Just when you thought the 2020 Toyota Supra couldn’t get any cooler… it does. The 2019 SEMA show is taking place in Las Vegas right now, and in honor of the occasion the Orlando Toyota Supra got modified in a big way – in nine different ways, to be exact. Toyota of Orlando has the scoop on these incredible concept cars and what they have to offer (and we’ve got our fingers crossed that at least a few of them make it to the lot).

GR Supra Heritage Edition: This Orlando Toyota sports car is a seamless blend of the current model and aspects of the exceptionally popular 1990’s model – talk about a throwback. New headlights, taillights, and an oversized rear spoiler were added, as well as Brembo brakes, 19″ HRE wheels, metallic red paint, an aluminum rear diffuser, a suspension lowered by 3″.

GR Supra Hyperboost Edition: This particular model of the popular sports car boasts a custom turbo kit that punches horsepower up to 750+. It also has a more aggressive look thanks to a custom carbon fiber wide-body kit.

GR Supra Performance Line Concept: This special concept car is decked out in carbon-fiber components designed to make it more aerodynamic, as well as 19″ forged aluminum wheels for an incredibly sleek look.

GR Supra 3000GT Concept: This concept car is a tribute to the much-loved TRD3000GT body kit that was introduced back in the 1990’s when the original Orlando Toyota Supra was in its hey-day.

GR Supra Wasabi Concept: This eye-catching sports car is sure to turn heads – it’s rocking a bright green exterior forged aluminum wheels, Five Axis aero parts, Brembo B-M brakes, and Ohlins suspension upgrades (hence the spicy name).

GR Supra Racing Concept: This concept takes things back to 2018 when this popular ride was still mere speculation and channels a competition car with both looks and performance.

GR Supra GT4: This concept actually debuted in March of this year at the Geneva Auto Show and showcases OZ racing wheels, Brembo racing brakes, a freshly-balanced chassis on an FIA compliant cage, and special racing suspension components. It’s ready to hit the track straight from the gate!

NASCAR Xfinity Supra: This Toyota was built for the NASCAR Xfinity series and is currently in the top spot for Joe Gibbs Racing.

GR Supra Pace Car: This pace car will take its place in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and showcases TEIN coil-over suspension, Project Mu Brake pads, a Whelen LED Light Bar, HRE Forged P101 Monoblok wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tires, and more.

Can’t wait to get your hands on the new Toyota Supra? Come down to Toyota of Orlando today – we’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road!

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Are you thinking about making the switch from gasoline to alternative fuel? You’re not the only one – scores of people have made the change for better fuel efficiency and a greener, cleaner performance. However, before you take the plunge you should educate yourself so you can find the RIGHT alternative fuel car for your drive time needs. Toyota of Orlando is here to help with tips and a great selection of cars for you to choose from!

Three things to consider before you shop for a new Toyota that uses an alternative fuel source

1. You need to know the differences between the different types of alternative fuel cars – namely, hybrid cars, electric cars, and fuel-cell vehicles.

2. You need to think about the place you live and its infrastructure. Does it have the types of fueling stations you’ll need? Remember, you won’t always be able to fuel up at home.

3. Think about your drive time needs. Do you need a vehicle with a lot of towing power or off-roading capabilities? If so, this type of new Toyota isn’t right for you as they’re built around the goal of fuel efficiency and green performance.

Three types of alternative fuel new Toyota cars

There are three different main types of alternative fuel vehicles when it comes to our new Toyotas. Which one best suits your needs?

Hybrid cars: Hybrids are considered to be the most popular type of alternative fuel vehicle in the world because of their convenience factor – they use multiple energy-sourcing to power themselves. When you’re behind the wheel of a hybrid new Toyota, you’ll be able to swap back and forth between a gasoline engine and an electric motor. This drastically cuts down on the amount of gas you use AND the number of emissions your car produces. Best news? We’ve got tons of Orlando Toyota hybrids on the lot ranging from compact hatchbacks to spacious SUVs… and trucks may even be headed our way in the future.

Electric cars: Electric cars run on – you guessed it – electric power. You’ll need to charge this vehicle in order to run it, so that’s why you need to consider whether or not your city has charging stations. These vehicles run off of batteries alone and don’t produce any emissions so they’re extremely green. And automakers are continuously working on improving electric cars to give them a longer range; right now, some of them can go up to 400 miles on just one charge.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles uses hydrogen as its source of energy and only produces water vapor as emissions so it’s as green as it gets. Unfortunately, only California and Hawaii offer hydrogen fuel cell vehicle charging stations, so the new Toyotas haven’t taken off here in the Orlando market due to lack of infrastructure.

