Well, it looks like the Toyota FT-86 is going to be a family. It’s pregnant with a sedan!
We’ve already heard that due to cost issues with the FT-86, Toyota is planning a smaller version to meet its original goal of a sub-$20K sports coupe, and today’s rumors indicate that Toyota is also working on a four-door variant of the FT-86.
Back in the late 80s, as a Lambo-obsessed child I was both shocked and fascinated when I first found out that the automaker behind my beloved Countach and Miura also made a boxy, muscular off-roader. While I wasn’t too sure about the LM002 when I first spotted it in my bible of Lamborghinis, its ruggedly handsome looks grew on me. There was something so intriguing about taking an unsuspecting guest into the garage to show off your Lamborghini, only to pull the cover off a jeep. And not just any jeep, but a hardened, military-esque piece of V12-powered machinery.
Lexus LFA
Lexus has already wowed the supercar market with the LFA and indications are that it plans a second showstopper in an electric supercar to position against the Audi R8 e-tron and Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell. According to a recent Motor Trend report, Lexus is working on an all-electric supercar that will put out 500 hp through a combination of four electric motors. It’s expected to feature three drive modes and to charge to 60 in as little as four seconds. So far, it’s looking like a 2015 debut. [via egmCarTech]
1994 Mini Spiritual Concept
When your brand is named ‘Mini’, it has got to be a little difficult to move upmarket and offer larger, more powerful vehicles. Really, the only logical place to go is down. And according to a new report on Autoweek, that’s exactly what Mini has in the works.
The report indicates that Mini is designing an even smaller subcompact to compete with the SmartForTwo. It will bear a name such as the “Mini Minor” or “Mini Mini.” A concept version may appear at next year’s Geneva Motor Show, and is expected to feature either two or three seats. The company intends to gauge reaction before deciding whether or not to offer a production version.
Anyone else think that we may one day see an open-air car with nothing more than one seat, one wheel and a set of hand brakes? [Autoweek via Carscoop]
In interesting news at the cross section of the electronics and automotive industries, GM is reportedly negotiating with Google toward producing an in-vehicle electronics system to rival the Ford Sync/My Ford systems. If it transpires, the team-up would create a unique competition that would pit two of the big three Detroit automakers and two huge technology rivals against each other. Microsoft helped Ford with its Sync system and has been a growing competitor of Google with its Bing search engine. Google is currently working on a computer operating system (Chrome OS) that will compete on Microsoft’s turf, and both companies offer Web browsers and mobile operating systems.
Two weeks ago, Autocar reported that Porsche was considering production of the 918 Spyder concept that Geneva brought us. The word, as far from concrete as it may have been, came directly from Porsche chief Michael Macht.
At the time, Macht mentioned Porsche’s plan of having potential buyers sign letters of intent, and it seems like Stuttgart is forging ahead with that plan. A new report in Automobile indicates that Porsche is using its global dealership network to gauge interest and line up potential buyers for the new model. The company plans to use those buyers as evidence the 918 should see fruition. Speculation dictates that we could see the 918 within a couple of years.
We sure hope those buyers are lining up as we type. [via Automobile]
According to an Inside Line report, the new Ferrari 599 GTO will be debuting at the Paris Motor Show in September. Not surprisingly, it will be a lightened version of the 599 GTB Fiorano that will be offered as a limited edition.
Reports indicate a 650- to 700-hp modified 599 V12 engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch that pushes the GTO to speeds of up to 217 mph. 0 to 60 mph time is said to be around 3.2 seconds. The new Ferrari will also get carbon fiber body panels, new aerodynamics, stripped cabin and alloy wheels.
A price tag of $400,000 is rumored, but we’ll have to wait for the official word on that one. [via Inside Line]
Wealthy car enthusiasts that aren’t fully content with the three Audi R8 models already on the market will soon have two additional choices to look at. The more intriguing of the two is an extra sporty version of the R8 that pulls some influence from the R8 LMS race car. Reports indicate that the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera’s recently boosted V10 provides a bit of foreshadowing of what’s slated for the new R8. The new model will also shed weight with the addition of new carbon fiber pieces.
Despite its small size, the CR-Z hybrid has been itching for some extra power since the day Honda first detailed it. Inside Line is reporting that the Type R is already in the works with a possible modified version of the base 1.5-liter four-cylinder pumping out an extra 20 horses. The Type R will also derive additional horsepower from a larger electric motor, putting total output into the 160-170 hp range, a significant boost over the standard CR-Z’s 122.
Other expected modifications include a lowered height, bigger wheels and larger brakes. 2011 is being tossed out as the possible U.S. launch. [via Inside Line]
