Thursday, June 28, 2012

Check out Toyota's 2012 College Grad Video Contest Winner -- That's a Rap!

Hi, my name is Samuel, and I think that there is no better way to spread the word about the $1,000 Toyota Grad Rebate than with an old-school rap! Thanks, Toyota!

Video courtesy of Toyota's Youtube Channel.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Untitled

2012-06-27_1503

Model : 1422 - 3 Door Liftback L (4 Speed Automatic)
Model Year : 2012
Transmission : 4 Speed Automatic
VIN : JTDJTUD3XCD533395
Color : Magnetic Gray Metallic
Interior : Ash Fabric
Available : Immediately
Dealer Name : Germain Toyota Of Sarasota
Dealer Phone : 877-817-0812

Call us at 877-817-0812 to speak to a sales consultant today!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

All-New 2013 Toyota Avalon Features Both Gasoline and Hybrid Powertrains

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When the all-new, North American designed and engineered 2013 Avalon goes on sale later this year, consumers can choose between a powerful V6 gasoline powertrain and Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive. The efficiency offered by the new hybrid model will help the all-new premium mid-size sedan achieve excellent fuel economy with an EPA-rating of 40 mpg combined.

In addition to offering a hybrid powertrain, the new Avalon features a stunning design, improved dynamic performance, a greater degree of refinement, and a highly spacious, comfortable interior experience with an abundance of outstanding convenience technologies.

Powerful, Efficient V6 Engine

The 2013 Avalon will feature a proven 3.5-liter, DOHC V6 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle, which has been enhanced to offer more responsive and efficient performance. The all-aluminum six-cylinder engine will produce 268 horsepower and 248 lbs. ft. of torque, which will propel the new sedan to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Compared to the previous-generation Avalon, this 2013 powertrain combination offers improved fuel economy, performance, superior shift feel and response, with upgraded drivability and quietness.

This enhanced powertrain’s programming has been updated to offer ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT Modes. The ECO mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by reducing power application at lower speeds and reducing energy consumed by the air-conditioning system. The SPORT Mode provides increased acceleration responses though altered engine control unit (ECU) programming, and it offers a more direct and responsive EPS programming to enhance steering feel.

In addition, the new transaxle is equipped with a numerically lower differential gear drive ratio (3.23), designed to help improve fuel economy. The V6-powered 2013 Avalon achieves an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (21 city/ 31 hwy).

The transmission operation has been made more efficient and responsive with the adoption of a flex-start control feature lock-up clutch. With lock-up control, the transmission’s torque converter fully engages at a lower RPM during standing starts to improve acceleration response and help suppress unnecessary engine revolutions. The new transmission is also kept at an optimal temperature with an automatic-transmission fluid warmer, helping enhance efficiency.

The multi-mode automatic transmission console shifter offers a D range and can be moved into an S-mode gate, which allows manually operated sequential shifting using the console shifter or available (Touring and Limited models) steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The gear can be selected by moving the shifter up to (+) position or lower using the (-) position to experience highly responsive shifts. By using the paddles or in S-range, the transmission uses a quick responding shift-logic that includes throttle blipping for downshifts. The gear changes and range-of-gear selections are displayed in the color multi-information display.

Avalon Adds Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive
For consumers seeking a premium mid-size sedan with excellent fuel economy ratings and an environmental message, the new Avalon features a full power-split hybrid system. Coupled with reductions in vehicle weight and improvements in aerodynamics, the Avalon Hybrid is expects to achieve impressive fuel economy ratings. The 2013 Avalon incorporates the latest advances in Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, building upon Toyota’s 14 years of hybrid-development experience. The Avalon Hybrid features a 2.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine, a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and a pair of electric motor/generators within the transaxle. A power-control unit located in the engine compartment houses an inverter, a DC-DC converter, a step-up converter (raises voltage to a maximum of 650 volts) and the hybrid-drive ECU, which governs the seamless operation of electric-motor power application and regenerative braking. The power control unit relies on liquid cooling to maintain an efficient temperature.

The Avalon Hybrid achieves a total system output of 200 horsepower and offers three unique modes of operation: EV, ECO and SPORT. The Avalon Hybrid models achieve an EPA-rated 40 mpg in the city, and a 39 mpg on the highway for a combined 40 mpg EPA-rating.

The 2013 Avalon Hybrid offers an EV mode that, under certain conditions, allows the vehicle to operate solely on electric propulsion. EV mode can be engaged, provided other conditions are correct, for up to one mile at speeds up to 25 mph, providing an all-electric option that is convenient in residential areas or parking garages.

The ECO drive mode engages the gasoline motor, but reduces throttle response and HVAC output to help improve overall efficiency. The SPORT Mode takes full advantage of the new Avalon’s dynamic character, improved chassis, and enhanced suspension by altering the engine’s throttle response and enhancing steering feel.

