DETROIT, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A.,
Inc., unveiled the all-new 2009 Venza crossover sedan at a press conference
here today at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
Venza will raise the crossover vehicle to new levels by combining a unique
blend of sedan refinement and sport utility vehicle (SUV) functionality.
"The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the
styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger
sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV," said Bob Carter, Toyota
Division group vice president and general manager. "This winning
combination will be ideal for active 'boomers' and young couples with small
families."
All aspects of Venza's engineering and design were targeted
specifically for the North American market where it will be sold
exclusively. Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in
Ann Arbor, Mich., and designed at Toyota's Calty design studios in Newport
Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. Venza will be assembled at Toyota Motor
Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky.
The development focus of the Venza design team was to create a new
crossover vehicle that shifted away from the more traditional SUV styling
themes that tend to dominate the segment. Calty designers leaned more
heavily on a sleek sedan concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty
exterior and premium comfort interior but would also be equipped with
important SUV attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and
all-wheel-drive performance.
The exterior design of the four-door Venza begins with an imposing
front end featuring a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for an
aggressive, yet classy appearance. The front conforms to a sleek and
aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, crisp character lines and a
roofline and ground clearance that are lower than a typical crossover. From
behind, Venza's refined appearance is complete with an angled rear hatch,
rear spoiler and wide wraparound tail lights that interconnect with the
hatch door.
On the inside, Calty designers and TTC engineers made comfort,
refinement and utility a priority for the five-passenger Venza. A lower
rocker design will allow occupants to more easily step in and out of the
vehicle than a typical sedan. Venza will also feature a higher ride height
and hip points that will help provide significantly better driver
visibility than most sedans and easier ingress and egress than most SUVs.
Venza will feature a spacious interior providing ample room for all
five passengers and abundant SUV-like cargo space behind the second row of
seats. The rear hatch provides a low cargo height that allows for easy
loading and unloading of luggage and outdoor gear. Easy-to-use levers, one
on each side of the rear cargo area, allow the 60/40 split rear seats to
fold flat, providing additional storage space for extra long items such as
surf boards, skis, camping gear and gardening equipment. For added
passenger comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.
A creative interior design complemented with an array of comfort and
convenience features provides Venza with a refined look and feel that is
commonly reserved for a luxury sedan. The flow of the instrumentation panel
(IP) creates a unique 60/60 design that gives both driver and front
passenger the look and feeling that 60 percent of the IP is accessible from
their seating position.
An extra long center console extends from the IP and slopes down to a
center compartment with a unique sliding console cover. Sliding open the
compartment lid reveals a large storage well deep enough to hold a large
purse. The compartment is also illuminated and equipped with an auxiliary
audio jack and 12-volt power point. The upper portion of the center console
houses the gear-shift lever for easy and comfortable driver access. Climate
control functions are centrally located on the upper center console,
providing easy accessibility for both driver and passenger. The center
console also contains an iPod/MP3 storage compartment with wire management
and illuminated dual cupholders.
All Venza models will be equipped with an array of standard features
including auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD,
tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry,
electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a multi-information display,
cruise control, optitron gauges, rear wiper, privacy glass, and much more.
On V6 models Venza will come standard with dual exhaust tips and will be
the first Toyota model to ride on standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
Four-cylinder models will come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.
Chrome accents throughout give Venza a refined look and feel. Models
equipped with an optional leather-trimmed interior will feature
wood-grain-type trim and seats stitched with dark piping that is tastefully
coordinated with Venza's standard linear grain dashboard and steering
wheel. An array of storage space will be available throughout the vehicle
to accommodate passenger belongings. A large storage compartment with an
additional 12-volt power point located on the passenger side of the front
center console will be sizeable enough to contain maps and magazines.
A panoramic roof will be offered as an option and will be a first for
the Toyota vehicle lineup. The roof will feature separate glass panels over
the front and rear seats. The front glass panel will have a power
tilt/slide function.
Venza will also offer an Automatic High Beam headlight system, another
Toyota first. When high beam headlights are in use sensors in the Automatic
High Beam system will detect oncoming traffic and automatically switch the
headlights to low-beam. When the Automatic High Beam sensors no longer
detect oncoming traffic the system will switch the headlights back to
high-beam mode.
Additional optional equipment will include a navigation system equipped
with a JBL audio system, integrated satellite radio capability and
Bluetooth(R) technology; a premium JBL audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD
changer, satellite radio capability and Bluetooth(R), rear seat
entertainment system, a Smart Key System, back-up camera and a power rear
door.
The sleek and sporty styling, refined interior and outstanding utility
features are complemented with fun-to-drive performance attributes expected
by owners with active lifestyles. Aggressive handling typically found in a
performance coupe is well-balanced by the on-road comfort of an upscale
sedan.
Venza will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.
It will provide drivers and passengers the best of both worlds by
delivering the quiet comfortable ride expected from a full-size sedan along
with the peace-of-mind that comes with all-wheel-drive.
Power will be generated by an available 3.5-liter V6 that will produce
268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm with a
towing capability of 3,500 pounds. Standard power will come from an all-new
2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver capable performance and
provide excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both engines will be
mated with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic
transmission.
Venza will be equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety
features. It will provide a total of seven airbags, including a driver's
knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags, and side curtain airbags for
both rows of seats. Venza will also be the first sedan with Toyota's STAR
safety system, featuring anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic
brake-force distribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability control.
Venza will also feature active head rests as standard equipment.
"Venza will establish an exciting new crossover niche that will combine
the finest attributes of Toyota's diverse vehicle lineup," said Carter. "It
will cater to buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of a
Camry, the comfort and upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utility and
functionality of a Highlander SUV in one very stylish and sporty package."
"When it goes on sale in late 2008, the Venza crossover sedan will
represent Toyota's latest commitment to driving change in the marketplace."
2009 VENZA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
2.7-liter four-cylinder engine
Horsepower: TBD
Torque: TBD
Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission
3.5-liter V6
Horsepower: 268 @ 6,200
Torque: 246 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm
Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission
Drive System: Front- and All-Wheel-Drive
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 189.0
Overall Width: 75.0
Overall Height: 63.4
Wheelbase: 109.3
Ground clearance: 8.1
Wheels: 19-inch alloy wheels (four-cylinder only)
20-inch alloy wheels (standard on V6 and available on
four-cylinder)
Tire Size: 20-inch: 245/50R20
19-inch: 245/55R19
Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs. (V6 model)
Seating Capacity: 5
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO)
SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
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http://www.toyota.com/
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CONTACT:
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Toyota Division Communications
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