"We leased a 2013 Sienna and couldn't be more thrilled..." - Greg and Kelly K.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
13 Scion FR-S: A sporty funster
Here are the Cliff Notes for the Scion FR-S:
Scion is an entry-level product line that Toyota developed to herd kids into the corporate corral.
The four Scion vehicles are affordable (three of them start in the mid- to high teens) and range from the IQ, a quirky minicar that vies with the Smart Car to be crowned king of the urban parking crevices, and the FR-S, a small sports coupe capable of putting a large smile on your face.
The new-for-2013 FR-S is the product of a Toyota/Subaru joint venture. Its Subaru counterpart, the BR-Z (are you growing weary of these cattle brands yet?) is largely identical mechanically and aesthetically, although there is some styling differentiation up front.
Despite its reasonable price (it starts at $24,200 with the manual gearbox and $25,300 with the automatic), the FR-S is a true sporting machine, a real funster. It's blessed with excellent driving dynamics, thanks in part to its suspension design and the fore-to-aft weight balance afforded by its rear-drive layout.
As a consequence, the FR-S proved a lot of fun to throw around on a back road. The car stayed flat in ambitious corners, exhibiting little body lean, and turned in promptly for those spirited changes in course. The steering is, indeed, another plus. Most electric power steering systems are pretty numb, but this one passes along a decent amount of road feel. It's also very precise, and requires just the right amount of steering effort.
Braking also earns a 4.0 grade-point average. The brake discs are vented, and pretty large for a car with this little body fat - it weighs only a tad over 2,700 pounds. This means the curtain comes down on cruising very quickly if it has to. These binders also please with a firm pedal that's readily modulated.
Motivation is courtesy of a 2-liter four whose diminutive lungs exhale 200 horsepower, thanks, in large part, to the munificence of direct fuel injection. While the FR-S is no stoplight serial killer, its 200 horses and low body weight make for reasonably brisk motoring. The tester, equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox and a Torsen limited-slip differential, got from 0 to 60 in about 6.5 seconds. That's fast enough to be fun.
Courtesy of philly.com
'13 Scion FR-S: A sporty funster
Here are the Cliff Notes for the Scion FR-S:
Scion is an entry-level product line that Toyota developed to herd kids into the corporate corral.
The four Scion vehicles are affordable (three of them start in the mid- to high teens) and range from the IQ, a quirky minicar that vies with the Smart Car to be crowned king of the urban parking crevices, and the FR-S, a small sports coupe capable of putting a large smile on your face.
The new-for-2013 FR-S is the product of a Toyota/Subaru joint venture. Its Subaru counterpart, the BR-Z (are you growing weary of these cattle brands yet?) is largely identical mechanically and aesthetically, although there is some styling differentiation up front.
Despite its reasonable price (it starts at $24,200 with the manual gearbox and $25,300 with the automatic), the FR-S is a true sporting machine, a real funster. It's blessed with excellent driving dynamics, thanks in part to its suspension design and the fore-to-aft weight balance afforded by its rear-drive layout.
As a consequence, the FR-S proved a lot of fun to throw around on a back road. The car stayed flat in ambitious corners, exhibiting little body lean, and turned in promptly for those spirited changes in course. The steering is, indeed, another plus. Most electric power steering systems are pretty numb, but this one passes along a decent amount of road feel. It's also very precise, and requires just the right amount of steering effort.
Braking also earns a 4.0 grade-point average. The brake discs are vented, and pretty large for a car with this little body fat - it weighs only a tad over 2,700 pounds. This means the curtain comes down on cruising very quickly if it has to. These binders also please with a firm pedal that's readily modulated.
Motivation is courtesy of a 2-liter four whose diminutive lungs exhale 200 horsepower, thanks, in large part, to the munificence of direct fuel injection. While the FR-S is no stoplight serial killer, its 200 horses and low body weight make for reasonably brisk motoring. The tester, equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox and a Torsen limited-slip differential, got from 0 to 60 in about 6.5 seconds. That's fast enough to be fun.
Courtesy of Philly.com.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday Maintenance Tip: Wash in Winter, Too
Courtesy of rd.com
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Scion FR-S Earned Recognition into 10Best Cars of 2013's List
Courtesy of Toyota pressroom
Monday, December 10, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
$24.99 Oil Change
Check out this awesome offer for a $24.99 oil change!
Disclaimer: Valid only at Sloane Toyota of Glenside. Cannot be combined with any other specials, discounts, or offers. See Sloane Toyota of Glenside for complete details. Offer expires 12-31-2012
Thanks for this awesome review Monique!
