The all new Toyota GT 86!

The Japanese company has finally unveiled the production FT 86, only it will be called the GT-86 instead. The new name was chosen as a tribute to Toyota’s GT car heritage and the exhilarating drivability of the Corolla Levin AE86. The Toyota GT-86’s official debut will be made at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.




The new GT 86 is based on an entirely new platform and features a low, highly aerodynamic bodyshell. It is powered by the same engine as its Subaru sibling - a 2.0 liter, naturally-aspirated petrol engine - but will only deliver 200 HP as opposed to Subaru’s promised 300 HP. That being said, the base BRZ will come with the same 200 HP that the new GT-86 is sporting, bringing these two models closer than originally anticipated. Subaru’s promised 300 HP will be present in the STI version, leading us to believe that a G-Sports variant for the GT-86 will bring forth the same amount of power. This borrowed engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
 

Exterior

Despite the long wait, we still have to give the new GT 86 the prize for the most beautiful sports car of the year. Not only is it a sports car, but it also combines elegance with beauty and aggressiveness. Those that fell in love with the design of the concept will rejoice in the fact that not much has changed for the production model. The car’s overall shape and design was inspired by the Corolla-based AE86 sports coupe that was unveiled in the 80s.
The GT-86 is a compact rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with an aerodynamic body that rides low to the ground to improve handling and allow it to cut through the air with ease. The fascia is completely aggressive with long slit-looking headlights giving it a mean and intimidating look, as well as an enlarged lower grille and a bold "Scorpion" styling to the lower grille. Towards the back, the new GT-86 gets a new rear spoiler, twin rear exhausts and the "86" piston logo. It sits on 17" alloy wheels.

Interior

The GT-86’s interior is as sporty as its outside with a flat-bottomed steering wheel with its very own red stitching. It measures only 365 mm, the smallest yet fitted to a Toyota and has been finished in buckskin finish. In addition to that, the GT-86 also has aluminum pedals, a navigation system, gauges that light with red neon, digital readouts, and a gray instrument panel that seamlessly molds into the darker dash. The car’s cockpit is further reinforced by carbon effect trim, a sporting, all-black roof lining, red upholstery stitching, and aviation-style rocker switchgear. It comes with a large tachometer that offers at-a-glance visibility and readability during sports driving. The front seat has also been designed to offer great comfort, as well as to prevent elbows from interfering with gearshift operation.




The new Toyota GT 86 measures just 4,240 mm long and only 1,285 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm. It offers a near-perfect, 53:47 weight distribution and a center of gravity of only 475 mm.
 

Engine

The Toyota GT-86 is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-four engine, the result of a joint development between Subaru and Toyota, combined with D-4S technology (direct injection combined with port injection). With separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, and a high compression ratio of 12.5:1, D-4S increases power and torque over a wide range of engine speeds without sacrificing fuel efficiency and environmental performance.




In the Toyota model, this engine will only deliver 200 HP at 7000 rpm and maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6600 rpm, but Subaru has promised a total of 300 HP for their version. That being said, the base BRZ will come with the same 200 HP that the new GT-86 is sporting, bringing these two models closer than originally anticipated. Subaru’s promised 300 HP will be present in the STI version, leading us to believe that a G-Sports variant for the GT-86 will bring forth the same amount of power.



This engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual will offer quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission will feature sporty shifts controlled by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifts. Power will be distributed effectively to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.
 
 

Prices

The new Toyota GT 86 will be making its world debut in just a few days at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show. It will go on sale in the Summer 2012. An official announcement for the North American market will most likely be made in Detroit.




The pricing for the car has varied just about every time news about it comes out. It was first reported that it was going to have a price tag of somewhere around $20,000, but recent reports have come out stating that the sports coupe could come at slightly more than $25,000. Either way, 25 grand for a revolutionary new sports coupe from Toyota sounds a lot like a bargain.
 

