Toyota is reportedly on the brink of deciding to make accelerator pedals shorter in millions of vehicles, as a fix to a problem with floor mat sticking that has led to a 4-million-vehicle recall.

Kyodo News reported that Toyota has set aside about $5 million to cover the cost of the change and would make it for free at U.S. dealerships. However, Toyota safety and quality communications manager Brian Lyons told Consumer Reports that the company is "not ready to announce anything." He said Toyota is "still developing vehicle-based remedies and still in open discussions with NHTSA."

The vehicles recalled for the floor mat issue are the 2007-'10 Camry, Tundra and Lexus ES 350; the 2005-'10 Avalon and Tacoma, 2004-'09 Prius, and 2006-'10 Lexus IS 250. At least one fatal accident has been blamed on the sticking mat causing the accelerator pedal to become stuck in the fully engaged position.

Toyota Motor Sales' official statement about the recall says: "Recent events have prompted Toyota to take a closer look at the potential for an accelerator pedal to get stuck in the full open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A stuck-open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death."

The Canadian publication Wheels said today that Toyota still has not sent letters to Canadian customers about the floor mat issue. The publication quoted a Toyota Canada spokesman as saying the company is still conducting a review with Transport Canada before sending out any notification but has issued an alert on its Web site to tell Canadian customers about the issue.

Source: InsideLine

Well, we suppose that in a country where supercars and ultra luxurious sedans and SUVs of all sorts are as common as Fords and Chevys here in the States, it's only fit for the UAE's police forces to patrol the roads and highways of the capital city of Abu Dhabi in a Nissan GT-R. Albeit less extreme that Italy's Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, a 485-horsepower GT-R in full police livery is an extremely rare sight whichever way you see it.

Source: CarScoop

Mazda Motor Corp. will reduce its vehicle weights by at least 220 pounds beginning in 2011, with a combination of lighter-weight materials, smaller vehicle footprints and new engineering processes, a top executive says.

The typical Mazda vehicle has gained 80 pounds with each successive redesign, “mostly in larger tires and wheels, and safety equipment,” said Robert Davis, senior vice president of product development and quality for Mazda North American Operations.

For example, the curb weight of a base 2003 Protege sedan was 2,634 pounds. The Protege evolved into the redesigned, 2,696-pound Mazda3 sedan in 2004 and ballooned into the 2010 Mazda3, which weighs 2,868 pounds.

Reducing a vehicle's curb weight by 220 pounds will improve its fuel economy 3 to 5 percent, Davis said in a speech here to the Motor Press Guild.

Source: AutoWeek

Toyota has announced it is withdrawing from Formula 1 with immediate effect, becoming the third carmaker to quit the sport in less than 12 months.

Following months of rumours about the Japanese manufacturer’s future, the F1 team’s parent company the Toyota Motor Corporation revealed following a board meeting on Wednesday that it had taken the decision to pull out of the sport following eight seasons without a win.

In its statement announcing the move, Toyota said that while it had remained determined to compete in F1 in the face of the worldwide recession that started towards the end of last year, it had now revised its position with the F1 spend not fitting into its mid-term business plans.

“Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces it plans to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) at the end of the 2009 season,” the Toyota statement said.

Source: ITV

Hennessey Performance Engineering is well known for its modified American muscle. However, next week at the 2009 SEMA Show, Hennessey will show a modified 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe that pushes an outstanding 500-hp.

The Hennessey 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe features a Hennessey Custom Single Turbo System, Precision 66 mm ball bearing turbocharger, Tial blow-off valve and 44 mm wastegate, a HKS boost controller and upgraded injectors and fuel pump. All that allows for a total of 500-hp at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 465 lb-ft. 0-60 mph comes in just 3.9 seconds and a quarter mile run takes just 12.4 seconds.

Source: eGMCarTech

We've been keeping tabs on Rhys Millen Racing and their construction of a V8-powered, mid-engine Hyundai Genesis Coupe for the last few weeks. Called the RM460 Genesis Coupe, this car will make its official debut at SEMA in early November, but we've got the first rendering of the exterior right here for ya.

