2009 Tokyo Auto Show Preview: Production Lexus LF-A Supercar, Toyota-Subaru Seda
03-24-09, 11:35 AM
#1
2009 Tokyo Auto Show Preview: Production Lexus LF-A Supercar, Toyota-Subaru Seda
[size=10pt]TOKYO — Right on the heels of the announcement that the 2010 British Auto Show is off comes news today from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association that the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show, slated for late October this year, will be shortened by four days. But at least it's still on — and Toyota will make an extra effort to help stimulate the show-going public, a source tells Inside Line.
Some excitement will be generated by the fact that Toyota's new president, Akio Toyoda, will be taking over in June. Sure to be more interesting to the show-going public is this tidbit: the production version of the 600-horsepower V10-powered Lexus LF-A supercar, our source says, will not make its debut in Frankfurt but instead will be unveiled in Tokyo.
Another highlight of the Toyota stand will be the reveal of a project rumored to have been put on hold — the Toyota-Subaru jointly developed rear-wheel-drive sedan that employs an Impreza platform and drivetrain. To improve mileage and emissions of the current normally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine, Toyota has developed a unique head unit for the boxer powerplant, said to generate around 220 hp. Toyota will also display a full range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as the latest EV and battery technology.
JAMA made the painful decision to cut short the 41st Tokyo Auto Show in large part because of a growing number of no-shows. In addition to the U.S. Big Three, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, Lamborghini, Hino Motors, Isuzu, Mitsubishi Fuso (trucks and buses) and Nissan Diesel have all announced that unprecedented economic conditions are forcing them to cancel their participation.
As the financial crisis continues, this list is expected to grow. Chinese and Korean carmakers will also stay away. That is why JAMA, which earlier this year seriously considered canceling the show altogether, has also decided to downsize the area used from the normal four halls to possibly two at Chiba prefecture's Makuhari Messe site, one hour east of Tokyo.
Originally scheduled to run from October 23 to November 8, the show's new closing date will be November 4.[/size]
ffpowerLN says: Although still a rumor from a "source", this is still great news. At least something worth looking forward to for this year's Tokyo Auto Show...
03-24-09, 02:45 PM
#7
Assuming that the Tokyo show goes on, and that this unnamed 'source' quoted by Edmunds is accurate...this is a welcome rumor but I'd like to see more verification...we'll see come Nov.
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03-24-09, 03:12 PM
#9
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I know we are talking about something more than six months away but it is difficult to read it as bad news if you are waiting for the LF-A. The fact that there hasn't been any "official" cancellation of the LF-A is a good sign. The rumor, reported by Edmunds, that a production version will be at the show in Nov. is also very positive. I won't deny that I do not think that there is as much upside to bringing this model out as others think but that may be my personal prejudice. But if you are seriously waiting to buy one, I am not, then this is good news considering the state of the economy.
The worst part right now is that six months is an eternity in this economy. A few really bad months of sales and nothing will be sacred. To think that this announcement "guarantees" the LF-A in the near future is folly IMO. It sure could be worse if you are looking forward to it. As for me, I would prefer someone start a sticky thread with the projected mid cycle refresh and model replacement dates for Lexus. But that's just me.
The worst part right now is that six months is an eternity in this economy. A few really bad months of sales and nothing will be sacred. To think that this announcement "guarantees" the LF-A in the near future is folly IMO. It sure could be worse if you are looking forward to it. As for me, I would prefer someone start a sticky thread with the projected mid cycle refresh and model replacement dates for Lexus. But that's just me.
03-24-09, 11:15 PM
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600 HP Production LF-A to be unveiled at Tokyo Auto Show
TOKYO — Right on the heels of the announcement that the 2010 British Auto Show is off comes news today from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association that the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show, slated for late October this year, will be shortened by four days. But at least it's still on — and Toyota will make an extra effort to help stimulate the show-going public, a source tells Inside Line.
Some excitement will be generated by the fact that Toyota's new president, Akio Toyoda, will be taking over in June. Sure to be more interesting to the show-going public is this tidbit: The production version of the 600-horsepower V10-powered Lexus LF-A supercar, our source says, will not make its debut in Frankfurt but instead will be unveiled in Tokyo.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=144846
Some excitement will be generated by the fact that Toyota's new president, Akio Toyoda, will be taking over in June. Sure to be more interesting to the show-going public is this tidbit: The production version of the 600-horsepower V10-powered Lexus LF-A supercar, our source says, will not make its debut in Frankfurt but instead will be unveiled in Tokyo.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=144846
03-25-09, 07:05 AM
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Although not explicitly stated, the comment following that Edmunds article strongly implies that it was written by veteran Japan correspondent Peter Lyon, who has a high credibility rating in my book.
Of course, if the economy gets much worse before it gets better, all bets are off. Nevertheless, on a scale from 1-10, I give this story an 8 as far as the LFA, with a 6 or 7 for the Toyobaru coupe aspect.
Of course, if the economy gets much worse before it gets better, all bets are off. Nevertheless, on a scale from 1-10, I give this story an 8 as far as the LFA, with a 6 or 7 for the Toyobaru coupe aspect.
