-feet of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 7 seconds.
Using its parallel hybrid system, the Q5 Hybrid can operate in either electric-only or gas mode, and can accelerate up to 62 mph using its motor alone. For a more sustained electric ride, drivers can expect up to 1.8 miles of electric range when maintaining a steady 37-mph speed.
The Q5 Hybrid gets 34 mpg under the forgiving European test cycle, which would likely point to an American fuel economy rating in the neighborhood of 27 mpg. The standard 4-cylinder 2012 Q5 gets 22 mpg combined under EPA testing, and the forthcoming diesel is expected to be about 10 percent less efficient than its hybrid sibling.
Pricing and an official release date have yet to be announced.
Subaru Goes Live With New iPad® Apps
Subaru of America, Inc. announced the release of Dynamic Brochure iPad® apps for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, Impreza WRX/STI, Outback, Legacy and Forester. Fun and interactive consumer tools, the apps showcase the confidence and capabilities of these models.
The iPad® apps feature new, fully photographic exterior and interior 360-degree views that allow viewers to experiment with paint colors and interior trims. The apps also include interactive feature demos, videos and comprehensive specifications.
The all-new Subaru Impreza 4-Door, 5-Door and Impreza Sport, rally-bred Impreza WRX/STI, rugged Outback, intelligent Legacy and the versatile Forester, all come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a balanced SUBARU BOXER® engine for exceptional handling and capability to match their accommodating interior versatility and comfort. Users can see, hear and explore the Subaru models and the technology right from the interactive iPad® apps.
The 2012 Subaru model iPad® apps build on the success of the industry-leading Dynamic Brochure program, which Subaru debuted in 2011, to give audiences more content and more engaging choices for information, comparison and sharing. The program also supports Subaru commitment to environmentally-friendly practices; the digital brochure platform helps to reduce paper usage, energy consumption, inks, and production waste.
“Subaru is excited to roll out the next generation of our leading-edge, environmentally-friendly Subaru model iPad® apps for 2012. These model app launches will be followed closely by the all-new Subaru Life Book featuring our full line of vehicles in a single app,” said Sondra Shiffer, brochures manager, Subaru of America, Inc.
These iPad® apps can be downloaded for free at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/subaru-of-america/id390914873
Volkswagen Up! Wins World Car of the Year in New York
by Zack McDonald Hybridcars.com
The Volkswagen Up! small car has been announced winner of the 2012 World Car of the Year at the New York Auto Show last week. The diminutive new vehicle beat out the Porsche 911 and BMW 3 series to take the honor, with judges citing superior innovation and refinement as the chief reasons for its selection.
“The little Volkswagen Up! has altered what we have come to expect from the citycar segment,” wrote the panel.”Of note are the responsive steering, sophisticated suspension setup, new efficient engines and the quality of materials and finish… Never before in this economy segment have owners felt so premium.”
The Up! has received critical acclaim and performed strongly in the market since its release in Europe late last year. Volkswagen says it hasn’t decided whether to bring a version of the car to the United States, where small cars are less common and the Up!’s 60-horsepower engine might not be enough to satisfy consumers. What might be very attractive to drivers here though is the vehicle’s 56 mpg under the forgiving European test cycle (official fuel economy numbers would be somewhat lower in the U.S.)
Volkswagen has shown off nearly a dozen variations on the Up! since its debut as a concept in 2007. Two of those variations are the e-Up! electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid modeled on VW’s “1-Liter” concept that gets 79 mpg. Other revealed Up! concepts include an outdoor adventure model called the X Up!, a five-door version, a GTI with 25 percent more horsepower, and the Eco Up!, which runs on both gasoline and compressed natural gas.
Why all the concepts? Volkswagen has been committed to developing what it calls its New Small Family (NSF) class for several years, meeting what it thinks will be emerging demand for ultracompact city vehicles in the coming years. Toyota, Fiat, BMW and others are also very interested in this segment, with Toyota having released its Scion iQ and Fiat its 500 in the United States in just the past year. The Volkswagen Group will be gradually rolling out a number NSF platform vehicles across its multiple nameplates, including a possible new Audi e-tron series.
As yet its still unknown how many of these cars will make it to North America, though Fiat has built significant momentum behind its 500 of late and there is evidence that American consumers are “thinking small” once again—always a good sign for the prospects of a diminutive Volkswagen offering in the United States.
