Whether they planned to show it in full just yet, or whether it’s in response to a couple of US car magazines jumping the embargo, Lexus today revealed a full shot of the new concept car. Called LF-LC, in line with Lexus concept naming nomenclature, it will be revealed in full at the Detroit motor show in January.Conceived as an ‘excercise to explore the future of Lexus design’, the LF-LC was created at the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California.

Lexus 2012 Design Concept

Lexus are just starting to tease us with images of the new concept car to be revealed on 9th January at the North American Motor Show in Detroit. The exterior teaser isn’t showing us very much other that a big brake duct looking a little Ferrari 458-esque. But the interior image shows some lovely organic curves, a raked seat, showing it’s going to be a coupe, and lovely combination of stitching, leather, cloth and steel or alloy on the paddle shift.

No doubt we’ll be getting some more before the big day, stay tuned for details…..

Lexus Concept Car teaser images

Lecus Concept Car Interior Teaser Image

When Toyota left Formula One, it did so with the stated aim of stimulating club racing and using the budget saved to promote motorsport on a national basis. It’s great to see this chassis, which looks like it could be really good fun.

Yaris B Club Racer

Yaris B 2012 club racing series

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TOYOTA YARIS CLUB B-SPEC CLUB RACER FEATURES

EXTERIOR
- Toyota Le Mans GT-One inspired graphics
- OMP tow hooks

INTERIOR
- Autopower Industries 8-point SCCA-spec roll cage
- Autopower window net
- OMP AFFF 2.8L fire system
- OMP HTE FIA race seat
- OMP 805 6-point FIA harness
- OMP WRC steering wheel
- RLC Racing Track Commander data acquisition system

TIRES/WHEELS
- Hoosier Racing Tire A6 P205/50ZR15
- Enkei RPF1 15×7

SUSPENSION
- Cusco Zero-3 Series Suspension kit
- Cusco Center Lock Pillowball Upper Mounts

BRAKES
- Pagid RS29 brake pads

POWERTRAIN
- Toyota 1NZ-FE 1.5 liter with VVT-i
- AEM Performance Electronics EMS Series 2
- Beta Motorsports cat-back exhaust
- Church Automotive Testing custom tune
- Joe Gibbs Driven XP1 Racing Oil
- Joe Gibbs Driven Super Speedway Gear oil
- K&N air filter
- K&N oil filter

CONTRIBUTORS AND SUPPLIERS
- AEM Performance Electronics: aemelectronics.com
- Autopower: autopowerindustries.com
- Beta Motorsports: betamotorsports.com
- Church Automotive Testing: (310) 518-4966
- Cusco: cusco.co.jp/en
- Enkei: enkei.com
- Garage Graffix: garagegraffix.com
- Hiro’s Auto Repair: hiros-auto.com
- Hoosier Racing Tire: hoosiertire.com
- Joe Gibbs Driven: joegibbsdriven.com
- K&N Filters: knfilters.com
- OMP: ompamerica.com
- Pagid: braketechnology.com
- RLC Racing: rlcracing.com

It’s good to see show cars that are actually built to do something, rather than just showcase products. This BAJA racer is a great example. The race truck is a grassroots effort of Long Beach Racers, a group of Toyota enthusiasts who specialize in racing Toyota trucks in Baja. The truck is currently in contention for the SCORE Stock Mini class championship.

Modifications include a TIG welded, SCORE approved roll cage with the Long Beach Racers trademark “low profile” rear cage design to keep the rear view clean, custom Bilstein 60mm race shocks, 35-inch BFGoodrich Project Tires on 16-inch TRD Baja Series wheels, Hella HID lights on custom mounts on the bumper and in place of the exterior mirrors, PCI Race Radio and intercom systems, Mastercraft race seats, harnesses and window nets, Defined Engineering Spring-Under kit, CMI Carbon Fiber skidplates, MBRP Exhaust system, 50 gallon fuel cell, TRD Big Brake kit, and a custom wrap that incorporates the TX Baja Series graphic concept.

Tacoma Racer with 'low profile' roll cage

In addition to competing at the BAJA 1000, the Long Beach Racers Tacoma can also be expected at the Off Road Expo, Supercross, Dew Tour, and 2012 SCORE races.

