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Classic Toyota

Toyota Reduces Water Consumption by Nearly 55 Million Gallons

Toyota is an automaker dedicated to protecting the environment and reducing its carbon footprint. Case in point is the current 2015 Toyota Prius, which gets an EPA-estimated 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway that tops most other cars on the road. Besides building more efficient vehicles, Toyota has worked to incorporate environmental initiatives into their vehicle production and facility use. more Starting in 2010, Toyota made it their goal to reduce water consumption by 6% by 2016. This year, they beat the goal and reached 8%, saving close to 55 million gallons of water in the process. To do this, they installed a sophisticated filtration system in their San Antonio plant that cuts 80 gallons from the production of each vehicle. Here at their nearby Chicago service training center, they switched to drought landscaping and implemented a rainwater collection system. That’s not all Toyota is doing, though. All of the North American Toyota facilities were able to reuse, compost, recycle, or reduce their non-regulated waste by 96%. To top it off, 28 of their facilities qualify as zero waste businesses. The end goal for Toyota is eliminate nearly all carbon emissions at their facilities by 2050. They’re already well on their way thanks to initiatives like switching their Alabama plan to partially run on energy stored in old hybrid vehicle batteries that would no longer be useful in cars. For their efforts, the EPA has given Toyota their Energy Star Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award 11 years in a row! If you’d like to join in and cut down on your carbon footprint, or just save on trips to the gas station, visit Classic Toyota. You can find the 2015 Toyota Prius near Gurnee today at our 515 N. Green Bay Road in Waukegan, Illinois.

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Boost Your Gas Mileage in the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2016 Toyota Camry sedans near Chicago at Classic Toyota are built with a smart blend of performance and fuel economy. If you do want to maximize fuel economy and cut down on trips to the gas station, choose the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid offering a blend of gasoline engine performance with electric power. more Every 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid features a 2.5L four-cylinder engine augmented with an electric motor fed by a battery pack. Together both power sources produce 200 hp, enough power to take the car from zero to 60 mph in a quick 7.7 seconds.  All power is sent to the front wheels with a continuously variable transmission. Unlike some hybrids, the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid does not need to be plugged in to take advantage of hybrid fuel economy. Just start up the car, start driving, and you can get up to an EPA-estimated 43 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. The 2016 Toyota Camry comes in three trim levels starting with the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE. This base model is quite well equipped with full Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, which connects your smartphone to a 6.1-inch touchscreen interface. iPhone users can also take advantage of a special Siri Eyes Free model. Moving up to the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE gives the vehicle sportier performance with a tuned suspension, athletic rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sport fabric seats. These models also have an available wireless charging system for your phone, smartphone app integration, and navigation. At the top is the 2016 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid with a bigger seven-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. There are also more available features like a 10-speaker audio system from JBL, an adaptive cruise control system, and additional safety features like a forward collision warning system. If you have any questions about the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid, please contact our Toyota sales team today or stop by the dealership. You can find the 2016 Toyota Camry near Chicago, along with the Hybrid version, at 515 N. Green Bay Road.

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Toyota Starts AI Institute for Self-Driving Cars and More

The time for getting behind the wheel of a self-driving Toyota Camry around Kenosha is rapidly approaching. More vehicles, including new 2016 Toyota cars, are adding in features that help prevent accidents by allowing cars to take control. In just a few years more and more people will be chauffeured safely by their vehicles thanks to automakers like Toyota. more Toyota just announced this month that they would be putting a billion dollars in the next five years to the newly founded Toyota Research Institute in Silicon Valley with the goal of advancing artificial intelligence and robotics. This is in addition to the $50 million Toyota promised a few months ago to AI in collaboration with Stanford and MIT. One of the first goals here is further developing autonomous driving technology whether that’s a better intelligent cruise control that’s able to accurately understand its surroundings or collision avoidance technology that can immediately stop if a car, person, or animal comes in its path. Another goal is improving manufacturing. Like many other manufactures, Toyota is utilizing intelligent computer systems and complex manufacturing robots to build cars quickly and accurately. A goal for the Toyota Research Institute will to be able to create robotic AI systems that are able to better collaborate and work with their human counterparts. For instance, a robot being able to determine if you’re giving it an instruction with your hand or just picking up a pen, talking to it or a co-worker. Lastly, Toyota has said they are very interested in helping to provide elderly assistance. They are currently working on a Human Support Robot that could help improve quality of life for elderly people and could give them more independence at home, rather than having to live with family or go to a nursing home. Stay tuned to Classic Toyota for the latest on Toyota technological advancements. Better yet, come to Classic Toyota at 515 N. Green Bay Road where you can see the latest 2016 Toyota models in action near Kenosha like the 2016 Toyota Camry.

