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[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[Scion FR-S Convertible (in Toyota GT86 form) spied in South Africa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/scion-fr-s-convertible-in-toyota-gt86-form-spied-in-south-afri/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/scion-fr-s-convertible-in-toyota-gt86-form-spied-in-south-afri/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/scion-fr-s-convertible-in-toyota-gt86-form-spied-in-south-afri/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota GT86 convertible - spy shot - croppedThough the eventual existence of a convertible version of the Toyota GT86 (and its Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ versions for America) is a no-brainer, we've yet to get a glimpse of the real-deal car until now.

Spotted in Cape Town, South Africa, of all places, this completely undisguised GT86 convertible seems to be in a remarkably advanced state of development. The image seen here was obviously sniped from quite a distance and without the aid of a powerful lens, but we can still make out a production-ready looking piece of rear bodywork for the convertible top to hide away in, as well as a functioning trunk lid. It's hard to make out with any certainty, based on this evidence, but there does seem to be space retained behind the front seats for two, small rear chairs.

With the first car spotted, we'd expect to seem some more and better images of it flow through in the near future, and if not, Toyota has already confirmed a concept version for next month's Geneva Motor Show, dubbed FT-86 Open, so stay tuned. For now, click through to the FT86Club.com forum to have a slightly closer look at the images.

Scion FR-S Convertible (in Toyota GT86 form) spied in South Africa originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzbrz convertiblecape townfr-sfr-s convertibleft-86ft-86 opengt 86gt-86gt86gt86 convertiblescionspy shotssubarutoyotaFri, 15 Feb 2013 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20464123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/15/scion-fr-s-convertible-in-toyota-gt86-form-spied-in-south-afri/20464123/article-detail.xml 20464123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-ft86-convertible-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-ft86-convertible-250.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 gets TRD treatment in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/toyota-gt86-gets-trd-treatment-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/toyota-gt86-gets-trd-treatment-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/toyota-gt86-gets-trd-treatment-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As dearly as we love the Toyota GT86 / Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ franchise, we readily admit we wouldn't look sideways at a model with a bit more firepower. And while that's not quite on the table yet, Toyota has been busy amping up the visual firepower of its rear-drive coupe with a whole host of TRD parts. To this point, that's been a largely à la carte affair, but the automaker's UK outpost has just announced a special-edition model that allows our British friends to pick up the whole shooting match all in one go.

The Toyota GT86 TRD will only be available in black and white, and just 250 examples are to be built. As you can see from the excellent gallery above, the catalog of look-faster bits include a more aggressive front air dam, side skirts, rear bumper fascia, spoiler and unique 18-inch forged alloys. Additional flourishes include a TRD shift lever and branded radiator cap. The sole concession to actual performance? A "fast-response quad exhaust" that might only improve things audibly - 0-62 mph is apparently unchanged at 7.7 seconds, and the top end is still 140 mph for the manual transmission model. (The auto gets by with 8.4 seconds and 130 mph).

Pricing? Glad you asked. £31,495 for GT 86 TRD manual, £32,995 for the automatic - that's nearly $50,000 US for the tripedalist and just over for the automatic. (Those are heady prices, but bear in mind that UK MSRPs and taxes are generally significantly higher than their US counterparts). If the standard GT86 is more your speed, it still rings up at a more affordable £24,995 - roughly $39,500 - leaving plenty of budget for actual performance parts. No word yet on North American availability of a special TRD model, but we've got a call in...

Continue reading Toyota GT86 gets TRD treatment in UK

Toyota GT86 gets TRD treatment in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota gt 86fr-sgt 86gt86gt86 trdsciontoyotatoyota racing developmenttrdFri, 08 Feb 2013 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20454285/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/08/toyota-gt86-gets-trd-treatment-in-uk/20454285/article-detail.xml 20454285 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/05-2013-toyota-gt86-trd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/05-2013-toyota-gt86-trd-opt.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[Gazoo Racing teases Toyota GT86-based concept for Tokyo Auto Salon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/gazoo-racing-teases-toyota-gt86-based-concept-for-tokyo-auto-sal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/gazoo-racing-teases-toyota-gt86-based-concept-for-tokyo-auto-sal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/gazoo-racing-teases-toyota-gt86-based-concept-for-tokyo-auto-sal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota GT8-6-based Gazoo Racing concept for 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon - taillamp teaser

The Tokyo Auto Salon will welcome a Toyota GT86 (known here as the Scion FR-S) tuned by Gazoo Racing, said to be called the GRMN Sports FR Concept Platinum. We only get the briefest of teasers right now before the show begins on January 11, so we don't have much to go on beyond a unique lower front fascia and headlight treatment, a hood with at least one scoop, and a giant wing with unique LED taillights out back.

