Toyota unveiled the second-generation Matrix at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show last week. Based on the Corolla sedan, the sporty five-door 'crossover' has been totally redesigned for the 2009 model year.

Toyota will unveil its minimalistic 1/X (pronounced one-Xth) concept vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show next week. The concept is meant to redefine from its very roots the idea of what it means to be environmentally considerate. Among its technological attributes, the vehicle - with a design that aims to harmoniously coexist with people and society - weighs only "1/Xth" that of other vehicles in its class.

Toyota is touting technology with its new Crown Hybrid concept. Top of the list is the firm's latest hybrid system, VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management). The large car will of course include other features, which Toyota claims will result in an advanced fusion of driving, environmental and safety performance.

Toyota's Hi-CT concept aims to offer a new 'coolness' for automobiles. A departure from conventional vehicles, the Hi-CT (pronounced Hi-city) is an edgy, urban plug-in electric vehicle inspired by the thinking and lifestyles of youth.

Through its avant-garde exterior design and varied configurations, the concept's goal is to offer a sense of enjoyment from a vehicle. Called a 'hi-ride city truck', it features a removable rear trunk and a deck where surfboards, bicycles and other equipment can be loaded.

Powered by plug-in hybrid technology, the Hi-CT is able to be recharged from an external power source, which gives it a greater driving range when running on its battery-powered motor. The concept also includes a 100V AC accessory socket that enables stored electricity to be used to power a variety of electronic gadgetry. And with the battery located under the floor, the Hi-CT achieves a highly efficient cabin with a higher driver position.

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Toyota Hi-CT concept - Tokyo 2007
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Toyota has just launched the Mark X ZiO, a people carrier with an innovative "three-mode cabin" which can seat four, six or seven people depending on the model. Based on the company's "Vibrant Clarity" design philosophy, the ZiO offers a new type of attractiveness that fuses contrasting design elements.

The second-generation Toyota ist has been recently unveiled in its home market of Japan. Designed to appeal to second-generation baby boomers who attach importance to the spirit of innovation and individuality, the ist is a crossover hatchback developed with dynamic driving and easy operation in mind.

Toyota has launched the second-generation Noah and Voxy. The Japanese market minivans are claimed to extend the advanced functioning of the first generation, including a more comfortable and easy to use interior.

Toyota wants to test the concept of an eco-conscious mid-priced performance car. So they built the FT-HS, a front-engine, rwd sport-coupe powered by a 400hp hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.5 V6 petrol engine with an electric drive. According to Kevin Hunter, vice president of Toyota's Calty Design Research, the company "needs some emotional punch in their lineup, a halo product". Hunter adds that this "new kind of sports car for the 21st century" has a performance target of 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds and a price tag in the mid-$30,000 range."

The aggressive style seem to use make fair use of triangular shapes and sharp edges chiefly in the radically sculpted fascia. The carbon fiber wheels are housed in box flares that seem detached from the car's body. The FT-HS has roof panels that slide open along the sloping C-pillar, thus condemning the rear places of the 2+2 seating arrangement when the top is down. The front passengers are clasped in multiple sections deconstructed wraparound racing buckets.

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In Japan, Toyota has launched the new Corolla, known there now as the Corolla Axio while the station wagon adopts the term Corolla Fielder. This is the tenth generation of a model series that has now exceeded 30 million unit sales, which is to be discontinued in Europe as Toyota aims to adopt a fresher image with the recently unveiled Auris.

The new Japanese range is in direct response to local customer demands, claims Toyota, with all models now featuring a display of the area behind the vehicle to ease reversing. Other user-friendly features include one-touch folding seats on the Fielder and optional Park Assist. The exterior is said to adhere to current ethos 'Vibrant Clarity' while the interior is of higher quality around a familiar 'T' theme. 1.5- and 1.8-liter gasoline engines are available, both using CVT and variable valve timing to offer 'fuel efficiency and environmental performance at class-leading levels.'

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This 'new genre of compact vehicle' is Toyota's the hybrid powered A-BAT concept, set to be unveiled at the NAIAS. Smaller than Toyota's entry-level Tacoma, the A-BAT is claimed to feature advanced functionality, maneuverability and unique styling within its segment.

Developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Toyota's Calty design center, the exterior design of the compact pickup was influenced by the Toyota Prius's trapezoidal profile and employs fast angle A- and C-pillars, shortened overhangs, and an aerodynamic windshield. The combination of the large body surfaces and intersecting surface planes give the concept a tough stance, accentuated by 19-inch wheels at the corners.

Inside, the modern four-passenger cabin includes door trim, shoulder, armrest and instrument panel pads made of tough and lightweight material. Carbon fiber and aluminum were also used to increase structural rigidity while reducing mass. The sculptured alloy center console and door pockets also feature carbon fiber elements, while translucent solar panels in the top surface of the instrument panel recapture solar energy to assist in charging the navigation unit, portable power pack and backlit information displays.

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Primarily engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan and designed at Toyota's Calty design studios in Newport Beach, CA and in Ann Arbor, the new car was specifically targeted for the North American market where it will be sold exclusively.

Power will be supplied by either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6 unit. Both will come mated to a six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission.

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Toyota is taking a page from the Qasqai notebook with this new Urban Cruiser the firm is set to unveil at the forthcoming Geneva Auto Show.

The new Urban Cruiser will allow the Japanese juggernaut to extend its sports utility vehicle range into the small car segment. Toyota claims the new car, which will be presented for the first time in Europe, is an environmentally responsible SUV aimed at the urban all-road vehicle market and meeting motorists' priorities for low fuel consumption and emissions.

The company will also be showing a production version of the diminutive iQ concept car, first unveiled at last year's Frankfurt Auto Show.

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Toyota iQ - Frankfurt 2007
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Toyota's diminutive iQ has hit the Geneva show floor in production guise, retaining the concept's form language and dimensions. Heralded as a 'premium baby car' the iQ will go head to head with the more established Smart car, but offer two small seats at the rear.

For more information and our opinion of the design be sure to check out our Geneva Motor Show Highlights, where you'll also find our unique hi-res images of the car.

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Toyota iQ concept- Frankfurt 2007
Toyota iQ - Geneva 2008
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This is the first official look at the forthcoming 2010 Toyoa Prius, set to make its public debut at the NAIAS in Detroit in January. Though originally believed to have been leaked photos - or skillful Photoshop renderings - when they first hit the Web, it has been confirmed by the Editor at Toyota's Open Road blog that they are in fact the real deal.

Though not many photos are available at this time, it is obvious that the new car bears more than a passing similarity to the 2009 Matrix and Corolla and retains much of the current vehicle's design elements. From what we can see, subtle revisions have been made to the body panels, with the new car now having a clearly defined A-line running from the headlamp to the rear spoiler. It has effectively been reworked to bring it in-line with other vehicles in the Toyota stable.

It seems odd that Toyota, also heard to be toying with the notion of making the Prius a stand-alone brand (much like Scion), would choose to design the next generation using quintessential Toyota design cues. Seems like a wasted opportunity to us. We'll let you know what we think of the third generation car from the Detroit show floor.

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New Car: Toyota Matrix