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The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is Top Midsize Pickup for October

While a full-size pickup truck like the 2016 Toyota Tundra is an excellent choice for tough jobs and fun adventures, not every driver needs that much space or performance. A midsize truck like the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is easier to handle and benefits from increased fuel economy and Americans are taking notice while still providing enough juice for work and play. more Last month, Toyota dominated the midsize pickup truck segment with a total of 15,232 trucks sold, beating out the competition. This vehicle has been gaining in popularity this year at our Toyota dealership near Gurnee and across the country. Toyota saw a 17% sales growth over October 2014. When you come to Classic Toyota, you’ll have your choice of two engine options. The first is a 2.7L four-cylinder engine producing 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, which may be best for drivers who just enjoy the feel of driving a truck and don’t need top performance. If you do plan on using your truck as a work vehicle, choose the bigger V6 engine releasing 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. Trucks with this engine can tow up to 6800 pounds and get up to 24 mpg highway. Both models offer the option of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with special 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road models available that are designed for driving over tough terrain. Whether you’re interested in a midsize pickup truck or a full-size one, Classic Toyota has what you are looking for. Contact a Toyota dealer today to schedule a test drive and learn more about our current inventory. We’re eager to learn more about your driving needs and help you find the truck that’s right for you.

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Toyota is Developing a Toyota Supra Successor

One of the pre-owned Toyota cars Chicago drivers continually asked about is the Toyota Supra. While the Toyota Supra has been off the market since the late 1990s, there are still a lot of fans for the sports coupe and even more people interested in a new model. The good news is Toyota is planning on releasing a new model, and we may see a production version soon of a 2017 Toyota Supra. more The Toyota Supra was first produced in 1978 as a longer and wider version of the Toyota Celica. Owing to its popularity, Toyota eventually spun off the Toyota Supra into its own line in the mid-80s where it continued until 1998 in the United States and 2002 in Japan due to declining sales of small sports coupes as drivers here gravitated more and more towards large SUVs. Recently with lower prices at gas stations and more and more baby boomers retiring looking for fun sports cars, there’s been lots of demand for Toyota to bring back the Toyota Supra. At this year’s Detroit Motor Show, Toyota teased fans with the reveal of the Toyota FT-1 concept, a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car with aggressive styling that will likely be the direct inspiration for a future 2017 Toyota Supra. Toyota didn’t reveal much about it, but a production model would likely have a turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder engine producing about 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, along with a hybrid version that could get up to 473 hp. Toyota has trademarked the Toyota Supra recently and Tetsuya Tada of Toyota has hinted there should be a more production-ready version that will debut in early 2016, likely at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show in January (appropriately a year after the Toyota FT-1 concept was first released). Classic Toyota will keep you posted on the Toyota Supra as we learn more. In the meantime, you can take a look at the used cars for sale near Chicago in our online inventory or visit our dealership where you can find the latest 2016 Toyota cars. You can find Classic Toyota at 515 N. Green Bay Road in Waukegan, IL.

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Should I Buy a New, Pre-Owned, or Certified Pre-Owned Toyota Corolla?

When you come to Classic Toyota, you have many choices when it comes to the Toyota Corolla. You can choose a new 2016 Toyota Corolla, a pre-owned Toyota Corolla, or a Certified Pre-Owned Toyota Corolla near Libertyville. Which is the best option for you? more 2016 Toyota Corolla The 2016 Toyota Corolla is the latest Toyota compact sedan to arrive at our dealership. By choosing this model, you’ll have access to the newest upgrades and features like an upgraded Entune audio and connectivity system. When you buy new it’s easy to get the exact model you want in the exact color. Plus, there’s definitely a thrill to being the first to ride behind the wheel and that new car smell. Pre-Owned Toyota Corolla We also carry a variety of pre-owned Toyota Corolla models spanning a variety of years and generations. You might find pre-owned vehicles just a few years old or more affordable vehicles with plenty of years still left in them. Buying pre-owned gives you a lot of variety to choose from, plus the vehicles are more affordable. Certified Pre-Owned Toyota Corolla A certified pre-owned Toyota Corolla gives you the affordable pricing of a used car with the reliability of a new vehicle. Certified Pre-Owned Toyota cars are recent model year vehicles that have been put through a 160-point vehicle inspection and come with a CARFAX vehicle history report. Additionally, these models are backed with a 12-month / 12,000-mile limited warranty and seven-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Plus, you also get free roadside assistance for a year. Whether you’re interested in a new, used, or certified Toyota Corolla near Libertyville, visit Classic Toyota. In the meantime, you can view our current inventory online, or give our Toyota sales team a call with any questions!

