Toyota unveiled the all-new 2009 Toyota Venza crossover sedan at arnpress conference at the 2008 North American International Auto Showrn(NAIAS). Venza will raise the crossover vehicle to new levels byrncombining a unique blend of sedan refinement and sport utility vehiclern(SUV) functionality.
"The all-new Toyota Venza was developed as arnvehicle that combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performancernelements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of anrnSUV," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and generalrnmanager. "This winning combination will be ideal for active 'boomers'rnand young couples with small families."
All aspects of Venza'srnengineering and design were targeted specifically for the NorthrnAmerican market where it will be sold exclusively. Venza was primarilyrnengineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and designedrnat Toyota's Calty design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and AnnrnArbor, Mich. Venza will be assembled at Toyota Motor ManufacturingrnKentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky.
The development focus of thernVenza design team was to create a new crossover vehicle that shiftedrnaway from the more traditional SUV styling themes that tend to dominaternthe segment. Calty designers leaned more heavily on a sleek sedanrnconcept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior and premiumrncomfort interior but would also be equipped with important SUVrnattributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drivernperformance.
Thernexterior design of the four-door Venza begins with an imposing frontrnend featuring a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for anrnaggressive, yet classy appearance. The front conforms to a sleek andrnaerodynamic shape with short overhangs, crisp character lines and arnroofline and ground clearance that are lower than a typical crossover.rnFrom behind, Venza's refined appearance is complete with an angled rearrnhatch, rear spoiler and wide wraparound tail lights that interconnectrnwith the hatch door.
On the inside, Calty designers and TTCrnengineers made comfort, refinement and utility a priority for thernfive-passenger Venza. A lower rocker design will allow occupants tornmore easily step in and out of the vehicle than a typical sedan. Venzarnwill also feature a higher ride height and hip points that will helprnprovide significantly better driver visibility than most sedans andrneasier ingress and egress than most SUVs.
Venza will feature arnspacious interior providing ample room for all five passengers andrnabundant SUV-like cargo space behind the second row of seats. The rearrnhatch provides a low cargo height that allows for easy loading andrnunloading of luggage and outdoor gear. Easy-to-use levers, one on eachrnside of the rear cargo area, allow the 60/40 split rear seats to foldrnflat, providing additional storage space for extra long items such asrnsurf boards, skis, camping gear and gardening equipment. For addedrnpassenger comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.
Arncreative interior design complemented with an array of comfort andrnconvenience features provides Venza with a refined look and feel thatrnis commonly reserved for a luxury sedan. The flow of therninstrumentation panel (IP) creates a unique 60/60 design that givesrnboth driver and front passenger the look and feeling that 60 percent ofrnthe IP is accessible from their seating position.
An extra longrncenter console extends from the IP and slopes down to a centerrncompartment with a unique sliding console cover. Sliding open therncompartment lid reveals a large storage well deep enough to hold arnlarge purse. The compartment is also illuminated and equipped with anrnauxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power point. The upper portion of therncenter console houses the gear-shift lever for easy and comfortablerndriver access. Climate control functions are centrally located on thernupper center console, providing easy accessibility for both driver andrnpassenger. The center console also contains an iPod/MP3 storagerncompartment with wire management and illuminated dual cupholders.
AllrnToyota Venza models will be equipped with an array of standard featuresrnincluding auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD,rntilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keylessrnentry, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a multi-informationrndisplay, cruise control, optitron gauges, rear wiper, privacy glass,rnand much more. On V6 models Toyota Venza will come standard with dualrnexhaust tips and will be the first Toyota model to ride on standardrn20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models will come standard withrn19-inch alloy wheels.
Chrome accents throughout give Venza arnrefined look and feel. Models equipped with an optional leather-trimmedrninterior will feature wood-grain-type trim and seats stitched with darkrnpiping that is tastefully coordinated with Venza's standard linearrngrain dashboard and steering wheel. An array of storage space will bernavailable throughout the vehicle to accommodate passenger belongings. Arnlarge storage compartment with an additional 12-volt power pointrnlocated on the passenger side of the front center console will bernsizeable enough to contain maps and magazines.
A panoramic roofrnwill be offered as an option and will be a first for the Toyota vehiclernlineup. The roof will feature separate glass panels over the front andrnrear seats. The front glass panel will have a power tilt/slide function.
ToyotarnVenza will also offer an Automatic High Beam headlight system, anotherrnToyota first. When high beam headlights are in use sensors in thernAutomatic High Beam system will detect oncoming traffic andrnautomatically switch the headlights to low-beam. When the AutomaticrnHigh Beam sensors no longer detect oncoming traffic the system willrnswitch the headlights back to high-beam mode.
Additional optionalrnequipment will include a navigation system equipped with a JBL audiornsystem, integrated satellite radio capability and Bluetooth®rntechnology; a premium JBL audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer,rnsatellite radio capability and Bluetooth®, rear seat entertainmentrnsystem, a Smart Key System, back-up camera and a power rear door.
Thernsleek and sporty styling, refined interior and outstanding utilityrnfeatures are complemented with fun-to-drive performance attributesrnexpected by owners with active lifestyles. Aggressive handlingrntypically found in a performance coupe is well-balanced by the on-roadrncomfort of an upscale sedan.
Toyota Venza will be available inrnfront- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It will provide drivers andrnpassengers the best of both worlds by delivering the quiet comfortablernride expected from a full-size sedan along with the peace-of-mind thatrncomes with all-wheel-drive.
Power will be generated by anrnavailable 3.5-liter V6 that will produce 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpmrnand 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm with a towing capability ofrn3,500 pounds. Standard power will come from an all-new 2.7-literrnfour-cylinder engine that will deliver capable performance and providernexcellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both engines will be matedrnwith a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automaticrntransmission.
Toyota Venza will be equipped with a comprehensivernlist of standard safety features. It will provide a total of sevenrnairbags, including a driver's knee airbag, front seat-mounted sidernairbags, and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. Venza willrnalso be the first sedan with Toyota's STAR safety system, featuringrnanti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-forcerndistribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability control. Venza willrnalso feature active head rests as standard equipment.
"Venza willrnestablish an exciting new crossover niche that will combine the finestrnattributes of Toyota's diverse vehicle lineup," said Carter. "It willrncater to buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of arnCamry, the comfort and upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utilityrnand functionality of a Highlander SUV in one very stylish and sportyrnpackage."
"When it goes on sale in late 2008, the Venza crossoverrnsedan will represent Toyota's latest commitment to driving change inrnthe marketplace."
2009 TOYOTA VENZA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
- 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine
- 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
