Aug. 20, 2002
VOLTZ―Style, Performance and Utility in One
―New-genre vehicle planned and designed jointly with GM―
| Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today the start of sales in Japan of the VOLTZ, an active-youth-targeted versatile-utility vehicle that combines large-class breadth, compact-class length and minivan-like interior height. The VOLTZ, which gets its name from “volt,” was developed, according to Chief Engineer Takeshi Yoshida, with an aim “to establish a new genre of vehicle that boasts SUV flair, fun-to-drive attributes and station wagon-like utility.” This new-type vehicle was made possible by a joint effort between TMC and General Motors Corporation (GM) of the United States. Both companies contributed to the styling, while TMC was responsible for development. The VOLTZ will be made at New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI)―TMC and GM’s joint-venture production plant in California, and be imported to Japan. An individualistic front grille, SUV-style cladding, large tires and a wide tread give the VOLTZ an aggressive and powerful exterior. A black interior with chrome and metallic ornamentation and four independent-overlapping Optitron meters, among other elements, create a sporty feel on the inside. Under the hood, a high-output 1.8-liter sports engine (2ZZ-GE) with VVTL-i* (Variable Valve Timing & Lift-intelligent) or a torque-strong and easy-to-handle 1.8-liter engine (1ZZ-FE) with VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) combine with either a four-speed automatic transmission or six-speed stick shift (Z-grade) for maximum driving pleasure. |
The cabin is roomy and the rear seatbacks fold to create a flat luggage space with a smooth-surface deck and deck-floor rails for versatile use. The VOLTZ’s rear glass hatch is another example of user friendliness.
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AGGRESSIVE STYLING At the heart of the VOLTZ is a spacious cabin and design cues that say “SUV”. Packaging The wide tread and ample cabin height ensure a generously proportioned interior with good legroom and elbowroom, as well as ample head clearance. The cabin space is airy and complemented by a high seat-point, for easy ingress and egress, and roomy luggage space. Exterior design The unique front grille with its characteristic V-line, sharply defined headlights, built-in rounded fog lights and the indented outline of the underside of the bumper all emphasize sportiness and space. Cladding panels, large 17-inch wheels (Z grade) and the way the front grille flows into the wheel arch create an SUV-style action-packed image. Meanwhile, windows with a coupe look combine with the vehicle’s roof rails to express agility. Interior design The instrument panel with its sharp lines and pronounced surfaces offers a cockpit ambience hitherto unknown. The keynote black of the interior, chrome and metallic ornamentation, and four independent-overlapping Optitron meters contribute to a sporty atmosphere. The meters, door trim and other fittings are coordinated around a thematic circle and arc shapes to bring out a simple beauty. |
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| ULTRA-SPORTY DRIVING FUN Engines 1.8-liter VVTL-i (BEAMS 2ZZ-GE) The 1.8-liter engine features VVTL-i technology, which continuously varies intake-valve timing and modulates the degree of lift of intake and exhaust valves. A high-rigidity aluminum block, large-diameter valves and a high compression ratio of 11.5 contribute to a high-rpm and high-output engine that provides outstanding dynamic power performance. 1.8-liter VVT-i (BEAMS 1ZZ-FE) VVT-i and a diagonal squish combustion chamber with a high compression ratio of 10.0, improve combustion efficiency and reduction of friction loss, which in turn ensures easy handling at low and medium speeds coupled with sensitive acceleration. In addition, aluminum blocks and a smaller oil pump contribute to lighter weight and smaller size for additional fuel efficiency. Transmission The automatic transmission gives a selection of two four-speed electronically controlled versions (Super ECT or ECT) boasting a high-efficiency super-flow torque converter for smooth and responsive gearshifts and added fuel efficiency. Z grade models are available with a six-speed manual transmission that produces well-tuned cruising. Suspension The front suspension consists of geometrically optimized L-shaped arm MacPherson struts, while the rear, in front-wheel drive vehicles, has a torsion beam with a toe correct function. Four-wheel-drive models feature a compact double-wishbone rear suspension with optimally positioned arm pieces. The combination of a wide tread and large-diameter wide tires gives high levels of riding comfort and excellent maneuverability and handling stability. Four-wheel-drive system A V*-flex full-time 4WD system with a viscous coupling located in the front part of the rear differential provides torque distribution that approaches that of FF vehicles during regular forward movement and optimally distributes torque to the front and rear wheels while driving on slippery surfaces and when cornering. *Viscous coupling |
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| HIGH QUALITY AND OUTSTANDING FUNCTIONALITY High quality Reducing the gaps between parts increases the integrality of the surfaces while close attention to handling feel creates a level of quality equal to that of a medium-class vehicle. On the exterior, gaps between the hood, grille, bumper and body have been minimized. In the interior, attention has been paid to the user-friendliness of the switches on the heater control panel and air vents, while an air-cushioned restraint mechanism is used to give the opening and closing of the glove compartment a more high-class feel. On the production front, high-quality workmanship is ensured at NUMMI, recognized as North America’s top plant in terms of quality. Outstanding and versatile functions A glass hatch allows opening of the rear window independently of the door hatch, giving access to the luggage area even in cramped spaces. The rear seatback folds out of the way in a 60/40 split at the touch of a button to create a flat luggage space allowing flexible arrangement in line with the number of passengers and amount of luggage. The luggage deck is made of