With all the rumors and anticipation surrounding Toyota's joint venture with Subaru to produce a front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe, the automaker's Supra successor has been put on the news cycle's back-burner. However, according to a report by Best Car, development has continued in earnest since the FT-HS Hybrid Sports Car Concept debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in 2007 and a prototype will supposedly begin making the rounds later this year.

Although the FT-HS was originally due to arrive in 2009, the Toyobaru's parallel development and market conditions have pushed back the introduction of a Supra-successor until 2011. When it hits, expect two versions to be available: a traditional gas-powered model, likely fitted with a 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid "Sports" variant packing the GS450h's 2GR-VSE 3.5-liter V6 mated to the JDM Crown Hybrid's electric drive system and cranking out around 400 hp to the rear wheels. If Best Car's report is to be believed, we could see the next iteration of the FT-HS concept at the Tokyo Motor Show this November, with the production model debuting sometime in 2010 before its on-sale date the following year.



[Source: Best Car via 7Tune]

The JDM Nissan Fuga is due for a comprehensive overhaul, and according to a report by Japan's Holiday Auto, we can expect to see the redesigned sedan at this fall's Tokyo Motor Show.

The sketches above were inspired by a recent batch of spy shots and as expected, the Fuga – which serves as the basis for the Infiniti M in the States – will undergo a thorough exterior makeover, taking cues from the Essence concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show. The headlamps will continue to be stretched further over the fenders, while the taillights and bumper will be more smoothly integrated into the bulbous rump. We're hoping the most interesting element of the Essence – the curved, creased and indented C-pillar – will make a successful transition from concept to production. Expect the Fuga to go on sale in Japan early next year, with the fully-redesigned Infiniti M to debut soon thereafter.



[Source: Holiday Auto via 7Tune]

A "Toyota insider" has supposedly spilled a few more beans to 7Tune about the upcoming front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe the automaker is collaborating on with Subaru, and according to the source, the 2+2 will carry a few of the Lexus LF-A's design cues when it hits the market next year.

Although Lexus' "L-Finesse" styling has remained exclusive to Toyota's luxury brand, certain elements of the language have begun to filter down to the automaker's mainstream models, specifically the recently released Venza CUV. The rendering above hints at some of the lines that could make the cut on the production version of the "086A," but contrary to past reports, 7Tune's tipster says that the Toyota and Subaru versions won't be remarkably different – only the front grille, headlamps and taillights will be unique. The report goes on to say that Toyota is desperately trying to keep the price below the two million yen mark (a little over $20,000) and, coinciding with earlier rumors, Subaru is actively considering offering an STI version of the coupe.

In a related story, ToMoCo's new president, Akio Toyoda – the exec who recently piloted the LF-A around the Green Hell during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring – told Auto Motor und Sport, "This sports culture, which we have neglected for so long, will again be maintained." Toyoda clearly wants to see the automaker back on the radar of enthusiasts and the first example of this newfound focus could find its way onto the stage at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

[Sources: 7Tune, Auto Motor und Sport via Japanese Nostalgia Car]

As of Thursday, Porsche and Maserati are the latest two brands to pull out of the biennial Tokyo Motor Show. That brings the tally to 22 foreign brands sitting out the Japanese showcase, leaving Hyundai, Ferrari, and Lotus to duel for import honors. Said a show spokesman, "It is unprecedented to see such a large number of carmakers not coming to the motor show. It's disappointing."

And even though Japan's 14 domestic makers are expected to show in force, the country's four largest truck makers have said they won't be coming. At least one report has said there will be half as many cars this year as there were two years ago. As with the other brands that have decided to pass on this year's show, Porsche and Maserati cited the cost of attendance.

[Source: Taiwan News]

According to an article in Mag-X (via Temple of VTEC), Honda is hard at work wrapping up the design for the next-gen Civic that's expected to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. As is customary from Honda, the Japanese, European and North American markets are all expected to get their own unique versions of the popular Civic, with Americans getting their preferred sedan and coupe bodystyles and the other countries each receiving differing takes on the hatchback theme.

As you would expect, there will be a hybrid version of the 2012 Civic, and it's again slated to get a 1.5-liter gasoline-powered engine mated to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology. This powerplant will reportedly be shared with the upcoming CR-Z hybrid hatchback where it will be available with either an automatic CVT transmission or six-speed manual.

Hopefully, we'll see how accurate all of this is when the Tokyo Motor Show rolls into town this October, where a production prototype of the 2011 CR-Z is expected to be shown. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

[Source: Mag-X via Temple of VTEC]

Well, it looks like Toyota is committed enough to the Lexus LF-A to at least race it again in this year's 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Just like last year, the rumored on-again, off-again for production luxury supercar is set to tackle the Green Hell in another 24 hour endurance run. That certainly lends some credence to rumors that the company is still considering it for production. The last we heard they were planning on showing a production version of the LF-A in Frankfurt Tokyo.