Have more questions about new Toyotas that use alternative fuel? We’ve got answers at Toyota of Orlando. Come shop our inventory today and see what these unique cars have to offer your drive time! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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Are you getting out of town and hitting the open road to celebrate Turkey Day with family and friends? This is a busy time of year to take on a road trip – lots of travelers take to the highway, so traffic is at a peak and the likelihood of accidents is high.  Our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to help. Check out our handy list of do’s and don’t’s for your Thanksgiving road trip so you can make the most of your holiday.

The do’s and don’ts of hitting the road this Thanksgiving

DON’T drive on Wednesday between the hours of 3-7 p.m.. This is when most drivers will be on the highways heading to their holiday destinations, so it’s best to try and reach your turkey-eating spot early in the day or later at night to avoid the rush.

DO hit the road when everyone else is busy. Driving during the afternoon and evening on Thanksgiving will ensure the highways are clear, as will driving on Black Friday, believe it or not – most drivers will be out and about locally looking for deals rather than driving on the highways.

DON’T drive when you’re tired. Driving when you’re tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk. We know the holidays can be exhausting, but resist the temptation to hit the road when you’re sleepy and wait until you’ve had some time to catch up on your ZZZ’s. And remember – you should never get behind the wheel if you had any alcoholic beverages.

DO check traffic and download apps to help you navigate. Checking traffic before and during your road trip will allow you to choose the best routes and avoid backups. You can also download apps like Waze that will notify you of any slowdowns on your route (or use the apps found in the Entune Suite of our Orlando Toyotas).

DON’T wait for the whining to start to placate the kids. Instead, keep everyone occupied with games, books, and movies – some of our new Orlando Toyotas even have DVD or Blu-Ray players installed in the backseat with wireless headphones to ensure everyone is happy. And don’t forget the snacks!

DO make a schedule, but be flexible about it. It’s wise to know what time you’ll start and when you expect to arrive at your final destination (so you can make arrangements like hotels, etc.). But be flexible about it – traffic, accidents, or bad weather may delay you, so go with the flow and try not to get frustrated and develop bad driving habits (we’re talking speeding, tailgating, and being aggressive). And make sure you leave time to stop for snacks, rest, and stretching your legs.

DON’T let the car get cluttered. Have a designated trash receptacle and every time you stop, be sure to empty it and reorganize the interior so you can find everything you need and everyone is comfortable.

Happy Thanksgiving from Toyota of Orlando!

From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, happy Thanksgiving! We hope your road trip is safe and stress-free.

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The Toyota Camry has always been a much-loved car. It’s classically stylish, incredibly reliable, decked out with all the technology you need for both safety and entertainment, and offers an unbeatable performance to boot. However, Toyota isn’t about to get complacent just because this sleek sedan is a best-seller. They’re taking things up a notch for the 2020 model year and introducing a whole new element of drive time never before seen on this popular Orlando Toyota: all-wheel drive.

Up until this point, the Orlando Toyota Camry was only available in front-wheel drive. It worked – after all, it’s a sedan so all-wheel drive capabilities weren’t really expected from it (it’s a feature more often found on SUVs and trucks). However, all-wheel drive definitely has its perks and we’re excited that this convenient feature is being introduced to this already-amazing sedan.

What is all-wheel drive?

Not totally sure what all-wheel drive is? Basically, this type of vehicle uses all four wheels to power the car (as opposed to front-wheel drive, which just uses the two front wheels to power the vehicle). It’s different than four-wheel drive because unlike four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is sending power to all four wheels all the time (not just when you choose to turn it on).

How all-wheel drive take the Orlando Toyota Camry up another level

What are the perks of all-wheel drive? Here’s how it can upgrade your drive time:

Better traction. This means you’ll have more grip in inclement conditions like rain, snow, or ice. If one or two of your tires loses its grip, the other two can still power the vehicle and provide traction. More traction = a much safer drive time when the roads are slippery and you’re a lot more likely to get into an accident.

Better performance. Four wheel providing power means more power gets transferred to the tires immediately, making your car faster when accelerating. Additionally, all-wheel drive gives you better steering capabilities as both front wheels can be devoted to steering instead of carrying the load when it comes to moving the car forward.

Better handing. All-wheel drive systems distribute the weight better throughout the car instead of having it all up front. This means you’ll have better handling on your side every time you get behind the wheel of the new Toyota Camry.

Off-road capabilities. OK – we’re not huge proponents of taking the 2020 Toyota Camry on an off-road expedition. It’s not built for taking on rugged terrain and doesn’t have the same performance capabilities as a Toyota truck or SUV (or the height needed). However, if you do find yourself driving on sand, mud, or gravel, you’ll find that you have better grip despite the different surface and more control over your car.

