Redesigned for 2014: The All-New Toyota 4Runner

The versatile 4Runner has a history of being a durable and rugged off-road capable SUV, and for 2014 it is receiving a facelift that better fits its persona. Whether you need a vehicle capable of hauling your kids to school or to getaway for a camping trip, the 4Runner is a great option. Toyota Scion of Concord is excited for the arrival of the reinvented 4Runner.

The 2014 4Runner features a new grille and headlamps that give it a more rugged look. With three trims to choose from, you can decide between 17-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, and eight different color options.

On the inside, there are a number of optional features for the 4Runner. You can have a leather wrapped steering wheel, leather shift knob, and Soft Touch door trim, giving you a luxurious feel on the inside. Another great feature is an automatic dual-zone climate-control system, giving you the ability to keep all of your passengers warm or cool on trips.

2014 4Runner

The 4Runner comes with a five-speed automatic transmission and a 270-hp 4.0-liter v6 engine. You can choose between rear wheel two-wheel drive, a part time four-wheel drive, or a full-time multi-mode four-wheel drive with a locking center differential.

If you’re interested in the redesigned 4Runner, stop in at Toyota Scion of Concord today and speak with one of our knowledgeable sales staff. We offer a full line of Toyota and Scion’s, and are positive we can find just the right vehicle for you! Also, don’t forget about our exceptional service department, ready to meet any of your service needs!

Thanks for reading; we look forward to speaking with you!

Tips to Cut Down on Distracted Driving

April is Distracted Driver Awareness month, and we here at Toyota Scion of Concord wanted to give our wonderful customers some pointers on how to stay safe on the roadways. Not only does distracted driving account for a high percentage of accidents on the roadways, but a distracted driver is 23 times more likely to get into an accident – yikes!

We owe our business to you, the customer, and it is our hope that every one of our customers will stay safe on the roadways, so below is our list to stay focused on the road.

1.       Download an app! (Before getting on the road, of course)

·         There are a number of apps, such as AT&T’s DriveMode, tXtBlocker, and “Drive First” by Sprint that can block texting and other distracting features on your phone to cut down on distractions.

2.       Eat First

·         We understand that sometimes in your busy lifestyle you have to grab a bite on the go, but it is a distraction. Plan out your meals and try to squeeze a bite in before hitting the road.

3.       Set a playlist

·         Searching for a station, shuffling through an iPod, or fumbling through CDs are all huge distractions that can take your eyes off of the road for far too long. Try to set a playlist, or pick a CD before driving.

4.       GPS

·         Set your destination before you take off, or if you must change your destination, use voice control options so that you are able to quickly say your destination and keep your eyes to the road ahead.

5.       For parents: make sure your children are occupied and buckled up

·         If you are a parent, you know what we are talking about. Make sure the portable DVD player and snacks are ready to go before hitting the road, it could make the difference in arriving safely with your precious cargo!

These are just a few things that can be done to be safer on the roadways, and it is up to you to make a change and commit to staying focused.

Stop in and let us show you the technology Toyota is implementing to cut down on distracted driving!

We look forward to seeing you, and stay safe!   

5 Million Hybrids and Counting, Toyota is Proud to Stay Green

Since 1997, Toyota has led the way in Hybrid Car technology. In ’97 the Prius was one of a kind, but 13 years of innovation has led to Toyota offering multiple hybrid options, as well as a number of electric vehicles. Each of these vehicles is environmentally friendly, and is available at Toyota Scion of Concord.

Toyotas hybrid lineup includes the Camry Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, and the Prius.

Three of the four hybrids in the Toyota lineup receive over 40 MPG*, while the Highlander Hybrid reaches 28 MPG*, which is very impressive for a sport utility vehicle. Not only are these vehicles fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, they are also some of the most reliable vehicles on the road.

In honor of Earth Day, and the amount of money these wonderful vehicles will save you in gas, stop in at Toyota Scion of Concord today and ask about our full line of hybrid cars and SUVs. Toyota is committed to stay green, and we here at Toyota Scion of Concord are more than happy to offer these great vehicles!

Happy Earth Day!

*EPA Estimates

All-New 2013 Scion FR-S Available at Toyota of Concord

2013 Scion FR-S

Toyota of Concord is excited to introduce the brand-new 2013 Scion FR-S.  The 2013 FR-S is the latest addition to the Scion family and finally provides enough performance to match the sporty styling synonymous with the Scion brand. 

What catches most enthusiasts’ eyes is the sporty, sleek exterior of the new Scion FR-S.  The 2-door coupe features an aerodynamic design that not only will turn heads, but increases performance.  The sports car styling extends to the interior of the car where a pair of racing seats provides enough lateral support to keep the driver in place while accelerating around tight turns.

