2014 Scion tC taps into its inner FR-S. Lookin' good!

Cashing in on some of the excitement surrounding the FR-S, Scion has given its front-wheel drive coupe a refreshed look at the New York Auto Show. When the 2014 Scion tC shows up at dealers this June, the entry-level coupe with have an improved exterior styling to give the car a sportier appearance while also adding some new cabin tech and an updated six-speed automatic transmission.

The new face of the tC includes an oversized lower grille very similar to the FR-S, but reshaped headlights, hood and vertical lower accent lights also creates a more dynamic look for this budget-priced coupe. At the rear of the car, clear-lensed taillights and a blacked-out lower diffuser finishes the major styling changes. Inside, a new touchscreen audio system also includes Bluetooth connectivity, and the optional Scion BeSpoke Premium Audio includes navigation and Aha Internet radio app.

Building on the tC's sportier image, the automatic transmission adds a little extra excitement as well with a new manual shift mode and a rev-matching, throttle-blipping feature. For better driving dynamics, Scion also promises a more rigid body structure and enhanced suspension components.


Courtesy of Auto Blog

Scion FR-S Race Lap: Toyota Pro/Celebrity

Watch from inside as we take the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race Scion FR-S for a lap around Willow Springs!

Car Care Tip of the Week: Check tire pressure and tread at least once a month!

So many of us forget to check their tire tread and pressure. Neglecting your tires and letting them become under inflated can lead to tire failure and other issues. At least once a month, make a point to check the pressure in all of your tires using a tire gauge. If your tires need more air, fill them up to the correct psi for your vehicle. If you don’t know your vehicle’s psi, you can find this number on the tire’s information label located on the driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual.

Toyota RAV4 EV Demo

Introducing the new RAV4 EV, with cutting-edge technology, dynamic performance and modern advancements inside and out. What makes RAV4 EV so extraordinary is getting all that, plus features for the real world. 

Drivers Announced For ‘Revved Up to Race’ 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

 

 

The red carpet and race cars are ready as Toyota announced today the participants from film, television, music, sports and the military who will compete for checkered flag glory in the 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.  The 37^th annual charity race will take placeApril 20 on the 1.97-mile street course in downtown Long Beach, Calif., as part of the 39^th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The field of racers will navigate the new 210-horsepower Scion FR-S race vehicles through high speed turns to benefit “Racing for Kids,” a national fundraising program supporting children’s hospitals throughout the United States.  This year’s field of popular celebrity racers includes:

• Cristian Castro (@CristianCastro):Grammy Award-nominated and best-selling Mexican pop singer. Famous from a young age, one of his best known albums is “Mi Vida Sin Tu Amor,” with four singles in the top ten of Billboard's Hot Latin tracks. In April, he will release a new album “Primera Fila,” celebrating 20 years as a singer.
• Kate del Castillo (@katedelcastillo):Mexico’s most acclaimed actress, best known for her starring role in long-running mini-series “La Reina del Sur.” Other credits include “Under the Same Moon,” “Trade” and a guest appearance on the Showtime series “Weeds.”
• Brett Davern(@BDavv): Actor who stars as Jake Rosati in MTV's hit series “Awkward.” Other credits include the film, “Beautiful Ohio” and appearances in “Cold Case,” “CSI: Miami,” “In Plain Sight,” and “Medium.”
• Jenna Elfman(@JennaElfman): Actress known for her quirky role on the TV series “Dharma & Greg,” which earned her a Golden Globe Award.  She now stars as the first lady in the family comedy “1600 Penn.”  Film credits include “Friends with Benefits” and “Keeping the Faith.”
• Jessica Hardy(@swimhardy): A multiple world record-holder in swimming and a 2012 Olympic medalist. A Long Beach, Calif. native, she also does motivational speaking and served as an ambassador for the United States Olympic Committee Team For Tomorrow.
• Jesse Metcalfe(@JesseMetcalfe):Actor best known for his role as a teen gardener on “Desperate Housewives” and who currently stars in the TNT continuation of “Dallas,” based on the 1978 series of the same name. Film credits include “John Tucker Must Die” and “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.”
• Dakota Meyer (@Dakota_Meyer): Former U.S. Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his 2009 actions in Afghanistan. He wrote, Into the Fire: A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War, fundraises with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, and has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the Hiring Our Heroes program.
• Jackson Rathbone (@JacksonRathbone): Actor best known for playing Jasper Hale in the hit “Twilight” movie series. Other film credits include “The Last Airbender.”
• Michelle Rodriguez (@MRodOfficial): Film actress best known for her tough girl physical roles, including starring in the record-breaking sci-fi film “Avatar,” the successful “Fast & Furious” franchise,  the 2012 hit “Resident Evil: Retribution” and as a tough LAPD cop in TV’s “Lost.”
• Jeremy Sisto (@JeremySisto):Actor best known for playing Billy Chenowith on the series “Six Feet Under.” He also played Detective Cyrus Lupo on “Law & Order” and currently stars in the series “Suburgatory.”
• Mark Steines(@MarkSteines):Emmy award-winning journalist and host of the Hallmark Channel’s new how-to show, “Home & Family.” He spent more than 17 years on “Entertainment Tonight,” establishing himself as a trusted and charismatic figure in entertainment news. 
• Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes): Emmy award-winning comedian, writer and actress who ranks among Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America. She has hosted her own late night talk show, “The Wanda Sykes Show” and has appeared on TV shows including, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and films such as “Evan Almighty.”
• Michael Trucco(@MichaelTrucco): Actor best known for playing Samuel Anders on SyFy's acclaimed series "Battlestar Galactica" and Justin Patrick on the USA Network series “Fairly Legal.”  Other credits include appearances on “Revenge,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “One Tree Hill.”
• Rutledge Wood (@RutledgeWood): Auto racing analyst on Fox Sports/SPEED and co-host of “Top Gear USA.”

