Current generation Toyota Sienna (source: toyota)
2010 Toyota Venza, notice the grille and fog lights
The December 2, 2009 debut of the 2011 Toyota Sienna is just a few short weeks away and while there has not been a break in official imagery, an intrepid VW Vortex member has captured a camouflaged 2011 Sienna (shown in this link) sporting about town (please note, spy photos are linked above, not shown here to respect the photographer's wishes).
Let us speculate together on the 2011 Sienna's features in this linked slideshow.
Now some folks might be wondering, what is the big deal? Haven't we seen plenty of Sienna spy photos before? Yes, we certainly have seen Sienna shots in the past, but these new photos of a Sienna (with copious amounts of gaffer tape) are unique because they offer a good view of the Venza inspired grille and appears to be the rumored sport edition with its over-sized fog lamps and large rims (probably 20" like the V6 Venza). Other rumored features of the 2011 Sienna include dual sunroofs and a larger DVD screen.
What else can we expect? A six speed automatic transmission is certainly a lock, techie toys like wide-view side monitor found on the 2010 Lexus RX and other active safety features will probably make it into the new model as well. Toyota will almost certainly launch a hybrid model but less certain is whether an AWD edition will remain available.
Will the sport edition, with its special bodywork, be enough to motivate male buyers? Perhaps, especially if the edition also includes sharper handling and less syrupy steering. While Honda will also be launching a new 2011 Odyssey, the real dark horse is the 2011 Nissan Quest. Honda currently owns the coveted title (wink, wink) of being the "drivers' minivan" but Nissan might have shot at that title. While it is doubtful that the 2011 Sienna will inspire driving gloves, Toyota surprises every now and then, for example the current Toyota RAV4 is more responsive than you might expect.
The 2011 Sienna will begin manufacturing in January 2011 and will likely begin to reach dealers in February.
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