Chapter 2 TOYOTA BLADE: The Essence of Refinement

Chapter 1 The All-New Toyota Blade

A Car of Condensed Refinement (2)

The Toyota Blade condenses the essential elements of a premium car—a powerful engine and a refined interior—into a compact body. This article explores the appeal of this vehicle, which carves out a new genre of "short premium."

By Fumio OgawaPhotos by Yoshifumi Ogawa

Engines: 2.4-liter Inline-4 and 3.5-liter V6

The exterior design, with its prominent wheels, suggests a car engineered around the four corners, exuding a sense of dynamism. Inside, the integrated design of the dashboard and door panels enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The slim, well-crafted seats further contribute to a sense of exclusivity, offering excellent comfort and secure support during cornering. This unique presence is suited for those who seek a life of personal satisfaction while enjoying their drive. In essence, it offers a richness that transcends the term "hot hatch."

The Blade is built on a chassis with a 2600mm wheelbase, accommodating either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing a maximum output of 167 ps or a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 ps. The V6 features variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust, achieving high efficiency by balancing power with fuel economy. The 2.4-liter model is equipped with a continuously variable transmission paired with a 7-speed Sport Shiftmatic, offering quick shifts reminiscent of a manual transmission.

The 3.5-liter Blade (Master G) model features the "6-Speed Sport Direct Shift" transmission. This system, a key development from Toyota, is an automatic transmission engineered to pursue sporty driving as much as possible. Notably, it includes an M position for manual shifting. All gears from 2nd to 6th utilize a lock-up mechanism for enhanced directness, with shifts taking a mere 0.2 seconds. Downshifts incorporate engine blipping control to match revolutions, further refining the driving experience. This transmission, pushing the boundaries of automatic technology, perfectly complements the powerful engine.