Toyota Supra is DOA, FJ Cruiser won't be refreshed, more hybrids on the way
08-15-2008, 04:29 PM
#1
Toyota Supra is DOA, FJ Cruiser won't be refreshed, more hybrids on the way 
Originally Posted by Damon Lavrinc @ AutoBlog
A report by Automotive News detailing Toyota's future products reveals that the automaker's focus will be realigned to meet new fuel efficiency standards and limiting high-powered and niche offerings.
On the hybrid side, the new Prius will debut in Detroit, with sales beginning in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model. The nickel-metal hydride battery will remain, and because of that, the plug-in model will be delayed until a lithium ion battery is offered. The new Prius will be packing the Corolla's 1.8-liter four cylinder and the car will be an inch wider and a half-inch longer. The second hybrid model might not come to Detroit, but development is currently under way and sales will be limited to Japan.
The Supra revival has been shelved due to high mpg requirements, allowing Toyota to focus on its RWD coupe, jointly developed by Subaru. Also, there's only room for one body-on-frame SUV from the automaker, so the 4Runner will be re-engineered for the 2010 model year, will debut in either New York or Chicago, and the FJ Cruiser will complete its lifecycle and be dropped in the next few years.
The Sienna and Venza will be equipped with hybrid drivetrains in 2012, with the Sienna receiving a facelift late next year, along with more cargo space and room for third-row occupants.
The report goes on to state that the Corolla will be redesigned in 2013, along with the Matrix, the next Camry will receive a facelift in 2010, with the new model debuting in 2012, and the new Avalon will debut in 2011 as a 2012 model.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
On the hybrid side, the new Prius will debut in Detroit, with sales beginning in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model. The nickel-metal hydride battery will remain, and because of that, the plug-in model will be delayed until a lithium ion battery is offered. The new Prius will be packing the Corolla's 1.8-liter four cylinder and the car will be an inch wider and a half-inch longer. The second hybrid model might not come to Detroit, but development is currently under way and sales will be limited to Japan.
The Supra revival has been shelved due to high mpg requirements, allowing Toyota to focus on its RWD coupe, jointly developed by Subaru. Also, there's only room for one body-on-frame SUV from the automaker, so the 4Runner will be re-engineered for the 2010 model year, will debut in either New York or Chicago, and the FJ Cruiser will complete its lifecycle and be dropped in the next few years.
The Sienna and Venza will be equipped with hybrid drivetrains in 2012, with the Sienna receiving a facelift late next year, along with more cargo space and room for third-row occupants.
The report goes on to state that the Corolla will be redesigned in 2013, along with the Matrix, the next Camry will receive a facelift in 2010, with the new model debuting in 2012, and the new Avalon will debut in 2011 as a 2012 model.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
08-16-2008, 01:32 AM
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Wow, didn't think they would actually shelf the supra, but it is hard times. As mentioned, one less competitor. Bet you the peeps awaiting the supra aren't too happy.
08-16-2008, 04:24 AM
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08-21-2008, 02:18 AM
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A new Supra would've been nice, but yeah I see this as a up-coming trend. I was thinking the other day; how long before GM kills the new Camaro?
The affordable high-horsepower/low gas-mileage scene is going to fizzle away folks. It's 79-84 all over again. Cars are going to be neutered for MPG, until we figure out how to make better cars and/or the whole "energy crisis" takes a back seat.
The affordable high-horsepower/low gas-mileage scene is going to fizzle away folks. It's 79-84 all over again. Cars are going to be neutered for MPG, until we figure out how to make better cars and/or the whole "energy crisis" takes a back seat.