It certainly won’t be grabbing headlines like the twincharged GT 86, but a turbocharged Yaris unveiled today at the Tokyo Auto Salon is a more realistic look at future product.

Continue Reading…

As expected, the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon is shaping up to be a GT86 festival and thanks to Toyota motorsports partner Gazoo Racing, we have our first teaser of the likely star of the show.

Continue Reading…

Ever wonder what the next Toyota Supra will be like? So do we.

Could it be some sort of high-tech hybrid, using all-wheel drive with an electric motor for the front wheels and a gasoline or gas-electric hybrid drive for the rear? We suppose so.

You know… something like the GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II (above)? Um, well, yea. But let’s not start any rumors. OK?

First unveiled at the Nurburgring 24 Hour race in the summer, Toyota has recently displayed the hybrid sports car concept at both the Tokyo Motor Show and now at the Tokyo Auto Salon, hinting just how serious they are about keeping it in the public’s eye.

When it was first shown Toyota said it, “has long conducted active research on applying hybrid technologies to racing and sports cars” and said the GRMN vehicle is, “the next step in the evolution of these efforts.”

Just exactly when the next next step will be is anyone’s guess. Whatever Toyota decides to build and whatever they call it, knowing the company’s hybrid expertise and newfound passion for performance cars, we bet it’ll be supra…. er… super.

GALLERY: Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II

Toyota is planning to introduce a new lineup of budget-oriented sporty vehicles, but don’t get too excited. While it is possible that there’s a larger plan for the FT-86/FR-S and a rumors of a rear-drive hot-hatch, it’s more likely that Toyota is instead planning “sporty” versions of existing cars.

Earlier this year the Japanese auto giant released the “G Sports” or G’s” versions of its Voxy and Noah vans and it that may be the direction they’re headed with the rest of the lineup, including a confirmed sports edition version of the Prius.

“We want to offer more cars that are fun to drive and make people think ‘Toyota is interesting,’” said Toyota Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamada at a recent press event in Japan.

And while Toyota’s plans for a true performance-minded budget sports car lineup seem less likely than a new lineup of TRD-style models, Uchiyamada did confirm the GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept is headed to production as a spiritual successor of the MR2 – but with a high-tech hybrid powertrain.

[Source: Mainichi Daily News]

Get more FT-86/FR-S News at FT86Talk.com