Toyota to challenge the vette, porsche in 2006

[markusername]

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

Rumors of a 500-hp supercar from Toyota have been floating about for the past year. One insider suggested the car wouldn't launch until Toyota's Formula 1 fortunes include some podium finishes. So, given last season's undistinguished F1 performances, the supercar may still be a way off. Nonetheless, Toyota crews were recently spied testing a prototype on the road.

From these images we can glean that the supercar will be Toyota's most outrageous project to date. Early reports suggested the car would be powered by a mid-engined, detuned version of the Formula 1 V-10. The latest intelligence indicates the engine will be mounted in front and will be a 4.5-liter V-10 jointly developed by Toyota and Yamaha. It won't be related to Toyota's F1 V-10.

The supercar's engine is expected to produce at least 480 horsepower, possibly even 500. One source hinted that the supercar may employ hybrid technology, which would boost fuel economy as well as torque, but we couldn't confirm that.

Problems can arise from such sleek, low-slung bodies, requiring some clever packaging solutions. Even experienced eyes have been stumped by spy photos that show insufficient front air intakes or cooling ducts necessary for a 500-hp engine. The absence of these items seems to indicate a rear-engine placement, but in fact, the engine is in front, and the radiators are in the rear fenders, just below the tacked-on taillights. Camouflage attempts to hide these ducts. These renderings show ducting up front, but we were told it will be for aerodynamics and brake cooling.

0501_supra_side.jpgJust as Toyota is developing a supercar to take on the likes of Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Ferrari, and even the upcoming 450-hp Nissan Skyline GT-R, internal dissension threatens the existence of this project. One faction is concerned that a company so rooted in hybrid powertrains and fuel economy will damage its image by producing a ridiculously high-powered two-seat vehicle. The opposing faction welcomes the supercar but is hotly debating whether to use a high-output version of the 5.0-liter V-8 from the upcoming redesigned Lexus LS sedan or build the V-10. Arguably, the V-10 would give the supercar a bit more prestige and distinction, but a V-8 would cost less, perform similarly, and likely swill less fuel.

So we know there is a V-10 lurking under the hood of the prototypes, but will that change before the $100,000-to-$120,000 car goes on sale as early as 2006? One thing is certain: If the Toyota Formula 1 effort snatches a couple of victories, Toyota will want to celebrate in a big way. What could be better than a supercar?

[tgagneguam]

Oh my God, that thing's heinous from the front! Make it stop. The "eyes" on its "face" are separating because of the giant "proboscis" protruding from the center. Yikes. I guess it shows, once again, Toyota can't do design.

[goblue]

A 120K car is not a challenge to the Z06, its a challenge to the Ford GT, and while I agree with tgagenaum that it could look a little better - I expect it to trounce the GT for 30-50K less and owners NOT be told they can't drive it.

I do expect the Z06 to get very, very close - close enough to make buying a Z06 and a nicely equipped STS a better option. The vette sure looks a heck of a lot better. Would be pretty funny if it can beat it to 60. I doubt it will outhandle it though. The area under the torque curve is will probably be greater for the LS7 than whatever Toyota puts in this thing, but another 50K is alot of money to spend on other improvements.

[Ming]

Oh my God, that thing's heinous from the front! Make it stop. The "eyes" on its "face" are separating because of the giant "proboscis" protruding from the center.

[xioix]

that rendering is so old, and not accurate, it is a rendering of what the lexus lf-a was going to be, and they were way off

[idontcareican]

Why not? Latest income figures have the rich growing in wealth and number so the market for luxury goods is only growing. I’d personally prefer a new Twin Turbo Supra to take on the likes of Porsche at an affordable price. Am I the only one who thinks those twin turbo Supras were pretty cool? In their day they were ahead in performance and unlike the atrocious looks of other Asian imports, actually looked great with body kits. Toyota does need a dedicated performance car. For a company that makes so much money it is missing a key element for its image. You would think they’d produce one even at a loss.

[jro4566]

Who did that chop? Murcielago headlights, previous generation Supra body, Mitsubishi grill - no thank you.

[JVal14]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Seriously though, if you have 120Gs to spend on a car, it's not gonna be a Toyota. If they call it a Lexus then they might have a chance, but why would you get that when you can get a Z06, an M6, or E55 for significantly less. Or just pony up some extra cash and get into a Bentley Continental. There only chance of seperating themselves from the crowd for a higher price is if they go with a hybrid powertrain.

[gmsickofan]

Am I the only one who thinks those twin turbo Supras were pretty cool? In their day they were ahead in performance and unlike the atrocious looks of other Asian imports, actually looked great with body kits. .

I'm not feelin' the vibe, bro.

[jro4566]

Isn't this supposed to be a Lexus though, which is why Lexus revealed the LF-A (or was it the LF-C) at this year's NAIAS?