The Toyota FT-86 Open is the Scion FR-S convertible – Road and Track

By Roger, March 4, 2013 1:00 pm

Ragtop "concept" looks like a shoo-in for production

By Alex Nunez February 28, 2013 / Photos by Toyota

Ditch the Bayliner interior and the giant wheels sporting rubber-band-profile rubber, and the Toyota FT-86 Open "concept" you see here is your inevitable Scion FR-S convertible. It looks…great, actually.

Toyota says that "prototype engineering assessments are taking place." That's mumbo-jumbo for, "it's coming." Don't be surprised if Toyota announces a production timeline at the car's press conference in Geneva next week. The automaker even sneaks in a little top-drown drift sequence into the end of the clip, as if to drive home just how ready to go the show car is.

Tell your mom it's time to sell her Solara and get on the waiting list for one of these.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-cars/first-looks/video-toyota-ft-86-open-scion-fr-s-convertible?src=spr_TWITTER&spr_id=1459_7152950

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Toyota sizzle reel gives better look at i-Road Geneva concept – Autoblog

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By Roger, February 27, 2013 4:29 pm

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Toyota sizzle reel gives better look at i-Road Geneva concept

By Sebastian Blanco RSS feed

Posted Feb 26th 2013 4:31PM

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Toyota is taking the tiny tandem Tango to Tron town. In a teaser video for the new i-Road, debuting at the Geneva Motor Show next week, we catch a light-bike-like glimpse of Toyota's quirky tandem-seat concept. We still don't know much about the vehicle itself, but the video does flash the words "fun, compact, emissions-free," which suggests this is an electric ride. Then comes the apparent tagline: "i Roll, i Rock i Road." An indication that the tilting image we see in the video isn't just a special effect, perhaps? We'll have to wait until we get to Switzerland next week to find out. Until then, you can watch the video below.

In more earthly reveals, Toyota will also show off its hotly anticipate FT-86 Open sports car concept and Auris Touring Sports wagon on its Geneva show stand.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/toyota-sizzle-reel-gives-better-look-at-i-road-geneva-concept/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

Uncategorized | Geneva, geneva 2013, geneva motor show 2013, i-road, tandem car, Toyota

Toyota Reveals Updated TS030 WEC Hybrid Le Mans Prototype Racer – Car and Driver

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By Roger, February 25, 2013 8:59 am

Toyota’s attempt to beat Audi in the World Endurance Championship got off to a rocky start in 2012, but ended up rock solid. New-car teething problems and an accident during testing kept Toyota from the first two races last year, so the brand’s debut came at Le Mans. Tough crowd. Accidents, including Anthony Davidson’s terrifying crash at the end of the Mulsanne Straight ended the battle with Audi in France. But Toyota showed strength at the end of the season, taking the pole and winning three of the last four races: Brazil, China and at home in Japan. At least that’s the corporate home as the competition program is run out of Toyota’s racing base in Cologne, Germany.

That is where the automaker unveiled its updated 2013 WEC challenger. The TS030′s hybrid system has been “fine-tuned.” Unlike Audi with its diesel engine/flywheel energy-recovery system combo, Toyota matches a 530-hp, 3.4-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline V-8 with a super capacitor that can add an extra 300 horsepower.

One last-minute decision in 2012 was to flow the added power to the rear wheels, rather than the fronts as Audi does. As a result, last year’s monocoque structure could accept either system. Pascal Vasselon, Technical Director for the team explained that, “… the 2012 car, being a laboratory car, was able to accept front and rear hybrid systems, so we have redesigned the monocoque to optimize it without the front motor. Last year’s performance was very satisfying and we felt we ticked most boxes so there has been no concept change, just refinement and optimization of the 2012 car.”

The aerodynamics have also been improved and to underline Toyota’s plans for the future, Hisatake Murata, Hybrid Project Leader, mentioned they were including some pre-testing of 2014 technologies. Which bodes well for next year’s new rules and Porsche’s return to WEC.

