2008 Detroit Auto Show: All-New Toyota Venza Sedan Preview

We’re a bit surprised this afternoon. In a post-lunch stupor, we checked our normal messages and — BAM! There it was: Toyota will debut an all-new sedan in Detroit, called the Venza. This isn’t a concept, this is a production debut designed and engineered in the U.S. of A., and it will be manufactured in Kentucky.

Toyota isn’t calling the Venza just a normal sedan, it says it will be a “crossover sedan.” We have no earthly idea what that means, but this is what Toyota is revealing as of now: “Venza will be a unique blend of sedan and sport utility vehicle, offering seating for five, easy ingress and egress, a car-like ride and functional utility.”

That’s all we have for now, but stay tuned as the auto show approaches in January. The Venza will make its debut Jan. 14.

Comments

[J]

Maybe like the Outback Sedan that Subie pulled its plug? That means a Camry with raised suspension.

[Dave T.]

while I doubt it will be an all new platform I'm not sure it'll be a raised Camry. It can't compete with the Highlander either. My best guess is this is to replace the Avalon and it'll be larger. But that's totally a guess!!!

[ziggy]

My guess would be a tall wagon version of the Camry. Something like the Corolla Verso...Larger than the Matrix but smaller than the Highlander

[L.S.]

My bet is on a wagon-like car. Perhaps something along the lines of the European Avensis Tourer.

[Adam]

I am guessing something along the lines of a rugged wagon-type vehicle. Something like the Volvo XC70 only cheaper

[sulli]

kinda like a Taurus?

[LM]

I honestly would have thought they would have used the Subaru factory in Indiana to do something unique with AWD...the fact that it's coming from Georgetown makes me believe it won't have AWD. Perhaps it'll be a larger Prius-like hybrid since they already make the Camry Hybrid in KY.

[Kevin]

Isn't this the replacement for the Solara? It's because I heard Solara was being replaced with a crossover when I read Motor Trend few months ago...

[Paul]

Probably be like the 28 year old AMC Eagle sedan (1980),a sedan slightly raised,AWD,and rugged looking body touches (lower cladding,bumper covers)...sorta like the look Subaru stole for their Legacy-Outback Sedans(which they no longer make).

[Ziggy]

Probably the US version of the Mark X Zio that we saw a few months back.

[J]

But why can't Toyota bring the Crown concept that they have presented a few years back BEFORE showing some crossover sedan that not much people will be interested so that Subie pulled its plugs?

[LM]

Hey why is Emeril on this article?

[Spanky]

LM,

"...and — BAM! There it was:" I think Emeril is in it because he says BAM when he get's excited/adds seasoning to a dish. I hear they've stopped filming Emeril Live but he may get a new show on The Food Network. Now you have a picture of Emeril and an Emeril commentary:)

Bring on the stretched Matrix!

[brown]

I've never understood the subaru thing...

Isnt the whole station wagon thing done? I mean look at the Magnum, Taurus X or Freestyle or whatever its called today...not america's best sellers

[J]

brown,

The Subaru thing is the Outback sedan.

Like I said, people in this country are interesting; they don't like wagons, but the rest of the world does.

[Jim]

Clever picture choice. Yup, I think it's a Sedan . . . as in something with a trunk. The FS-X concept picture that shows up on some other website is the next Highlander.

[VENZA_]

Im looking forward to it. Looks awesome. It'll be the next car to buy.

http://www.autocult.com.au/img/gallery/full/W5DK2LEY.jpg

[J]

NEWEST INFO!

Just as I was surfing on Toyota's Japanese site, I saw something that might be what this topic is about.

http://toyota.jp/markxzio/index.html
The Mark X Zio, a crossover sedan. (Wagon?)

[Dan the Man]

That is straight up ugly, so im sure its US bound.

[Secret]

Here is the new Venza

[secret]

here is the link
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/ftsx.html

[J]

Dan,
The Mark X Zio is still better looking than the concept version that we are going to see.