Future Cars: Toyota/Lexus/Scion

[Infiniti Z350]

TOYOTA

The 4Runner-based FJ Cruiser harks back to the 1960s, according to company executives, even though it's new as a 2007 model. The FJ shares the bigger ute's platform, shortening the wheelbase four inches, and the overall length by eleven inches. That, company officials said, will deliver excellent off-road capabilities. A 245-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 will move the metal, with buyers offered an option of four-speed auto or five-speed stick. The FJ will come equipped out of the box with Toyota 's Vehicle Stability Control and ABS brake technology. The brick-like prototype, with its white roof cap, is pretty much what the production vehicle will look like when it rolls into showrooms a year from now, said Esmond, adding that he expects Toyota to sell about 40,000 FJs annually.

Toyota's slow-selling Echo compact will be replaced by a pair of vehicles in 2006. Toyota promises the replacements will be "European-styled" vehicles, which could mean the vehicles are more directly based on the European Yaris compacts than is the current Echo, sales of which have dropped from 48,876 in 2000 to less than 4000 last year.

COMING: Toyota is due to produce a new Corolla after 2007; a hybrid version built in California at NUMMI is becoming a distinct possibility. The Camry replacement will be built in Kentucky with hybrid power as well. A new RAV4 is due next model year. And finally, Toyota is set to christen its new Texas plant soon, where it will build the next Tundra pickup and likely, a heavy-duty version.


LEXUS

The new IS sedan, complete with its very first diesel engine, goes on sale later this year. The aluminum common-rail 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel will be a Europe-only option. With a power output of 177 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, the Lexus IS diesel will offer the highest performance in its class. For the U.S., the IS will be available with a 204-hp V-6 gas engine with direct injection. Both engines will be teamed to a six-speed gearbox, whereas the V-6 will also be offered with a sequential six-speed automatic transmission. The car will be equipped with PCS (Pre-Crash Safety System), ACC active cruise control, intelligent active cornering lights, ten airbags including knee airbags, and the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management stability system.


The next new hybrid entry from Lexus is the GS450h . The prototype revealed at Jacob Javits Center will be a hybrid-electric version of the all-new sports sedan Lexus launched earlier this year. The 450 starts out with a 3.5-liter V-6, which is mated to a high-output electric motor. Together, they are expected to pump out "over 300 horsepower," according to Lexus marketing manager Mark Templin. That should help the hybrid more than match the performance of the V-8-powered Lexus GS430, launching from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds. Company officials say the most noticeable improvement in performance will be felt at passing speeds, in the 30-50 mph range.

The GS450h will be the world's first luxury sedan hybrid, as well as the first rear-drive hybrid when it hits showrooms about a year from now. It will join the RX400h, the first hybrid-electric vehicle in the Lexus lineup. But according to General Manager Denny Clements, the two models may soon have plenty of company. Lexus is giving strong consideration to launching a brand-within-a-brand of high-performance vehicles, akin to Mercedes' AMG line-up. The big difference, Clements told TheCarConnection, is that all the Lexus models would be hybrids. The Toyota division will closely watch the market reaction to the GS450h and RX400h to see if it should proceed with the hybrid performance project. Clements described the performance hybrid strategy as a "shield" against environmental concerns, promoting the idea of getting V-12 power with V-6 mileage.

COMING: The concept LF-A can either be seen as a warning shot of publicity or a serious proposal to knock Acura off its supercar perch. The LF-A concept, Lexus says, might have an engine of less than 5.0 liters' capacity with more than 500 hp. The LF-A has a nine-inches-longer wheelbase than the Porsche 911 Turbo and it is five inches shorter. And at 48 inches is nearly identical in height to the Ferrari F430. Production hasn't been decided.

Also coming for 2007 will be a large sport wagon and an LS replacement with hybrid V-8 power.


SCION

What will the next generation of Scion vehicles look like? As Toyota plans where to build them, with Canada a distinct possibility, it is also trying to rationalize the vehicles on a common platform. The t2b concept shows how the sales hit xB might grow into a modular architecture that could spawn new Scions. The t2b was shown at auto shows in full-size concept form, but Scion also sculpted two additional small-scale models that show what the t2b could look like in cargo-carrier and fastback form. The t2b concept on the show floor sports far-out features like a power-sliding side door on one flank and suicide doors on the other, an MP3-player dock, twin skylights over the back seats and a tickertape-style dash readout that also shifts its color. A new 2.4-liter powerplant is anticipated for the design.

COMING: Replacements for the xA and xB are due in a couple of years.

Link: http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enth...283.A8372.html

[otonabee]

I think the IS 350 is coming to North America...with an inline-6 i believe that produces 300 horsepower or very high 200's range as a second engine option..the IS250 will have the 204 hp. I've also heard rumors that Lexus is planning on having the IS as a two-door and maybe a convertable...in the near future. ES and LS are coming in 2006 and 2007...having the ES being the last sedan from Lexus to be designed seperate from the Toyota products.

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by otonabee

I think the IS 350 is coming to North America...with an inline-6 i believe that produces 300 horsepower or very high 200's range as a second engine option..the IS250 will have the 204 hp. I've also heard rumors that Lexus is planning on having the IS as a two-door and maybe a convertable...in the near future. ES and LS are coming in 2006 and 2007...having the ES being the last sedan from Lexus to be designed seperate from the Toyota products.

Lexus stated the IS 350 will have 300+ horsepower.

[FightingChance]

Anyone know what the next Celica will be like (even though it's not coming here?)

[griswold44]

Originally Posted by FightingChance

Anyone know what the next Celica will be like (even though it's not coming here?)

Post #4 on this thread:http://forums.gminsidenews.com/showthread.php?t=14374

[xioix]

Originally Posted by otonabee

I think the IS 350 is coming to North America...with an inline-6 i believe that produces 300 horsepower or very high 200's range as a second engine option..the IS250 will have the 204 hp. I've also heard rumors that Lexus is planning on having the IS as a two-door and maybe a convertable...in the near future. ES and LS are coming in 2006 and 2007...having the ES being the last sedan from Lexus to be designed seperate from the Toyota products.

IS250 will have V6 hp should be around 215
IS350 will have V6 hp is 300+

[jro4566]

I've been reading for some time now that power has been confirmed at 315HP.

[Vintalage]

They are forgetting the Supra. It will return for 2007. 2007 is going to be a big year.

[otonabee]

I think Toyota/Lexus is also bring out a Super Sports car for Lexus. Some rumors have as a V10 engine with at least 500hp. If they bring both the Supra and this future Super sports car (LF-A) then yea toyota will probably have a good year like usual. Based on their new 3.5 V6 in the avalon, i would assume Toyota is going to increase horsepower in all their cars within next couple of years....