Autoblog

Report: Toyota secures trademark for Supra name

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST

Toyota FT-HS Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's in a name? Well now, that'd depend on the name, wouldn't it? For instance, while both are sporty cars from Ford, there's a big difference to Blue Oval fans when discussing the merits of the Ford Mustang versus the Ford Probe. When talk turns to Toyota, the name that conjures up the most memories in the hearts and minds of enthusiasts is 'Supra.'

Despite all this, the Japanese automaker inexplicably let its trademark for the iconic Supra moniker pass by in 2006. Luckily, nobody tried to punish Toyota by trying to snap up the name, and now the chance is over. According to Car and Driver, Toyota has reapplied for the trademark on the Supra name, and now has three years to make use of it.

This revelation just so happens to coincide with reports that Toyota president Akio Toyoda wants "to see the next Supra tested in the near future." Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it? We're thinking that it's unlikely that Toyota would use the Supra name for its long-anticipated FT-86 revival, so we'll of course be keeping our ears to the ground for any sportscar news coming out of Japan.

Gallery: Toyota FT-HS Concept

[Source: Car and Driver]

Report: Toyota secures trademark for Supra name originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill (again): Toyota working on MR2, Supra successor

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Toyota

Toyota FT-HS Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Knowing how long it takes to get a car from clean-sheet to showroom, we have a tough time believing that automakers can simply turn new car programs on and off seemingly every quarter. The rumor is back, at least in Autocar, that Toyota is working on a new MR2 and a hybrid Supra. A cursory glance through the Autoblog archives has found no less than eight stories on the return and demise and return of the Supra, going back to 2006 (here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

The latest "evidence" is that with hybrid sales on the upswing, the idea of a V6 hybrid sports car makes sense. Again. However, it's being developed alongside the FT-86, a car that appears to be resurrected only so that it can be delayed. The most recent date for seeing either car is 2013.

It's suggested that the MR2 will get a 1.5-liter hybrid, following the template of the popular-in-Japan Honda CRZ. According to the report, though, the MR2 "is the pet project of Hiromu Naruse, Toyota's chief test driver." Sadly, Naruse died this week while testing another one of his pet projects, the Lexus LFA. Being only in the stage of a "pet project" and having lost its leader, the only truth about a new MR2 might be that it's on hold again. Or maybe not - stay tuned next week when we announce the new RX-7 and NSX are officially a go...

Gallery: Toyota FT-HS Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill (again): Toyota working on MR2, Supra successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #149

Dan Roth — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Budget, Hybrid, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon, Electric, Lancia

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #149 of the Autoblog Podcast, the first frost edition, has arrived. The Tokyo Motor Show is coming up, and there have been a couple previews of what to expect there. The Toyota FT-86 concept has had everyone abuzz with its heralding as the spiritual successor of the much-beloved AE86 of the 1980s. Also building excitement for Tokyo is Subaru's Hybrid Tourer concept. Moving on from Asia, we touch on Lancias being rebadged as Chryslers before wrapping up with Chrysler and Fiat's collaboration on an electric car. Very last, we hit up some questions before calling it a night and going to sleep off our ailments. Keep the feedback rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, thanks for filling our survey with data, and we'll see you soon for #150! Remember, if you get lonely, there's always Joystiq and Engadget. Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #149

Autoblog Podcast #149 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyko 2009 Preview: Toyota FT-86 Concept brings back the Hachi-Roku

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:23:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Toyota's President Akio Toyoda has said the automaker is in desperate need of an excitement injection, and here's the first dose: the Toyota FT-86 Concept.

Inspired by the Corolla-based AE86 sports coupe of the '80s, the FT-86 concept was designed by the automaker's ED2 styling studio in France and bears a remarkable resemblance to the FT-HS concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show several years back.

Since it's a "concept," Toyota hasn't divulged much about the FT-86 yet, but we do know it's powered by a Subaru-derived 2.0-liter boxer four sending power to the rear wheels. Toyota focused on keeping the weight down to improve handling and, according to one source, the platform is unique to the concept. The engine sits lower in the engine bay to aid aerodynamics while keeping the center of gravity in check, and the overall dimensions of Toyota's new 2+2 are 163.78 inches long and 69.29 inches wide, with a wheelbase of 101.18 inches.

