Toyota Scion Xb

The Scion xB is a vehicle made by Toyota for the United States market and sold under their youth-oriented Scion brand. It is a box-shaped, 5-door compact hatchback.

The first-generation xB was a lightly modified and rebadged version of the Japanese-market subcompact Toyota bB. It was a small station wagon based on the Toyota Echo/Yaris platform. The xB was one of two models in the lineup of Toyota's US-exclusive Scion division present at the brand's 2004 launch, the other being the xA, based on the Toyota ist.

First generation xB vs. first generation bB

Only the first generation models for both the xB and bB are related. Second generation models are based upon different platforms.

To create the first generation xB, the bB was modified from right- to left-hand drive, the front passenger area was also changed significantly with the bB's front bench seat replaced with bucket seats and the column-mounted shifter changed to a floor-mounted shifter.

The available drivetrains also differed. The bB was available with either the 1.3 L I4 2NZ-FE engine or the 1.5 L 1NZ-FE, mated exclusively to a 4-speed automatic transmission with available all wheel drive. The xB was only available with the 1NZ-FE that produced 108 hp (81 kW) and 105 lb·ft (142 N·m) in US spec, but offered both a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive was not offered on the xB.

The Toyota bB was not equipped with a spare tire. On the Scion xB, a compact spare tire was stored under the left side of a raised rear cargo floor. Since the spare tire raised the cargo floor by several inches, a storage bin was added to the right of the spare tire to reclaim some of the lost storage space. A jack was stored under the driver's seat of the xB.

The Toyota bB had a pull-out storage tray under the passenger seat that the xB lacks.

The bB went on sale in February 2000, whereas the xB went on sale in June 2003 for the 2004 model year. Sales of the first generation bB ended in December 2005, whereas the first generation xB ended sales in June 2007.

The Scion xB received a "Good" overall score in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) frontal offset test, all measured categories in this test were also rated "Good". The xB was given a "Poor" overall score in the side impact test. The xB model year 2004-2006 did not offer side airbags but includes them for model year 2008–present.

The second-generation Scion xB is styled as a 5-door version of the t2B concept unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show. Toyota unveiled the production xB at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. The new xB is less boxy in shape and larger than its predecessor. The 2008 xB is 2.8-inch (71 mm) wider, 12-inch (300 mm) longer (including 4-inch (100 mm) longer wheel to wheel) and over 600 pounds (270 kg) heavier than the first-generation xB.

The first-generation Scion xB was very similar to its original bB inspiration, but the second-generation xB was based on American buyers "wants" relative to the first-generation, combined with the new styling of the 2005 bB.

Scion t2B (2005)

Scion t2B (Tall-Two Box) is a concept car designed by Calty Design Research and built by Five Axis Models in Huntington Beach, California, with interior design by Calty senior designer Bill Chergosky and Naoki Hamajima. It included a 2.4-liter I4 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 14-inch brakes with slotted rotors, 20-inch billet aluminium wheels, LED fog lamp, remotely operated power rear hatch, asymmetrical tri-level instrument panel features a large information ticker, mp3 docking station, dual moonroof, suicide doors.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2005 New York Auto Show.

Engines

The second-generation xB is equipped with a 2.4 L straight-4 Toyota 2AZ-FE engine rated at 158 hp (118 kW) and 162 lb·ft (220 N·m), shared with the first-generation tC and the Toyota Camry, which at 22 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) city / 28 mpg-US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg-imp) hwy has a higher fuel consumption than the previous model's 1.5 L engine (26 mpg-US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg-imp) city / 31 mpg-US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg-imp) hwy).

Transmissions

A five-speed manual and a sequential-shift four-speed automatic are the only factory options aside from the color and stereo.

Equipment

A choice of three new head units are available on all 2008 Scions. All sound systems feature six speakers and standard iPod connectivity. The base head unit has MP3, WMA, and AAC CD compatibility and Scion's SSP equalizer presets. The base unit can also be set to any of three Scion model presets (xB, xD, or tC) and includes an "Automatic Sound Levelizer" feature that automatically increases the volume as the vehicle speed and ambient noise increases. The Premium head unit features a small LCD that can display pictures and movies downloaded from Pioneer's website in addition to the features on the base unit. A navigation system is also available. The SNS 100 system can play DVD movies in addition to GPS functionality and the features of the base system, aside from the backlit color choices.