Assuming this coupe is a further development of the GRMN Sports FR Concept from earlier in 2012, it will likewise use a twin-charged version of the 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder and put out something like 330 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque. We'll get the rest of the skinny in about two weeks, so for now, there's a gallery of other teased angles above.

Gazoo Racing teases Toyota GT86-based concept for Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s86fr-sgazoo racinggrmngrmn sports fr concept platinumgt 86gt86sciontokyo auto salontoyobarutoyotaMon, 31 Dec 2012 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20413797/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/31/gazoo-racing-teases-toyota-gt86-based-concept-for-tokyo-auto-sal/20413797/article-detail.xml 20413797 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/grmngt086platinum_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/grmngt086platinum.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda CX-5 named Japan's Car of The Year, Subaru BR-Z wins "Special Award"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/mazda-cx-5-named-japans-car-of-the-year-subaru-br-z-wins-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/mazda-cx-5-named-japans-car-of-the-year-subaru-br-z-wins-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/mazda-cx-5-named-japans-car-of-the-year-subaru-br-z-wins-spec/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,



The Mazda CX-5 stamped its Kodo design and SkyActiv technology authority all over the Japan Car of the Year awards, taking the top prize ahead of the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT 86. It is Mazda's second victory in the last ten years, the 2005 MX-5 claiming the same trophy, and the fourth time the Hiroshima company has won.

The award is decided by 60 local "automotive experts and journalists," and open to any passenger car released in Japan from November 1, 2011 to October 31, 2012 that has sold more than 500 units. Each judge gets 25 votes, his or her top vote getting 10 points, the rest of the points being spread among the judge's choice for the next best four cars.

The second-place getters were the Toyobaru twins with 318 votes, the surprise being they didn't beat or get any closer to the crossover. The Subaru BRZ did claw some mojo back, earning the Special Award given to cars that have made "an exceptional impact." The BMW 3 Series was third overall and won the Import Car of the Year award with plenty of room between it and the second place Range Rover Evoque.

The full list of winners is below, along with press releases from the organization and the manufacturers. Congratulations to Mazda on the win.

Continue reading Mazda CX-5 named Japan's Car of The Year, Subaru BR-Z wins "Special Award"

Mazda CX-5 named Japan's Car of The Year, Subaru BR-Z wins "Special Award" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 seriesawardsbmwcar of the yearcx-5evoquefr-sgt 86gt86japanjapan car of the yearland rovermazdascionsubarutoyotaMon, 03 Dec 2012 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20392368/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/mazda-cx-5-named-japans-car-of-the-year-subaru-br-z-wins-spec/20392368/article-detail.xml 20392368 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/japancotycx-5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/japancotycx-5.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota GT86 convertible could debut in March]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/toyota-gt86-convertible-could-debut-in-march/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/toyota-gt86-convertible-could-debut-in-march/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/toyota-gt86-convertible-could-debut-in-march/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The dates are lining up, now we wait to see how the badges align. Just before the Toyota GT 86/Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ line-up was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, there was a report that Subaru was considering a convertible while Toyota wouldn't even comment on it. That got swapped around when earlier this year the chief engineer on Toyota's side said a convertible was coming, and then a Scion FR-S droptop was confirmed for early 2014.

Autocar now reports that the Toyota GT 86 convertible will make its first appearance at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March. In a car whose specs like weight, packaging, horsepower and center of gravity were all tightly controlled to get the most from the least, the changes necessitated by chopping the roof could make this a very different car. It's said to employ a fabric roof to keep a "small" weight gain check, and the suspension will be softened to work more harmoniously with the decreased body stiffness. And somewhere in all that the back seat and trunk space will need to take a hit.

In other news, Autocar says the hi-po GT 86 with some kind of capacitor system instead of batteries is being worked on for 2015.

