gavriil

We now know that we need AWD for sure in the next 2-3 years. Unless a whole new RWD platform is in the works for the CL. Why? Here is what Toyota is preparing:

Toyota has yet to turn a single Formula One lap, but the company is already making hay with an F1-inspired MR2 (sketch) and a high-powered Lexus IS 430.
To complement Toyota’s much-publicized entry into Formula One next year, the Japanese automaker showed off a range of hot concept cars at the late-November motor show in Essen, Germany.



Leading the charge is a reskinned version of the MR2 packing a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 255 hp. Boasting styling cues and the distinctive red-and-white paint scheme from Toyota’s new F1 race car, the low-slung two-seater is being considered for low-volume production, according to insiders at Toyota’s German-based motorsport division, which is responsible for its construction.

Also debuting at Essen was a 396-hp supercharged V8-powered 4.3-liter version of the Lexus IS, a concept aimed at cars like the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG. The Lexus concept also boasts height- adjustable suspension, an upgraded brake system with six-pot brake calipers, exterior styling kit and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Three other concept cars produced in a cooper-ation between Toyota Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor-sport also were shown, including a 236-hp 3.0-liter V6 MR2, a 197-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged Celica and a 148-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter version of the Yaris (Echo in the United States). We don’t know about the 3.0-liter MR2 or the Celica, but at last check, U.S.-based Toyota Racing Development had until year-end to decide whether to bring a similar performance-tuned Echo to the States.

gavriil

2 things:

1. Can we be certain that, that IS430 will be faster than the M3? I am 99% sure. On the track? We'll have to wait and see if the car will make production.

2. How the hell did they fit a V6 in that MR-2? You look at how the 1.8 liter 4 is packed and you are sure that, that is all that can fit in there. Hehehe... Interesting.

M5 Lite

Where have you been man? I sorta missed the weekly updates on "Whats Hot" in the mags

gavriil

Hehe... Thanks. I have been very busy with work, etc. Business travel takes a lot out of ya...

I do follow the news the same way as before though. This time at magazine stands at various airports though (and on the Internet). :P

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...threadid=54846

Shoofin

You should hear all the talk at our office about it....hehehe...Oh yeah, rumor has it a GS500 will be in the mix for the next redesign of the GS series to go after the M5/E55 german's..
Ed

Red Nj-s

A supercharged V-8 in the is? That would kill the weight distrobution. I would think the v-6 in the lightweight MR2 would hurt too, but thats why i'm not their engineer.

gavriil

I woud agree with the IS comment but not with the MR2 comment. The MR2's engine is in the middle so you can add a heavier engine without doing much damage in the weight distribution. Unlike when doing it in a car where the engine is at the front. The same will apply for the NSX when it gets that infamous V8. I hope. PLus V8s and V6s nowadays do not have much difference in weight. Engine manufacturing has come a long way these days. Probably 25 to 35 pounds difference I would guesstimate.

I think that the V8 in the IS is supercharged ONLY "for show". After all, all concepts are extreme. The production versions are always milder.

I do think that Lexus will produce a V8 version of the IS though. Something like 300-320HP. To go after the M3. Which means that the M3 will be coming with a V8 soon too. I know we have heard a lot of rumors around that, but it is probably closer now than ever. Maybe another year and a half.

A V8 in the IS will transform the car though guys. The M3 too. Mainly because of torque reasons. Imagine 320+ pounds of torque at a 3200 pound car? Well, look at a C5 Vette.

e1828

Next GS redesign is due in late 2003 as a 2004 model right?.. are they bumping up GS300 to GS350 and what are hp and torwue numbers for GS500?? NO info anywhere regarding this online .. espo not at clublexus.com

Red Nj-s

Area they going to make a new inline 6-gte or go with the camry V-6 for the 3.5. I would think they would just develop a new 3.5 liter V-6 to put into many cars, and then jus turn it around for rwd duty in the GS, but who knows.