All xB's come standard with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, Vehicle Stability Control driver and front passenger dual stage airbags, front seat-mounted side torso airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and a first-aid kit.

The Scion xB is given an overall "Good" score in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal offset crash test. And another "Good" overall score in the side impact crash test, with all nine measured categories also rated "Good". And a "Good" score in the roof strength test. The IIHS has given the xB its Top Safety Pick award.

Car and Driver magazine rated the 2008 xB as one of the top ten safe vehicles under US$25,000.

Scion announced in March 2010 that the 2011 model, on sale late March 2010, is being given a refresh. Two new colors are available, and there are minor changes to the exterior body including a revised front and rear bumper, new front grill, and new headlights and tail lights. The interior changes include a revised gauge cluster, center console and new driver and front passenger seats with new materials. The MSRP rises US$150 to US$16,000 for the manual and US$16,950 for the automatic transmission. In addition, the Scion xB went on sale in Canada for the first time along with the entire Scion lineup.

The Scion xB is produced by Kanto Auto Works, Ltd. based in Japan. Due to the 2011 Japanese Earthquake, production has been suspended starting 14 March 2011. The Scion xB and Scion xD are both halting production until further notice. Plants affected by the disaster include the Toyota Motor Hokkaido Plant, the Toyota Motor Tohoku Plant, and the Central Motor Corporation Miyagi Plant, which produces the Toyota Yaris.

The Scion xB's marketing is aimed at Generation Y, Americans born between 1980 and 1994. This group of car buyers is extremely important to manufacturers due to their large numbers (78 million) and their differing perceptions and demands of the vehicles they drive. Despite the Scion xB's target market, the average age of an xB buyer is 46.

Although Toyota expected the xA to sell better than the xB, the reverse proved to be true, with the xB outselling its brother 2 to 1, possibly due to the xB's distinctive styling, and the xB's unique combination of van-like cargo and passenger space with a very compact size. The latter features appealed to buyers outside the target demographic who were looking for a thrifty but roomy vehicle as a substitute for a more mainstream minivan.

The xB, like the xA and tC, was also available in a "Release Series" for each of its model years. These came with limited-edition paint colors, matching seat colors, and special modifications such as DVD players, custom tail lights, special wheels or wheel covers, and other accessories, along with special badging indicating the serial number. Limited Edition vehicles were, from a marketing standpoint, used to create a buzz for the brand name, with their exterior colors tending toward loud or bright hues (i.e. orange, yellow, red, blue, green). Preordering is available at each dealership on a first-come, first-served basis.[citation needed] Scion's "Pure Price" program requires dealerships to sell the vehicle at the advertised price. Resale values of Release Series vehicles command a premium because of their packaged options and scarcity.

2004 model year
xB RS 1.0 only available in Hot Lava Orange with 2100 units produced (504 units w/5spd, 1596 units w/automatic)

2005 model year
xB RS 2.0 only available in Solar Yellow with 2500 units produced

2006 model year
xB RS 3.0 only available in Envy Green with 2200 units produced
xB RS 4.0 only available in Maziora Torched Penny (polarized goldish-brown) with 2500 units produced)

2008 model year
xB RS 5.0 only available in Gold Rush Mica with 2500 units produced (second RS Scion other than the tC to have a sunroof)

2009 model year
xB RS 6.0 only available in Absolutely Red with 2500 units produced

2010 model year
xB RS 7.0 with a four-piece DAMD body kit, only available in Murasaki (purple), with 2000 units produced

2011 model year
xB RS 8.0 with a four-piece Kenstyle body kit, only available in Voodoo Blue, with 2000 units produced

2012 Lexus GS

2012 Lexus GS

After the show in 1991, Lexus GS will come in the fourth generation by the end of 2011 or early 2012. Spy in the extreme camouflage racing around the Nurburgring, the latest prototype of GS showed that the new generation will be largely inspired by the LF-Gh Concept.

