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Braking News

2023 Chicago Auto Show report

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Toyota, Subaru, VW launch new vehicles, but there’s much more …

Chicago’s Auto Show is always amazing and also a drain as Paul Daniel and I walk a good 5 miles a day to take photos and video.

This year it was worth it as there were four new production models introduced, plus some new Jeep trim packages and, well, a bevy of concept cars and new electrics on tap. Our trade group, Midwest Automobile Media Association (yes, MAMA) also handed out its annual awards.

Here’s a quick look recap.

AWARDS:

MAMA’s Family Vehicle of the Year (263 of us Midwest journalists vote) is the Hyundai Palisade, a large midsize SUV that wins on price, looks and features.

The MAMA Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year is the Genesis (Hyundai’s luxury brand) GV60, a stylish and well-equipped all-electric model with AWD, a ton of power and decent range. PLUS it has a crystal ball shifter on the console that rotates. That’s not essential, but it’s cool and Paul and I love it.

Note: Watch for my annual Zoomie Top 10 Vehicle awards on WUWM.com and then here on Savageonwheels.com, very soon!

ALL-NEW:

Toyota launched its first Grand Highlander, a three-row SUV that’s an extended version of its popular Highlander. If the name sounds sort of familiar, thing Grand Wagoneer from Jeep. But this is more in competition with the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the above mentioned Hyundai Palisade and its cousin, the Kia Telluride.

RELATED Video: See the reveal here.

Good foot room in row 3, and ok legroom for adults.

Toyota touted the fact that adults can fit in the Grand Highlander’s third-row seat, and that seven suitcases would still fit behind that seat for family adventures. Well, several 6-5 folks climbed aboard during a preview and found indeed their foot and headroom were OK, but knee space still a bit tight. Yet if you’re not an NBA-dna gifted family, you’ll fit fine. At 5-5 I was more comfy than in most other utes with three rows.

Handsome nose, better than the Lexus grilles.

A big plus too is the option of three powerplants, the newest being a 362-horsepower (most ever for a Toyota SUV) hybrid system that improves mileage and delivers more oomph. This is the same powertrain as in Toyota’s new Crown sedan. Grand Highlander will be built at Toyota’s southern Indiana plant.

Huge digital screen images flow to the floor below and behind the new Crosstrek.

Subaru, in addition to having the coolest display, including puppies and National Park digital that spread wide and also covered a chunk of floor, launched its new Indiana-built CrossTrek. That compact AWD crossover has taken over as Subaru’s No. 1 seller, edging out Outback, so Subaru freshened its look outside and inside, adding a giant nearly 12-inch infoscreen as it offers in other models.

Pricing still starts at an attractive $26,290 and it should be at dealers this spring. Two engine choices remain, a 2.0-liter boxer 4 and a 2.5-liter boxer 4. Questions of a hybrid being offered nationwide were put on hold. One can hope!

Manual transmission fans, sorry, it’s gone.

Blue is the Cross Sport, red is the larger Atlas.

Volkswagen, which has gone from about 91% sedans in its lineup in 2013 to about 83% of crossovers and SUVs now, launched its 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. Atlas is the mid-size 7-seater offering with Cross Sport being slightly smaller and seating five. Both have already been selling well, along with Tiguan, but moving them more upscale in appearance was one of the goals here.

The new Atlas has a thick lightbar across its tail.

Like others, it’s also all about adding a 12-inch screen inside, and fancier noses and tails, including a lightbar atop the vehicles’ grilles and a lighted VW logo on the nose. Get ready for a LOT more of those from all carmakers as hybrid and electric offerings expand. The VWs now will only offer a 2.0-liter I4 turbo making 269 horsepower. Its V6 engine has gone bye-bye.

JEEP, plus the REST

That’s it for the all-new models, but Jeep got into the act too, while its parent, Stellantis showed off the upcoming Dodge Hornet and some future electrics in concept form.

RELATED Video: See Mark’s walkaround

In case you didn’t realize it, this is the 20th anniversary of the Jeep Rubicon editions of the off-road favorite Wrangler. Rubicon was meant to answer all the off-roaders needs and go as extreme as technology and budgets would permit.

Here are the 4xe, AEV, and 392 versions of the Rubicon anniversary Wranglers.