The Avalon’s hybrid’s battery pack is comprised of 204 cells and is located in the vehicle trunk behind the rear seats, while still providing ample trunk space. The scroll casing for the battery cooling system’s blower fan has been designed to produce extremely quiet and efficient airflow, helping reduce interior noise and elevating refinement. The power-control unit, located in the engine bay, houses the inverter, DC-DC converter.

The efficient hybrid transaxle in the new Avalon contains two high-output electric motor/generators, a power-split device, an open differential and the final drive ratio. Motor/Generator 1 (MG1) is used to start the gasoline engine and generate the energy that is returned to the battery to power the system. Motor/Generator 2 (MG2) is primarily responsible for electric drivetrain propulsion and regenerative braking. The hybrid vehicle transaxle also incorporates a flywheel-damper design that helps reduce noise and vibration during engine engagement.

Captivating Styling with a Spacious, Luxurious Interior Experience
The new 2013 Avalon is the product of a North American-focused design and engineering effort. The new sedan’s striking exterior and luxurious interior design was conceived by a youthful, talented team at the Calty Design Research Inc., facilities in Southern California and Michigan.

The car’s engineering development was led by a passionate and dedicated group based at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Continuing a North American focus, the 2013 Avalon will be assembled at the award-winning Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) 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.

Powertrain Specs

Avalon V6
Avalon Hybrid
Gasoline
Engine
Type/Displacement
2GR-FE / 3.5L 
2AR-FXE / 2.5L
Max Horsepower
268 hp
154 hp
Max Torque
248 lbs.-ft.
153 lbs.-ft.
Transaxle
Type
6-speed AT
E-CVT
Electric Motor
Max Output
-
140 hp
Max Torque
-
200 ft. lbs.
Battery
Type
-
Nickel-Metal Hydride
Nominal Voltage
-
245 volts
Number of Cells
-
204 Cells
Max Output
-
34 kw or 45.6 hp

Total System Output
-
149 kw 200hp

 

Key Dimensional Comparison

2013 Avalon
2012 Avalon
Overall Length
195.3 in.
197.6 in.
Overall Width
72.2 in.
72.8 in.
Overall Height
57.5 in.
58.5 in.
Wheelbase
111 in.
111 in.
Front Tread
62.6 in.
62.2 in.
Rear Tread
62.2 in.
61.6 in.
Front Overhang
38.8 in.
39.4 in.
Rear Overhang
45.5 in.
47.2 in.
Curb Weight
3,497 lbs. (V6),
3594 lbs. (Hybrid XLE)
3,616 lbs.

Article and image courtesy of Toyota News.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Don't idle in the driveway

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Warming the engine by letting it idle in the driveway is not a smart idea.The engine doesn’t operate at its peak temperature, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion, soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil contamination, and ultimately damaged components.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Reader's Digest.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Toyota Motor Corporation Outperforms Industry in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study

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Toyota and Lexus vehicles captured five segment awards and five Toyota manufacturing facilities in Japan and North America won plant awards, including one Gold, in the 2012 Initial Quality Study (IQS), more than any other automaker in both categories. 
The study also found:
  • Toyota has fewer problems than the premium brands industry average;
  • 15 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models ranked in the top three of the segments they compete in;
  • Corolla is the highest performing non-premium model, it also ranks fifth overall;
  • The all-new Prius v garnered second place in a closely contested segment; and
  • The redesigned Camry scores even better than last year’s model
“We are very pleased with this year’s Initial Quality Study honors”, said Ray Tanguay, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Toyota Motor North America, Inc. “These accolades echo our enduring commitment to quality, value, and customer satisfaction.”

 

2012 Initial Quality Study performers by segment

Segment
Ranking
Model
PP/100
Sub-Compact Car
1
Toyota Yaris (total)
79
Compact Car
1
Toyota Corolla
59
2
Toyota Prius (total)
75
Compact Crossover SUV
2
Toyota RAV4
84
3
Toyota FJ Cruiser
86
Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle
2
Prius v
100
3
Scion xB
103
Compact Sporty Car
3
Scion tC
127
Entry Premium Car
1
Lexus ES350
69
Midsize Crossover SUV
3
Toyota Highlander (total)
86
Midsize Pickup
3
Tacoma
95
Midsize Van
3
Toyota Sienna
106
Midsize Premium Crossover SUV
1
Lexus RX (total)
67
Large Car
2
Toyota Avalon
87
Large Premium Car
1
Lexus LS (total)
50
Lexus
1

75
Toyota
8

88
Scion
26

117
Premium Brands Industry Average
91
Non-Premium Brands Industry Average
103
Industry Average
102

2012 Plant Awards

Region
Award
Assembly Line
Model(s)
PP/100
Americas
Gold
Cambridge South, Ontario (TMMC)*
Lexus RX350
24
Bronze
Woodstock, Ontario (TMMC)*
Toyota RAV4
27
Asia
Silver
Kyushu 2, Japan (TMK)
Lexus ES, IS, RX
24
Bronze (tie)
Fujimatsu, Japan (TABC)
Toyota Prius
28
Bronze (tie)
Tsutsumi 2, Japan
Toyota Prius
28

* Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) has received more J.D. Power and Associates plant awards (11), including more gold awards (6), than any other North American plant in the industry.

