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Toyota Untold

Business & Economics Podcasts

From shops to showrooms past, present, and future — Toyota Untold goes beyond the cars and into the journeys, featuring exclusive stories of drivers, engineers, fans, and experts from the Toyota/Lexus family.

Location:

United States

Description:

From shops to showrooms past, present, and future — Toyota Untold goes beyond the cars and into the journeys, featuring exclusive stories of drivers, engineers, fans, and experts from the Toyota/Lexus family.

Language:

English


Episodes

45. Tundra Series: The Final Chapter (Part 4)

5/25/2022
We’re seeing out our Tundra series in style. Over the past few weeks, you’ve heard all about the amazing new 2022 Tundra and the things it can do. Now it’s time to sit down with digital creator, marketer, and former engineer, Cody Wilhide, for his insights into the new vehicle. Then, after that, we’ve saved the best for last. We’re speaking to the President of Toyota Manufacturing right here in Texas, himself, Kevin Voelkel. He gives us an amazing insight into what it takes to pull...

Duration:00:53:57

44. Inside The Land Cruiser Heritage Museum with Greg Miller

5/19/2022
Think you’re the world’s ultimate Land Cruiser fan? Chances are Greg Miller’s got you beat. After finding himself with six of them in his collection, he realized that no one was preserving the history of the Land Cruiser like he was. That’s when The Land Cruiser Heritage Museum was born. The celebration of all things Land Cruiser is based in Salt Lake City with the goal of inspiring adventure. But today’s story takes us WAY beyond Utah. Greg has driven Land Cruisers on every single continent on earth (not a typo). Land Cruisers have been a part of his life since he was four years old. His dad used to work for Toyota and he would sometimes get to play in the cars and pretend he was actually driving them. Little did he know that he’d one day become one of the world’s leading Land Cruiser experts. In today’s episode, you’ll hear all about Expedition7, the amazing worldwide Land Cruiser-based undertaking that Greg spearheaded, as well as what goes into setting up and running a museum of such scale and polish. How do you transport Land Cruisers around the world? And what can you expect when you go to visit? Don’t miss this adventurous new episode. Resources: The Land Cruiser Heritage Museum Toyota Untold is co-produced with Crate Media.

Duration:00:50:30

43. Tundra Series: Getting Up Close & Personal with the Next Gen Tundra (Part 3)

5/6/2022
The celebration of the next generation 2022 Tundra continues with our third episode in a four-part Tundra series. You can read all about a car’s specs, but there’s no substitute for actually getting up close and hands on. In this episode, we’re taking several guests inside the new Tundra to see the amazing features that the next gen has to offer, firsthand. We’re joined by Kevin Kavanagh, Ken Bolido, and Austin Evans. How do these real life driving enthusiasts feel about the new model? How...

Duration:00:37:42

42. Tundra Series: Are You Not Infotained? (Part 2)

1/12/2022
Toyota Untold continues to celebrate the recent release of the next generation 2022 Tundra with part two in a four-part series looking behind the curtain on the new model and its development. This week, we plug into its brand new infotainment system and explore all the added benefits, data, and functionality available at drivers’ fingertips in the 2022 Tundra. Smart, seamless tech is an expectation of modern drivers, a trend Toyota is well familiar with. Joining us are two of the most...

