Toyota Launches Fully Redesigned bB

[Guest Josh]

Tokyo, Japan, Dec 26, 2005 - (JCN Newswire) - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC; TSE: 7203) announced today that it has begun nationwide sales in Japan of the completely redesigned bB passenger vehicle through "Netz" dealers.

The first-generation bB, launched in 2000, was developed as an individualistic, compact hatchback - a completely new genre. Its sense of presence, apparent at a single glance, and its spacious, comfortable interior suitable for a diverse range of uses proved popular among younger customers.

The new bB retains the strengths of the previous bB and strives to embody the lifestyle of people who want to be surrounded by music everywhere they go, adopting the development theme of "A Car-shaped Music Player" to satisfy the preferences of the younger generation.

With an emphasis on "sound", "illumination", and "relaxation", the new bB seeks to create an interior space in which one can be completely immersed in music. To achieve this, the bB incorporates an audio system that uses the latest in acoustic technology and features interior lighting that flashes in rhythm to the music, while newly developed front seats help create a sense of privacy.


Vehicle Outline

A Creative Interior, Equipped to Enhance the Joy of Music

With an emphasis on "sound", "illumination" and "relaxation", the new bB nurtures an unprecedented feeling of relaxation and establishes a creative interior space for the enjoyment of music.

The instrument panel employs a large and smooth, stadium-like shape with a subwoofer in the center console and tweeters on both sides, forming a space akin to an enclosed DJ booth.
Sound

Nine speakers are optimally located around the interior - a subwoofer in the center console, and speakers and tweeters in the left and right front doors, instrument panel and front pillars - treating powerful bass tones and the feeling of being surrounded 360 degrees by music in a high-quality sound space.

Four different audio modes, using surround DSP (digital signal processing) technology, accommodate listener preferences and the situation at hand.

An input jack facilitates a direct connection with portable music players to input music from a variety of sources.
Illumination

Illumination is installed in 11 locations, including around the speakers, and in the cup holders and door trim, and it flashes in rhythm to the music, creating an atmosphere akin to a nightclub or live music concert.

Three kinds of illumination modes are available to choose from, to accommodate one's personal preferences and the surrounding environment.
Relaxation

The newly developed "Mattari-mode seats" ("laid-back" mode seats) in the front not only recline, they sink about 80mm to create a couch-like feeling. This delivers an unprecedented feeling of relaxation and privacy.

Individualistic Styling that Appeals to Youthful Sensibilities

Based on the Toyota-brand design philosophy "Vibrant Clarity," an all-new, three-dimensional structure and surface expression are adopted to craft an individualistic form.

The door profile and front and rear of the vehicle feature contours that create distinctive shadows. The high character lines that form an arc from the front to the rear express a "sensually edgy attitude". The unique hatchback creates a "wild" atmosphere with a strong sense of presence to express the identity of the bB.

Although the overall length has been shortened, the wheelbase is extended to create an interior space like that of the previous bB, and there are numerous, highly functional storage spaces.

Brisk Driving and Comfortable Ride

Brisk and comfortable driving performance and fuel economy are achieved through the use of a newly developed 1.5-liter VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) engine or an improved-output 1.3-liter VVT-i engine and a smooth and responsive, super-intelligent, four-speed automatic transmission, or Super ECT.

Despite a longer wheelbase, wider wheel tread and wide tires, the minimum turning radius is just 4.9 meters (0.6 meters less than the previous model), greatly improving maneuverability.

Body rigidity has been increased and vibration-controlling and sound-blocking materials have been optimally installed in various parts of the body to reduce engine noise while driving and vibration while idling.

Outstanding Safety*1 and Environmental Performance

The GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) construction has been further evolved to create a body structure that effectively absorbs collision impact. During collision tests, the speed was increased to 55km/h from the previous 50km/h, with collision energy also increased approximately 20%, and the vehicle was subjected to omni-directional, vehicle-to-vehicle collision tests under stricter-than-normal collision standards. Through the use of a body structure that effectively absorbs collision impact, Toyota satisfied all independent targets for survival space and crash dummy injury.

The pedestrian-injury-lessening body structure has been evolved to further reduce pedestrian head injuries in an effort to achieve one of the highest levels of protection in its class.

In the event of a rear-end collision, the WIL (Whiplash-injury Lessening) concept has been adopted for the front seats, with added backrest give and the head and back supported to reduce stress on the neck.

By using Toyota's original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system known as Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System), environmental targets were set in the development stage and a life cycle assessment was conducted to allow the reduction of CO2 emissions throughout all stages of the vehicle's life from production and use to disposal.