As you can see, the 2020 Toyota Camry will have a lot to offer… and it’s already on our lot at Toyota of Orlando! Get into the driver’s seat today to see if it’s the right ride for you. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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When it comes to car care, you’ve probably got a solid grasp on the basic appointments you need to schedule on a routine basis. Oil changes and tire rotations are two of the big ones, as well as brake service and battery checks. However, when was the last time you got a wheel alignment? This auto service is just as important as your other appointments, but many drivers don’t know when or why it needs to be scheduled. Toyota of Orlando’s service center is here to explain.

What is this important auto service and what does it do?

First, let’s talk about what a wheel alignment actually is. Basically, this is when our Orlando Toyota service techs use an alignment machine to “square up” your car’s wheels and axles (make sure they’re all moving in the same direction). They’ll also make sure that the steering wheel is properly centered, and they might adjust your car’s suspension as well – specifically, angles like the toe, camber, castor, and thrust. Basically, they just want to make sure everything is lined up properly so your car can travel in a straight line without any adjustments by you.

How often do you need one? It varies based on your driving habits, your car, and whether or not you’ve been in an accident or collision. Generally, you can go two to three years between alignments unless you get into an accident or you get new tires (new tires have to be aligned properly before you can drive).

How do you know you need a wheel alignment?

How do you know you need one? Well, time alone – our Orlando auto service techs can remind you when you’re due to bring your car in. However, here are some other signs that you may need to schedule this important car care in the near future:

Your car is pulling to one side. Does your car drift to one side when you take your hands off the steering wheel? Does it feel like it’s pulling against you when you try to straighten it out? It should stay true to center unless you turn the wheel, so if you notice that it’s traveling to the left or right on its own, it’s a good possibility you need to schedule Orlando wheel alignment.

Your tires are wearing unevenly. Your tires should wear evenly, especially if you get them rotated like you should. If you notice that your car’s wheels are wearing unevenly then it could be a sign they’re unaligned and need auto service to get them back on track.

Your tires are making squealing noises. Are your tires making squealing noises? This could mean they’ve been knocked out of alignment and need to be fixed.

Your steering wheel is vibrating or shuddering. If your steering wheel shakes or vibrates while your car is in motion, you may have a problem with the wheels being misaligned. Let our Orlando car techs take a peek at it.

Need to schedule this essential car service? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001.

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OK. Before we get started, we want to make one thing clear –

WE’RE NOT FORGETTING ABOUT THANKSGIVING. 

But Christmas is definitely in the air in the City Beautiful and holiday events are starting to fill up the calendar. We’re here to give you some ideas to add a little holiday spirit to your weekend and we’ve even included some Thanksgiving events for you Turkey Day enthusiasts. Whichever holiday you plan to celebrate this weekend, we hope it’s the best.

Hunter’s Creek Turkey Trot: Trying to get a little burn in before the big day? Make room for the mashed potatoes and hit the road for the Hunter’s Creek Turkey Trot this Saturday, November 23. Registration is $25 and the race kicks off at 8:30am at Osprey Park (5100 Town Center Blvd.).

21st Annual Vegan Thanksgiving: Are you a fan of Turkey Day but not so much the turkey? Check out the 21st Annual Vegan Thanksgiving at Mead Botanical Garden (1300 S. Denning Ave in Winter Park) this Sunday, November 24. The potluck is $5 if you bring a vegan dish to share and $15 if you don’t, and dinner kicks off at 2 pm.

Jingle Eve 2019: Get into the holiday spirit in Ivanhoe Village this Saturday, November 23 from 5-10 pm. This holiday street party includes a wine tasting with the 12 wines of Christmas, biergartens, live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and a craft table where kids can make Christmas cards for other children who are spending the holidays in the Advent Hospital system. The evening ends with a fireworks display over Lake Ivanhoe!

Light Up UCF: It’s opening weekend for Light Up UCF at the University of Central Florida! This holiday event is open from 5pm – 12am and features photos with Santa, an ice skating rink, a ferris wheel, a choreographed lights show, a kids train, a carousel, and other carnival rides. Entry is free but it does costs vary for the different rides and attractions, so bring your cash.

Festival of Trees: Visit the Orlando Museum of Art (2416 N Mills Ave) this weekend to explore a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. You’ll also find decorated wreaths on display as well as intricate gingerbread houses AND a magical winter wonderland where kids can play and meet Santa. There’s also live music and holiday shopping!