Toyota GT86 convertible could debut in March originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabrioletconvertiblefr-sfr-s convertiblegt 86gt 86 convertiblesciontoyotaTue, 27 Nov 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20389534/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/27/toyota-gt86-convertible-could-debut-in-march/20389534/article-detail.xml 20389534 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/50559166114-b-toy-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/50559166114-b-toy-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>EVO</i> "2012 Car of the Year: The Track Battles" is a sports car salmagundi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/evo-2012-car-of-the-year-the-track-battles-is-a-sports/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/evo-2012-car-of-the-year-the-track-battles-is-a-sports/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/evo-2012-car-of-the-year-the-track-battles-is-a-sports/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVO video - 2012 Car of the Year: The Track Battles - rear of Pagani Huayra

EVO has come out with another gotta-watch-it video, throwing its 2012 Car of the Year contestants around the UK's 1.5-mile Blyton Park track. It's actually a 15-minute teaser for the full-length DVD detailing the magazine's Car of the Year selection, but the tease is worth every penny free second.

Tiff Needell and sports car racer Richard Meaden handle the wheel duties, the two driving five pairs of sports cars: Lotus Exige S vs. Porsche Boxster S, Morgan Three-Wheeler vs. Toyota GT86, BMW M135i vs. Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series vs. Alpina B3 GT3, the marquee event pits the McLaren MP4-12C vs. the Pagani Huayra. After a head-to-head lap with commentary during drifts, Meaden takes each car out to set a representative lap time.

You'll find the verdicts, lots of tire smoke, and lines like "Anything you can do sideways I can do sideways" in the video below.

Continue reading EVO "2012 Car of the Year: The Track Battles" is a sports car salmagundi

EVO "2012 Car of the Year: The Track Battles" is a sports car salmagundi originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-series2012 car of the year911911 carreraalpinab3b3 gt3bmwboxsterc63 amg black seriesevoexige sfr-sgt 86gt86huayralotusm135imclarenmercedes-benzmorganmp4-12cpaganiporschescionthree-wheelertoyotavideoSun, 25 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20386757/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/25/evo-2012-car-of-the-year-the-track-battles-is-a-sports/20386757/article-detail.xml 20386757 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/evo2012test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/evo2012test.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[Toyota GT86 ad banned in UK for encouraging "dangerous driving"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/toyota-gt86-ad-banned-in-uk-for-encouraging-dangerous-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/toyota-gt86-ad-banned-in-uk-for-encouraging-dangerous-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/toyota-gt86-ad-banned-in-uk-for-encouraging-dangerous-driving/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota GT86 banned ad screencap

A ban has reportedly been issued on a UK commercial for the Toyota GT86 (know as the Scion FR-S here in the US) that supposedly might "encourage motorists to drive irresponsibly," because it "condoned dangerous driving."

The commercial, known as "The Real Deal," in question has very clearly made an effort to distance itself from any kind of illicit real-world driving, as Toyota is fully aware that British laws forbids that kind of advertising. Toyota reportedly told Britain's Advertising Standards Authority that it did not, in fact, condone unsafe or irresponsible driving, and that its commercial - which features a digital man in a sort of Dystopian "video game" world - is impossible to reproduce under real-world conditions.

Toyota UK has not, as of this writing, felt compelled to remove the advertisement from its YouTube page, meaning you are at liberty to watch it for yourself below. At least here in The States, we consider it extremely "safe for work" - just don't try this on the road, hotshot.

Does banning a commercial from television serve to make it more popular on the internet? Give us your thoughts in Comments.

Continue reading Toyota GT86 ad banned in UK for encouraging "dangerous driving"

Toyota GT86 ad banned in UK for encouraging "dangerous driving" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedbanned adfr-sfrsgt 86gt86real dealscion fr-sscion frstoyota 86toyota gt86videoWed, 14 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20380082/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/14/toyota-gt86-ad-banned-in-uk-for-encouraging-dangerous-driving/20380082/article-detail.xml 20380082 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/toyota-gt86-commercial-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/toyota-gt86-commercial-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota GT86 fails moose test in spectacular fashion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/toyota-gt86-fails-moose-test-in-spectacular-fashion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/toyota-gt86-fails-moose-test-in-spectacular-fashion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/toyota-gt86-fails-moose-test-in-spectacular-fashion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota GT 86 moose test video screencap

Much has been made about the Moose Test as of late. The evasive maneuver test popularized by Swedish safety experts is meant to simulate a driver unexpectedly encountering and attempting to avoid one of these majestic furry beasts. The test is performed by executing a split-second emergency lane change to determine if the vehicle can maintain control.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee supposedly failed the test recently in Sweden. Then it was alleged that the circumstances may have been rigged. Then it passed the German version of the test. It was all a bit confusing.

The makers of this video have apparently had enough of the Moose Test, which is why before you is a screen grab of a mock moose is in the middle of the road. That vehicle looming behind it? It's a Toyota GT86, overseas twin to America's Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The fate of said moose? You're just going to have to scroll down to see the how the famously well-handling rear-drive coupe performs...