2012 Lexus GS

The new generation Lexus GS will be built on an entirely new platform, making it sportier and more effective than the previous model. Under the hood, we expect the same direct-injection 3.5-liter V6, which delivers a total of 303 hp at 6200 rpm and 274 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. The real star of the show will be a 5.0-liter V8 engine with a capacity of about 450 hp found in the GS-F version.

2012 Lexus GS

The prototype was caught testing, new square headlights with LED daytime lights and front grille that carried right on over from the LF-Gh concept car is completely unchanged. In addition, rumors are floating around that significant changes will also be in terms of technology vehicle.

Toyota Supra

Toyota Supra is a sports car / Grand Tourer, which was produced by Toyota Motor from 1979 to 2002. Style Toyota Supra was derived from the Toyota Celica, but it was also longer and wider. Since mid-1986, Supra (third-generation, Mark III) has its own model and was no longer based on the Celica. In turn, Toyota also stopped using the prefix Celica and began just calling the car Supra. Because of the similarity and past the name of the Celica, it is often mistaken for the Toyota Supra, and vice versa.

Supra also traces much of its roots in the Toyota 2000GT with the primary instance is its engine. The first three generations were offered with a direct descendant of the Toyota Crown and to the motor M in the 2000GT. All four generations of Supra production have built 6-cylinder engine. The interior dimensions were similar, as was the chassis code "A".

Along with this name and car Toyota also included its own logo for the Supra. It is derived from the original logo, Celica, being blue instead of orange. This logo was used until January 1986 when the Supra Mark III was introduced. The new logo was similar in size, with orange writing on a red background, but without the dragon design. This logo, in turn, was on Supras until 1991 when Toyota switched to the current oval company logo. (Logo dragon logo Celica, regardless of what color he was. She appeared on the first two generations of Supra, because they were officially Toyota Celicas. Dragon logo has been used to line Celica, until it too was abandoned.)

In 1998, Toyota ceased sales Supra in the United States [5] and in 2002 Toyota officially stopped production Supra in Japan.

As the iconic sports car, Supra has appeared in numerous video games, movies, music videos and television shows. Some of the most notable appearances include the Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport, Need For Speed ​​and Midnight Club series of video games and 2001 movie, Fast and the Furious.

• 1979 - Celica Supra Mark I introduced in 2563 cc (2.563 L; 156.4 cu in) SOHC 4M-E I6 engine.
• 1981 - Mark I engine size increased to 2759 cc (2.759 L; 168.4 cu in) with SOHC 5M-E engine I6.
• 1982 - Mark II Celica Supra introduced with the 2759 cc (2.759 L; 168.4 cu in) DOHC 5M-GE I6 engine. 
• 1986 - 1986,5 Supra Mark III introduced on its platform with the 2954 cc (2.954 L; 180.3 cu in) DOHC 7M-GE I6 engine. 
• 1987 - Option of turbocharger to 2,954 cc (2.954 L; 180.3 cu in) DOHC 7M-GTE engine that produces 230 hp (172 kW) 245 lb Nm (332 Nm). 
• 1989 - restyling. Turbo power increase to 232 hp (173 kW) and 250 lb Nm (339 Nm). 
• 1993 - 1993,5 Supra Mark IV was introduced with the 2997 cc (2.997 L; 182.9 cu in) turbo (2JZ-GTE) or non-turbo (2JZ-GE) DOHC engine. 
• 1996 - Turbo only available with automatic transmission due to OBD2 certification requirements. Targa roof standard on all models turbo. 
• 1997 - Manual transmission available on the turbo models. The updated front bumper and gray (instead of black), tail light surrounds. Restyled headlights, now in black with chrome rings (chrome all before), as well as a clear lens. All 1997 marked the fifteenth anniversary of the model. The new panels of gray dash to replace the previous black. Japanese production stopped in September. 
• 1998 - Slight restyling of interior. 3-spoke steering wheel introduced. Slightly updated design of seats (not separate headrests) VVT-I on non-turbo models, increased power. Turbines are not available in those states that require California emissions. 
• 1999 - Export Supra Mark IV stopped in the U.S., production in Japan continues. 
• 2002 - Production of Supra Mark IV stops.