The 20th Anniversary Wrangler Rubicons are only available in 4xe and 392 trim, so a plug-in hybrid and the horsiest V8, just 470 horses. Talk about extremes. They are lifted another half inch and get a restyled 7-bar grille, plus cost extra, of course. As a limited edition just 4,000 anniversary models will be made, but starting at $71 grand for the 4xe and about $93,000 for the V8 model, one wouldn’t expect 100,000 to be sold.

RELATED Video: See the reveal here.

Oh, and there’s also a higher-end souped up American Expedition Vehicles version, limited to 150 vehicles. It’ll tout a tweaked suspension and ride on giant 37-inch tires. Like the 32s on the other models wasn’t enough.

This is the GT version of Dodge’s new crossover, the Hornet.

For the rest of us on lower budgets, there were a couple new Dodge Hornets on display. Using a vintage name from its Hudson roots and later AMC, the Hornet is a cute compact crossover that will jump into that huge market dominated by the likes of Honda’s CR-V and Toyota’s RAV-4.

Definitely cooler, the Hornet GLH is the performance model.

Pricing starts below $30 grand when it goes on sale this spring and Dodge, in keeping with its performance image, plans to offer a GLH model with more power and racier trim. I hear GLH means Goes Like Hell. Remember, these folks gave birth to the crazy horsepower Hellcat models.

Charger has a lighted logo!
Sleek lines on this concept Charger.

Speaking of which, the last run of the gas-only powered Dodge Chargers and Challengers is going on now. But the new electric Dodge Daytona Charger was on hand and wow is it sleek, but with definite Charger styling.

Ram, the Stellantis truck brand, also showed its concept for the Ram 1500 Revolution, already being dubbed Rev. It’s electric and looks more futuristic than any other mainstream pickup on the market. Ram has moved past Chevy into the No.2 truck selling spot and Rev, to be available in 2024, will do nothing to hurt the brand’s progress. Sharp!

MORE YET …

Naturally there was more to see, and some may make it to the Milwaukee show coming up Feb. 25.

A smattering of thoughts on the other models we saw.

This Buick concept is as wild as its Wildcat name!

Coolest design we saw was the Buick concept Wildcat. It’s a silver bullet that features Audi R8 sleekness, but with snazzy Volvo-esque rear lights and removable roof panels.

The Wildcat’s rear lights look like they were borrowed from Volvo, but still, WOW!

Rumor has it a production model is in the works and if it comes close to this concept it’ll be a hot commodity, sort of a Vette-like halo car for Buick, which fashions itself as a luxury brand, although currently with a 3 ute lineup.

Now that’s a Corvette nose, expressive!

Impressive too was the new Chevy Corvette Z06 model. The mid-engine Vette has been out a couple years now and remains the most affordable stellar and racy design, but Z06 moves it way upscale, starting just below $120k and the show model was nearly $170,000. Not so affordable, but then it has a 5.5-liter V8 making 670 horsepower. So for supercar power I suppose $120 grand or so isn’t bad.

Corvette in all its iterations is just damned racy looking! This is the Z06.

Also on hand was the E-Ray, the new electric hybrid version of the Corvette. Looks a bit different, but adds the hybrid to that monster V8, plus all-wheel-drive for the first time. Same horsepower basically, 655 horses, but a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds. That’s hard to beat, and this one starts just short of $105k!

Gorgeous paint job, but this picture doesn’t do the new Alfa Romeo Tonale justice.

Alfa Romeo, another branch of Stellantis, put its new Tonale SUV on display. This is a plug-in hybrid starting about $45,000. It has 180 hp and is slightly smaller than the current Stelvio model. Still, it has the Alfa look, logo and Italian styling accents.

I know we’ve been talking a bit more about Stellantis and GM brands this year, but there’s more new coming for them than many others. I’d note too a surprising number of manufacturers didn’t exhibit at the show, including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Mazda, Mini, and Land Rover/Jaguar, to name a few.

The new electric E-Quinox is a looker. Nice color here too.

Chevy, for instance, has a new electrified Equinox, the emphasis on E, so maybe a hyphen is needed, E-quinox. It’ll start around $30,000 and is due out in the next year. But again it’s a looker that should add to the popular model’s sales.

Cadillac’s new electric SUV, the LYRIQ, is angular and muscular.

Finally, and maybe the biggest surprise to us, was the new Cadillac LYRIQ luxury SUV starting in the $60,000 range and being full electric. Paul and I had seen pictures, but it looks way better in person. Nice fastback profile and spiffy nose and taillights. It’s due in dealerships this spring.

