Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Toyota GT86 engineers explored shooting brake and sedan variants, are they still in the cards?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/toyota-gt86-engineers-explored-shooting-brake-and-sedan-variants/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/toyota-gt86-engineers-explored-shooting-brake-and-sedan-variants/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/toyota-gt86-engineers-explored-shooting-brake-and-sedan-variants/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2013 Toyota GT86 TRD - front three-quarter view

According to the Toyota UK blog, engineers for the automaker were so excited developing the GT86 coupe that they investigated producing a whole family of models based on the rear-wheel drive sports car. And at least one engineer - product chief Tetsuya Tada - still hopes it can happen, even if not everyone at Toyota is onboard. Tada: "Actually we tried to do this secretly but the executives found us out. They said: 'What are you doing? Will you please focus on the coupe.'"

Those mooted variants included both a four-door sedan and a shooting brake. Why? Aside from the pure excellence of a lightweight, brilliantly handling hatchback, Toyota was keenly aware of the fact that it may need to spread the cost of development out across several models. Tada says that's part of the reason why it was so easy to create the convertible. The company knew from the outset that a softtop version was in the cards, and built the machine's structure to accommodate having the roof sliced off.

Tada also made mention of the already-announced collaboration between Toyota and BMW. The engineer said that the GT86 was particularly helpful because it demonstrated just how successful a product conceived and designed by two different companies can be. While he didn't say exactly what Toyota and BMW are up to, it's clear the two are looking into a number of possibilities. It's an interesting read with a lot of

Toyota GT86 engineers explored shooting brake and sedan variants, are they still in the cards? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brz2013 toyota gt86bmwbrzfr-sgt 86gt-86gt86scionsubarutoyotaWed, 13 Mar 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20500769/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/toyota-gt86-engineers-explored-shooting-brake-and-sedan-variants/20500769/article-detail.xml 20500769 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/toyota-gt86-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/toyota-gt86-628.jpg <![CDATA[World Car Of The Year down to its final four]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/world-car-of-the-year-down-to-its-final-four/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/world-car-of-the-year-down-to-its-final-four/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/world-car-of-the-year-down-to-its-final-four/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz A-Class - front three-quarter view, dynamic

Judges for the World Car of the Year Award have narrowed down the finalists to just four vehicles. Out of a total of 42 entries, only the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT-86 and Volkswagen Golf remain standing. For Volkswagen, this marks the second consecutive year the company has had an entry among the finalists, and the fourth time since 2009. In order to qualify, a vehicle must be on sale on two continents during the span of time between January 1, 2013 and May 30, 2013. A panel of 66 journalists from 23 countries then vote on the finalists.

Three vehicles have made the cut for the last round of voting on the 2013 World Performance Car as well, with the Cayman/Boxster and FR-S/BRZ/GT-86 running against the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. Meanwhile, the Renault Zoe, Tesla Model S and Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid are duking it out for the World Green Car Award. Finally, the World Car Design of the Year Award is up for grabs between the Aston Martin Vanquish, Jaguar F-Type, and the Mazda6. Check out the full press release below. Overall winners will be presented at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

Continue reading World Car Of The Year down to its final four

World Car Of The Year down to its final four originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche boxster2013 subaru brz2013 volkswagen golf2014 porsche cayman2014 volkswagen golfa-classa-klassebrzfr-sgolfgt-86gt86mercedes-benzscionsubaruvolkswagenworld car of the yearworld car of the year awardWed, 13 Mar 2013 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20500301/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/world-car-of-the-year-down-to-its-final-four/20500301/article-detail.xml 20500301 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mercedes-benz-a-class-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mercedes-benz-a-class-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota pondering high-performance GT86 hybrid?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/toyota-pondering-high-performance-gt-86-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/toyota-pondering-high-performance-gt-86-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/toyota-pondering-high-performance-gt-86-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota GT86 TRD at Paris Motor Show reveal - front three-quarter view

From what Autocar has to say, Toyota has even more plans for the GT86 beyond the convertible concept we just saw at the Geneva Motor Show. Along with a planned midcycle facelift, Toyota is reportedly looking at how to pack some extra ponies under the coupe's hood, and while there has already been a lot of talk about superchargers and turbochargers, it sounds like a performance-boosting hybrid system could also be in the works.