The sporty coupe appearance of the 2013 Scion FR-S is backed up by its performance, as well as its efficiency.  Powered by a 2.0-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine, the FR-S is able to generate 200 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque.  This power allows the FR-S to go from 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. The impressive performance of the FR-S does not sacrifice fuel efficiency.  The 2013 FR-S is able to return 34 mpg highway and 30 mpg city.

If you’re interested in learning more about the all-new 2013 Scion FR-S, or in scheduling a test drive stop by Toyota of Concord near Charlotte, NC today. You can also view our inventory of other new Toyota and Scion vehicles on our web site, and follow us on Facebook for updates.

Summer Vacation Driving Tips From Toyota of Concord

You want your summer vacation memories to be full of sun and sand and smiles. A few easy preparations can keep those memories safe, just as they can keep your family safe on your summer road trip. Common advice will tell you to unload any unnecessary cargo to get the best gas mileage and leave enough space for passengers and luggage, but there are a few things you shouldn’t leave home without. (Besides, if you drive a Toyota, you have plenty of trunk and cargo space!)

Sunscreen: Getting sunburned on the first day is the surest, fastest way to ensure a miserable summer vacation. Recommended practice is to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you plan to be in the sun, and to reapply every two hours – sooner if you swim or sweat heavily. Most people do not use enough. Around 1 ounce (a shot-glass full) will adequately cover the average person. If you keep your sunscreen in your car, you’ll always be prepared for an impromptu swim, and your skin will be protected if you have to wait for roadside assistance in the event of car trouble.

Umbrella: Of course an umbrella is helpful during summer storms, but it can be equally valuable on sunny days. Use it to protect yourself from the sun at the beach, at picnics, or in case you have to walk for help if your car breaks down.

Towels: The opportunity to take a dip in the water is never far away in the summer, so always bring a towel! However, your towel can also be used as a cover to protect your fabric car seats from people sitting on them in wet clothes, or to protect your legs from hot leather seats. It can also double as a sun shade, reducing sun and heat entering your car if it has to be stopped for long periods.

Baby powder: The beach is wonderful, but the sand that lingers long after summer vacation is not. Baby powder is the secret weapon for removing beach sand. A small amount in your hand rubbed onto sandy legs and feet will absorb the water that makes the sand stick, and it will brush right off. The same principle applies if you sprinkle the sand onto clothes and towels before you shake the sand free, and a light dusting of powder on car seats and carpets will allow you to vacuum the sand out more easily. Just be careful not to rub the sand into the carpet or dark fabrics or you could be left with white powder marks.

Emergency kit: Roadside emergency kits are widely available for purchase, but long, hot summer road trips need special consideration. Make sure you carry coolant and a jug of water in case your engine overheats. Hot weather and hotter pavement can weaken tires, so tire inflator is a lifesaver. Baby wipes or paper towels are useful for quick clean-ups after car maintenance.

Share your own summer vacation driving tips on our Facebook page. Safe travels from Toyota of Concord!

Best Family Cars of 2012 Include Three 2012 Toyota Models

Three 2012 Toyota models among best vehicles for families

For the fifth year, Parents magazine and Edmunds.com have collaborated to compile a list of the year’s Best Family Cars. Several factors were considered, including safety (every vehicle on the list is equipped with antilock brakes, electronic stability control, and a minimum of six air bags), gas mileage, perceived value, and kid-friendliness.

In the Sedan category, the 2012 Toyota Camry was praised for its space, comfort, and sure handling. It won points for the spacious back seat, with enough room for taller adults and cumbersome car seats. Total seating capacitiy is 5 passengers, including 3 car seats. Other positive attributes are convenient technology (Entune, standard USB jack and Bluetooth capability, available backup camera), excellent fuel economy (21 city/35 highway), quiet ride, and ample trunk space. The 2012 Toyota Camry is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2012 Toyota Prius V was honored in the High-Mileage category, for which vehicles must achieve 40 mpg highway.  The Prius V boasts mileage of 44 city/40 highway, while providing the cargo space of a small SUV – enough room for a travel crib and luggage. With total seating capacitiy of 5 passengers, including 3 car seats, the rear seats slide forward and back in two sections to accommodate differing heights, and they also recline. Modern conveniences include standard backup camera, USB jack, Bluetooth capability, touch-screen audio system, and a hands-free smart key that unlocks the driver's side door as you approach. The 2012 Toyota Prius V is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2012 Toyota Sienna earned accolades in the Large Vehicle category chosen for its flexible configurations and engine options. Standard second-row seating is oversized captain’s chairs that slide forward and back and recline, but seating capacity can be boosted to eight with the optional bench seat. However, the last 2 rows can also fold down for hauling furniture or other large items. Traveling perks include a three-zone climate system, one-touch power windows, deep door pockets, and spacious glove boxes. Options include a four-cylinder or V6 engine and all- or 4-wheel drive, and available power lift-gate and backup camera. The 2012 Toyota Sienna is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

All three of these Best Family Cars of 2012 and many other Toyota models are available today at Toyota of Concord near Charlotte, NC. Stop by today for a test drive, on your own or with the family in tow, to find the one that best fits your needs.