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla is a line of subcompacts and compact cars manufactured by Japanese automaker Toyota, which has become very popular throughout the world, because the tablet was first introduced in 1966. In 1997, the Corolla became the best selling nameplate in the world, with more than 35 million sold in 2007. Over the past 40 years, a Corolla car has been sold on average every 40 seconds. series has undergone several major upgrades.

Toyota Corolla Interior

The name Corolla is Toyota's tradition of naming part, using the name Crown for the primary model: Corona, for example, gets its name from the Latin corona; Corolla is Latin for small crown and Camry is the Anglicized pronunciation of the Japanese crown, kanmuri.

Corollas are manufactured in Japan and Brazil (Indaiatuba, Sao Paulo), Canada (Cambridge, Ontario), China (Tianjin), India (Bangalore), Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa (Durban), Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey United Kingdom (Derbyshire), and Venezuela. Production was previously done in Australia (Victoria). Production in the U.S. (Fremont, Calif.) ended in March 2010.

Chassis designation Corolla in the code "E", as described in Toyota chassis and engine codes.

Early models were basically rear-wheel drive, later models were mostly front-wheel drive, and some models four-wheel drive.

Toyota Corolla Interior

Toyota Corolla

Tercel was a front-wheel drive car, first introduced in 1980 and was named Corolla Tercel that time and later given its own name in 1984.

Tercel Chassis was also used for the Corolla II hatchback in Japan.

Toyota Corolla wallpaper

Toyota Corolla Tuning

Toyota Hilux

Toyota Hilux is a series of compact pickup trucks are manufactured and marketed by Toyota Motor Corporation. Most countries used the Hilux name all his life in the series, but in North America, the Hilux name was retired in 1976 in favor of a truck, pickup, or Compact Truck. In North America, a popular option package, SR5 (Sport Rally 5-speed), was used as a colloquial name for the truck model, although the option package was also used on other models of Toyota, as the Corolla. In 1984, the Trekker, a tourist from version Hilux, 4Runner was renamed in Australia and North America, as well as the Hilux Surf in Japan. In 1995, Toyota introduced a new model pickup, Tacoma in the U.S., ending Hilux / pickup there. 4Runner SUV is now complete, and later models do not look like Tacoma.

Toyota Hilux

Hilux has gained a reputation for exceptional durability and reliability, even during sustained heavy use and / or violence, and is often called "Indestructible Truck." This was reinforced by BBC Top Gear show car, when the 1988 diesel Hilux with 190,000 miles (310,000 km) on the odometer has been subjected to extraordinary abuse (in series 3, episodes 5 and 6). It consisted of driving him down the stairs, cleaning buildings, crashing headlong into a tree washed into the sea, and being submerged for four hours, driving it through the garden shed, dropping a caravan on it, hitting it with a wrecking ball, setting his car and bed area on fire, and, finally, to place it on top of a 240-foot (73 m) block of flats, which was destroyed following a controlled demolition. Although it was now suffering from severe structural damage, the truck is still running after the repair without spare parts, and only with the typical tools that are found in the tool box truck, such as screwdrivers, engine oil and wrench, However, WD -40 was used to get the engine after it was recovered from the sea. Hilux now rests as one of the background scenery in the studio Top Gear.

Toyota Hilux

The series 2006 (series 8, episode 3), Hilux was chosen by Jeremy Clarkson as his platform for amphibious. With, Clarkson rigged the truck with a huge outboard motor, ironically made by Honda, and the steering mechanism in the pickup bed. Truck, redubbed "Toybota", Clarkson was thrown several kilometers of road and 2 miles (3.2 km) from open water, before capsizing (three meters from the finish) during rapid rotation. After restoration, the car has been moved back into the Top Studio Gear, where sure, Clarkson said that he would be only one capable of driving his truck home as it was indestructible Hilux. Nevertheless, Clarkson could not get the Hilux started - that led to his co-hosts to believe that Clarkson had finally destroyed "indestructible." When Clarkson turned the engine over, it made a hissing sound and puffing, as if the injectors or glow plug has been removed.