Dino in Lights: Have a dino fan in the family? Check out Dino in Lights at the Orlando Science Center this weekend. This Osborn Family type light show will thrill fans of all ages as it incorporates the cool fossils on display. The show runs multiple times between 11am and 3:30pm and tickets to get into the science center start at $14.95.

Have a happy holiday weekend, Orlando!

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When it comes to finding the absolute perfect ride, it can take a little bit of leg work. This is especially true if you’re looking for an older model or something incredibly specific. This type of purchase can take you out of your local area and sometimes out of state or even out of the country. However, long distance car buying is a different ball game than buying from your local dealer or a private seller in your city! Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to make your long distance car buying experience a breeze.

3 Orlando Toyota tips to help with your long distance car buying experience

Tip #1: Do your homework before you buy.

When you buy a car long distance, chances are you may only see it in photographs and video (unless you spring for a plane ticket to get to where it is). This being said, you need to be thorough when it comes to researching the vehicle. Make sure you ask for photos and video so you can see every inch of it, request service and repair records, and run a CarFax report on the car. You should also come up with a list of very specific questions to ask the seller so you cover all of your bases. Remember, you won’t get to take a test drive unless you actually go see the car in person, so it’s essential to be as thorough as possible. If you CAN get out to where the vehicle is to see it in person, we highly recommend it!

Tip #2: Check fuel and safety standards in your city and state.

Fuel and safety standards vary from state to state, and they can be different here in the US from other countries. For example, Florida has specific rules about fuel efficiency and vehicle safety features. Make sure your ride will be up to code when it arrives or you may not be able to hit the road in it without making modifications and having to pay even more money. This is especially true if you’re buying internationally!

Tip #3: Figure out how to get it home.

How are you going to get your new ride home? Long distance car buying adds a whole new component in this arena – are you going to drive your new ride and put all those miles on it? If you’re buying from another country, this may not even be a possibility. If you’re going to ship your car, make sure you choose a reputable company and price it out so you have the money set aside. Our Orlando Toyota dealership also recommends that you set aside a little bit of money for repairs that might spring up – sometimes damage can occur when a car is shipped.

Have questions? Our Orlando Toyota sales associates can help!

Have questions? We can help! Our knowledgeable Orlando Toyota sales associates have the answers to your questions. Give us a call at (407) 298-4500. We’re open seven days a week until 10pm!

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Have you ever experienced a tire blowout? It’s a pretty frightening experience. Blowouts occur when your tire suddenly bursts and loses all of its air pressure rapidly. When this happens, your tire can no longer support the weight of your car and collapses. Blowouts are dangerous because when they occur, you lose control of your vehicle for a few moments (not to mention, the loud noise they make can easily startle you or the cars around you). If you’re moving at a high speed or driving on a slick surface, your chances of an accident or collision are high. Rear tire blowouts are exceptionally dangerous because they can cause your car to fishtail.

How can you prevent a tire blowout?

Luckily, your chances of experiencing a blowout are slimmer if you keep up with the right car tire care. Here’s what our Orlando auto service techs recommend to keep your car tires in top shape and prevent flat tires and blowouts!

Keep your tires inflated to the right PSI. Underinflated tires can’t properly carry the weight of your car because that air pressure is what keeps things supported. When your PSI is too low, it puts major stress on the tire and causes it to overflex, eventually leading to a blowout because the tire simply can’t flex any further. You can find the right level PSI in your owner’s manual or on a small placard on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid potholes. Potholes can do a number on your car, resulting in alignment, suspension, and tire issues (and a big dent in your bank account). Hitting a pothole, curb or any other road hazard can damage your tire and its internal components. This makes it weaker and more likely to blow out under pressure.

Don’t overload your car. Your car has a weight limit, believe it or not, and if you exceed that limit it puts a lot of stress on your car tires when you’re out on the road. This can damage them, especially if they’re underinflated. Be sure to check your Gross Vehicular Weight Rating (you can find it in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side doorjamb next to the PSI recommendations).

Keep up with maintenance. You should be inspecting your tires routinely, checking the PSI, and having them rotated on a schedule. This is especially true if you find yourself driving on the highway a lot; driving at high speeds takes its toll on tires. If you don’t keep up with basic car tire care, then your tires will wear out faster and be prone to blowouts if you don’t replace them.

Keep a special eye on your car tires during the spring and summer. Blowouts are more likely to happen when the pavement is at its hottest.

Schedule car care today at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions? Think you need to schedule car tire care with our Orlando Toyota service techs? Call us today! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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The Orlando Toyota RAV4 is a much-loved SUV for many reasons. It was recently redesigned for a seriously sleek and sporty look, offers great fuel efficiency combined with a spacious interior, and even comes in a hybrid drivetrain to save you money and cut down on emissions. However, it’s about to get even cooler – as of 2021, things are getting electric.

