2012 Toyota 86 GTS | Review, Price, Information

Toyota Australia has dramatically redefined the concept of an affordable sports car with the arrival of its eagerly awaited Toyota 86 coupe.

Designed to delight driving enthusiasts, the compact and aerodynamic four-seater sports car is priced from an amazingly low $29,990.

The 86 marks a return to Toyota's sporting roots with the world's only combination of a front-mounted, free-revving, horizontally opposed "boxer" petrol engine and rear-wheel drive.
This unique powertrain format, combined with a compact design, light weight and a low centre of gravity, produces the best possible power-to-weight ratio.

These attributes will reward 86 owners with maximum driving pleasure - lively, accessible performance and highly engaging dynamic abilities with minimal electronic intrusion.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said Toyota was determined to ensure the great handling and performance of the 86 would not come with a hefty price tag.

"The 86 is meant to be enjoyed by as many driving enthusiasts as possible, and our pricing will extend its appeal to people who never imagined they could afford such a fun car," Mr Callachor said.
"Toyota has created something that people have wanted, but didn't exist - a compact, light, basic sports car with balance and handling rated in the same league as some legendary sports cars," he said.

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.

 The GT 86 is a genuinely lightweight machine that offers the intimacy and involvement of a car that can be driven as though an extension of the driver's body. In this way, it perfectly recaptures the exhilarating spirit of the last of the AE86. And, with numerous customisable parts, its shares its predecessor's aim to be an affordable car that will evolve with its owner.
source:netcarshow.com,topspeed.com,ultimatecarpage.com 

2013 Lexus LS 460 | Review, Price, Specification

With its dynamic handling, bold new design and superior craftsmanship, the 2013 LS flagship models hail the future of the Lexus brand as it embarks on its third decade in the premium luxury category. While retaining many of the qualities that have defined Lexus for more than 20 years, the LS reaches new heights with an exciting blend of beautiful design, modern refinement and advanced technology.
The 2013 Lexus LS line-up includes the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL hybrid, and the first-ever LS 460 F Sport. LS 460 and LS 460L are available in RWD and AWD. The LS Hybrid is available with a full-time AWD system.

The all-new Lexus LS 460 F Sport combines a more aggressive exterior with a unique sport interior featuring F Sport seats with larger bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and genuine aluminum trim. With a sport tuned air suspension that has been lowered 0.4 inches, a Torsen® limited slip rear differential (RWD model), Brembo six-piston caliper brakes, and 19" forged wheels with summer or all-season tires, the LS F Sport promises to be the most engaging LS ever.

The entire 2013 Lexus LS lineup is refined with dynamic, fresh styling that reflects the bold new face of Lexus. The aggressive spindle grille gives the new LS a greater road presence and stronger brand identity while heralding a significant improvement in driving dynamics, responsiveness and handling.

The 2013 LS lineup will consist of the LS460, LS460L, LS600hL hybrid, and the LS460 F-Sport. Both the LS460 and LS460L will be available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The LS600hL hybrid is available with a full-time all-wheel drive system.
As for the F-Sport model, we’ve already seen the more aggressive exterior, while the interior will feature F-Sport seats with larger bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and genuine aluminum trim. The sport-tuned suspension lowers the vehicle 0.4 inches, while a Torsen limited-slip rear differential is installed in the rear-wheel drive model. Six-piston Brembo brakes peek behind the 19-inch wheels.

Plenty of new features are seen in the new 2013 Lexus LS models, including the Advanced Illumination System (AIS), which is an all-LED interior lighting system. Lexus Climate Concierge is also available, which is a customizable system that uses multiple sensors to automatically regulate the temperature inside the cabin. The system also works with the climate control seats and heated steering wheel.

Also, a massive 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multimedia display is seen in the dash, allowing wide viewing angles for driver and passengers.

The Lexus LS was already giving models like the Audi A8 and the Mercedes S-Class a run for their money, but with its new updates, the LS will provide an even bigger challenge.

The Mercedes S-Class is also preparing to enter a new generation, but if Mercedes doesn’t step up to the plate, the S-Class will continue to miss the mark on the elegance and refinement of a high-end luxury sedan. One good thing to come out of the S-Class is its vast engine choices, but willi t be enough to compete against the new LS?

On the other hand, we have the Audi A8, a model which recently entered its third generation. Unlike the S-Class, the A8 is a very elegant car, with a great exterior look and a highly refined interior. It comes with a 4.2 FSI V8 engine that delivers an impressive 372 HP and, unlike the LS, can go up to 155 mph.source:netcarshow.com,topspeed.com,autoguide.com