Next Generation Toyota Rav4 Spyshots

Toyota was a pioneer in its segment with the first generation RAV4, which was considerably smaller than the SUV they currently build. This one was introduced in 2006 and suffered a facelift at the middle of its cycle in 2009.

So presumably, this brand new RAV4 is going to be on the market within the next year or so. This is first time we’ve been able to show you a prototype, and even though it’s heavily camouflaged, we can see it’s changed a lot.

It’s going to be better and more economical than the current generation, the reason being stiff competition coming its way from other Japanese rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V.

The architecture for this car is believed to be derived from the current generation, seeing as the wheelbase seems unchanged.

We can also clearly see this car has done without the tailgate-mounted spare tire. Given where the number plate is installed and the shape of the bumper, it’s reasonable to deduce that this feature has been removed, and the spare is now in the trunk.

The styling of the 2013 RAV4 might differ from market to market, but it will be inspired by the Camry in the US.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/spyshots-2014-toyota-rav4-47348.html

Next-Generation 2013 Toyota RAV4 Renderings Released

Very Mitsubishi looking back end....

Toyota is working full throttle to develop a new generation of the RAV4, with the vehicle set to be shown by the end of the year, but we don’t have to wait in order to get an idea of what the designers are preparing, as a set of speculative renderings have appeared in the Italian magazine Quattroroute.

The renderings show that the fourth generation of the RAV4 will be a revolution in terms of design and will be positioned higher on the market, as it will borrow a few styling cues from Lexus (notice the CT200h headlamps?).

As for the tech side, various unofficial reports indicate that the engine range will follow the downsizing trend. For example, the V6 engine will be ditched in favor of the 2.5-liter that’s currently available. It is still unclear if Toyota will offer a hybrid version, due to the fact that the company is promoting the RAV4 electric vehicle, which has recently made its Californian debut.

Our say: we musn't forget that this is the car that basically invented the SUV segment, so its changes are very important, despite the fact that it might not set the trends anymore.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/next-generation-2013-toyota-rav4-renderings-released-47102.html

BMW and Toyota will jointly develop a sports car, extend technology ties

BMW CEO Reithofer, right, with Toyota President Toyoda, said today: “Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility. Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation.”

by Paul McVeigh
Automotive News | June 29, 2012 - 12:01 am EST
UPDATED: 6/29/12 7:17 am ET - announcement added


MUNICH -- BMW and Toyota Motor Corp. today said they will develop a sports car together and cooperate in fuel cell technology, powertrain electrification and lightweight technologies.

BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer and Toyota President Akio Toyoda signed an agreement at BMW's Munich headquarters to expand long-term strategic collaboration between the two automakers.

In March, BMW and Toyota agreed to collaborate with BMW on lithium-ion battery research in exchange for a steady supply of BMW-made diesel engines starting in 2014.

The expanded deal signifies a second major transatlantic pact of a German premium carmaker after Mercedes parent Daimler collaborated with Renault-Nissan.

It could also serve to help ward off German rival Audi, which can enjoy bigger economies of scale thanks to its parent Volkswagen AG.

"Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility. Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation," Reithofer said in a statement.

Toyoda said in the same statement: "Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells. On the other hand, I believe BMW's strength is in developing sports cars. I am excited to think of the cars that will result from this relationship."

Reuters contributed to this report.

PRESS RELEASE: BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation agree to further strengthen collaboration

Tokyo/Munich . Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), met today with Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at BMW Group headquarters in Munich to announce the planned expansion of their existing cooperation initiated in December last year. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at long-term strategic collaboration in four fields: joint development of a fuel cell system, joint development of architecture and components for a future sports vehicle, collaboration on powertrain electrification and joint research and development on lightweight technologies.

Also today, Norbert Reithofer and Akio Toyoda of TMC both signed a Joint Statement to reconfirm their companies' shared intention to strengthen the long-term, strategic collaboration between them.
Reithofer said: "We aim to further strengthen our competitive position in sustainable future technologies. We signed an MoU to this effect today. Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility. Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation."

Toyoda added: "BMW and Toyota both want to make ever-better cars. We respect each other. And I think this is shown by our taking the next step only six months since the signing of our initial agreement. Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells. On the other hand, I believe BMW's strength is in developing sports cars. I am excited to think of the cars that will result from this relationship."