In addition to using materials with superior recycling properties, additional attention has been paid to the environment by, among other means, restricting the emission of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and reducing the use of substances of environmental concern such as lead, mercury, cadmium and others.

All vehicles in the series achieve emission levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles. Front-wheel-drive vehicles also efficiently meet the Japanese 2010 fuel efficiency standards*2, qualifying for incentives under the Japanese government's Green Taxation System.

*1 In comparison with vehicles of similar engine displacement
*2 Specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy



About Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Motor Corporation develops and manufactures vehicles, and is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, offering a wide range of products from minivehicles to trucks. In addition to its core business, Toyota has a large business portfolio in financial services, including sales finance, vehicle insurance, and credit cards. It is also involved in telecommunications through a subsidiary that provides cellular services in Japan. Other diversified businesses include industrial equipment, prefabricated housing, and leisure boats. The company is headquartered in Aichi, Japan.

[Achelous]

Horrid. :puke:

[Flybrian]

That is pretty ghastly. God help us with these asanine pedestrian regs.

[regfootball]

complete and utter crap.

[mustang84]

A slightly rounded off xB? No thanks. If I wanted a musical expereince, I'd buy a home theater system. Or a Zephyr. Not this ugly contraption.

[Variance]

Rear and interior shots (which aren't that bad, IMO):

[Flybrian]

I see bench seats are cool again, right?

[Paolino]

I see bench seats are cool again, right?

[post="63419"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Toyota said so.

[Polish_Kris]

So I take it this is the replacement for the Xb?

[bobo]

Styling-wise, I liked the last one better. This design is charmless, like an overgrown Aerio.

[Cory Wolfe]

Wow... talk about ugly. It's worse than the current one. :blink:

[pow]

I think it's for the Japanese market only.

[BrewSwillis]

And here's the mp3 player it's designed after:




:lol:

[Angry Dad]

It will never be said by any comic or any auto writer but the congratulations to Toyota, they have convincingly beaten the ugly standard set by the Aztek. We now have the platinum standard for hideous. Look for every writer to gush over this craptacular vehicle where ever it is unveiled.

[Clownzilla]

I know this is a GM fan site and we do hold an Anti-Japanese vehicle bias (face it.......we do), but this vehicle is truely a design disaster. It shows that Toyota has the automobile world in their hands.

[FAPTurbo]

Look for every writer to gush over this craptacular vehicle where ever it is unveiled.

I dunno... Something tells me that pretty much every writer will gush praise for this vehicle because it is a Toyota and it is so 'hip and in touch with today's youth' (local paper.)

$10 Canadian Bucks says that this *thing* will get more praise than the HHR and PT Cruiser combined. :angry:

[balthazar]

Grotesque, much worse than the utterly charmless current version. Interior is as dark & dank as a coal mine.
Wow... not only a thinly-skinned plywood plank of a bench seat, but a column shift and floor-mounted parking brake (and a blatantly off-center console). If the kids (40+ yr old on average) stampede after this one... I am at a loss to explain anything...

[thegriffon]

What that doesn't say is that the bB is now built by Daihatsu with Daihatsu engines in most versions. Previously it was made by either Toyota or the Central Motor Co.. It also has a new code—C2, separating it from the P-series vehicles such as the Vitz/Yaris and Ractis.

[NOS2006]

lmao I just looked at my dad and said, "Hey, you like this new Pontiac?" He choked on his sandwich. lmao :lol:

[PontiacTechNJ]

Uglier than the last one , should sell like HOTCAKES - welcome to Bizzarro world 2006

[regfootball]

complete mental masturbation.

[I hope GMRULES again]

How the F*** could somebody walk in to a dealer and spend money on something like that?

[siegen]

:puke:

[Northstar]

The interior is better than the current one, but there isn't a decent line on the exterior.

[ocnblu]

:o :blink: Were the outer dash vents inspired by... A '59 BUICK??? :AH-HA_wink:

Naw man, that bB is hella ugly, yo. Edited December 27, 2005 by ocnblu

[Snate]

Congratulations Toyota...you've made an already ugly car...even uglier.

[Sixty8panther]

I wish real cars still came with bench seats optional... this offset semi-central dashboard thing has to EFFIN DIE!!!!

The styling is neither worse of better IMO.




Ocnblu:

don't make me come down there... you KNOW I will. :P

[mustang84]

Someone needs to shoot the bB with a BB gun.

