Toyota unveils Camry GT-S Concept at 2025 SEMA

Date/Location: October 24, 2025 — Las Vegas (SEMA)

What it is: A realistic, showroom-feasible sport-sedan concept based on the 2025 Camry XSE AWD Hybrid

Powertrain: Stock 2.5L I-4 hybrid remains unchanged at 232 hp; interior largely production-spec

Design/theme: CALTY-led “Inferno Flare” finish; aggressive aero with revised front/side elements and an engineered rear fascia to integrate a performance exhaust

Chassis/brakes/wheels:

• Adjustable coilovers, lowered ~1.5 inches
• Brakes: 8-piston front/365 mm rotors; 6-piston rear/356 mm rotors
• Wheels/tires: 20-inch wheels with 245/35R20 performance tires

Intent: Emphasize stance, handling, and visual drama without powertrain changes—aspirational yet attainable

Display: Shown Nov 4–7, 2025 at SEMA, Las Vegas Convention Center, Toyota booth (Central Hall, Booth 22200), under the theme “Powered by Possibility”

Note: Prototype with non-Toyota parts; modifications may affect warranty, performance, safety, and legality

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026 Toyota Sienna packs in more standard features

Date/Location: October 23, 2025 — Plano, Texas

Headline changes:

• LE: Now standard 8-speaker audio, rear window shades, auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink, power rear liftgate, windshield de-icer, black roof rails, 1‑year Remote Connect trial
• XLE: Standard roof rails; JBL Premium Audio available as a standalone option
• XSE: Upgrades to standard JBL Premium Audio (12 speakers, subwoofer, amplifier)
• Woodland: Adds Ice Cap exterior color; black Woodland badge
• New color: Heavy Metal available on LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum

Powertrain/drivetrain:

• Standard hybrid: 2.5L I-4 with ECVT, 245 total system hp
• EPA manufacturer estimates: 36 MPG combined (FWD), 35 MPG (AWD)
• Available Electronic On‑Demand AWD uses a dedicated rear electric motor; torque distribution shown in MID

Trims and interior:

• Grades: LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, Platinum
• Available 12.3" touchscreen (XLE and up); optional 12.3" digital gauge cluster (XSE, Woodland, Limited, Platinum)
• Qi wireless charging standard; USB‑C throughout; available 1500W AC outlet (Woodland)
• Limited/Platinum: add console Vacuum and FridgeBox for easy cleanups and chilled storage; leather-trimmed heated/ventilated fronts; premium captain’s chairs

Safety:

• Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 standard (PCS w/ Pedestrian Detection, Full‑Speed DRCC, LDA w/ Steering Assist, LTA, AHB, RSA)
• 10 airbags; Star Safety System (VSC, TRAC, EBD, BA, ABS, SST); BSM with RCTA standard

Availability/pricing:

• Arriving January 2026
• Starting MSRP: $40,120 (LE FWD; excludes fees)

Warranty/ToyotaCare:

• Basic: 36 months/36,000 miles
• Powertrain: 60 months
• Hybrid system: 8 years/100,000 miles; hybrid battery: 10 years/150,000 miles
• ToyotaCare: 2 years/25,000 miles maintenance; 2 years roadside assistance

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026 Toyota RAV4 arrives this winter

Date/Location: October 22, 2025 — Plano, Texas

What’s new: All-new 6th-gen RAV4; 100% electrified lineup with Hybrid (HEV) or Plug‑in Hybrid (PHEV)

Designs/grades: Three design themes (core, rugged, sport) across seven grades, including first-ever GR SPORT and new Woodland

Powertrains:

• Hybrid: 5th‑gen Toyota Hybrid System; up to 44 MPG combined (FWD); 226 hp (FWD) / 236 hp (AWD)
• PHEV: 6th‑gen system; 324 net hp; up to 52‑mile all‑electric range; up to 41 MPG combined

Dynamics/chassis: Increased frame rigidity; re‑tuned suspension; new Electronically Controlled Brake; Vehicle Braking Posture Control; Cooperative Steering Driving Force Control; active aero spat

Trims:

• GR SPORT (PHEV AWD): GR‑tuned suspension/steering, functional aero, unique interior, performance tires
• Woodland (HEV/PHEV AWD): All‑terrain tires, tow hitch, raised rails, unique styling; Urban Rock exclusive color
• Core (LE, XLE Premium, Limited): Hybrid standard; FWD or AWD per grade; Limited adds premium features
• Sport (SE, XSE): HEV or PHEV; sporty styling; XSE adds 20-in wheels, moonroof, JBL, etc.