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Toyota Planning on Releasing Self-Driving Cars by 2020

At our Toyota dealership serving Waukegan, the vehicles we sell get more complex each year. Besides hybrids like the 2015 Toyota Prius, cars like the 2016 Toyota Camry have safety systems that can stop the vehicle if the driver doesn’t respond in time. According to Toyota, Classic Toyota may start carrying vehicles with self-driving technology in 2020 that would eliminate the tedium of your daily highway commute. more Recently Toyota has been testing out a vehicle feature they call Highway Teammate on the Shuto Expressway in Tokyo, which they recently revealed at the beginning of October. It’s part of a larger investment by the automaker to boost self-driving technology. The feature is able to sense when you enter the on ramp to a highway and activates. Road map technology lets the vehicle know where it’s headed while sensors outfitted around the exterior of the vehicle let it actually recognize its surroundings. These sensors enable the car to merge and change lanes while keeping a respectable distance between vehicles. It knows if a car is stopping ahead of you or that there’s a barrier to the left the car shouldn’t drive into. This is going to be a boon to drivers who can’t stand the hassle of start-and-stop highway commuting. The way Toyota envisions self-driving cars to go is first introducing features and technologies that take the annoying parts out of the driving experience like the Highway Partner. You’ll still drive the car at times, but you’ll have a “partner” if you don’t want to like during rush hour. Even more important is that Toyota cars will get even better at preventing accidents making driving safer for everyone. While self-driving cars are still a ways out, Classic Toyota carries the current Toyota lineup, which is filled with advanced connectivity and safety technology. Come to our Toyota dealership in Waukegan, IL at 515 N. Green Bay Road to see what we have in stock and take a test drive!

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Toyota Helps Out the Environment on Public Lands Day

Toyota has a history of helping out the environment thanks to introducing alternative energy vehicles like the current 2015 Toyota Prius hybrid and the hydrogen 2015 Toyota Mirai. Thanks to Toyota, hybrid cars are now a large part of the automotive space and soon hydrogen cars may be to. Additionally, each year Toyota employees give back on Public Lands Day. more Held on September 26 each year, Public Lands Day is an event that encourages people across the country to band together to clean up public places like state and local parks. The hope is that by raising awareness on this day that people will get more involved around the year to keep public spaces preserved and clean. At the Toyota Mississippi plant, 700 employees went to the Tombigbee State Park on Public Lands Day as part of a new five year partnership. Employees worked on restoring trail access, created new picnic tables, repaired cabins and playgrounds, and performed much-needed landscaping. They also analyzed additional problems with the park to work on in the future. Over at the Toyota Indiana plant, 120 employees journeyed to the Evansville Sunrise Park where they planted, fixed up benches, spread out mulch, and cleaned up the park. They also presented the major of Evansville with a check for $10,000 to benefit the city parks department. If you’re interested in helping out the environment by cutting down your driving footprint, you can find the 2015 Toyota Prius near Kenosha at Classic Toyota, located at 515 N. Green Bay Road in Waukegan. The vehicle’s hybrid powertrain helps to cut down on gas usage with an EPA-estimated 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway. A redesigned 2016 Toyota Prius is expected to arrive as well in the next few months with even better fuel economy!

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Certified Pre-Owned Toyota Corolla vs. a Used Car

At Classic Toyota, we realize you have a lot of options when choosing a used car. However, if you’re looking for a vehicle that’s reliable, one of the best options is going to be a certified pre-owned Toyota. Let’s compare a vehicle like a certified pre-owned Toyota Corolla near Chicago to a normal used car. Warranty A certified pre-owned Toyota Corolla comes with a limited warranty that lasts for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, there’s also a seven year / 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. If a used car is newer it may still have the original warranty left on it, though these are not always transferrable. With a certified Toyota, you’re protected from major problems. 160-Point Inspection In order to be certified, pre-owned Toyota cars will have to go through a full 160-point vehicle inspection. Any issue or part that’s not up to code must be repaired or replaced for the car to become certified. A used car salesman will likely have a car inspected before it goes on the lot, though their standards may not be as intensive or as clear to the customer. Additionally, a private seller may not even take their vehicle to be inspected before selling it. CARFAX Vehicle History Report A CARFAX vehicle history report is included with every certified pre-owned Toyota. This lets you learn more your vehicle: information about past ownership, the title, and even maintenance records. This way you know you’re not getting a lemon. A CARFAX vehicle history report may be available with other used cars, but you’ll likely have to pay extra for it. These are only a few of the highlights of certified pre-owned Toyota vehicles. To learn more, contact a Toyota dealer or visit our dealership to test drive a certified Toyota Corolla near Chicago.

