Rumormill: More Toyobaru scuttlebutt comes to the surface
A "Toyota insider" has supposedly spilled a few more beans to 7Tune about the upcoming front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe the automaker is collaborating on with Subaru, and according to the source, the 2+2 will carry a few of the Lexus LF-A's design cues when it hits the market next year.
Although Lexus' "L-Finesse" styling has remained exclusive to Toyota's luxury brand, certain elements of the language have begun to filter down to the automaker's mainstream models, specifically the recently released Venza CUV. The rendering above hints at some of the lines that could make the cut on the production version of the "086A," but contrary to past reports, 7Tune's tipster says that the Toyota and Subaru versions won't be remarkably different – only the front grille, headlamps and taillights will be unique. The report goes on to say that Toyota is desperately trying to keep the price below the two million yen mark (a little over $20,000) and, coinciding with earlier rumors, Subaru is actively considering offering an STI version of the coupe.
In a related story, ToMoCo's new president, Akio Toyoda – the exec who recently piloted the LF-A around the Green Hell during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring – told Auto Motor und Sport, "This sports culture, which we have neglected for so long, will again be maintained." Toyoda clearly wants to see the automaker back on the radar of enthusiasts and the first example of this newfound focus could find its way onto the stage at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.
[Sources: 7Tune, Auto Motor und Sport via Japanese Nostalgia Car]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
JDM Life 7:38PM (6/17/2009)
HOT.
That look bad ass.
It reminds me of the S13...
Reply
risk 7:51PM (6/17/2009)
yeah, s13 with s15 front lights , on an LF body
Mehdi Cheddadi 8:26PM (6/17/2009)
I lust over that car
AC 12:17AM (6/18/2009)
Front looks awsome from the side but the back needs more work.
Motor_Yakuza 7:21AM (6/18/2009)
Nope, the sides look great, but the front looks pretty dated. Still at 20 grant it's a great car.
Motor_Yakuza 7:24AM (6/18/2009)
Nope, the sides look great, but the front looks pretty dated. Still at 20 grant it's a great car.
Jei 8:22AM (6/18/2009)
I thought the collaboration was going to be a modestly, priced Celica and a new, unnamed Subaru.
These new sketches seemed to indicate a more expensive, higher performance car that could compete w/ the GT-R or at least the 370Z.
Motor_Yakuza 9:02AM (6/18/2009)
No Jei, the car will cost around 20000$, maybe a little bit more, but it's nothing wrong with making it look good and more expensive then it is. Call it the Nissan Silvia of the modern day, a lot of metal for your buck. Still this is just a rendering.
Tourian 11:30AM (6/18/2009)
That car looks more expensive then $20,000.
Zillon 7:41PM (6/17/2009)
"This sports culture, which we have neglected for so long, will again be maintained."
So, does this mean we can finally expect more flavors than just vanilla from Toyota?
Reply
zamafir 7:51PM (6/17/2009)
hopefully, it's a good start, it'll just be nice to see some proof in the putting. The LF-A finished behind a whole host of cars, including hatchbacks driven by journalists, so they've got work to do. Hopefully his experiences at the ring will teach him that a passion like Nissan has for the GT-R can return Toyota back to the greats they've produced before.
Screw the LF-A, one up honda and replace the S2000 and NSX with a delightfully entertaining and inexpensive 4 banger FR and v6 powered MR options.
DayShifter 7:56PM (6/17/2009)
It would be nice, I wish they make something to compete with the base model Vette, price wise..... I loved the Supra, always wanted one, but it was considered a "luxury" sports car. And if it was modded you can forget it, seemed like double the price.
JDM Life 7:57PM (6/17/2009)
@ Zamafir
Screw the LF-A ? If an "entertaining" 4 banger is a one up on Honda....the LF-A is an full on assault
zamafir 8:14PM (6/17/2009)
Note the cars i mentioned. the s2000 - inexpensive for the class, a riot, awesome. the nsx - simple design, mid engined, v5, an exercise in intelligent weight focused design over brute power.
The LF-A, as evidenced by its design and performance @ the 24 hours is neither of these things.
I’d like to see a car in the vein of the MR2 and S2000. Something aside from what vw will offer.
I’d like to see a return to world beating, less pricey, mid engine, rwd, light deft handling sports cars.
The LF-A does nothing for those objectives I originally focused on.
zamafir 8:14PM (6/17/2009)
bwahahaha. *v6. damn u keyboard, damn you!
Judy Zik 11:07PM (6/17/2009)
Celica, Supra, MR2, Corolla GTS. So many great fun to drive Toyotas that are history. It would be great if they live up to this promise. Right now they seem like a company that has lost their Mojo. Would be nice to see them get it back.
hashiryu 1:38AM (6/18/2009)
@zamfir.... the performance of The LF-A does not indicate that.... where did you learn logic and reason? In a bar?'
Kiiks 4:11AM (6/18/2009)
Read the earlier comments. Zamafir wants to see Toyota produce more cars like the one in the article. In addition to the fun 4-banger FR, he wants to see a fun V6 MR (or even I-4, I say) within a reasonable price range. The LF-A is none of these things: 4-cyl, 6-cyl or reasonable price. Therefore he'd rather see an MR2 successor (probably along the veins of the Evora or something) in addition to the Toyobaru coupe instead of the LF-A. So would I.
Dave 8:23AM (6/18/2009)
"I’d like to see a return to world beating, less pricey, mid engine, rwd, light deft handling sports cars." - Zamafir
+1,000,000
And this is the time to do it!
A transverse mid engine car weighs less than front engine rwd and has a more efficient drivetrain, so it helps with CAFE.
The stability control mandate will keep less talented drivers from spinning off the road.
hashiryu 8:40AM (6/18/2009)
@Kiiks...That is not what I was referring too. That part I agree with.