Think You're an Efficient Driver?

For all you gamers and hybrid fans out there, here's your chance to prove you're the most efficient hybrid driver around. How? We're introducing Toyota's new Virtual Drive. Experience Hybrid Synergy Drive® in a new virtual world and gain bragging rights by scoring the most points.

Are you up to the challenge? Check out Toyota's Virtual Drive to learn more about Hybrid Synergy Drive® and test your ability to drive more efficiently.1 The game will guide you through various driving scenes around the ancient city of Kyoto, Japan, while teaching the basic Hybrid Synergy Drive® driving skills. Your virtual tour through Kyoto will highlight different driving techniques and features of Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology, from regenerative braking to the new driving modes featured in the 2010 Prius. Maybe your Virtual Drive will even improve your real-world hybrid driving. You'll score points for each scene and will find out how your technique compares to players in the rest of the world.

Click here to play Toyota's Virtual Drive. For more information about the 3rd generation Prius and pricing, click the "More information" link below.
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1Please note that Virtual Drive is intended to teach you more about Hybrid Synergy Drive®. It is only a game and cannot be directly compared to use while driving.

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Preparing for the Fast Lane Again


Once known for its sleek, stylish sports cars such as the Supra and Celica, Toyota has dedicated more attention recently to the Truck/SUV and Crossover Utility segments. However, after months of rumors and rumblings, Toyota has unveiled the sporty FT-86 Concept vehicle.

Toyota's newest concept vehicle was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show last month. Inspired by the 1980s AE86 Corolla GT-S, the compact is the product of a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. The FT-86 has a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. Under the hood is Subaru's 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine which sends power to the rear wheels.

Designers at the European Design Development (ED2) center in France focused on keeping the weight of the vehicle down. This gives the driver better control and allows racecar-like handling. The profile of the FT-86 features an upswept body crease that starts at the base of the front wheel arch and flows back under the rear quarter window creating an arched effect for the rear wheels as well. The rear view of the new concept also reveals the full width rear taillights. Contributing to the exterior beauty is the new roofline that will allow for a 2+2 seating configuration and improve driver visibility.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the cabin is the stereo. The stereo head unit is hidden by a leather cover, but the function buttons are printed on the cover. The driver uses the stereo by simply pressing the buttons on the leather cover. For those who prefer to interact with the stereo in a more traditional manner, the cover is removable thanks to two zippers. The CD slot is also protected by a zipper.

According to Toyota, the new car will be smaller and sportier than the most recent Toyota Celica that ended production in 2006. The FT-86 is shorter in height and length but slightly wider. Dimensions such as the 101.2-inch wheelbase (1.2 inches shorter than the Celica) and 163.8 inch length should make the FT-86 a strong competitor in the sports car market.

The FT-86 is expected to reach the market in late 2011.

Source: Tokyo auto show: Toyota goes sporty with FT-86


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Does It Really Matter?


IMotor Oils: Unraveling the Differences


Which oil is better for your vehicle: synthetic or conventional? Before synthetic oils became available for regular automobiles, the argument centered solely on brand types and weight. But now, with the advent of synthetics all over the market, what is truly the best choice for your engine? Let's take a deeper look to find out.
Conventional oil is rated according to an SAE system. This scale is used so that you know what type of oil is best for your car given the environmental conditions of where you live. The higher the number, the better it is for hotter driving conditions.

Synthetic oils were previously used in many military vehicles and fighter jets. Airlines also use synthetics in their engines. More conventional synthetic oils have been designed to not break down as quickly. They can tolerate extremities in temperature and weather (hot to cold). Synthetic oils were first introduced to the consumer market in 1972 and have grown in popularity because of the superiority in protecting today's high performance engines.

One of the major differences between conventional and synthetic oils is that synthetics are treated with more additives that protect your engine for a longer amount of time before you have to change it. This treatment allows synthetics to last longer in hotter conditions resulting in greater protection against viscosity breakdown. Synthetics can last as much as three times longer than conventional oil.

Unlike conventional motor oil, which must be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, synthetic motor oil can go 6,000 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. Longer oil change intervals, means fewer trips to the lube shop or time spent underneath your vehicle.

Another major reason that many are choosing synthetic is that it contains fewer impurities; impurities that can cause your engine harm. With today's technology, the composition of synthetic oil is much cleaner. It has been proven to have a lower volatility and therefore not vaporize out the exhaust as quickly. So, for now, synthetics appear to be the more environmentally friendly choice.



