Toyota and Subaru are both preparing to launch their new rear-wheel-drive sports cars. While both will be built as a result of a collaboration between Fuji Heavy Industries and Toyota Motor Corp, Inside Line has learned that the Subaru version will be slightly larger and faster than Toyota’s FT-86.

Due out in 2011, the Subaru version will be powered by a 2.0L flat 4-cylinder making approximately 250-hp (Toyota’s version will produce around 200-hp). Apparently, since Subaru’s version will feature all-wheel-drive, more power is required to carry the extra weight.

Sources say that the Subaru version of the car, internally known as the 086A, will be slightly larger. The Subaru 086A will cost around $5,000 more than Toyotas, which will be priced around $20,000. The price difference should keep both models from competing with each other.

Click here for more news on the Toyota FT-86 Concept.

Toyota FT-86 Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

Toyota has unveiled the new Land Cruiser for the UK market which looks a lot different from the one we get here in the states. To be honest, we’re a bit relieved we don’t get this version.

The UK Land Cruiser is offered with a 5-door model powered by a 171-hp 3.0L D-4D engine matted to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Toyota will offer three trim-levels including LC3, LC4 and LC5 with prices ranging from £29,795 to £44,795.

Order for the new 2010 Land Cruiser will start early next month.

Click through for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

2010 Land Cruiser (UK):

Press Release:

TOYOTA LAUNCHES THE ALL-NEW LAND CRUISER

Off-road excellence and on-road poise from latest in a line of 4×4 legends

* All-new Toyota Land Cruiser builds on a world-leading heritage
* Equipped with advanced new systems for safe and secure off-road performance
* Engineered to excel in the toughest conditions, while maintaining on-road poise and comfort
* Five-door model seating up to seven, powered by 3.0-litre D-4D engine with five-speed automatic transmission
* Three equipment grades – LC3, LC4 and LC5 – priced from £29,795 on the road

The Toyota Land Cruiser has built a formidable reputation around the world for its ability to take even the most extreme conditions in its stride. From arid deserts to polar wastes, Land Cruiser has demonstrated its unrivalled toughness and durability in a heritage that spans six decades.

This background of achievement makes the launch of an all-new Land Cruiser a particularly significant event and Toyota has wasted no effort to ensure its new model builds on the pedigree of its ancestors. It is equipped with a raft of new and advanced handling and driver assistance systems that take its off-road capabilities to new heights. At the same time, it has been engineered for greater poise, comfort and performance when driving on-road.

In the UK new Land Cruiser is offered as a five-door model powered by a revised 171bhp 3.0-litre D-4D engine, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. Three equipment grades are offered – LC3, LC4 and LC5 – with seven seats fitted as standard on all but the entry level version (on which third row seats are an option). Customer orders are being taken now with first deliveries from early December. On-the-road prices range from £29,795 to £44,795.

Design and Construction
The new Land Cruiser is only slightly larger than its predecessor, which helps maintain its off-road agility. The styling combines the model’s traditionally robust looks with styling cues that were first introduced on the larger Land Cruiser V8.

Intelligent interior packaging provides more space inside the cabin, with Toyota EasyFlat third row seats that can be raised of folded flat at the touch of a button (LC4 and LC5 models). The usable loadspace has been significantly increased and a new rear glass hatch allows items to be loaded without having to open the full side-hinged tailgate – ideal for tight parking places.

Toyota has retained the body-on-frame construction that has always been an integral part of Land Cruiser’s exceptional off-road ability. Careful attention to the suspension design and NVH measures ensure high standards of on-road ride, handling and comfort are maintained.

Technology for on and off-road performance
New Land Cruiser introduces a series of advanced but user friendly features that help the driver tackle even the most challenging routes. These include: -

* Electrically modulated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which minimises body roll and gives positive steering on-road, and increases wheel articulation off-road.
* Full-time All-wheel drive with Torsen limited slip differential.
* Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), with four driver-selectable modes to tailor vehicle settings for different off-road conditions.
* Multi-Terrain Monitor, a world-first system of front and side view cameras that give the driver a real-time view of areas immediately around the vehicle that can’t be seen from the wheel.
* Crawl Control, which controls the engine and brakes to maintain a slow, safe speed when driving off-road or wading, so the driver only needs to concentrate on steering. This operates in both forward and reverse gears.
* Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Multi-Terrain ABS and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are fitted as standard on all models.