One thing we’ll all have to adjust too is light bars front and rear on cars, glowing logos, and SUVs that offer similar profiles, but with interiors that speak to the brand’s potential customers. Since most electrics will feature awesome acceleration, and batteries will provide a lower center of gravity they’ll handle better in turns. So it will be range and interior looks, comfort, and features that will be their selling points.

Stand by for more hybrids and electrics from all brands. Watch out Tesla, the big boys are comin’ for ya!

#cas2023

#Toyota

#VW

#Subaru

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1973 Toyota Celica Liftback GT2000

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Autoart nails the sexy Japanese ‘Mustang’ look …

I came of driving age in the early 1970s and while I drove a snazzy copper-colored Plymouth Duster, which I thought beautiful, the Japanese makes were just getting their footing in the U.S. market. Most models were boring, but to me, the “hot” car was Toyota’s Celica Liftback GT.

It was a mini Mustang, and I say that with all due respect for both.

But by the mid-1970s Ford’s Mustang had grown bulky and ugly and then came the Mustang II. Ugh!

Yet Toyota had nailed the long-hood, fastback design, was reliable, and fairly affordable. In short, a winner!

Now Autoart turns its considerable modeling talents to a right-hand drive 1973 model of the Celica Liftback 2000GT in 1:18 scale and it’s a beauty.

Believe me, this IS Moss Green, but is so dark it looks black unless in direct sun.

The History

Celica launched as a coupe and notchback version of the Toyota Corina at the 1970 Tokyo Auto Show. Its name was derived from the Latin word coeliac, meaning heavenly or celestial. Perfect!

Sales were good in Japan and by 1973 it had relabeled its hatchback as a Liftback GT that would ultimately be exported to the US for the 1976 model year. Its lines were Mustang-like and indeed the designers were intending Celica for a similar market in Japan, folks wanting a sporty fun coupe, which the fastback look and lightweight execution along with a performance-oriented engine assured.

The rear-drive Celica boasted a 1600cc I4 with twin Mikuni-Solex carbs that delivered about 96 horsepower via a four-speed manual or automatic. But the Liftback GT had 143 horsepower coming from a 2.0-liter I4, and weighed just 2,295 pounds. That 2.0-liter led to the Celica Liftback 2000GT nameplate and was known as the RA25 version within Toyota.

By the time it hit US shores, the GT developed 95 horses from a 2.2-liter I4, but with a top speed of 109 mph. It rode on a 98-inch wheelbase and was just 174 inches long and weighing 2,615 lbs. All Liftbacks here had flat noses vs. a slanting nose on earlier Japanese models and there was no B-pillar. Additionally the rear quarter windows were fixed, so would not roll down. C-pillar louvers and vertical bar taillights were featured, again looking much like a 1968 Mustang.

 The Model

               This 1973 model is as the car appeared in Japan as the RA25 version, but looks much like the US model, aside from being right-hand drive. This sample model is a dark Moss Green, so deep that it looks black in less than bright sunlight.

               Autoart’s detailing is superb with chrome trim around all the windows, those C-pillar louvers, the door handles, an antenna stub, racy mirrors mounted far forward on the front fenders as was common in Japan, and naturally the front and rear bumpers. Even the leading edge of the hood includes a slim delicate chrome trim and there’s more along the rocker panel, just below the GT 2000 racing stripe on each side.

               Celica’s hood opens from the rear and reveals an absolutely stunning engine bay, one of the best I can recall on a 1:18 scale model not costing $300+. This looks like an engine compartment at the dealer’s showroom, clean and tidy with the I4’s header proudly labeled Toyota in silver and a detailed oil filler cap there too. All the wiring and plumbing is in place and there’s a battery, shock tower caps, all fluid bottles including a clear plastic windshield cleaner container on the firewall. Also visible are the radiator, air cleaner, which lays off to the driver’s side by at the car’s nose, plus throttle body hookups, etc. Wow!

               There are black vents (three stacks per side) atop the hood, tasteful but racy, while the black grille appears to be photo-etched with a snazzy GT logo. Headlights are clear, but displaying proper depth for a realistic look, and a front license plate proclaims Celica LB 2000GT, as does one on the tail.

               Celica’s 5 vertical bar taillights are excellent too with the outer bar being amber with the others red. A fine GT 2000 logo sits mid-tail and a silver Liftback label appears just below that sleek slanting rear window. A chrome Toyota badge is on the hatch’s lower right edge and below the chrome bumper is a lone long tailpipe extending from the left side.