Duration:01:10:26

41. The Iconic 2000GT: A Supercar Fit for a Superspy

12/1/2021
Timeless ‘60s styling, movie star status, $1 million price tag, and a backstory for the ages – what doesn’t the 2000GT have? Though only a few hundred were ever manufactured, this iconic speedster stands as one of Toyota’s, and the world’s, most memorable vehicles. Why? For starters, Japan’s first supercar blew the doors off of what the world thought of the then-humble Toyota name, giving the upstart brand invaluable credence and credibility in the American marketplace. Often referred to as a halo car, the 2000GT deeply influenced Toyota’s place in the automotive industry and earned a permanent place in performance vehicle history. The perfect model or toy car, the 2000GT sports one of the most attractive shapes and styling packages ever put on the road; but movie buffs will remember it most fondly from its co-starring role in a certain 1967 action film, the fifth installment of a franchise that recently released its twenty-sixth feature, currently showing in theatres around the world. The world’s most famous big screen superspy still rules the box office today – just as the 2000GT remains one of his most revered rides, even if he never actually drove it (more on that in the episode). We’re joined by Ross Scharphorn, professional stunt driver and car chase historian; Derrick Heydari, Product Development Engineer, Toyota North America; and Drew Eleazar, Senior Development Engineer, Toyota North America, for a fun roundtable conversation that zigs and zags from the 2000GT’s inspiration and launch, to its specs, tech, and place in movie history. Shake a martini and fire up your backseat vision phone – we’ve chopped the top and set our sights on Tokyo, Japan, 1967. Resources Toyota 2000GT Sold At Auction for $1.2mDaniel Craig’s Favorite Bond CarPhotos: 1967 – 1968 Toyota 2000GTCollectible Classic: 1967-70 Toyota 2000GTRoss Scharphorn: IMDB Toyota Untold is co-produced with Crate Media

Duration:00:50:54

40. Tundra Series: Fireside Chat with Jeff Buchenroth & Kevin Kavanagh (Part 1)

11/10/2021
Toyota Untold is celebrating the highly anticipated release of the next generation 2022 Tundra with a special series, starting with a wholesome fireside chat with U.S. Air Force Veteran, DIY Tundra overlander, and lifelong Toyota driver, Jeff Buchenroth. Jeff outfitted his 2016 Tundra to tour the country’s National Parks and shares his experiences with us today...many of which share themes of the kindness and kindred spirit that he’s found on the road, from Glacier to Yellowstone and many...

Duration:00:49:10

39. HQ Confidential: New Product Showcase

8/4/2021
It seems like everything has changed in the last eighteen months. Live events and promotions, specifically, are an area that will likely never be the same. This summer, Toyota leaned into this shift with a brand new, all-inclusive event space hosted at Toyota USA headquarters in Plano, Texas, that previewed upcoming news for select members of the automotive media landscape. The result was a one-of-a-kind, multi-day brand presentation, one that very well could redefine the model moving...

Duration:00:35:08

38. The ‘79 Radstock Starlet: A Restoration Story

7/15/2021
Grab some popcorn, Josh Brooks has a story to tell. As a boy, a classic vehicle in his neighborhood caught his eye — a stunning ‘79 Toyota Starlet. Like most people, though, he’d nod his head in approval and go on with his life… to school, the park, or wherever a kid might spend his time in the small town of Radstock, England. That’s where the story takes a turn into the uncommon. The experiences shared by Josh, the car, and its original owner in the decades following these sightings were as uncommon as they were endearing. What’s more, they’re truly representative of the family-minded approach that Toyota aims to embody every day. As you may have guessed from the title, yes, the neighborhood Starlet has been marvelously restored to its original state (other than a set of modern tires) and now drives through its hometown with celebrity-like fanfare. Josh is sure that it deserves it’s own “verified check” on social media. You’ll hear the pride he has in it, and its story, come through in his voice. We’re just as proud to share it, here on Toyota Untold. The heartwarming details of this tale, though, are best left to its main character. We promise, by the end of this episode, you’ll be looking for airfare to England on a mission to ride in this amazing one-of-a-kind vehicle — just don’t expect to sit in the back seat. Resources: Toyota People: Josh Brooks, classic Starlet restorerHistory of the Toyota StarletToyota Starlet: Vehicle lineage Toyota Untold is co-produced with Crate Media

