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Rumors: Toyota Readying a Supercharged Version of the GT 86?

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Toyota has repeatedly stressed that the GT 86was developed as a pure, fun and easy to drive rear-wheel drive sports car, ignoring the horsepower race and concentrating instead on honing every detail of the chassis set-up.
In fact, the Japanese carmaker was so determined to stay true to its promise that it even included drift tests in its development program. The production model is said to have an estimated 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).
However, almost everyone who has driven the 86 has found it lacking in oomph and, especially, low- and mid-range torque. In other words, you need to rev it hard to get the best out of it.
About a month ago, when the car was still known as the FT-86 and the first details were starting to leak into the web, we unveiled a Toyota Racing Development version of the car with a more aggressive bodykit.
Now, Autocar is reporting that Toyota chief engineer Tetsuo Tada has confirmed that TRD is indeed working on an even more powerful version of the GT 86 and prototypes are already being evaluated.
Despite the fact that Subaru, which provided the flat-four engine, employs turbocharging in its WRX and STi models, Tada said that he prefers supercharging as a way of increasing horsepower and low-end torque. That’s because, in contrast to turbocharging, it doesn’t affect throttle response of turbo lag nor the car’s drivability.
Supercharging has also been used in performance versions of previous Toyota models, such as the IS200, and as an aftermarket, TRD-developed power-enhancing accessory.
Toyota’s chief engineer wouldn’t reveal any numbers, but a 50HP increase in power should be easy.

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Taiwan's Luxgen Launches its First Sedan Model, the Luxgen5 [Videos and Gallery]

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Mazda isn't the only automaker to use its name as a designation for its model series. Taiwan's aspiring new automotive brand Luxgen has adopted the same nomenclature for its range of models that has now been expanded with its first ever four-door sedan, the Luxgen5 that joins the Luxgen7 MPV and Luxgen7 SUV.The newly revealed Luxgen5 is the production version of the Neora EV concept study that was exhibited at the Auto Shanghai 2011 in China earlier this year.
The Taiwanese automaker says it is targeting the medium-large sedan market with the new Luxgen5 that will make its world premiere at the 2012 Taipei Auto Show next April.
According to Luxgen, the four-door model has been created for global markets in mind since its inception. The chassis has been designed with the support of US engineering analysts Altair, while the car was tested by UK safety organization Mira to meet the chassis configuration requirements of local and overseas markets.
Power comes from a choice of two four-cylinder petrol engines, a 1.8-liter VVT Turbo producing 150HP and 23.5kgm (230Nm) that's matched to a 5-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.0-liter VVT Turbo delivering 170HP and 26.1kgm (256Nm), coupled to a 6-speed automatic from Aisin.
The larger displacement engine allows for 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h (131mph).
Other highlights include a full suite of safety features such as ABS, EBD electronic brake-force distribution, a BAS brake assist system, an ESC electronic stability control system and a TCS traction control system, along with a 'jet fighter-style' HUD display and the LUXGEN THINK+Touch infotainment system developed in collaboration with smartphone maker hTC that comes with a large touchscreen incorporated in the center console.
Kudos to Austin Hsu for the tip!

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Report: 2013 Subaru BRZ Prices to Start from Around $24,000 in the U.S.

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According to Motor Trend's newly appointed editor-in-chief Ed Loh who spoke to Subaru representatives during the first media drive of the 2013 BRZ in Japan, the rear wheel drive sports coupe will be available in the States in two flavors, the Premium and the Limited, and similar pricing to the Impreza WRX.
Subaru's people told Loh that they estimate the base BRZ Premium to start in the States from around US$24,000 (€17,900), and the better equipped BRZ Limited from approximately US$27,000 (€20,150).
To get an idea of what these prices mean, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro has an MSRP of US$23,200 (€17,300) with a 323HP V6, and US$32,750 (€24,450) with the 426HP V8. The Nissan 370Z that's fitted with a 332HP V6 starts from US$31,450 (€23,480).
The current 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata with a 167HP 2.0L engine stickers for US$23,190 (€17,300) while the 2011 RX-8 with a 232HP rotary unit for US$26,795 (€20,000).
Subaru reps said that the base BRZ Premium will come equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential, 17-inch alloys, six-speed manual, aluminum pedals, leather steering wheel, shift knob and hand brake lever, an 8-speaker audio system and Navigation as standard.
The Limited model will add several other standard amenities such as leather-Alcantara seats, a boot spoiler and foglights.
Like the Toyota 86 and the Scion FR-S, the BRZ is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine with direct-injection technology delivering 200-horses and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of peak torque.
Story References: Motor Trend



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