A 12-volt power outlet. Benefit: Provides an outlet to power accessories such as cellular phones, computers, etc.
Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS)
Two and three stage Acoustic Control Induction Systems can be found on various Toyota models. Both systems operate on the same principles, however the 3-stage system is able to tune the intake manifold to 3 lengths instead of 2. 3-stage Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) uses two valves inside the air intake manifold to create the effect of 3 intake runner lengths. The ECM is able to select from these 3 lengths to effectively tune the intake manifold to engine operating conditions so that a pulse of high intake pressure is immediately available when the intake valve opens. The engine uses these high-pressure pulses to pull an unusually large volume of air/fuel mixture into the combustion chamber, effectively supercharging the engine and increasing torque. Benefit: Increases power output at all speeds
Active Control Engine Mount
In transverse-mounted engines it is typically more difficult to isolate normal engine vibration from the vehicle body. To eliminate this problem an active front engine mount has been developed to provide smooth idle performance, allowing the benefits of lower idle speeds. At the heart of the active engine mount is a vacuum diaphragm and chamber. The engine ECM sends a precisely timed signal to a vacuum switching valve, which in turn, controls the pulse of the engine vacuum applied to the active mount's diaphragm. The effect of the correctly timed vacuum pulse on the diaphragm creates a vibration which is opposite to that of the normal engine vibration, and the two vibrations cancel each other out. Benefit: Reduces engine vibration from being transmitted to the body.
Adjustable Rear Seat Headrests
Rear headrests provide support to the head and neck for rear passengers during abrupt stops and rear-end collisions. The adjustable feature allows passengers of different heights to have the headrest located in the optimal position for that person's head position.
Adjustable Shoulder Belt Anchors
The vertically adjustable anchor makes it possible to alter the shoulder belt angle to better suit the wearer. The seatbelt can be worn with greater comfort and safety.
Aero-style Halogen Headlamps
These are headlamps that fit near-flush with the surrounding body and provide a smooth, clean appearance. Benefit: Aero-style headlamps not only provide a more modern, stylish exterior, they also help to reduce aerodynamic drag.
Aerodynamic Drag
This is the same as wind resistance. Aerodynamic drag is created when an object moves through the air creating air "friction." A more aerodynamically efficient vehicle reduces aerodynamic drag, which is expressed in numerical form as the "drag coefficient" or "Coefficient of Drag" (Cd). Benefit: The result is better fuel economy at highway speeds because less horse power is required to overcome air resistance. Other benefits include a higher top speed and reduced wind noise.
Airbag (SRS) – Side
In some vehicles, a side airbag lessens the injuries from side-impact collisions. Mounted in the side of each front seat, the side airbags deploy when sensors determine that the force of a side impact has exceeded a predetermined level.
Air Dam
Also called a front spoiler this is a panel below the front bumper. Its purpose is to direct air around the vehicle rather than under it. Benefit: Reduces aerodynamic drag and aerodynamic lift. It can also be helpful in directing air for the purposes of cooling the radiator, front brakes, and engine.
Alignment
Refers to the wheels' relationship to the pavement, which is directly influenced by the arrangement of the suspension components. Both front and rear wheels should be angled nearly perpendicular to a flat road surface and pointed straight ahead with the steering wheel centered. Benefit: By adjusting the suspension for camber, toe, caster, and ride height, the vehicle's wheels will be optimally angled to the road. (See also Camber, Toe, and Caster.)
Anti-Chip Paint
Found on the lower panels of some vehicles. This paint is designed to protect the body from small stones and debris. This paint (and sometimes a plastic liner) is applied between the primer (first coat) and the surface coats of paint. Benefit: By preventing the paint from chipping, the sheet metal beneath is protected from rust.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Can improve vehicle stability, steerability and stopping capability. Four-wheel ABS prevents wheel lock-up, allowing drivers to maintain stability as well as steering control during an emergency braking situation. When a driver operating a four-wheel ABS equipped vehicle steps firmly on the brake pedal, the system automatically modulates the brake pressure at all four wheels, adjusting pressure to each wheel to prevent wheel lock-up. 3-channel ABS can modulate each front brake individually, and the rear brakes together. 4-channel ABS can modulate each of the four brakes individually.
Anti-Lockout Power Door Locks
Toyota models equipped with power door locks make it impossible to lock the doors while the keys are still in the ignition.
A-Pillar
The roof support on either side of a car's windshield.
Asphalt Sheeting
Found on the lower panels of some vehicles. This paint is designed to protect the body from small stones and debris. This paint (and sometimes a plastic liner) is applied between the primer (first coat) and the surface coats of paint. Benefit: By preventing the paint from chipping, the sheet metal beneath is protected from rust.
A-TRAC
Benefit: Helps prevent drive wheel spin on slippery surfaces and in off-road. This system applies brake fluid pressure to the slipping wheel, distributing the drive force that would have been lost, to the remaining wheels. At the same time, engine power is reduced through the Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS-i). This system applies to all 4 wheels and eliminates the need for front, centre or rear differential control (Locking or Limited Slip) in most cases. A-TRAC functions as 4-Wheel Traction Control.
Automatic Disconnecting Differential (A.D.D.)
ADD uses an actuator at the front differential, which connects the front differential in 4WD modes (H4 & L4), and disconnects in 2WD (H2).
Automatic Light Control System
Placing the light control switch in AUTO (some vehicles have Automatic Light Control Systems that are always on) allows the headlights to turn ON or OFF depending on the surrounding light conditions. The amount of light is detected by the light sensor in the top face of the dash in front of the driver.
ALR Makes it possible to secure a baby seat without using a seat-belt locking clip. To activate the ALR retractor, pull the shoulder belt all the way out then allow it to retract to the desired length, where it locks firmly and stays locked. ALR belts are located where a child's seat would be located. To reset the ALR belt, simply pull the belt out and release it. Since these positions can also be occupied by other passengers, the ALR belts are actually hybrid ALR/ELR types, which combine the best features of each. ELR Allows the belt to extend and retract with occupant movement, yet locks the belt during a sudden stop or upon impact.
Aluminum Stiffener Plate
The stiffener plate attaches to both the engine and the transaxle, thereby increasing their rigidity as a unit. Benefit: This quiets powerplant resonance and results in smoother and quieter operation.
Automatic Transmission
The transmission transfers the engine's power from the crankshaft to the driveshaft (which, in turn, sends it on to one or more axles and the driving wheels). An automatic transmission does this using a torque converter rather than a manually operated clutch. A torque converter uses hydraulic pressure to engage and disengage the transmission gears from the engine. Some automatic transmissions have three speeds; more sophisticated versions have four with the fourth gear acting as the overdrive to help reduce engine rpm. (A few ultra-expensive exotic cars have five-speed automatic transmissions.) Benefit: An automatic transmission allows the driver more comfort and ease of use than a manual transmission, particularly in urban and stop-and-go driving situations. (See also Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission [ECT], Gear Ratio and Overdrive.)
Axle Ratio
The number of times the driveshaft revolves to turn the axle one revolution. For example, a 4:1 axle ratio means the drive shaft turns 4 times for every one time the tire turns. This ratio multiplies the torque applied to the wheels.