Tech: New Toyota Audio Multimedia with first onboard 5G, faster “Hey Toyota” voice assistant, customizable home; standard 12.3" digital cluster; available HUD; built-in Drive Recorder

Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 standard; available 3D Panoramic View Monitor, Advanced Park, Traffic Jam Assist

Timing/pricing: HEV models arrive December; PHEV in spring 2026; HEV FWD MSRP starts in low $30,000s

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 2026 Toyota bZ — Upgraded features and expanded charging access

Date/Location: October 22, 2025 — Plano, Texas

What’s new: 2026 Toyota bZ BEVs arrive with performance/range improvements, standard NACS (SAE J3400) inlet, and Plug & Charge capability.

Charging access:

• Access to 25,000+ additional DC fast-charger plugs via the Tesla Supercharger Network.
• Plug & Charge starts with Tesla Superchargers; IONNA, ChargePoint, and EVgo to follow.
• Toyota app shows compatible NACS networks; simple enrollment enables Plug & Charge.

Adapters:

• 2026 Toyota BEVs include adapters for SAE J1772 and CCS stations.
• MY 2023–2025 bZ4X owners can get one complimentary NACS adapter from dealers starting in November.

Navigation:

• Apple Maps EV Routing via Apple CarPlay for 2023+ Toyota BEVs, using real-time vehicle data and elevation to plan charging stops.

Notes:

• MY 2023–2025 drivers need a CCS→J3400 (NACS) adapter for NACS plugs.
• Plug & Charge requires 4G and an active Remote Connect trial/subscription.
• Unauthorized accessories may affect warranty, performance, and safety.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toyota Accelerates Community Impact — Awards $1.9 Million in Grants

Date/Location: October 21, 2025 — Georgetown, Kentucky

What’s new: Toyota awarded $1.9M in 2025 community grants to nonprofits across Central Kentucky.

Focus areas: Education (especially STEM), workforce readiness/training, and removing barriers to educational success; part of Manufacturing Month initiatives.

Sample recipients: Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates (JAG), Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass, AMEN House, FIRST Robotics Kentucky, Jubilee Jobs, YMCA of Central Kentucky, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass.

Quotes:

• Kerry Creech (President, Toyota Kentucky): Investing in education/workforce ensures strong communities and U.S. manufacturing.
• George Stafford (JAG Kentucky): Support expands reach to students, building both soft and hard skills.

Long-term impact: Toyota has contributed $165M+ to Kentucky nonprofits over nearly 40 years.

Learn more/apply: toyotaeffect.com/grant-seekers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Nasu Edition Brings Adventure-Ready Spirit to SEMA

Date/Location: October 21, 2025 — Las Vegas (SEMA Show)

What it is: A bespoke Corolla Cross Hybrid “Nasu Edition” concept inspired by Japan’s Mt. Nasu and the idea “to achieve” (nasu).

Built by: Toyota’s Service Parts and Accessories Development (SPAD) team using CAD, 3D printing, CNC machining, and multi-site assembly.

Powertrain/Chassis: Retains 2.0L Atkinson-cycle hybrid with three electric motors (196 hp, AWD); custom suspension lift; Toyota truck wheels with Toyo Open Country A/T III tires.

Exterior/Overlanding: One-off body kit with hood scoop; purple wrap (eggplant nod); rock sliders; cargo basket; articulating roof rack; cargo drawer system; refrigerator on sliding tray.

Lighting/Interior: Modified Toyota lightbars and fogs; illuminated door sills, puddle and cargo lamps; adventure-themed interior touches; custom downhill bike on roof (homage to Asa Vermette).

Quotes: Steve Park emphasizes versatility and “to achieve” theme; Mike Tripp says adventure extends beyond trucks/BOF SUVs across Toyota’s lineup.

Display info: On display Nov 4–7 at SEMA (LVCC, Central Hall, Booth 22200) under theme “Powered by Possibility” with 20+ concept builds (ICE, HEV, PHEV, BEV, FCEV).

