Mar. 07, 1979
TOYOTA UNVEILS FULL MODEL CHANGE IN THE
TOYO-ACE LIGHT TRUCK
Diesel and Low-Bed Models Added to Fill Out Line
TOKYO―Toyota Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Sales Co. jointly announced today a full model change in the Toyo-Ace, Toyota's cab-over light truck line―the first such change in the Toyo-Ace since August 1971. The new series went on sale nationwide in Japan on March 5.
- The main improvements and changes in the new Toyo-Ace include the following
-
- Full compliance with Japan's 1979 emissions and noise control standards.
- Improved safety.
- Greater variety in model types to respond to the growing diversity of demand in the light-truck market. For example, an L-Type diesel engine has now been made available, and in all model types an extra-low cargo bed is also available, making the Toyo-Ace series more well-rounded.
- Improved cargo-carrying characteristics and maneuverability, through a reinforced cargo bed.
- Improved seats, air conditioning and other equipment, aimed at giving the new Toyo-Ace a true passenger-car comfort.
The new series offers a total of 45 model types, including 25 diesel-powered and 20 gasoline-powered trucks.
- New Styling
- The former semi cab-over cabin has been replaced by a full cab-over design for added comfort and mobility, and easier boarding and alighting. A distinctive styling has been realized through use of 4-lamp headlights, a honeycomb-shaped front grille and a wedge-shaped cabin contour with outstanding aerodynamic characteristics. Also, a more spacious front windshield affords the driver a wider field of vision and gives the interior a bright, open feeling. For further accent in styling, a new orange body color has been made optional.
- Compliance with 1979 Emissions and Noise Standards
- All model types in the new Toyo-Ace series comply with Japan's 1979 emissions control standards through improvements in the carburetor and distributor, and through use of an ignition timing control device. To meet noise control standards, the truck's muffler capacity has been raised and noise-absorbent materials have been incorporated.
- Increased Safety
- A wider field of vision has been achieved in front through use of a large-size front windshield and a lowered instrument panel. The driver's rearview has also been improved by use of larger side mirrors. Intermittent windshield wipers have been added to make operation more convenient during any type of rainy weather.
Also, a side defroster is now available in some model types for clearer vision through side windows; this is standard in the 2-ton diesel models.
A large-size brake booster improves braking performance, and for better vehicle stability during emergency braking the hydraulic pressure of the rear brakes is now controlled by either a Load-Sensing Proportioning Valve or by a Deceleration Sensing Proportioning Valve.
Some model types use an OK Monitor function check system(standard on diesel models), and all models are now provided with easily operated continuous 3-point seatbelts. A radiator reserve tank is also included, and the instrument panel is fitted with safety padding.
- More Well-Rounded Line
- Diesel-powered trucks are available in all model types. Previously the Toyo-Ace series mounted the J-Type diesel engine (2481cc), available only on seven model types, but in the new series the 2J-Type diesel engine is available on five 2-ton model types and the L-Type diesel engine (2188cc) is newly available on twenty 1.5-ton model types. The small, lightweight L-Type is the first Japanese-made OHC diesel engine. The use of a Bosch-type distributed fuel injection pump and a mechanical governor mechanism help this engine to achieve both high performance and high power output.
Performance in the gasoline-engine models has been raised by mounting the 12R-Type engine (1587cc) on the eleven trucks with standard decks, and the 5R-Type engine on the nine trucks with long decks.
An extra-low deck has been made available in twelve truck model types, including seven diesel-powered trucks and five gasoline-powered trucks, and in ten variations―five each with diesel and gasoline engines―including both panel vans and canvas-covered, deep-bed trucks. These extra-low decks make for easier loading and unloading. They also give the Toyo-Ace models improved carrying characteristics, because the tire housing does not protrude into the deck.
- Improved Carrying Characteristics
- All the trucks in the new Toyo-Ace series have had their front axle and other parts of their chassis reinforced in order to achieve the optimum suspension performance. Various parts of the deck have also been reinforced and the cargo deck's floor has been lowered to improve carrying characteristics.
The switch to the full-cab cabin means that the turning radius of the Toyo-Ace has been made smaller, thus giving the truck greater maneuverability.
- Comfort and Equipment
- The use of the full cab-over type of cabin has made the Toyo-Ace's boarding and alighting easier, and has resulted in a roomier interior. In addition, passenger-car comfort has been achieved through the use of high-back seats, improved seat cushions and greater forward/backward sliding travel for the seats.
Driving operations have also been improved through the introduction of an integrated-switch lever, and some model types (the long-deck diesel trucks) have a power window option. Also the Toyo-Ace's heater has been upgraded, a semi-air conditioner has been made optional, and a side ventilator introduced―all to improve the truck's ventilation.