Toyota loads its arsenal

TOYOTA plans to launch at least 10 new or revamped vehicles over each of the next two years.

The bold plan may be partially driven by Nissan's intention to launch 22 models over the next three years and Honda's plan to unveil 20 new vehicles or updates over a similar period.

Australia stands to benefit from the product explosion with the MR2 roadster, facelifted Camry, LandCruiser turbo-diesel and Lexus IS300 and RX300 among the flood of new models.

Toyota's concerted product drive has been evident locally over the past 12 months, starting with the launch of the radical new Celica, Echo and updated Corolla late last year.

All-new versions of the RAV4 and Tarago have already joined the stable this year, along with the conservative but capable Avalon.

The facelifted Camry, due on October 3, is the next car in the pipeline.

Toyota Australia's media relations manager, Mr Mike Breen, says the revised Camry range will be offered in four trim levels, with the Vienta models dropped to prevent cannibalisation of the Avalon.

The new Camry line-up is likely to include CSi, Conquest and Touring variants, along with an up-spec model that will inherit many of the features from the outgoing Vienta VXi and Grande.

About three weeks later the LandCruiser turbo-diesel will plug a void that has existed since the launch of the 100 Series in March, 1998.

The new 4.2-litre turbo-diesel model will be offered in GXL and GXV trim levels, with pricing expected to start around $63,000.

Meanwhile, Toyota's upmarket brand - Lexus - is expected to be bolstered by the IS300 around October, 2001, according to Mr Breen.

The newcomer is essentially a more potent version of the IS200, sporting a 3.0-litre engine and beefed-up suspension.

Competing against the likes of the BMW 323i, the IS300 is likely to be priced around $70,000.

Mr Breen says the RX300 "soft-roader" is also on Lexus Australia's wish list, but adds that it is not expected to make its local debut until early 2002.

"The RX300 is a cross-over vehicle based on the Camry's platform and designed to take on the Mercedes-Benz ML320 and BMW X5," Mr Breen says.

The V6-powered wagon could also be perceived as a rival to Subaru's imminent six-cylinder Outback.