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LONG BEACH RACERS TACOMA MODIFICATIONS

- A TIG welded, SCORE Approved roll cage with the Long Beach Racers trademark “low profile” rear cage design to keep the rear view clean
- Custom Bilstein 60mm race shocks
- 35” BFGoodrich Project Tires on 16” TRD Baja Series wheels
- Hella HID lights on custom mounts on the bumper and in place of the exterior mirrors
- PCI Race Radio and intercom systems
- Mastercraft race seats, harnesses and window nets
- Defined Engineering Spring-Under kit
- CMI Carbon Fiber skidplates
- MBRP Exhaust system
- K&N Air Filter
- 50-gallon fuel cell
- TRD Big Brake kit
- Custom wrap that incorporates the TX Baja Series graphic concept

Partners/Contributors:
Long Beach Racers, Bilstein Shocks, BF Goodrich Tires, TRD Wheels and brakes, Hella Lights, Defined Engineering, PCI Race Radios, Mastercraft Safety Equipment, Turn14 Distribution, Nitro Gear, Toyota Motorsports Technical Center, CarbonFiber.com, K&N, MBRP Exhaust, CMI composite skidplates, Racer.com, Wahoo’s, Blue C, Skull Candy, Spin Imaging, Red Car Brewery

Tacoma Racer interior

Now this one’s my favourite so far. The Oakley Surf Tacoma.

Built using a Toyota Tacoma 4×4 pickup equipped with a V6 engine and TRD supercharger that putting out 304 horsepower, the truck was customized for Oakley by Smithbuilt to be a Surfing Big Wave Assault Machine. Additional performance modifications include a Flowmaster stainless steel exhaust, an Icon stage 3 lift kit, Billet top A arms, new leaf springs for added height, a new front coilover system, and Walker Evans 17 x 8 bead lock wheels with a flat black finish mounted to BF Goodrich 285/75-17 all-terrain tires.

Inside modifications include Wet Okole Hawaii custom embroidered seat covers, Topstitch interior modifications on the door panels, head liner and carpet kit throughout, a Kicker sound system and an Oakley icon.

This Tacoma is a surfer’s dream, equipped with a purpose-built roof racking system for heavy hauling and can be accessed with ease for surf bag stowage and multiple board storage. The truck bed system, which has storage for wet suits and other gear, also comes with an ice chest for the beer and barbeque grill. Meals and cold drinks can be enjoyed under a shade system that is equipped in the back of the roof rack system. Living comfort is also achieved with and integrated shower system. Illumination is supplemented with Vision X lighting in the bed and front driving lights.

After SEMA, the Oakley Surf Tacoma will follow the waves and appear at all Oakley surf competitions. Surf’s up!

OAKLEY SURF TACOMA SPECIFICATION

TACOMA 4X4
- TRD Supercharged (304 horsepower)
- K&N air filter
- Flowmaster stainless steel exhaust
SUSPENSION
- Icon stage 3 lift kit
- Billet top A arms
- New leaf springs for added height
- New front coilover system
BUMPERS
- Front – Arb Rear – Custom – Mike Smith Fabrication
- Arb deluxe bull bar
- ARB winch kit
- Two – eight-inch Vision X HID’s
- Mike Smith Fabrication rear bumper and tire rack
ROOF RACKING SYSTEM/REAR BED – MIKE SMITH FABRICATION
- Customized to hold 6-8 surf boards
- Custom access doors
- Integrated driving light by Vision X
- Oakley net system for extra storage
- Integrated shower system
- Custom storage system throughout truck bed
WHEELS AND TIRES
- Walker Evans 17 X 8 bead locks/flat black finish
- BF Goodrich 285/75-17 All Terrain Tires
INTERIOR
- Wet Okole Hawaii seat covers custom embroidered
- Oakley icon
- Topstitch interior mods to include door panels, head liner and carpet kit throughout
- Kicker Sound System
EXTRAS
- Storage cooler
- Storable barbecue grill
- On board air compressor supplied by VIAIR Corporation
- ARB rear canopy

PARTNERS/CONTRIBUTORS
- ICON
- BFG
- Walker Evans Wheels
- Vision X lighting
- Smithbuilt
- ARB

On display at the 2011 SEMA Show Toyota exhibit will be the all-new 2012 Camry Pace Car, which will lead the field for the start of the 54th running of the Daytona 500® on February 26. It will be the first time a non-GM, Ford or Chrysler nameplate has paced the “Great American Race®.” David Reutimann, Camry Sprint Cup Driver for Michael Waltrip Racing, will be on hand to talk about the Camry Pace Car during a press conference at the SEMA Show in the Toyota exhibit on Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.

