At, Toyota they created a Driving Simulator, simply to measure the amount of distraction caused to a driver under certain circumstances. The simulator is designed to mimic actual driving as closely as possible. It is a sophisticated system that allows the team to perform tests that are as accurate and as realistic as actual driving.

Toyota has also begun testing upcoming technology in the Driving Simulator. The Pre-Collision System, or PCS, was developed as a tool that will detect a possible imminent frontal collision and then alert the driver, in order to add to the driver’s reaction time. The PCS determines that a frontal collision will potentially take place and then a series of warnings are sent to the driver. Next the pre-collision brakes and pre-collision seat belts are automatically deployed in an attempt to avoid the collision or greatly reduce the damage done by the collision. In early prototype testing the PCS system seemed to be performing its job well, and giving the driver added warning before a potential collision.

The systems developed by Toyota are of utmost importance to the auto maker. The tumultuous start to the year gave Toyota a chance to refocus on their safety standards and begin developing such systems. Although the PCS is not yet available, it speaks poignantly about the direction the company is heading.

The 2002-2006 model year Camrys remains to be one of the favorite family cars. The interior of these cars are simple, but comfortable and roomy. Toyota made the rear seat just as comfortable as the front and made sure everything was perfectly laid out. Same may say it is plain, but the payoff is in the efficiency and usability of the features.

The ride of the Camry is undeniably one of the smoothest on the roadway. The Toyota Camry offers excellent suspension with tight and precise handling. Above all, the Camry is a safe family vehicle. In fact, the National Highway Traffics Safety Administration tested the 2002-2003 Camry models. The Camry received five stars for the driver crash tests and four stars for the front passenger crash tests. As for the 2004 model, it earned four stars for, both, the driver and front passenger tests. More impressively, they continued to build their safety standards which resulted in an even safer 2005-2006 model Camry. The 2005-2006 Toyota Camry received a total of five stars for, both, the driver, and front passenger crash tests. Equally as important, the IIHS rated the 2005-2006 Toyota Camry ‘Good’ in the offset front crash tests.

Despite a turbulent start to the year, the Toyota Camry, both new and used, continue to be a family favorite. Its classic style and quality craftsmanship ensure that this model will remain a favorite for years to come.

Its wheel base is the same as the Camry’s and it is similar in height and width to the Highlander. Drawing even further from the Highlander, the Venza’s engine choices are the same in a 2.7 liter four cylinder or a 3.5 liter V6. Although the wheel base is the same as the Camry, the Venza offers a more spacious interior. And what the Venza lacks in third row seating, it makes up for in ample cargo space. Its cargo capacity is a full 70 cubic feet. Its interior features mimic those of the high-end luxury models, such as the Lexus.

Toyota made sure that the 2010 Toyota Venza was just as safe and reliable as any other model on the market. In government crash tests the Venza scored perfectly on all frontal and side impact crash tests. The IIHS also gave the Venza its highest grade on frontal and side impact crash tests. Its safety and reliability features along with its unique characteristics are what set this model apart from all its closest competitors. Toyota developed the Venza to stand out from the pack and deliver the best features from all models. Visit your local Spirit Toyota dealership to test drive one today.

The Venza is said to provide a solid driving experience making the crossover a great choice for a daily commuter, in fact the Venza was selected by Automobile magazine as the 2010 best midsized crossover for the price.  Automobile Magazine was quoted as stating; “Truth be told, the Venza makes the average SUV look like yesterday’s news, it won’t tow like an SUV or go off-road like a Jeep. But for everything else, it’s a breath of fresh air.”

The Lexus RX350 is apparent in this Toyota, though the Venza is pressed down nearer to the ground, and sleeker. Its front end is taller, but molded in the theme of Toyota’s Camry sedan. The Venza’s rear glass has a nice, long rake, and its taillights wrap around the rear fenders onto the hatch. Its standard wheels measure 19 inches in diameter; 20-inch spoked alloys are optional.

The Venza’s wheelbase and overall length are more similar to that of Toyota cars than SUVs; in fact the measurements come close to Toyota’s Camry sedan. Yet with an overall height of 63.4 inches, it’s ride height falls somewhere in the middle of the Camry and the Highlander.

Unlike a station wagon (and many other crossovers) the 2009 Venza seats only 5, like the Camry. Its rocker height is low, yet the hip point for seated occupants is higher than the typical sedan’s. The result is a crossover that many car buyers’ desire; straightforward opening and entrance with a higher seating position for an enhanced view around tall cars on the road.

To test drive a new or used Toyota Venza, visit your local St. Louis Toyota Dealer; Spirit Toyota in Hazelwood today.

Toyota parts and accessories are world renowned for quality, reliability, and innovation. While Toyota cars already come equipped with a wide range of features and options, many Toyota owners want even more technical gadgets, storage solutions, and other great accessories.

If you are unsure as to which accessories and aftermarket products are right for you, here is a list of some best-selling Toyota accessories for your Toyota Camry. Just like Toyotas themselves, Toyota accessories are reliable and designed for optimal performance.

The remote engine starter is one of the most convenient accessories available for newer Toyota models. Integrated into your existing Toyota keyless entry remote, the engine starter turns over your engine automatically. It will also start up your heater or air conditioning, or even your defroster in advance so that when you get to your car, it is already adjusted to the perfect temperature with windows defrosted, ready to drive. You will  no longer have to get into a blisteringly hot car in the summer or an ice box in the winter, with the remote engine starter, you can make your car a comfortable temperature and fully ready to drive before you even open the door to get in.