               There’s a Celica label and emblem on each rear quarter panel, just beyond the door’s rear edge, and up front on the fenders are amber marker lights.

               Tires are black sidewalls with black Dunlap GP Sport labeling that requires a magnifying glass to read.  Wheels are chrome rimmed with black centers and a red and chrome cap.

               Inside the Celica features black bucket seats and snazzy detailing all around, from the silver inset buttons on the seats to a control lever on the seatback’s side. Door panels are well shaped and accessorized too with chrome window cranks and door trim.

               Celica’s dash is highly detailed with seven round gauges of various sizes, all trimmed in silver and with faces that are nearly readable but would require a magnifier to properly view. A fine looking console includes a clock, rectangular air vents, a black handled shifter, and there’s a parking brake handle between the seats too. Steering wheel is black with a fan-shaped four-spoke center, and Autoart completes the interior’s sporty look with a chrome kick plate on each side of the door frame.

               Flip up that huge hatch and there are hydraulic tube struts to hold it aloft, a couple of belts to hold luggage in place and a flocked cargo floor and rear seatback.

               Autoart delivers as near a perfect model of the Celica GT as one can imagine, and if you loved this Toyota hallmark of a car, or even still prefer the original Mustang, this is a keeper. The two would look great displayed side-by-side!        

Vital Stats: 1973 Toyota Celica 2000 GT (Moss Green)

Maker: Autoart
Scale: 1/18
Stock No.: 78768
MSRP: $200

Link: Autoartmodels.com

Car Reviews

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD

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Crossover version another solid, reliable Corolla …

Many automotive brands have their own version of the golden goose, the go-to model moniker that virtually assures success due to long-term image and reputation.

Ford has Mustang and F-150, while Toyota has Camry and Corolla. For nearly 50 years now in the U.S. market, Corolla has been synonymous with quality, reliability and value. Flashy? No, but a family sedan that’ll last close to forever.

Not surprisingly, Toyota now slaps the Corolla name on its new small crossover, just a smidge up from its much cuter and zippier C-HR. Not just a naming thing though as the new Corolla Cross rides on the same platform as Toyota’s Corolla sedan and wisely opts for its optional, horsier engine for power.

Don’t get too excited though, the 2.0-liter I4 delivers just 169 horsepower with a torque rating of 150, yet linked to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) the Corolla Cross displays adequate power, however with a steady groan during acceleration. Ignore that, as many of us would, because the rest of the small crossover is pure family comfort and value.

Handling is light and easy, ride is compliant and actually better than many larger crossovers and SUVs. A family of four will fit here and not be jostled severely on crumbling Midwest roads. Nope, Corolla Cross is a steady and above average performer like its sedan namesake.

Plus, and if you’re a crossover or SUV fan this is perfect, the tested XLE model had AWD to provide good traction in winter slop, of which we had a bit when I first got the car. No need to engage it, this is AWD, not 4WD like a Jeep or many SUVs. The AWD model also incorporates a multi-link rear suspension in place of the former torsion beam.

All this, plus more, at a base price of $28,840, including delivery, for this top-level trim. Go front-wheel drive and base level L model and the price drops to $23,410. Add AWD and the L lists at $24,960 for a 2022 model. Prices are rising a bit for 2023 and there’s a wait still on the Corolla Cross, depending on what you order.

A mid-level LE model with AWD runs $27,310 and may be the best value.

Watch Mark’s video: 22 Toyota Corolla Cross review by Mark Savage – YouTube

The test car added quite a bit of extras to hit $33,550, but that’s still a value considering the average cost for a new car or crossover now is about $45,000. The big ticket here was the audio system upgrade at $1,465, adding a JBL sound system with 9 speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa capability. The power sunroof and power hatch also added $1,250 to the sticker.

All the rest of the options were minor, including $299 for roof rack rails, which one might want if taking this on camping outings with a family and need a spot for a tent and other outdoor gear.

Standard though on the XLE is the larger 8-inch info screen as a 7-incher is standard on the L model. The screen includes both a volume and radio tuning knob too, much easier than toggles and on-touchscreen buttons that often don’t function if the user is wearing gloves. Just sayin,’ winter in Wisconsin!

XLE also includes two major safety upgrades, the blind-spot monitoring system and cross-traffic alert viewed through the rear-view camera screen. But Toyota is one of the leaders in packing safety equipment onboard as standard via its Safety Sense 2.0 system, even on the L model. The safety system includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and assist, smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition and automatic high beam headlights.