Talking to Toyota chief engineer Tetsuya Tada, Autocar has learned that the automaker is considering an electrical motor assist for the sporty coupe to improve performance without harming fuel economy. In attempting to keep weight - and, presumably, costs - down, the article mentions the use of a system closer to what Honda uses for its Integrated Motor Assist rather than a full Hybrid Synergy Drive system used in current Toyota hybrids. Tada says the added weight of the system could be offset by weight reduction, while aerodynamic changes and a lower center of gravity could improve the car's handling.

No word yet on whether a mild hybrid system would find its way to North America's Scion FR-S - let alone its Subaru BRZ twin - but the thought is certainly an intriguing one.

Toyota pondering high-performance GT86 hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbr-zbrzfr-sgt 86gt-86gt86scion fr-s hybridtetsuya tadatoyobarutoyotatoyota gt86 hybridFri, 08 Mar 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20494737/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/08/toyota-pondering-high-performance-gt-86-hybrid/20494737/article-detail.xml 20494737 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/toyota-gt86-trd-paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/toyota-gt86-trd-paris.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota FT-86 Open Concept would make a mighty fine droptop FR-S [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/toyota-ft-86-open-concept-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/toyota-ft-86-open-concept-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/toyota-ft-86-open-concept-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept

There's nothing wrong with going topless. And Toyota is proving that its FT-86 (read: Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ) coupe is just as excellent with its roof removed. It may only be a concept, but this FT-86 Open previews a new droptop from the Japanese automaker to round out the Toyobaru sports car family. We're finally getting the chance to see the open-air FT-86 in person here at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're already yearning to take it canyon-carving.

Interestingly, the FT-86 retains the Toyota coupe's two-plus-two seating arrangement (we'd prefer a proper roadster setup here), but things still look good for this droptop two-door. We'll be curious to see how the car looks with its folding soft top in place (operated by fancy-shmancy electronics, by the way).

As for production intent, rumors have been flying about a production Scion FR-S convertible, but until we hear it directly from Toyota. Consider our hopes in check but our fingers crossed.


UPDATE: Wondering what the FT-86 Open Concept looks like with its hat on? Wonder no more - we've updated our gallery with shots of the concept with its roof up. We've also added a new official video of the car in motion if you scroll below.

Continue reading Toyota FT-86 Open Concept would make a mighty fine droptop FR-S [UPDATE]

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept would make a mighty fine droptop FR-S [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 subaru brzbrzfr-sft 86 openft-86ft-86 open conceptft86ft86opengenevageneva 2013geneva motor showgt 86 opengt86opensciontoyotatoyota ft 86toyota ft-86toyotaft-86toyotaft86videoTue, 05 Mar 2013 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488553/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/toyota-ft-86-open-concept-geneva-2013/20488553/article-detail.xml 20488553 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/001-toyota-ft-86-open-concept628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/001-toyota-ft-86-open-concept628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota GT86 engineer Tada recounts how sports car came to be]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/toyota-gt86-engineer-tada-recounts-how-sports-car-came-to-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/toyota-gt86-engineer-tada-recounts-how-sports-car-came-to-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/toyota-gt86-engineer-tada-recounts-how-sports-car-came-to-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Scion FR-S in red - front three-quarter view

Because the Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ coupes are now a reality, it's almost hard to imagine the struggle that had to happen within the large, conservative corporate structures at both automakers for the joint project to even get off of the ground.

Speaking to those struggles on Toyota UK's Toyota Blog, GT86 Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada enlightens us with a recap of the sports car's earliest origins. For Tada, the first stages of the project must have seemed almost as dreamlike as the final product is to drive.

Said the Chief, "I had been working in the minivan department engineering new product, but a month after the meeting I was summoned. 'Forget about minivans,' they said, 'you are now working on the sports-car project.'"

The recounting of the GT86 development process makes for a genuinely interesting yarn, and is a must-read for any owners/enthusiasts of the BRZ/FR-S twins. We highly recommend clicking through to read it in full. Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but we can't help hoping that Tada-san has got more of the story to tell, still. We'll be keeping an eye on the official Toyota Blog, just in case.