While we have grown somewhat tired of all of the speculation, the car remains formidable, at least on paper and in the flesh. Driving it will prove or disprove our feelings, but what's not to like about a sexy 600 horsepower, V-10-powered supercar that should offer some of the same driving thrills as a Ferrari Enzo for one third the price? Racing it for 48 hours at the 'Ring can only improve the durability and aid in finetuning. GAZOO Racing is prepping the car for competition this year with just a few minor tweaks to the basically stock platform.

Lexus is also using this as an opportunity to give some young employees a bit of experience developing product under pressure. That will likely help with future product development as well. Hopefully, we will see a production vehicle in October, but until then, we look forward to seeing it under the whip in May. There's a press release from Lexus after the jump.



[Source: Lexus]

Progress to create a hotter, lighter Lexus IS F is ongoing, and according to recent reports from Japan, the IS F Evolution is slated to arrive in the summer of 2010.

Details on the Evolution are still unconfirmed, but as reported previously, Lexus is focusing more on weight reduction and handling than it is on power modifications. According to 7Tune, the harder IS F is likely to shed over 300 pounds, dropping the overall curb weight to around 3,400 pounds. Carbon fiber will be used extensively both inside and out, with more prominently blistered fenders fore and aft, and the costly weave used liberally throughout the interior, including the console and seats. Output will rise to around 422 hp and carbon-ceramic brakes are rumored to be fitted at all four corners. A total of 500 examples will be available worldwide, but with a price of around $250,000 U.S., most Evolutions will be sold in Japan.

If our green tea leaf reading is correct, we'd expect the Evolution to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this year, although judging by the price, don't expect it to be available on U.S. shores.

[Source: 7Tune]

Kei cars have a huge following in Japan and no model has benefited from the sub-sub-compact's cult status more than the Honda Beat. Originally introduced in 1991, the 64-hp Beat was a boon for enthusiasts on a budget, with a 660cc three-cylinder mounted amidships and delivering power to the rear wheels. When production ended over a decade ago, it left a gaping hole in Honda's line-up between the Zest and S2000, and if recent reports are to be believed, the situation will be rectified in 2011.

According to Best Car, Honda is hard at work on the Beat's successor, but unfortunately, the previous model's mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive won't be employed on the next generation. Using the same platform and 660cc engine found underneath the Life and Zest, the next Beat's engine will be mounted up front, sending power to the front wheels. There's also talk of an all-wheel drive variant, but consumers in Japan shouldn't hold their breath. Pricing and a release date haven't been disclosed, but we wouldn't be surprised to find a Beat concept on the floor of the Tokyo Motor Show later this year.

[Source: 7Tune]

As late as last year, Mazda declared it wouldn't offer alternative powertrains in order to meet its goal of reducing the fuel economy of its vehicles by 30% by 2015. Now, Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi has announced the automaker will begin offering both hybrids and electric vehicles in the future, but would only say that the vehicles would be in the Mazda line-up come 2015.

However, Mazda's goal of creating more fuel efficient vehicles won't stop at hybrids and EVs. According to Yamanouchi, "Our new gasoline engines will achieve the same fuel economy as current diesel engines, and our diesel engines will achieve similar fuel economy as existing hybrids." This new engine tech will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show this October.

Yamanouchi said that Mazda "will be able to offer affordable eco-friendly vehicles to 90 percent of the car-buying public, not to just a limited segment of the market." This line of eco models will feature reduced weight, improved aerodynamics, start-stop engine technology and lower rolling resistances. Mazda hasn't decided to begin offering a diesel engine in the States, but it could be in the cards, and Yamanouchi made it clear that the new engines and their corresponding technology wouldn't be shared with Ford, although Mazda is open to selling the technology to the Blue Oval.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

With the D-3, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Lamborghini and other automakers, pulling out of this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota is rumored to have a big showing to capitalize on the lack of reveals this October. According to InsideLine's correspondent in Japan, Toyota will unveil the production version of the Lexus LF-A, originally expected to debut in Frankfurt. The V10-powered, 600-hp supercar's future was in doubt late last year, but the on-again-off-again coupe won't be the only two-door gracing the Toyota stage.

The collaboration between Toyota and Subaru on a new coupe is also rumored to make an appearance in Tokyo, although it's unclear if the Toyobaru will debut as a concept or a production model. Based on the current Impreza platform, the rear-wheel drive will coupe will be powered by a Subaru-sourced flat-four with a new Toyota-developed head that will decrease emissions and increase fuel economy while returning an estimated 220 horsepower.

Toyota is also expected to show off a range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, along with new EV and battery technology. But the automaker will have four fewer days to show off its wares to the public – the show has been cut down from 17 days to 13, running from October 23 to November 4.



[Source: InsideLine]