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Scion FR-S Convertible Spied Ahead of 2013 Geneva Auto Show Debut – edmunds

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By Roger, February 17, 2013 10:54 am

Scion FR-S Convertible Picture

This convertible Scion FR-S was spied in South Africa recently ahead of its debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show. | February 15, 2013 | Fox Syndication

1 Photo

Just the Facts:

A concept version of the Scion FR-S convertible will debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show.
Its official name is the Toyota FT-86 Open Concept.
It was designed to gauge public reaction to a possible production model.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — A Scion FR-S convertible was spied recently in South Africa ahead of its debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show.

Officially dubbed the Toyota FT-86 Open Concept, it will be shown in Geneva to gauge public reaction to a possible production model.

Toyota has noted previously that the car will also be used as an engineering prototype to further investigate the idea should it get the go-ahead. The car shown here looks fully finished, so it's likely being photographed for the official debut.

Speculation about a convertible version of the Scion FR-S and its sister vehicle, the Subaru BRZ, has been rampant since the car debuted. Engineers who worked on the car have said that it's structurally possible, so it seems like it's only a matter of time before Toyota and Subaru decide to further monetize their collaboration.

Edmunds says: Hard-core sports cars or not, the FR-S/BRZ twins would benefit from the addition of a convertible to the lineup.

http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/scion-fr-s-convertible-spied-ahead-of-2013-geneva-auto-show-debut.html

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Toyota GT86 engineer Tada recounts how sports car came to be – autoblog

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By Roger, February 14, 2013 9:02 am

2013 Scion FR-S in red - front three-quarter view

Related Gallery2013 Scion FR-S: Review

By Seyth Miersma RSS feed

Posted Feb 13th 2013 2:29PM

Comments73

Because the Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ coupes are now a reality, it's almost hard to imagine the struggle that had to happen within the large, conservative corporate structures at both automakers for the joint project to even get off of the ground.

Speaking to those struggles on Toyota UK's Toyota Blog, GT86 Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada enlightens us with a recap of the sports car's earliest origins. For Tada, the first stages of the project must have seemed almost as dreamlike as the final product is to drive.

Said the Chief, "I had been working in the minivan department engineering new product, but a month after the meeting I was summoned. 'Forget about minivans,' they said, 'you are now working on the sports-car project.'"

The recounting of the GT86 development process makes for a genuinely interesting yarn, and is a must-read for any owners/enthusiasts of the BRZ/FR-S twins. We highly recommend clicking through to read it in full. Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but we can't help hoping that Tada-san has got more of the story to tell, still. We'll be keeping an eye on the official Toyota Blog, just in case.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/toyota-gt86-engineer-tada-recounts-how-sports-car-came-to-be/

Uncategorized | 2013 scion fr-s, 2013 subaru brz, 2013 toyota gt86, BRZ, FR-S, GT 86, GT86, gt86 development, Scion, Subaru, Tetsuya Tada, Toyobaru, Toyota, Toyota GT86

Toyota GT86 gets TRD treatment in UK – autoblog

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By Roger, February 12, 2013 3:19 pm

Related Gallery2013 Toyota GT86 TRD

By Chris Paukert RSS feed

Posted Feb 8th 2013 2:16PM

Comments91

As dearly as we love the Toyota GT86 / Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ franchise, we readily admit we wouldn't look sideways at a model with a bit more firepower. And while that's not quite on the table yet, Toyota has been busy amping up the visual firepower of its rear-drive coupe with a whole host of TRD parts. To this point, that's been a largely à la carte affair, but the automaker's UK outpost has just announced a special-edition model that allows our British friends to pick up the whole shooting match all in one go.

The Toyota GT86 TRD will only be available in black and white, and just 250 examples are to be built. As you can see from the excellent gallery above, the catalog of look-faster bits include a more aggressive front air dam, side skirts, rear bumper fascia, spoiler and unique 18-inch forged alloys. Additional flourishes include a TRD shift lever and branded radiator cap. The sole concession to actual performance? A "fast-response quad exhaust" that might only improve things audibly – 0-62 mph is apparently unchanged at 7.7 seconds, and the top end is still 140 mph for the manual transmission model. (The auto gets by with 8.4 seconds and 130 mph).