Toyota GT86 engineer Tada recounts how sports car came to be originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brz2013 toyota gt86brzfr-sgt 86gt86gt86 developmentscionsubarutetsuya tadatoyobarutoyotatoyota gt86Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20460217/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/13/toyota-gt86-engineer-tada-recounts-how-sports-car-came-to-be/20460217/article-detail.xml 20460217 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-scion-fr-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-scion-fr-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota GT86 GT4 racer is ready for UK competition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/toyota-gt86-gt4-racer-is-ready-for-uk-competition/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/toyota-gt86-gt4-racer-is-ready-for-uk-competition/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/toyota-gt86-gt4-racer-is-ready-for-uk-competition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

GPRM Toyota GT86 GT4 Race Car - front three-quarter view

It's about time we saw someone cook up a legitimate race version of the delectable Toyota GT86, and now it looks as if GPRM has done just that. The Buckingham-based race engineering team has built the creation you see here, complete with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, direct-injection four-cylinder boxer cooked up by Nicholson McLaren Engines. The team says the new mill delivers between 360 and 400 horsepower to the rear wheels depending on final testing, which is a sight bit more than the 197 horses the naturally aspirated stock mill offers.

The car will compete in GT4 events, including the Avon Tyres British GT Championship. Technically, the GPRM effort isn't factory backed, but the team says the effort "has the blessing of Toyota Great Britain." How could it not? You can check out the brief press release below below, and be sure to take a closer look at the machine in our gallery.

Continue reading Toyota GT86 GT4 racer is ready for UK competition

Toyota GT86 GT4 racer is ready for UK competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brz2013 toyota gt 86brzfr-sgprm toyota gt86gt 86gt86scionscion fr-ssubarusubaru brztoyobarutoyotatoyota gt86toyota gt86 race carTue, 05 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449010/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/toyota-gt86-gt4-racer-is-ready-for-uk-competition/20449010/article-detail.xml 20449010 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/gprm-toyota-gt86-gt4-race-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/gprm-toyota-gt86-gt4-race-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Buy a Toyota GT86 and your wife will hate you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/buy-a-toyota-gt86-and-your-wife-will-hate-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/buy-a-toyota-gt86-and-your-wife-will-hate-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/buy-a-toyota-gt86-and-your-wife-will-hate-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota GT86 man ad

Marketing can be a very strange business. Convincing a man or woman (or child, really) that they absolutely cannot live without the latest, greatest new bit of technology oftentimes takes a unique approach. In the "online film promoting the Toyota GT86" you'll see below, created by agency Happiness Brussels, men are reverse-psychologied into thinking a new sports coupe will make them more masculine by getting their loved ones to hate them. Or something like that. We think.

In any case, we suggest you watch the video below to see how much fun men can have with a GT86 - or Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ, presumably - at the expense of their significant others. Fair warning: There's a potential Not Safe For Work moment in the ad: beware of a brief male butt shot about 44 seconds in.

Marketing. Gotta love it. Unless you're married to a man. Or something like that. We think. Whatever, just watch.

Continue reading Buy a Toyota GT86 and your wife will hate you

Buy a Toyota GT86 and your wife will hate you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brz2013 toyota gt8686brzfr-sgt 86gt86happiness brusselsreverse psychologyscionsubarutoyotatoyota gt86 advideoviral videoWed, 14 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20377844/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/14/buy-a-toyota-gt86-and-your-wife-will-hate-you/20377844/article-detail.xml 20377844 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/toyota-gt86-man-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/toyota-gt86-man-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ show up en masse at SEMA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Scion FR-S Show Cars at SEMA

Scion made a huge investment in the 2012 SEMA show, and its spanking new FR-S coupe, by putting hundreds of cars in the hands of tuners. The result on the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center is unmissable, as just about everywhere we turn we find another FR-S peeking out at us.

We tried to capture a large quantity of the coupes we saw on display, to represent just how thick on the ground they actually are. In the attached gallery you'll find a healthy percentage of the alleged 150-plus cars that made it to SEMA this year. You'll also find a smattering of Subaru BRZ models, too. Fair is fair.