Equipment highlights
There is nothing spartan about life on board the new Land Cruiser. 17-inch alloys, roof rails, fog lamps, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth and Smart Entry and Start system are all part of the LC3 specification.

LC4 models add triple-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, powered folding third row seats, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated front seats, dusk-sensing headlights, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, rear parking monitor, 17-speaker JBL premium audio package and a hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system with a 10GB sound library.

At the top of the range the LC5 models come with Adaptive Variable Suspension with Active height Control, sunroof, Crawl Control, Multi-terrain Monitor, Steering Angle Display, Multi-terrain Select and a rear seat entertainment system for DVD playback and gaming.

All you need to know
The Toyota Land Cruiser UK press pack, with full technical and equipment specifications is available at the Toyota media web site, www.toyotagb-press.co.uk, together with downloadable high-resolution images. Broadcast quality video footage can be viewed and ordered on-line.

- By: Kap Shah

Toyota’s global vehicle sales were up 5 percent in October to around 640,000 units, the first year-on-year increase in 15 months for the Japanese automaker and the world’s biggest car manufacturer. In its largest markets, Toyota saw sales in the United States drop 3.5 percent but increase 15 percent in Japan and 45 percent in China.

Executives had previously said that they expect U.S. sales to start picking up around October.

Earlier this month, Toyota announced that its net revenues for the first half of the fiscal year totaled 8.378 trillion yen, a decrease of 31.3 percent compared to the same period last fiscal year. In North America, operating income decreased by 7.4 billion yen to 26.9 billion yen. It said that consolidated vehicle sales for the first half totaled 3.13 million units, a decrease of 1.12 million units compared to the same period last fiscal year.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

FoMoCo led all automakers for the second year in a row with six 2010 models that made it onto the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick list, including four vehicles from Volvo, a brand that Ford is selling. For the first time in three years, none of Toyota’s vehicles made the list as tougher criteria cut down the selection from 94 last year to 27 this year.

“With the addition of our new roof strength evaluation, our crash test results now cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “Consumers can use this list to zero in on the vehicles that are on the top rung for safety.”

Subaru is the only automaker with a winner in all 4 vehicle classes in which it competes. Chrysler earns 4 awards, continuing a trend of improving the safety of its vehicles. Two new small cars, the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul also made the list for 2010. GM’s 2010 Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Malibu also made the cut.

Click through to see the full list.

ALL 27 WINNERS

Large cars
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

Midsize cars
Audi A3
Chevrolet Malibu (built after October 2009)
Chrysler Sebring (4-door with optional electronic stability control)
Dodge Avenger  (with optional electronic stability control)
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta (sedan)
Volkswagen Passat (sedan)
Volvo C30

Small cars
Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza (except WRX)
Volkswagen (Golf 4-door)

Midsize SUVs
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot (with optional side torso airbags)
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

- By: Omar Rana

According to a Japanese newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun, Toyota is planning to extend its Prius hybrid family with a larger variant. The model is reported to be a tall wagon or a crossover model and will be the first Toyota hybrid vehicle to use a lithium-ion battery pack.

The newspaper said that sales of the model will begin next year in Japan with pricing to start at an equivalent of $22,000.

It was reported last month that Toyota is planning a Prius coupe that will be later joined by a Prius MPV.

The 2010 Toyota Prius uses a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which is less powerful and larger than lithium-ion.

Click here for more news on the Toyota Prius.

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Inside Line

The United Kingdom’s Guardian newspaper reports IHS Global Insight figures as indicating that Volkswagen Group has surpassed Toyota Motor Corp. this month as the world’s largest car manufacturer. Volkswagen (including Porsche AG, their recent acquisition) sold 4.4 million units this year, climbing past Toyota, which produced about 4 million units to date this year. This milestone is not a shock.

VW’s popularity in China has also given them a great boost. In July alone, 128,000 VW units were sold in China; 1/4 of their global total. Compare that figure to the 223,000 units that VW sold in America for all of 2008, and it puts a little perspective on the situation.

