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Toyota has announced pricing for its U.S. market 2011 model year line-up, which will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of RAV4 that goes on sale in September.

The big news for the 2011 lineup is the installation of brake override technology as standard equipment across the range. This technology is designed to stop a car if the brakes and accelerator are applied simultaneously (see Consumer Report's video after the jump) and was adopted by Toyota to ease consumer concerns over sudden acceleration of its vehicles.

Aside from the redesigned 2011 Avalon that was introduced with the safety feature, brake override technology is now standard on the Yaris, RAV4 SUV, Land Cruiser SUV, Sequoia SUV and Tundra pickup truck.

There are more changes on certain models for the 2011 model year that you can check out in detail in the press release after the jump.

Toyota Press Release:

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2011 Yaris subcompact, RAV4 compact SUV, Land Cruiser premium SUV, Sequoia full-size SUV, and Tundra full-size pickup truck. These 2011 models will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of RAV4 (September). The following 2011 models that are already on sale will receive price adjustments: Camry and Camry Hybrid mid-size sedans, Avalon premium mid-size sedan, and the Sienna minivan.

For 2011 all Yaris models will receive brake override technology as standard equipment. The liftback models will receive sun visor extensions. The base MSRP for Yaris will range from $12,855 for the three-door Liftback with manual transmission to $14,415 for the Sedan with automatic transmission, reflecting an increase of $250, or 1.8 to 2.0 percent.

The RAV4, the first ever car-based SUV, originally introduced in 1996, receives standard brake override technology for 2011, along with an optional Base Plus Extra Value Package that includes a moonroof, six-CD audio system, color-keyed door handles, upgraded interior fabric, roof rails, privacy glass, 17- inch alloy wheels, tonneau cover (on two-row models), and daytime running lights. The base MSRP for RAV4 will range from $21,925 for the Base four cylinder 2WD model to $28,235 for the Limited V6 4WD model with automatic transmission, an increase of $250, or 0.9 to 1.2 percent.

Land Cruiser, Toyota's premium full-size SUV, will be fitted with brake override technology and the previously optional driver and front passenger Active Seat Belt Pretensioning System is now standard. Land Cruiser will carry a base MSRP of $67,370, an increase of $1,400, or 2.1 percent.

The 2011 Sequoia full-size SUV will also receive brake override technology. A Daytime Running Lights on/off switch has been added and Platinum models will receive a new interior wood- grain-style trim. The MSRP for the 2011 Sequoia will range from $39,580 for the SR5 4.6- liter V8 2WD model to $59,955 for the Platinum 5.7- liter V8 4WD model, an increase of $550, or 0.9 to 1.4 percent.

Tundra, Toyota's full-size pickup truck will receive changes to the interior. The ashtray has been discontinued as a standard feature, and the cigarette lighter has been replaced with a 12V power outlet. The design of the seat headrests has been revised. Mechanical changes include a change in the 4.0- liter V6 engine to a dual VVT-i system with roller rockers and hydraulic lifters for enhanced performance and efficiency. Trailer- sway control programming and brake override technology have been added as standard equipment. The MSRP for the 2011 Tundra will range from $23,935 for the Regular Cab 4.0- liter V6 2WD model to $42,455 for the Limited Crew Max 5.7 liter V8 4WD model, an increase range of $425 to $480 or 0.0 to 1.7 percent. There will be no price change on Limited models.

Avalon, Toyota's flagship passenger car since 1995, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. Already in production for the 2011 model year, the base MSRP for the Avalon now ranges from $32,445 for the Avalon grade to $35,685 for the Limited, an increase of $200, or 0.6 percent.

The 2011 Camry, the top selling passenger car in America for the last eight years, also receives a price adjustment. The MSRP for the Camry ranges from $19,720 for the base four cylinder model to $29,370 for the XLE V6, an increase of $125, or a range of 0.4 to 0.6 percent.

Model year 2011 Camry Hybrid receives a MSRP adjustment to $26,575, reflecting an increase of $175, or 0.7 percent.

For 2011, the Sienna minivan entered its third generation. The new Sienna receives a MSRP adjustment, ranging from $24,460 for the Base four cylinder model to $39,970 for the Limited V6 AWD model, an increase of $200, or a range of 0.5 to 0.8 percent.

The 2011 Scion xD receives changes to both the interior and exterior. There is a new honeycomb-style grille, and a rear color-keyed spoiler for enhanced styling. Vehicle ride height has been adjusted, and the shock absorber tuning has been optimized for enhanced handling. The interior receives a new fabric for the door panel armrest. The base MSRP ranges from $15,045 for the manual transmission model to $15,845 for the automatic transmission an increase of $145, or 0.9 to 1.0 percent.

*Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $760 for passenger cars, $810 for light trucks and $975 for large trucks (Sequoia and Tundra). The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Electric car partners Toyota Motor Corp. and Tesla Motors will develop battery-powered prototypes of the Japanese automaker's Toyota RAV4 and Lexus RX crossovers according to a news report from Businessweek citing "a person familiar with the matter". Toyota declined to confirm the models.

Earlier this month, a Tesla executive announced that the maker of the electric Roadster will deliver two EV prototypes to Toyota by the end of July, without providing any specific details about the cars.

The unnamed insider added that while Toyota also plans to test an all-electric Corolla, the two SUV models "are better suited to the weight of Tesla's battery pack".

"We anticipate range and acceleration exceeding that of other announced electric vehicles of this class," Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla, said today in an e-mailed message to the news agency.

Toyota partnered up with Tesla in May 2010. As part of the deal, Tesla acquired Toyota's joint-venture NUMMI plant in California to build its Model S and other vehicles, while Toyota bought a US$50 million stake in electric-car producer.

Daimler AG, the company that owns Mercedes-Benz, also invested about US$50 million in Tesla in May 2009, however, the German company reduced its 10 per cent stake in the electric carmaker to around 5 per cent by selling part of the investment to Aabar Investments PJSC, Daimler's largest shareholder.

Source: Businessweek