Like Being A Kid In A Sandbox: Demo, Divert, Rebuild!
Our new building is underway, but you might be wondering what happened to it, and wondering what we did with it after demolition. We knew that, and it’s actually one of our favorite topics.
First, did you know that construction and demolition materials account for 29% of the waste stream? But many materials can be reused or recycled, and lengthen our supply of natural resources and potentially save money in the process. (CalRecycle) We’ve really evolved…all waste that would traditionally have left a facility can (mostly) now head to a few basic directions: reuse in-house, or sort into streams to be recycled (and sold) outside a company, or incinerated in waste-to-energy plants.
Fitting in with our LEED goals and because it’s just the logical thing to do, Pacific Audi hired Three D Service Company, Inc. (TDS) to manage this, and they diverted a highly impressive minimum of 85% of the potential waste and did these terrific things with it instead:
1. All of the CONCRETE MATERIALS were crushed on-site, using a portable crusher, into a “crushed miscellaneous base”, a kind of porous material that lives and breathes, has a gravel-like feel and will be used as a base under the driving/parking areas of the lot. If you’re nerdy like we are, we love the details: under areas where trucks go, the base will be 7”, and for cars only 4”.
2. All of the WOOD removed from this site was used in one of three ways.
a) Standard-sized structural lumber was removed and sold in Mexico for reuse.
b) The short wood or wood that was not in good enough condition for reuse will be ground into and sold as mulch.
c) The worst wood material was further ground and sold to the Co-Gen plants located in Mecca, CA, where it will be used as fuel to produce electric power. (We’re particularly excited about this waste-to-energy use.)
Both (b) and (c) were performed at TDS’ recycling facility (Haven Diversion) in Ontario, CA.
3. All construction & demo materials—i.e. studs, drywall, ceilings, flooring, etc.—were transported to TDS’ recycling facility, divided up into separate waste streams and processed into product and sold for re-use. The bulk of these materials were mixed with soils and cow manure which produces a top soil sold on the local markets.
So in the end—as everything can’t be converted yet into a product—only 5% to 15% of the CD materials are reloaded and hauled to a local Class III Landfill.
By the way, the process of “reuse” is something we can all do. There are a variety of companies that demo for reuse, often called ‘deconstruction’. For example, if you bought a home with the intent to rebuild, a company like The ReUse People or Deconstruction and Reuse Network can be hired to remove wood floors, bricks, toilets, roofing materials and even nails. These and other items can be reused in your new house, OR these 501(c)(3) non-profits can take them away and sell the items to others doing remodeling or building! You might even get a nifty tax deduction for deconstruction vs. straight demolition! (Please consult your accountant, your contractor and your deconstruction company.)
We are excited to have done this right, with our partners, and hope you consider plunging in to the diversion and reuse idea if you have a chance in your future!
The Sensational New 2013 Toyota Avalon Makes World Debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. revealed the all-new 2013 Avalon premium mid-size sedan today at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The new Avalon is re-conceived for the premium mid-size sedan segment with a progressive and emotionally styled exterior design.
When it arrives to dealerships late this year, the new Avalon will offer improved dynamic performance, a greater degree of refinement, and a highly spacious, comfortable interior experience with an abundance of outstanding convenience technologies.
The new 2013 Avalon is the result of a North American-focused design and engineering effort. The new sedan’s dramatic exterior and interior design was conceived by a youthful and talented team at the Calty Design Research Inc. facilities in Southern California and Michigan. The car’s engineering development was principally led by a passionate and dedicated group based at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Continuing a North American focused theme, the 2013 Avalon will be assembled at Toyota’s facility in Georgetown, Ky. True to the future product mission set forth by Toyota Motor Corporation President, Akio Toyoda, the new Avalon’s more stylish, bold, sporty exterior design and luxurious interior styling are matched by an enhanced dynamic package, a combination that foreshadows the more compelling and passionate nature of future Toyota products.