Pics Aplenty: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ show up en masse at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzfr-spics aplentyscionsemasema 2012SubaruThu, 01 Nov 2012 20:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368195/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/20368195/article-detail.xml 20368195 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-fr-s-sema-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-fr-s-sema-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ get IIHS Top Safety Pick [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/scion-fr-s-subaru-brz-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/scion-fr-s-subaru-brz-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/scion-fr-s-subaru-brz-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-w-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There are many reasons why we love the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, and now safety can be added to this list. Both of these track-friendly fraternal twins were just named as 2012 Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety making them the only sub-$30,000 sport coupes to make the list.

Aside from the small batch of luxury cars, the IIHS has not performed any more of its small overlap tests, but both the FR-S and BRZ earned top marks for frontal-, side- and rear-crash safety as well as roof strength. Since both cars are practically identical, only the FR-S was used for these crash tests, and it joins the xB, xD and tC for Scion's 2012 Top Safety Pick cars. For Subaru, aside from the old-bodied WRX and the yet-to-be-released XV Crosstrek, all of the automaker's current models are Top Safety Picks, and if it can pull off top safety results for its all-new crossover and next-generation sport sedan, its entire lineup would be on the list... something that even Acura can no longer boast.

Speaking of Acura, other new additions to the ever-growing list of safe cars include the 2013 ILX. Scroll down to watch videos of the FR-S crash tests.

Continue reading Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ get IIHS Top Safety Pick [w/videos]

Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ get IIHS Top Safety Pick [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 top safety pick2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brziihsinsurance institute for highway safetyscionsubarutop safety pickFri, 07 Sep 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20317900/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/07/scion-fr-s-subaru-brz-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-w-videos/20317900/article-detail.xml 20317900 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/scion-frs-iihs-crash-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/scion-frs-iihs-crash-test.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> cuts loose, compares Scion FR-S against Subaru BRZ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/consumer-reports-cuts-loose-compares-scion-fr-s-against/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/consumer-reports-cuts-loose-compares-scion-fr-s-against/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/consumer-reports-cuts-loose-compares-scion-fr-s-against/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Consumer Reports pits Scion FR-S against Subaru BRZ

The folks at Consumer Reports are a lot like the Ben Steins of the automotive world. At first glance, they are the dry-as-saltines, facts-only crew that can't be bothered by anything but the empirical data with which they distill to arrive at their coveted "Recommended" accolades. It isn't always this way with CR, though, as we found out when they hopped behind the wheel of the Toyobaru coupes of our collective dreams, the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ.

Automotive engineer Jake Fisher hosts this test and speaks for the CR team explaining that, though both coupes are very much the same animal, they have subtle differences. The BRZ comes with a bit more available kit, like a rear spoiler, HID headlights and navigation, while the FR-S carries a lower price. All seems like what we've heard before, right? Well, CR ends up favoring the FR-S, claiming it has a more balanced ride and handles better.

This decision stands in contrast to a recent Motor Trend comparison test, in which the print publication favored the driving characteristics of the Subaru over the Scion.

More than anything, this highlights just how close the two cars are, and as CR's Fisher put it, "You're not gonna go wrong with either one of these." We agree, but click below to see the video and find out exactly what made CR err on the side of the Scion, then weigh in with your thoughts in Comments.

Consumer Reports cuts loose, compares Scion FR-S against Subaru BRZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzconsumer reportsfr-sfrsscionscion fr-ssubarusubaru brztoyobaruTue, 21 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20305781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/21/consumer-reports-cuts-loose-compares-scion-fr-s-against/20305781/article-detail.xml 20305781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/consumer-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/consumer-628.jpg <![CDATA[UK Toyota GT86 busts out of a Dystopian future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/uk-toyota-gt86-busts-out-of-a-dystopian-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/uk-toyota-gt86-busts-out-of-a-dystopian-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/uk-toyota-gt86-busts-out-of-a-dystopian-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota GT86 Dystopian ad

Everybody loves a good dystopian story, right? From classics like Aldous Huxley's Brave New World and Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 to modern works like The Hunger Games, people are fascinated by the imaginative tales of a future society beset by the decidedly unfortunate consequences of human activity. Someone in Toyota's UK marketing team has been paying attention to the trend.