Continue reading Toyota GT86 fails moose test in spectacular fashion

Toyota GT86 fails moose test in spectacular fashion originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzelk testfr-sgt 86gt86moosemoose testtoyotatoyota ft 86videoThu, 25 Oct 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20360590/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/toyota-gt86-fails-moose-test-in-spectacular-fashion/20360590/article-detail.xml 20360590 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/moose1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/moose1.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota GT86 TRD boasts added performance gear, industry-first door stabilizer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/toyota-gt86-gt-86-trd-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/toyota-gt86-gt-86-trd-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/toyota-gt86-gt-86-trd-paris-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota GT86 TRD at 2013 Paris Motor Show

We haven't stopped swooning over the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ twins and their corner-carving magic. For those overseas who enjoy the rear-drive coupe under the Toyota name as the GT86, things just got a little corner-carve-ier. This GT86 TRD is everyone's favorite rear-drive, boxer-engined Toyota, albeit fitted with a full selection of Toyota Racing Development parts.

The GT86 TRD gets a more aggressive air dam, side skirts, rear diffuser and a trunk lid spoiler. There are also stainless steel rear diffusers and buyers can choose from two different sets of 18-inch TRD aluminum wheels.

Inside the cabin, the driver is rewarded with a center console-mounted pushbutton start and new leather-wrapped shift knob, but things get more interesting under the skin. The TRD version features added stabilizers and an adjustable shock absorber and spring set. Other TRD kit includes front and rear monoblock brake calipers, upgraded brake lines and a high response muffler.

Of particular note is the TRD Door Stabilizer. It employs a spacer that automatically fills the strike gap in the door when closed, which Toyota says improves torsional rigidity. This feature is claimed to be an industry first, and we're curious to know if it provides a noticeable improvement in stiffness.

The GT86 TRD showcar is fully packed with all this gear, but it's also being used to promote the TRD performance line, which allows GT86 buyers to pick up any of these parts individually throughout Europe. Given the accessory-happy lineup currently over at Scion, it'll be interesting to see if the full catalog of TRD performance line parts makes its way into the FR-S brochure. For now, check out our photos of the more aggressive GT86.

Continue reading Toyota GT86 TRD boasts added performance gear, industry-first door stabilizer

Toyota GT86 TRD boasts added performance gear, industry-first door stabilizer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 toyota gt86accessoriesfr-sgt 86gt86parisparis 2012paris motor showsciontoyotatoyota racing developmenttrdThu, 27 Sep 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20334879/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/27/toyota-gt86-gt-86-trd-paris-2012/20334879/article-detail.xml 20334879 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 Philippines lets loose in GT 86 promo vid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/toyota-philippines-lets-loose-in-gt-86-promo-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/toyota-philippines-lets-loose-in-gt-86-promo-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/toyota-philippines-lets-loose-in-gt-86-promo-vid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota GT86 Philippines

The Toyota GT 86 has been one of the brand's video stars this year, gobbling up millions of frames as it makes friends in each new land. The story is no different in the Philippines, where a troupe of GT 86 coupes starred in a precision driving and drifting display at an airfield.

Put together by Toyota Philippines, the video was helmed by Sid Maderazo, the same gent who brought us the supercar extravaganza at Subic Bay called The Mile. His latest work can be found by scrolling down.

Continue reading Toyota Philippines lets loose in GT 86 promo vid

Toyota Philippines lets loose in GT 86 promo vid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-sfr-sfrsgt 86philippinessid maderazotoyobarutoyotatoyota philippinesvideovideosyoutubeMon, 27 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20309437/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/27/toyota-philippines-lets-loose-in-gt-86-promo-vid/20309437/article-detail.xml 20309437 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/toyota-gt86-ad-philippines_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/toyota-gt86-ad-philippines.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[Toyota GT86 to make British motorsport debut in Britcar 24 Hours wearing AE86 livery [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/toyota-gt86-to-make-british-motorsport-debut-in-britcar-24-hours/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/toyota-gt86-to-make-british-motorsport-debut-in-britcar-24-hours/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/toyota-gt86-to-make-british-motorsport-debut-in-britcar-24-hours/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota GT 86 in AE 86 livery for Britcar racing

If you liked the Martini Racing Porsche 918 Spyder we just brought you, then you ought to dig this, too. Toyota is bringing back its Team Toyota GB livery for the GT 86 entry into the Britcar 24 Hours. Unlike the the classically decorated 918, we can confirm that the so-hot-right-now Toyota coupe will actually be racing.

