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.

The report originated on Australian site Carsguide and indicates that the FT-86 sedan will launch in 2013. It will feature the same 2.0-liter Subaru Boxer as the coupe version. Not instilling much confidence, the report states that Toyota is developing the sedan version as a “safety net” in case the coupe doesn’t sell. I’m not sure that a premium level sports sedan from Toyota is any more compelling, but whatever. [via WCF]

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In the midst of an intensifying NHTSA investigation, Toyota issued a voluntary recall of 1.13 million 2005 to 2008 Corolla and Corolla Matrix models. The recall relates to problems with engine stalling.

Here’s Toyota’s official explanation:

On vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive, there is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on the electronic component used to protect circuits against excessive voltage (varistor), on the ECM’s circuit board. In most cases, if a crack occurs at certain solder points or on certain varistors, the check engine may illuminate, harsh shifting could result, or the engine may not start. In limited instances, if cracking occurs on particular solder points or varistors, the engine could stop while the vehicle is being driven.

According to the company, there have been three reported accidents allegedly stemming from the problem and one minor injury.

Toyota will begin contacting owners in mid-September and will replace the ECM on affected models. Contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 for more information. [Toyota via Jalopnik]

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It looks like Toyota may have another major recall in the works for the disastrous year of 2010. According to the NY Times, the NHTSA has raised its investigation of stalling Toyotas from “preliminary evaluation” to “engineering analysis,” which is one step below a full-blown recall. The investigation applies to 1.2 million 2005 to 2007 Corolla and Matrix models.

The NHTSA began its preliminary evaluation last November, and has received 163 complaints about an issue that relates to the engine suddenly stalling without any warning–a rather different problem than the oh-so-popular “unintended acceleration.” The engine control unit is thought to be the cause of the stalling. Toyota said that it received six complaints of accidents but no injuries were reported. [ NY Times via Carscoop]

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We’ve heard all kinds of details about the Toyota FT-86, but so far Subaru’s model has remained in the shadows. Today, Autocar blasted a beam of light over Subaru’s own sports car, a more powerful, more aggressive version of the FT-86.

Like the Toyota FT-86, Subaru’s version (no name yet) will feature a 200-hp version of Subaru’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, Subaru plans to add a little extra pep to its coupe by offering it with a 260-hp version of the turbocharged Boxer engine used in the Impreza WRX STi. The engines will deliver momentum to the rear wheels via six-speed manual transmissions.

The Subaru will share some body parts with the FT-86 but will have a more aggressive look thanks to a new front grille, wheels and bumpers.

Subaru’s coupe will follow the FT-86 to market, and according to Autocar’s report, will carry a price of £25,000 and £30,000 ($40K to $48K). [via Autocar]

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Toyota announced today that it will recall 412,000 U.S. vehicles for a steering issue beginning next month. Models affected are 2000 to 2004 Toyota Avalons and 2003 to 2007 Lexus LX 470 models.

The steering lock bar on Toyota Avalon models is prone to breakage and could potentially lead to a locking steering wheel. The Lexus LX 470 experiences a different steering issue that relates to the snap ring on the steering shaft, which can disengage during sudden impacts (i.e. pot holes) and cause the steering shaft to disengage over time. Dealers will replace these faulty components.

Three Avalon accidents have been reported with no injuries, and no accidents involving the Lexus LX 470 have been reported. [via InsideLine]

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You know what a criminal does when the authorities are bearing down on him? Disguises himself and hopes like hell to blend in with the pack.

Now I’m not saying Toyota is a criminal–incompetent and negligent maybe. Criminal? Well, I don’t have to make that judgment. But it is planning on disguising itself. Under a new brand philosophy that promises to put reliability (i.e. cars that work) back at the core, Toyota will also be invoking visual changes across the line, which include a new front end. Call it an attempt to make a product that neither looks or fails like Toyotas of old.