"When it came time to buy my first car I knew Sloane Toyota at Glenside was the place to. Both my mother and sister brought their first car there and they said the service, price of their car, and quality of their car was excellent..." -Monique G.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
First Ever Scion FR-S Cup
The first ever Scion FR-S Cup, presented in collaboration with the team at HPI Racing, took place at Toyota Headquarters on the morning of November 17th. Although the weather was cold and, at times, uncooperative, there was still a great turn out with a ton of racers, vendors, media and spectators all in attendance.
The races took center stage for the day, with approximately 100 competitors pitting their Scion FR-S RC cars against one another on the track. The field was divided into three classes for skill levels ranging from beginner to expert, with the winners from each class facing off for the title of the Scion FR-S Cup Champion. Among the field were a few familiar names from the Scion Racing teams, including Dynamic Autosports Scion tC driver Michele Abbate, and Need for Speed Drift tC team manager Stephan Papadakis.
Between races, attendees also had the chance to check out the Scion vehicle demo area, and take an up close look at products from vendors like FIVE:AD, OEM Audio +, Beat-Sonic, and a whole lot more. Catering for lunch came courtesy of the Seoul Sausage Company, while the B Sweet Dessert Truck stopped by to provide the group with pastries for desserts.
Thanks to everyone who showed up, from the racers and pit crews, to the vendors and spectators, without whom the HPI Racing Scion FR-S Cup wouldn’t have been possible!Courtesy of Scion NewsFriday, November 30, 2012
Keep up the great work Glenside Team!
"This is the third car I purcahsed from Slaone and each time they have been excellent to deal with and made car buying easy." -priusc
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Scion tC Named to Top 10 in 2013 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards
The 2013 Scion tCwas honored as an overall Top 10 recipient in Kelley Blue Book’s respected annual 2013 Best Resale Value Awardsfor its anticipated best sustained value after five years of ownership. Automotive analysts used data from the Kelley Blue Book® Official Residual Value Guide to determine which new vehicles are expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price five years later.
“We are extremely proud that the Scion tC earned a 2013 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Award,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “The Scion tC offers great value and a fun driving experience at an affordable price with the added benefit of a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.” The sporty compact 2013 tC retails at $18,725 MSRP with manual transmission and $19,725 MSRP with automatic transmission. Customers then have the option to uniquely customize their vehicles with a variety of Scion accessories. Scion MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $755. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary. Kelley Blue Book established the Best Resale Value Awards in 2003. In addition to the Scion tC award this year, Toyota earned top honors for the second year in a row in the non-luxury brand category and was represented by eight other models as top picks.Courtesy of Toyota News
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS!
Stop in this Black Friday for our special offers!
Each store has 10 TV's to give away. The first 40 people to purchase at any of the Sloane Auto stores will receive a 32" TV from h.h. greg!Stop in and make your holiday travel a little smoother with a new Toyota!Monday, November 19, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Sloane Toyota of Glenside - Community Involvement!
Sloane Toyota of Glenside has recently participated in a coat drive where we took part in donating over 160 coats to our community!
‘Like’ this post if you plan to help out in our community this holiday season!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
TMC Opens Intelligent Transport System Test Site in Japan
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today began full-scale operations at its ITS Proving Ground, a new test site — within the grounds of the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture — established with the aim of reducing traffic accidents through Intelligent Transport System (ITS) technology.
The new 3.5-hectare ITS Proving Ground simulates an urban environment with faithfully replicated roads and traffic signals. The site is equipped with a road-to-vehicle communications system consisting of a vehicle detection system, a pedestrian detection system, a course monitoring system, traffic signals and control devices.
The communications system runs on the 700 MHz band, which was allocated for ITS by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in December 2011. The 700 MHz band is easily diffracted and reception over wide areas is possible, making it effective for communications with vehicles at intersections and other locations with poor visibility.
With the start of full-scale operations at the ITS Proving Ground, TMC will accelerate its research and development of environmental systems designed to improve fuel efficiency as well as safe driving support systems that seek to prevent accidents involving pedestrians and other vehicles in urban areas and at intersections.
TMC is also conducting research and development on next-generation vehicle-infrastructure cooperative systems that support safe driving[1] and that have been designed to prevent accidents involving pedestrians and other vehicles at intersections with poor visibility through the continuous exchange of road-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian-to-vehicle information.
At the special-purpose ITS Proving Ground, TMC will work toward the early practical adoption of evermore reliable systems by repeatedly conducting testing and evaluations that can be difficult to perform on public roads with changing road environments.
TMC considers the elimination of traffic fatalities and injuries the ultimate goal of a society that values mobility, and is therefore conducting research and development on individual onboard safety devices and systems based on its Integrated Safety Management Concept[2], an approach that gives direction to safety technology and vehicle development. TMC is pressing forward with the development of safer vehicles and technologies and is intensifying its wide-ranging traffic-safety initiatives by participating in the development of safer traffic environments and promoting traffic safety education.