Toyota Hilux

In 2007, Top Gear ran a special program in which Clarkson and James May raced solo Hilux 2005 model in 1996, the north magnetic pole from Northern Canada against Richard Hammond using a dog sled, and won. This episode, known as the Top Gear Polar Special, made the truck the first car to reach the magnetic North Pole. Hilux used a slightly modified: the big wheels and thicker tires were installed, a fat security guard sump was installed, the front suspension was moved forward, gun mount has been installed, some powerful headlights have been installed (although they were not needed, since it is in still polar day 11:30 pm) and the toilet seat (so-called "bumper Dumper 'by Clarkson) has been installed on the rear bumper.

In 2010, the Top Gear host James May went to change Hilux, one of which served as the vehicle crew in 2007 during the polar special and close to the top of the erupting volcano, Iceland, and a fragment of volcanic lava. Hilux has been modified for this task by installing simple metal "umbrella" and a drop of alcohol to cool their tires. This was filmed shortly before stopping all flights of the airline in this region due to volcanic ash expelled (Series 15, Episode 1).

Toyota Hilux 4x4

External TV programs, these vehicles are known to exceed 300 000 miles (480000 km) with regular maintenance. Also notorious for being used as an improvised fighting vehicle, "technical" -. Militias and irregular armed forces, especially in third world conflicts Toyota War between Libya and Chad was so named because of the use Hilux trucks, cars, the cavalry in the army of Chad. These vehicles were also used in the war in Iraq, as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The militia is known to equip the car with stolen, the post-Soviet missiles and equipment. Toyota Hilux war saw use as a towing vehicle, serving to tow planes and tanks, including T-62 heavy tank from the former Soviet Army. There are currently 37 individual Hiluxes used People's Liberation Army in the southern region of China. Toyota Hilux has been widely used by the Pakistani army. However, Mitsubishi L200s were purchased, rather than the seventh generation Hilux recently to replace worn-out vehicles. New Zealand Army currently uses a Toyota Hilux for its troops in Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. special forces also use specially modified Tacoma and Hilux in Afghanistan.

Toyota Hilux

In October 2007 the Swedish magazine Auto Teknikens Värld runs a red herring (moose test), which showed that mobility Hilux pickup truck was not enough to turn sharply at moderate speeds. Truck failed the test and only the driver's skill prevented it from overturning. After the test Toyota stopped the sales of Hilux is equipped with 16 inch wheels in Europe.

The world record was achieved thanks to the support crew for the participants 2008/2009 Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race. The crew rode in a specially adapted Hiluxs Toyota Trucks Arctic change, completing a trip of more than 5,000 km from Novo, the Russian research station in Antarctica at the South Pole Geographic and back, making them the first 4x4 to reach the South Pole. The way back to 2500 km from South Pole station Novo completed in a record eight days and 17 hours.

The fourth-generation Hilux as the mode of transport for Trailbreaker Transformers Autobots and lift.

2012 Toyota Hilux

2012 Toyota Hilux

Toyota 2011

The base model Sienna, denoted as LE, are listed at $ 24,260, undercutting the current model for $ 340. Buyers wishing to model sport SE will pony up $ 30,550 while the range-topping Limited buyers AWD model will have to shell out $ 39 770. Price does not include the destination.

Riding on the same platform as MC, which underpins the Camry, Prius, RAV4, Venza and the Highlander, Toyota seeks new Sienna on the new families who need more space, a traditional sedan or SUV can provide. Toyota also hopes that empty nesters will give new consideration to their sumptuous Sienna and spacious interior.

The new car on the market today, Toyota Camry is no longer at the forefront. Although the plate Camry is almost synonymous with "family sedan" is now behind the segment leaders such as Hyundai Sonata in such areas as fuel economy, for example, and its design is far from fresh. But in terms of finance, it remains a decent choice.

That's why we give 2011 Toyota Camry overall score of 6 out of 10 on a scale FamilyCarGuide. Though her soft style, mid-pack performance, impressive interior use, and for the safety assessment is unlikely to win friends, Camry continues to offer good value for money plus a number of models, like the Camry Hybrid, with all the requirements. It's just in urgent need of updating to bring it to a higher standard sedans today.

