2007 Yaris Debuts at Frankfurt International Motor Show - Replaces Echo in Toyota's U.S. Line-Up

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 12 -- Toyota Motor Marketing Europe (TMME), will unveil the all-new European-specification Yaris three-door and five-door liftbacks tomorrow at the 2005 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The Yaris three-door liftback and another body configuration to be announced later, will replace the ECHO as Toyota's entry in the subcompact passenger-car segment when it goes on sale in the United States as a 2007 model next spring.

The Frankfurt International Motor Show marks the world debut of the second-generation Yaris, Toyota's best-selling model in Europe. The first-generation Yaris launched in 1999 and was named the (2000) European "Car of the Year". Despite having been on the market for six years, Yaris sales in Europe have increased every year.

"The Yaris has been a hit in Europe and we are looking forward to its debut in the U.S.," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. "As Toyota's most affordable passenger car, the Yaris will feature modern exterior styling and a surprising and upscale interior. It will be one of the most economic and youthful passenger cars Toyota has built."

Styled at Toyota's European design studio, ED(2), the next-generation Yaris features class-up styling and offers a new level of refinement, sophistication, and fun-to-drive performance to the subcompact segment. It has a strong, modern mono-form shape with a low center of gravity exuding a youthful and proud stance. The next-generation Yaris rides on an all-new platform that is longer and wider than its predecessor. Color-keyed mirrors and door handles are standard features on the U.S.-specification Yaris.

The Yaris interior provides unexpected roominess and a comfortable cabin. The upscale interior provides remarkable design and a rear seat featuring a center headrest. Driver and front passenger advanced airbags, and ample storage space are among the array of standard interior features of the U.S.-specification Yaris.

Powering the U.S.-market Yaris liftback will be a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that will have impressive fuel economy. Mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the engine will produce 106 horsepower and 103 ft.-lb. of torque. Combined with the MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension, the Yaris will offer fun-to-drive handling and excellent maneuverability.

In addition to good overall handling, the U.S. Yaris also will offer seat-mounted side and front and rear side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, an audio system with MP3 capability and mini-jack port, power windows, mirrors and door locks, and a 60/40 split rear seat with reclining, sliding and fold flat features among its optional equipment.

The all-new Yaris three-door liftback will make its U.S. debut at a press conference at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday, November 2.

               2007 TOYOTA YARIS PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

   POWERTRAIN
   1.5-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve EFI with VVT-i
   Horsepower: 106 hp @ 6,000 RPM
   Torque:  103 lbs.-ft. @ 4,200 RPM
   4-speed automatic
   5-speed manual

   SUSPENSION
   FRONT:  Independent MacPherson strutted-type with coil springs
   REAR:  Torsion Beam with coil springs

   EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
   Wheelbase:  96.9"
   Overall Length:  150.6"
   Overall Width:  66.7"
   Overall Height:  60.0"