Duration:00:31:27

37. Fast & Famous: Cinema’s Most Recognizable Supra

7/2/2021
Still going strong (and into space!), the “Fast” film franchise is one the highest-grossing the movie industry has ever seen and shows no signs of slowing down. Sure, superstar names like Vin Diesel and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson take top billing, but the franchise is built on fast cars – none more famous and sought-after worldwide than Paul Walker’s orange Gladiator Supra featured prominently in “The Fast and the Furious” (2001). We’re joined by Craig Lieberman, original owner of the film’s primary, hero vehicle, a 1994 Toyota Supra MK IV. We go behind the scenes and dig into what it was like to lend his expert knowledge and eye-popping cars to such a high-profile production. How did the arrangement come to be? Which actors could really drive? How real were the most dynamic driving scenes? Craig shares his perspective as only someone in the driver’s seat possibly could. After his Supra was “discovered” by movie producers and brought into the fold for filming, Craig provided consultation on all things auto for the first two “Fast” films. His deep knowledge of tuner culture and Japanese performance vehicles were key in the film’s initial (and ongoing) impact on the scene – after having ignited an explosion in the modifications industry and indoctrinating a new generation of auto enthusiasts around the world. We discover what happened to the Supra after filming and hear about Craig’s new and influential place in the scene, boasting over 174k insatiably curious YouTube subscribers and over 129k Instagram followers that pepper him with questions on a daily basis. Craig was a fantastic interview; we’re thankful that he set aside time to talk with us about his (and his car’s) unique place in movie history. Buckle up, this one’s fast. Resources: Craig Lieberman - WebsiteCraig Lieberman - YouTubeCraig Lieberman - Instagram Toyota Untold is co-produced with Crate Media

Duration:00:47:54

36. The Psychology of Driving

6/9/2021
The driver-vehicle relationship is changing quickly. From sensors to cameras, AI and other smart-enabled tech, it’s starting to seem like vehicles are more computer than they are car. In this episode, Toyota research scientists, John Lenneman, Ph.D., and Josh Domeyer, Ph.D., join us to address common curiosities and answer questions—while posing many more. That’s the nature of the job, it seems. Both are proud, self-admitted nerds, passionate about problem solving and discovery, especially...

Duration:01:02:29

35. The State of the Sedan: Relic or Revival?

5/19/2021
Ask someone to picture a car and most people will imagine a sedan. They're arguably the default vehicle of the modern age... or at least they were. Currently, two SUVs are sold for every sedan and many manufacturers are slowing or ceasing sedan production, entirely. Toyota’s Sam Goot from Vehicle Marketing and Communications and Paul Daverio from Production Planning and Strategy join us to explain exactly why Toyota is standing tall as one of the only manufacturers still fully committed to...

Duration:00:34:16

34. Sienna: Driving the Swagger Wagon Into 2021

5/5/2021
The Sienna is one of the best-known minivans on the market, with a reputation for being durable and reliable, and, of course, for being the perfect family vehicle. There’s no getting around its suburbia-born cultural associations, so the Sienna team has leaned into them. The 2021 model fully embraces its proud reputation while also striving to redefine how we think about minivans, altogether. A distinctly American car, this Sienna combines form with function to create something quietly...

Duration:00:31:37

33. Let’s Take This Outside: Toyota in the Wild

4/14/2021
Outdoor enthusiasts around the world depend on Toyota to get them to new and exciting places — and, even more importantly, to get them back. Pack your positive attitude for this adventurous episode of Toyota Untold. We talk accessibility, capability, and, yes, philosophic outlook with champion angler Gerald Swindle, outdoors YouTuber Mike Pfeiffer, and adventure photographer Dan Krauss. With experience all over the map — off-roading, overlanding, climbing, photography, biking, two Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles, and well over half a million social media followers — this group delivers on advice and relatability, empowering anyone with an adventurous itch to scratch it and watch the magic happen. Resources: Gerald Swindle InstagramGerald Swindle YouTubeLast Line of Defense InstagramLast Line of Defense YouTubeDan Krauss InstagramDan Krauss Website Toyota Untold is co-produced with Crate Media

Duration:00:50:27

32. How to Buy a Car 101 (feat. SmartPath & Monogram)

3/24/2021
Buying a car tends to be a stressful experience... What's the MSRP? How much can you haggle? Do you buy the extended warranty? To lease, or not to lease? Toyota believes these are questions that all customers should be aware of ahead of time to help empower their purchase of a new vehicle. So today, we're speaking with Tracy Kaiser & Susan Gutierrez from Toyota Financial Services, and Jack Hollis & Tim Bliss from Toyota Motor North America, to explore what consumers can do to put some of the...

