Toyota Alphard
Encyclopedia
The Toyota Alphard is a luxury MPV
Minivan
Minivan is a type of van designed for personal use. Minivans are typically either two-box or one box designs for maximum interior volume – and are taller than a sedan, hatchback, or a station wagon....

 produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2002. It is available as a seven or eight-seater with 2.4 and 3.0 litre gasoline engines in 3 different model lines - Alphard G, Alphard V, and the Alphard Hybrid, which uses the 2.4 litre engine along with an electrical motor and batteries. Toyota states its "E-Four electric 4WD system that regulates a rear-mounted, rear-wheel-propelling electric motor and coordinates electric power distribution to all four wheels. An ECB (Electrically Controlled Brake system) provides efficient wheel-by-wheel brake control." The vehicle was named after the Alphard
Alphard
Alphard is the brightest star in the constellation Hydra. The name Alphard is from the Arabic الفرد , "the solitary one", there being no other bright stars near it. It was also known as the "backbone of the Serpent" to the Arabs. In ancient China it formed part of an asterism called the "red bird"...

, the brightest star
Star
A star is a massive, luminous sphere of plasma held together by gravity. At the end of its lifetime, a star can also contain a proportion of degenerate matter. The nearest star to Earth is the Sun, which is the source of most of the energy on Earth...

 in the constellation
Constellation
In modern astronomy, a constellation is an internationally defined area of the celestial sphere. These areas are grouped around asterisms, patterns formed by prominent stars within apparent proximity to one another on Earth's night sky....

 Hydra
Hydra (constellation)
Hydra is the largest of the 88 modern constellations, measuring 1303 square degrees. It has a long history, having been included among the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy. It is commonly represented as a water snake...

.

The Alphard is primarily made for the Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

ese market, but is also sold in Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...

, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...

, Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...

, Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...

, Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...

, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...

, Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...

, Bahrain
Bahrain
' , officially the Kingdom of Bahrain , is a small island state near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. It is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. The population in 2010 stood at 1,214,705, including 235,108 non-nationals. Formerly an emirate, Bahrain was declared a kingdom in 2002.Bahrain is...

, Oman
Oman
Oman , officially called the Sultanate of Oman , is an Arab state in southwest Asia on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea on the...

, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...

.

In 2006, a Royal Lounge Alphard was introduced. It is a luxurious, four-seat version of the Alphard. Its traditional competitor from Nissan is the Elgrand
Nissan Elgrand
The Nissan Elgrand is a luxury MPV manufactured by Nissan since 1997, available in three model developments, the E50, the E51 and as of 2010 the E52.-E50 "First Generation":...

. Toyota also makes a sportier version of the Alphard, aimed at the younger generation called the Vellfire.

Alphard Hybrid

The full-size Alphard Hybrid MPV qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), achieving emission levels 75% lower than the Japanese government's year 2000 benchmark. The 2.4-litre gasoline engine has been developed specifically for use in Toyota's hybrid systems
Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles , which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.-Power:...

 and features a high-expansion ratio cycle that raises efficiency
Fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a form of thermal efficiency, meaning the efficiency of a process that converts chemical potential energy contained in a carrier fuel into kinetic energy or work. Overall fuel efficiency may vary per device, which in turn may vary per application, and this spectrum of variance is...

 and reduces friction.

The Alphard Hybrid uses "by-wire" technology that monitors brake pedal pressure and vehicle speed in order to calculate the optimum hydraulic pressure. By-wire works with the E-Four to maximize the collection of kinetic energy from braking for conversion into electric power.

The Alphard Hybrid can generate up to 1,500 watts and is equipped with standard 100-volt AC power outlets, allowing a wide range of appliances to be used, such as laptops and emergency lights. The electrical outlets can also be used to recharge items such as power-assisted bicycles and electric carts, adding a new dimension to leisure activities.

Safety Features

In fact, standard on the "G edition" and optional on standard grades are ( with a G-BOOK
G-Book
G-Book is a telematics subscription service currently provided by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan for its Toyota- and Lexus-branded vehicles. G-Book allows users to link with cellphones , personal digital assistants 's, personal computers and G-Book equipped cars across Japan...

 compatible DVD voice navigation system):
  • Blind Corner Monitor, which indicates the approach of other vehicles or pedestrians from the left and right
  • Back Guide Monitor with a color CCD camera and voice-guidance function, which uses signals from a steering sensor to calculate the likely reverse path during reversing and display it on the monitor screen
  • Lane-monitoring system
    Lane departure warning system
    In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system is a mechanism designed to warn a driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane on freeways and arterial roads. These systems are designed to minimize accidents by addressing the main causes of collisions: driver error,...

     that uses images from the Back Guide Monitor camera to measure the lateral distance to white or yellow lines on major highways and triggers an alarm when the distance falls below a pre-set level
  • Radar Cruise Control, which uses laser radar sensors and steering sensors to keep track of the vehicle's lane and any preceding vehicle and ensures that a safe distance is maintained in accordance with vehicle speed

Built-in electronic toll collection

In addition, optional on all grades is a built-in electronic toll collection unit that allows for quick tollgate pass-through (only available with a navigation system).