Pro drivers competing against the stars for the title include motocross champion and MTV’s “Nitro Circus” star Andy Bell (@AndyBell), 2012 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race winner and comedian Adam Carolla (@AdamCarolla), Olympic gold medalist swimmer Tyler Clary (@TylerClary)and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) driver Melanie Troxel (@MelanieTroxel).

“This talented and inspiring celebrity group will not only help Toyota share the story of this long-running charity event, but they also will feel the rush behind the wheel on the famous Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach track,” said Les Unger, Toyota national motorsports manager. “The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race thrills both the participants and the crowds while giving back to kids in our communities through donations to Children's Hospital of Orange County and Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach.”

Rounding out the field is Glenn Faber, partner and general manager of Los Angeles area Keyes Toyota, as well as two charity auction winners: Dave Pasant, a retired insurance executive, and Carter Lay (@CarterLay), philanthropist and LAY'S® chips heir.

The Toyota Pro/Celebrity race is one of the longest-running, corporate sponsored events of its kind. Since 1991, Toyota has donated more than $2 million to the Racing for Kids organization, on behalf of this race and its participants. In addition to Toyota’s contributions, a $15,000 donation will be made in conjunction with the 16^th annual “People Pole Award.” Sponsored by People magazine, the award honors the pole-position winner of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race qualifying session on April 19.

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Your weekly car tip: Use Your Headrest!

Before you hit the road, sit up straight, raise your head as high as you can, and press it into the headrest. Hold it there for five seconds, then relax and repeat five times. This will improve your posture and put muscles like your multifidus to work to keep your spine erect. This, in turn, will reduce the strain on your neck

 

 

Courtesy of Men's Health Magazine

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Top 10 Least Expensive Hybrid Cars for 2013

Just a few years ago, hybrid cars were new and relatively rare, but these days, they're a common and familiar sight on most city streets. The segment's list of available hybrid cars runs the gamut from high-end luxury barges like the Fisker Karma to more economical picks like the ubiquitous Toyota Prius. Whatever your needs, there's sure to be a hybrid out there tailor-made to suit your requirements.

If your main concern is affordability, you'll want to take a look at the models shown below. These are the 10 least expensive hybrids for 2013. Some of these models (like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight) have been around since the dawn of the hybrid segment. Others, like the Toyota Prius C and Ford C-Max Hybrid, are newer arrivals.

We've listed each hybrid's MSRP, but remember that the prices shown are for base models. You may have to invest a bit more to get the options you desire. Many of these vehicles also feature rebates and incentives that give you the chance to save even more. Check out each vehicle's True Market Value before deciding on a purchase.

1. 
   2013 Honda Insight — $18,600
2. 
   2013 Toyota Prius C — $19,080
3. 
   2013 Honda CR-Z — $19,975
4. 
   2013 Toyota Prius — $24,200
5. 
   2013 Honda Civic Hybrid — $24,360
6. 
   2013 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid — $24,985
7. 
   2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid — $24,995
8. 
   2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid — $25,200
9. 
   2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — $25,650
10.  
    2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid — $26,140 
     Courtesy of Edmunds

Car tip of the week: Don't forget about your spare tire!

There's no point in having a spare if it's in worse condition than the rest. Make sure the spare is properly inflated and has ample tread depth.

Introducing TOYOTA i-ROAD Personal Mobility Vehicle

With a width of only 850 mm, the i-ROAD can manoeuvre easily in urban areas. Turn corners smoothly with the i-ROAD's Active Lean technology.

Shout out to Tim for receiving this exceptional review!

"TIM KING is the man you need to see when it comes to buying a Toyota. I traveled 3 hours (out of state) just to buy my brand new Toyota through him. Tim is professional, courteous and extremely knowledgeable. I cannot say enough good things about Tim King. If you're looking for a new vehicle, do yourself a favor and call Tim King at Toyota Center. He will not let you down." -Matt 

For more great reviews, click here! 

Toyota Center Tire Sale!

Our Big Tire Sale Returns March 16th - 31st! Pre-order yours now to make sure we have your size in stock and ready to go! Click here to order your tires: http://bit.ly/14uLzTU

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept would make a mighty fine droptop FR-S

There's nothing wrong with going topless. And Toyota is proving that its FT-86 (read: Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ) coupe is just as excellent with its roof removed. It may only be a concept, but this FT-86 Open previews a new droptop from the Japanese automaker to round out the Toyobaru sports car family. We're finally getting the chance to see the open-air FT-86 in person here at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're already yearning to take it canyon-carving.

Interestingly, the FT-86 retains the Toyota coupe's two-plus-two seating arrangement (we'd prefer a proper roadster setup here), but things still look good for this droptop two-door. We'll be curious to see how the car looks with its folding soft top in place (operated by fancy-shmancy electronics, by the way).

As for production intent, rumors have been flying about a production Scion FR-S convertible, but until we hear it directly from Toyota, consider our fingers crossed.

Courtesy of Auto Blog

Kudos to Tim and the rest of our team for this outstanding review!

"They actually listened to what I was saying and understood that I was there for more information, not to make an emotional purchase that day. Tim K. was super friendly. He gave my wife and I both a good feeling, something I didn't get in the first dealership. They were extremely respectful to my wife and I and understood my time frame. I will be buying my 4runner in the next few months and I will be buying it from Toyota Center." -DrEric

 

For more great reviews, click here: http://edmu.in/VwpeG7