Courtesy f Toyota Newsroom
Monday, November 12, 2012
Who Drives a Prius?
Hey Toyota fans! Did you know that Julia Roberts drives the Toyota Prius Hybrid? She is well known for being a friend to the environment and this is just one of the many visible ways she is helping out. Can you name some other celebrities who drive the Toyota Prius?
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Special November Offer!
Stop in Sloane Toyota of Glenside for this awesome offer! $84.95 Fall Tire Care Special!
Deatils: Service includes: 4-wheel alignment, tire rotation, inspect brakes, inspect suspension, and check tire conditions. Valid only at Sloane Toyota of Glenside. Cannot be combined with any other specials, discounts, or offers. See Sloane Toyota of Glenside for complete details. Offer expires 11-30-2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
ToyotaDream Build Challenger Recognized as Best Truck/SUV of 2012 SEMA Show
Antron Brown's outrageous Toyota Sequoia family dragster, known as "DragQuoia," captured Sony Computer Entertainment America's Gran Turismo™ Award for Best Truck or SUV at the 2012 SEMA Show.
The Gran Turismo™ Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the automotive industry for SEMA show exhibitors, as selected by Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi. The 10th annual Gran Turismo™ Awards show was held last night in Las Vegas, with hip hop superstar Snoop Dogg as host.
Already a star as part of the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge, DragQuoia grabbed attention in its public debut at Toyota's SEMA Show press conference earlier this week with its radical design features, race-ready character and ear-splitting NHRA sound track.
"This is a vehicle that really embodied the entire spirit of SEMA," said Toyota National Engagement Marketing and Motorsports Manager Keith Dahl. "It's just over-the-top and the fans loved it."
DragQuoia is the brainchild of Antron Brown, who commissioned the Motorsports Technical Center in Torrance, Calif., to build the SUV for him to compete in the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge. Chuck Wade and his team at Motorsports Technical Center produced a completely unique, high-quality build that looks, sounds, and is ready to rumble. The build process was documented extensively on the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge Facebook page where fans followed team progress via photos and video.
"It's a great honor to have DragQuoia win this award," Wade said . "Yamauchi-san and his team at Gran Turismo are huge racing enthusiasts who take their car selections seriously. Only the best get in their door."
Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom
Monday, November 5, 2012
Helpful Car Seat tip!
Happy
Monday fans! Quick tip for those of you with little ones! Car seats are an easy
way to ruin the upholstery of your back seat. To help reduce damage from juice
spills, goldfish crumbs and long term baby use put a towel under the car seat to
absorb some of the damage and crumbs. Then just shake it out every so often to
keep that back seat ready for those future big kids!
Friday, November 2, 2012
Annual Walk-Around Competition!
Today Sloane Automotives held our annual Walk-Around Contest. The Walk-Around Contest is a contest for the sales reps to show off their knowledge of the vehicles they sell!
They walk around a vehicle describing all of its attributes including style, safety features and updates from the previous models. All of our sales reps compete at their own stores and the winners from each store then compete against each other. Today Sloane Honda Sales Rep. Shaun Dobson won the contest! Congrats Shaun!Walk-Around Contest ChampionsSloane Honda: Shaun DobsonChampion Toyota: Eric WeitzSloane Toyoyta of Devon: Peter PhillipsSloane Toyota of Glenside: Rob FoxThursday, November 1, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Media Alert!
What:
Toyota will hold a press conference at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., on Oct. 30 at 11:00 a.m. PDT to introduce nine customized vehicles for its SEMA Show display and to announce the winner of the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge. In addition to the four custom builds for the Dream Build Challenge, there will be three based on the all-new Toyota Avalon, a TRD FJ Cruiser and the "Ultimate Fishing Tundra" on display. The Dream Build Challenge is a build competition among four of Toyota Racing's top drivers, where each driver chose a build team that helped create their "Dream Build" custom vehicle. Toyota will contribute $100,000 to the drivers’ designated charities, with the winning driver's charity receiving $50,000. The winner will be determined by fan voting on the Dream Build Facebook page from Oct. 20-29 Who:
• Toyota Marketing Communications and Motorsports Vice President Ed Laukes to introduce the program
• Television racing commentator and Top Gear USA host Rutledge Wood will be master of ceremonies
Dream Build challengers:
• Alexis DeJoria (NHRA Toyota Fuel Funny Car driver)
• Antron Brown (NHRA Toyota Top Fuel driver)
• Clint Bowyer (NASCAR Toyota Sprint Cup driver)
• Kyle Busch (NASCAR Toyota Sprint Cup driver) All will be available post-conference for interviews and autographs. Where:
Toyota's space at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nev., booth # 24801 in the Central Hall When:
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012 from 11:00 to 11:20 a.m. PDT. Why:
See nine brand-new and unique custom-built Toyota vehicles, including three based on the all-new 2013 Avalon; be the first to see and hear the winner of the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge; interview the players involved.