In March 2012, the BMW Group and TMC signed a binding agreement on collaborative research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery cells. In addition, the BMW Group and Toyota Motor Europe entered into a contract under which the BMW Group will supply highly-efficient 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre diesel engines to Toyota Motor Europe, starting in 2014.

Today's MoU represents the companies' agreement in December last year to identify and discuss other possible collaborative projects.

CLICK HERE for the press release.

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120629/COPY01/306299999/1193/bmw-and-toyota-will-jointly-develop-a-sports-car-extend-technology

Honda and Toyota still perceived as top quality volume brands

Consumers still consider Honda and Toyota as the top quality volume brands, according to a Perceived Quality Study conducted by ALG aimed at measuring consumers’ perception of brand quality.  On a 100-point scale, Honda topped all brands with a score of 81.3, with Toyota at close second at 80.1. Subaru scored 71.1 to complete the top three. The spring study also shows Ford and Hyundai making the most significant improvement in perceived quality in the past four years. The latest Perceived Quality Study shows that Ford’s quality perception jumped 37 percent to 70.5 while Hyundai’s score soared 25 percent to 62.3, compared with their scores in 2008, when the first Perceived Quality Study was conducted.

Scion (56.9), Kia (52.4), Chrysler (49.1), Dodge (48.8) and Fiat (44.5) all posted improvements from last year’s Perceived Quality Study, but still fell behind the industry average of 59.1. It should be noted that while Kia ranked dead last in the latest Perceived Quality Study, the Korean brand’s perceived quality has improved steadily over the past four years. The Perceived Quality Study used data from 3,000 U.S. consumers, all compiled in late April.

Eric Lyman, ALG’s vice president of residual value solutions, said that changing the perception of quality is a long-term proposition. He noted that consumers have appreciated the product improvements made by Ford and Hyundai. He also noted that while Honda and Toyota remained widely recognized as quality leaders, the gap between them and other carmakers continue to erode as consumers increasingly consider brands like Subaru, Ford and Hyundai.

Meanwhile, Lexus, a division of Toyota, continues to be consumer’s top choice among luxury brands, with a score of 85.4. Lexus is closely followed by German brands Mercedes-Benz (82.9), BMW (81.5) and Porsche (80). ALG discovered that owners have the penchant to rate their brands higher than other brands. In the latest Perceived Quality Study, ALG found out that brand owners scored their brands 17 percent higher than other brands.

Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/honda-and-toyota-still-perceived-as-top-quality-volume-brands/

STARWARS TOYOTA Prius PHV Commercial

Sorry, I do not have a translated/subtitled version of this....

2013 Toyota Corolla Hatch Brochure Leaked

I guess this would be the next Toyota Matrix????

2013 TOYOTA COROLLA REVEALED
By Mike Stevens

Toyota's all-new 2013 Toyota Corolla hatch , sold overseas as the Auris, has reportedly surfaced online in a series of leaked brochure images.

The vehicle shown in the scanned pages is a clear match for the camouflaged prototypes spied by TMR's photographers earlier this year.

Uncovered by website Noticias Automotivas, the images reveal an Auris-badged hatch that draws heavily on the look of the new Yaris light car and the Camry medium sedan.

As we could see on the spied cars, the new Corolla has been given an image overhaul, featuring a sharper face with a deep-V grill design and slender lighting at both ends.

The new 'rolla also benefits from a longer windscreen, contributing to a longer and more streamlined profile than the current model.

Inside, there's a mostly black dash design, with an uninterrupted top level and circular air vents. The gear shifter has also returned to the more traditional position in the now-separated centre console.

According to the leaked pages, the new Corolla is 30mm longer, with a roof 50mm lower than the current model.

The new Corolla will launch with a 1.8 litre petrol engine - likely an updated version of the engine offered with the current model - and a BMW-sourced diesel will be offered in some markets.

Details for the diesel have not been revealed, although we could expect to see a version of the 1.6 litre engine that drives the Mini Cooper D, originally sourced from Peugeot-Citroen.

In the Cooper D, the 1.6 litre diesel engine features direct injection and turbocharging, producing 82kW and 270Nm of torque.  Fuel consumption is listed at 3.8 l/100km - among the lowest figures of any car available in Australia.

In Australia, the new Corolla will tackle Hyundai's new i30 and the Ford Focus, and Toyota will be looking to the hatch's sportier style to battle the next Mazda3 - which will undoubtedly be sharper than the already segment-leading current model.