Meet the latest and greatest Toyota RAV4

The Los Angeles Auto Show took place last week and Toyota unveiled the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-in to the world for the first time. This majorly green version of the ever-popular SUV is packing a punch when it comes to… well, just about everything, and Toyota of Orlando is here with the details! Check out the highlights below.

• This new Toyota SUV will have a 2.5L Atkinson cycle inline four engine from the current Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for 176 horsepower. However, it’s also boasting two electric motors, which boosts things up to 302 horsepower total.
• This model will also showcase on-demand all-wheel drive, where the rear wheels will be powered as needed by the electric motors. This all-wheel drive system additionally features a trail mode so give you some flexibility when it comes to taking things off the pavement.
• This Orlando Toyota will be able to get from 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, making it the second-fastest vehicle in Toyota’s lineup after the Supra. Talk about speed!
• The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In will be able to go 39 miles on electric power alone before switching over to the engine, making it an exceptionally green SUV.
• Two models will be available – the SE and XSE.
• The SE model will showcase features like an 8″ touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers will also love a power liftgate and heated front seats, as well as a sleek exterior decked out with 18″ wheels and black trim. This model also offers a power driver’s seat and a 7″ display in the instrument gauge cluster.
• The XSE model takes things up a notch with features like 19″ wheels, limited-edition two-tone paint colors, and vertical LED daytime running lights. The interior offers incredible highlights like synthetic leather upholstery (it’s more eco-friendly), new paddle shifters that also control regenerative braking, Qi wireless charging, and a 9″ touchscreen audio interface.
• Additionally, there’s an optional “premium” package up for grabs. This special package will add on features like heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a JBL audio system, and dynamic navigation. The dynamic navigation is one of the coolest features yet – it reads the road and learns the driver’s routine to keep your drive time fast, efficient, and stress-free.

Electrify your drive time this summer at Toyota of Orlando

When will we see it at Toyota of Orlando? Possibly by summer of 2020 – we’ll keep you posted on its arrival as we get more information. However, if you’re in the market for a clean green ride NOW, come down and see us! We can get you behind the wheel of a new Toyota Prius Prime AND get you a test drive in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall!

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If you want to make your drive time more eco-friendly, there are a number of ways to do it. You can take public transportation, join a carpool, condense your trips, and consider riding a bike when the weather is nice. However, another easy and effective way to make your day-to-day a whole lot greener is to take home one of our green Orlando Toyotas.

Hydrogen fuel cell cars: As green as it gets

There are a ton of options when it comes to green cars here at Toyota of Orlando. We’ve got a large range of hybrids, including everything from compact hatchbacks to spacious family SUVs. You’ll also be able to explore electric car options like the Toyota Prius Prime. However, one vehicle that we’re eagerly awaiting is the Toyota Mirai – an innovative hydrogen fuel car that offers the cleanest, greenest performance yet, putting out only water vapor as emissions.

Hydrogen fuel cell cars like the Toyota Mirai are picking up in popularity, but a lot of people still don’t quite understand how they work or why they’re such a great pick for a green ride. Toyota of Orlando is here to break it down – check out the basics on hydrogen fuel cars below!

Toyota of Orlando’s answers to hydrogen car FAQs

• Fueling a hydrogen fuel car: Fueling one of these Orlando Toyotas isn’t that different than fueling your gasoline-powered car or hybrid. You pull up to a fueling station that looks remarkably similar to the ones you’re already used to – you’ll see a terminal with a hose and nozzle, as well as a screen payment and other information. There may also be a cooling fan or two, a fuel reservoir, and a compressor onsite. You’ll pay up, put the nozzle into your vehicle, and fuel!
• Costs of hydrogen fuel: Believe it or not, hydrogen fuel isn’t that much more expensive than gasoline. In fact, one of the only reasons it’s a tad bit pricier right now is because it’s a relatively new fuel source and not readily available in a lot of places (you’ll only find fueling stations in California and Hawaii right now). However, as it becomes more popular and widespread, the cost should drop even further.
• Dangers of hydrogen fuel: But what about the compressed fuel and leaks? Are they more dangerous with this type of Orlando Toyota? No, believe it or not, because the fuel tends to dissipate quickly before it has a chance to ignite (unlike gasoline), lowering the chances of fire spreading to other parts of the car. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell cars come with several fail-safe measures to prevent leaks or other problems with the fuel.

Have questions about these innovative new Toyotas? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We can give you the scoop on the new Toyota Mirai or get you behind the wheel of a new Toyota hybrid. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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