Courtesy of Toyota News
Monday, October 29, 2012
Hurricane Sandy - Safety Tip
Make sure you stay safe out there. Here is a government safety tip to keep in mind while preparing for Hurricane Sandy.
Be sure to have an emergency kit and a go bag ready in case you have to leave in a hurry. Prepare your vehicles for this as well. Keep them pre-packed and have paper maps ready in case you lose power or your cell phone dies.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Free Multi-Point Inspection
Traveling this holiday season? Before you hit the road stop in for a free multi-point inspection and keep you ride running smooth!
Details: Services includes: comprehensive vehicle inspection, consultation with a factory certified service advisor, and detailed inspection form. Valid only at Sloane Toyota of Glenside. Cannot be combined with any other specials, discounts, or offers. See Sloane Toyota of Glenside for complete details. Offer expires 10-31-2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Scion iQ EV Arrives for Campus and Urban Car-sharing Programs
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. announced the arrival of the 2013 Scion iQ EV in the United States. The iQ EV is a battery- electric four-seater city commuter car designed for car-sharing programs, in urban and campus environments.
“Toyota believes battery-electric vehicles have the potential to play a role in future mobility strategies,” says Chris Hostetter, TMS group vice president of strategic planning. “Up to now, cost and convenience issues have limited BEV’s appeal with a broad consumer market. Toyota developed the iQ EV specifically as a city commuter, for use in an urban environment, where driving distances are likely to be short, charging opportunities numerous, and its compact proportions beneficial.” The iQ EV features Toyota’s newly developed high-output lithium-ion battery which delivers a world-class electric power consumption rate of 104 Wh/km in an ultra-compact and lightweight package. In ideal stop and go driving conditions, the 12 kWh battery provides an estimated range of up to 50 miles on a full charge. The vehicle can be fully charged in approximately three hours at 240V. Its 78-inch wheel base and 13.5 foot turning radius makes the iQ EV highly maneuverable in congested areas where streets are narrow and parking is at a premium. “Approximately 90 iQ EVs will be available for fleet and car-sharing applications,” said Hostetter. “These programs will further expand Toyota’s comprehensive portfolio of advanced technology vehicles which includes the recently-released RAV4 EV, the Prius Family of gas-electric hybrid vehicles, including the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and the FCHV-Adv (Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle-Advanced).” Details on individual iQ EV program partners will be announced in the coming weeks. Performance and EfficiencyThe iQ EV development process strongly focused on the conservation of power consumption. A compact lightweight body, power-saving electrical equipment, and the application of experience gained from hybrid and plug-in hybrid development resulted in excellent all-around performance. The iQ EV is replete with energy conserving features such as regenerative braking, heat pump air conditioning with a pre-conditioning option, LED high-mounted stop light, heated front seats, and a heated windshield defroster. The iQ EV is equipped with a timer to match charge completion time with the time the vehicle will actually be driven, to help reduce battery degradation. In addition, there are three driving modes to select from: D range controls the vehicle to use the least amount of power during city driving; S range increases acceleration performance for brisker driving; and a B range that maximizes regenerative braking efficiency. Maximum output from the drivetrain is 47 kW (63 hp) with a maximum torque of 120 lbs.-ft. In S range the iQ EV accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 13.4 seconds, and from 30 to 50 mph in seven seconds. Its top speed is 78 mph. Styling
The iQ EV’s styling is simple and bold. On the exterior, the front bumper’s simply constructed charging port lid emphasizes the EV’s iconic lack of an upper grille. Its trapezoidal motif highlights the appearance of a low center of gravity. A wide rear bumper conveys a strong stance. Two exterior colors are available: Silver and Super Red. For a sleek impression, the body is two-toned: the upper half and rear hatch are black, a theme that is carried through in the black front headlamp casings, black battery cooling air inlets, and wheel caps which are punctuated with a series of black vents. The interior features a high-contrast black and white color scheme with metallic and ice-blue accents. The leather wrapped steering wheel and white steering pad cover convey a premium feel. The strongly contoured center console symbolizes the battery mounted below the floor; while the plug patterned seat fabric with blueish-grey and white stitching completes the iconic theme. Audio Visual Navigation System
The iQ EV is equipped with an HDD navigation system and an exclusive AVN unit with several EV driving support features. The screen is a refined seven-inch Video Graphics Array LCD, which displays audio information or vehicle information (such as power consumption and energy flow information) in a split screen with the map on the main navigation screen. An available range map displays an estimate of the distance the iQ EV can travel on its current state of charge. Safety
The iQ EV is equipped with 11 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags including knee, side, seat cushion, front and rear curtain, and a rear window curtain airbag. The front passenger seat is equipped with an occupant detection system. The iQ EV’s multiple load path body is designed to absorb and disperse frontal collision impacts through the body shell. The front tires have been moved forward so collision impacts are dispersed to the tires, helping to reduce impact to the cabin. Other impact dispersing features include front suspension members arranged in a cross hatch pattern and a larger dash cross member for offset impacts. A cross hatched constructed battery frame joined to the body frame helps enhance the rigidity of the cabin and helps disperse the energy of collisions from any angle.