Additional examples of Toyota’s commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:
  • Eight Lexus, Toyota, and Scion models captured segment awards in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, a performance equal to all other vehicle brands combined and more than twice as many as the runner-up nameplate.
  • Lexus ranked highest in customer satisfaction among luxury brands and led the industry in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study for the fourth consecutive year.
  • 17 Toyota, Lexus and Scion models were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius c, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra (crew cab), Venza and Yaris (4-door hatchback); Scion tC, xB and xD; and Lexus CT 200h, GS and RX.
  • The 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Scion tC earned five stars for Overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest rating possible.

Article courtesy of Toyota News.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Be sure to take advantage of our special rebate program for active duty U.S. military and inactive Reserve personnel this month!

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Germain Toyota is pleased to offer a special rebate program for our active duty U.S. military and inactive Reserve personnel. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for the extraordinary job you do.

- $500 rebate when you lease or finance a new Toyota.
- $1,000 rebate when you lease or finance a new Scion.

Call us at 866-280-9465 for complete details.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

First 25 Winners Announced for Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program

Public Voting to Determine 75 Remaining Nonprofit Organizations to Receive Toyota Vehicles

  • First 25 nonprofit organizations have been selected by the public to receive a new Toyota vehicle
  • Five non-profit organizations will continue to be profiled on the 100 Cars for Good Facebook page each day through August 21
 

100cars_logo_2012

Toyota today announced the first 25 winners of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program, a national philanthropic program that is awarding 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 consecutive days. Winners are selected each day through public voting on Facebook at 100 Cars for Good's website.

Each day through August 21, five nonprofit organizations will be profiled on the 100 Cars for Good Facebook page. Registered Facebook users are able to vote once daily for the nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new vehicle. The organization with the most votes at the end of the day wins a new Toyota vehicle. The four runners-up each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota.

“We are delighted to announce the first 25 winners of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Toyota created the 100 Cars for Good program because we appreciate what a big difference a new car or truck can make for organizations working to improve lives and strengthen communities across America. It’s been very gratifying to put the public in the ‘driver’s seat’ to select the winning organizations. 100 Cars for Good has also allowed Toyota to build on more than half a billion dollars of support the company has provided to nonprofits throughout the United States. We wish all of this year’s finalists the best of luck.

The first 25 100 Cars for Good winners represent a cross-section of important local causes, including providing nutritious meals to kids, helping communities struck by natural disaster and alleviating the suffering of abandoned, abused or injured animals.

The first 25 winners in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program are:

 

Washington, DC
May 14, 2012

Cincinnati, Ohio
May 15, 2012

Salmon, Idaho
May 16, 2012

Ridgewood, New York
May 17, 2012

Cincinnati, Ohio
May 18, 2012

Los Angeles, California
May 19, 2012

Los Angeles, California
May 20, 2012

New York, New York
May 21, 2012

Tucson, Arizona
May 22, 2012

Chino, California
May 23, 2012

Anchorage, Alaska
May 24, 2012

Carlisle, Massachusetts
May 25, 2012
Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan
May 26, 2012

Portland, Oregon
May 27, 2012

East Montpelier, Vermont
May 28, 2012

Granada Hills, California
May 29, 2012

Anaheim, California
May 30, 2012

Middleburg, Florida
May 31, 2012

Oakland Park, Florida
June 1, 2012

Winchester, Kentucky
June 2, 2012

Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey
June 3, 2012

Normal, Illinois
June 4, 2012

Quakertown, Pennsylvania
June 5, 2012

Rapidan, Virginia
June 6, 2012

Gulfport, Mississippi
June 7, 2012

Winning organizations can choose from the following vehicles: Camry Hybrid, Highlander SUV, Prius v Hybrid, Sienna minivan, Sienna Mobility or Tundra full-sized pickup. A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.

The 500 finalists, from which the 100 winners are ultimately selected, were certified by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.

