Debut of New Sequoia

A number of Toyota vehicles have recently received a total makeover including the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV and Tundra pickup. It is now the full-size Sequoia's turn. Making its world debut is the "Rugged and Advanced" 2008 Toyota Sequoia.

Driven onto an elevated platform on the stage to showcase its off-road ability and ruggedness, the second-generation SUV is completely new for 2008 with a new body, new interior, new chassis and an optional 5.7-liter engine that produces 381 horsepower - a 108 hp increase over the previous generation - with a towing capacity of 10,000 lbs.

The standard engine is a 4.7-liter iForce V8 that's mated to an electronically controlled five-speed automatic ECT while the 5.7-liter receives a new six-speed ECT automatic. Riding on 18-inch aluminum with optional 20-inchers, the Sequoia is equipped with 13.9-inch ventilated disc brakes in the front and 13.6-inch ventilated disc brakes at the rear for more stopping power.

The independent suspension at the front and rear help provide a comfortable ride and good handling. An available air suspension package increases the Sequoia's ability to tow and haul heavy loads while maintaining an appropriate ride height and chassis altitude.

Toyota's primary design goal was to ensure the 2008 Sequoia is useful, user-friendly and have sufficient space to ride comfortably. And with the Sequoia's increased overall length, width and height and a longer wheelbase, a significant amount of space has been increased to accommodate eight above-normal-height passengers.

While now larger than its predecessor, the new SUV is actually almost 12% more fuel efficient than. And later in the model year, a flex-fuel option will be available. The 2008 Sequoia will be available in three grades: SR5, Limited and Platinum. Prices will be released at a later time.

Toyota Alcan FCHV
For anyone who may think Toyota knows nothing but gas-electric hybrids when it comes to fuel efficiency, think again. The automotive giant showed a Highlander FCHV (fuel cell hybrid vehicle) called the Alcan that recently trekked 2,300 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia in seven days.

It is a significant achievement in its ongoing hydrogen-hybrid fuel-cell development program because the journey tested the Alcan's reliability and durability in cold-weather operation in an extended range of travel.

"Beyond the single-tank range capability, this new system was developed to deal with two major challenges to the refinement of the fuel-cell powertrains. That is, starting and operation in cold temperatures and standing up to the vibration and harshness of rough road conditions…over a long distance…over a long time," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager.

One of the key reasons why engineers chose this long North American route is because Canada allows mobile refueling of high-pressure hydrogen vehicles along its public highways. Without a network of hydrogen fueling stations every 300 miles, mobile refueling was necessary.

All components including the next-generation fuel stack, battery and hybrid-electric powertrain were developed by Toyota's Electric Powertrain division in Toyota City, Japan.