By Peter Lyon
As the U.S. government continues its investigation into the biggest recall scandal in Toyota's history, the embattled automaker's bosses clearly have plenty to worry about at present. But the world's No. 1 auto manufacturer is still as focused as ever on the business of making cars and has some fascinating sheetmetal in the pipeline to prove it. Just one look at what's coming in the next five years will cement that fact.
Unusually exciting concepts for Toyota unveiled at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon -- the FT-86 G Sports Concept and the GRMN Sports Hybrid concept boasting a 400-horsepower V-6 and electric motor combination -- garnered headlines around the world, with company CEO Akio Toyoda front and center promoting them on stage. But it's the cars they didn't show at the salon that will launch Toyota into the decade.
As we've reported, Lexus is planning a next-generation version of its aging GS sedan which is expected to hit the market within two years. A GS F version is also reportedly in the pipeline. The question is what will power the super GS. We've recently learned that Toyota is strongly considering dropping a detuned version of the LFA's thumping 552-horsepower 4.8-liter V-10 under the hood of a GS F model. Targeting the likes of BMW's M5 head on, one source close to Lexus tells us that engineers will reduce the LFA's engine capacity to 4.6-liters and drop power to around 450 horsepower, with the aim of generating beefier bottom-end torque, making the new GS Japan's most powerful sedan ever. We had previously reported that the GS F would employ a version of the IS F's 5.0-liter V-8, but forces inside Toyota are apparently now pushing hard for the V-10. Word is that if the V-10 gets the green light, it may appear in at least one other vehicle to help spread the cost.
Another highlight of the GS F will be the incorporation of a Toyota-first rear-wheel 'torque split unit' that channels power between the right and left rear rubber in much the same way as Mitsubishi's AYC system or Honda's SH-AWD unit does, except that the Lexus system will only engage on the rears.
One Lexus we will see a lot sooner however, is the CT 200h five-door hatch, which will debut at the upcoming Geneva motor show and go on sale in January 2011. Dropped onto a Prius platform, and boasting paddle shifters, rear double wishbone suspension, its own unique voltage converter and upgraded power delivery, the CT's main claim to fame will be the implementation of Toyota's first mass-produced lithium-ion battery pack.
A few months after the CT 200h lands in showrooms, we can expect to see a Prius-based five-door wagon entering the market, it too fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack. But while it will be available in two body styles in Europe and Japan -- a wagon and a minivan -- the U.S. market will most likely just get the wagon.
Although some of these plans are subject to change, one thing is certain: all future Toyota models will all have proper floor mats and accelerator pedals, and the hybrids will all employ revised brake systems eliminating the alleged flat spot.