Competition

The first competitor for the new GT-86 will be its alter-ego with the Subaru badge, the Subaru FT-86. Subaru has promised that its car will look totally different from the Toyota model, as well as the advantage of offering almost 300 HP. Of course, that’s for the STI version, which Toyota may tackle with their own G-Sports variant for the GT-86. Toyota has also promised that its car will be cheaper. Who will win the battle? We’ll find out soon enough.

Looks great


Low center of gravity

Driver-focused



Subaru version will be more powerful

Took too long to finally get here

No prices just yet
culled from: http://autos.yahoo.com/photos/toyota-gt-86-1322520297-slideshow/;_ylt=AtcjJo5DnHyavfcoVolnSXnykOh_;_ylu=X3oDMTRuZDYybXVyBG1pdANBdXRvIFNob3dzIEluZGV4IFBob3RvcyBNb2R1bGUgUlIEcGtnAzM5NDQ5OTRkLWVmYjEtM2VkYy1hMzkxLWM1MTU5YmY2NWI5ZARwb3MDMQRzZWMDTWVkaWFGZWF0dXJlZENhcm91c2VsBHZlcgM5YTRjZTQyYS0xYTEyLTExZTEtYWJiYi1hYjRmOTIyYTM4ZTU-;_ylg=X3oDMTJxNmxwazFyBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDMjk4MDgxZWQtMDUxZS0zZWMyLTk3NWMtNWExZDUyNGIxOTYwBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc3MtZ2FsbGVyeQR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=3#crsl=%252Fphotos%252Ftoyota-gt-86-1322520297-slideshow%252Ftoyota-gt-86-photo-1322520140.html

Hello People, we 've been off air for a while but we have been putting a lot of things in place in other to make this more interesting.
I found something so spectacular and wonderfully fantastic (if theres a word like that) that i had to put it up.
Toyota is really going all out; and all i can say is "Thank God i was born in this Generation!!" my o my!, A new reality in vehicle make and so futuristic, i feel this car should be able to float...at least a little.
We have been unable to access much about it. but trust your boy, we are working hard to unravel the mystery behind this new car from Toyota.

Below is an extract:
A model presents Toyota's concept vehicle Fun-Vii at a pre-Tokyo Motor show reception in a showroom in Tokyo November 28, 2011. The whole body of the concept car can be used as a display space, with the body color and display content changeable at will, and allows the vehicle to function as a terminal for displaying messages or other information, the company said.

 The company said that the new Fun-Vii will offer personalisation options which allow the user to change the functions and appearance of the interior and exterior of the car.

Japanese automaker Toyota Motor (TMC) will unveil the new Fun-Vii concept just at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.










 
The Concept car is 4,020 mm long, 1,745 mm wide and 1,415 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2.750 mm and the whole interior of the car can function as a display space with the interior freely adjustable to match the mood of the moment.


According to the automaker the whole interior of the Fun-Vii concept can function as a display space with the interior freely adjustable to match the mood of the moment.




 

The company said that the content such as navigation information is included into the interior through the use of augmented reality and the car's 'navigation concierge' can provide the passengers with driving information and guidance through a vocal interface.

A network update function makes sure the software versions for the vehicle's drive, control and multimedia system are always up-to-date.




 
 

The world's first 200mph Skoda

The mechanics moving this Skoda won't, as the old joke goes, need a heated windscreen to warm their hands as they push it out of the garage. The Czech firm, once the butt of many an unfair joke, will celebrate the 10th year of its vRS Octavia performance flagship with a 200mph attempt at Bonneville Speed Week in the USA.

The Octavia vRS has become something of a performance icon among car fans, and Skoda is hoping to join the exclusive 200mph club to celebrate its tenth year.

It'll make its 200mph attempt at the Bonneville Speed Week, held on the salt flats near Wendover, Utah. The flats cover around 50 square miles of the state and are famous for high speed records. The more usual hot-rods and racers will be joined by Skoda as it takes an Octavia vRS to Bonneville to attempt to break the magic double ton.



To do so the Octavia vRS has been modified; as fast as the standard car is, its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine's 200bhp isn't quite man enough to achieve 200mph - the standard car stops accelerating at 149mph. To help it on its way to 200mph technicians at Skoda UK's Milton Keynes base have added a massive new turbocharger to the engine and filled the fuel tank with some high-octane race fuel.