All of this could change however with a slight rebound of the U.S. market. Toyota’s U.S. sales last year alone were over 2.2 million.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoObserver

Toyota has announced that its 2010 4Runner will compete in the renowned SCORE Baja 1000. The modified 4Runner will run over 672 miles in a time limit of 31 hours in what’s known as one of the toughest desert races in the world.

The 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 anticipates over 325 entries from around the world. The last desert race of the season is scheduled for November 20-21, in Ensenada, Mexico.

The 2010 Toyota 4Runner will arrive in dealerships later this month with prices starting at $29,975 for the base SR5 4×2 model. Power comes from a 270-hp 4.0L DOHC 24-valve EFI VVT-i V6 engine with a maximum torque of 278 lb-ft.

Click here for pricing details on the 2010 Toyota 4Runner.

2010 Toyota 4Runner SCORE Baja 1000:

2010 Toyota 4Runner:

Press Release:

Toyota 2010 Model Year 4Runner Slated for the SCORE Baja 1000

The Fifth Generation 2010 Toyota 4Runner to run in the “Stock mini” Class

TORRANCE, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2009) – Toyota will make history by entering its 2010 Model Year Fifth Generation 4Runner in the internationally renowned SCORE Baja 1000. With over 672 miles in length and a time limit of 31 hours, the Baja 1000 is one of the toughest desert races in the world.

Over 325 entries are expected from around the world to compete in the 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 – the last desert race of the season scheduled for November 20-21, in Ensenada, Mexico.

Toyota will test its newest 4Runner and showcase the SUV’s capabilities and durability in the Mexican desert’s treacherous terrain. “Historically, only half of the racers finish this incredible test of man and machine, but we’re confident the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be a major contender in the stock mini class and can handle the grueling course”, said Les Unger, Toyota’s national motorsports manager.

One of the scheduled drivers will be the legendary Ivan “Ironman” Stewart – 22-time SCORE Baja race winner. Stewart has successfully conquered the toughest obstacles in off-road racing and was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006. “I’m thrilled to have been chosen to be one of the drivers to once again prove the toughness and durability of Toyota vehicles. I’m sure the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be tough enough to survive even my Iron foot”, said Stewart. Co-driving the 4Runner will be the teams of Bob Ditner/Zach Zwillinger from the start line to Borrego Junction, Ken Ziesemer/Mark Sasaki throughout the San Felipe loop, Joe Nolan/Paul Williamsen from Borrego to Valle De La Trinidad, and Ivan Stewart/Bob Ditner from Valle De La Trinidad to the finish line. The 4Runner will run on General Tires and utilize the famous Baja Pits Organization throughout the course.

The 2009 Baja 1000 will be a single loop race – starting and finishing in Ensenada on the Pacific Ocean side of the magnificent peninsula and run through Mexican villages — luring in tens of thousands of spectators.

The Fifth Generation 4Runner
The fifth generation 4Runner has an improved V6 engine with better fuel economy and 34 more horse-power than the previous V6. It also adds 17 inch wheels and two additional airbags-for a total of eight, providing buyers more than $1,700 worth of added content. However, the price of the popular four wheel drive V6 SR5 remains unchanged at $30,915. Vehicles will begin arriving at dealerships in late-November.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Toyota announced today that the all-new 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan will make its world-debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show on December 2nd.

No details were given in the short press release but make sure you join us since we’ll be live in LA covering the show from start to finish.

- By: Kap Shah

Joining Japanese rival Honda, Toyota announced its plans to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship by the end of the 2009 season.

“Toyota has engaged in F1 racing for eight seasons, starting in two thousand two,” Toyota’s President Akio Toyoda said at a press conference “But we will conclude our participation in F1 competition with this season.”

He said that the board of directors reached the decision after debating it thoroughly. TMC leaves F1 having compiled 13 podium and 87 point finishes over eight challenging seasons since 2002 with its partner, Panasonic Toyota Racing.

Honda quit Formula One last December.

Make the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

Toyota to Withdraw from F1

Tokyo – TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it plans to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) at the end of the 2009 season.