Like all new Toyota vehicles, iQ EV comes standard with the Star Safety System™, which combines Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). The iQ EV is also equipped with Hill start assist control and a vehicle proximity notification system to alert pedestrians of the vehicle’s approach. Production
iQ EV is manufactured at Toyota’s Takaoka Plant in Toyota City. Production began in September 2012.
Courtesy of Scion Newsroom
Monday, October 22, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
TMC to Participate in 19th ITS World Congress
Toyota City, Japan, October 15, 2012—Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will host a corporate display booth at the 19th ITS1 World Congress in Vienna, Austria from October 22 through October 26, 2012. The ITS World Congress is the world's largest ITS-related international conference. Held annually in Europe, the Asia-Pacific and the Americas on a rotating basis, the congress invites ITS-related groups (government, research bodies and commercial enterprises) from a wide range of countries and regions to use information sessions (including presentations of technical papers), exhibitions and technical tours to showcase their latest ITS research findings and products. TMC has participated in the World Congress since it began. This year, TMC will present information on three high-priority ITS projects: vehicle-infrastructure cooperative systems, energy management and urban transport systems.
With regard to vehicle-infrastructure cooperative systems, TMC will present information on applications that use wireless communications enabled by systems installed in roadside infrastructure and in other vehicles to notify drivers about cars traveling in the driver's blind spot and other unseen hazards. TMC will also present information on energy management through the exhibition of a Prius Plug-in Hybrid, a next-generation environment-friendly vehicle that has been available in Europe since August of this year, along with the results of the low-carbon society demonstration project being conducting in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, as well as future initiatives. In addition, TMC will for the first time at the World Congress exhibit concepts and specific software applications in the area of urban transport systems. In October of next year, the 20th ITS World Congress2 will be held in Tokyo, Japan. TMC plans to use exhibits, sessions and test rides to introduce the vision of a future society where people can travel in cars safely and securely and where homes, vehicles and information systems are linked. TMC seeks to create such a society based on the concept of being "rewarded with a smile by exceeding your expectations", a key idea from the Toyota Global Vision.
Courtesy of Toyota Global News
Monday, October 15, 2012
The Toyota Tundra tows the Space Shuttle Endeavour!
There are publicity stunts, and then there's using a Toyota Tundra to tow the 145-ton Space Shuttle Endeavour across interstate 405 in Los Angeles. That's exactly what happened Saturday night when Toyota lent a hand pulling the retired spacecraft over a bridge en route to the California Science Center. As it turned out, the Manchester Boulevard Bridge couldn't stand up to the weight of both the shuttle and the traditional tow vehicle, which sent organizers searching for something a little lighter to cover the five-minute drive across the bridge. As a 20-year sponsor of the science center, Toyota stepped in to help out.
The company developed a special tow dolly with Sarens Group, an engineering and heavy-lifting firm, just for the effort. A bone-stock 2012 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4 did the deed, though something tells us this little stunt greatly exceeded the machine's tow rating.Courtesy of AutoBlog
Friday, October 12, 2012
Space shuttle begins 2-day road trip to California Science Center
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Space shuttle Endeavour has hit the road.
The black and white winged orbiter, which is the youngest in NASA's now retired fleet, left Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) atop a self-propelled, overland transporter in the early morning hours on Friday, Oct. 12. The motion signaled the start of a 2-day road trip to deliver Endeavour to its new exhibit at the California Science Center (CSC).
Endeavour emerged at 11:25 p.m. PDT (2:25 a.m. EDT; 0625 GMT) Thursday, Oct. 11, from a United Airlines hangar, which served as the space shuttle's temporary shelter since arriving at the airport on a NASA jumbo jet last month.
The shuttle then exited LAX through an access road at 2 a.m. PDT (5 a.m. EDT; 0900 GMT), crossed Lincoln Boulevard and turned onto Westchester Parkway, rumbling towards its first "rest stop" along the 12-mile (19 kilometer) route to the science center.