Pricing? Glad you asked. £31,495 for GT 86 TRD manual, £32,995 for the automatic – that's nearly $50,000 US for the tripedalist and just over for the automatic. (Those are heady prices, but bear in mind that UK MSRPs and taxes are generally significantly higher than their US counterparts). If the standard GT86 is more your speed, it still rings up at a more affordable £24,995 – roughly $39,500 – leaving plenty of budget for actual performance parts. No word yet on North American availability of a special TRD model, but we've got a call in…

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TOYOTA GT86 TRD – IT'S OFFICIAL

New GT86 TRD adds impact to Toyota's sports coupe

- First official UK model grade to feature genuine TRD parts
- Features include forged 18-inch alloys, front and side skirts, rear spoiler, fast-response quad exhaust and TRD-branded details
- Only 250 available in the UK, on sale from 1 March
- On-the-road prices £31,495 for GT 86 TRD manual, £32,995 for the automatic

Since its launch last year, the Toyota GT86 has revitalised Toyota's reputation for building cars that are all about the pure pleasure of driving. Now the hugely acclaimed sports coupe – shortlisted for both European and World Car of the Year awards – gains even more appeal with the introduction of the new GT86 TRD.

Just 250 examples will be available, equipped with genuine design and performance features from TRD (Toyota Racing Development), one of the world's most accomplished and successful after market engineering businesses.

GT86 is the first UK Toyota for which official TRD parts have been used to create a specific production model grade.

The GT86 TRD , on sale from 1 March, will create a new halo model for the 2+2 coupe range. Both six-speed manual and automatic versions will be available, in a choice of two colours: Pearl White and GT86 Black. On-the-road prices are £31,495 for the manual and £32,995 for the auto.

The focus is on sports styling, but not at the cost of GT86's essential performance and handling character. The package includes 18-inch cast TF6 alloys, deep front and side skirts, a rear bumper spoiler and a fast-response quad-exhaust system with a rear diffuser to increase stability. The TRD touches also extended to a branded radiator cap and fuel filler cover, while inside the car there is a new TRD gear shift lever.

These items are all in addition to GT86's established equipment specification, which includes HID headlamps, front fog lamps, limited slip differential, Smart Entry and Start, dual-zone climate control, analogue dials and meters, drilled aluminium pedals, sports seats, scuff plates, cruise control and the Toyota Touch multimedia system.

Acceleration and maximum speed are unchanged at 7.7 seconds for 0-62mph and 140mph for the manual and 8.4 seconds and 130mph for the automatic. There are slight changes in fuel consumption and emissions: 192g/km and 34.9mpg for the manual and 181g/km and 36.2mpg for the automatic (all figures official combined cycle).

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/toyota-gt86-gets-trd-treatment-in-uk/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

Uncategorized | 2013 toyota gt-86, FR-S, GT 86, GT86, gt86 trd, Scion, Toyota, toyota racing development, TRD

Toyota Supra Successor, BMW Z4 Rumored to Share New Platform Based on GT86 – AutoGuide

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By Roger, February 12, 2013 12:10 pm

With the recent success of the Toyota GT86 platform, it’s no surprise that the Japanese automaker wants to work quickly on its successor to the Supra.

The latest speculation on the project has BMW and Toyota teaming up to form the backbone of the development which will result in not only a successor to the Supra, but a shared platform for the new Z4. It is believed that this new platform will be based on the GT86 but reinforced to not only support additional horsepower but will also be bigger than the GT86.

As for a powerplant, Toyota is considering a 2.5-liter, turbocharged hybrid that would produce at least 400 hp. We could see a concept of this rumored Supra successor at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, though a production model isn’t expected until 2017 at the earliest.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/02/toyota-supra-successor-bmw-z4-rumored-to-share-new-platform-based-on-gt86.html?utm_source=ag02122013&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly

Uncategorized | BMW, bmw z4, GT 86, GT86, gt86 platform, Toyota, Toyota GT86, toyota supra, toyota supra successor

2014 Toyota Tundra Gets Sexy New Interior, Same Old Engines – Autoguide

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By Roger, February 7, 2013 12:43 pm

The current-generation Toyota Tundra debuted during the Chicago Auto Show in 2007 and today, Toyota brought its new 2014 Tundra to the same event.