Article courtesy of Toyota News.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Hang on to your hubcaps

Car

Clang, clang, clang! There goes your hubcap,rolling off to destination unknown. Hubcaps, wheel covers, and center caps can pop off your car’s wheels as you’re driving if they were not reinstalled correctly, have loosened over time, or if they were damaged by being jammed against a curb while parking. Here are some things you can do to keep these expensive parts on the car:

  • If your older metal hubcap has loosened, remove it and pry the metal clips outward slightly. This should fix the problem.
  • Newer plastic-type hubcaps and some wheel covers are usually held in place by a retaining wire ring that snaps into tabs on the wheel. When installing such a cap or cover, take care that you do not bend or break the tabs.
  • One way to make sure your expensive hubcaps aren’t damaged by a repair shop is to remove them yourself before taking your car in for a repair that requires wheel removal, such as a brake job or new tires. When reinstalling hubcaps, rest the hubcap in place and then tap it gently with a rubber mallet. Don’t hit the hubcap hard, or you might break the clips underneath. If you prefer to have your repair person remove the covers, check to make sure they were reinstalled properly.They should look even and flush.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Reader's Digest.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Get a great deal on a brand-new 2012 Toyota Camry L!

Now, at Germain Toyota of Naples, you can lease a brand-new 2012 Toyota Camry L for just $239 a month with $0 due at signing and $0 out of pocket! Call us at (866) 280-9465 to speak to a sales consultant today!

2012-06-13_1549

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Toyota Corolla: Movie Line :30

Shannon is in the mood to watch the latest sci-fi flick, but so is every cosmic commando in the universe.

Video courtesy of Toyota's Youtube channel.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Use the 'two-bucket' method when washing your car

When washing your car, use two buckets - one filled with soapy water for washing the car and the other filled with clean water for rinsing out the wash mitt before dipping it back into the soap. By the time you finish washing your car you'll notice the soap bucket should still be relatively clean while the rinse bucket will be very murky. This helps prevent contaminating the wash mitt with dirt and grit every time you reload with soap which could otherwise introduce swirl marks and scratches to your paint. Also, always use either a microfibre or wool wash mit. Never use a sponge or dish soap.

2buckets

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Three Toyota Models Selected as Best Family Cars of 2012

2012_toyota_prius_v_five_007
Three Toyota models have been selected as among the Best Family Cars of 2012 by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com. This is their fifth annual list, which will appear online today and on newsstands June 12.

Toyota earned picks across three categories including Prius v in the high-mileage category; Camry in the sedan category and the Sienna minivan in the large vehicle category. Vehicles considered were evaluated on a number of criteria important to families including safety, fuel economy, and kid-friendly features, as well as ride comfort, styling and handling. 
“We’re proud to have several Toyota models on the list of best family cars for the fifth year in a row,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Families know they can always depend on Toyota for safety, quality and durability, but they also recognize the importance of the convenience and technology features in our vehicles that help make their lives easier.”
In the high-mileage car category, the editors chose vehicles with more than 40 miles per gallon on the highway and offering safety features and modern conveniences. As a new member of the Prius family this year, the Prius v was cited for its stable ride and ample cargo space and was praised for its versatility and standard technology features including the Entune® mulitmedia system and a hands-free smart key, which unlocks the driver’s side door as you approach the door handle. 
The 2012 Camry was highlighted as a best pick in the sedan category.  Completely redesigned for 2012, the all-new seventh generation Camry was chosen for its updated styling, convenient technology including Entune, excellent fuel economy, quiet ride and ample trunk space. The Camry is America’s best-selling car, and as an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012 it is extremely popular with families. 
Rounding out the best family cars in the large vehicle category is the Sienna minivan, chosen for its flexible configurations to fit every type of trip, family and cargo combination. The Sienna was completely redesigned in 2010, catering to traditional family van needs while also meeting growing demands for more responsive driving characteristics, contemporary styling and onboard entertainment technology.  With state-of-the-art features and rewarding driving dynamics, the Sienna is a vehicle that families of any size will find satisfying to drive.  
The Sienna is manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. while the Camry is built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
“Toyota has a long history of satisfying the automotive needs of American families,” said Scott Oldham, editor-in-chief, Edmunds.com. “The Sienna minivan, the redesigned Camry and the all-new Prius v hybrid are leaders in their respective segments, offering America’s families the spacious, fun, fuel-efficient and reliable transportation they need.”

Article and image courtesy of Toyota News.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Vehicle Spotlight: A New 2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited for just $27,238!

Get a great deal on this 2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited for just $27,233! That's $1,976 in savings off the previous price of $29,214!

2011_toyota_rav4_4dr-suv_limited_fq_oem_1_500

Call us at 877-GO-BIG-LOT to speak to a sales consultant or click here for more information!

Monday, June 4, 2012

Introducing, our special rebate program for active duty U.S. military and inactive reserve personnel

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Germain Toyota is pleased to offer a special rebate program for our active duty U.S. military and inactive Reserve personnel. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for the extraordinary job you do.

- $500 rebate when you lease or finance a new Toyota.
- $1,000 rebate when you lease or finance a new Scion.

Call us at 866-280-9465 for complete details.