an easy-to-wipe resin material while deck-floor rails allow attachment of deck hooks or other useful fittings for versatile use. The front passenger seatback can be folded forward for use as a table. Handy storage space is provided in various locations, including a large-capacity two-shelf console box, a detachable multi-purpose storage container/armrest and a storage tray below the luggage deck. An instrument panel shift lever provides outstanding ease of operation. OUTSTANDING SAFETY AND CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT The Voltz targets cleaner exhaust emissions and high fuel efficiency. At the same time, active safety and passive safety in the Voltz have been emphasized through realization of excellent emergency maneuver and avoidance performance, and use of a GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) advanced collision-safety body. Ecological design Reduced carbon dioxide emissions and cleaner exhaust fumes Vehicles with the 1ZZ-FE engine qualify under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Approval System for Low Emission Vehicles as Ultra Low-Emission Vehicles with emissions 75% lower than the standards for 2000. Vehicles with 2ZZ-GE engines qualify as Transitional Low-emission Vehicles with emissions 25% lower than the 2000 standards. Toward higher fuel efficiency and, thus, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, the VOLTZ comes with engines that have VVT-i, uses high-efficiency transmissions and employs thorough weight-reduction technologies. Recycling Toyota Super Olefin Polymer (TSOP) thermoplastic materials with their excellent recyclability are used in exterior and interior parts including the front and rear bumpers, instrument panel and console box. Use of environmentally conscious materials With use of lead eliminated in the radiator, heater core and wire harness coverings, the VOLTZ meets ahead of schedule the automotive industry’s environmental target of reducing overall lead use in vehicles to one-third or less of 1996 levels by the end of 2005. High levels of safety Preventive safety The VOLTZ offers outstanding maneuverability and handling stability for high performance in emergency avoidance maneuvers. Large-diameter ventilated disk brakes are used up front for excellent braking performance. ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) is standard on all models. Collision safety A 40% offset frontal collision test at 64 km/h and full head-on frontal and side collision tests at 55 km/h were used to further develop the GOA advanced collision-safety body. In addition, frontal, side and rear collision tests were conducted with the Celsior, employing Toyota’s unique omni-directional compatibility concept. Internal furnishings, such as the pillars and roof side-rails, contain built-in ribs to absorb impact, offering safety equal to that outlined in U.S. head impact protection standards. Dual-stage SRS airbags are standard for the front seating positions. These airbags inflate in two stages in low-speed and low-impact collisions, thereby reducing their impact on the faces of front-seat occupants. The driver’s seat airbag, which employs an advanced system for controlling the ignition of two inflators, is designed to deploy optimally in relation to the physical size of the driver, calculated by sensors in the seat. Front seat side airbags, seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters and flashing seat belt warning lamps are standard on all models. Seat structures that incorporate the WIL (Whiplash Impact Lessening) concept, designed to reduce stress on the neck during low-speed impacts from the rear, are incorporated in the structural design of the front seats. Standard on all models, the outer seating positions in the rear row of seats feature a dedicated ISO-FIX* compliant child seat anchor point. Front and rear fog lamps are standard on all models for increased visibility in inclement weather. |
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| *An ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard for child seat attachments created to prevent improper installation of child seats, improve vehicle conformity and set an internationally uniform attachment method. |
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Sales Channels
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VOLTZ Specifications
| Grade | S | Z | S |
| 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | |
| Powertrain | 2WD (FF) | 2WD (FF) | 4WD |
| Length (mm) | 4,365 | 4,365 | 4,365 |
| Width (mm) | 1,775 | 1,775 | 1,775 |
| Height (mm) | 1,605 | 1,605 | 1,615 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,600 | 2,600 | 2,600 |
| Track | |||
| -Front (mm) | 1,515 | 1,505 | 1,515 |
| -Rear (mm) | 1,495 | 1,485 | 1,500 |
| Minimum turning radius(m) | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Ground clearance(mm) | 170 | 170 | 180 |
| Curb weight (kg) | 1,250 | 1,290 [1,270] | 1,320 |
| Engine | |||
| -Model | 1ZZ-FE | 2ZZ-GE | 1ZZ-FE |
| -Engine type | In-line 4-cylinder DOHC | In-line 4-cylinder DOHC | In-line 4-cylinder DOHC |
| -Displacement (cc) | 1,794 | 1,795 | 1,794 |
| -Bore x stroke (mm) | 79.0 x 91.5 | 82.0 x 85.0 | 79.0 x 91.5 |
| -Compression ratio | 10.0 | 11.5 | 10.0 |
| -Maximum output | 97 (132) / 6,000 | 140 (190) / 7,600 | 92 (125) / 6,000 |
| -Maximum torque | 170 (17.3) / 4,200 | 180 (18.4) / 6,800 | 161 (16.4) / 4,200 |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 13.0 | 11.2 [12.2] | 12.2 |
| Fuel supply system | Electronic fuel injection (EFI) | Electronic fuel injection (EFI) | Electronic fuel injection (EFI) |
| Fuel capacity (l) | 50 | 50 | 45 |
| Steering | Rack and pinion | Rack and pinion | Rack and pinion |
| Suspension | |||
| -front | Strutted-type coil springs with stabilizer | Strutted-type coil springs with stabilizer | Strutted-type coil springs with stabilizer |
| -rear | Torsion beam-type coil springs with stabilizer | Torsion beam-type coil springs with stabilizer | Double wishbone type with coil springs and stabilizer |
| Brakes | |||
| -front | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc |
| -rear | Leading / trailing | Disc | Leading / trailing |
NOTES: 1) Fuel consumption measured in the Japanese 10 - 15 test cycle; 2) Figures in brackets are for vehicles with manual transmissions