Source;
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/54243/2013-toyota-corolla-revealed-in-leaked-brochure

Toyota’s latest Corolla for Japanese market features new technologies

It's always interesting to see what other parts of the world are doing to see what we will eventually be getting here in North America....

2013 Toyota Corolla Axio

Toyota Motor Co. is fitting new technologies into its redesigned 11th-generation Corolla as an attempt to give the compact car a more glamorous feel. The Japanese version of the Corolla will sport features like climate-controlled seats, safety belts with pre-tensioners, automatic high-beam headlamp dimmers as well as automatic interior lights. Toyota has started selling the Japanese version of the Corolla. However, it is still unclear whether the Japanese carmaker will also install those features in the overseas versions of the Corolla. However, Hiroya Fujita, chief engineer of the Japanese Corolla, remarked that the company wants to fit as many common parts as possible in all Corolla versions worldwide.

The Japanese version of the Corolla differs both in size and performance from the United States version of the nameplate. Also the two Corolla’s have separate chief engineers. Toyota is planning to announce the rollout schedule of the overseas versions of the Corolla next spring. According to Fujita, the US version of the Corolla will be powered by a 1.8-liter engine, while the Japanese variant is ran by a 1.5-liter powerplant.
Fujita remarked that the US version of the Corolla will be wider, longer and taller than the Japanese variant. Although both cars will sport similar interiors, they will don different exteriors, most notably the front fascia and grille. According to Fujita, stiffer competition in the global small-car market has prompted Toyota to make the improvements.

Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/toyotas-latest-corolla-for-japanese-market-features-new-technologies/

Motortrend: Toyota Supra Successor Back in the Pipeline

C'mon Honda, if Toyota can have a FT-86 and a Supra in their lineup (wouldn't it be nice to see a next gen MR2 as well), surely we can have a Accord Coupe, Civic Si, and a NEW PRELUDE!....

May 03, 2012

By Peter Lyon

Illustrator: Holiday Auto Magazine

As the Supra, Celica, and MR-S (MR2) progressively disappeared over the last decade, so too did the excitement from Toyota's lineup. But sports cars are back in the Japanese giant's product plan, led by the Lexus LFA and the new Scion FR-S, which is just about to hit showroom floors. And now it appears the green lamp is finally about to be lit on a long-awaited Supra successor.

Several years ago, Toyota's U.S.-based product planners pitched a new hybrid sports car with looks, power, and environmental credentials. Unveiled at the 2007 Detroit auto show as the FT-HS, the concept reportedly pointed the way toward a reinterpretation of the Supra.

 

The financial crisis of 2008 prevented the FT-HS from becoming anything more than an attractive concept. But the spirit of that coupe survived and is reportedly being channeled into the design of the on-again, off-again, on-again Supra project. The edges and sharp angles you see in the attached illustration at top are how one artist interprets the direction Toyota is believed to be heading with its new sports car.

The car's final body is expected to be dropped onto the chassis of the GRMN MRS prototype, which has already undergone testing at Fuji Speedway. GRMN stands for Gazoo Racing Meister of Nurburgring, and was named after Nurburgring expert Hiromu Naruse, Toyota's late godfather of sports car development.

Unlike the rear-drive FT-HS, the new sports coupe (it's unlikely to be called Supra) would employ an all-wheel-drive system and generate upwards of 400 horsepower. The car is rumored to feature a mid-engine-mounted, 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid setup mated to a CVT lifted from the new Lexus RX, but tuned for higher performance. The engine would drive the rear wheels, while in-wheel electric motors would power the fronts. GRMN's expertise would be utilized to help develop the car.

The million-dollar question is when we'll see it in production. It's no secret that company CEO Akio Toyoda -- weekend racer, sports car addict, and the driving force behind bringing the extravagantly priced LFA to market -- is enthusiastic about a Supra successor. Toyota bosses haven't officially approved the project, but if Toyoda has his way and the economy shows continued signs of recovery, the new coupe could be on showroom floors by late 2015 for less than $60,000.

Source;

http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/1205_toyota_supra_successor_back_in_the_pipeline/

Here’s how the next generation 2013 Toyota Corolla sedan could look like

The Toyota Corolla sedan has been a mammoth success for the Japanese automaker over the years with the car consistently being the best selling model for decades together. A mixture of reliability, practicality and affordability have been the major factors that has led to the Corolla’s enduring success world over.  In the Indian market too, the Corolla has been a big seller, in fact the best selling D-segment sedan. Toyota has been selling facelifted version in the form of the Altis currently and this car is available in both petrol and diesel engine options. By 2013 though, the Corolla is set to get a major facelift.