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Toyota Reveals All-New 2016 Toyota Prius in Las Vegas

For some time now, Classic Toyota has been following the rumors of an all-new 2016 Toyota Prius. Toyota has finally thrown hybrid fans a bone by unveiling the official redesign at a special event held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new 2016 Toyota Prius is expected to be released early in 2016. more The current 2015 Toyota Prius is rated at 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway. Official EPA estimates haven’t been released yet, but Toyota says the new hybrid will be about 10 percent more efficient. The 2016 Toyota Prius features a lighter hybrid system and a battery capable of holding more energy, which will help increase efficiency. Toyota has said there will be a special “Eco” version available with even better fuel economy. Of course the biggest change this year is the design. The new generation abandons the classic “wedge” shape of previous Toyota Prius hybrids for a vehicle that’s sharper and sportier. The 2016 Toyota Prius should appeal to a wider range of drivers with its futuristic, cutting-edge looks. Toyota also says the model will feature more athletic performance. Though still a compact car, the interior of the 2016 Toyota Prius will be larger than before. The vehicle is .6 inches wider and 2.4 inches longer. Toyota also says the interior will feature more premium and soft-touch materials providing plenty of comfort for both the driver and passengers. Classic Toyota looks forward to the release of the 2016 Toyota Prius next year. As we learn more details about the redesign, we will share them here on our blog. In the meantime, you can find the 2015 Toyota Prius near Libertyville at 515 N. Green Bay Road in Waukegan, IL. Stop by soon, we look forward to introducing you to our inventory of new Toyota vehicles!

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The 2016 Toyota Camry is Now on Sale at Classic Toyota

If you are looking for a comfortable and versatile midsize sedan, Gurnee drivers can now get behind the wheel of the 2016 Toyota Camry at Classic Toyota. This year’s model brings back the vehicle’s blend of features, performance, and fuel economy, along with a new Special Edition model. more The 2016 Toyota Camry comes standard with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine capable of delivering a quick 178 hp with 170 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the sedan gets up to 35 mpg highway. For more power, a 3.5L V6 can push out 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the 2016 Toyota Camry can go from zero to 60 mph in only 6.2 seconds. The sedan comes in five trim levels this year, along with a hybrid version. Starting off, the 2016 Toyota Camry LE comes with many high-tech features like a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice activation, a Siri Eyes Free mode for iPhone users, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. If you’re interested in the 2016 Toyota Camry Special Edition, it comes with a sunroof, a larger 7-inch touchscreen interface, a hands-free trunk opening system, keyless ignition and entry, and a wireless smartphone charging system. The vehicle also looks sharper thanks to special blue interior trim, bigger 18-inch wheels, special driver information gauges, and smoky taillights. Besides offering a lot of features, this is also a car built for safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the vehicle an overall five-star safety rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the sedan top scores of “Good” in all major crash tests. To see the new 2016 Toyota Camry near Gurnee and get behind the wheel, come to Classic Kia. You can find us in Waukegan at 515 N. Green Bay Road.

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Toyota Becomes Official Legacy Partner of the Chicago Cubs

At our Toyota dealership serving Chicago, one of the favorite things our team members like to do during the summer is to head downtown to catch a game. Chicago’s Wrigley Field has been around for more than 100 years and offers a baseball experience few other parks in the country can provide. Recently Wrigley Field finished up the first phase of a major renovation project, which also came along with the announcement that Toyota is now a Legacy Partner of the field and the Chicago Cubs. more Toyota has long been a partner of Wrigley Field and featured a Toyota sign in the outfield bleachers. The new partnership will provide increased exposure for the automaker. In turn, the partnership will help Wrigley Field to continue to fund renovations and keep the park functioning for another 100 years. Toyota is now the official vehicle for the team and park and that comes with some great benefits for the brand. The most major benefit is a big Toyota placement right underneath the iconic Wrigley Field marquee that greets everyone visiting the park. In addition, Toyota will be featured in rotating video screens behind the home plate and on a video screen in left field. Starting in the 2016 season, Toyota will also have naming rights to the parking facilities near the park. We expect the next time you’re at Wrigley Field, you’ll also get a look at some of the latest 2015 and 2016 Toyota cars. Of course, why wait if you want to see some new Toyota models. Visit Classic Toyota and take a test drive. We’re north of Chicago in Waukegan at 515 N. Green Bay Road. Call us at (877) 216-7474 with any questions

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