[Guest gmrebirth]

What that doesn't say is that the bB is now built by Daihatsu with Daihatsu engines in most versions. Previously it was made by either Toyota or the Central Motor Co.. It also has a new code—C2, separating it from the P-series vehicles such as the Vitz/Yaris and Ractis.

[post="63502"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

What that also doesn't say is the US is to get a different xB, rumoured to be based on the Scion 2tB concept. This Japanese market bB is apparently staying only in the Japanese market. Scion models in the future will be more exclusively designed and marketed for the American market. Edited December 27, 2005 by gmrebirth

[Sixty8panther]

This Japanese market bB is apparently staying only in the Japanese market....

[post="63708"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

JDM yo! I'll hook that sick bee-otch with a set of dubs and roll around with alteza tail lights and a "JDM BB" vanity plate.

Representin'

[Imaj]

makes wanna puke :puke:

[aaaantoine]

Well...

This is still damn ugly, but at least it's no longer "80's retro" ugly.

It's just a completely different kind of ugly. As if it were intentionally designed to nauseate pedestrians.

Hell, I bet I could sketch a deliberately ugly vehicle that looks better than this thing.

[Angry Dad]

Not that I participate but a chopping competition to make this abberation even uglier would be one heck of a challenge. BTW, even if this is not exactly what they plan on sending here exactly how by any stretch could they make this "thing" look any better? I can't see how it could be done.

[Robert Hall]

Maybe GM can do a JV with Toyota on this one.... it could be the basis of a new Pontiac Aztek that GM could peddle to the kiddies...

[Newbiewar]

So I take it this is the replacement for the Xb?

[post="63426"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

nono this is called badge engeneering

along with the xB, Toyota will recieve the bB for their own brand.

[mphmag]

this is for Japan only like said above and the new xB will look like the 2tB concept as also stated earlier. Don't worry. we won't see these on our streets.

[Angry Dad]

this is for Japan only like said above and the new xB will look like the 2tB concept as also stated earlier. Don't worry. we won't see these on our streets.

[post="63799"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

http://www.autoblog.com/2005/03/24/scion-t2b-concept/

Not much "better".

[MyerShift]

Vile. Repulsive. Disgusting. Grotesque. Hideous. Offensive. Did I mention that it's ugly? Oh, but you say that doesn't matter? Why? Oh, yes, that's right. Because it's a Toyota all of the lemming people of magazines and the public will just love it since it's "built" by Toyota regardless of whether it comes to the U.S. or not. Because, they (magazines) drive some not-for-U.S.-consumption vehicles, so we'll probably hear about it one way or another.

[Petra]

I actually like it better than the xB (though that is damming with faint praise). At least it doesn't look so boxy; it actually has some curves! And, even though the 2tB will be our next xB, I'm better that some of the same materials (mostly in the interior) will trickle down to the xB from this JDM bB.

[bobo]

It has an overly overt Japanese look, so it's good it's staying over there. The 2tB is much more pleasing to the eye.

[sciguy_0504]

I think it's for the Japanese market only.

[post="63444"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Bingo.

The interior beats out any comparable GM vehicle.

That being said, I don't like the exterior design. The rounded off square design doesn't look good and the grille placement is horrible. The rear is pretty nice and the interior is a huge leap forward over the current xB (bB) interior.

[Cory Wolfe]

Japanese only... for now. It's the new bB. The Scion xB is the the bB in Japan... hello?!?!? :blink: Also, I'm not sure what you guys see in this interior. As far as I'm concerned, it still has center mounted gauges while the actual dash is uglier. Oh.. I guess it has NAV... :huh:

[sciguy_0504]

Toyota said in the beginning Scion vehicles will be remodeled/replaced faster than the industry norm. I would hope Toyota wouldn't replace the xB with a second-gen because Nissan has its Cube coming over in a couple of years. The box thing will get old quick with two manufacturers selling them. It's best to drop the xB and replace it with another quirky (but not boxy) vehicle.

[thegriffon]

The new bB is closer in size to the Cube. The version Nissan will sell in America will be much bigger, closer in size to the xB but with a much longer wheelbase.

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

For what it is, its unique, I honestly don't think its that ugly-asnd the front end is interesting and I like the color-why'd Pontiac Vibe ditch the Yellow or Chartruese again?

[sciguy_0504]

Thanks for getting your point across, Mike. LOL.

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

I don't know why it posted three times-can someone delete 2 of those please? Thank you!

[regfootball]

you know, this vehicle is simply proof why toyota will never become a styling leader. no company that wants to be taken seriously in the styling arena would put garbage like this out, even if the m\homefried fan base eats it up.