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Toyota Launches Redesigned Alphard As Two Different Vehicle Series; Fuel Economy Gain Up To 20%
12 May 2008
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| The new Alphard. |
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) launched its completely redesigned Alphard minivan in Japan as two different vehicle series, the Alphard and the Vellfire. Toyota says that the Alphard emphasizes elegance and refinement, while the Vellfire accentuates power and innovation.
A revamped powertrain enhances driving dynamics while improving fuel efficiency up to 20%. The vehicles offer a choice of a newly fitted V6 3.5-liter Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) engine, coupled with 6 Super ECT (Super Intelligent Electronically-controlled, Six-speed Automatic Transmission); and the 2.4-liter VVT-i engine with increased output, coupled with Super CVT-i (Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent).
In addition to the revamping of the powertrain, improved aerodynamics and weight-reduction efforts mean that, although engine displacement compared to the previous models has been increased from 3.0-liter to 3.5-liter for front-wheel drive models, fuel efficiency has also improved by around 7% and by around 20% on the 2.4-liter front-wheel drive models.
The 2.4-liter, front-wheel-drive models offer fuel economy of 11.6 km/l (27.3 mpg US or 8.6 L/100km) in the 10-15 test cycle, with CO2 emissions of 200 g/km—fuel efficiency that exceeds by 25% the level called for by the Japanese 2010 standards. NOx and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) have been reduced as well; all vehicles have emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the MLIT’s Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles and qualify for incentives under the Japanese government’s Green Taxation System.
In addition to an Eco Driving Indicator light that indicates fuel-efficient driving, a new Eco Drive Indicator display shows in real time the degree to which the throttle is open and the range of opening the driver should observe for fuel-efficient driving.
Toyota is targeting monthly sales in Japan of 3,000 units for each the Alphard and Vellfire.
May 12, 2008 in Fuel Efficiency, Japan | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
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Comments
what about the hybrid model? has that been upgraded to THS II (HSD) or what?
Posted by: lensovet | May 12, 2008 3:08:18 PM
Wow, didn't realize Japan has such low fuel economy requirements. How does this vehicle compare to the US Sienna?
It sounds like it could be Mazda 6 size (which I personally think is the right size for a mini-van...just like the mid to late 80's Caravan). That 3.5L sure offers a ton of power for a van though. I bet it outperforms most early 90's GT cars in a 1/4 mile run (like the camaro, mustang, 300zx, etc)
Posted by: Patrick | May 12, 2008 4:07:03 PM
Hmm, CVT for the conventional power train. I wonder how it will compare to a six speed automatic transmission. I know Ford tries to say their six speed is better than a CVT. I guess time will tell who is right.
Posted by: Lulu | May 12, 2008 4:15:21 PM
Alphard? What is an Alphard?
Posted by: Giant | May 12, 2008 4:36:09 PM
it's a people carrier that is very common in the Far East. seats about 7/8 people, IIRC.
Posted by: eric | May 13, 2008 2:21:55 AM
Allow me to rephrase: What kind of a name is "Alphard"?
Posted by: Giant | May 13, 2008 6:56:46 PM
"Alphard - an orange giant star in the constellation of Hydra"
Posted by: Andrey Levin | May 14, 2008 9:12:31 PM
does any of them come in diesel. if so i would love to buy the vellfire. which one is better to run it as a taxi.
Posted by: rick | May 16, 2008 12:44:59 PM
Does this mean that the Alphard will be the new Sienna model for 09?
Posted by: Dominick Mileto | Jul 28, 2008 3:39:29 PM