Camry range is still quite extensive, and includes economic and sporting options, with three different engines in vsem.Bazy four-cylinder model works very well for most family needs (and if you really want, you can get it manual transmission), with a fairly good economy topliva.V-6 is strong, smooth, and some really thirsty, but it is a choice for families who are often charged with the car to the brim, or those who need extra passing moschnosti.Gibridnaya Camry remains affordable and gets EPA 31 miles per gallon city, 35 highway, is impressive, but much lower than rival hybrid Ford Fusion.

Prior to the earthquake in Japan, Toyota Prius sales target in 2011, which would peak in 2007 the top car on 181 221. Although this level may be out of reach for now, Toyota may still exceed supply in 2010 on 140 928, said Donald Esmond, senior vice president of Toyota's U.S. sales.

Production of the Prius and Lexus hybrids two is recovering faster than Toyota first estimated after the 9 points in marte.Kompaniya expects to return to full capacity by September, but not before his goal late 2011 goda.Otsutstvie available hybrids from Toyota held to 2.1 percent of the segment industry-wide U.S. sales this year.

While the Prius is not one of the most profitable lines of the automaker, Toyota sees it as a great opportunity to attract new customers in the next few years, said Jim Lentz, president of Toyota's U.S. division prodazham.Tablichke be expanded to include touring Prius V, Prius with a midget and plug-in Prius.

2011 Toyota Camry price:
4dr Sedan (30)    MSRP    Invoice    MPG City    MPG Hwy
4dr Sedan I4 Man LE (Natl) Specs     $21,650    $19,810    22    33
4dr Sedan I4 Man LE (GS) Specs     $21,650    $19,810    22    33
4dr Sedan I4 Man LE (SE) Specs     $21,650    $19,810    22    33
4dr Sedan I4 Auto LE (Natl) Specs     $22,700    $20,771    22    32
4dr Sedan I4 Auto LE (GS) Specs     $22,700    $20,771    22    32
4dr Sedan I4 Auto LE (SE) Specs     $22,700    $20,771    22    32
4dr Sedan I4 Man SE (Natl) Specs     $22,965    $20,898    22    33
4dr Sedan I4 Man SE (GS) Specs     $22,965    $20,898    22    33
4dr Sedan I4 Man SE (SE) Specs     $22,965    $20,898    22    33
4dr Sedan I4 Auto SE (Natl) Specs     $23,965    $21,808    22    32
4dr Sedan I4 Auto SE (GS) Specs     $23,965    $21,808    22    32
4dr Sedan I4 Auto SE (SE) Specs     $23,965    $21,808    22    32
4dr Sedan I4 Auto XLE (Natl) Specs     $26,725    $24,321    22    32
4dr Sedan I4 Auto XLE (GS) Specs     $26,725    $24,321    22    32
4dr Sedan I4 Auto XLE (SE) Specs     $26,725    $24,321    22    32
4dr Sedan V6 Auto LE (Natl) Specs     $25,365    $23,082    20    29
4dr Sedan V6 Auto LE (GS) Specs     $25,365    $23,082    20    29
4dr Sedan V6 Auto LE (SE) Specs     $25,365    $23,082    20    29
4dr Sedan V6 Auto SE (Natl) Specs     $26,640    $24,243    20    29
4dr Sedan V6 Auto SE (GS) Specs     $26,640    $24,243    20    29
4dr Sedan V6 Auto SE (SE) Specs     $26,640    $24,243    20    29
4dr Sedan V6 Auto XLE (Natl) Specs     $29,845    $27,159    20    29
4dr Sedan V6 Auto XLE (GS) Specs     $29,845    $27,159    20    29
4dr Sedan V6 Auto XLE (SE) Specs     $29,845    $27,159    20    29
4dr Sedan I4 Man (Natl) Specs     $20,195    $18,882    22    33
4dr Sedan I4 Man (GS) Specs     $20,195    $18,882    22    33
4dr Sedan I4 Man (SE) Specs     $20,195    $18,882    22    33
4dr Sedan I4 Auto (Natl) Specs     $21,245    $19,864    22    32
4dr Sedan I4 Auto (GS) Specs     $21,245    $19,864    22    32
4dr Sedan I4 Auto (SE) Specs     $21,245    $19,864    22    32

Toyota Sign

New Toyota mark at Wrigley Field is uglier than expected.

