Newly Remodeled Windom Takes the Lead in the
Front-Wheel Drive Vehicle Class

Tokyo―Fully remodeled and set to go on sale today at Toyota's Corolla dealerships throughout Japan, the new Windom, Toyota's premier model in the front-wheel drive vehicle category, features a striking new design and engineering enhancements that combine the refined luxury of Toyota's internationally renowned Lexus brand with an uncompromising premium on safety, environmental friendliness, and imposing performance.

1. Improved Driving Performance and Comfort

   Toyota engineers have taken Windom's excellent performance and notched it up one more level. It now features a newly developed engine that provides power with room to spare and, together with a new high-efficiency automatic transmission and advanced chassis, an exceptionally quiet and comfortable ride.

   Engine

   Two newly-developed engines, a 2.5-liter V6 engine (2MZ-FE) and a high-performance 3.0-liter V6 engine (1MZ-FE), are available, both supplying spirited acceleration. Lightweight, compact aluminum cylinder block designs feature a higher compression ratio, 10.8:1 for the 2.5-liter, and improved combustion efficiency. Lighter moving parts and improved machining precision reduce friction loss, resulting in a large improvement in output, torque, and fuel consumption―a 14% increase in power and a 12% savings in fuel for the 2MZ-FE.

   Transmission

   The new Windom is also equipped with a high-efficiency super flow torque converter. When shifting, engine torque and clutch oil pressure are precisely controlled electronically, for smooth shifting under all driving conditions. Advanced control technology also expands the operation zone of the lock-up clutch on 3.0-liter models, for low fuel consumption and comfortable transmission control on inclined and declined grades.

   Suspension

   Strengthened front and rear suspension increases rigidity, and changes in the front caster and rear camber angles ensure more driving stability on straightaways or when cornering.

   Windom also sports Toyota's newly developed electronic modulated suspension that allows the driver to choose between four suspension modes (optional on 2.5 G and 3.0 G grades). Based on the "skyhook theory," an ideal in which the vehicle body is kept in a fixed "mid-air" position to provide excellent riding comfort, this suspension system automatically and continuously controls shock absorber attenuation according to various road surface and vehicle conditions.

   Chassis

   In addition to excellent suspension, the Windom's subframe structure with dual antivibration dampers reduces the transfer of engine vibration and road noise to the cabin. Furthermore, the body has been made more rigid, and Toyota engineers have strategically positioned anti vibration and soundproofing materials, providing an exceptionally quiet and smooth ride. Steering vibration while driving has also been reduced by adding rigidity to the steering column and supports.

2. Superior Levels of Safety and Environmental Friendliness

   In order to achieve class-leading levels of active and passive safety, all new grades come with standard anti-lock brake systems (ABS) and dual (driver, front passenger side) supplemental restraint system (SRS) air bags. Additionally, the new Windom employs the Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) body, which has been designed to meet or exceed the world's most stringent collision safety standards.

   Toyota engineers also designed the new Windom with conservation of energy and natural resources firmly in mind. The new model not only has increased fuel efficiency, but also uses a greater amount of easily recycled resin parts, Toyota Super Olefin Polymers (TSOP), in the interior.

   Traction Control (TRC)

   The new Windom's TRC system regulates engine power and brakes the left and right drive wheels independently to ensure driving stability when accelerating or when starting from a complete stop on slippery road surfaces (standard in 3.0 G and optional for other grades).

   Better Visibility and Field of Vision

   Engineers have also lowered the Windom's hood and the bottom portion of the rear window to enhance the driver's field of vision. Both side mirrors are heated, and the driver's side mirror is aspherical to widen the rear right diagonal view and reduce the driver's blind spot.

   New GOA Body Design for Collision Safety

   The Windom uses a rationalized design in its body and cabin framework structure, enabling better energy absorption and cabin integrity in collisions from any direction. This GOA body meets not only Japanese collision safety standards and future European 40% frontal lap offset and side impact standards, but also Toyota's own stringent requirements.

   Interior Safety Features

   Driver and passenger side SRS air bags and 3-point seat belts in all five seats are standard. (Front seat belts are also fitted with pretensioners.) Ribs and pads are built into the front and center pillars, roof side rails, and door trim to protect the head, lower back, and hips of passengers in the event of a collision.

3. Sporty Design Loaded with Luxury

   The Windom's refined interior and exterior express the distinctive quality of an international luxury car, exuding elegance spiced with a surprisingly sporty edge.

   Exterior surfaces are sleek, firm, and expansive. The front of the body has a wide and extended look, with crystal-like multi-reflector headlamps, while the wide rear window contributes a feeling of stability. Inside the new Windom, a graceful two-tone motif extends from the instrument panel, through the console, to the door trim.

4. Unsurpassed Comfort and Functionality

   The new Windom's interior space has been made longer by extending the wheel base 50mm, and is loaded with functions and features for superlative comfort.

   The height of the trunk opening has been lowered by 165mm for improved ease of use. A new foot-operated parking brake can be both activated and released in the same manner, so there is no need for the driver to change position to operate it.

   All grades come standard with multi-functional wireless door locks, highly heat absorbent UV-cut glass, easy-to-read optitron instrument gauges, and a "super-live" sound system. A glove box-mounted 6-disc CD changer and a cellular phone car mounting (hands-free) system are optional throughout the lineup. A wide-screen multi-audio/video (AV) station equipped with VICS-compatible Global Positioning System (GPS) voice navigation systems is standard equipment on the 3.0 G and 2.5 G, and is available as an option on other grades.

Sales Overview

1. Sales channel

   Toyota Corolla dealers throughout Japan

2. Monthly sales target

   3,000 units

3. Dealer announcements

   August 31, (Sat.), September 1 (Sun.)