In the video after the break, you'll see a pixelated future where real driving fun is almost impossible to come by. Our digital protagonist takes us on a short journey through dark and damp city streets in a car controlled by computers before finding his way to a bright red Toyota GT86. Mayhem ensues until our newly alive driver breaks free of his artificial constraints.

Watch the video below... before Big Brother has it removed from YouTube.

Continue reading UK Toyota GT86 busts out of a Dystopian future

UK Toyota GT86 busts out of a Dystopian future originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzdystopiandystopian addystopian videofr-sgt 86gt86toyotaMon, 20 Aug 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20305130/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/20/uk-toyota-gt86-busts-out-of-a-dystopian-future/20305130/article-detail.xml 20305130 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/toyota-gt86-dystopian-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/toyota-gt86-dystopian-ad.jpg <![CDATA[<em>R&T</em> improves Scion FR-S performance with a tire swap]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Scion FR-S

On paper, the Scion FR-S is a great little performance car with its light curb weight, peppy engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, but as Road & Track recently found out about the car, none of that matters on the track if you have the wrong tires. The magazine's staffers found the Scion and Subaru cars were out-handled by competitors like the Mazda Miata and Hyundai Genesis Coupe, so they tried a simple tire swap on the FR-S to see if replacing the stock rubber with something with a bit more grip could help the matter.

In stock form, both the BRZ and FR-S come with Michelin Primacy summer touring tires, which are apparently tuned more for low rolling resistance than grip. Now, we're sure there will be plenty of FR-S and BRZ owners who will never take their cars to a track, so these stock tires help to optimize fuel economy and longevity, but for those who do want to have some autocross fun with their new Toyobaru coupe, then what?

R&T took an FR-S to Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch with three wheel and tire combinations, and put the car up against a MazdaSpeed3 and a Subaru WRX. First up were the stock tires, which put it almost two seconds behind the Mazda and a second behind the Subaru with a lap time of 1:29.3. Next, the car's 17-inch wheels were wrapped in Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Specs extreme performance summer tires, shaving a full two seconds off the FR-S' track time and making it the fastest of the bunch with a time of 1:27.0. Finally, they tested the FR-S with the same type of tires on lightweight 18-inch wheels, but while the time around the track dipped a little (1:27.6), this wheel and tire combination was the best on the skidpad with a 0.96g.

An interesting note, the Dunlops are obviously much stickier and they cost less than the Michelins, but since they are built for performance, there is no treadlife warranty (according to Tire Rack, where R&T got their tires and prices). Meanwhile, the stock Michelin tires aren't as capable at the track, but they come with a treadlife warranty of up to six years or 45,000 miles.

Check out how the different tires affect the FR-S in the video below.

Continue reading R&T improves Scion FR-S performance with a tire swap

R&T improves Scion FR-S performance with a tire swap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzroad and trackscionsubarutiresThu, 16 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20302360/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/16/randt-improves-scion-fr-s-performance-with-a-tire-swap/20302360/article-detail.xml 20302360 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/scion-frs-tires-roatandtrack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/scion-frs-tires-roatandtrack.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru BRZ sells out in Australia in three hours... online]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/subaru-brz-sells-out-in-australia-in-three-hours-online/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/subaru-brz-sells-out-in-australia-in-three-hours-online/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/subaru-brz-sells-out-in-australia-in-three-hours-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Subaru BRZ sells out in Australia - website reservation form

Coveting a new Subaru BRZ? Be glad you don't live in Australia. Apparently the Aussies were allocated only 201 cars for delivery this year, so Subaru Australia decided to sell them all online starting at noon today, kind of like concert tickets. Of course, you can imagine what transpired.

According to Joel Strickland's Blog, all the cars had been sold - or at least ordered and had a sales contract completed - within three hours. The process included a paid deposit of three to five thousand Australian dollars, so reserving one is a serious commitment. The online offer attracted eight buyers in the first five minutes, and the first order took just 20 minutes to complete.

The Aussie BRZ was offered at $37,150 Australian, which is $38,045 and change in U.S. dollars (new car pricing in Oz is always markedly higher than in the States). Subaru is continuing to take orders, but will not be able to deliver these cars until early 2013, according to the report.

