German Car Forum

Toyota plans to introduce a new--and unanticipated--crossover vehicle at next month's Detroit auto show.

The Venza, Toyota says, is a "unique blend of sedan and sport-utility vehicle." Likely based off the Camry/Avalon mechanicals, the Venza will be built alongside those vehicles at Toyota's massive plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.

The Venza, Toyota adds, will have seating for five, easy entry and exit from its higher crossover stance, a more carlike ride and SUV-like utility.

No other details, nor any photos, were provided in a brief press release. The Venza gets its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show on January 14, at 10:50 a.m.

Stay with TheCarConnection.com as we bring you the first photos and specs on the Venza as we report live from the Detroit show, starting January 12, 2008.

2009 Toyota Venza Preview Car Reviews - The Car Connection

M

Toyota has announced that it will be unveiling a "crossover sedan" called the Venza next month at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. According to the Japanese automaker, the five-passenger vehicle will be a unique blend of sedan and sports utility vehicle with a car-like ride and functionally, but its anyone's guess as to how it will look since Toyota did not release any imagery of the Venza and it has so far managed to successfully evade the spy photographers.

Toyota says that the Venza was both designed and engineered in the U.S. and that it will be built at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant that builds the Camry, Sienna, Avalon and Camry Solara, which leads to reasonable speculation that the Venza will be based on Toyota's MC platform and possibly look something like a lifted Camry. We'd speculate that crossover four-door coupes are next, but BMW already has that covered with the X6.

Stay tuned to motortrend.com for more on the Toyota Venza and the rest of the Detroit Auto Show debuts and live coverage during the show press days January 13-15.

Toyota to debut crossover...sedan?...at Detroit Auto Show | Toyota Blog at Motor Trend


M

I agree, but like MT says Toyota has managed to elude the cameras with this one. I just know someone at the KY plant has a picture on this thing.

M

Edmunds says:



This 2005 Toyota FT-SX concept (pictured) is said to have provided some of the inspiration for the 2009 Venza crossover, which will be unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January. (Photo courtesy of Toyota)


TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota will unveil the all-new 2009 Venza, which it describes as a "crossover sedan," next month at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

The Venza was designed and engineered in the U.S. and will be assembled next year at Toyota's Georgetown plant in Kentucky, which currently builds the Camry and the Avalon.

The Venza is thought to be an evolution of the Toyota FT-SX, a midsize crossover concept that was displayed at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. The FT-SX was based on the Avalon platform.

Toyota said the Venza will accommodate five occupants and will be "a unique blend of sedan and sport-utility vehicle, offering...easy ingress and egress, a carlike ride and functional utility."

What this means to you: Just when we had started to worry that Toyota's product arsenal might be getting a tad depleted. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent


2008 Detroit Auto Show Preview: 2009 Toyota Venza


M

Do you think they could have made it any less attractive?



.......it would difficult.

BMW F series competitor?

Yeah I was wondering if Toyota and BMW are on the same page here. I guess we'll see in a few days.

M

What I don't get is why Toyota feels they need yet another crossover. A new Highlander is enough. Gee whiz.

M

Yeah, it seems like Crossovers are going to be the next big thing.


At least it might spell the end of the big SUV era.

It looks like a freaking Ford.

They already sell this thing over in Japan.

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Well whatta ya know,

they can make it even less attractive ...they actually did

Oh god if that really is what they plan on selling here Toyota has really flipped their wig. Yikes it really, really fugly.

M

Toyota Venza = Mark-X ZiO

BMW call it Progressive Activity Sedan.

Toyota described the vehicle as SUV-sedan crossover.

MB says it's a Grand Sports Tourer.


All of them are MPV crossovers between sedans & vans / SUVs. Some of them are more practical & utilitarian, some are more sporty & all-about-image.

It looks like a Lexus RX at the back (which is a Toyota Harrier anyway).

Pretty bland overall, but I do like the front in the other pictures posted, even if the headlights look like they came from a JDM Honda minivan.

Well here she is:









PRESS RELEASE:

Toyota Stages World Debut Of All-New Venza At 2008 North American International Auto Show

January 14, 2008 – Detroit, MI - 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® technology; a premium JBL audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer, satellite radio capability and Bluetooth®, 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


Detroit 2008: Toyota Venza crossover to challenge Edge, Murano - Autoblog


Can one of the moderators change the title of the thread? The "Preview" part can be stricken. Thanks.


M

DETROIT - Toyota describes its 2009 Venza as a vehicle for sedan owners who want to move up and SUV owners who want to downsize. It has the comfort of a Camry, the function of a 4Runner and the luxury of an Avalon. And, Toyota neglected to say, the look of a Buick. Why not? Until the American brand's emerging renaissance, pundits called the Avalon "the world's best Buick." For the Venza's premier, Toyota even copied the Buick Enclave's signature Cocoa bronze paint color.

Toyota previewed the Venza at the 2005 Detroit show as the FT-SX concept. Motor Trend reported shortly after the FT-SX's unveiling that it will replace the Solara as the lifestyle variant of the Camry lineup. While its side surfacing reminds me of the Enclave, with Toyota's take on the Buick's organic, "fuselage look," the nose and tail are pure Toyota, especially its fattened Camry face (overall height is a very low-SUV/tall-sedan's 63.4 inches). Its rich, two-tone interior also emulates Enclave.

It's not a big, seven-passenger crossover like the Enclave, though (Toyota assiduously avoided calling it a "crossover," as if it had invented something new). Venza is five-passenger only, with an optional power tailgate and a fold-flat second row, for all your Home Depot needs. Toyota also claims sport sedan-like handling.

Venza launches late this year with front- or all-wheel-drive and a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed sequential-shift automatic. Towing capacity is 3500 pounds. A new 2.7-liter four (also with the six-speed) will be available shortly after. Both get dual exhausts. The V-6 comes with 20-inch alloys and the four will have 19-inch alloys, the largest wheels available on a Toyota four-banger.

Perhaps Toyota has heard that Buick is selling way more top-of-the-line Enclave CXLs than expected: Verza will come in only one luxurious trim level, Toyota says, and it'll get such first-time-in-a-Toyota features as an optional panoramic sunroof with seven moveable panels. While it will be a typically "value priced" Toyota, if you want a cheap crossover, you'll have to buy a RAV4. But you wouldn't get the best five-passenger crossover Buick ever built.


http://blogs.motortrend.com/6226463/...ick/index.html


M

ON the press pics the interior plastic shine so much. They look very cheap. toyota is def cutting costs and slipping.

Errr.... So, they enlarged the Camry nose and slapped it on a cross-over?

ΟΜG , that is a complete failure , even i can design something better than that...

The 2009 Toyota Venza made its world debut this morning and is, according to boss Bob Carter, "something new; something different.... a crossover sedan. It is most definitely a car."

It is most definitely a station wagon.

Toyota reps made a point to emphasize that the Venza was not truck-based nor truckish nor trucklike in any way. Remember when the rough and tough SUV image was all any automaker would talk about since no one would be caught dead in a station wagon (except a hearse)? The Venza makes it official: We've gone full circle.

Like the Tundra, the five-passenger Venza was designed in the U.S. for the American market and will be built stateside. It arrives later this year with the corporate 3.5-liter 268-hp V6 or a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, each backed by a six-speed automatic. Towing capacity is said to be 3,500 pounds with the V6.

Toyota's SUV-like offerings will soon comprise the Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, RAV4, and Venza. Think that will cover the bases? -- Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor, Inside Line

Straightline - 2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Toyota Venza

M

It is most definitely very boring

Thats Toyota to a "T".

M