Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[TRD goodies for the Toyota Blade Master]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/04/trd-goodies-for-the-toyota-blade-master/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/04/trd-goodies-for-the-toyota-blade-master/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/04/trd-goodies-for-the-toyota-blade-master/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click for photo gallery

No big surprise here, but the Toyota Blade Master hasn't even finished its first cup of coffee in Japan's Toyota showrooms and TRD is already standing by with accessories. In addition to the selection of appearance upgrades available since the Blade's launch, TRD has released the Ver.S performance muffler and a TRD Sportivo suspension kit consisting of shocks, springs and stabilizers for the V6-powered hatch.

[Source: Toyota via Carview]

Gallery: TRD accessories for Toyota Blade Master

TRD goodies for the Toyota Blade Master originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Aug 2007 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bladeblade masterblade master gblade v6BladeMasterBladeMasterGBladeV6toyota bladeToyotaBladev6 bladeV6BladeSat, 04 Aug 2007 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan: Toyota drops 3.5L V6 in Blade Master hatchback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/japan-toyota-drops-3-5l-v6-in-blade-master-hatchback/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/japan-toyota-drops-3-5l-v6-in-blade-master-hatchback/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/japan-toyota-drops-3-5l-v6-in-blade-master-hatchback/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image for photo gallery

Toyota has released the upmarket version of its Blade hatchback in Japan. On sale as of yesterday, the Blade Master and Blade Master G come with the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 as standard equipment. A substantial upgrade over the 2.4L four-cylinder offered in the lower Blade trim levels, the six pumps 276 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Fuel economy is rated at around 23 mpg (compared to 31 mpg for the 4-cylinder), and a sportier suspension tune and larger disc brakes are also part of the package. In terms of appearance, the V6 Blades get a mesh-look grille and model-specific badging. Why should we care, you ask? Well, the speculation has been that we'll get the Blade as the replacement for the existing Matrix, albeit with a different face. Hence, the V6 model is significant, as such an offering here in the US would put the likes of the VW GTI and R32 on notice, at least in terms of on-paper performance stats. A Toyota hot hatch in the states? We'll have to wait and see.

[Source: Toyota]

Gallery: Toyota Blade Master (JDM)

Japan: Toyota drops 3.5L V6 in Blade Master hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bladeblade masterblade master gBladeMasterBladeMasterGmastermaster gMasterGThu, 02 Aug 2007 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Muscle Car Machete? Fusion by SOG Muscle Car Knife]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/muscle-car-machete-fusion-by-sog-muscle-car-knife/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/muscle-car-machete-fusion-by-sog-muscle-car-knife/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/muscle-car-machete-fusion-by-sog-muscle-car-knife/#commentsFiled under:


click above image to view a high-res gallery of the Fusion Muscle Car Knife

Upon first seeing the Fusion Muscle Car Knife by SOG, we instantly thought of Jr., Senior and Mikey Teutul from the Discovery Channel show American Chopper. Off the top of our heads we can remember Orange County Chopper building theme bikes for Intel, the Yankees, the movie Eragon, CAT, Gillete, LUGZ, Lincoln... the list goes on and on (you can actually see the entire list on the show's wikipedia page).

We've become so accustomed to themed bikes from the OC, a themed knife hardly requires a stretch of the imagination. SOG made sure to target our passion, as well, by choosing Muscle Cars as the theme of its newest knife, aptly named the Fusion Muscle Car Knife. Just like a Tuetul bike, the Muscle Car Knife features all sorts of details that link this blade with all manner of Muscle Era metal. Check out the wheel that turns when the knife is open and closed, as well as the fan belt and pulley array on the opposite side. There's custom racing stripes, an exhaust pipe, hood latch and license plate on the blade itself, a gear shifter clip and headlights (truth be told, we couldn't find what was supposed to represent the headlights, let us know if you do).

Unlike a bike built by Orange County Choppers, however, there's more than just one of the Fusion Muscle Car Knife and they're available to buy for an MSRP of $40 from the company's website.

[Source: FusionKnives.com]

Gallery: Fusion by SOG Muscle Car Knife

Muscle Car Machete? Fusion by SOG Muscle Car Knife originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bladefusionfusion by sogFusionBySogknifeknivesmuscle car knifeMuscleCarKnifesogthemethemedWed, 18 Jul 2007 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[New Matrix coming Spring '08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/new-matrix-coming-spring-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/new-matrix-coming-spring-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/new-matrix-coming-spring-08/#commentsFiled under:

Toyota Blade (JDM model)

Toyota will be updating the Matrix in Spring 2008 and the automaker is using the Mazda3 as its design inspiration (good choice) for the hatchback. The Corolla-based vehicle is already sold in Europe as the Auris and in Japan as the Blade. The US-based Matrix will have different sheet metal than in other markets but it may be taking on the Blade name since Toyota has registered the name with the US Patent and Trademark office. The Japan market Blade has a 2.4L engine producing 158 HP, which would be a big bump from the 126 HP that powers the current Matrix.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

New Matrix coming Spring '08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AurisBladematrixToyotaTue, 13 Feb 2007 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota officially launches the Blade]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/toyota-officially-launches-the-blade/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/toyota-officially-launches-the-blade/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/toyota-officially-launches-the-blade/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As we reported yesterday, Toyota announced today the availability of a new premium compact hatchback called the Blade. Based on the Auris, the Blade gets a sharper edge of style with a sculpted front end that's more aggressive than the bloated face of the Auris. Unlike what we told you yesterday, Toyota did not announce a powerful 280-hp V6 as an engine option for the Blade, at least it hasn't yet. At launch, the Blade will be powered by Toyota's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which Wikipedia lists as producing 157 hp and 162 ft-lbs of torque. Toyota didn't release official power figures for the engine's use in the Blade, so those numbers may turn out to be different. The engine will be paired with what Toyota calls its Super CVT-i, a continuously variable transmission with seven programmed "speeds" if people still yearn the kick-down of a cog, and will be available in front- and all-wheel drive. As a premium hatchback, the Blade also gets many electronic nannies including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, side and curtain shield airbags, as well as a driver's seat knee bag.

Read more of our thoughts and check out the official press release from Toyota after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota officially launches the Blade

Toyota officially launches the Blade originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aurisbladehatchbackjdmpremiumupscaleThu, 21 Dec 2006 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota about to brandish the Blade, upscale Auris with 280-hp V6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/20/toyota-about-to-brandish-the-blade-upscale-auris-with-280-hp-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/20/toyota-about-to-brandish-the-blade-upscale-auris-with-280-hp-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/20/toyota-about-to-brandish-the-blade-upscale-auris-with-280-hp-v6/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Nihon Car & Bike is reporting that Toyota will announce an upscale version of the Auris in Japan called the Blade. The vehicle will reportedly have multiple trims, including one with a 280-hp V6 (!). The website happened to run across a parking lot full of Blades while test driving the Auris and snapped an album's worth of pics. From the pictures we can see the Blade has a different front end than the Auris that's sharper with a more traditional grille and aggressive lower front fascia. New wheels and clear taillights are also part of thep package. They report the Blades were being prepared to be shipped by sea, which means the car is destined for markets outside of Japan, though probably not the U.S. Score one for Nihon Car & Bike for the scoop, and we'll bring you more details of the Blade tomorrow after Toyota debuts the vehicle officially.

Follow the Read link to check out additional pics of the Blade, including a side-by-side comparison with a standard Auris.

[Source: Nihon Car & Bike]

Toyota about to brandish the Blade, upscale Auris with 280-hp V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AurisbladejdmWed, 20 Dec 2006 11:02:00 EST