Tomica Toyota Crown models

Those are my first ever Tomica models, part of the Limited Vintage series, in 1/64 scale. They are very nicely made and I am very pleased with the level of detail for such small model cars! The models you see are:

• Crown Owner Deluxe - gen. 3 (LV-118b)
• Crown 2600 Royal Saloon - gen. 5 (LV-N83)
• Crown 2000 Eclair - gen. 6 (LV-N74b)

New Lexus LS arrives in 2017

The all-new Lexus LS should be introduced in May 2017 and it is going to use the new FR platform that the new LC 500 has first adopted. Based on that, it is expected that the new LS will be wider than the current model. Changes are also coming in terms of the powertrain, as Lexus is downsizing from the current 5.0-liter V8 engine with hybrid drive to a 3.5-liter V6 one, again with hybrid drive. The gasoline only LS is also likely to come with a smaller engine, but it is not certain yet, based on the info leaked.

An F Sport version will also become available and this time, Lexus is planning to use a turbocharged V8 engine in order to compete with Mercedes’ S63 AMG. During the second half of the model life, a new powertrain will be added. Scheduled to be released in 2020, a hydrogen fuel cell version will hit the markets, but the biggest surprise will be the introduction of the LS 250t. Power will come from a 2.5-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Rumors suggest that Lexus is going to use cameras instead of door mirrors, as they are now legal in Japan (since June 17). The LF-FC concept showcased this technology and Lexus will definitely try to introduce it with the new LS.

Specifications:
■ Expected announcement date: May 2017
■ Total length x total width x height: 5,100 x 1,915 x 1,470 (mm)
■ Engine: 3.5L V6 + hybrid drive

Source: Mag-X via Car Sensor

All-new Toyota 86 coming in 2020

The  recent facelift is going to keep the current 86 for four more years on the market, until August 2020 when the next-gen 86 will be introduced. The new model is going to be slightly shorter than the current model, measuring 4,195 x 1,775 x 1,290 mm, while power will come again from a natural aspired boxer engine. The engine will have a displacement of 2.4-liters and according to Mag-X, the power output will be increased by 31 ps (238 ps), while the torque will go up by 4.4 kgm (26 kgm).

Source: Mag-X

Lexus LC-F is on the works with 600 ps!!!

Best Car magazine has published today an image of how the new Lexus LC-F will look like, along with the information that it will be powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, capable of producing 600 ps! I shall get a copy of this issue soon, so more info coming :-)

Toyota Land Cruiser J70 2014 brochure!

The production of the Toyota Land Cruiser J70 stopped back in 2004, but in 2014, Toyota decided to put it into production for just one year! That was for celebrating the 30th anniversary of the model and I have to admit that it was very nice move from Toyota!!!

I wish I could get on of those, but since it was not possible, at least I was lucky enough to get hold of one of the brochures...!

You can see the complete brochure after the jump (click on 続きを読む »)!

New Toyota Century to be introduced in 2017

A new Toyota Century (トヨタ・センチュリー) is under development and it should be introduced in Japan next year. Improvements will be made to the 5.0-liter V8 engine (2UR-FSE) and an electric motor will be added. The engine is expected to deliver 394 ps, while the electric motor should deliver 224 ps. Of course, the powertrain will be coupled to a 4WD system.

The exterior design will be very close to the FS prototype that was presented back in 2012, a modern evolution of the existing design. The Toyota Century is handmade by skilled craftsmen and it is produced mainly for the Japanese market, serving as Toyota's flagship car within Japan. Production of the Century began in 1967 and the model received only minor changes until a redesign in 1997. So, you can easily understand that its design “represents” Japan.

In contrast to other luxurious cars, the Century has not been positioned and marketed as a sign of wealth or excess. Marketing literature states roughly that, "the Century is acquired through persistent work, the kind that is done in a plain but formal suit."

Source: 新型車情報2016

Lexus UX SUV coming in 2019

Mag-X magazine has published information about the new CT-based SUV, which will be badged as Lexus UX, coming in January 2019. The new UX (internal code 100B) will be based on the next-gen CT model. The UX dimensions are likely to be 4400 × 1800 × 1560 mm and it will compete with Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1. 

The article mentions the UX 200 name, suggesting the use of 2.0-liter engine, but a UX 250 and UX 250h are also going to be available. The hybrid version though may use a smaller engine such a s a 2.0-liter one.

Source: くるまン

Toyota Soarer 2.0 (GZ10) Red scale model

Yet another beautiful model arrived today straight from Japan! This is a Toyota Soarer 2.0 (GZ10) Red model in 1/43 scale by ignition model (IG0366)! The specific model has lowered suspension, 14" wheels, front lip spoiler, dual muffler and BOX TSX-10 rear speaker!

As background info, The Toyota Soarer (トヨタ・ソアラ) was a luxury GT coupé sold by Toyota in Japan from 1981 to 2005. The third generation (Z30 series 1991 - 2000) is more commonly known as Lexus SC 300/400, while the fourth generation (Z40 series) as Lexus SC 430.