A new chiseled look brings the formerly curvaceous Tundra into the boxy realm of the current American-designed pickups. While the profile of the truck remains similar to the current Tundra, the hood, grille, front bumper and wheel arches of the truck have all been squared off for a bold look.

While the folks at Toyota’s Calty design studio were providing new style to give the truck a fresh feel, it seems like the engine development team was sipping cocktails. Disappointingly, the engines are unchanged.

Offered as the standard motor on Tundra Regular and Double Cab models is a four-liter V6 good for 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque.

In the middle of the range is a 4.6-liter DOHC i-Force V8 that offers 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque, while the top-tier engine is still the 5.7-liter i-Force V8 that makes 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission will link up to the V6, while a six-speed will be on duty with both eight-cylinder powerplants. In 4×2 regular car trim, Tundra’s top tow capacity is 10,400 lbs.

VIEW COMPLETE 2013 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW COVERAGE

For improved ride quality, the shock-absorber valving has been re-tuned, hoping to avoid some of the rear-end chattering that was common in the previous Tundra. Steering feel is adjusted for a little less feedback, which Toyota says will make it better to drive on long trips.

Inside, a complete overhaul brings the Tundra from the land of black, boring plastic into the new-age of truck interiors. Toyota kept the large physical knobs for easy operation, while the rest of the interior was ditched for the new design, save some of the silver and black contrasting dash plastics.

Interior focus was placed on bringing the Tundra a more luxurious feel, along with providing clear differentiation between trim lines.

Ergonomics and comfort received some attention across all the trim levels, as audio and HVAC controls that move closer to the driver. Finally, the front seats are better ventilated and have more travel.

Trim levels start with the SR, move up to SR5, then Limited, and finally two premium trims, the “Platinum” and the all-new “1794” Edition.

The new 1794 trim level brings the Tundra a new level of luxury that will put it in line to compete with Ford’s King Ranch and Ram’s Longhorn edition trucks. Premium saddle brown leather wraps the seats, while ultra-suede contrasts around the interior.

Toyota is offering a few segment firsts in the new Tundra: standard bluetooth, standard backup camera, standard 3.5-inch display screen between the gauges, and blind spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert, the latter of which will be offered only on Platinum and 1794 edition trucks.

The new Japanese half-ton will hit dealerships in September, 2013.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/02/2014-toyota-tundra-sexy-interior-same-old-engines.html?utm_source=ag02072013&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly

GALLERY: 2014 Toyota Tundra Live Reveal

GALLERY: 2014 Toyota Tundra Photo Gallery

Uncategorized | 2013 chicago auto show, 2014 toyota Tundra, New Toyota Tundra, New Tundra, Toyota, toyota tundra, Tundra

Toyota GT86 GT4 racer is ready for UK competition – Autoblog

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By Roger, February 6, 2013 8:07 pm

Related GalleryGPRM Toyota GT86 GT4 Race Car

By Zach Bowman RSS feed

Posted Feb 5th 2013 11:30AM

Comments12

It's about time we saw someone cook up a legitimate race version of the delectable Toyota GT86, and now it looks as if GPRM has done just that. The Buckingham-based race engineering team has built the creation you see here, complete with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, direct-injection four-cylinder boxer cooked up by Nicholson McLaren Engines. The team says the new mill delivers between 360 and 400 horsepower to the rear wheels depending on final testing, which is a sight bit more than the 197 horses the naturally aspirated stock mill offers.