XLE also includes a wireless phone charger at the bottom of the center stack, but be sure to press the button there to turn it on or you’ll get no charge. Two USB ports are standard too, as are softer dash and door coverings.

That said, the plastic door and dash feel pretty good, but are indeed a textured hard plastic. Yet that’s what I expect at this price.

While the Corolla Cross exterior styling is pretty middle of the road, the interior looks sharp without being gimmicky. The seats are a two-tone tan and brown Softex (leatherette) and the dash and door tops are black. Trim around the screen and console is gloss black and trim around those and the dash is a satin silver. Handsome, yet simple.

Seats are well shaped to provide hip and lower back support and the XLE includes a power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, an option on lower trims. The front seats also are heated. Bingo!

Headroom is more generous in the Cross than in the sedan as is rear legroom, so for growing families of four this provides some extra comfort. All the dash controls are easy to see, use, and reach and as with Subarus, the sightlines to the sides are improved by adding a vent window with a view between the A pillar and side mirrors.

Cargo space is generous in back, more than 25 cubic feet, and overhead are solid visors with extenders, something many higher priced vehicles no longer offer.

I drove the Corolla Cross during a chilly early winter week with off-and-on snow, but still was a bit disappointed in its gas mileage. Rated at 29 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, I got just 25.9 mpg in about an even mix of the two. I was expecting more like what the trip computer indicated at about 28.5 mpg.

For the record I had managed 33.7 mpg in a Corolla hatchback a few years ago and it featured the same engine and weighed just about 100 pounds less. Driving a hybrid Corolla sedan last year netted 65.6 mpg, which is tremendous. Know too that Toyota has introduced a hybrid version of the Corolla Cross for 2023, which may be the best value going!

As for competition, well, this is a super crowded market with the likes of Subaru’s Crosstrek, Kia’s Seltos, Hyundai’s Venue and Kona, VW’s Taos, Nissan’s Kicks and Rogue Sport, Mazda’s CX-3 and Honda’s HR-V as major competitors. Drive them all and decide, but ask about availability before you even head to the dealership!

FAST STATS: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD

Hits: Easy handling, decent ride, AWD, good interior room and cargo space, plus power hatch. Value pricing, solid safety equipment, heated front seats, sunroof, wireless charger, 8-inch screen w/volume & tuning knobs, visors w/extenders. A hybrid now available.

Misses: Growly engine and down on power, anticipated better mpg, tinny sounding stereo.

Made in: Huntsville, Ala.

Engine: 2.0-liter I4, 169 horsepower/150 torque

Transmission: CVT automatic

Weight: 3,170 lbs.

Length: 175.6 in.

Wheelbase: 103.9 in.

Cargo: 25.5 cu.ft.

MPG: 29/32

MPG: 25.9 (tested)

Base Price: $28,840 (includes delivery)

Invoice: $27,278

Major Option: Power sunroof, $1,250

Audio Plus (8-in. touchscreen, 9 JBL speakers, Sirius XM 3-mon., security alarm, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay/Amazon Alexa compatible), $1,465

Auto-leveling front lights, $615

Carpet floor mats/cargo mat, $249

Frameless HomeLink mirror, $175

Door sill protectors, $179

Roof rack crossbars, $299

Rear bumper protector, $79

Activity mount, $399

Test vehicle: $33,550

Sources: Toyota kbb.com

Photos: Mark Savage

#Toyota

#Corolla

Car Reviews, hybrid

2023 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid

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Camry Hybrid may just be the perfect family sedan …

This may surprise you, but it’s exceedingly rare that I long for a test car that has been returned, but this week even I was surprised at my disappointment when of all things a 2023 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid left the Savage abode.

You might suspect I’d have saved my tears for a Nissan Z, a Genesis GV60, or a new Corvette. Those too can tug at the tear ducts.

Several people even poo-pooed my fortunes for having to test the “dullest” car in America, but I quickly corrected them. Maybe they were thinking of the Prius.

There are reasons why Toyota’s Camry has been the top-selling sedan in the US market for roughly 20 years. It’s becoming the Ford F-150 of sedans via its longevity atop the market.

Camry is a champ and rocks on so many fronts I’ll try to be brief in my summary, but there’s a lot to unpack.

Start with looks, something I bet you’d never suspect I’d say. But a couple years back Toyota chose wisely and drank from the better styling cup. Ever since the once blah Camry has turned edgier with a sleek, beautiful nose that makes its Lexus luxury brand look downright gaudy. The headlights are slim and wonderfully blended with the grille and hood. The profile is slim and elegant, and the tail, well, just fine.