At its full speed of 2 miles per hour (3.2 kph), the joystick controlled, blue and yellow transporter slowly but steadily carried the 155,000-pound (70,300-kilogram) Endeavour forward. The shuttle's 78-foot (24-meter) wingspan and 58 foot tall (18-meter) tail required a route that was closed to traffic and cleared of obstacles, including light signals and trees. [Photos: Shuttle Endeavour's California Sightseeing Tour]
Endeavour will spend much of the day Friday waiting for crews to raise power lines that are blocking its way.
To Infinity (or rather Bed, Bath) and Beyond
Rolling west from the airport on Westchester, Endeavour's route takes it along La Tijera Boulevard to the parking lot of a shopping center on the corner of Sepulveda Parkway, where it will stop for about nine hours.
Although not a publicized viewing area for the public, local police departments advised thousands may turn up to see Endeavour waiting for its next move.
That won't come until the afternoon, when transformer lines are de-energized and raised. Once ready, Endeavour will travel down Manchester Boulevard, cross into Inglewood and then stop again for six hours as the next set of utility work gets underway.
The power line work will result in rolling blackouts following the shuttle's path.
Endeavour's second stop of the day, which is expected to span 4:15 p.m. to about 11 p.m. PDT (7:15 p.m. to 2 a.m. EDT; 2315 to 0600 GMT), will park it near the landmark Randy's Donuts with its oversized donut-shaped roof sign. For the shuttle's move, the shop installed a small model of Endeavour inside the hole of the 32-foot-wide (9.7-meter) donut.
Tundra crossing
Friday's start and stop moves lead up to the space shuttle Endeavour crossing over the 405 freeway.
To meet the weight distribution requirements for traveling the Manchester Boulevard Bridge, Endeavour will trade its computer-controlled transporter for a tow by a 2012 Toyota Tundra pickup truck.
The truck, which Toyota says was not modified from what is found on the sale lot, will be driven by Matt McBride, a professional stuntman and precision driver whose credits include numerous car commercials and feature films, such as last year's "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" and "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" coming out in 2013.
Astronaut Garrett Reisman, who launched on Endeavour in 2008, will ride in the Tundra with McBride.
Toyota's involvement continues a partnership between the car company's USA division and the California Science Center to provide support and awareness of the space program and education of the public through exhibits and programs. The pickup that will be used to two Endeavour will also go on display at the CSC as part of an interactive exhibit on the physics of leverage.
Once over the freeway, Endeavour will be moved back onto its transporter and then will wait on Manchester, out of sight of the public, until daylight Saturday to continue to its first of two celebration events.
The road ahead
Endeavour will cover the first 3 miles (4.8 km) of its 12 mile (19 km) journey on Friday. The bulk of its road trip will be accomplished on Saturday (Oct. 13), with its arrival at the science center anticipated around 8:30 p.m. PDT (11:30 p.m. EDT; 0330 GMT).
Endeavour's final journey, which the CSC dubbed "Mission 26: The Big Endeavour," will formally get underway with a 30 minute program at The Forum, the former indoor arena of the LA Lakers, on Saturday at 9 a.m. PDT (noon EDT; 1600 GMT). The event, which is expected to draw a crowd as large as 14,000 people, will feature Inglewood's mayor James T. Butts, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Apollo 7 astronaut Walt Cunningham.
The celebration is one of three designated public viewing opportunities for Endeavour's move. Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. PDT (5 p.m. EDT; 2100 GMT), the space shuttle will pause again at the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard for an aerial and dance tribute choreographed by "Fame" actress Debbie Allen.
The third and final public opportunity to witness Endeavour on the move will be at Exposition Park in Los Angeles, as the shuttle pulls up to the California Science Center.
The CSC plans to debut the shuttle on exhibit inside the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion with its public opening on Oct. 30.
Courtesy of MNN
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Third Annual Taste of Fall Cooking Competition and Exhibition
Do you like trying new foods and wine? Check out the Taste of Fall this Sunday for some great family fun!
The Third Annual Taste of Fall Cooking Competition and Exhibition is taking place on October 14, 2012 at Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse located in East Fairmount Park on 33rd & Oxford Sts., Philadelphia, PA. The event will feature food, wine, and beer tastings, activities, and live music. There will be plenty of children's activities available as well, so make sure to bring the whole family! Don't forget to bundle up!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Toyota Tundra to Tow Endeavour Space Shuttle
Previously planned for the end of the Endeavour’s historic journey, the Toyota Tundra will tow the shuttle over the 405 bridge.
WHAT: The Toyota Tundra will be towing the space shuttle Endeavour over the 405 Freeway instead of the previously announced route along Bill Robertson Lane in Los Angeles. The tow will assist the California Science Center Foundation in the movement of the historic icon over the Manchester Boulevard Bridge, an area that requires a different tow mechanism than other portions of the route for weight distribution purposes. In preparation to assist in any capacity needed, the Tundra was extensively tested to meet the requirements. This tow of Endeavour by the Toyota Tundra at this location will be the only one its kind taking place along the route.