The 2013 model of the next generation Corolla is expected to retain the dimensions of the current model. However, the styling could see a full revamp. The 2013 Corolla is expected to borrow design and styling cues from the Camry sedan. So, expect the Corolla to feature flatter headlamps and more grown up styling to appeal more to the European sensibilities. However, that isn’t to say that we’re going to have some design flair. From the speculative renderings that have surfaced onto the interweb, the 2013 Corolla looks as conservative(read boring) as it has ever been.

All the talk of Toyota going in for a complete reinvention of its design philosophy seems just that, mere talk. That said, the typical Corolla buyer, who will be in the 40s to 50s might still be pleased with Toyota’s latest effort as the conservative styling has been one factor that has been common to Corollas across generations. From the renderings, it seems that Toyota has given the new Corolla a grown up look with more edges than curves. Though a little boxy, the new design looks much better than the outgoing version although there will always be a line of thought berating Toyota for doing too little on the design front.

Source;

http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/2013-next-generation-toyota-corolla-sedan-india-58789/#more-58789

Burlapp Find: Next Generation Toyota Rav4 Rendering

Hmmm, almost looks like a tall versioin of the Matrix.  Looks good though.

Source (with more commentary);
http://www.burlappcars.com/2012/04/2013-toyota-rav4.html

Toyota plans 4 door RWD sedan version of FT-86(GT-86) sport car

Um....looks nice but, why? Could you imagine a 4door Prelude?
There’re report that Toyota developing a sedan version of the Toyobaru,Toyota FT-86, since 2010.But now Autointrends got the latest rendering and we considers it the prettiest that Autointrends ever seen it the past few year!!.The picture is generated by Japanese Mag-X.

It seem that the sedan version will import front half styling of the FT-86 Or the GT-86 that they called in Europe (when it get European premiere in 2012 Geneva motorshow or Toyota 86 that they dubbed in Japan) Although the styling of the sedan version is not yet finalize but many source expect bumper,grille,bonnet and headlight is to be the same with the coupe version.While the rear styling from the rear door to rear bumper will be all new design which should be sedan with rear roof’s slope like the 4 door coupe car.

The car will get lengthen wheel base from 2,570 mm to 2,670 mm. and overall length is expect to increase from 4,240 mm to around 4300 mm to 4400 mm.

It will power by Subaru’s newly developed, horizontally opposed, 1,998cc, four-cylinder boxer engine, Toyota has added its D-4S technology. With separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection which carry from the original version.

The car will ready by 2014,Around a year delay from original planed.

Source;
http://autointrends.com/2012/04/19/toyota-plans-4-door-rwd-sedan-version-of-ft-86gt-86-sport-car-here-is-the-most-beautiful-rendering/

Autoblog: Next Gen Toyota Rav4?

By Jeremy Korzeniewski

The Toyota RAV4 is due for a major update, having last been redesigned for the 2006 model year. Yes, it's gotten some tweaks since that time, but the compact crossover market is an ever-evolving place filled with tough competition from around the globe, and Toyota needs the RAV4 to maintain its hard-fought market share.

According to our spy photographers, the RAV4's next redesign is right around the corner. Judging from these photos, it would appear that Toyota is keeping its little 'ute to the confines of pavement – a wise decision, as vehicles of this ilk never venture very far off the beaten path. That said, the sharply angular lines of this new model's head and taillamps bring its styling more in line with the latest Camry and Avalon sedans while still putting its occupants over the heads of shorter machinery.

Rumors suggest that the 2013 RAV4 will enter production in the fall of '12, powered by a range of four-cylinder engines and possibly a hybrid. We'd be a bit surprised if the automaker's 3.5-liter V6 weren't available, as well. See the spy shots for yourself in our high-res image gallery above.

Source (with a bunch of other pic's);
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/are-you-the-next-toyota-rav4/

The most realistic rendering of 2013-2014 Toyota RAV4

Tip of the hat goes to www.woodyscarsite.com for giving me the idea for searching this pic out....
The Mag-x of Japan is agian post latest rendering of the next generation Toyota RAV4.The rendering is based on Mag-x spyshots photos of the car while testing in Japan.Altrough the new car cover with heavy camouflage,Autotintrends can see some lines and light’s shape.The same source also post the computer generate image and Autotintrends can see that this rendering is most realistic we have seen until now.