Enhanced Avalon Dynamics
In addition to its stunning design, numerous structural and chassis improvements were made to the new Avalon to enhance the ride quality, straight-line stability and handling. The body structure gains improvements in torsional rigidity thanks to additional and strategically placed welds, improved body bracing, and high-strength steel in key areas in order to provide a stiffer chassis and optimize suspension performance. The new Avalon suspension relies on MacPherson struts with advanced valving and rebound springs to balance handling and agility with ride comfort. Coil spring rate and front and rear sway bar stiffness was increased from the current model to help improve body control and body roll. The Avalon’s electric power steering (EPS) system has been tuned to help deliver enhanced controllability and vehicle agility while also realizing superior linear stability.
The new Avalon offers three distinct drive modes that help tailor dynamic performance to the driver’s needs. The drive modes – Normal, Eco, and Sport -are made available through driver-selectable switches. In Sport mode, throttle response is enhanced and steering effort is weighted from center to offer a sportier character. Eco changes throttle response and A/C power usage to help improve fuel economy. Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters help provide a sportier drive while in the D or S Mode, where the revised throttle helps improve shift response to help maximize engine power and vehicle performance.
Dynamic Exterior Styling
The new Avalon’s dynamic exterior styling defines a sleek and expressive profile that helps communicate a sense of motion for the vehicle even when it is at rest. The beltline has been lowered to accentuate a strong stance. Compared to its predecessor, the new Avalon is a bit more compact yet displays better proportions with a longer, sloping roofline, flared front fenders, and reduced front and rear overhangs, lower vehicle height, and reduced body-to-tire gap. New 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel and tire combinations fill the wheel well to enhance the vehicle’s dynamic exterior expression.
Key exterior design elements include the square Double-eye PES (Projector Ellipsoid System) headlamps with HID (High-Intensity Discharge)and elegant DRL (Daytime Running Lights) feature available that provide excellent night time visibility while helping define a narrower, more taut and muscular exterior expression. A wider, more assertive grille design provides a bolder front perspective. At the rear, high-performance LED combination tail lamps are adopted which are more integrated with the revised rear-body styling. The dual rear tailpipe outlets further the more cohesive design theme.
Modern Interior Experience
Design elements enhancing comfort, convenience and technology help create the luxurious experience that will prove tempting to buyers of the next Avalon. The 2013 Avalon offers a modern, spacious, premium interior highlighted by abundant rear seat legroom, while featuring a myriad of available features. Beyond mere dimensions, the new Avalon’s interior design enhances the cabin’s sense of spaciousness and comfort. The front seat’s hip point has been lowered by 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) to help create improved headroom. The new power front seat design with increased side bolstering is more supportive and offers an expanded range of downward adjustment. In addition, the structural components of the sunroof and the headliner design have been optimized to help increase the cabin’s roominess. A concave dash panel design, located in front of the passenger, helps create an expansive feeling. While the rear overhang has been reduced by 1.7 inches, the luggage compartment capacity is 16.0 cubic feet, an increase of 1.6 cubic feet as compared to the outgoing model.
The Avalon’s premium interior attains a high level of refinement by reducing wind, engine and road noise inside the cabin. The resultant interior is even significantly quieter and more comfortable than the current Avalon and it creates an ideal environment to enjoy conversation, music or Toyota’s available multimedia system, EntuneTM. Sound absorbing materials have been strategically placed around the cabin and body structure while not inhibiting a reduction in overall vehicle weight. The windshield and front side-glass panels utilize acoustic glass that helps control sound intrusion into the cabin. Reductions in wind noise have been realized by optimizing exterior shape, specifically cowl and louver sealing, outer mirror shape and position, and wiper-blade position, which have all been developed to dramatically reduce wind noise generation. Exterior gaps and steps have also been minimized to reduce wind noise around the door glass areas.
The new Avalon’s interior utilizes premium materials and a high degree of craftsmanship to offer an upscale experience. Rich, supple leather trims the steering wheel, shift knob, and seat upholstery helping add visual and tactile appeal. Hand-crafted, decorative stitching is adopted for the steering wheel, and soft-touch materials on the dash panel and door trim elevate the vehicle’s sense of tactile luxury. Smoked chrome-metallic accents are applied to the instrument panel, center console, door panel, and steering wheel surfaces to help add distinction and exceptional feel. Available push-button controlled soft white ambient lighting illuminates key regions of the interior to help convey the sense of luxury. The new Avalon’s center console includes a convenient console tray that is ideal for the storage of electronic hand held devices. The new Avalon’s console area is equipped with a USB port, AUX input terminal and three 12-volt power outlets to help facilitate device interface and charging.
