Posts tagged: Toyota

Toyota GT86 engineers explored shooting brake and sedan variants, are they still in the cards? – Autoblog

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By Roger, March 18, 2013 9:20 am

2013 Toyota GT86 TRD - front three-quarter view

Related Gallery2013 Toyota GT86 TRD

By Zach Bowman RSS feed

Posted Mar 13th 2013 7:58PM

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According to the Toyota UK blog, engineers for the automaker were so excited developing the GT86 coupe that they investigated producing a whole family of models based on the rear-wheel drive sports car. And at least one engineer – product chief Tetsuya Tada – still hopes it can happen, even if not everyone at Toyota is onboard. Tada: "Actually we tried to do this secretly but the executives found us out. They said: 'What are you doing? Will you please focus on the coupe.'"

Those mooted variants included both a four-door sedan and a shooting brake. Why? Aside from the pure excellence of a lightweight, brilliantly handling hatchback, Toyota was keenly aware of the fact that it may need to spread the cost of development out across several models. Tada says that's part of the reason why it was so easy to create the convertible. The company knew from the outset that a softtop version was in the cards, and built the machine's structure to accommodate having the roof sliced off.

Tada also made mention of the already-announced collaboration between Toyota and BMW. The engineer said that the GT86 was particularly helpful because it demonstrated just how successful a product conceived and designed by two different companies can be. While he didn't say exactly what Toyota and BMW are up to, it's clear the two are looking into a number of possibilities. It's an interesting read with a lot of

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/toyota-gt86-engineers-explored-shooting-brake-and-sedan-variants/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

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

Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race Scion FR-S [w/video] – Autoblog

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By Roger, March 10, 2013 11:49 am

Related GalleryToyota Pro/Celebrity Race Scion FR-S at Willow Springs

By Michael Harley RSS feed

Posted Mar 7th 2013 3:29PM

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Vital Stats

Engine:: 2.0L Flat-4
Power:: 210 HP / 160 LB-FT (est.)
Transmission:: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 Time:: 6.1 Seconds (est.)
Drivetrain:: Rear-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight:: 2,725 LBS (est.)
Seating:: 2

Toyota has been hosting its Pro/Celebrity race at the Toyota Grand Prix on Long Beach since 1977. The charity event, which has raised millions of dollars over the years, traditionally pits Hollywood celebrities against professional athletes (including race car drivers) on the full Grand Prix course in modified street vehicles. The short, sprint-style race is popular with the crowds as the amateur drivers race uninhibited – the result is an action-packed event with plenty of excitement and automotive… er… carnage.

Over the decades, the drivers have raced a variety of Toyota products including last year's front-wheel-drive Scion tC. But this year, Toyota announced at the Chicago Auto Show that the new rear-wheel-drive Scion FR-S would be stepping up to the plate. The good news only became better when Toyota Motorsports invited us out to Southern California's Willow Springs Raceway (the same circuit where the drivers train and practice) to be one of the first behind the wheel.

Driving Notes:

