Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV To Debut in Montreal Canada January 2005

The all-new Toyota Highlander Hybrid gasoline-electric mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) first introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, will have its Canadian
debut at the 2005 Montreal Auto Show this coming January.

"Highlander Hybrid is the world's first mid-size hybrid SUV available with seven-passenger seating marking the introduction of a second all-new hybrid vehicle from Toyota before most manufacturers have shown their first," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. "The addition of a
hybrid system to this popular SUV provides further evidence that Toyota's commitment to hybrid technology will continue to spread."

Like the popular four-cylinder Prius gasoline/electric hybrid, the 3.3-litre V6-equipped Highlander Hybrid will be powered by another new version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. The system was specifically developed to meet the load-carrying requirements of a mid-size SUV.

The new system features a larger-capacity battery and all-new high-speed
electric motor that will deliver more power than Toyota's current generation
Prius hybrid-electric automobile. With total peak-system power projected at
approximately 270 horsepower, the new system will improve upon the V6
Highlander's already impressive less-than-eight-second zero-to-100 km/h
acceleration.

The Highlander Hybrid uses a regenerative braking system to further boost
system efficiency. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the
electric motor functions as a generator, capturing kinetic energy that would
normally be lost as heat through the brakes and converting it into useable
electricity to recharge the batteries.

In addition to its impressive performance, the Highlander Hybrid will
also deliver the best fuel economy in the mid-size SUV segment. Highlander
Hybrid's combined fuel efficiency will be comparable to that of a compact
sedan. Equally important, Highlander Hybrid will be certified by the
California Air Resources Board as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).

In addition to providing the fuel economy of a compact sedan, the
Highlander Hybrid will offer the versatility, refinement, and comfort demanded
in a mid-size SUV. Highlander Hybrid will come standard-equipped with electric
four-wheel-drive with intelligence (4WD-i), and front and rear electric motors
that will deliver balanced power to all four wheels, providing instantaneous
acceleration.

To enhance safety and all-weather capability, the Highlander Hybrid will
feature a Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system. Monitoring a
variety of sensors, the system is capable of anticipating vehicle stability
problems and correcting them with a combination of braking, and throttle
control. The new VDIM system is less obtrusive than conventional Vehicle
Stability Control (VSC) system and ultimately more effective. It permits for
more spirited driving while acting quicker and more effectively to assist when
the driver needs to help.

Other safety features include, a tire pressure warning system, and
optional front seat-mounted side airbags and front and second row curtain side
airbags.

On the seven-passenger version of the hybrid SUV, Highlander Hybrid will
feature three rows of seats as well as rear privacy glass, a rear heater
system, and rear seat cupholders. "Walk-in" steps and a second-row sliding
seat ease entry to, and exit from the third row. The third-row seat also folds
completely flat into the floor to create added cargo space. The second-row
60/40 split-fold seat also reclines and folds forward flat for added comfort
and utility.

The exterior styling will be freshened with the addition of a new front
grille, bumper, rear LED tail lamps, and will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels
unique to Highlander Hybrid.

The Highlander Hybrid will feature an array of amenities owners have come
to expect in their mid-size SUV. This includes standard air conditioning,
power windows, mirrors, and door locks, cruise control, tilt steering wheel,
and a deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM cassette/CD audio system with six speakers. A
multi-function display is conveniently located just beneath the speedometer
that calculates and displays various mechanical and performance information
including instant and average fuel consumption, outside temperature and low
tire pressure warning system.

"The Highlander Hybrid will join Prius in the Toyota lineup in the second
half of 2005," said Wearing. "This duo will not only broaden the demographic
of hybrid owners, it will firmly establish this important new Toyota
technology in the hearts and minds of mainstream consumers."

Preliminary specifications attached.

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS (*)

POWERTRAIN
----------

Gas Engine
----------
3.3-litre DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V6

Electric Motor
--------------
Permanent Magnet

Estimated Total Horsepower: Approximately 270

Expected EPA Emissions Rating: Super Ultra Low Emission (SULEV)

Transmission
------------
Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable (ECVT)

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (mm)
------------------------

Wheelbase: 2,715
Overall Length: 4,685
Overall Width: 1,825
Overall Height: 1,735

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS (mm)
------------------------

Headroom (front/middle/third seat)): 1,016/ 998/ 820
Shoulder Room (front/middle/third seat): 1,471/ 1,448/ 1,351
Leg Room (front/middle/third seat): 1,034/ 925/ 767
Hip Room (front/middle/third seat): 1,400/ 1,394/ 1,011

Estimated EPA Cargo Volume (m(3))
---------------------------------
Behind Third Row Seat: 0.297
Middle and Rear Seat Folded: 2.282

Seating Capacity: 5 (with optional 7-seating
capacity)
EPA Class Rating: Mid-size SUV

(*) Data subject to revision prior to release of production models.

SOURCE: NewsWire.ca

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