Duration:00:39:21

31. Not All Heroes Wear Capes: FJ Trey & Surviving the Unthinkable

3/10/2021
In the early morning on February 11, 2021, 133 vehicles were involved in a pileup on I-35W during historic winter storms in Texas. One of those involved was MedStar paramedic Trey McDaniel, who was headed to work when his 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser hit black ice and he was struck from behind by an out-of-control semi-truck. Trey was launched into the northbound lanes and his car was totaled, but he was able to crawl out of the mangled FJ with only minor injuries — and he immediately started helping first responders care for other victims of the massive accident. We at Toyota were honored to be able to offer Trey a 2021 4Runner TRD Pro as a replacement for the vehicle he lost in the process of helping so many others and to be able to share his incredible story on this show. Resources: @treyman780wrecked FJ Cruisernew 4Runner TRD Pro Toyota Untold is co-produced with Crate Media

Duration:01:04:28

30. The Legendary MR2

3/10/2021
The MR2 is one of the most revered sports cars of its day, blending fun, features, and affordability in a way only Toyota can do. But what was it about this little sports car that created such a long-lasting love affair for so many petrolheads? To figure out why the MR2 is so easy to fall in love with, we talked to three people who are intimately familiar with the car both behind the wheel and under the hood: Jack Ferguson, Toyota’s Senior Quality Engineer; Andrew Eleazar, Toyota’s Senior Development Engineer; and Bill Strong, moderator of the MR2 Owners Club. We talk about how the car earned its name, what gave the unique sports car such an enduring legacy, the MR2’s aftermarket modding community, creating Bill Strong’s V8 MR2, the racing events that MR2 drivers love to participate in to this day, and what these three hope to see in a 21st-century MR2. Resources: MR2 Owners Club ForumMR2 Nationals 202124 Hours of Lemons Toyota Untold is co-produced with Crate Media

Duration:00:40:59

29: What's in an Auto Show?

6/29/2020
We know that many of you have attended an auto show in the past – some of you might even be regulars. And for those of you who have never been to one, you should definitely make a point of going sometime in the future. There are fewer more relaxed, low-pressure environments to check out new vehicles. But whether youʼre an auto show enthusiast or a first-timer, youʼre in for a treat today because we have two great guests who are going to give you a behind the scenes view of what it takes to...

Duration:00:41:25

28: The Roar & The Breeze: Inside the Lexus LC500 Convertible

5/26/2020
Since the Lexus LC500 Convertible was revealed at the 2019 Los Angeles auto show, people have been salivating, just waiting to get their hands on it. And the wait is almost over. This feat of engineering is equipped with the same luxurious interior and 471-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine as the original coupe, that same familiar roar of the engine, but now just a little bit sexier. We got a chance to sit down with two members of the Lexus team that created this beautiful car — Chad Deschenes and...

Duration:00:40:50

27: Sound Check: Creating Your Car’s Audio Experience

5/12/2020
We sit down with some of the people who are creating the sound systems in Toyota and Lexus vehicles and they teach us about everything that goes into designing, creating, and testing car sound systems — from the trained listeners who are actually paid to sit in cars and listen to music (that’s gotta be a dream job for a lot of teenagers out there), to how they make sure those thumping bass speakers don’t make your car rattle louder than the music, and beyond. Our guests are Nicki Cogar...

Duration:00:41:42

26: Ready for Our Closeup...

4/20/2020
What do Black Panther, Minority Report, and “The Office” have in common? Some of your favorite characters are driving Toyota and Lexus vehicles! But how do products find their way into these projects? What characters make the best Toyota/Lexus drivers? What do we do with all of those awesome cars once filming wraps? To help us answer these questions and more, we sit down with MaryJane Kroll, Media Manager in the Lexus Division of Toyota Motor North America. Resources: pressroom.toyota.com

Duration:00:46:56