Bathe the handsome, sophisticated Camry in Supersonic Red (just $425 extra) and the sedan becomes Lady Gaga in a sequined gown.

Love engine choices? For internal combustion (gas) engine lovers there are two choices, including a powerful V6, but for families on a budget and with even a smidgen of social consciousness the Camry Hybrid is a rock star.

Camry’s 2.5-liter I4 combined with Toyota’s proven (20+ years) hybrid system nets a 44 mpg rating city and 47 mpg highway from the EPA, yet still delivers 208 horsepower. And get this, in about 80% highway driving I got a stellar 48.2 mpg. For more than 450 miles of driving I spent $25. Your weekly commute gas budget just giggled.

“Parental unit, can we stop for frozen custard on the way home from soccer practice?”

“Yes, my children.”

Watch Mark’s video: Mark Savage reviews the 2023 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid – YouTube

But if this were an econobox that was cramped and had no digital doodads or safety gear … Well, it’s not.

Camry is a mid-size sedan but rides on a 111.2-inch wheelbase to give it an excellent ride, coupled with good, easy, well-controlled handling. Comfort reigns, but is never grandma’s plastic-covered living room dowdy.

The power from the hybrid system that gets its electric charge from regenerative braking is quickly delivered, but acceleration is smooth, mild, but steady. An electronically adjusted CVT (continuously variable transmission) is partially responsible for that and for the excellent MPG.

There’s a Sport mode on the console to kick up the acceleration some, and is handy for highway entry. Still, this will not resemble a sport sedan’s quickness. Normal and Eco mode also are available. Normal is what you’ll stick with 90% of the time.

Finally, a good-sized touchscreen with buttons all around and is easy to use.

Interior comfort is guaranteed too with the XLE being Camry’s luxury-leaning trim level that provides 8-way power leather seats with the front ones being heated. Seats are mildly contoured so pleasant on a long drive and there is plenty of room in back for three adults. XLE also upgrades the standard 8-inch info screen to 9 inches.

But it’s the design of the touchscreen that impresses beyond its size. Instead of a silly knob on the console or a mix of onscreen and dash buttons, there are 8 key buttons around the screen (4 to a side) clearly labeled Home, Menu, Audio, Map, Seek, Track, Phone and Apps. Smartly there also are volume and tuning knobs.

All this makes the info screen and JBL sound system (standard on XLE) a breeze to engage while driving. Take that you tech-for-tech’s-sake luxury brands.

Camry delivers a good-looking interior with everything logically located.

Another plus, Camry’s interior is sharp looking in addition to being functional.

This bright red car’s leather was a cream color and the seats perforated for better airflow from its heated and cooled seats. Heat is standard while the cooling is part of a $1,430 package that includes a 10-inch color HUD, panoramic view monitor, front/rear parking assist with automatic braking.

Elegant streamlined designed, even in the door panels.

The dash and door tops are black to create a two-tone interior, pretty common these days among the sharper vehicles. Trim is a graphite gray around the air vents and other dash trim, plus the armrest trim by the power window controls and the console’s top. There is a bit of gloss black trim on the stack, but not enough to create reflection woes.

Overhead is a sunroof ($860 extra) and for a modest $150 the leather-wrapped steering wheel is heated, a Wisconsin necessity.

Standard features include a wireless phone charger under the center stack, smart cruise control and a bevy of other safety equipment, all part of Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5. That includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, a lane departure system with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist and road sign assist.

Toyota also allows a driver to override the lane departure system, so if you’re in a congested and construction-heavy city or highway driving situation you can punch a button and not have the system beeping or trying to keep you centered in your lane. Bravo. Having this choice often is a safety concern these days.

Assuming you have five adults on board, which again IS possible here without amputations or forcing anyone into a socially embarrassing position, there’s oodles of trunk space for luggage. At 15.1 cubic feet the deep trunk will hold luggage for the entire crew, even several sets of golf clubs.

The only thing I missed, the only negative here, is large map pockets in the doors. These were tiny and tight to get at, so of limited use.

Pricing is amazing, a bargain throughout the lineup and should push more dollar-conscious buyers toward a sedan and away from mid-size crossovers and gas gulping SUVs.