The car will fallow styling of the current 3rd generation that not look too sporty and too conservative.The headlight’s shape is look similar of what wee seen in Land cruiser and Fortuner.The front grille have aluminum place horizontal like we have seen in some trim level of new Toyota Vitz/Yaris.The shoulder line is more sharper than current car.The roof line look slope and rear side’s window look very similar to current Nissan Qashqai.

The fourth generation RAV 4 wheelbase will have 2660 mm long (Compare to current generation of 2560 mm in short wheelbase version and 2660 mm of LWB). Overall size expect at 4500 mm long and 1815 mm wide and 1660 mm hight .The SuzukiFan’s website have reported that next Toyota Rav 4 will be longer but reduce to single model.

The new car (Codename 410A) will powered by block 3ZR-FE),4cylinder 2.0 liter and block 2AR-FE),4cylinder 2.5 liter petrol engine.While european version will carry on the 2.2 L 2AD-FTV turbodiesel I4 and the 2.2 L 2AD-FHV D-CAT turbodiesel I4.The car will goes one sale in Japan at november 2012 and rest of the world in 2013

Source;
http://autointrends.com/2012/02/02/the-most-realistic-rendering-of-2013-2014-toyota-rav4/

Toyota aims to supply thousands of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles by 2020

Interesting, I wonder how this compares to the Honda FCX-Clarity....
Toyota Motor Corp. unveiled its hydrogen-powered FCV-R Concept car at the Geneva Motor Show, restating its aim to sell vehicles based on the non-polluting sedan by 2015. Toyota, the largest seller of hybrid vehicles in the world, hopes that in the next decade, it will be able to supply thousands of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles annually in anticipation of the demand for petroleum-free autos. Didier Leroy, head of Toyota's European operations, said that the company is undertaking preparations so that it would be able to make “tens of thousands” of these vehicles each year in the 2020s.

John Hanson, a spokesman for the company's U.S. unit, said that Toyota has yet to announce the price or marketing plans for fuel-cell cars or set a global sales target. Toyota is currently selling the plug-in version of its Prius hybrid while this year, it has built vehicles that will be made at the battery-powered RAV4 and Scion iQ models. He added that there will still be challenges, including having to cut costs and resolve technical complications that had prevented retail customers from buying hydrogen fuel-cell cars.

Hydrogen is ideal to be used as fuel due to its abundance and as it’s able to make vehicles go on distances comparable to that of gasoline. The disadvantages include the high expense in making the fuel cells, the layers of plastic film coated with platinum placed between metal plates that make electricity, and the fact that there are only a few stations that have the equipment to dispense hydrogen fuel. At the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, Toyota presented the FT-Bh concept vehicle. Toyota claims that the carbon emissions level of this small, lightweight gasoline-electric hatchback is less than half the average for cars of the same size.

Source;

http://www.4wheelsnews.com/toyota-aims-to-supply-thousands-of-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicles-by-2020/

Toyota Confirms Convertible for FT-86

This car just keeps getting better! C'mon Honda, next gen P-R-E-L-U-D-E....
Source (via www.autoblog.com);
http://www.autobild.de/bilder/toyota-gt-86-als-cabrio-2882924.html

Autoten: 2013 Toyota Corolla (JDM-Code name 140A) rendering and spyshots

As we know the Corolla is consist of Auris(Hatchback for Europe),Corolla Altis(Wider verions for North American and Asia) and Corolla Axio/Fielder that limit only in Japan.This post, Autointrends have information for JDM specification that including the sedan version-Axio, and wagon version call Fielder.both car is count as the 10th generation’s Corolla start sale since October 2006 in Japan and received latest update in April 2010.

The car is soon to get replacement and Mag-x of Japan have release rendering and spyshot of the car,The Axio call codename 140A and the Fielder called 141A internally.From the rendering we have seen, the headlight look resemble of new Toyota Camry’s headlight (Asia version),Shoulder line have been keep at minimal which not wider than 1700 mm to receive cheaper yearly tax in Japan ( Called 5No.),Tail light is very close to the Chevy Sonic.

The same source also have the computer generate image of the interior console which look simple but have Inherent benefits.Featuring automatic climate control with LCD display,Wood finished,Navigation system and multifunction steering wheel.Body’s size is expect to keep around current model at about 4395 mm long X1695 mm wide and 1460 mm height.Considering the car is smaller than the international version (Altis).