As we've mentioned before, the engine is the 4.6-liter Tau V8 normally found under the hood of a Hyunda Genesis sedan. The Gen Coupe's rear seat has been tossed to make room, and the V8 has been upgraded with eight individual throttle bodies, a set of JE pistons and an AEM engine management system that all work in concert to bump power to 500 horsepower. In order to make the engine accessible back there, RMR also replaced the trunk lid with a carbon fiber rear hatch that's vented and hinges near the roof line.

Being a SEMA car, there's hardly a bolt or nut on this car that hasn't been modified. The stock transmission was swapped out for a Mendeola five-speed sequential gearbox and the stock suspension augmented by a set of KW coilovers. HRE 560 Series 20-inch wheels, Toyo T1R tires and a StopTech braking system round out the hardware upgrades. The exterior, meanwhile, features an RMR Signature Edition kit with carbon fiber spoilers and custom RM ONYX HD paint job by BASF. The interior sports seats plus alcantara and carbon fiber trim panels from Sparco, and there's a boomin' sound system by Infinity as well.

We're interested less in the RM460's flashy bits than what the car means. It's a rolling test bed for how far both the Genesis Coupe and the 4.6-liter Tau V8 can be pushed, and hopefully RMR will pass all that knowledge onto Hyundai for incorporation into future iterations of the Genesis Coupe.

Source: AutoBlog

Toyota's new rear-wheel-drive sports coupe could be called the Celica, autocar.co.uk has learned. The concept version of the car, which is being co-developed by Toyota and Subaru and is due to go on sale in 2012, was unveiled at this week's Tokyo motor show.

The concept, badged FT-86 in homage to the Toyota Corolla AE-86 GT, is being developed to increase the company's credibility among young Japanese buyers. As a result, the Celica name is reported to be being evaluated by Toyota as its history resonates with its target audience. However, no final decisions on the name have bene made.

Toyota has charge of the car's concept and design, while Subaru is supplying hardware including the engine, six-speed gearbox and possibly suspension. The car will also be built at Subaru factories, as it has spare capacity at present. However, the car, which engineers describe as front mid-engined because the engine is so short and can be cited so far back, sits on a new rear-drive platform, which can be adapted to four-wheel drive, an option Subaru is said to be evaluating.

Source: Autocar

We were told for a while that at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan will show something called a Nissan GT-R SpecM, a more refined and toned down GT-R with more luxury equipment and interior trims. Well here it is, the Nissan GT-R… and that’s it – no SpecM badging.

Known as the New-Spec Nissan GT-R, Godzilla undergoes a few enhancements including a revised navigation system with iPod connectivity, recalibrated suspension settings that improve ride quality and an improved-flow catalyst system.

The models will go on sale next spring in the United States and will still carry the same 3.8L twin turbo V6 engine making 480-hp.

Source: eGMCarTech

While the regular Subaru 086A is expected to be exactly the same as the Toyota version albeit with subtle exterior/interior styling differences, it’s the high performance STi version that’s getting the most attention now that the FT-86 Concept has broken cover ahead of this month’s Tokyo Motor Show. The standard 086A of course utilizes Subaru’s EJ20 flat-four boxer engine with D4-S direct injection, an Aisin 6-speed gearbox and a rear differential as used on the Lexus IS250/350. The rumored output of 200PS has been quoted once again as to be “almost certain” but a conflicting rumor from another source sets the output as being as low as 160PS. Nevertheless, the STi Version should answer people’s prayers for more power.

Holiday Auto (HA) reports that the STi Version will use the EJ25 2.5L engine that’s expected to produce between 240 – 250PS which is enough, HA say, to turn the 086A into a true performance car. An EJ25 turbo also hasn’t been ruled out, it seems that the Toyota/Subaru partnership have gone to great lengths to listen to what customers want and if the voices are loud enough, may come through with a boosted 086A STi. In keeping with the Impreza WRX STi, the 086A STi Version will apparently get wider front and rear guards to accommodate a wider track with wider wheels and tires. The know-how gathered from tuning the suspension for the WRX STi will be used to improve the 086A’s handling characteristics, although HA stop short of saying the parts will be directly carried over. We should also expect some additional STi only aero parts such as a unique front bumper and rear trunk spoiler to give the STi Version a more motorsports inspired look.