The result is 600bhp - more three times the standard output. That should help the vRS achieve its goal, but Skoda's engineers have also dropped the ride height and removed drag-producing items like wing mirrors to allow it to cut through the air more effectively.

To conform with racing regulations the interior is fitted with a full roll cage, a fire extinguisher and a parachute to help it stop. Despite the modifications the vRS qualifies as a production car for the event. It will run in the 2.0-litre production car class.

Robert Hazelwood, Director for Skoda UK, said: "The 10-year relationship between the UK and the vRS badge has been extremely successful. This is a landmark anniversary and going to Bonneville is a fitting tribute. It's also an ambitious project which might surprise a few people, but Skoda is all about engineering excellence and this car is pushing that to new limits."

The car will cover a nine-mile straight on its attempt, with the middle section timed. The car must then run the course in the opposite direction to record its average speed. Bonneville Speed Week takes place on the 13-10 August.

Kyle Fortune

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/10062011/36/world-s-first-200mph-skoda-0.html

The world's most expensive number plates

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/25052011/36/world-s-most-expensive-number-plates-0.html

Top 10 car repairs you shouldn't pay for

Home maintenance isn't what it used to be. Us Brits are no longer renowned for breaking out the screwdriver when the wiring packs up, or taking a wrench to a leaking pipe - longer warranties, insurance policies and a general lack of knowledge mean that we give in all too easily and call in 'someone who knows what they're doing' rather than have a go at fixing it ourselves.




We're no different with our cars. No longer will we get out the spanners and have a go at repairing the thing ourselves - we simply head for the nearest garage and foot the resultant bill. But it doesn't have to be that way.



Basic car maintenance is easier than it looks, so the next time your motor needs a service or a simple repair, why not have a go yourself? Some quick fixes are so simple that it seems practically criminal for motorists to pay for them. Here are 10 easy home repairs/maintenance tasks will save you a bundle of cash - and you might even enjoy doing them.



1. Screen wash top-up



Ever paid for screen wash during a service? Don't! Most garages charge a small fee to top-up the stuff that cleans your screen - but if you've already got a bottle at home then simply fill up the reservoir beforehand. If the garage still tries to charge you then take them to task. It's usually only a few pounds (though some cheeky establishments will charge more than others), but that adds up over the time you own the car.



2. Changing a headlamp bulb



The number of drivers who have never changed a headlamp bulb is astonishing. All you need to do is open the bonnet and whip out the wire that runs into the back of the headlamp, along with the plastic dust cover. Most bulbs are held in place with a clip, which can usually be lifted backwards to release the bulb itself. Simply pop the new one in place, retrace your steps and you're done. Watch out for modern cars fitted with Xenon headlamps or more complicated bulb housings, which make things trickier.



3. Plugs and leads



The bread and butter service items on a petrol-engined car. Spark plugs and HT leads (the wires that transfer power from the distributor to the spark plug) are cheap and easy to replace. The leads are pop-on, pop-off items, but it's always best to replace one lead at a time, otherwise you can risk messing up the engine's firing order. Spark plugs can simply be removed and replaced with a plug wrench. Easy.



4. Oil and filter change



This one's a little more involved, as you'll need to get underneath the car, but as long you have access to a jack and a set of axle stands, there's no need to worry. Simply place a large pan or bowl underneath the sump - the oil pan found underneath your vehicle - open the sump plug and let the oil drain into the container until it has slowed to a drip. Reseal the plug. Then remove the existing oil filter and allow any remaining oil to drain out. Refit the new filter (they're usually screw-on canisters, but newer cars often have paper filters) and top-up the engine with oil from above. Make sure you buy the right grade of oil and use the correct amount as specified by the manufacturer.



5. New battery



Swapping batteries is surprisingly easy. Simply remove the cables from the terminals along with any bolts holding the battery in its tray and lift it out. Drop the new one in, reattach the cables and you're done. Just be careful not to put anything metal between the two terminals.