Synthetics have also been shown to produce less resistance in the engine and therefore offer more horsepower and overall efficiency for the engine. This added horsepower in return means that the engine will be able to perform at the same level as before, but using slightly less gas.



Regardless of your perspective on oils, you should follow maintenance guidelines set forth for your particular vehicle. More performance oriented vehicles require synthetic because of the high heat that builds in these engines. Vehicles with engines that don't get exposed to extreme weather conditions can survive on conventional motor oil. Visit your local Toyota service center to inquire about your vehicle's oil requirements.



Source: Your Engine, Your Baby: Synthetic or Conventional Oil



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The Highlander Line-Up Receives Updates

The Toyota model line-up for 2010 contains an impressive list of upgraded vehicles.
Included in this list is the new 2010 Highlander.


The 2010 Highlander is available in Base, Sport and Limited grades in both two-wheel (2WD) and full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) models. The four-cylinder engine is standard on the Base grade with 2WD. All Highlander Hybrid models are equipped with 4WD with intelligence and available in Base and Limited grades.

Standard features on all Highlander models include air conditioning; front seats with height-adjustable active head rests and eight-way (10-way on Limited) adjustable driver's seat; power door locks and windows with auto-up/down feature; cruise control; multi-function keyless entry system; UV-reduction windshield and rear privacy glass; digital clock; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors and sliding extensions; conversation mirror; illuminated entry system; manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel; scheduled maintenance indicator light; full-size spare tire; and much more.

The base four-cylinder model now offers a power tilt/slide moonroof. Base and Sport models feature a standard AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers; Limited models offer an AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer with six speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability and satellite radio capability. All audio systems are equipped with a universal mini-jack.

Sport and Limited grades feature a standard backup camera with a 3.5-inch, multi-information display. The display includes a backup camera monitor, clock, outside temperature, warning messages and cruise information that includes average fuel economy, average speed, distance to empty, current fuel economy and trip timer. On models equipped with the optional navigation system, the backup camera's images are viewed on the seven-inch navigation screen.

In a segment where safety is at the top of purchase considerations, the new-generation Highlander’s standard active and passive safety equipment makes the vehicle a prime candidate. Highlander comes standard with a total of seven airbags. These include advanced driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and a driver's knee airbag. Roll-sensing side curtain airbags help to protect the occupants of all three rows in the event of certain side collisions or vehicle rollovers. Additionally, all Highlander models are now standard equipped with front active headrests.

All Highlander models come standard with Toyota's Star Safety System™, which includes enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA).

The safety system in the Highlander Hybrid couples Toyota's Star Safety System™ with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. This more advanced system is designed to enhance handling, traction and braking systems that normally react to vehicle driving conditions by anticipating tire slippage before a skid, slide or wheel spin occurs.

Access to the third-row has been improved, not only by adding the Center Stow™ seat, but also by placing the walk-in lever at an easy to reach position at the bottom of the second-row seat. Standard on Highlander Sport and Limited grades, one-touch levers inside the cargo area allow the second-row seats to fold forward and flat.

Visit  TEAM TOYOTA today to experience the 2010 Highlander’s upgraded safety, enhanced handling and extensive features. It was upgraded with you in mind.

Source: Toyota – www.toyota.com

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A Crowd Favorite: Cheesy Spinach Balls

Spinach and cheese are a popular combination in a number of dishes and these cheesy spinach balls are no exception. This is a family favorite at all of our holiday celebrations and parties. I make it for all kinds of events from our New Year's party to our Super Ball bash.

Here's what you'll need:
- 1 package of frozen, chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup stuffing mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine

First cook the spinach. Make sure to drain the spinach well to get all of the excess water out. If necessary, use a strainer. While the spinach is cooking, put the stuffing in a plastic sandwich bag and go over it with a rolling pin - the goal of this is to remove the lumps in the stuffing.

Once you have the cooked spinach and crushed stuffing, mix them together in a bowl. Mix in the cheese, butter and eggs. Once everything is mixed, roll the mix into small balls (the size of a large gumball). This recipe make between 32-25 cheesy spinach balls. Place the rolled up balls onto a paper plate and freeze. Please note, you MUST freeze them before cooking.


Once the spinach balls are frozen solid, you can put them in a plastic bag for easier storage. When you're ready to serve them, heat on a cookie sheet for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Check on them periodically as all ovens are different.

I love this recipe because I can make them a week ahead and heat them just before my guests arrive!

Give this recipe a try at your next party!

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