Although it’s not confirmed yet, there’s a strong possibility the Subaru 086A STi Version will be shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show or not long after at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon and will hit showrooms shortly thereafter.

Source: 7tune

Love the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution but looking for a little more refinement and class? Until now, Mitsubishi offered only two variants of the Lancer Evolution sedan including the GSR and MR. Well, meet the new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring, the range topping Evo with a $40,990 price-tag that moves the hot Mitsubishi sedan into luxury car territory.

The two biggest differences you’ll notice between the GSR, MR and the MR Touring trim-levels are the MR Touring’s standard power glass sunroof and the standard lip spoiler. Power still comes from the 2.0L DOHC MIVEC turbocharged engine making 291-hp with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft. All that is sent to the wheels through a 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission with magnesium steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring also gets heated leather RECARO front sports seats and heated side mirrors.

Add a $1,999 navigation system package and other accessories (see the list after the jump) and your fully-loaded 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring can hit a whopping price-tag of $52,728.

Soruce: eGMCarTech

Mark your calendars! Toyota has announced that the Toyota FT-86 Concept will be unveiled at the Toyota Metapolis site on October 23, 2009, a day before the general public viewing dates start at the Tokyo Motor Show!

For those of you not familiar, Toyota Metapolis is a virtual city created by Toyota for visitors to learn about Toyota’s newest products, concepts, and events. The virtual city even has residential areas, museums showcasing Toyota prototypes, a shopping center, and an event hall (perhaps where the FT-86 unveiling will take place) that can host up to 1000 avatars.

At the FT-86 unveiling on Oct. 23, visitors will be able to tune into a virtual unveiling, followed by an opinion exchange session. Toyota will be logging the opinions by visitors so be sure to make your opinions heard as they may be taken into account with respect to the car’s final production design. Games and quizzes will also take place and visitors may complete a survey in return for a gift.

Thanks for the tip, Jason!

Source: FT86Club

Porsches smack of success. Hondas preach practicality. And, according to a recent report, Chevys proudly proclaim of their owners, "I don't use the Internet."

Your car implies more about your life than you might think. While 13% of Chevy owners don't use the Web, by contrast, less than 3% of Honda owners remain in the technological Stone Age. The antithesis of flashy, Honda owners are usually pragmatic and well educated; 70% boast a college degree or higher, compared with 35% of Chevy owners and 45% of Ford owners.

The data was released in the spring as part of this year's New Vehicle Experience Study by San Diego-based market research outfit Strategic Vision.

"Honda buyers buy primarily for the trust and dependability they find in our vehicles," says Honda spokesman Chris Naughton. "Typically, highly functional vehicles deliver less image because customers didn't purchase for image."

Education level and computer savvy are just a couple of the things your car says about you. We collected demographic data on 10 prominent auto brands from the manufacturers themselves, as well as from neutral sources like Strategic Vision. It turns out, your wheels also give clues to your age, gender, income level and marital status--even your political leanings.

Mini Mindset

If you'd like to cultivate an image of sophistication, try buying a Mini Cooper. The line of Lilliputian hatchbacks appeals to urbane buyers with median incomes of around $125,000. But aside from wealth, Mini owners are a tough bunch to pin down, demographically speaking, since the car has broad appeal.

"It's a certain mindset," says Nathalie Bauers, spokeswoman for Mini USA. "People who relate to the brand, there's no age to that."

Bauers says Mini owners fall into four categories: brand enthusiasts, who relish the car's British racing roots; design aficionados, who like the car's simple elegance; social butterflies, who want to be part of the Mini community; and gas misers, who crave the Mini's fuel efficiency.

Some of the latter group trade down from trucks and SUVs not because they feel financially crunched by high gas prices, but because they want to be conscientious and reduce their impact on the environment. These "right-sizers" like the Mini's eco-friendly image; all Mini models get at least 34 miles per gallon on the highway. Says Bauers: "Many of our customers are people who get a smaller car because it's the right thing to do."

Gray Area

While Minis appeal to several different types of people, owners of the classic English luxury vehicle Rolls-Royce can't be pigeonholed beyond the fact that they're rich.

