Avensis BTCC racer undergoes wind tunnel trials

Toyota's next-gen BTCC racer, based on the Avensis, is undergoing extensive wind tunnel testing at the UK’s leading aerodynamic analysis facility, MIRA.

Built by GPR Motorsport, the Avensis racer will make its competition bow in the opening rounds of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch on 3 April.

The NGTC Avensis was joined in the MIRA wind tunnel by a road-going model, on which TOCA technical staff had installed a rear wing to help establish a baseline for the car’s aerodynamics. “We needed to fix a position for the rear wing, based on the aerodynamics of the road car, which gave the levels of downforce we were looking for,” said the championship’s technical director, Peter Riches.

“I am pleased to say that this was quickly achieved, and it means that we now have a base line for all cars built to the NGTC regulations and have saved a lot of development time and potential expense for the teams.”

Toyota FT-86 II Concept to be unveiled at Geneva!!!

Subaru has already announced that it will show a concept of its FT-86 version at the Geneva Motor Show (earlier post), but apparently Toyota plans to do the same!!! Toyota Motor Europe has released a teaser photo showing the FT86 II Concept! As you can see, the new "concept" has larger headlamps and it looks a bit more aggressive IMO.

Scoop on new Daihatsu Copen!

The new issue of Mag-X magazine is coming out and this is a scoop on the new Daihatsu Copen! It is reported that a new 2-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection will be fitted. It's a shame that we will never have the change getting it in Europe...

Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A: G's / STi versions to get turbocharged engine

BC's article about the upcoming FT-86 doesn't reveal much new info, just that the top versions, badged as G's and STi, are very likely to be powered by a turbocharged engine. The naturally aspired FB20 engine, which will power the standard versions, will produce 180 ps and 20.5 kgm of torque. That's less than the expected 200 ps, but I guess as the launch date approaches, more accurate info will be revealed.

The low weight should enable the FT-86 to be among the "greenest" cars in its class (earlier post), and the estimated fuel efficiency is 17.5 km/L (10.15 mode). The overall dimensions of the FT-86 (L x W x H) are 4,160 x 1,760 x 1,260 (mm).

Lexus GS-F arriving earlier than expected - powered by V6 engine!

Back in December, it was reported that the mighty Lexus GS-F would arrive as early as 2012 (earlier post). Well, BC (which I consider it as very well informed source) claims that the GS-F will actually arrive in August 2011!

Other information revealed include that power will come from a 3.5 L V6 engine plus an electric motor, a combination which will result in a fuel efficiency of 13.0 km/L (10.15 mode). This "F" hybrid machine will be pricey though, with an estimated price tag of... ¥ 9,000,000!

Lexus CT to get the "F" treatment?!

The Lexus CT 200h was released this month in Japan, and already rumours have started suggesting that an "F" version is around the corner. Best Car magazine has published an interesting article, which mentions that the CT-F is one year away. Don't expect great thrills, it's not going to be like the IS-F. 

The plan is to fit the oily (2.4 L) and electrical bits of the HS 250h into the CT. This move will add 51 ps, which should be able to make it faster, taking into consideration that it's a small car. Hmm, it sounds like a... hybrid GT sort of thing.

Nissan Fairlady Z (Z34) scale model by HPI

This HPI scale model of the Nissan Fairlady Z Z34 (aka 370Z) arrived today, but unfortunately it is damaged as the steering column has been broken. Anyway, I just thought that it would be nice to post some photos of it before returning it back. The level of detail is really impressive!

More photos after the jump!

Toyota Celica (ST165 & ST185) scale models by HPI

Today, those two beautiful scale models arrived!!! Both are made by HPI and they are in 1/43 scale. The red model is a Celica GT-Four GR.A (ST165), while the second model is a Celica Turbo 4WD (ST185).

More photos after the jump!