All-New 2014 Toyota Highlander SUV Makes World Debut at 2013 New York
•All-New Dynamic, Sleek Exterior Design•Refined, Premium Interior wîth Advanced Technologies
•New Six-Speed Automatic wîth Sequential Shift on V6 Models
•Available Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive
•Available Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Ale
The all-new third-generation 2014 Toyota Highlander
mid-size SÚV made its world debut today at the 2013 New York Auto Show.An all-new exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, complementing a new interior that will raise the bar in the mid-size SÚV §egmènt. With three-row seating for up to eight, an array of standard features, a host of available in-cabin technologies, and increased cargo capacity, the new Highlander
will offer a nuanced balance of style, comfort and utility. The total
package is capped off wîth three powertrain choices: a fuel-efficient
four-cylinder engine a powerful V6 wîth a new six-speed transmission
that will produce excellent all-around capability, and a V6-powered
Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain for enhanced mileage and fewer
emissions.Sophisticated, Dynamic Exterior is Sleek and Strong
Sophisticated and dynamic, the new Highlander
features a progressive silhouette, a lower roofline for improved
aerodynamics, and sculptured side-door panels. The exterior has grown in
length by approximately three inches while width is increased one-half
inch, conveying a sleek and strong appearance.
From the front, Highlander's hood merges wîth a redesigned trapezoidal
grille, wraparound headlamps and deeply chiseled fenders for a more
aggressive appearance.The length of the profile, from the front fenders to the rear quarter panels, boldly stands out wîth sculptured wheel wells at the corners, allowing for prominently protruding wheels. The total package is capped off by a newly designed rear lift-gate wîth one-touch power open/close and driver selectable memory height settings, and taillights and bumper that exude style and strength.
Highlander's body structure will include high-strength steel in the front pillars for increased rigidity. Visibility has been improved through precise repositioning of the front A-pillars, while the size of the rear quarter glass has been increased to provide a wider view for driver and occupants.
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 2.7 L., 4-cylinder | |
6-speed Automatic, CVT | |
Vibration is minimized through expanded coverage of the dash silencer,
enhancements to body sealing, and the strategic placement of three
hydraulic engine mounts. Improvements in the exhaust layout have been
made for additional noise and vibration reduction.Premium Interior Design wîth Advanced Functionality
Toyota engineers raised the bar on interior design for the mid-size SÚV §egmènt by adding even more refinement and functionality to the new Highlander. The 2014 model will offer a premium interior highlighted by increased spaciousness for up to eight people, and an array of standard comfort, convenience and technology features.
The new Highlander's interior utilizes premium materials to offer an upscale experience, wîth most models featuring standard contrast seat stitching. All Highlanders will come equipped wîth a soft-touch instrument panel; and silver-painted, satin, and chrome-plated accents that are thoughtfully placed throughout the interior. Wood-grain pattern trim can be found on the front dash and door trim for an added touch of elegance. Premium fabrics, available smooth and perforated leather-trim seats, leather wrapped §teering wheel and shift knob add to Highlander's redesigned upscale interior. The adoption of a high quality knit roof lining and available second-row sunshades add to Highlander's refinement and comfort.
A new roll-top center console
box wîth a dampened sliding door provides a comfortable armrest, or
when fully opened is large enough to hold a large handbag. All
Highlanders will feature a newly designed in-meter-cluster
Multi-Information Display. Available ambient lighting around the front
dash and doors add to the refined environment.
The second row offers bench-seating for three passengers or two
captain's seats featuring a collapsible tray wîth cup holders for added
convenience. Getting into the third-row is made easier wîth the addition
of a one-step second-row sliding seat function that provides nearly
three more inches of space for easier entry and exit to the third-row.
An overall interior width increase of 4.3 inches in the third-row and a
standard recline function creates added comfort for up to three
passengers. Like the second-row bench, the third-row will be 40/60 split
for added passenger and storage flexibility and convenience. Rear cargo
space behind the third-row has also increased by up to 34 percent for
added storage.Additional available convenience features include an Automatic High Beam System, Auto Cruise Control, Smart Key, driver's seat memory, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's seats, and a heated §teering wheel.
Improved Dynamic Performance, Handling, Efficiency
The new Highlander will be available in three powertrains. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is equipped wîth a variable intake manifold and dual Variable-Valve Timing wîth intelligence (VVT-i), which controls phasing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize torque and fuel efficiency. The 2.7-liter engine is teamed wîth a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
A 3.5-liter V6 is also equipped wîth dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. Acceleration and fuel efficiency are improved thanks to a new six-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) that offers selectable manual sequential shifting.
The Highlander Hybrid model's Hybrid Synergy Drive system pairs the
3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine wîth a high-torque electric drive
motor-generator for additional power and fuel efficiency.The new Highlander will provide a more dynamic driving experience, wîth new technologies that include Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD), enhancements in suspension performance, and optimized electric power steering. The spring rates and the shock absorbers have been optimally tuned to help enhance the vehicles handling characteristics.
Highlander will have a MacPherson strut front suspension, double-wishbone rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels and available 19-inch alloys.
Highlander's Dynamic Torque Control AWD system automatically shifts
from front-wheel drive (FWD) to AWD when accelerating or when sensors
detect wheel slippage. The driver is able to view the
torque-distribution settings on the meter display.The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential.
Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, wîth front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help improve fuel consumption.
The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system uses information sent from various sensors (speed, §teering angle and speed, throttle angle and yaw rate) to automatically govern the transmission of torque to the rear wheels, as required.
A sophisticated, high-speed interactive management system coordinates control of the Dynamic Torque Control AWD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems to enhance Highlander's performance, handling and safety.
Advanced In-Cabin, Multimedia Connectivity
All new Highlanders come equipped wîth Toyota's Entune™ multimedia system. The Display Audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth® and voice recognition is standard, while an eight-inch touchscreen system and Toyota's Entune™ app suite with12 JBL speakers is also available.
The new Highlander will also offer an available Rear Seat Entertainment system wîth an RCA coaxial input terminal at the rear of the center console to allow external devices, such as gaming systems, to be connected.
Comprehensive Array of Safety & Convenience Features
All 2014 Highlander's will have eight standard airbags. Like every Toyota, Highlander will feature the standard Star Safety System™, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. All Highlander's will also come equipped with a standard backup camera and Hill-start Assist Control. All AWD models will have an AWD LOCK switch.
New available safety and convenience features include rear parking sonar, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Pre-collision System.
All Highlanders are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind. The all-new Highlander will reach dealer showrooms in early 2014.
Source - Toyota