The Camry Pace Car is based on the all-new 2012 Camry SE, which carries a powerful 268 horsepower V6 under the hood. It is specially-equipped with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric tires mounted on BBS RS 8.5 x 19 wheels, a StopTech Big Brake Kit, TRD custom stainless steel exhaust and Tein adjustable suspension. Safety equipment includes a roll cage, four-point Simpson racing seat belts, Whelen LFL Liberty LED lightbar, and an on-board fire extinguisher.

Toyota has previously provided pace vehicles at several NASCAR tracks, including Auto Club Speedway of Southern California, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, Dover (Del.) International Speedway, California’s Infineon Raceway, Kansas Speedway, Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, Richmond (Va.) International Raceway, Wisconsin’s Road America and Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

As ever, there’s a lot of Toyota / Lexus content at SEMA. We’ll be bringing you the highlights as we come across it. First of is this info from Toyota USA about a limited edition Tacoma….

Inspired by Toyota’s Baja racing heritage, the TRD developed truck reveals bold graphics with its concept name “Baja Series.” The truck will elevate the capability of Tacoma’s TRD Off-Road pickup to a new level of fun and function.

All Tacoma T|X Baja Series models will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio and are scheduled for launch in late spring 2012.

“The Tacoma has long been the sales leader by a wide margin in the compact pickup segment thanks to its well-earned reputation for stellar quality, durability, reliability and off-road capability,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “The limited edition TRD T|X Baja Series adds another chapter to Toyota’s truck legacy by offering a new level of capability for off-road enthusiasts.”

Toyota has a rich Baja racing truck heritage that dates back nearly three decades and includes numerous titles at the legendary Baja 500 and 1000. Toyota’s desert racing program has inspired the development of numerous TRD off-road focused products and packages over the years including the Tacoma PreRunner and TRD Off-Road packages for both Tacoma and Tundra. Last year, Tacoma’s Off-Road Package was enhanced with the launch of the TRD T|X and T|X Pro packages. TRD now takes Tacoma off-roading to the next level with the development of the T|X Baja Series.

2012 Tacoma BAJA edition

The T|X Baja Series is currently undergoing final testing for application on both the Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4×4 models equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. Expansion to include PreRunner models is also being considered. The Tacoma T|X Baja Series is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine with either six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions. In addition to an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) currently equipped on the TRD Off-Road package, the limited edition T|X Baja Series adds BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) and bead-lock style off-road wheels with an exclusive Gun-Metal Gray finish, TRD Cat-back Exhaust, increased front ride height of nearly two inches and unique Baja Series graphics.

The front suspension has been upgraded to include 60mm piston Bilstein race shocks with TRD coil springs that feature a protective zinc plated body and a one inch increase in wheel travel. The rear suspension is equipped with 50mm piston Bilstein race shocks with a remote reservoir to increase shock oil capacity for greater heat dissipation and damping sensitivity. The rear shocks also include a zinc-plated body and a 1.5-inch increase in wheel travel. Additional information about the Baja Series, including pricing and ordering information will be available in early 2012.

The T|X Baja Series will be part of a 2012 Tacoma line that is updated with a restyled front end and a refreshed interior in all models. Exterior changes include a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps and front bumper, among other changes. Inside, Tacoma has a new center-instrument panel design with a revised gauge cluster, along with a new steering wheel. A redesigned center stack adds new air conditioner/heater controls and power point locations.

The 2012 Tacoma interior also gets a new look with a black high-contrast center console, switch plate covers, dash and upper door trim, while the SR5 grade features a new seat fabric design. Tacoma offers new heavy-duty all-weather flooring option for 2012 on Tacoma Access and Double Cab models equipped with a V6 engine. The more specialized TRD Sport and Off-Road packages also feature new water-resistant fabric protection seats.

All if this week, the Internet, Facebook and Twitter have been trending on the new lap record of the ‘Ring by a Lexus LFA. The naysayers have been claiming that unless it’s a Porsche, it couldn’t possibly be a record. After all, only a 911 can set lap records around the Ring for production cars.

Low Flying Lexus LFA

The exact car is one of the 50 special editions of the 500 global production run. To me it now looks like it’s something they’d been planning all along. After all, why call this model the Nurburgring edition if you don’t have a good reason to? Lexus developed the LFA using the ‘Ring as a benchmark, so it seems natural to complete the process by setting a new record.