The base Camry Hybrid, the LE, starts at $29,105 including delivery. There are five trim levels with the XLE being mid-level luxury at $34,065 including delivery. The sportier XSE is just about $500 more. The SE and SE Nightshade (featuring blacks and dark blues) also are available in the hybrid model.

Adding 11 options pushed the test car to $40,232, still an average new car price, so certainly one could be had mid-$30k range. No AWD feature is available, same as its main competitor, Honda’s Accord.

Gas-powered Camrys are available in that same price range, topping out with the TRD model featuring the 308-horse V6.

Stylish lights and nose help keep Camry atop the sedan market.

But for families on a budget, yet not wanting to look like it, the Camry Hybrid in any form is a bargain to buy, and operate, but with a luxury look, feel and all the digital goodies one actually needs.

Camry remains king of the sedans.

FAST STATS: 2023 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid

Hits: Sharp styling, great mpg, excellent ride, good handling, decent power in comfy family sedan. Good rear seat and trunk room, sunroof, heated steering wheel, heated/cooled front seats, super info screen and buttons, wireless charger, smart cruise control and on/off lane departure, plus 3 drive modes, JBL sound system, comfy power seats. Bargain pricing!

Misses: Small door map pockets

Made in: Georgetown, Ky.

Engine: 2.5-liter I4 hybrid, 208 hp/163 torque

Transmission: ECVT automatic

Weight: 3,565 lbs.

Wheelbase: 111.2 in.

Length: 192.1 in.

Cargo: 15.1 cu.ft.

MPG: 44/47

MPG: 48.2 (tested)

Base Price: $34,065 (includes delivery)

Invoice: $31,358

Major Options:

Driver assist pkg. (10-inch color HUD, panoramic view monitor, front/rear parking assist w/auto braking, multi-stage cooled front seats), $1,430

Heated steering wheel, $150

Adaptive headlights, $615

Nav pkg. (premium audio, 9-inch touchscreen w/nav, 9 JBL speaker w/subwoofer & amplifier, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay compatible, satellite radio for 3 months), $1,760

Power sunroof, $860

Supersonic Red paint, $425

Trunk LED bulb, $25

Mud guards, $129

Illuminated door sills, $345

Door edge guards, $129

Carpet floor mats/cargo mat, $299

Test vehicle: $40,232

Sources: Toyota, www.kbb.com

Photos: Mark Savage

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#Toyota Camry hybrid

Diecast cars

Toyota Century, 2018 Limo

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AutoArt’s 1:18 beauty is the epitome of Japanese luxury …

To most of us, me included, we think of Toyota car badges like Camry, Corolla and Celica, but Century? Welcome to the luxury limo world, one few of us live in and in the States, the luxo-liner Century is virtually invisible.

But in Japan the car is a symbol of wealth and prestige, what many consider the Rolls-Royce of Japanese cars.

That’s fine, and probably deserved since even Toyota’s Lexus brand garners attention for its near perfect build quality. But with Century it’s not the average Joe or Asahi being chauffeured about. It’s the big money execs and famous folks being driven to their exclusive homes or hotels curtained off in the rear seat.

Despite few of us in the States hearing about it, Century was launched in 1967 as the premier Toyota and happened to coincide with Toyota Industries founder Sakichi Toyoda’s 100 birthday. Get it? Century!

Now AutoArt has gone and created a 2018 Century in 1:18 scale in multiple dignified colors, two offering the limo with curtains hanging in the rear windows. Cool!

The History

A bit of history beyond Century’s origins in 1967, it was the first rear-drive, front-engine Japanese car with a mass-produced V8 and later a V12.

The stately first generation lasted 30 years until the second gen launched in 1997. That was replaced by the third in 2018 and still carries the styling cues of a Lincoln, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and a touch of Rolls. This third gen is the one AutoArt has so deliciously delivered.

Century started on Toyota’s Crown platform, debuting with an aluminum alloy block 2.6-liter V8 generating just 150 horsepower. Remember this was 1967. By 1973 it had a 3.4-liter V8 and in 1992 that was upgraded to a 4.0-liter model. A 2-foot longer limo version arrived in 1989.

The second gen upgraded to Japan’s first V12 making 276 horsepower for the home market and 295 horses for exported models. Along the way automatic climate controls were first used in Century, then reclining rear seats with a massaging feature and power footrest. All those back seat wonders now are available in the large Lexus LS sedan.