"As you can imagine, our customers do not really take surveys," says Rolls-Royce spokeswoman Karen Vonder Meulen. "The one common thread that all our customers share is a passion for life and most truly love cars."

Indeed, well-known Rolls owners range from royal families to rappers. Recording artist T-Pain, who ranks No. 9 on Forbes' Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, owns North America's first Rolls-Royce Drophead.The fire-engine-red coupe boasts a 12-cylinder, 453-horsepower engine and a top speed of 150 miles per hour. Base price: $435,000.

Similarly, the Bentley trademark screams wealth--typically at least $5 million in investable assets, to be precise--but in a softer voice than some of its competitors.

"Our cars aren't as brash as some other performance-car manufacturers," says Stuart McCullough, a Bentley board member. "We tend to be understated, quintessentially English. That reflects the mood and style of our customers."

Such restraint can be considered especially important in the current climate. With unemployment rates skyrocketing around the world, many auto enthusiasts would rather drive an understated gray Bentley than a flashy red Ferrari.

"The most opulent part of a Bentley is on the inside," says McCullough. "Rich people are very aware of how others see them at the moment, the choices they make. Now is not the right time to be seen to be spending money when you're laying people off at your factory."

A note to those wealthy employers: Think twice about splurging on even an understated new car. If you see scads of Hondas in your company parking lot, their savvy owners may be wise to your ways. If you only see Chevys, you might be able to get away with it.

Source: Yahoo

In less than a month's time, the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas will play host to all things aftermarket including an array of specially tuned models such as the "GReddy X Gen Street Genesis Coupe". Working in conjunction with Hyundai, the folks over at GReddy are preparing a modified version of the entry-level Genesis Coupe with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Japanese tuner's goal is to increase output from 210HP and 223 lb-ft of torque to 350HP and 320 lb-ft with a 0-60mph time under six seconds.

Mechanically, the Genesis Coupe benefits from an upgraded turbo, a large front-mounted intercooler kit, a SE Spectrum Elite cat-back exhaust system, MX racing downpipe, Type-S fully adjustable coil-over suspension, six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers and various other mods.

In terms of styling, GReddy offerings will include an lip spoiler, carbon fiber hood, rear wing, Volk Racing G2 alloy wheels shod in Toyo performance tires plus special graphics.

The coupe's interior will feature a set of Sparco racing seats, modified gauges, boost controller and a turbo timer as well as a remote switching system.

According to GReddy, all of the parts designed for the Genesis Coupe show car are planned to be released as a production kit while the firm also plans to make additional engine modifications, pushing output closer to 500 HP.

Source: CarScoop

It looks like accidents involving Nissan's new GT-R are piling up lately. The most recent incident took place in Vancouver, Canada, when a Nissan GT-R driver hit the launch control button a bit too early and flew right over the entrance of the VanCity Credit Union landing into the ATM machines. Of course we're just kidding about the launch control part but the rest really happened as you can see for yourselves in the photo gallery below.

According to News1130's website that reported the mishap, the Nissan GT-R's driver suffered some light injuries but luckily no one was around when the car crashed into the bank.

Source: CarScoop

Since last year, we’ve been hearing about a new sports car from Toyota and Subaru that will be priced around $20,000 and would give the two brands something to be proud about. However, both automakers were very good at keeping their upcoming sports coupe out of way of spy photographer lenses and never really talked much to the media about it in terms of when it will be available or what it would be called. In fact, the car’s nickname eventually became “Toyobaru,” which to say the least, we hated.

However, today we get our first look at what Toyota and Subaru have been working on with the new Toyota FT-86 Concept, which will make its world debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Inspired by the sporty 1980s Corolla AE86, the production version of the FT-86 will carry a 2.0L boxer Subaru engine sending power to the rear-wheels.

Developed jointly with Fuji Heavy Industries, which owns Subaru and which Toyota owns 16.7 percent of, most of the mechanical work on the production FT-86 will be completed by Subaru while the overall design will be created by Toyota’s ED2 styling studio in France (who also worked on the FT-86).

Toyota and Fuji Heavy plan to have the FT-86 on the roads by 2011. Subaru will get its own version of the car. Prices are expected to start around 3 million yen ($33,700 USD) in Japan and around $20,000 in the United States.

Source: eGMCarTech