6. Replacement air filter



Conventional air filters are housed in a plastic box in the engine bay, so all you need to do is open it, take the old filter element out and drop the new one in. Again, modern cars can be more involved, but for the most part it's painfully easy.



7. Minor scratch repair



Small, light scratches can be buffed out of a car's bodywork with nothing more than some polish and elbow grease - removing the need for a costly bodywork repair. Why not do the rest of the bodywork while you're at it? Chances are you'll be chuffed with the results.



8. Tyre maintenance



Changing a set of tyres is best left to the professionals, but you can keep an eye on the condition of the rubber yourself. Use a tread depth indicator gauge (very cheap and widely available) to keep an eye on the amount of life the tyres have left and check the pressures regularly. It's amazing how many people don't.



9. New wiper blades



It sounds silly but wiper blades are another area that often goes unattended and left to the mechanics. Unclipping the old blades and refitting the new (and very cheap) ones can be fiddly, but it's hardly rocket science.



10. Engine's vitals



They're not repairs as such, but keeping an eye on your engine's fluids can mean the difference between motoring harmony and a nasty repair bill. Don't wait for the garage to do it for you - keep a regular eye on the oil, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid levels. Check them once every week or so and your wallet and stress levels will remain healthy.



Note: The above advice is a general guideline only. Vehicles will differ in their exact specification so it is always best to refer to the manufacturer's handbook and, if in doubt, to seek professional assistance. Always exercise the necessary precautions when attempting any of the above procedures.



Jack Carfrae

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/06042011/36/top-10-car-repairs-shouldn-t-pay-0.html

The world's fastest estate car

Tuning company G-Power has modified a BMW M5 Touring to make it the fastest estate car in the world.

The power crazy German firm has added a pair of superchargers to the M5's existing 5.0-litre V10, which, along with other hi-tech tweaks means an overall total of 740bhp.

Such huge figures make the tuned M5 Touring - renamed the G-Power Hurricane - capable of 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and 224mph flat out.

All that power comes at a price, though, as the G-Power Hurricane costs a hefty €242,016.80 (around £204,000).

It takes more than sheer grunt to put all that power on the road, so G-Power has also uprated the brakes and suspension, among other things, to keep the Hurricane in check on a fast run.

Being a BMW super estate, it's also rather luxurious. The cabin is decked out in leather and Alcantara with diamond stitching and there's a full suite of luxuries like a top end sound system. There's even a set of super wide, 20-inch alloy wheels on the outside.

The standard BMW M5 Touring is hardly a slow car - it produces 500bhp and is capable of 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph.

In addition to the fastest estate car in the world, G-Power's other accolades from its modified performance cars include the fastest LPG-powered car, the fastest BMW saloon, the fastest four-seater coupé and the fastest saloon car.

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/22022011/36/world-s-fastest-estate-car-0.html

The Three Most Expensive Cars in The World: $11m to $30m

The world record for the highest price ever paid for a car was smashed recently when a car sold for $30m to an American car museum.

The car was a 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic. Only three of these cars were ever built and it was designed by Jean Bugatti, the son of Ettore Bugatti. The cars were made from aluminium with distinctive riveted seams. This is one of only two of the cars that remain in their original condition: the other is owned by Ralph Lauren.


The car had been part of a Bugatti collection owned by neurologist Dr Peter D. Williamson. Following the death of Williamson in 2008, and the consequent sale of the other cars in the collection (for $15.5m), Gooding & Company brokered a deal on behalf of the family, with the Mullin Automotive Museum. The car is known to have been sold for at least $30 million, although some sources suggest an even higher figure.



Previously, the highest price known to have been paid for a car was for a 1957 Ferrari250 Testa Rossa. This auction carried out by Sotherbys,in Maranello, Italy, in May 2009 saw the car sold to an unknown telephone bidder for $12.2m

This specific Ferrari is considered one of the most competitive racing Ferraris ever built, having won 10 races in North and South America between 1958 and 1961. It boasts a 300 bhp, 2,953 cc single overhead cam degrees V-12 engine, six Weber 38 DCN carburetors and a four-speed manual gearbox. Only 22 of these cars were ever produced.