TMC, which had viewed its participation in F1 as contributing to the prosperity of automotive culture, remained dedicated to competing at the pinnacle of motor sports, even in the face of the abrupt economic changes that started last year. However, when considering TMC’s motor-sports activities next year and beyond from a comprehensive midterm viewpoint reflecting the current severe economic realities, TMC decided to withdraw from F1.

TMC leaves F1 having compiled 13 podium and 87 point finishes over eight challenging seasons since 2002 with Panasonic Toyota Racing, a full-constructor team. It views its time in F1 – in which teams put forth their best efforts to fiercely compete at racing’s highest level – as an irreplaceable experience that provided an opportunity to develop both human resources and its R&D operations. TMC expresses its deepest appreciation to its F1 fans and others for their warm support.

TMC also wants to express its heartfelt gratitude to all Panasonic Toyota Racing drivers to date and to all Toyota Motorsport GmbH employees who have helped make the team’s achievements possible. TMC intends to do its best to find a solution for those parties who will be affected by any inconvenience this decision may cause.

Drawing on its experience in F1 and other motor sports, TMC intends to move forward in developing exciting production vehicles, such as the Lexus “LFA” supercar and compact rear-wheel-drive sports cars. In motor sports, it will not only race in various categories, but will also actively contribute to further development of motor sports by supporting grassroots races and planning events in which it is easy for people to participate.

- By: Omar Rana

Toyota’s new President Akio Toyoda is rewriting the playbook to revive the brand’s battered sales and tattered image in the United States. Toyoda plans on reviewing a possible trim in the full-frame truck lineup, skipping mid-cycle vehicle enhancements to focus on bigger launches, introducing more hybrids to the North American market and giving U.S. engineers a bigger voice in the company’s research and development.

Executives told Automotive News that Toyota plans on making a bigger splash with model launches that tailor to the North American market. For beginners, research and development for North American vehicles will be moved to Toyota’s U.S. technical centers.

“Through this shift in responsibility, we expect the vehicles will more closely reflect the needs of U.S. consumers,” Atsushi Niimi, executive vice president in charge of North America and global production, said. “We want the r&d team of North America to have a louder voice in what is exported from Japan to their market.”

The move comes as Toyota moved from its biggest profit to its largest loss in just one year.

- By: Stephen Calogera

We’re pretty sure that by now you’ve heard enough about the Toyota FT-86 and the Subaru 086A. Both cars are a new rear-wheel-drive sports car developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru and will go on sale sometime in early 2011.

According to a report by AutoTelegraaf, Toyota and Subaru are both planning a convertible version of their sports coupesx. A senior official at Toyota told the publication that if the coupe launch is strong enough, the companies may plan on doing a convertible version.

From what we can gather, it is reported that the base Toyota and Subaru sports coupe models will be powered by a 2.0L turbocharged boxer engine making above 200-hp. Subaru is also planning an STI version that will pump out close to 308-hp.

If given the green light, the convertible version of the car will launch a year after the coupe goes on sale.

Click here for more news on the Toyota FT-86 Concept.

Toyota FT-86 Concept:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoTelegraaf (via MotorAuthority)

Honda is ready to unleash its sporty CR-Z hatchback hybrid in the U.S. in 2010. In fact, it’ll be so sporty that it will be the first hybrid offered with a 6-speed manual transmission.

According to a report by AutoCar, Toyota is planning a Prius coupe that will go head-to-head with Honda’s CR-Z (can’t say that we didn’t see it coming).

The Prius will most likely use the same 134-hp 1.8L VVT-i hybrid powertrain and the same platform as that wagon version. However, a more aerodynamic body and possible weight savings would offer better fuel-economy and a more zippy drive.

AutoCar says that the Prius coupe will be later joined by a Prius MPV that would be based on the Honda Skydeck.

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Popular Mechanics today named the 10 winners of its Automotive Excellence Awards for the 2010 year. Chosen by the magazine’s expert editorial team, these awards recognize the best in automotive design, execution and technology for 2010 model year vehicles in ten specific categories.

“Despite a tumultuous year in the automotive industry, engineers have rolled out some of the best cars we’ve ever seen,” said James Meigs, editor-in-chief, Popular Mechanics. “We are exceptionally proud of this year’s Automotive Excellence Award winners, all of which represent the innovation and foresight that will keep this industry moving forward.”