The car will compete in GT4 events, including the Avon Tyres British GT Championship. Technically, the GPRM effort isn't factory backed, but the team says the effort "has the blessing of Toyota Great Britain." How could it not? You can check out the brief press release below below, and be sure to take a closer look at the machine in our gallery

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/toyota-gt86-gt4-racer-is-ready-for-uk-competition/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

Uncategorized | 2013 scion fr-s, 2013 subaru brz, 2013 toyota gt-86, BRZ, FR-S, gprm toyota gt86, GT 86, GT86, Scion, scion fr-s, Subaru, subaru brz, Toyobaru, Toyota, Toyota GT86, toyota gt86 race car

Toyota announces Geneva plans including droptop FT-86 Open concept – Autoblog

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By Roger, February 1, 2013 6:37 pm

Automakers from around the globe are gearing up for the Geneva Motor Show next month, and Toyota is giving us a couple teasers of what will be in its display. In addition to what appears to be a single-seat concept called the i-Road (shown at right), Toyota will also give us our first look at a droptop Scion FR-S courtesy of the FT-86 Open Concept.

All we have to go on right now is this sketch shown above, but we do see that this car will retain its rear seats, which could be a potential advantage over one of its key rivals, the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Toyota says that this concept will be used to gauge public interest in such a convertible, but we've already heard that a Scion convertible is already planned to go on sale as soon as early next year. As far as Toyota's other concept, there also isn't much information about the i-Road except that it will be a zero-emissions vehicle and it will have seating for two passengers, which based on the drawing will have the driver sitting in front of the passenger.

Toyota will also show off the European version of the new RAV4 as well as its new Auris Touring Sports, which it refers to as a "medium-size estate." Scroll down for Toyota's tease of a press release.

Show full PR text

TOYOTA AT THE 2013 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

World premiere of FT-86 Open concept
World premiere of Toyota i-Road concept
First appearance of production-ready Auris Touring Sports
First European motor show appearance of the new RAV4

Toyota will take the wraps off two contrasting new concepts at the Geneva motor show and also pave the way for two new model introductions that will strengthen its European model range in the coming months.

The FT-86 Open and Toyota i-Road concepts will be sharing the spotlight with the new, British-built Auris Touring Sports and the fourth-generation RAV4 compact SUV.

FT-86 Open concept
The Toyota FT-86 Open concept previews a possible future development of the award-winning GT86 sports coupe. The show car will help Toyota gauge public reaction to the idea, at the same time as it carries out engineering tests on a prototype.

Toyota i-Road
The Toyota i-Road has been conceived as a compact, fun and emissions-free personal mobility concept, designed to offer quick and efficient urban transport for two people.

Auris Touring Sports
Toyota will unveil the production-ready Auris Touring Sports at Geneva, having previewed the estate version of its Auris model at the Paris motor show last year. It will publish full specifications, dimensions and performance data for the new, British-built model, which will go on sale later this year.

Toyota intends Auris Touring Sports to become a new reference point in the market for medium-size estate cars, supported by its strong, contemporary styling, excellent luggage capacity and unique-in-segment full hybrid powertrain option.

The model's debut will be supported by the presentation of a special design study, the Auris Touring Sports Black.

RAV4
The fourth generation RAV4 will be appearing at a European motor show for the first time, coinciding with its market launch in Europe. The new model builds on its pioneering heritage, putting a greater emphasis on the qualities demanded by the modern families that are at the heart of its target market, without sacrificing its core values.

The new model offers distinctive styling, a high quality interior, greater efficiency and improvements to its all-wheel drive system that help deliver a more engaging drive.

RAV4's debut will be supported by two special design studies, the RAV4 Premium and RAV4 Adventure.

Press conference
Toyota will host a press conference on Stand 4.111 at 1pm on Tuesday, 5 March.

News Source: Toyota

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/toyota-announces-geneva-plans-including-droptop-ft-86-open-conce/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

Uncategorized | 2013 toyota ft-86 open concept, 2013 toyota i-road concept, Concept Cars, convertible, Crossover, Design/Style, ft-86 convertible, Geneva, geneva 2013, geneva motor show, Hatchback, scion fr-s convertible, subaru brz convertible, Toyota