The car will powered by 4 cylinder 1.3 liter,1.5 liter and 1.8 liter petrol engine.The smallest 1.3 liter is expect to be top seller as it got 20k.m./liter fuel consumption in JC08 mode.

The car will be deliver at May 2012 in Japan,As well as the Wagon version.
Admin (Image form Mag-x )

Source;

http://autoten.com/2012/02/02/2013-toyota-corolla-jdm-code-name-140a-rendering-and-spyshots/

Burlapp Find: Is this the Next Generation Toyota Corolla?!?

Not sure how close this will be to the real thing, but I like the accents that are derived from the FT-86.

Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2012/01/201314-toyota-corolla.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+VinceBurlappCarPage+%28Vince+Burlapp+Car+Page%29

2015 Toyota Supra to be a hybrid with 400 hp - report

Smaller coupe also under consideration
The rumor mill is back in action as a new report is indicating Toyota is developing a Supra successor.

According to Motor Trend, the car will likely be launched in 2015 and feature a hybridized 3.5-liter V6 engine with more than 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS). Additional information is limited, but the model will reportedly be rear-wheel drive and have styling that recalls the 2007 FT-HS concept.

In related news, engineers are reportedly working on a coupe version of the GRMN hybrid concept II concept. It could be launched by late 2014 and use the same hybridized 3.5-liter V6 engine as the Lexus GS 450h.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/111121338997/2015-toyota-supra-to-be-a-hybrid-with-400-hp---report#ixzz1gcHWanU6

Toyota's MR2 Based GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II gets its Motorshow Debut

Wow, is this ever a nice looking concept.... I'd love to see something like this come to fruition....
Visitors at this week's 2011 Tokyo Motor Show will have the chance to see Toyota's MR2 roadster-based GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II in the flesh.

Developed by Toyota and its motorsports partner Gazoo Racing, the prototype made its debut at this year’s 24-hour endurance race at the Nürburgring in Germany.

For those of you wondering, "GRMN" is an acronym for “Gazoo Racing tuned by the Meister of the Nürburgring,” the latter being a nickname for Toyota’s late test driver Hiromu Naruse who died in an accident last summer while driving a prototype of the Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition.

The GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II is a development of last year's racing prototype that was based on production MR-2. The second iteration of Toyota's hybrid sports car features a brand new body while also improving upon the first concept on the powertrain front.

Placed behind the two seats is a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine rated at 249-horses that works in tandem with a single electric motor to drive the rear wheels. The total system output is 299-horsepower while the roadster model weighs less than 1,500kg (3,300 pounds).

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/11/toyota-mr-2-based-grmn-sports-hybrid.html

Toyota FT-86 Get Production Name GT-86

We finally have official specs and details about the production model of Toyota's FT-86 small sports car, one of which is its new name: the Toyota GT 86.

At least, it will be known as the GT 86 in the European market. In the Japanese market, it may be simply known as the Toyota 86 or Hachiroku in the Japanese tongue. And when the model reaches U.S. shores next year, it may do so wearing a Scion badge with an FR-S or similar nameplate.

We already knew that Toyota's small sports car would be motivated by a Subaru-developed 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that sends power to the rear wheels by way of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, but now we have an officially quoted output of 197 horsepower. The D-4S engine, as it is called, makes use of a combination of direct and port injection to generate 151 pound-feet of torque. That torque is then split between the rear wheels by way of a limited-slip differential.

That's not a ton of power, but Toyota thinks it will be plenty for sporty acceleration, thanks to the 86's emphasis on low weight and low center of gravity. Toyota hasn't officially unveiled the curb weight, but rumblings around the Internet indicate that the coupe will tip the scales at about 2,600 pounds. This means that the each of the 86's ponies has to pull about 13.2 pounds of car, that's a weight-to-power ratio that, on paper, translates to acceleration that is slightly better than a 2012 Mazda Miata or a 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T. Toyota also makes it a point to note that the horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine is mounted low and aft in the engine bay to promote a lower center of gravity and a 53:47 weight balance between the front and rear axles.

In the cabin, the compact GT 86 is revealed to be a 2+2 with an actual rear seat, although exactly how useful the back seat will be in a vehicle that's actually about an inch shorter than the Nissan 370Z, but if Toyota figured out how to fit 3-plus adults in an iQ, it should be able to work similar magic here as well.

Source;

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-57332107-48/toyotas-ft-86-gets-production-specs-new-gt-86-moniker/