The controversial sign, which was erected hastily after the Cubs get City Council approval of the environment is a wart on the face of the great lady of baseball - a highly visible intrusion of advertising in the ballpark that fans of the prize just because exempts from ad clutter.

The public got its first look at the sign on Friday and the Cubs White Sox square off in what used to be called Crosstown Classic and we now know, in another bow to the almighty dollar, as BP Crosstown Cup. Leave it to the Cubs to associate themselves with the sponsors - a reviled for recalled cars, and the other for its oil spill - who is to strengthen the team's reputation as perennial losers.

An increase of about 50 feet above the sidewalk, the sign consists of two steel posts holding the letters, which detail "Toyota" and the company's ubiquitous, three-ovaled logo. The sign is not quite at the back of the left field stands, as Cubs originally planned, but a few feet inside - a shift that allowed city officials to wink, nod, and said that it is indeed a sign of the interior, and therefore does not affect the outer limits signs at Wrigley .

Anyone who looks at a sign from Waveland Avenue instantly recognize this line of reasoning, what it was: pure fiction. The sign that hangs over the stands, no more than a sign of internal Cubs first place team.

Two posts to support short and square, like a square version of Gumby. They did not come close to matching beautifully proportioned, highly articulated steel used in the elegant standards of Wrigley light on the roof or anywhere else around the football field. But at least the posts are painted dark green, shades Wrigley respective trademark instead of the original plans squeal red.

Toyota logo and the letters that are more muted red, as they face inward to the stadium still looks completely out of place. A little red in order Wrigley as color accent, as in the discreet "Hey Hey" signs on the foul pole. All that is more than a spot of tension and aggression in the stadium, which as the name implies, a park-setting, wrapping you into the arms of the green. (Fortunately, the rear emblem and the letters facing Waveland, green).

Assorted part of the sign to create a whole that is clearly vertical, almost rudely interrupting the continuous horizontal sweep podium, which was supposed to be protected by official landmark status Wrigley. Shame on the Commission on Chicago landmarks, appointed keepers of historical treasures of Chicago, for the approval of the sign. All employees of the commission did perfume the pig, insisting on the tricks, such as replacing internal illumination for the sign with a small design fixtures that mimic those on the Centerfield scoreboard Wrigley.

In any other stadium, a sign, as it would not matter. But Wrigley is not any other stadium. Designed by Zachary Taylor Davis, and opened in 1914, with additions such prominent architects as Holabird & Root, is the second oldest stadium in the majors - Boston Fenway Park over two years - and the return of a loved one.

The stadium, well ordered and pastoral, is Eden. Its surrounding neighborhood, the chaotic and commercial implies, Paradise Lost. One of them is sacred, the other profane. Sharply defined the tension between these opposites that gives Wrigley its uniquely powerful sense of place. The sign does not destroy that person, but this is hardly innocuous insert that Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said that it would be. The best thing about him is that it's not permanent. It can be dismantled as quickly as it was displayed.

And it is worth considering because, after three years, ill-conceived transaction Cubs "from Toyota is not over.

Why sign there in the first place? If you think Cubs, it's not there to hide the view of colorful casino horseshoe sign on the roof of the building at the northeast corner of Waveland and Kenmore Avenue. It's there, in the opinion of the team, to my present location for what it's worth it.

Other around Wrigley, the Cubs get 17 percent of gross income to reduce the roof of the owners. At the northeast corner of Waveland and Kenmore, there's no roof seats - and, thus, neither team revenue. The building with the horseshoe casino sign as the gap in the row of teeth. Fill this gap with revenue-generating rooftop perch, maybe even (hold on Cubbie blue hat) with tasteful electronic scoreboard, and you could have done more than close the circle around the roof Wrigley. You would do away with the financial incentive for an ugly mark Toyota.