The new Avalon will offer innovative technologies such as advanced capacitive touch switches with positioning and sensitivity that makes them ideal for vehicle system controls. Other premium in-car technologies include three color display screens that support the multi-information display, the audio/navigation interface, and the climate control panel. An easy to use Display Audio system with 6.1 inch touchscreen is standard on the new Avalon; while a JBL Synthesis Premium Audio system, HDD Premium Navigation with 7” screen, dynamic radar cruise control, heated and cooled front
seats, heated rear seats, and a three-zone air conditioning system are also on the list of available features and equipment.
Safety
Like all Toyota models, the new Avalon will feature Toyota’s Star Safety SystemTM standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.
The new Avalon helps to prioritize occupant safety with a best-in-class10 airbags system. A Pre-collision system is also available that is designed to “sense” an impending frontal collision and can help mitigate damage. A variable ratio brake pedal is adopted that varies the initial and final pedal effort ratios to help realize excellent brake pedal feel.
In addition to a rearview monitor, Avalon offers an available Blind Spot Monitoring system which is designed to help detect vehicles behind the outer mirrors and to help alert drivers in addition to a new Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) that can alert drivers of cross traffic when they are backing up.
Make sure that you are following Toyota Santa Monica and Toyota Hollywood on their Twitter, Facebook and Google+ pages to see when the new Avalon arrives in our showrooms!
Chris Harris Demonstrates Masculinity, Performance Of All-New 2013 Porsche Boxster
When it came down to the Porsche 911 and Boxster, the demographics have traditionally been split. Whereas men preferred the power and presence of the 911, more often than not the stereotype has been that women enjoyed the zippy driving style and sleek curves of the Boxster. But with the Boxster being all new for the 2013 model year, do men, should men be wary of their appearance if they were to own one? According to famed British automotive critic Chris Harris, the answer is a definite ”no”.
Not only does the 2013 Porsche Boxster carry broader shoulders, a wider footprint, and more power with less weight, but its handling characteristics are so competent, so agile, that Harris himself is torn between whether or not he would approve the new, more powerful 911 over the lithe new Boxster. It’s that good.
Both the Boxster and more robust Boxster S models are powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and a useful start/stop function for more impressive fuel efficiency. These features can be found in the Boxster’s new base engine, which delivers 265 hp from a 2.7 liter displacement – translating to a ten hp improvement over its larger displacement predecessor. As for the Boxster S, the displacement increases to 3.4-liters, while the power jumps to 315 hp — a five hp improvement over the last Boxster S.
The interior concept offers the occupants more space and reflects the new Porsche outline with a raked center console, which, originating with the Carrera GT ensures improved ergonomics in all models. As such, the passengers are enclosed by the completely redesigned, fully electric top, which now dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid. As Harris points out in the video, the leather accents are something to be fond of.
Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard — a favorite among traditional enthusiast drivers — with the seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) available as an option for those who prefer more precise, mechanical shifts. Both sports cars achieve their best fuel consumption and acceleration performance with the PDK.
With the re-engineered design, driving dynamics of the new Porsche Boxster are a vast improvement from the old model, with the Boxster accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while the the Boxster S does the same in 4.7 seconds.
The new Boxster models are expected in U.S. showrooms in early summer 2012. The basic list price iwill be $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S, not including a $950 destination charge. Look for it.
Toyota Venza Adds Significant Updates for 2013 Model Year
The Toyota Venza crossover now offers enhanced exterior styling, added value through several new standard convenience features and updated option packages that include the Entune™ multi-media system for 2013 model year.
Venza’s aerodynamic shape has been tastefully modified with a new upper and lower grille, fog lamps and rear taillights. The updated styling is complemented by a new 19-inch wheel design and three new exterior colors: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica.
The 2013 Venza is available in LE, XLE and Limited grades. The LE and XLE models are available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD); the Venza Limited is powered by the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Value has been enhanced and ordering simplified with the addition of many standard features in all three grades.