Transforming a stock Scion FR-S into one of two-dozen hand-built race cars is a tedious project that begins with gutting the interior. A steel roll cage is welded in place, and then most everything (including the headliner) goes back in – with a few exceptions. The audio system, cup holders and passenger-side vent are removed, as are all of the airbags. A pair of five-point Simpson racing harnesses are bolted in place and fitted through the stock seats. The radio panel is replaced with a panel only containing a fire extinguisher pull lever, the windshield wipers are deactivated (to prevent inadvertent activation) and the removed vent becomes a master kill switch. A window net is fitted on the driver's side, and knee bolsters are installed on the door and on the side of the center console (anyone who has ever raced will consider the foam pads a gift from the heavens).
The four-cylinder Subaru-sourced Boxer engine, left displacing 2.0-liters, receives a new performance intake and TRD stainless-steel exhaust for better breathing (one catalytic converter is removed and some of the baffles are eliminated to increase the exhaust note). Radiator fluid, a slippery bane if leaked on track surfaces, is replaced with water and Water Wetter (a chemical that improves heat transfer properties). Burning unleaded racing fuel, the engine develops about 210 horsepower. The six-speed manual gearbox retains the same ratios, but a Centerforce single disc racing clutch ensures longevity through the abuse.
TRD Racing coil-over shocks and springs are fitted and supplemented with TRD sway bars. Special lower control arms, anodized blue at the rear, allow 2.5 degrees of negative camber at all four corners. The stock front calipers and rotors are tossed and replaced with four-piston calipers over floating rotors (surprisingly, the rear calipers and rotors remain stock) and the factory pads are upgraded with Hawk Performance DTC60 racing pads. The new rolling gear is TRD-sourced 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone RE-11 summer tires (225/40R18).
While it sounded much more aggressive than stock, the exhaust note was loud and booming (easily permeating the shell of my full face helmet). On a positive note, it allowed me to hear the changing pitch of the engine as it climbed towards redline. Even so, I hit the rev limiter and fuel cutoff more often than not in my early laps (a red blinking light alters the driver of his/her ineptness) before consciously short-shifting at 6,500 rpm in my later laps. Rather than rely on the engine's meager torque (about 160 pound-feet) pulling a taller gear, I shifted frequently – more than a dozen times on each lap – to keep the power flowing. As is the case with the lightweight Mazda MX-5 Miata, the FR-S is a momentum car.
I found the handling and overall dynamics significantly improved over the stock model. The chassis felt light and agile in response to steering inputs, and the various suspension upgrades meant most of the understeer was gone too (also evident by the minimal scrub on the front tires). The Scion coupe never felt anything but very well balanced. (Note: stability and traction control have been re-programmed to default to OFF – the opposite of what they normally do – upon engine start.) Putting the tires exactly where I wanted them was a no-brainer, and the fade-free brakes easily reigned things in and saved me when I overcooked more than a few corners. If asked to sum up how the FR-S race car felt on the circuit, I'd say moderately powered, responsive, predictable and very entertaining.
The 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Scion FR-S is what happens when a very good sports coupe turns great at the skilled hands of a factory-supported team. If these two dozen Long Beach race cars are indicative of what a future Spec FR-S series holds in store, I'll be one of the first standing in line.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/toyota-pro-celebrity-race-scion-fr-s/

Uncategorized | FR-S, Scion, scion fr-s race car, Toyota, toyota celebrity race, toyota grand prix of long beach, toyota pro celebrity race, toyota procelebrity race scion fr-s

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 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

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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

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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

What do You Think About Toyota’s 86xStyle Cb Concept? – Carscoop

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By Roger, January 11, 2013 7:40 pm

Thursday, January 10, 2013 Categories: Scion FR-S, Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota, Toyota Concepts, Toyota GT 86, Tuning |

As Japan's most popular sports coupe, you won't be surprised to learn that this week's Tokyo Auto Salon 2013 will be flooded with all sorts of conceptual and production Toyota 86 (Scion FR-S in North America) tunes.

Previously, we reported about the twin-charged and sporty looking (with a hint of Supra, as noted by our readers), 'GRMN SPORTS FR Concept PLATINUM'.

Toyota's Original Accessory division has also worked its own vision of a customized version of the coupe dubbed 86xStyle Cb, said to mix classic and modern design elements.

Most styling changes take place up front where Toyota Original Accessory designed a new snout for the 86, and to a lesser extent, the rear end that sports new tail lamps, a duck-like spoiler and a different bumper housing new exhaust pipe outlets.

Completing the exterior makeover is the two tone paint scheme and the 18-inch BBS rims wrapped around 215/45 and 225/45 tires front and rear respectively.

The cabin was refined with dark brown colored leather appointments, new illumination for the dashboard and other extras.

The only performance upgrade is the new braking system from Brembo.

PHOTO GALLERY