The livery harkens back to the AE86 of the raging 80s for the Japanese-British race team. Successfully campaigned by Tiff Needell and others, it took on the likes of an Atari-sponsored Mitsubishi Starion. How's that for getting your 80s fix?

Team Toyota GB ran with great success in the British Touring Car and British Rally Championships in the 80s and early 90s. The rendering released by Toyota, seen above, boasts the livery of that heyday in lightweight Japanese racing.

This will not be the first time that Toyota has entered a GT 86 in competition. The Japanese automaker ran it at the Nürburgring 24 hours, but Toyota has now decided to pull at the heartstrings of nostalgic race fans.

We can't wait to see what this throwback racer will look like for real when it runs at the Britcar 24 at Silverstone, on September 22 and 23. Click below to watch a video of Tiff Needell carving it up in an original AE86.

Continue reading Toyota GT86 to make British motorsport debut in Britcar 24 Hours wearing AE86 livery [w/video]

Toyota GT86 to make British motorsport debut in Britcar 24 Hours wearing AE86 livery [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota gt 8686ae86britcargt 86gt86scion fr-steam toyota gbtiff needelltoyotatoyota 86toyota gt 86videoTue, 31 Jul 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20289842/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/31/toyota-gt86-to-make-british-motorsport-debut-in-britcar-24-hours/20289842/article-detail.xml 20289842 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/toyota-gt86-britcar-24hrs-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/toyota-gt86-britcar-24hrs-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota launches Emirates drift team with new 86 video]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/toyota-launches-emirates-drift-team-with-new-86-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/toyota-launches-emirates-drift-team-with-new-86-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/toyota-launches-emirates-drift-team-with-new-86-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Toyota drifted an FT-86 all over United Arab Emirates roads when the coupe was launched there last month, and now it's doing it again. 27-year-old Ahmed Omran Al-Amri is the two-time drift championship winner as part of the Emirates Drift Team in his native UAE, and he has used a turbocharged, 570-horsepower Toyota Soarer (our Lexus SC) as his ride to those titles.

Rewarding his team for its winning ways and Toyota love, the Japanese company has taken over to form the Toyota Emirates Drifting Team and provided it with Toyota 86 hatchbacks (our Scion FR-S) to campaign. Al-Amri has already won this year's title, but check out the video below of testing the new cars at Yas Marina Circuit for his thoughts on the new car and, of course, beaucoup tire smoke.

Continue reading Toyota launches Emirates drift team with new 86 video

Toyota launches Emirates drift team with new 86 video originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahmed al ameriahmed al-amriemirates drift teamfr-sft-86gt 86gt86motorsportsscionscion fr-stoyotatoyota 86toyota emirates drifting teamyoutubeThu, 12 Jul 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20273306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/12/toyota-launches-emirates-drift-team-with-new-86-video/20273306/article-detail.xml 20273306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/toyotaft-86driftuae_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/toyotaft-86driftuae.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the most epic Toyota GT 86 review to date]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-the-most-epic-toyota-gt-86-review-to-date/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-the-most-epic-toyota-gt-86-review-to-date/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-the-most-epic-toyota-gt-86-review-to-date/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota GT86

By now, you've likely absorbed every last ounce of ink, both physical and virtual, spilled on the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S and Toyota GT 86 triplets. You've watched the videos, poured over the press releases and configured your own. And while your waking moments may be filled with imaging what it would be like to cane the 2.0-liter terror across Europe, odds are you haven't actually done the deed. Nino Karotta has, and he's been kind enough to document the excursion for the rest of us.

Unlike most of the ham-fisted video reviews of the trio we've seen so far, this one delves well beyond the fact sheet to give us a glimpse of what the car is actually like to operate. Karotta takes the GT 86 from the twisting mountains of France across Germany via the Autobahn and into Austria for a date with his own AE86.

With a stellar soundtrack, beautiful videography and insightful commentary, the video is what all reviews should strive to be. How does the newcomer stack up against its ancestor? We won't spoil it for you. Check out the clip below. You'll be glad you took the time.

Continue reading Watch the most epic Toyota GT 86 review to date

Watch the most epic Toyota GT 86 review to date originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ae86autobahngt 86nino karottatoyotatoyota gt 86Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20274388/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/09/watch-the-most-epic-toyota-gt-86-review-to-date/20274388/article-detail.xml 20274388 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/toyota-gt86-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/toyota-gt86-628.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.

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