Venza was developed specifically for the North American market, appealing to customers who prioritize bold, innovative design, a luxurious and refined interior and excellent handling, but they still require roominess and versatility. Venza provides SUV flexibility with its fold-flat rear seats, spacious cargo area, elevated driver sightline, available AWD and up to 3,500-lbs. towing capacity.
The Venza design was the creation of Toyota’s Calty Design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. Calty designers leaned toward a sleek crossover concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior, but they also included important SUV attributes, such as cargo space, towing capability and available all-wheel drive performance.
Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. And It is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky. More than 70 percent of Venza’s components come from North American suppliers.
Performance and Efficiency
The 2013 Venza offers four-cylinder and V6 models in FWD and AWD versions. Venza’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 181 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The four-cylinder Venza is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway for the FWD model and 20/25 for the AWD.
The 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway and 18/25 for the AWD. Both engines are teamed with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The six-speed ECT-i provides an engaging driving experience and helps optimize fuel economy. Uphill/downhill shift logic selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.
Venza’s Active Torque Control AWD System optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to help ensure stable acceleration and smooth cornering on all road surfaces. AWD offers enhanced traction and helps provide excellent overall handling in inclement weather.
An available Towing Prep Package on V6 models equips Venza with an engine oil cooler, larger radiator fan and heavy-duty alternator.
Handling and Ride
Venza was designed with a lower center of gravity than typical SUVs to help provide dynamic handling, which is further enhanced by the large wheels and tires. The four-cylinder models ride on standard 19-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Distinctive 20-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are standard for the V6 model. Power-assisted, ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes are standard on all models.
Venza’s body structure relies on high tensile-strength steel, gussets and cross members for its strength, rigidity and optimized weight. Front suspension consists of a rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar, and the rear suspension is a dual-link MacPherson strut setup with stabilizer bar. Electric power steering (EPS), with its ideally weighted steering effort, contributes to the Venza’s spirited driving dynamics. EPS helps provide a more direct steering feel at both high and low speeds and delivers just-right assist when maneuvering the vehicle into tight parking spaces.
Safety
Toyota’s STAR Safety System is standard on all Toyota models and features enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC) Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and the Smart Stop Technology (SST).
VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle’s braking force at each wheel to help control loss of traction during cornering. TRAC helps maintain traction during challenging driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, Brake Assist supplements the applied braking power until the driver releases the pedal. Smart Stop offers an additional level of safety by automatically reducing engine power when a vehicle’s brake and accelerator pedals are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions, helping to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), also standard on all Venza models, temporarily provides pressure to the brakes while the vehicle is stopped on an incline to help ensure easier starting with no rollback.
In addition, Venza provides seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, driver and front-passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Front seat-belt pretensioners retract the seat belt in a severe frontal collision, while the dual-stage force limiters help limit the seat-belt force applied to the driver’s and front passenger’s chests.
Driver and front-passenger seats employ active headrests. If the vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism will move the headrest upward and forward to help limit movement of the occupant’s head.
Comfort and Convenience
Venza’s generous utility includes several clever storage locations and lighting. The adjustable center console features a sliding cover and armrest, three iPod®/MP3 player holders with wire concealment features, and a large storage compartment.
The center-console compartment is also equipped with a USB port, auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power outlet. The upper portion of the center console houses the gearshift lever for easy and comfortable driver reach. An on/off switch on the overhead console enables front-seat occupants to operate all four personal overhead interior lights.
Interior storage is further complemented by a total of 10 front and rear beverage holders (six bottle holders and four cup holders). These include dual-illuminated, sliding front cup-holders in the center console, two in the rear-seat armrest, and front- and back-door bottle holders.
Entune Multi-Media System
The 2013 Venza now offers the Toyota Entune multimedia system. This system leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.
Toyota Entune supports engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, and sports. Toyota Entune has a large selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iHeartRadio’s 750+ stations, and Pandora’s personalized music service.
The audio systems combined with Entune feature a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands.
An Abundance of Standard Features
The Venza LE grade comes well equipped with new standard features that include a blind spot mirror and outer mirror turn signals with puddle lamps. Additional key standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second-row-seat vents; eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar; 3.5-inch LCD multi-information display; a tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with integrated audio controls; an overhead console with map lights; rear-seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets.
The LE also comes standard with the Display Audio system, which includes a 6.1-inch touch screen, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, vehicle information, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.