WHEN: October 12, 2012, EveningExact time TBA WHERE: Manchester Boulevard Bridge, nearly a quarter-mile span total over the 405 Freeway, near LAX
Courtesy of Toyota
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Get your wheels ready for the winter!
$84.95 Fall Tire Care Special
Service includes: 4-wheel alignment, tire rotation, inspect brakes, inspect suspension, and check tire conditions. Valid only at Sloane Toyota of Glenside. Cannot be combined with any other specials, discounts, or offers. See Sloane Toyota of Glenside for complete details. Offer expires 10-31-2012
Click here to get this offer http://on.fb.me/Q6qHL5
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Toyota's ultimate smartphone accessory: a mini-car
Toyota is demonstrating a new single-seater concept car at this year's Ceatec electronics show that works as a giant extension of the driver's smartphone.
The company's "Smart INSECT" vehicle has a pad in its dashboard for mobile handsets, from which it syncs online services while also providing wireless charging. It is billing the electric car as a networked device that will support users on the road much the way their phones do when they are on foot.
The INSECT, whose name stands for "Information Network Social Electricity City Transporter," is packed with features now commonly found on phones and tablets. As a potential driver approaches its front, the car uses facial recognition to identify them, and the individual can then use voice and gesture controls to make queries or open the door and trunk.
Toyota's concept can communicate with its driver's home while on the road, checking whether the front door is locked or the settings of the air conditioning. The car has a large LCD display above the steering wheel that also shows information from the smartphone it is synced to.
"This car is based on the concept of connecting people, cars, and homes. It was developed by an IT engineer and has technologies such as telematics built in," said Yuji Amano, a group manager at Toyota.
The car links into to the "Toyota Smart Center," a platform that connects electric and hybrid cars with buildings and power companies, with the goal of making everything more efficient.
By accessing users' smartphones, Toyota will also gain access to information about its customers beyond their driving habits.
"The car uses data gathered from customers' actions to predict what they will do and suggest information to them," said Amano.
"One example might be in navigation, where the system uses what the user has done so far to suggest a destination."
Another example is advertising. In a demonstration, the INSECT takes a young woman to her favorite convenience store, then suggests a new snack that has recently gone on sale.
The car is based on Toyota's Coms personal electric vehicle, which sells in Japan for about $9,000. The Coms can reach speeds of 60 kilometers per hour, and can drive for about 50 kilometers on a six-hour charge.
The Ceatec show, Japan's largest consumer electronics exhibition, runs in Makuhari, just outside of Tokyo from Tuesday through Thursday.
Courtesy of ComputerWorld
Monday, October 1, 2012
Win tickets to the Philadelphia Flyers!
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Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
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Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Toyota Sponsors LATISM
Toyota will continue deepening its commitment to the Latino community with its repeat sponsorship of the Latinos in Tech Innovation and Social Media (LATISM) 2012 Conference October 25-27, 2012 in Houston. Anticipated to host approximately 1,000 attendees, the annual conference is LATISM’s flagship event and will bring together community leaders, social media and technology influencers, educators, government officials and others to explore best practices and resources.
As the exclusive automotive sponsor, Toyota will engage participants with activities aimed to showcase key conservation, education and safety missions aligning with LATISM priorities that span more than 180,000 members. Toyota events include:
- Booth with photo sharing and Toyota’s corporate philanthropy efforts
- Seat belt and child car seat safety demonstration and giveaways
- Opportunities to drive new Toyotas, including the Prius family of hybrid vehicles and the Texas-built Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks
- Participation on education, health, business and technology panels by Toyota and its partners
Toyota also is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) with the launch of @ToyotaLatino on Twitter. The new handle will provide the company opportunities to highlight and celebrate the community, engage at live events and share more vehicle information with owners and enthusiasts.
“Returning as a key LATISM conference sponsor underscores the pride and appreciation we have for our Latino customer base and their contributions to social media and our broader communities,” said Julie Hamp, Toyota’s North American chief communications officer. “At the LATISM conference, throughout Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond, the @ToyotaLatinoTwitter handle will give us a new tool to share, listen and learn with this vibrant, growing population.”
Toyota is participating in additional social media events this fall including a Twitter party and live blogger event about families and literacy, a Latino and conservation blogger event and a return to Houston for a panel on safety targeted to the Latino community.
Since 2004, Toyota has been the leading automotive brand among the U.S. Latino community. Data indicates nearly one of six Latino buyers choose a Toyota when purchasing a car or truck, the highest of any brand. Toyota brands make up more than half of all U.S. hybrid purchases by Latinos.
