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The Toyota Voltz is the Japanese
version of the Pontiac Vibe which is the same as the Toyota Matrix.
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August 20, 2002
Toyota Motor Corporation |
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VOLTZ—Style, Performance and
Utility in One |
—New-genre
vehicle planned and designed jointly with GM—
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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.
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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
| Sales outlets: |
“Netz Toyota”
dealers nationwide |
| Monthly sales target: |
1,500 units |
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| VOLTZ Specifications |
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Grade |
S |
Z |
S |
| 1.8 |
1.8 |
1.8 |
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Powertrain |
2WD (FF) |
2WD (FF) |
4WD |
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Length (mm) |
4,365 |
4,365 |
4,365 |
| Width
(mm) |
1,775 |
1,775 |
1,775 |
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Height (mm) |
1,605 |
1,605 |
1,615 |
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Wheelbase (mm) |
2,600 |
2,600 |
2,600 |
| Track |
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| -Front
(mm) |
1,515 |
1,505 |
1,515 |
| -Rear
(mm) |
1,495 |
1,485 |
1,500 |
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Minimum turning radius (m) |
5.4 |
5.4 |
5.4 |
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Ground clearance (mm) |
170 |
170 |
180 |
| Curb
weight (kg) |
1,250 |
1,290
[1,270] |
1,320 |
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Engine |
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| -Model |
1ZZ-FE |
2ZZ-GE |
1ZZ-FE |
| -Engine
type |
In-line
4-cylinder DOHC |
In-line
4-cylinder DOHC |
In-line
4-cylinder DOHC |
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-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 |
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-Compression ratio |
10.0 |
11.5 |
10.0 |
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-Maximum output |
97 (132)
/ 6,000 |
140
(190) / 7,600 |
92 (125)
/ 6,000 |
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-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 |
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Steering |
Rack and
pinion |
Rack and
pinion |
Rack and
pinion |
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Suspension |
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-front |
Strutted-type coil springs with stabilizer |
Strutted-type coil springs with stabilizer |
Strutted-type coil springs with stabilizer |
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-rear |
Torsion
beam-type coil springs with stabilizer |
Torsion
beam-type coil springs with stabilizer |
Double
wishbone type with coil springs and stabilizer |
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Brakes |
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| -front |
Ventilated disc |
Ventilated disc |
Ventilated disc |
| -rear |
Leading
/ trailing |
Disc |
Leading
/ trailing |
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Article source: Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan
http://www.toyota.co.jp
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