The available Convenience Package for the Venza LE adds a power liftgate and a rear back-up camera. The Preferred Package adds a panoramic glass roof with front power moonroof and Display Audio with Navigation and Entune.
The Venza XLE provides a major luxury and convenience upgrade to the vehicle and adds standard features such as leather-trimmed seating surfaces, steering wheel and shift knob; four-way power passenger seat; multi-stage heated front seats; driver seat memory; reverse tilt outer mirrors, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune; anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer; Smart Key System with Push Button Start and illuminated entry; power rear liftgate and a back-up camera. Also standard on the XLE is a TFT multi-information display that can be customized to adjust the font size and content, and navigation voice instructions available in Spanish, French or English (XM Traffic is only available in English).
Aside from powertrain choices, the XLE offers one major option the Premium Package, which includes a panoramic glass roof with front power moonroof, and Display Audio with Navigation , Entune and JBL®, that includes 6.1-inch Touch Screen, AM/FM CD Player with MP3/WMA Playback Capability, 13 JBL® Synthesis Speakers including Subwoofer, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio (Includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package), HD Radio™ withiTunes® Tagging, Auxiliary Audio Jack, USB Port with iPod® Connectivity and Control, Vehicle Information, Hands-Free Phone Capability, Phonebook Access, Advanced Voice Recognition, and Music Streaming Via Bluetooth® Wireless Technology.
The V6-only, top-of-line Venza Limited comes standard with the Premium HDD Navigation with Entune™ and JBL® multimedia system. The system features a seven-inch high resolution touch screen with split-screen capability, AM/FM CD Player with MP3/WMA Playback Capability, 13 JBL® Synthesis™ Speakers including Subwoofer, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capability (Includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package); HD Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging, Auxiliary Audio Jack, USB Port with iPod® Connectivity and Control, Vehicle Information, Hands-Free Phone Capability, Phonebook Access, Advanced Voice Recognition, and Music Streaming Via Bluetooth® Wireless Technology.
The Venza Limited combines the Premium HDD Navigation with Entune and JBL and the panoramic glass roof with front power moonroof, and it adds high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with automatic high beams and LED Daytime Running Lights. The high-beam feature detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high- to low-beam.
Customers looking for a pet-friendly vehicle will find a wide range of pet utility accessories available at Toyota dealerships. Among the available choices are a rear liftgate pet ramp, booster seat with harness, pet buckles and rear seat zipline-style harnesses, pet carriers and bucket seat, bench seat and hammock style waterproof seat covers.
Exterior Design
The Venza sports an aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, forward A-pillar, crisp character lines, and a low roofline. Continuous brushstroke lines run from the front grille to the D-pillar. A bold front end features a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for a sporty yet refined appearance. Venza’s sophisticated and confident appearance is completed by an angled rear hatch, spoiler and wide wraparound taillights that interconnect with the hatch door. Tight tire-to-body gaps contribute to the sophisticated, refined appearance.
The Venza design is highly practical, with a rear load-in height that is almost as low as that of the Sienna minivan. The generously sized liftgate opening enhances the vehicle’s utility. An available power liftgate integrates jam protection that detects obstruction in the door’s path and reverses the motor. Venza provides a low step-over height for improved ergonomics, and because the closed doors cover the rocker panels, the driver and passengers are protected from accumulated road-dust while getting into and out of the vehicle.
Interior Design
The Venza interior is designed to enhance driving enjoyment and offer premium comfort. Venza is available in three interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black, which is new for 2013. Each color is offered in fabric on LE and leather on XLE and Limited.
The flow of the center console creates a unique “60/60” design that gives both the driver and front passenger the feeling that 60 percent of the space is accessible from their seating position. All grades have a standard Optitron® speedometer and tachometer. The XLE and Limited grades also include a TFT multi-color center instrument panel display. Dual-zone automatic climate system controls are centrally located on the upper console, providing easy access for both the driver and front passenger.
Personal space lends overall comfort to the vehicle’s interior with ample head room, shoulder room, hip room and couple distance. Cargo-area utility is enhanced with fold-down 60/40 rear seats, one-touch fold-down seat levers and a tonneau cover.
Limited Warranty
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.
The Venza will also come standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
