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Is This Concept Toyota’s Answer to the Ford Bronco?

Japanese maker confirms plans to debut FT-4X at New York Auto Show.

by on Mar.29, 2017

Toyota drops a hint of what it has coming at next month's New York International Auto Show.

Rumors have been buzzing since last autumn, when Toyota registered the new trademark, FT-4X. What might that be used for? The initial inklings suggested it would likely show up on a light truck, perhaps the replacement for the old FJ Cruiser, dropped after the 2014 model-year.

The Japanese maker is now confirming a concept using that badge will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show next month, and from the teaser image accompanying that terse announcement, it’s safe to assume the show car will be some form of utility vehicle.

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But what type of ute does Toyota have in mind? A “soft-roader,” ala the RAV4, seems unlikely. The betting would suggest that the new Toyota FJ-4X will be a serious off-roader, perhaps even something opting for a body-on-frame design, that would take aim at the likes of the new Ford Bronco or next-generation Jeep Wrangler.

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Toyota’s U2 Concept Picks Up on Urban Lifestyle Trends

Inspired by invention-focused Maker Faire.

by on Feb.04, 2016

With the success of commercial van offerings from Ford and Nissan, Toyota may be following suit with the U2 Concept coming to the Chicago Auto Show.

Toyota could be the next automaker to target the resurgent market for compact commercial vans.

The maker gave a hint that was something it had in mind when it revealed images of its Urban Utility Concept in late 2014. Now, the Toyota U2 is finally set to make its public debut during the upcoming Chicago Auto Show.

What a Concept!

“Toyota saw an opportunity for a new approach to an urban vehicle based on increasing re-urbanization of our cities and urban drivers’ desire for flexibility, fun and maneuverability,” said Kevin Hunter president of Calty, Toyota’s North American design studio, where the concept van was developed. (more…)

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Toyota Debuting 3 Concept Cars – And a Painfully Cute Robot – at Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota will cover the gamut with its Tokyo display.

by on Oct.08, 2015

The Toyota S-FR is expected to anchor a three sports car line-up Toyota is developing.

It’s long been known for plain vanilla design and lackluster performance, an image Toyota is intent on transforming. And with the addition of a trio of new sports cars, it just might.

Just three weeks ahead of the biennial Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota is giving us a hint of what it will be putting on display, and the list includes three “very different” concept cars, as well as a downsized version of the talking robot it sent into space.

What a Concept!

While the Kirobo Mini might push the cute factor to new limits, the Toyota S-FR will lead the Japanese giant into more sporty territory as one of three performance models it is soon expected to have in its line-up.

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Toyota Produces Second FT-1 Concept Sports Car

Fans relying on Gran Turismo 6 to test rumored Supra replacement.

by on Aug.14, 2014

The FT-1 concept from Toyota gets a new look with a graphite exterior and a saddle interior.

The buzz for a new Toyota Supra just went up a couple of decibels today as the automaker revealed a new version of its ballyhooed FT-1 concept car in California with a graphite exterior and saddle-colored interior.

The original FT-1 debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January in a bold red with a black leather interior. Officials were adamant that it was merely a design exercise. In fact, it didn’t even have a working engine in it. The show car borrowed a Ferrari trick, mounting a powertrain under a transparent panel.

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However, the appearance of a second edition, developed by Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, after the company teased fans by allowing a computerized version to appear in racing video game Gran Turismo 6, is only going to whet the appetites of Supra fans even more. (more…)

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I, Me, My? No, Me.We, Says Toyota

Japanese maker reveals “anti-crisis” concept.

by on Apr.25, 2013

The flexible little Toyota Me.We concept.

“I, me, my,” sang the Beatles – for the younger generation, that’s the group Paul McCartney was in before Wings.  Meanwhile, Toyota is responding with its Me.We concept, a show car it describes as “anti-crisis,” and intended to “address contemporary human, economic and environmental challenges.”

The Me.We Concept was developed as part of a collaboration with French designer Jean-Marie Massaud and unveiled at the Le Rendez-vous Toyota event in Paris.

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For the owner – the Me – the concept is designed to be flexible, convenient and extremely customizable, with removable body panels that can transform the micro-hatchback into a pickup, convertible, even an off-roader.

For the We, the little concept is designed to be environmentally friendly, with most of the vehicle being recyclable.  That includes the polypropylene body panels and the renewable bamboo floor.

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“Stunning” New Toyota Concept May Be Next-Generation Avalon

Sneak peek signals NY Auto Show preview.

by on Mar.28, 2012

Will this be the next-gen Toyota Avalon?

“Passion” is a word that Toyota CEO – and founding family heir – Akio Toyoda talks a lot about.  It’s something he readily admits Toyota products don’t have enough of it, and that in today’s competitive market it’s something the brand desperately needs.

Clearly, the oft-maligned styling of the latest Toyota Camry didn’t deliver, despite a last-minute styling tweak intended to satisfy near-mutinous dealers.  Last year’s launch of the new Lexus GS and the recent unveiling of the LF-LC concept hint that Toyota product developers are taking the mandate seriously.  Or so we may see with the planned NY Auto Show preview of what the Japanese maker is calling a “stunning U.S.-designed sedan.”

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The maker clearly considers the launch significant, providing this teaser shot a week ahead of the big event at New York’s Jacob Javits Center.  Meanwhile, spy shots are popping up and from the industry scuttlebutt it appears that what we see here is going to soon reappear as the next-generation Toyota Avalon.

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