Note: Prototype with non-Toyota parts may affect warranty, performance/safety, and legality.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toyota GAZOO Racing North America Crowns 2025 GR Cup Series Champions

Date/Location: October 20, 2025 — Indianapolis Motor Speedway (road course)

Champions:

• Am Class: Westin Workman (BSI Racing) — third different Am champion in three years
• Legends Cup (45+): Livio Galanti (Eagles Canyon Racing) — inaugural title

Workman’s 2025 highlights:

• 6 wins: weekend sweeps at Sebring and Barber; wins at VIR (Race 2) and Indianapolis (Race 2)
• 6 additional podiums; clinched title one event early after Barber Race 2
• First GR Cup title for both Workman and BSI Racing

Galanti’s 2025 highlights:

• 4 Legends Cup wins: sweeps at Road America and Indianapolis
• Additional class podium at COTA (Race 2)

Quotes:

• Mike Norem (TRD USA) praised Workman’s consistency and Galanti’s benchmark performance in the new Legends Cup

What’s next:

• GR Cup returns March 13–15, 2026, at the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington (2.73-mile street circuit), Arlington, TX
• More info: grcupseries.com and @officialgrcup on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toyota Claims 10th Formula DRIFT Auto Cup Title

Date/Location: October 20, 2025 — Long Beach, CA

Milestone: Toyota secures its 10th overall Formula DRIFT Auto Cup title; second consecutive and fourth in five seasons.

Driver highlights:

• Fredric Aasbo: Won season opener at Long Beach; finals at Atlanta and Englishtown.
• Jhonnattan Castro: Career-best year; final in Orlando; multiple Great 8 appearances.
• Ken Gushi and Ryan Tuerck: Added round wins contributing crucial points.

Quote: Paul Doleshal (TMNA) calls the 10th Auto Cup “monumental,” praising teams and drivers and eyeing future success.

History: Early titles under Scion (2014–2016), additional championships in 2017–2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, and now 2025.

Current GR cars competing: GR Supra, GR Corolla Hatchback, GR86.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Smooth Move — Toyota Alabama Starts Differential Production

Date: October 15, 2025 | Location: Huntsville, AL

What’s new: Toyota Alabama began assembling three new differentials for Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia.

Investment/jobs: Part of a $282M investment announced in 2024; adds 350 new jobs. Total Toyota Alabama investment now exceeds $1.7B.

Why it matters: Expands plant capabilities beyond engines; differentials improve handling by allowing wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds.

Production scale: In 2024, the plant assembled 895,000+ engines; supplies engines for 7 of 9 Toyota vehicles built in North America.

Community: Toyota’s Driving Possibilities initiative announced up to $4.2M in new grants for Huntsville City Schools (nearly $11M total since 2023) to support STEM education.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Latest Evolution of Toyota’s Multimedia Coming to a Screen Near You

Date: October 13, 2025 (updated October 15, 2025)

Debut: Enhanced Toyota Audio Multimedia launches on the all-new 2026 RAV4, then rolls out to other models.

Platform: Built on Automotive Grade Linux with Woven by Toyota’s Arene SDK; supports over‑the‑air updates.

Connectivity: First Toyota integration of AT&T 5G for faster, lower‑latency data.

UX/UI:

• 10.5-inch standard or 12.9-inch available display
• Customizable, widget-based home screen; Quick Control Menu for fast settings and ADAS toggles
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Voice: Faster embedded “Hey Toyota” assistant with on‑device processing; cloud features (e.g., POIs, weather) via Drive Connect.

Navigation: Turn‑by‑turn and maps can display full screen in the digital gauge cluster (MID) for the first time.

Safety/Recording: New standard Drive Recorder uses vehicle exterior cameras to capture manual and triggered events; playback on head unit; export to USB.

EV Features: New EV Domain for PHEVs (e.g., 2026 RAV4 GR Sport PHEV) with charge scheduling, limits, external power supply control, EV routing, range map, and app integration.

Remote Connect: Expanded app controls (headlights, hazards, trunk, windows, etc.) with trial/subscription.

Entertainment: SiriusXM with 360L and integrated Spotify streaming via in‑vehicle Wi‑Fi.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.