Photo: David Guimaraes
If you're an automaker and want to tap into the knowledge base of your most fervent fans, what better place to go for input than one of the many model-specific forums on the 'Net. Supposedly, that's exactly what happened over at Club4AG.
The site's founder, Moto Miwa, has been in contact with one of the chief engineers tasked by Toyota to begin developing the oft-rumored sports car that's been making the rounds on the Web. The unnamed engineer worked on the original AE86 Corolla, along with a host of other projects including the 2nd generation Prius. While Toyota's ubiquitous hybrid isn't what anyone would consider sporty, the man behind its development, who's now working on the coupe, is apparently quite the petrolhead.
In preparation for a meeting with Toyota's engineer, Miwa asked the Club4AG crew with what they want the new coupe to come equipped. Naturally, the consensus involved repeated pleas for something lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, a DOHC four-cylinder that trades big power for responsiveness, and a chassis and engine that's designed for modification.
Here's hoping that Miwa's Man on the Inside heeds the advice and brings an entertaining whip to those of us with shallow pockets and a penchant for wrenching.
[Source: Club4AG via Winding Road]
Tragedy at LeMons: Send love and a little bit more
Officially Official: New Ferrari California exposed!
Tweaked 2009 Ford Focus Coupe debuts
Subaru Exiga heading to production, teaser leaks out
VIDEO: Danica Patrick hits crew member on pit lane at Indy
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang
Future Classic: 1984 Chrysler Minivans
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Project Track Slut, Part One: Pick a weapon on the cheap
_thumbnail.jpg "Lamborghini Reventon unboxed in Las Vegas")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
John Johnson @ Feb 20th 2008 2:37PM
I'd agree with all of those, particularly LIGHT and RWD. I'd say an all-aluminum NA I6 would be good (turbo would be better) - but it has to feel like it's ready to rev to infinity rpms.
MixiM @ Feb 20th 2008 3:52PM
a standard fitted LSD!!!!
naggs @ Feb 20th 2008 4:04PM
the cost, size and weight make a 6 cyl prohibitive epically considering that toyota does not have a 6 that makes less than 250 hp. if the car is done right, 150 hp will be plenty to have fun and 200 will be will be enough to embarrass most "sports cars"
besides, isn't this going to get a flat 4 subaru engine?
Ferg @ Feb 20th 2008 2:38PM
It is about time that the car companies listened to the consumers for what they want. Message boards help get the ideas of the enthusiasts for the development of a new car. The problem lies in where to go to get opinions of your basic buyers. Someday car companies will learn that you need to listen to your customer and produce a car that looks good.... just because it is a "hybrid" doesn't mean it has to look like pure junk (ie. Prius).
broosewee @ Feb 20th 2008 2:39PM
"Naturally, the consensus involved repeated pleas for something lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, a DOHC four-cylinder that trades big power for responsiveness, and a chassis and engine that's designed for modification."
That's all we need Toyota, that's all we need! :-D
mike @ Feb 20th 2008 9:54PM
I want a bio-diesel-hybrid with great fuel economy, but excellent handling and brakes, great aerodynamics, and top speed computer controlled to max at 80 mph.
papercutninja @ Feb 20th 2008 2:43PM
Can we add SMALL to that list too? Compare the current Civic to the old CVCC. Even more recently, the xB and the xD. We don't need it to be bigger!!
iSpec @ Feb 20th 2008 2:45PM
Interesting Toyota is finally realizing they need a rwd light coupe that's a 4-banger. I wonder if the well-received Genesis coupe had anything to do with Toyota finally getting one on the drawing board.
psarhjinian @ Feb 21st 2008 7:26AM
Toyota had one. It was called the MR2. Cheapest mid-engine, rear-drive car you could get. Ostensibly handled better than a Miata.
Didn't sell.
bob sakamano @ Feb 20th 2008 2:45PM
is this the same method they used to get input to write the movie "snakes on a plane?"
Franz @ Feb 20th 2008 2:52PM
I hope they listen to what people are saying. A proper AE86 replacement is way overdue. Lightweight, rwd with a screaming 4 banger... yeah, they'd sell a bunch of those for sure! The sport compact class needs something other than fwd.
Frylock350 @ Feb 20th 2008 2:55PM
Ever hear of EVO or STi? They aren't FWD. Neither are Solstice, Sky, or Miata though I don't know how you'd class them.
Franz @ Feb 20th 2008 3:18PM
The Evo and STi are hardly in the same class as an AE86 relacement, Frylock350. Have I ever heard of them? You're kidding right? As of this writing, my Evo IX SE is belting out 509hp. As for the Miata and Solstice, 2 seat roadsters are hardly in the same class. Read all of a person's post before you go attacking it.
MemphisNET @ Feb 20th 2008 3:58PM
There's also the issue of cost, and the STi and Evo are still out of the intended target audience (price range).
Light, RWD, 4cyl with or without forced induction, easy to work on...
Size/weight might be an issue only because of safety standards.
tanooki2003 @ Feb 20th 2008 4:08PM
Frylock you seriously need some education. You can't put a mix of 4 cylinder cars from totally different classes into 1 bucket. Open up your brain man.
From our understanding people here are talking about something that falls in the same class as a classic Ford Probe, 1st & 2nd Gen Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mitsubishi Starion/Chrysler Conquest, Dodge Daytona, Toyota Celica, and of course the AE86 Toyota Corolla. Basically a compact 2 door sports coupe but with RWD or AWD and a turbo 4 banger.
naggs @ Feb 20th 2008 4:43PM
awd is for people who suck at driving and convertibles are for girls
TwinTurbo3000GT @ Feb 20th 2008 5:56PM
naggs; yes, becasue rally drivers totally suck at driving...AWD > RWD in every way.
I agree though that it should be RWD, but i dont see why they should neccesarily go with an I4 engine when they have the blueprints for a fantastic I6 that has all the "street cred" and performance anyone could ask for. They should at least offer the I6 as an option. Hell, they might as well revive the supra name, being that they have no sports cars to speak of in their current line up.
Nick @ Feb 20th 2008 3:04PM
The SKY and Solstice are hardly "sport compacts", they're entirely impractical roadsters. The MX-5 is slightly more practical, but it's still a roadster. We really don't need another roadster out there, considering there's no alternatives for the coupe-lovers.
As for the STI and Evo, they're AWD, which is different enough from RWD that they might as well be FWD. They're also heavy, 4-doors, and fairly ugly.
Mark S @ Feb 20th 2008 3:01PM
After watching Cerberus piss on the plans (relevant dog reference) for the Dodge Demon, this might initiate my defection from Mopar.
All American Dude XX @ Feb 20th 2008 3:03PM
if you want mod friendly it's got to be turbo...please turbo...3sgte comes to mind =)...instant horsepower from an ecu flash, tbe and a cai...yummmm