Toyota slighted again

Yep. Car and Driver is looking for sporty cars and that's the last thing that Toyota's lineup makes one think of.

It's baffling why Toyota doesn't bring back the Celica, MR2, and/or the Supra. Of course, some of us also think it's baffling why Toyota doesn't offer a 2-door 'sporty' coupe version of the Prius. I guess Toyota thought that making bland beige boxes was the key to continued to success and possibly forget that they built their reputation on making interesting cars that brought earlier buyers to the brand.

 

You call those Toyota sports cars? Those aren't Toyota sports cars. Now this? THIS is a Toyota sports car:

#!

No wonder they got rid of em' ... when they now make this 100% carbon fiber screamer. Holy molie ... those other things are just kiddy toys in comparison.

 

I saw this LFA at the LA auto show. It is now painted grey. The white looks much better IMO.

http://clublexus.com/forums/lfa-mod...0-from-pearl-white-to-smoky-granite-mica.html

 

business case and small numbers

It is unfortunate that Toyota doesn't make much in the way of anything sporty anymore. However, I think the part of the problem is that there might not be a good business case for the above cars. They might end up being money losers and if they're priced too high, there will be no buyers either -> money loser. (The Nissan 300ZX apparently got really pricey and the 96 model year was the last.)

Sports cars don't sell very well, as in, not in large numbers, other than the Mustang and now Camaro.

FWIW, the Celica, by many accounts is hardly a sports car. It's FWD (wrong wheel drive to many) and never was really powerful.

Now, the LF-A starts at $375K but sells in limited quantities and many accounts say that Toyota's said they won't be making any profit on it.

Take a look at Nissan 370Z sales last year at Nissan North America Sales Rise 27.7% in December; 18% for Year -- FRANKLIN, Tenn., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --. Although this isn't an apples to apples comparison, look at 350Z sales for 04 and 03 at Nissan Reports Best Calendar Year U.S. Sales in History; CY04 Sales Up 23.7 Percent Over CY03. (First model year of the 350Z was the 03.)

Look at MX-5 Miata and RX-8 sales via the attached .xls at the top of MAZDA FINISHES 2010 ON A HIGH NOTE | MazdaUSAMedia.

Compare to Toyota at http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/document/December_10_Sales_Chart.pdf and all the mainstream models from all of the above car makers.

 

That gives them more credibility not less. Most enthsiasts, dealers, owners and Mazda themselves think of the MX-5 as the Miata.

The MX-5 Miata Pit Stop: MX-5 Miata.net

Mazda MX-5 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

MazdaUSA - Wireless Tour

 

I agree. Toyota should have something sporty to fill out their line which seams otherwise pretty complete.

They also seem to have canceled the Camry Solara in the USA as well.

It would be nice to see a 'hot' version of the Camry, Matrix or even the Prius.

 

Toyota does have a car that is supposed to be sporty and fun to drive - 2009+ Matrix S and XRS.

But, it is pretty much universally regarded wherever you look - C&D, Consumer Reports, on and on, etc.... repeat x3 ...

that the Matrix is not much 'fun to drive', or 'try the Mazda 3 before buying one' (C&D) , '.... Matrix isn't engaging to drive..' (Consumer Reports). It's a Corolla Wagon and we all know how fun Corolla's are to drive. eek.

I drove a 2009 Matrx XRS on a long backroad and it just didn't feel lively going around corners. Also, I don't like the interior design - it looks kinda hokey to me. I much prefer the new Mazda3 interior which is very sleek and sophisticated. Gosh I wish Toyota would step it way up on their interior designs.

I drove a 2011 Mazda3 five door Grand Touring about 20 miles, and tell you what, that is a nice little car to drive. Sounds like most 4 cylinder small cars, but was a very good car, almost bought it.

About Coupes, keep in mind they are more challenging to get in and out of even the front seats with the longer doors.

I don't think Prius should be made in a coupe form, no. It's a Prius bro. Look to the CT200h for a sport hybrid.

 

Ha! I'd forgotten that, and I owned a Vega.

 

Nice spotting!

 

In Australia a "sports car" can also be a useful car like the Toyota Race Developments, Aurion

Faster, better acceleration and better fuel consumption than the 2 V8 4 door sports car made by GM(H) and Ford and with more interior space to boot. Oh but it is FWD while the others are RWD. Only 3.5 litre V6 while the dinosaurs from GM(H) and Ford are 5 to 6 litre V8s
Australia's most popular race category is V8 supercars, 4 door Holden GM(H) and Ford only need apply. Other makes are specifically excluded.

I should add, it comes in red!!

 

It's related to Camry but doesn't share all that much. The Arion has higher torsional rigidity than Camry.