Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the new 2009 Venza at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Venza will raise the average vehicle to new levels by combining a unique blend of sedan refinement and sport utility vehicle (SUV) functionality.

"The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager.

All aspects of Venza's engineering and design were targeted specifically for the North American market where it will be sold exclusively. Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and designed at Toyota's Calty design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor. Venza will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky.

Toyota Venza (2009)
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The development focus of the Venza design team was to create a new vehicle that shifted away from the more traditional SUV styling themes that tend to dominate the segment. Calty designers leaned more heavily on a sleek car concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior and premium comfort interior but would also be equipped with important SUV attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drive performance.

The exterior design of the four-door Venza begins with an imposing front end featuring a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for an aggressive, yet classy appearance. The front conforms to a sleek and aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, crisp character lines, and a roofline and ground clearance that are lower than a typical car's. From behind, Venza's refined appearance is complete with an angled rear hatch, spoiler and wide wraparound tail lights that interconnect with the hatch door.

On the inside, Calty designers and TTC engineers made comfort, refinement and utility a priority for the five-passenger Venza. A sweeping rocker design will allow occupants to more easily step in and out of the vehicle than a typical car. Venza will also feature a higher ride height and slight line that will help provide significantly better driver visibility than most cars and easier ingress and egress than most SUVs.

Venza will provide a spacious interior providing extra room for all five passengers and abundant SUV-like cargo space behind the second row of seats. The rear hatch provides a very low cargo height that allows for easy loading and unloading of luggage and outdoor gear. One-touch levers, one on each side of the rear cargo area, allow the 60/40 split rear seats to fold flat, providing additional storage space for extra long items such as surf boards, skis, camping gear and gardening equipment. For added passenger comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.

A creative interior design complemented with an array of comfort and convenience features provides Venza with a refined look and feel that is commonly reserved for a luxury vehicle. The flow of the instrumentation panel (IP) creates a unique 60/60 design that gives both driver and front passenger the look and feeling that 60 percent of the IP is accessible from their seating position.

An extra long center console extends from the IP and slopes down to a center compartment with a unique sliding console cover. Sliding open the compartment lid reveals a large storage well deep enough to hold a large purse. The compartment is also illuminated and equipped with an auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power point. The upper portion of the center console houses the gear-shift lever for easy and comfortable driver access. Climate control functions are centrally located on the upper center console, providing easy accessibility for both driver and passenger. The center console also contains an iPod®/MP3 storage compartment with wire management and illuminated dual cup holders.

Venza models will be equipped with an array of standard features including auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a multi-function display, cruise control, Optitron gauges, rear wiper, privacy glass, and much more. On V6 models Venza will come standard with dual exhaust tips and will be the first Toyota model to ride on standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models will come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.

Chrome accents throughout give Venza a refined look and feel. Models equipped with an optional leather-trimmed interior will feature wood-grain-type trim and seats stitched with dark piping that is tastefully coordinated with Venza's standard linear grain dashboard and steering wheel. An array of storage space will be available throughout the vehicle to accommodate passenger belongings. A large storage compartment with an additional 12-volt power point located on the passenger side of the front center console will be sizeable enough to contain maps and magazines.

A panoramic roof will be offered as an option and will be a first for the Toyota vehicle lineup. The roof will feature separate glass panels over the front and rear seats. The front glass panel will have a power tilt/slide function.

Venza will also offer an Automatic High Beam headlight system, another Toyota first. When high beam headlights are in use sensors in the Automatic High Beam system will detect oncoming traffic and automatically switch the headlights to low beam. When the Automatic High Beam sensors no longer detect oncoming traffic the system will switch the headlights back to high beam mode.

Additional optional equipment will include a navigation system equipped with a premium JBL Synthesis 13-speaker audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer, integrated satellite radio capability, music streaming via Bluetooth® technology and XM® "real-time" traffic; rear seat entertainment system with Surround Sound and 9-inch display; Smart Key System; back-up camera; power rear door; heated seats, mirrors and deicers; HID headlights; and towing package (3500 lb. max).

The sleek and sporty styling, refined interior and outstanding utility features are complemented with fun-to-drive performance attributes expected by owners with active lifestyles. Aggressive handling typically found in a performance coupe is well-balanced by the on-road comfort of an upscale sedan.

Venza will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It will provide drivers and passengers the quiet comfortable ride expected from a full-size car along with the peace-of-mind that comes with all-wheel-drive.

Power will be generated by an available 3.5-liter V6 that will produce 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm with a towing capability of 3,500 pounds. Standard power will come from an all-new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver capable performance and provide excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both engines will be mated with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic transmission.

Venza will be equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features. It will provide a total of seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, front seat side mounted, front driver and passenger seat-mounted side and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. Venza will also be the first car with Toyota's STAR Safety System™, featuring anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability control. Venza will also feature front active head rests as standard equipment.

"Venza will establish an exciting new niche that will combine the finest attributes of Toyota's diverse vehicle lineup," said Carter. "It will cater to buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of a Camry, the comfort and upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utility and functionality of a Highlander SUV in one very stylish and sporty package."

"When it goes on sale in late 2008, the Venza will represent Toyota's latest commitment to driving change in the marketplace."

2009 VENZA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN

2.7-liter four-cylinder engine Horsepower: TBD Torque: TBD Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission 3.5-liter V6 engine Horsepower: 268 @ 6,200 rpm Torque: 246 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission Drive System: Front- and All-Wheel-Drive

DIMENSIONS (inches)

Overall Length: 189.0 Overall Width: 75.0 Overall Height: 63.4 Wheelbase: 109.3 Ground clearance: 8.1 Wheels: 19-inch alloy wheels (four-cylinder only) 20-inch alloy wheels (standard on V6 and available on four-cylinder) Tire Size: 20-inch: 245/50 R20 19-inch: 245/55 R19 Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs. (V6 model) Seating Capacity: 5