You can see some pretty spectacular Ring Laps on YouTube and some scrappy ones too. This lap is neat and tidy where needed but committed too. However, the best thing is that engine noise and the snappy downshifts. Turn up your speakers and enjoy…

Lexus are choosing a perfect platform to announce the new GS300 today, the new car breaking ground at the prestigious Pebble Bech Concours d’Elegance in California. Here’s a few of the important facts from the Lexus press information:

The bold grille spindle design is to be carried over into other future Lexus designs
Wide stance means that future Lexus will be designed to inspire and reward drivers with more precise handling
Full hybrid and F Sport versions available
Objective of the design was to provide more engaging driving experience
All new multi-link rear suspension

No news yet on the engines and transmissions of the new range, but the F-Sport sounds very interesting…. The full Lexus UK press information is reproduced below, plus the official unviel video from Pebble Beach

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• Bold and dynamic design featuring the new face of Lexus
• Improved driving dynamics
• Packed with innovative performance and safety technology
• Spacious interior with a contemporary and sophisticated feel

Lexus unveiled the new GS at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California on Thursday, 18 August. The car will reach the UK market in 2012.

The new GS brings a more engaging driving experience, bolder design and a more spacious, contemporary interior, heralding a new chapter in the history of Lexus.

Starting with the bold spindle grille – set to be a signature feature of future Lexus models – the new GS conveys an air of confidence. This is supported by a redesigned chassis with a wide, strong stance that clearly signals the new GS is designed to inspire and reward driver participation with crisp and precise handling.

Lexus engineers challenged themselves to develop a more spacious interior environment for the new GS. Leaving exterior dimensions virtually unchanged, they increased cabin and boot space to create a richly appointed interior that will transport passengers and their luggage in comfort, regardless of distance.

The new Lexus GS will be launched in early 2012, including hybrid and F-Sport versions. For the UK there will be the GS 450h full hybrid and GS 250 petrol engined derivatives. Details will be announced later this year.

A New Personality, An Invitation To Drive
Designing the new GS to be both strong and agile was a key focus of the engineering team. Their main objective was to provide a more engaging driving experience. To achieve this they created a new aerodynamic body, a wider stance and stiffer structure, a transmission with quicker changes and distinctive engine sound and exhaust note.

The revised platform is more rigid compared to the current model thanks to an increased number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track, wider by 40mm at the front and 50mm at the rear, works in combination with a revised suspension design to give a more assured stance and superior cornering performance.

The new suspension system is designed to guide the GS through corners with precision. In the front, aluminium upper and lower control arms employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, the improved geometry enhancing rear-end control. With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shock absorbers can use lighter-viscosity oil, responding faster to small inputs.

The use of aluminium reduces unsprung weight and results in significantly improved agility, ride comfort, body control and steering precision. Ventilated disc brakes featuring four-piston aluminum front calipers are equipped with the latest electronic enhancements to provide braking balance and control.

Attention To Detail
The precisely sculpted exterior of new GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality, expressing a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy which will be applied to future models.

This is evident in details such as the fins incorporated into the side of the tail lamps and the design of the boot area, each helping to direct air over and past the car.

The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours integrates into the aggressive front bumper to allow for efficient airflow. This distinctive Lexus design feature, combined with the deep-set, high-tech headlamps and L-shaped LED daytime running lamps, express the vehicle’s confident and dynamic character. The headlamps use a projector beam design, adding a strong, chiseled appearance and excellent illumination.

From the side, the GS projects the image of a spacious performance saloon with a road-hugging stance. The tapered lower door sills and the short front overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion while width-enhancing wheel arches add an athletic stance, suggesting the vehicle’s dynamic abilities.

The rear bumper features a diffuser and centered aero fins to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped LED tail lamps, a Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a high-performance appearance.
Even the paint technology has been developed to make subtle bodylines more noticeable and the surface appear finely polished. New colours will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus engineers also developed a new coating technology which makes the paint appear more radiant, the additional metallic texture giving both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights.

Spacious Interior with Premium Upgrades
Painstaking attention to detail has been applied to the GS cabin to create a balance of luxury, technological amenity and emotional design. Focused around the driver and the driving experience, it also provides more space for all occupants, increasing the comfort of both front and rear passengers. The new layout of the long, sculpted dash gives the driver and front passenger a sense of roominess through its clean centre stack and large high-resolution display screen. Most of the comfort and convenience controls such as audio and climate are relocated to provide a cleaner and more sophisticated dash layout.