Toyota Camry HID kits are the best aftermarket creation, suited for giving your ride a custom look. The kit comes in various prices and colors depending upon the temperatures of their lamps. Color options range from golden yellow, OEM white to brilliant white and finally exotic white lights. These HID kits contain xenon bulbs which come in many different sizes.  Once you have selected the kit you desire the next step involves the process of its installation which takes no more than 15 min. All these kits are a very easy fit and require no specific expertise; one can fit it in by even following the manual provided along the kit.

According to a Toyota spokesperson, Toyota plans to purchase $50 million in stock from Tesla Motors. “When we look at Tesla’s venture business spirit, we recall how Toyota started back in the day,” said Jana Hartline, Toyota’s environmental communications manager, in an interview with HybridCars.com. In a recent press release with the president of Toyota, Akio Toyoda stated: “Toyota would like to learn from the challenging spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility that Tesla has.”

The new partnership will not only boost the image and perception of Tesla Motors, it will also help Toyota to move forward after the safety recall incidents have paid a toll on the reputation of the car known as number one in safety and dependability.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger who attended the announcement of Toyota and Tesla’s partnership was quoted as saying; “The Prius is an extraordinary car that goes more than 50 miles per gallon. That was revolutionary,” Schwarzenegger also said. “And we have Tesla. You can do something that is very sexy looking, that goes from zero to sixty in less than 3.9 seconds and something that is attractive.”

For those interested in new or used Toyota Cars or Trucks, see your local St. Louis Toyota Dealer, Spirit Toyota today.

Toyota manufacturers now place a variety of audio systems in the cars, trucks, and SUV’s they build just from the entertainment perspective.  A Car Audio system is mostly comprises of speakers, auxiliary input devices, amplifiers, and head units to operate the accessories. The head unit is an important aspect of the audio system and varies with respect to design and use. It can allow you to use cassettes and CDs or a mini tape, whatever you want to use. These days car technology is frequently updated; you can use your USB Drive to listen to songs; put mp3 songs just in the USB and enjoy in your car. An amplifier is needed to operate your digital speakers present at the back of your car. It allows handling treble and base, and many other systems to play with the sounds inside the car.

The speakers in the sound system are very important to the basic sound frequency that is produced by your  audio system.. Woofers widen the scope of car audio system, and have become more prevelent these days.  Auxiliary devices like  mp3 players or equalizers are also growing in popularity to lend effects to your sound. The choices for car audio technology is never ending.

According to managing director at Toyota Canada Inc.; “Toyota is very happy to accept these awards and on behalf of everyone at Toyota in Canada, I’d like to thank AJAC’s members for these honors, the Toyota Camry is North America’s most popular passenger car. The Toyota Camry Hybrid represents an important evolution of gasoline-electric hybrid technology in the second most popular market segment in Canada. And the redesigned Toyota RAV4 will be manufactured in Woodstock, Ontario when our new assembly plant, currently under construction, begins production in 2008.”

Toyota Camry, a mid-size best-selling car in the United States from 1997.  Toyota Camry boasts functionality and style, reliability, and safety.  The hybrid Camry employs Hybrid Synergy Drive setup, which is identical to that of Prius, Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h. Camry Hybrid uses a 4-cylinder gasoline engine that puts out 192 hp. Standard features of the Camry Hybrid include knee airbags, side torso airbags and side-curtain airbags, remote entry and start.

The RAV4 has been a top rated SUV/Crossover for years, with better safety ratings, handling, and reliability than any other vehicle in its  class.

No matter which 2007 model you select, when you choose a Toyota, you cannot go wrong.

When you consider the expense of gasoline, insurance, maintenance and repairs, it is easy to see that purchasing an automobile is a huge financial liability.  New cars usually cost more for insurance, and although repairs should be kept at a minimum due to having a factory warranty, if you do need to buy parts, they may cost more for a car as well.

By purchasing a Toyota, you have already taken the first and most important step in decreasing the rate at which your car depreciates.

Purchasing a pre-owned Toyota, one that is two years old is actually a better investment than buying a new vehicle because the prior owner has taken the biggest percentage of financial hit due to depreciation. A vehicle that is 2 years old should also have quite a few months left on the factory warranty.  Another option is to purchase a certified Toyota, which is a pre-owned vehicle that has been checked out by a certified technician for mechanical soundness and has an extended warranty beyond the factory issued warranty.   

Used vehicles usually maintain a stabilized rate of depreciation (7% – 12% per year) which means that they are a much better value than new cars with much higher rates of depreciation.

The financial savings converts to a first year savings of approximately $6,000 to $8,000 if you purchase a pre-owned $22,500 automobile, or if you purchase a  $40,000 used vehicle you will see a savings of around  $10,000 to $15,000 considering that the car has an average mileage of around 12,000 miles per year.  If you consider the purchase of a used vehicle that has more mileage than average, you could see a total savings of up to 50% of the original value of the car when it is 2 years old.

To get an estimated depreciation rate on used Toyota cars that you are considering purchasing from Spirit Toyota in St. Louis, go to; http://www.money-zine.com/Calculators/Auto-Loan-Calculators/Car-Depreciation-Calculator/