“We appreciate Toyota’s expanded commitment to help LATISM excite and support the Latino community around social media and key organization initiatives,” said Ana Roca Castro, founder and chairwoman of LATISM. “Specifically around safety, we know Toyota’s education efforts will have an important impact on our members and their families.”
The conference’s location in Houston builds upon Toyota’s substantial investment in Texas, including the site of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) in San Antonio where the Tundra full-size pickup and the Tacoma compact pickup are manufactured. Seven of the facility’s on-site suppliers are minority joint ventures, including six locally-owned, who provide parts, materials and logistics services. TMMTX represents a $2.1 billion investment and nearly 3,000 jobs. In addition, Toyota is the name sponsor of the Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets and future host of the 2013 NBA All-Star game.
Houston is also headquarters for Gulf States Toyota, an independent distributor serving 154 locations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. The company introduced Toyota vehicles in the region in 1969.
Courtesy of Toyota USA
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Order your new parts with us!
Have you been meaning to replace a part on your Toyota? Let us help with that!
Get your vehicle into top condition with high-quality Toyota car parts. Sloane Toyota of Glenside dealership has a fully-stocked inventory of auto parts. If you have never ordered Toyota parts in Glenside before, please contact our parts department for more information.For your convenience, you can order Toyota auto parts in Glenside by completing our online parts order form. Click here to order your new parts.Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Teen Driver Distraction Studies
At a Safety Research Forum here yesterday, Toyota announced that it has teamed up with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) to conduct a major new study of 5,600 teens and adults. Results of the Teen Driver Distraction Study commissioned by the Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) in July 2012 will be released incrementally as data is analyzed.
This scientific study is based on a national telephone survey of newly licensed drivers between ages 16 to 18 and parents of drivers in the same age group. A portion of the sample is comprised of teens and parents from the same household, one of the first studies to examine teen and parent driving behaviors in the same family.
Car Crashes Remain the Leading Cause of Teen Fatalities
“Motor vehicle crashes remain the number one cause of death for teenagers, claiming more than 3,000 lives in the U.S. each year,” said Chuck Gulash, CSRC Director. “We are pleased the Teen Driver Distraction Study will help parents and teens understand their roles as driving mentors and mentees. We look forward to working with the world-class researchers at UMTRI to build upon the strong body of academic research that already exists and sharing our findings and recommendations with the public.”
Dr. Tina Sayer, CSRC Principal Engineer stated that per mile driven, teens are four times more likely than other drivers to be involved in a crash. “In-car distractions can increase that risk even more,” she said “By examining the actions and expectations of teens and parents around the country, we will be able to dig deeper into how a teen’s driving behaviors differ from what their parents feel they have helped instill. This will allow us to develop even stronger recommendations, help change risky behaviors and ultimately help make teens safer drivers. As a safety researcher and parent, I am excited to see where the findings take us.”Dr. Ray Bingham, Research Professor at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and head of the Young Driver Behavior and Injury Prevention Group added that the study is examining a broad range of distracted driving behaviors, including cell phones and texting, as well as a variety of other common behaviors that distract drivers and increase their risk of a crash. “In addition, while it takes a look at the distracted driving of teens, it also examines distracted driving by parents of teen drivers.” Bingham said “Finally, the study delves into the motivations and attitudes of parents and teens that lead them to engage in distracting behaviors while driving. This in-depth look at families will add to our understanding of distracted driving by teens and will yield useful results for researchers world-wide who are focused on enhancing teen driver safety,”
Toyota’s Advanced Safety Research and Wide-Ranging Commitment to Teen Driver Safety
Toyota’s work on the Teen Driver Distraction Study is led by its Collaborative Safety Research Center, which was launched in January 2011 with an unprecedented 5-year, $50 million commitment from the automaker. Based at the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, the CSRC works closely with leading North American universities, hospitals, research institutions and federal agencies on projects aimed at developing new safety technologies that help reduce the number of traffic fatalities and injuries, particularly among the most vulnerable traffic populations, including children, teens, seniors and pedestrians. The CSRC follows an open research approach based on sharing Toyota talent, technology, and data with a broad range of institutions and regulators. The CSRC’s work on teen safety includes in-car, teen driver coaching system research with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.Toyota complements this research with extensive safety education programs for young drivers and their parents as well as direct outreach to consumers, including:
Toyota Driving Expectations, which provides hands-on, real world defensive driving courses that go far beyond what is taught in standard driver education courses;
Toyota Teen Driver, a national partnership with the Discovery Education to bring critical safe driving information and activities directly into schools; and
Additional teen safe driving partnerships with DoSomething.org and the National Safety Council.Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom
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