2012 Scion tC Wins Satisfaction Award

2012 Scion tC (Photo via Flickr user MSVG)

The 2012 Scion tC was named the Top Sporty Car in terms of customer satisfaction in the 16^th Annual Autobytel and AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.

The Autobytel and AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards name the best vehicles in terms of how satisfied an owner is with his or her new vehicle, but this isn’t just a “rate your vehicle on a scale of 1-10” type survey.  The new vehicle owners rank their vehicle in 48 individual attributes, including: seat comfort, power, acceleration, cargo capacity, exterior and interior styling, and cabin noise.

On the performance front, the 2012 Scion tC delivers with a 2.5-liter engine that generates 180 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque.  Fuel efficiency is vital to customer satisfaction, and that same high-performing engine that sets the Scion tC apart from the rest of its class is able to return 31 mpg highway.

In today’s automotive market drivers crave technology, and the 2012 Scion tC satisfies those cravings with a slew of standard features.  A Pioneer audio system, Bluetooth hands-free calling, Bluetooth streaming audio and HD Radio are all standard. 

Customer satisfaction is not only attained through performance, fuel efficiency and technology, but also through peace of mind.  All Scion models are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

If you’re interested in learning more about the 2012 Scion tC, or in scheduling a test drive, stop by Toyota of Concord near Charlotte today!

Toyota Prius Plug-In Flies off Lots – Third Fastest-Selling Car in April

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In

Cars.com released their results of studies of car sales trends for March and April, and the Toyota Prius Plug-in was in the top three fastest-selling cars for both months.

The average time a new 2012 or 2013 model car spent on any car lot, from arrival until final purchase, was 45 days in April, up from 41 days in March. However, this is still a better national average than April last year, which found cars lingering for 48 days.

But not the Toyota Prius. 

The 2012 Prius Plug-in gathers no dust, leaving lots in an average just five days, topped only by the 2013 BMW X3 and 2013 BMW X5, which both cycle in four days. The 2012Toyota Prius c follows closely with a seven-day turnover time.

The Toyota Prius has outsold its class competitors, the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf, in both months, and sales are expected to grow as long as supply can meet demand.

Moral of the story? Don’t wait to get yours, because they don’t hang around long, and you don’t want to miss out!

Toyota RAV4 EV Revealed

Toyota has introduced the all-new ToyotaRAV4 EV at the annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles.

In 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors agreed to develop an all-electric version of the RAV4 by 2012. Combining the EV technology knowledge of Tesla and the engineering, manufacturing and production expertise of Toyota, they were able to realize that in less than half the time of the in typical industry 5-year development cycle.

Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division, said “The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV – in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.”

This Toyota RAV4 EV has an expected driving range rating of around 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. The driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or better than the gas powered RAV4 V6. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 HP (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm. 

Toyota’s approved electric vehicle equipment provider, Leviton, offers varying charging options. The shortest charge time of approximately six hours is achieved with a custom 240V (Level 2), 40A, 9.6 kW output charging station. The RAV4 EV comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for when Level 2 charging is unavailable. The battery warranty is 8 years or 100,000 miles.

The RAV4 EV will go on sale only in the select California markets of Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego in late summer 2012. Toyota expects to sale in around 2,600 units in the next three years, compared to the 15,000 gas-powered RAV4s it sold last month alone.

The most expensive gas-powered Toyota Rav4 is base priced at less than $29,000, while the EV will go for $49,800 each, but will come with features like heated seats and an eight inch touch-sensitive computer screen. That price is also before the $7,500 federal tax credit for purchasing a plug-in vehicle and the $2,500 state tax credit.


(Toyota RAV4 EV photo courtesy of Toyota UK)

NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at ZMAX Dragway

The NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, the greatest spectacle in drag racing, kicked off today at ZMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

This one-of-a-kind event is held at the only four-lane concrete drag strip in the world. NHRA’s Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock categories go four-wide in races that make two-lane dragging look like a suburban carpool.

Toyota of Concord is a proud supporter of car and racing culture and is excited to be in the heart of such exciting action!