Fuel Efficiency

The Alphard Hybrid achieves approximately 42 mpg and boasts an insulated body and newly developed two-way compressor that is incorporated in the motor to optimize the use of the air conditioner, conserving fuel. The Alphard Hybrid's specially developed windshield glass also reduces the amount of solar radiation penetration. In addition, the roof and roof panels contain an insulating material to reduce cabin temperature, which helps conserve energy when the air conditioner is operating.

1st generation (2002-2008)

The Alphard was produced by Toyota in 2002 to compete against the Nissan Elgrand
Nissan Elgrand
The Nissan Elgrand is a luxury MPV manufactured by Nissan since 1997, available in three model developments, the E50, the E51 and as of 2010 the E52.-E50 "First Generation":...

 and Honda Elysion
Honda Elysion
The Honda Elysion is a minivan capable of seating up to 8 people that is sold only in Japan as a competitor to the Toyota Alphard and the Nissan Elgrand. It is related to the USA-spec Honda Odyssey but is not the same vehicle...

. With full electrical component features and complete comfort and safety features, the Alphard is Toyota's best selling MPV in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

. The Alphard was facelifted in 2005 with new design of rear lamp and use of 16" and 17" alumunium alloy wheels. A hybrid
Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles , which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.-Power:...

 version was also added to the lineup. For model year 2007 on Japanese models only, G-BOOK
G-Book
G-Book is a telematics subscription service currently provided by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan for its Toyota- and Lexus-branded vehicles. G-Book allows users to link with cellphones , personal digital assistants 's, personal computers and G-Book equipped cars across Japan...

, a subscription telematics
Telematics
Telematics typically is any integrated use of telecommunications and informatics, also known as ICT...

 service, is offered as an option.

Technical details

  • Engine
    • 2AZ-FE 2.400 cc 4 cylinders 16 valve VVT-i 160 PS 195 newton metre
    • 1MZ-FE 3.000 cc V6 24 valve VVT-i 220 PS 310 newton metre
  • Transmission
    • 4&5 speed automatic super ECT
  • Drivetrain
    • FWD
    • 4WD
  • Dimension and weight
    • Length : 4865 mm (191.5 in)
    • Width : 1830 mm (72 in)
    • Height : 1935 mm (76.2 in)
    • Wheelbase : 2900 mm (114.2 in)

    • Weight : 1800 kg (3,968.3 lb)

2nd generation (2008-present)

In April 2008, the Alphard was redesigned with a more modern style of exterior and a more luxurious interior. For this generation, the Alphard line-up was expanded into two different design variant - Alphard and Vellfire. According to Toyota's press release, the Alphard is described as having elegant and sophisticated design while the Vellfire emphasizes on strength and strong individuality. Both models are sold via separate distribution channels, with the Alphard sold by Toyota's Toyopet dealership chain while the Vellfire is sold at Toyota's youth oriented Netz dealership chain.

The 2nd generation Alphard launched in the Philippines on August 3, 2010.

A facelift model was announced by Toyota Motor Co. on 27-September 2011, with sales in Japan to start from 1-November 2011. Also introduced is a hybrid version of both the Alphard and Vellfire.

Technical details

  • Engine
    • ≥2AZ-FE 2.400 cc 4 cylinders 16 valve VVT-i 170 PS 235 newton metre
    • ≥2GR-FE 3.500 cc V6 24 valve 280 PS 330 newton metre
  • Transmission
    • ≥6 speed automatic super ECT
    • ≥7 speed automatic super CVT
  • Drivetrain
    • ≥FWD
    • ≥4WD
  • Dimension and weight
    • ≥Length : 4890 mm (192.5 in)
    • ≥Width : 1830 mm (72 in)
    • ≥Height : 1915 mm (75.4 in)
    • ≥Wheelbase : 2915 mm (114.8 in)
    • ≥Weight : 1815 kg (4,001.4 lb)

See also

  • List of hybrid vehicles
  • Comparison of Toyota hybrids
    Comparison of Toyota hybrids
    By the end of 2006 there were about 15 hybrid vehicles from various car makers available in the U.S. By May 2007 Toyota sold its first million hybrids and had sold a total of two million hybrids at the end of August 2009....

  • Hybrid Synergy Drive
    Hybrid Synergy Drive
    Hybrid Synergy Drive is a set of hybrid car technologies developed by Toyota and used in the company's Auris, Prius, Highlander Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Estima, Alphard, Lexus CT, Lexus RX 400h/RX 450h, Lexus GS 450h, Lexus LS 600h/LS 600hL, and Lexus HS 250h automobiles. Toyota also licenses its HSD...


External links

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