After the FT-86 bows in concept form at the Tokyo Motor Show next month, the production model will be shown sometime next year with sales beginning sometime in late 2011 carrying a sticker price somewhere north of $20,000.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyko 2009 Preview: Toyota FT-86 Concept brings back the Hachi-Roku

Toyko 2009 Preview: Toyota FT-86 Concept brings back the Hachi-Roku originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Honda NSX could be dubbed "Super Hybrid Sports"

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Acura, Honda, Rumormill

Even though it's been going on for more than two years now, the tale of the Acura NSX is like a news story that just broke: you have to keep checking back for details, and each subsequent update could turn the whole story on its head. The V10 NSX that was going to own the sports car gods on Mt. Olympus was killed, and a rumored newly resurrected NSX is said to be a V6 hybrid that will challenge Toyota's own will-they/won't-they FT-HS/Supra.

Whereas Toyota's entry is reported to put out 400 horsepower to the rear wheels, the NSX will reportedly get about 450 horses going to all four wheels via Acura's SH-AWD system. Dubbed the "Super Hybrid Sports," sources claim it will be built on the same steel platform as the next generation Acura RL.

While this speculation sounds like an interesting car - at least, until the next update comes along - it is a redefinition of what NSX means to us and could take a while to get used to. And if Acura is truly intent on becoming a top shelf luxury maker, we can't help but find it a bit quizzical that they're taking their flagship sports car brand downmarket to compete with a Toyota Supra.

[Source: 7Tune]

Next Honda NSX could be dubbed "Super Hybrid Sports" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota's hybrid Supra successor on track for 2011

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

Toyota FT-HS Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With all the rumors and anticipation surrounding Toyota's joint venture with Subaru to produce a front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe, the automaker's Supra successor has been put on the news cycle's back-burner. However, according to a report by Best Car, development has continued in earnest since the FT-HS Hybrid Sports Car Concept debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in 2007 and a prototype will supposedly begin making the rounds later this year.

Although the FT-HS was originally due to arrive in 2009, the Toyobaru's parallel development and market conditions have pushed back the introduction of a Supra-successor until 2011. When it hits, expect two versions to be available: a traditional gas-powered model, likely fitted with a 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid "Sports" variant packing the GS450h's 2GR-VSE 3.5-liter V6 mated to the JDM Crown Hybrid's electric drive system and cranking out around 400 hp to the rear wheels. If Best Car's report is to be believed, we could see the next iteration of the FT-HS concept at the Tokyo Motor Show this November, with the production model debuting sometime in 2010 before its on-sale date the following year.

Gallery: Toyota FT-HS Concept

[Source: Best Car via 7Tune]

REPORT: Toyota's hybrid Supra successor on track for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Is Toyota planning a hybrid MR2 sequel as a Honda CRZ competitor?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Toyota, Rumormill

Based on the automaker's current line of eminently reliable, practical and fuel efficient machinery, it's easy to forget that Toyota has a past full of exciting sports cars. A couple of years back, Toyota decided to highlight the fact that it knows how to built a sporty-looking vehicle with the FT-HS concept, which mated a performance-minded hybrid powertrain with edgy, low-slung bodywork.

According to Auto Express in the U.K., Toyota is considering a production model based on the FT-HS concept that would revive the MR2 that was killed off in 2007. If indeed true, this new sporty hybrid would go up against Honda's expected CR-Z hybrid hatchback. Unlike its rival from Honda, though, the MR2 would feature rear-wheel drive, and that's something to get excited about.

Other interesting tidbits include a rumored run to 60 in under seven seconds, with fuel economy in the 60's (50's in the U.S.) and carbon emissions of of under 100 g/km. Performance and efficiency in one package? Sounds too good to be true. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

Gallery: Toyota FT-HS Concept

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Is Toyota planning a hybrid MR2 sequel as a Honda CRZ competitor? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automakers losing interest in performance hybrids

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Honda, Toyota

Well, that was short-lived. According to an article in the Freep, automakers are already beginning to disregard the idea of a hot hybrid, despite the benefits in fuel economy, emissions and performance.

The lackluster sales of the Honda Accord Hybrid, which was quasi-marketed as a pseudo-sports sedan, proved that the combination of "performance" and "hybrid" is too much of a stretch for the majority of consumers. While the Priusification of the species continues, with Honda confirming that it will be developing a direct competitor to Toyota's rolling fromage, it's worth mentioning that Toyota's own SARD racing team took the Tokachi 24-hour race this past July in a hybrid-equipped Supra. Not to mention ToMoCo's recent concepts, particularly the FT-HS, that sports a 3.5-liter V6 mounted to its Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

As Sam mentioned in his post over at AutoblogGreen, back in April, the SAE World Congress discussed the viability of performance hybrids, so the idea is still alive and well in the consciousness of the engineering community. Whether we'll see these performance-oriented offerings come to fruition is open to debate.

[Source: Detroit Free Press via AutoblogGreen]

Automakers losing interest in performance hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Dec 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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