Toyota planning U.S. sports car revival

bmer · 02-04-2008, 03:12 PM

When Toyota is brought up in conversation today, thoughts turn to the Prius and Camry. But not long ago, the Toyota brand struck a chord with automotive enthusiasts — it produced the Celica, MR2 and the 'King of the Hill' Supra. Though it's been two years since Toyota produced its last sports car — and arguably longer since the brand was last considered a sports car maker — the Japanese automaker is reportedly preparing to throw its hat back in the ring.

Last summer we revealed that Toyota was co-developing a new sports car with Subaru, but at the time, it was reported that the car would only be for Japanese consumption. However, a new report by Japan's Best Car finds that Toyota will bring the car stateside.

The report also indicates that the new model — which will be built in Gunma, Japan — will be available in two trim-levels: GT and GT-Four.

The base GT model will be reportedly powered by a 200 horsepower 2.0L Boxer-four — sourced from Subaru — which will send power to the car's rear-wheels. Additionally, Toyota has set an internal price target for the GT at under $20,000.

The up-level GT-Four will use the same 300 horsepower Boxer powerplant found in the Subaru Impreza STI, and — as the name implies — will use an all-wheel drive system. The turbocharged powerplant will also be set back in the car's chassis to improve handling.

Moreover, a hybrid variant could be in the works that uses Toyota's i-MEV electric inter wheel motors to drive the front wheels.

While the new model will share ties with the Subaru Impreza, Toyota doesn't want to go head-to-head with Subaru. Instead, the car will be offered in two-door coupe and three-door hatchback configurations.

It remains unclear if Toyota will sell the vehicle under the Toyota brand or its youth-oriented Scion brand. Whatever the case, the new model should hit the market in 2011, or even slightly earlier.

Source: LLN

02-04-2008, 03:12 PM	#1
bmer Devotee Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 2,910 Thanks: 1,528 Thanked 669 Times in 405 Posts	Toyota planning U.S. sports car revival When Toyota is brought up in conversation today, thoughts turn to the Prius and Camry. But not long ago, the Toyota brand struck a chord with automotive enthusiasts — it produced the Celica, MR2 and the 'King of the Hill' Supra. Though it's been two years since Toyota produced its last sports car — and arguably longer since the brand was last considered a sports car maker — the Japanese automaker is reportedly preparing to throw its hat back in the ring. Last summer we revealed that Toyota was co-developing a new sports car with Subaru, but at the time, it was reported that the car would only be for Japanese consumption. However, a new report by Japan's Best Car finds that Toyota will bring the car stateside. The report also indicates that the new model — which will be built in Gunma, Japan — will be available in two trim-levels: GT and GT-Four. The base GT model will be reportedly powered by a 200 horsepower 2.0L Boxer-four — sourced from Subaru — which will send power to the car's rear-wheels. Additionally, Toyota has set an internal price target for the GT at under $20,000. The up-level GT-Four will use the same 300 horsepower Boxer powerplant found in the Subaru Impreza STI, and — as the name implies — will use an all-wheel drive system. The turbocharged powerplant will also be set back in the car's chassis to improve handling. Moreover, a hybrid variant could be in the works that uses Toyota's i-MEV electric inter wheel motors to drive the front wheels. While the new model will share ties with the Subaru Impreza, Toyota doesn't want to go head-to-head with Subaru. Instead, the car will be offered in two-door coupe and three-door hatchback configurations. It remains unclear if Toyota will sell the vehicle under the Toyota brand or its youth-oriented Scion brand. Whatever the case, the new model should hit the market in 2011, or even slightly earlier. Source: LLN

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