It would appear that year by year the highest price record is being smashed. Prior to the 2009 auction, in 2008, again at the Ferrari test track, Fiorino, in Italy at the annual Sothebys’ auction, a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Spyder California came up for sale.

This car had previously been owned by actor James Coburn. This time the purchaser was not unknown: it was UK radio and television presenter Chris Evans, who paid $11m for the privilege of owning it.

Following the sale of the Bugatti Leslie Kendall, curator of the Petersen Automotive Museumin Los Angeles, said: “It does sort of recalibrate things in the sense that now, it’s official, certain cars have reached the level of art. People will start paying attention. It’s should be obvious that there are connoisseurs out there who appreciate cars just as much as they do art, fine wine, furniture and sculpture.

“When the first car sold for seven figures, nobody could believe it. Then one went for eight figures, now the Williamson Bugatti. The nine-figure car is out there. It’s just a matter of when.”
“Chris Evans gave himself a present for pulling in a million more Radio 2 listeners – the most expensive car in Britain.

The Beeb DJ celebrated getting a breakfast show audience of 9.5million by paying £12 million for the vintage Ferrari 250 GTO.

His latest motor cost £6,000 when new in 1963.

Evans, 44, who collects Ferraris as investments, flogged at least three from his existing fleet to help pay for it.

Just 36 of the 174mph roadgoing racing cars were made – and Ferrari nut Evans had long dreamed of owning one.

Evans, who has a £45million fortune…. stumped up around 20 million US dollars – and he plans to use the car on the road.”

By C. Jordan:
Read more: http://athingforcars.com/buying-selling/the-three-most-expensive-cars-in-the-world-11m-to-30m/#ixzz1EJmyvxA4

The most expensive cars in the world grace Salon Privé - British Motor Show 2010

1951 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe: About £100,000. The XK120 was the world's fastest production car when it was launched first.

2010 Aston Martin Rapide: £144,950. One of the newest cars featured is also one of the cheapest. Relatively of course.

2010 Lexus LFA: £336,000. Some critics reckon this is a lot to pay for a 'posh Toyota', but the LFA is a proper supercar - and it's sold out.

2010 Maybach 62: £300,170. Reckon size doesn't matter? Maybach's model naming is based around the number of inches in the wheelbase.

2010 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. About £1 million. For a car that's still ostensibly on sale, it's very difficult to put a precise price on it.

1991 - 1995 Bugatti EB110: About £200,000. This is the Veyron's predecessor

1930 Bugatti Type 50: About £150,000. Old Bugattis continue to be sought after by collectors, but the provenance and history of the car mean as much as condition.

1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750: About £700,000. Stunning early Alfa in more than one way.

1935 Alfa Romeo 6C Aerodinamica Spider: Priceless? We believe that this beauty is a one-off following a thorough restoration.

1932 Alfa Romeo Monza: Up to £3 million. From an age where it was difficult to differentiate between sports cars for the road and full-on racers.

1937 Bugatti Type 57C: Up to £6 million. Values for this much-loved Bugatti vary hugely, but most people are in agreement about its gorgeous looks.

1959 Ferrari 196 S: About £2 million. Form and function combine in this late Fifties racing Ferrari.

1997 Ferrari F50: About £350,000. For some reason enthusiasts seem to forget about the F50; it succeeded the F40 and preceded the Enzo and it's a very real supercar.

1960 Maserati 250F: About £450,000. You may have guess from the lack of lighting that this is an early race car; in fact it competed in Formula One.

1956 Maserati A6G-54GT Zagato: About £200,000. The Maserati A6 was built in many different formats and featured bodies designed by several coach-building companies.

2010 Veritas RSIII V10: About £330,000. This open-topped supercar packs a BMW V10 engine and a 216mph top speed - only 30 are to be made.

2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom: £275,990. For the ultimate new luxury car, look no further.




http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/23072010/36/t16/most-expensive-cars-world-grace-salon-p-0.html