TOKYO/DETROIT — Toyota confirmed for Inside Line on Monday that the 2009 Venza will begin production in October at its Georgetown, Kentucky, plant, with a U.S. rollout slated for the fourth quarter of 2008. The Japanese automaker also confirmed that the redesigned Alphard and Vellfire minivans, which were rolled out in the home market on Monday, are not in the product portfolio for the U.S.
"They aren't bound for the U.S. market," said Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister, when asked about Alphard and Vellfire. "The Venza is the next car on tap for the U.S. from us. It starts production at [Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky] Georgetown in October and takes the place of the [Toyota Camry] Solara on the line."
McAllister said that Toyota will announce pricing on the Venza, a Camry-based crossover, in October or November. He would not provide a ballpark pricing figure on the Venza. Toyota is still being mum about the horsepower and torque numbers on the Venza's standard 2.7-liter inline-4 engine that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The five-passenger Venza has an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm.
Toyota on Monday announced the nationwide launch in Japan of its redesigned Alphard. It said it is splitting the minivan into "two different vehicle series, the Alphard and the Vellfire, a combination of "velvet" and "fire." Toyota said it was trying to create two minivans with differing personalities, with Vellfire accentuating "power and innovation," while Alphard aims for "elegance and refinement." The minivans, which are based on a new platform, get a revamped powertrain, better aerodynamics and lightweight technology, Toyota said.
What this means to you: You'll have to be happy with the Toyota Sienna minivan in these parts. But look forward to the launch of the Venza here by year's end. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
"They aren't bound for the U.S. market," said Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister, when asked about Alphard and Vellfire. "The Venza is the next car on tap for the U.S. from us. It starts production at [Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky] Georgetown in October and takes the place of the [Toyota Camry] Solara on the line."
McAllister said that Toyota will announce pricing on the Venza, a Camry-based crossover, in October or November. He would not provide a ballpark pricing figure on the Venza. Toyota is still being mum about the horsepower and torque numbers on the Venza's standard 2.7-liter inline-4 engine that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The five-passenger Venza has an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm.
Toyota on Monday announced the nationwide launch in Japan of its redesigned Alphard. It said it is splitting the minivan into "two different vehicle series, the Alphard and the Vellfire, a combination of "velvet" and "fire." Toyota said it was trying to create two minivans with differing personalities, with Vellfire accentuating "power and innovation," while Alphard aims for "elegance and refinement." The minivans, which are based on a new platform, get a revamped powertrain, better aerodynamics and lightweight technology, Toyota said.
What this means to you: You'll have to be happy with the Toyota Sienna minivan in these parts. But look forward to the launch of the Venza here by year's end. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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