Subaru BRZ sells out in Australia in three hours... online originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 subaru brzaustraliabr-zbrzbrz sells outbrz sold outsubaruMon, 16 Jul 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20279075/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/16/subaru-brz-sells-out-in-australia-in-three-hours-online/20279075/article-detail.xml 20279075 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/brz-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/brz-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Not So Fast: Subaru says no incentives on BRZ after all]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/not-so-fast-subaru-says-no-incentives-on-brz-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/not-so-fast-subaru-says-no-incentives-on-brz-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/not-so-fast-subaru-says-no-incentives-on-brz-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Subaru BRZ - blue - front three-quarter view

Sorry to rain on everyone's parade, but Subaru isn't offering any incentives on its BRZ after all. Company spokesman Michael McHale tells Autoblog that the $400 figure quoted in a recent USA Today article can be traced to an analyst's calculation of the value of the current Subaru 2.9-percent APR program. Subaru says the company committed to selling 6,000 BRZ units in the first year of production and it is already well on its way to hitting that figure.

As you may recall, USA Today reported Subaru began offering $400 incentives last month to help the BRZ keep pace with the lower-priced, less-equipped Scion FR-S. Comparing base model to base model, the FR-S is substantially less expensive, and Scion sold 2,684 FR-S models in June. That's considerably more than the 818 units Subaru managed to move during the same time period, but apparently Subaru's volume goals are more modest, perhaps because of capacity constraints.

Not So Fast: Subaru says no incentives on BRZ after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 subaru brzbrzbrz incentivecar buyingincentivesubaru brzsubaru brz incentiveWed, 11 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276136/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/11/not-so-fast-subaru-says-no-incentives-on-brz-after-all/20276136/article-detail.xml 20276136 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-subaru-brz-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-subaru-brz-628.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru BRZ gets early sales incentives as cheaper Scion FRS outsells it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/subaru-brz-gets-early-sales-incentives-as-cheaper-scion-frs-outs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/subaru-brz-gets-early-sales-incentives-as-cheaper-scion-frs-outs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/subaru-brz-gets-early-sales-incentives-as-cheaper-scion-frs-outs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Subaru BRZ

If you've tried to weasel your way into a Subaru BRZ for a test drive lately, you likely know just how hard it is to get your hands on one of the machines. The rear-wheel-drive coupes are flying off of dealer lots as quickly as they arrive, but according to USA Today, a spot of sibling rivalry has pushed Subaru to offer a small incentive on the BRZ already. Customers are already ponying up an average of $29,085 for each BRZ model sold. Compare that to the $25,653 average transaction price for the virtually-identical Scion FR-S, and you can see why Subaru offered a $400 incentive on the BRZ in June.

The FR-S, meanwhile, moved with no cash on the hood.

The two companies have very different approaches to selling the cars, however. Scion offers the FR-S in one standard trim in either manual or automatic guise, while Subaru offers two trims. The more expensive of those includes niceties like leather seating, automatic climate control and a proximity key, but compare base model to base model and the Subaru is $1,315 more than its Scion twin.

According to USA Today, Scion sold 2,684 FR-S models across 1,000 dealers in the U.S. last month. By comparison, Subaru sold 818 BRZ units over the company's 600 dealers.

Subaru BRZ gets early sales incentives as cheaper Scion FRS outsells it originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20132013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzfr-sscionsubarusubaru brzTue, 10 Jul 2012 19:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20275382/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/10/subaru-brz-gets-early-sales-incentives-as-cheaper-scion-frs-outs/20275382/article-detail.xml 20275382 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-2013-subaru-brz-fd-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-2013-subaru-brz-fd-1.jpg <![CDATA[Driving on the edge with Subaru at the Isle of Man]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/driving-on-the-edge-with-subaru-at-the-isle-of-man/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/driving-on-the-edge-with-subaru-at-the-isle-of-man/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/driving-on-the-edge-with-subaru-at-the-isle-of-man/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Learning The Delicate Balance Between Living Life And Cheating Death

Subaru at the Isle of Man 2012

"Don't lose the taillamps in front of you."

