Toyota Working on Mood-Sensing Cars

Toyota has spent several years developing technology for vehicles so that they can sense the mood of their driver, but now that technology is becoming more of a reality. Toyota is working on a program that will use over 230 facial-recognition sensors within the vehicle to determine the mood of its driver.

Why you may ask? The first and most comprehensible reason is because of sleepy drivers, but there are other reasons too. According to the article, an agitated driver would be less likely to notice an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian than a driver in a calm or neutral state of mind, so the car will recognize the potential hazard and alert them in turn. The vehicle will also be able to notice when the driver is distracted, and will offer its aid in regaining focus on the road.

One of Toyota's lead technology developers says that this is still a young project, but that we will see it in cars within six years.


Information via MotorAuthority
Image via Drive Arabia

Toyota Announces Single-Seat Electric Car

Toyota has unveiled its latest single-seat electric vehicle, the 2012 Coms. The Coms is designed with short trips in mind, being able to reach only 60 miles per hour. With a full charge the Coms is able to travel 31 miles and is even able to head into pedestrian areas and buildings (for Senior Citizens with limited mobility) because of its extremely small size.

According to the article, the Coms takes as long to completely recharge as an iPad - roughly two hours.

The Coms will go on sale in Japan later on in 2012, but we don't know if or when it will be coming our way. We'll keep you posted, but if you're still curious click here to check out the full article on Green Car Reports.


Information and image via Green Car Reports

Redesign Toyota

Starting with the GT 86, Toyota is beginning to go in a new, more exciting direction. They will still keep their original models, but will also be expanding to a sportier model line, comparable to the GT 86. CEO Akio Toyoda said that they will be involving fewer people with the design decision-making process, therefore making it simpler to approve designs and continue to production. Toyoda said that with too many people involved in the process, they were focusing on improving their negatives instead of focusing on their strengths - the latter is what they're planning on for the present and future.

Keep your eyes out for more news on these exciting, upcoming models. We'll make sure you're the first to know. If you can't wait, or you're a fan of the pure practicality and overall quality of the current models, click to view our new and used online Toyota inventory.

Information via autoblog
Image via automotive.com

Jet-Fueled Toyotas Cover the Antarctic in Under Four Months

Creating the longest expedition in polar exploration history, three Toyota Hilux vehicles traveled the Antarctic covering more than 43,500 miles in just four months. Each of the Hilux trucks covered their own 5,903 miles, breaking a world record.

Over the last year (Nov. 2011-Feb. 2012), a team using ten Toyota Hilux trucks set up a fuel depot, installed a weather station and provided support to scientific expeditions. The team said that over the vast expeditions, none of the Toyotas needed any major fixes.

Mostly, these trucks are really a must-see.

Even though it's cold in Vermont, we're not quite in need of having a Hilux around. We do however have both the Tundra and the Tacoma, click the model names to view our new inventory, or check out our used Tundra and used Tacoma inventory here.

Information & images via autoblog.

All-New 2013 Toyota Venza

Toyota presented its 2013 Venza at the New York International Auto Show this week. The upgraded Venza sees a nice exterior makeover, as well as a few additional interior features, including optional Entune.

"[The] 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," according to the press release.

This new Venza does look like it has that extra luxurious tweak to it. We'll be looking forward to carrying these  later on this year. If you're interested in checking out a Venza, head to our website to view our Toyota Venza inventory.

Information & images via autoblog.

Toyota to Debut an All-New Sedan

Toyota will be unveiling a brand-new, US-designed sedan at the New York International Auto Show (April 6-15). This vehicle has been kept a huge secret, so there are no details to disclose except that it will be revealed alongside an updated Venza. While we don't have any information about the sedan just yet, a Toyota spokesperson said that it is definitely a production model and not just a concept.

Toyota will be answering questions regarding the new model starting on April 5. You can post questions to their Facebook page or their Twitter via #ToyotaDesign.

Image and information via Kicking Tires by Cars.com.

Blind Man Tests Toyota's Self-Driving Car

Legally-blind Steve Mahan of California test drove Google's self-driving Toyota Prius last week (and by legally blind, I mean 95 percent). He successfully made a trip to both Taco Bell and the dry cleaner, as he joked behind the wheel "Look Ma, no hands!"

Mahan said that he hopes self-driving vehicles are in the near future, because he would then be able to go where he wanted to and needed to at any time. Check out the video below to see Mahan's test drive, and keep checking back as we post updates on the evolution of self-driving cars.



Video and information via NY Daily News.