Toyota's 4th generation new Alphard "α" emblem will be discontinued Why?

Toyota has fully remodeled the new Alphard and is scheduled to release it on June 21, 2023 . Toyota has inherited the “α” emblem from the first generation model to the third generation model. Many people probably imagine this emblem when they hear the name Alphard. However, the new 4th generation Alphard did away with the emblem and replaced it with the Toyota logo. (The α logo was left on the driver’s and passenger’s seats) What on earth does this have to do with this? I thought about it.

table of contents

What is the “α (alpha)” hawk emblem?
1. Alphard
2. HARRIER
3. CROWN
Why was the “α” emblem abolished?
About the new Alphard Vellfire
The interior of the new Alphard Vellfire has significantly evolved.
New Alphard specs

What is the “α (alpha)” hawk emblem?

Alphard

Alphard is a coined word derived from the Greek word “alpha”, which means the brightest star in a constellation, and the emblem uses “α”. Its meaning is “the brightest star in the constellation,” and the emblem is designed with an “α” motif, and the name Alphard is said to come from this α.

HARRIER

From the English name “HARRIER” of the bird “Chuhi” in the hawk family. The emblem also features a Chuuhi design. In other words, it represents “HARRIER”. In fact, many Toyota vehicles use emblems specific to their vehicle model.

However, the new “Harrier” has become a global model from the 4th generation onwards and has adopted the “Toyota” emblem.

A bird belonging to the hawk family, the hawk, was left behind in the driver’s and passenger’s seats.

CROWN

CROWN means crown in English, and even older models use the “crown emblem”.

Why was the “α” emblem abolished?

When purchasing the new Alphard, I asked a Toyota dealer about the emblem and learned that Toyota will begin integrating its nationwide sales channels in May 2020. 6,000 dealerships in Japan are now selling all vehicle models together. This is the biggest reason. Until now, the Alphard was only available in Japan, and outside Japan, the third-generation model was sold under the company’s Lexus brand as the LM. It became an independent car model exclusive to Japan. From now on, the Alphard will be sold as a global model. The emblem was probably changed to the oval “Toyota” mark due to the integration of domestic dealerships and the fact that it is a global model.

About the new Alphard Vellfire

Adopts the newly developed TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) “GA-L platform.”

Equipped with new engines: “ 2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + hybrid system ” and “2.4L direct injection turbo engine .”

Equipped with the latest version of ” Toyota Safety Sense ( TSS3 )”. Equipped with advanced driving support technology Toyota Teammate [Advanced Drive] .

The front seats feature a 12.3-inch large full LCD digital meter, 14 – inch display audio, T-Connect SD navigation system + Yamaha premium sound system (all higher grades), and the rear seat entertainment system features a 13.2-inch display . It features a JBL premium sound system (15 speakers), Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto . Equipped with DCM in-vehicle communication device as standard.

Equipped with a power back door (with anti-pinch function) (all advanced grades).

Adopts a hands-free sliding door (all advanced grades).

Advanced Park (HV has remote function) Operation guidance via screen display, voice, and buzzer sounds, and by operating the steering wheel, shift position, accelerator, and brake, you can reverse park or parallel park near the target parking position confirmed on the screen. Assist in exiting from parking. Additionally, a dedicated smartphone app is available, allowing you to park remotely from outside the vehicle.

Although it maintains the same concept as the previous model, the exterior design and front and rear bumper designs have been changed. Continuing from the previous generation , it uses ” flowing turn signals (sequential turn lamps) “. The body size (total length 4,995mm, total width 1,850mm, total height 1,935mm, wheelbase 3,000mm) is maintained within the size limit for general mechanical parking lots (total length 5,000mm x total width 1,850mm or less). It uses a newly developed platform called TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) , which was adopted from the new Prius released in December 2015 . The engine model is equipped with a “ 2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) ” that achieves the same maximum thermal efficiency of over 40% as the new Camry . This engine is also used in the hybrid model, which uses a smaller, lighter hybrid system called “High Performance Multi-Stage THS II” to improve fuel efficiency. The new Alphard/Vellfire Hybrid uses the same 2AR-FXE 2.5L straight-4 DOHC+ motor as the Camry Hybrid, and has a WLTC mode fuel economy of 16.5-17.7km/L. The previous model only had a 4WD (E-Four) hybrid model, but this time, for the first time, a 2WD (FF) model will be available. Additionally, the eight-seater model was discontinued.

The interior of the new Alphard Vellfire has significantly evolved.

The front seats feature the latest steering wheel and shift knob of the latest design, which is shared with the new Prius and Crown. The electric parking brake and hold button are very easy to press, and the charging position is very convenient, just by placing it next to the drink holder. A 12.3 – inch large full LCD digital meter , 14-inch display audio, T-Connect SD navigation system + JBL premium sound system (15 speakers) , and a 13.2-inch display (optional) are used for the rear seat entertainment system. It uses Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Equipped with DCM in-vehicle communication device as standard. (Executive Lounge is standard equipment)

Furthermore, the rear seats feature a “super long overhead console” and “twin dimming panoramic roof”, as well as “LED roof color illumination”, just like the previous model. The top-of-the-line “Executive Lounge” rear seats are luxuriously equipped with “seat reclining” and “relaxation” functions, as well as a “heat seat” ottoman and armrest. Furthermore , it has two ” centralized control touch panels ” that allow you to intuitively operate various comfort equipment such as the TV .

“ Universal steps ” are installed on both sides (optional). Although the third row seat is a flip-up type, the two-stage mechanism allows for more movement in the second row than in the previous model, increasing the variety of seat arrangements.

The moonroof’s shades are independent on the left and right sides, allowing each customer to simultaneously meet their individual wishes, such as wanting to see the sky or block out the sun. In addition, the side sunshade is a descending type, a first for Toyota.

New Alphard specs

spec	alphard hybrid model	Alphard
full length	4,995mm	4,995mm
full width	1,850mm	1,850mm
Overall height	1,935mm	1,935mm
Wheelbase	3,000mm	3,000mm
engine	In-line 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THSⅡ)	Inline 4 cylinder 2.5L engine
Maximum output	140kW (190ps) / 6,000rpm	134kW (182ps) / 6,000rpm
Maximum torque	236Nm (24.1kgm) / 4,300-4,500rpm	235Nm (24.0kgm) / 4,100rpm
Front motor maximum output	134kw (182ps)	–
Front motor maximum torque	270Nm (27.5kgm)	–
Maximum system output	184w (250ps)	–
transmission	Electric continuously variable transmission	Super CVT-i
Drive system	2WD E-Four (4 wheel drive system)	2WD 4WD
WLTC mode fuel consumption	17.5-17.7km/L (2WD) 16.5-16.7km/L (4WD)	10.6km/L (2WD) 10.3km/L (4WD)
Riding capacity	7 people	7 people

Vellfire

https://toyota.jp/vellfire/

Alphard

https://toyota.jp/alphard/

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