A redesigned seat frame and changes to the steering column give increased comfort and better forward visibility to the driver. Revised door openings offer easier entry and exit and boot access is improved with a wider, deeper opening. Luggage capacity has been increased by almost 25 per cent.

The interior includes a number of embedded premium features as standard equipment. A new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow uses the occupant-detection system to focus airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated, a first-in-class technology. A next-generation Remote Touch with one-push confirmation is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive operation of climate, audio and phone controls as well as use of the navigation system and more. A standard reversing camera helps add security and convenience.
The finely crafted cabin detail is complemented by ambient lighting that unobtrusively welcomes and guides the user into the vehicle, providing a carefully designed experience. New white LED lights are sequentially lit to illuminate the areas around the doors, centre console and footwells. A new analogue clock, carved from an ingot, adds an unexpected touch.

Cabin materials include three types of wood and meticulously detailed contrast stitching is used as a visual accent around the interior to create a rich, tailored interior space.

Integrated Safety Systems
In addition to enhanced braking systems and an impact-absorbing body structure, the new GS offers significant advances in both passive and active safety systems as standard equipment.

Among the class-leading 10 airbags in the new GS, there are knee airbags for both driver and front passenger. Rear seat occupants have seat-mounted side airbags, and all four outboard occupants are equipped with side curtain airbags.

New Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats increase the likelihood that occupants will be in the optimum position at the moment of impact, enhancing the protective effect of the seatbelt system. Standard seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiters used for front and outboard rear seats add to occupant protection.

Options include a pre-collision system, which uses the dynamic radar cruise control system to provide early warning of upcoming objects that might result in a collision. The system also uses a first-in-class infrared camera to monitor the driver’s eyes. If the driver is not looking forward when a collision appears imminent, the system will sound a warning sooner than otherwise. If the driver still does not respond and make the appropriate manoeuvre, the system will initiate braking up to two seconds prior to impact, helping to lessen the severity of the collision.

Other available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility in the dark; Head-Up Display (HUD); a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). GS is the first in its segment to offer LKA with active steering torque to provide a small assistance in maintaining course, while the LDW feature alerts drivers if they begin to drift out of their lane.

Seamless Connectivity
Next-generation Lexus multimedia brings a host of standard entertainment and connectivity enhancements, including enhanced Bluetooth® capability with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.

GS drivers will get DVD audio and video compatibility, MP3 sound enhancement, 5.1 Surround Sound, and a high-resolution eight-inch central control display centrally located high up in the instrument panel.

Cars fitted with the navigation system will have an industry-first 12.3-inch high-resolution multi-media screen, large enough to support simultaneous, split-screen viewing of a large map display, plus audio, climate or other vehicle information.

For the ultimate in audio performance, an 835-watt, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is available. The system provides 7.1 Surround Sound through 10 channels using a new class D Digital amplifier and efficient Green Edge™ speakers that are lighter, more energy-efficient and have less distortion. The new system produces almost three times as many watts per channel versus the previous generation.

Twenty Years of Toyota Enthusiasm

With a current membership of around 150, owners travelled from all over Great Britain as well as abroad to attend the meeting including Raf Evers from Belgium who attends every year with his family in a 1970’s Hiace Campervan just one of his 36 Toyota vehicles. TEC’s main focus is on the models of the 1970s and 1980s, the hey-day of the Celica, Cressida, Crown and Corolla. Members own some of the finest original specification examples of these Toyota rarities in the UK. A good example is Bill Sykes from Cumbria who purchased his 1974 Celica ST in 1977 and has kept it ever since. The club provides a valuable network to help when it comes to sourcing parts, specifications or providing advice on restoration and maintenance. The quarterly club magazine, TEC-TOPICS, offers a wealth of information about every aspect of owning and running a classic Toyota, whether it is 20 or 40-plus years old.

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To help TEC celebrate its 20th anniversary, Toyota presented the club with a large cake and sent its own Castrol competition-liveried 1990s Supra GT to join the display.

Peter Hunter, Editor of TEC-TOPICS said, “This 20th Anniversary National Meeting was the most successful we’ve had in recent years with over 30 per cent of club members there to celebrate the occasion. Our shared enthusiasm for Toyotas of the past meant that we had a great variety of cars from the 1960′s to the 2000′s and everyone enjoyed the party – and the anniversary cake.”
For Toyota owners wishing to find our more or become members more details can be found at www.toyotaenthusiasts.com.