Toyota is still working on the exact design, but the company indicates that it will apply to its global line and will offer a more consistent look between models. Small models will be made to look bigger as part of the redesign. [via InsideLine]

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The RAV4 EV is back! And with a few years worth of electric drivetrain evolution, it promises to be better than ever. Toyota and Tesla announced today that the first vehicle the two have partnered on is an electric-powered RAV4 crossover. Tesla has already delivered one prototype to Toyota and is working on a fleet of additional prototypes for evaluation. The new EV is expected to debut in the United States in 2012.

The original RAV4 EV was one of those ahead-of-its-time electrics from back in the 1990s. It was on the market from 1997 to 2003 and sold around 1,500 units. Toyota has admitted that the EV didn’t perform that well in terms of sales, but it did play an important role in the development of future technologies. [via NY Times]

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Not long before Toyota and Tesla announced their partnership in May, reports indicated that Tesla was working on a crossover model for a 2013 launch. It’s not that surpising, therefore, that the first joint ventures to come out of the Tesla/Toyota working relationship will be crossover models. Following a statement that it will produce two prototypes for Toyota this year, Tesla will reportedly be equipping the RAV 4 and Lexus RX with full electric powertrains. The prototypes are expected to be delivered to Toyota this summer. [via Carscoop]

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Toyota FT-HS Concept (2007)

Akio Toyoda is pushing a new Supra, but resistance within Toyota may kill the model. He told reporters that he wants to see a new Supra testing soon, but admitted that other voices in the company are resistant to the new sports car and may kill the project.

The Supra is rumored to be on track for launch in 2013-2014. It is expected to feature a hybrid powertrain with V6 engine.

Toyota’s line is set to get a lot sportier, with the upcoming FT-86 and a rumored MR2 revival joining the Supra over the next few years. [via Autocar]

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We knew it was coming, and today Toyota told the NHTSA that it will be recalling a total of 138,000 U.S. Lexus vehicles for a defect in the engine that can cause stalling. Toyota explains that foreign material in the valve springs of certain V8 and V6 engines can cause the engine to make noise, idle or even stall out completely while driving. Vehicles involved are the 2007-2008 GS 350,2007-2008 GS 450h, 2006 and 2008 GS 460, 2007-2008 IS 350, 2007-2008 LS 460, 2007-2008 LS 460 L, and the 2008 LS 600h L.

According to Toyota, the likelihood of a driver experiencing a complete engine stall-out while driving is less than one percent. No accidents or injuries have arisen from the problem. [via USA Today]

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We’ve already had floor mat, braking, steering and fire hazard safety problems from Toyota in the past year, why not an engine issue? According to Japanese reports, that’s what’s next on the docket for the troubled automaker. Toyota will reportedly recall 270,000 vehicles next week for engine deficiencies on an unspecified list of vehicles that looks to be largely Lexus. The recall will involve the Toyota Crown and seven Lexus models, according to the Huffington Post. The LA Times lists the models as the Lexus GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, IS 350, LS 460, LS 600h and LS 600h L, but doesn’t give specific years.

The specific problem is actual a rather big irony: the engines in the vehicle can stall during driving, which if you think about it, could be called unintended stopping–the other end of the spectrum from the unintended acceleration that captured so many headlines earlier this year. The problem applies to 180,000 global vehicles and 90,000 in Japan. We’ll undoubtedly hear more about this one soon. [via Huffington Post]

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It’s another Toyota recall, and another fire hazard. It’s also the second recall of the Lexus HS 250h this year. Toyota is recalling 17,000 2010 HS 250h models for a potential fire hazard resulting from fuel leakage. According to the NHTSA, the Lexus leaks fuel beyond acceptable levels and could be the cause of a fire should an ignition source spark the leaked fuel.

Toyota responded in a statement: “”Even though our own testing of the Lexus HS 250h shows full compliance with federal fuel system integrity standards, we are working intensely to duplicate the noncompliance issue that NHTSA identified and to determine the reason behind the different test results.”

Toyota issued a stop-sale order on the model effective June 25, but  has not yet identified a fix for the problem. It will begin contacting owners once it has. Lexus can be reached at 800-255-3987, [via InsideLine]

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