Those were the only words on my mind as our rolling convoy plowed its way over hill and dale on the Isle of Man, up Snaefell Mountain and back down again. Thing is, those taillamps were little more than faint twinkling halos shrouded in obscurity, nodding up and down obeisantly to the undulating road famously known by locals as the Mountain Course.

Those taillamps were the only sign that, up ahead, our procession of 2013 Subaru BRZ coupes was being led by one Mark Higgins, he who currently owns the four-wheeled lap record at the 37.8-mile-long loop of asphalt we're traversing. He who has taken home five British Rally Championship trophies, was born right here on the Isle of Man and is the odds-on favorite to win his home Manx Rally year after year. Put another way, we're following a seasoned professional who knows this track better than he knows the wrinkles, pores and follicles gracing the back of his own hand. And, while we're well shy of the 115 mile-per-hour average that constitutes his record-setting lap, to say we're driving gingerly is to say it takes a bit of arithmetic to land on the moon. As for us? This is the first time we've ever put rubber to the ground on the Isle.

Making matters a wee bit more interesting is the steady downpour of rain we've come to know and loathe on the Isle - enough of it, in fact, that the Senior TT motorcycle race, the most sought-after win of the entire Isle of Man race schedule, was canceled for the first time for any reason other than a World War - not to mention a layer of fog so thick in patches that we couldn't tell if it were a fellow BRZ pilot we were following on the Mountain Course or Charon's ferry over the River Styx.

Once more, with feeling: "Do NOT lose the taillamps in front of you!"

Continue reading Driving on the edge with Subaru at the Isle of Man

Driving on the edge with Subaru at the Isle of Man originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 subaru brzbr-zbrzfeaturedisle of manisle of man ttsenior ttsubaruvideoThu, 28 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20267601/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/28/driving-on-the-edge-with-subaru-at-the-isle-of-man/20267601/article-detail.xml 20267601 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/subaru-isle-of-man-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/subaru-isle-of-man-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Scion explains the FR-S coupe's limited-slip differential]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/scion-explains-the-fr-s-coupes-limited-slip-differential/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/scion-explains-the-fr-s-coupes-limited-slip-differential/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/scion-explains-the-fr-s-coupes-limited-slip-differential/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Limited slip differential explanation

There's no shame in not knowing what a limited slip differential is. After all, every budding car guy has a first time trying to parse Brian Beckman's The Physics of Racing. (And many of us still don't understand the entirety of it after multiple perusals.)

So if you're trying to wrap your mind around just what this Torsen thing is, there's no excuse for not watching this new video from Scion. While it's basic, it does explain the rudimentary physics behind a limited slip in just two minutes. If nothing else, it should get you started in looking for some more comprehensive information.

Scroll down to watch the video.

Continue reading Scion explains the FR-S coupe's limited-slip differential

Scion explains the FR-S coupe's limited-slip differential originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzfr-slimited slipLimited Slip DifferentiallsdscionsubarutoyotavideoThu, 21 Jun 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20263521/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/21/scion-explains-the-fr-s-coupes-limited-slip-differential/20263521/article-detail.xml 20263521 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/scion-lsd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/scion-lsd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FR-S faces teething problems, owner's manual recall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/scion-fr-s-faces-teething-problems-owners-manual-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/scion-fr-s-faces-teething-problems-owners-manual-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/scion-fr-s-faces-teething-problems-owners-manual-recall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Scion FR-S - front three-quarter static view, silver

The Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ triplets are being recalled due to an issue not with the car, but with the owner's manual: pages detailing the operation of the smart airbags contain a misprint. Although it's classified as a recall, owners don't need to take their cars to their dealers; Scion and Subaru will be sending the nearly 2,800 owners corrected pages that can be inserted in the manual. If you'd rather have your dealer do the Elmer's Glue work, they will have corrected pages that they can insesrt in the owner's manual for you.

Two separate issues seem to be affecting the FR-S only, even though it is built on the same line with the BRZ. Toyota issued "tech tips" to dealers to let them know that owners have reported that condensation has been forming inside the taillamp housings. According to an exchange on the FT86Club forum, the coupe's chief engineer declared that problem fixed after remedying a detail in the production process.