Ford Motor Co. set a new record in Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards by winning more categories in a single year than any other automaker in the history of the awards, which has been going on for four years now.

Click through to see the list of winners.

The recipients of the 2010 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards:

• Performance: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
• Design: Chevrolet Camaro
• Value: Kia Soul
• Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Prius
• Versatility: Subaru Outback
• Fun to Drive: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
• Off-Road Ability: Ford F-150 Raptor
• Technical Innovation: Lexus Remote Touch
• Luxury: BMW 335d
• Workhorse: Ford Transit Connect

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Popular Mechanics

Many are still a bit skeptical about the new $375,000 Lexus LFA (seeing as it is Lexus’ first supercar with such an expensive price tag). Well, if it makes you feel any better about cashing out $375,000 for a Lexus, Toyota won’t be making any money on the 500 units it plans on producing.

Basically, there is a very high cost of development and construction involved with the Lexus LFA and Toyota will likely make no profit, sources say. Everything on the LFA is brand new, besides just five parts that it shares with other Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

Insiders say that the main idea behind the LFA was to create a halo car for Lexus.

Production of the Lexus LFA will begin in December 2010.

Click here for more news on the Lexus LFA.

2011 Lexus LFA:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Following the Toyota FT-86 Concept, Subaru is getting ready to unveil its version of the rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. Internally known as the 086A, the Subaru version will bigger and badder than its Toyota sibling.

According to Japan’s BestCar, the production 086A will be powered by a 2.0L turbocharged powerplant sending 250-hp to all four wheels. An 308-hp STI version of the rear-wheel-drive sports coupe is also rumored. Toyota’s production FT-86 is reported to produce 200-hp

Look out for the production Subaru 086A in 2011 with pricing to be a little north of the production Toyota FT-86, which is reported to be priced above $20,000. No confirmation on what Subaru plans on naming the production model.

Photo Rendering: Subaru 086A:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Best Car (via 7Tune)

An Autopia reader spotted this accident involving a Tesla Roadster, Volkswagen Touareg and the Toyota Prius. The accident took place earlier this week and as the story goes the Tesla was stopped behind the Touareg at a red light when a Prius rear-ended it and pushed it under the SUV.

According Tesla’s spokeswoman Rachel Konrad:

This was a customer car but the customer was not driving or in the car at the time. The driver stopped at a red light behind a truck and was hit from behind by a VW Touareg driving at 80km/hour at the time of impact. The Roadster driver walked away with minor bruises.

No word on others involved in the accident but we hope everyone is okay and made it out safe.

If you have any additional details about the crash, let us know in the comments section below.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Autopia

Toyota’s engineers in the land down under are hard at work on the new Australian-built hybrid Camry, which they say will be faster and sportier than its gasoline sibling. Even with more aggressiveness, the hybrid Camry will use less fuel than Toyota’s Yaris, says the man heading the car’s development.

Toyota Camry hybrid’s chief engineer Yukihiro Okane says that the hybrid sedan will debut on Australian roads in February next year and will be one second quicker than the gasoline Camry in terms of 0-62 mph. He said that the hybrid Camry will return as little as 38 miles to the gallon.

Okane said that the local improvements by Toyota’s Australian engineers will also mean that the car steers and handles better than the current Camry.

“We tuned the suspension and steering assistance only for the Australian market. It is much more stiff and sporty,” he said.

Can we please get those improvements on the stateside?

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Drive

The folks over at AutoCar have learned that Toyota’s new rear-wheel-drive sports coupe could be called the Toyota Celica. The production version of the FT-86 Concept, which is co-developed by Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru), is scheduled to go on sale in 2012.

Toyota’s responsibility is to take care of the car’s main concept and design, while Subaru will take care of the mechanical aspect. Power is reported to come from a 200-hp 2.0L boxer Subaru engine.

Sources say that the vehicle will be built at Subaru factories since they have spare capacity.

Prices are expected to start above $20,000.

Click here for more news on the Toyota FT-86 Concept.

Toyota FT-86 Concept:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar