Toyota confirmed today that it plans to introduce its redesigned 2011 Sienna minivan next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The current model will continue for a shortened 2010 model year before the all-new third-generation model makes its debut.
Earlier this year our spy photographers spotted “test mules” of the next-generation Sienna minivan. While most of the sheet metal was from the current Sienna body, it had been heavily modified around the hood, front fender and the entire rear quarter panel – making room for the new chassis underneath.
There was good reason for all this hacking; a new chassis is underneath. For the 2011 model year, the Sienna will join the Camry, Prius, Rav4, Venza and Highlander on Toyota’s ultra-flexible “MC” platform.
However, these newest photos appear to be an early running prototype – which explains the yards of camouflage covering every inch of the sheetmetal. Unfortunately our shooter was caught off-guard with the sudden appearance of a Toyota convoy and only had time to grab his cell phone/camera – but “some pictures are better than no pictures.”
While the final styling remains a mystery, some cues from the 2006 Toyota F3R concept may make it into production. Production of the ‘11 Sienna will start in January of 2010 at Toyota’s Princeton, Indiana, plant – the plant formerly charged with Tundra production.
11/10, 1:00 PM
posted by:
Dingleberry Divas of Dallas
A Venza Minivan?
Anybody wanna guess?
Are zip-ties for the floormats optional or standard equipment?
Can you get them in different colors to match the interior?
11/10, 1:00 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
We’ve been able to order these for months now. Anything anyone wants to know about what is standard/optional/colors/engine size or whatever I have it available!
11/10, 1:05 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
It might be worth a day trip to LA just to see if this arrives with an even larger stretched Venza grille. Will I be able to contain my laughter though?
11/10, 1:28 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
Let’s try to add some style this time Toyota. Try actually making one of your models look good. Cmon Toyota you can do it. You won’t sacrifice quality for just a little bit of coolness in your cars.
11/10, 2:12 PM
posted by:
dbthompson
JakeK66, Will there be an AWD model? Same 3.5 V6 (or any 4 cylinder?)? Same CE/LE/XLE/Limited?
Thanks.
11/10, 2:18 PM
posted by:
A4
“…entire rear quarter panel – making room for the new chassis underneath.
There was good reason for all this hacking; a new chassis is underneath.”
Wait is there a new chassis?
11/10, 2:20 PM
posted by:
And The Winner Is...
Why do they call them “mini”vans anymore? These things haven’t been “mini” since ChryCo came out with the original Voyager/Caravan. Should now be known as maxivans, or maybe bigassvans. This Siena looks huge, maybe they should call it the Grand Sienna.
11/10, 3:13 PM
posted by:
dbthompson
JakeK66, One other thing: what about standard / optional tire sizes, and any runflats still?
11/10, 3:13 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Only a engine is a 3.5L DOHC V6 SMPI with a 6 Speed Auto, no 4 cylinder. Same type levels as before and AWD is an option.
11/10, 3:14 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Top line tire is a P235/55R18 whickh doesn’t show as a run flat – but 17 is the new standard small size, 18 is on XLE and Limited
11/10, 3:30 PM
posted by:
dbthompson
Thanks JakeK66!
11/10, 3:32 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Although it has no 4 cyl at production startup – remember Toyota has been notorious for making it available mid-year or the next model year.
11/10, 3:38 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
C’mon Jake… don’t hold out on us buddy. We know you can spec the LFA’s V10 for this puppy. Now that would make for some serious unintended acceleration.
11/10, 3:45 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Shhh. Johnny – I could be fired if I divulged that fact!!!
11/10, 4:40 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
if i was a billionaire and could do this sort of ridiculous stuff, it would be amusing to buy an LFA just to rip out the motor and stick it in an old supra…
11/10, 6:09 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
^^^And put a stack Corrola engine in it’s place^^^
I always wanted to buy a used ‘98 or ‘99 Aurora and make the engine mods that they did in the Shelby Series One using the same 4.0L and have it as a ultimate sleeper – too bad the Aurora was FWD though.
11/10, 8:44 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Don’t expect major changes to the basics
The styling will probably be the biggest change
Powered by a 3.5 V6 with 250-275HP
It has more room and power than Odyssey right now
EPA is at or near the top too
Has split folding 3rd row seats already
Maybe add a Hybrid
But there isn’t a major flaw in it now
They want to get it on the current shared platform
Keep corporate costs down
DrFill
11/10, 11:03 PM
posted by:
rayenet
JakeK66, have you heard of any improvements to the handling? When I first test drove the current Sienna, I thought it had way too much body lean, so I bought the crappy Odyssey. The current Odyssey handles well, but it’s the worst quality vehicle I have ever purchased, so I’m hoping that Toyota has improved this area on the 2011 model. I have three other cars in the fleet, but would really like a good quality people mover that has respectable handling.
11/11, 2:55 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
Odyssey is still superior to the Sienna. Fit and finish for sure. Toyota does have an edge though…you can buy a 6 month old rental car units for thousands less than a new one…Honda doesn’t whore out to rental fleets so value is better in the long run with Honda. Vans are not really anything to write about though. They are boring toasters…make toast.
11/11, 6:49 AM
posted by:
rayenet
No, the Odyssey is not superior in fit and finish to the Toyota. It is superior in it’s handling dynamics and thats it. Build quality and NVH is horrible. The Odyssey is my first and last Honda purchase.
11/11, 7:41 AM
posted by:
DrFill
Sienna is starting to push Odyssey for class lead in sales
And the Sienna has AWD as another optional advantage
DrFill
11/11, 8:35 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
More runaway Toyotas
There are only two auto manufacturers, GM and everybody else…
11/11, 8:41 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Toyota is going out of business one customer at a time.
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f72/sold-equinox-twist-85224/
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Everybody, including Toyotas own salespeople realize that Toyotas are overrated piles of sh1t and that General Motors vehicles are THE STANDARD OF THE WORLD.
There are only two auto manufacturers, GM and everybody else…
GM. AN American Revolution
11/16, 1:17 PM
posted by:
doubtfire
My wife drives 2006 LE model and she likes it…I need to put winter tires on my 216/65R16 and I am wandering if the new model will have it different…
Does anyone have a “wheel and tire” specification for the new 2011 Sienna? Any feedback is appreciated