Automobile Blog

Mazda to license hybrid technology from Toyota

Starting in 2013, Mazda will become the second manufacturer (after Nissan) to directly use Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. Mazda has signed a licensing agreement with the hybrid behemoth that will see the smaller company get a supply of hybrid hardware – presumably including transmissions, power electronics (including software) and battery packs.

The drive components will be paired up with the new-generation, direct-injected Sky engines that Mazda displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show last fall. Mazda will build a new hybrid vehicle starting in 2013 using this equipment, the first it has produced on its own. The only previous Mazda hybrid was the Tribute, a re-badged Ford Escape.

Nissan has now produced its own in-house hybrid system and when the Altima is redesigned in the next few years it seems unlikely it will retain its current Toyota hybrid system. Click past the break to view the press release.

[Source: Toyota | Mazda]

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TOYOTA TACOMA Reviews

The Toyota Tacoma is a compact pick up that offers a comfortable cab, a refined ride, responsive handling, proven off-road capability, and quality construction.Toyota Tacoma is available in Regular Cab, Access Cab (extended cab) and Double Cab (crew cab) body styles, in either two or four wheel drive. Regular and Access Cabs come with six-foot beds; Double Cabs have the choice of a shorter five-foot bed or a standard-size six-footer.

The base engine is a 2.7-liter, 159-hp inline-four mated to a five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional. A 236-hp 4.0-liter V6 is standard on all Double Cabs and optional on 4WD Access Cabs. The V6 is paired with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, side-impact/side curtain airbags, and active headrests.

The 2010 Toyota Tacoma is a carryover from 2009.

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The Toyota Tacoma is arguably the best truck in a field of solid midsize pickups. It's certainly the most popular: The Tacoma dominates the market for midsize pickups. It comes in a wide range of configurations to please a wide range of buyers. ... Read Full Review

Toyota Hybrid Technology To Be Seen In Mazda Future Vehicles

Mazda announces that it will utilize Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system paired with its own new generation of highly efficient Sky engines. The Japanese automaker will use the same technology that Toyota has used in its Prius, Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid vehicles – among others.

This isn’t the first time that Toyota has allowed another automaker access to its Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which powers all of its hybrid vehicles. Nissan’s Altima hybrid car has been using the licensed Hybrid Synergy Drive technology since 2007, although the four-door sedan is sold in only a few of North American markets.
Mazda says it will launch a hybrid vehicle in Japan by 2013 and North American sales are likely to follow. It is not yet finalized whether Mazda will pair the hybrid system to both its Sky gasoline and diesel engines. The Sky diesel engines have been boasted by its manufacturer that it has equal existing hybrid fuel economy and emissions outputs.
Mazda hasn’t confirmed which models will get the Toyota-licensed hybrid powertrain in North America, but sales seem likely to begin in 2014.

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Toyota Aygo Black Announced in UK

A new edition of the Aygo will go on sale in the U.K. at the beginning of April. The Toyota Aygo Black comes with a set of cosmetic upgrades for both the three- and five-door models.

Amongst the upgrades is a new, metallic Tempest Black paint job, and a set of 14-inch alloy wheels. The car features a leather and Alcantara interior, and "sports styling features."

All-in pricing on the three-door manual starts at £9,460, with air conditioning adding £500 to the cost. Stepping up to the five-door adds about £350, while replacing the five-speed manual transmission with an automatic adds £500.

You can find out more about the Toyota Aygo Black in the press release below.