Soft-closing doors is another feature first found in Century. These are offered in a variety of high-end sedans now where the doors electronically pull themselves shut once partially closed by the occupants. In back there also is an 11-inch screen and wood trim everywhere, plus the car comes with a noise cancellation system, double-glazed windows, and four mufflers. It’s quiet inside!

This third gen has all that and a more powerful 5.0-liter V8 with hybrid system to boost gas mileage from what had been 24 to 32 mpg. Power jumps to 425 horses and is put to the pavement via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) for smoothness and efficiency.

The lacy curtains are embedded in the glass, so will stay pristine over time.

Century now rides on a massive 122-inch wheelbase, is 210 inches long, weighs about 5,200 pounds, rides on a revised air suspension and is bathed in seven layers of paint. To assure luxury build quality Toyota assembles (much by hand) just 50 a month.

Oh, and you’d need about $180,000 to buy one, if they were sold in the US. They are not.

 The Model

What strikes you about this Seika Radiant Silver Metallic model is the chrome, from the finely presented narrow vertical bars in the grille to the trim around windows and front and rear bumpers, including lower cladding along the rocker panels. All align perfectly to carry the chrome theme nose to tail.

Not only great door detail, but a superb dash and console too.

But the interior if fabulous. Open up all four doors and the rock star interior features lacy gray curtains in the rear side windows and back windshield. On the real car these are crocheted lace and they reflect that look here, but are wisely embedded in the clear plastic windows so as not to soil over time or be damaged by handling.

The curtains are partially open so I suppose the celebrity, or his or her handler, will have to shut them for privacy.

Beyond the curtains, the right-hand-drive Century features wood-look trim atop the doors, door armrests, seatbacks and dash. It’s a bit shiny, but still impressive.

Wood trim and realistic console and screen make the rear seat special here!

All the detailing looks realistic in here too from the big rear seat console with glass-like touchscreen and big screen behind and between the front seats, even a couple of air ducts above that screen. The dash is loaded with buttons, knobs, a big info screen, and detailed digital driver’s screen. Even the gearshift knob is sufficiently thick and includes appropriate markings for each gear in the gate. The black steering wheel has a thick three-spoke hub.

Seats are gray and resembled leather, which is optional on the car. Wool seats are standard as they are quieter to sit in, and get out of, than leather, so preferred in Japan. No rude noises allowed!

AutoArt includes shoulder harnesses with photo-etched metal clasps and mold in the appropriate power adjustment buttons on the side of each seat’s lower cushion.

Flip up the hood and like most of today’s cars, the Century’s V8 and hybrid system are covered with a gray/silver plastic shroud with the remainder of the under-hood area covered in black plastic, so no fluid bottles, dipsticks, etc. are visible. Pretty boring, but realistic.

Note, the hood is released via a tiny black lever under the car’s nose, otherwise latches in place.

Naturally the hood, trunk lid and all four doors open, plus those front wheels are steerable, actually turning the steering wheel.

Other exterior features include realistic taillights and jewel-like headlights with each lamp featuring twin rectangular settings with twin bulbs in each lamp. There also are horizontal bar-shaped turn signals embedded in the front bumper.

The gothic C logo is atop the hood, the gold phoenix logo on the grille!
The gothic C with Hybrid label below is centered on the C-pillar.

Atop the hood is a fine gothic style C emblem that represents the Century name while centered in the grille and on the trunk’s face between the taillights is the gold phoenix logo, the traditional Fushichō badge that has its origins in Sinospheric mythology. Hey, that’s what I read. On the real car it takes an artist six weeks to hand engrave these. Wow!

That Century gothic C is also in badges on the C-pillars with the term Hybrid below. I tried magnifying these to see the word. I can tell it’s there, but hard to read. Hope your eyes are better than mine.

The phoenix is on the wheel cover, but tires are unbranded.

Tires are treaded, but not branded and the sharp sunburst style wheel covers are chromed and feature the phoenix logo inside the center ring.

All these features come at a price, but then this is a luxury limo, with an MSRP of $250.

Silver not your thing? The Century also is available in black with curtains, or black or white without. C’mon, you gotta have the curtains.

There’s also a sportier (sort of) GRMN model, the abbreviation standing for Gazoo Racing (Toyota’s long-time team) Meister of Nürburgring, costing $10 less and a black version for the US market, although still right-hand drive, for $230.

The Century’s headlights are beautifully reproduced.

Vital DC Stats: Toyota Century (w/curtains)

Maker: Autoart
Scale: 1/18
Stock No.: 78770
MSRP: $250

Link: Autoartmodels.com

#Toyota