Another tech tip regarding body panel issues read, "Some 2013 Scion FR-S vehicles may exhibit a condition where body panel fitting may not meet customer expectations." It refers to complaints that panels were as much as a quarter-inch out of flush. It isn't clear how many cars are affected, nor how many owners have formally complainted, but according to a post on TundraHeadquarters.com, Toyota is "looking into it."

Scion FR-S faces teething problems, owner's manual recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzbrz recallfr-sfr-s recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallrecallsscionscion fr-ssubarutech tipstoyotaMon, 11 Jun 2012 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20255490/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/11/scion-fr-s-faces-teething-problems-owners-manual-recall/20255490/article-detail.xml 20255490 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/fr-smanualrecall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/fr-smanualrecall.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota open to new joint ventures after sports car success with Subaru]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/toyota-open-to-new-joint-ventures-after-sports-car-success-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/toyota-open-to-new-joint-ventures-after-sports-car-success-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/toyota-open-to-new-joint-ventures-after-sports-car-success-with/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's pretty safe to say that the Toyota GT 86/Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ joint venture has been quite a success so far. Here at Autoblog, we've had nothing but nice things to say about the Toyobaru coupe, and it's a similar story elsewhere in the automotive press.

Toyota has certainly been keeping track of the car's progress, and because of the success of this project, Autocar reports that the Japanese automaker is now more keen to do joint ventures in the future. Previously, Toyota had worked with PSA Peugeot-Citroën to create the Aygo/107/C1 city car, and let's not forget about the company's joint manufacturing initiative with General Motors here in the United States, NUMMI, which created vehicles like the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins.

Speaking to Autocar, the GT 86's development chief, Tetsuya Tada, says that the automaker is interested in partnering with new companies "if we can jointly produce something exceptional." Toyota will work with Subaru on a convertible version of its new rear-wheel-drive sports car, and the deal with PSA Peugeot-Citroën will be continued for the next-generation trio of city cars.

Toyota open to new joint ventures after sports car success with Subaru originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brz2013 toyota gt 86brzfr-sgt 86scionsubarutoyotatoyota joint ventureTue, 05 Jun 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20251954/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/05/toyota-open-to-new-joint-ventures-after-sports-car-success-with/20251954/article-detail.xml 20251954 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-2013-scion-fr-s-2d_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-2013-scion-fr-s-2d.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> lets its hair down, drifts Subaru BRZ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/consumer-reports-lets-its-hair-down-drifts-subaru-brz/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/consumer-reports-lets-its-hair-down-drifts-subaru-brz/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/consumer-reports-lets-its-hair-down-drifts-subaru-brz/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Consumer Reports tests the 2013 Subaru BRZ

Our colleagues at Consumer Reports, when not professing their love for all things Toyota, have recently taken a real shine to Subarus. First they crowned the 2012 Impreza the top small sedan, while elevating the Subaru brand to the top of the 2012 CR ratings. Now comes this surprisingly entertaining "first look" video featuring the 2013 BRZ.

CR loved hot-shoeing the BRZ around the track, of course. As we've seen, this car is fun enough that anyone with a pulse should be able to enjoy it. But more importantly, the magazine answered a few important questions about the car's suitability for the low-budget racing crowd. Those that might be interested in campaigning a BRZ in local autocross events or track days will be happy to know that a helmeted, six-foot-tall driver can fit inside the car with proper head clearance. Equally as important, the BRZ's stability control can be switched entirely off, enabling the kinds of power slides that are great fun but sure to place you last in your SCCA Solo II class behind all the Miatas, Z cars and E36 M3's.

Go ahead and scroll down to watch the whole video.

Continue reading Consumer Reports lets its hair down, drifts Subaru BRZ

Consumer Reports lets its hair down, drifts Subaru BRZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbr-zbrzconsumer reportsfr-sfrsscionsubaruvideoTue, 17 Apr 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217928/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/consumer-reports-lets-its-hair-down-drifts-subaru-brz/20217928/article-detail.xml 20217928 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/consumer-reports-tests-subaru-brz-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/consumer-reports-tests-subaru-brz-opt.jpg -1 2