Toyota ALPHARD History and Specifications

ALPHARD

The Toyota Alphard is a luxury MPV 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 Alphard Hybrid. The Alphard is primarily made for the Japanese market, but is also sold in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Singapore Thailand, and Malaysia. The vehicle was named after the Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra.

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 full-size Alphard Hybrid MPV qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), achieving levels 75% lower emissions than the Japanese government’s 2000 benchmark. The 2.4-litre gasoline engine has been developed specifically for use in Toyota’s hybrid systems and features a high-expansion ratio cycle that raises efficiency and reduces friction.

In 2006, a Royal Lounge Alphard was introduced. It is a luxurious, four-seat version of the Alphard.

“BY-WIRE” TECHNOLOGY

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 Minivan 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.

The Alphard Hybrid also offers some advanced safety features not seen on other hybrids. In fact, standard on the “G edition” and optional on standard grades are ( with a G-BOOK 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 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

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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). 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.

HISTORY

1st Generation (2002-2008)

Alphard produced by Toyota in 2002 to fight against Nissan Elgrand and Honda Elysion. With full electrical component features and complete comfort and safety features. Alphard is Toyota’s best seller MPV in Japan. Alphard was facelifted in 2005 with new design of rear lamp and use alumunium alloy wheel of 16 and 17 inch this was the first time Toyota made the hybrid version of Alphard. heres the details of Alphard 1st generation.

• Engine
• 2AZ-FE 2.400 cc 4 cylinders 16 valve VVT-i 160 PS 195 Nm
• 1MZ-FE 3.000 cc V6 24 valve VVT-i 220 PS 310 Nm
• Transmission
• 4&5 speed automatic super ECT
• Drivetrain
• FWD
• 4WD
• Dimension and weight
• Length : 4.865 mm
• Width : 1.830 mm
• Height : 1.935 mm
• Wheelbase: 2.900 mm
• Weight : 1800 kg

2nd Generation (2008-present)

April 2008, that’s the time when Alphard redesigned. With more elegant style of exterior, luxurious interior. And there is also another variant called Vellfire, which has slightly different exterior designs (such as the different grill and headlights) and interior decoration. Here are the detalis of Alphard 2nd generation.

• Engine
• 2AZ-FE 2.400 cc 4 cylinders 16 valve VVT-i 170 PS 235 Nm
• 2GR-FE 3.500 cc V6 24 valve 280 PS 330 Nm
• Transmission
• 6 speed automatic super ECT
• 7 speed automatic super CVT
• Drivetrain
• FWD
• 4WD
• Dimension and weight
• Length : 4.890 mm
• Width : 1.830 mm
• Height : 1.915 mm
• Wheelbase: 2.915 mm
• Weight : 1815 kg