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The Japanese Emperor's role isn't about being a ruler. It is about being a prayer who attends ceremonies for the good of Japan, to wish for the people's welfare with all the humility of having the privilege.

As such it isn't often that they are the center stage to a celebration. This ascension ceremony this year is an exception, and such festival of being in the spotlight, is one of very few events in the life.

The post The 10 minutes of Toyota Century Royal Open Top, you might never see for another decade or more. appeared first on Club4AG.

Toyota's Japanese (Global) branch arm Gazoo Racing Brand, which is making a few headlines in recent years, have been leaking bits of plans for late 2020 and into 2021.

Before we get to the list, let me mention that "GR" is a limited edition package for lightly tuned cars.
"GRMN" is usually given to cars which have extensive modifications and are VERY limited, and are set far above the price of the sibling cars in normal line up, and usually built off-line by hand.

On the list of cars to be sold (not confirmed official) are...

Supra GRMN, with upgraded engine, rigid chassis tune, and revised brakes and suspensions.

Base "builder's SZ package" Supra for those who customize or prepare race dedicated cars.

A GT4 Customer Package (non street) racing car program for professional GT4 teams.

CH-R GR Edition, with retuned suspension and interior/exterior packages.

Corolla GR Edition and Touring Wagon (also with GR Edition)

And faint clues on a $40,000-ish "GRMN" Full Performance edition Corolla, complete with significant driveline differences and very limited numbers to be built at the Tahara factory. (Those of you who aren't versed in Toyota factories, this is one of two elite crafting site, along with Motomachi plant, produces some of the most precious Toyota cars like LC, LS, Land Cruisers, and skunkworks cars like the LFA and where A80 Supra and Celica GF-FOUR were built in the past.

The Century GRMN is also rumored to become available complete with performance upgrades used on Akio's own concept car, as well as the Emperor's protected model.

A Yaris GRMN, also related to the GRMN Corolla above, which might also be the shared sister platform limited edition from Tahara.

And of course the continual updates on the progress of the 2 million buck, GR Super Sport ultra-super-extreme-oh-my-god car which is basically a tamed street package of the TS050 LeMans LMP1 car....

(Based on periodic reports by "Best Car Magazine Web (Japanese media)

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In addition, less serious but sporty packaged theme cars are available as standard options for each cars as well with more reasonable pricing. These care called the GR Editions.
2019 will schedule a Daihatsu Copen in GR form.

The New 2019 Toyota Supra will be designated GR as well for the first time in the USA, which marks a good sign that the Toyota USA has finally decided to uniformly market the "GR" logo along with the rest of the world's Toyota sports cars and racing program livery.

GRMN  Toyota Mark X (Limited to 350 Units, Japan only)

GR Copen (Daihatsu)

GRMN Toyota Century

GRMN Toyota 86 (2016)

Toyota Supra A90 with GR LOGO on every car. (2019)

Toyota Yaris GRMN - Inspired by the WRC Rally Car, retuned for grassroots racing. (2017)

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This car is a direct replacement for the current Lexus LC-GT500 with a carbon body construction by Dome using the Mother Chassis, and powered by the Toyota RI4A inline 4, 2.0L turbocharged engine at 550Hp range.
It will participate in the Super GT Series with presumably, the current 3 teams under Tom's Racing and 1 by SARD Racing.  These are the two factory works client teams in Toyota Gazoo Racing Super GT 500 class.
The LC-GT500 using the same platform chassis and engine won the Super GT title in 2018, and with this new chassis there are promises of even further potential.

2019 will see another year of development for this chassis and is scheduled to replace the GT500 Lexus LC in 2020.
Rivals for this is the Nissan GT-R GT500 and Honda NSX GT500, and we have yet to find out what improvements they will make to combat the Supra coming in 2020.
This will be an exciting year in Super GT Racing, that is for sure!

TOYOTA GR GT500 SUPRA 2019 Reveal, to replace the LC500's by 2020.

Last Year's LEXUS LC-GT500 Champion Tom's Keeper Pro Shop LC-GT500.   

Bonus:  Toyota Prius, Toyota 86, and Subaru BRZ in GT300 

Super GT can be followed here:  https://supergt.net/news

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This is one epic event that all Toyota fans should visit, especially in a year like 2018, when Toyota won the LeMans, World Rally Championship, Nascar, and Baja, conquered the single challenge of "The 5 Continents" and other formidable challenges.

These are some of the few photos I have. I should have got more, but I was way too busy with communication tasks on my business trips and meetings. But here are some, and enjoy these highlights!

The post The Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival 2018 appeared first on Club4AG.

It also features his own suspension too, complete with ride height assist to negotiate mundane Japanese roads. He did this because he drives this car daily, and has one of the most miles on the car of any.

And his car is serial numbered 500.

That is the very last LFA that rolled off the LFA works factory. His license plate tagged accordingly.

FYI: the man is in his 80's but has driven this LFA, 450 miles to this Owner's Club meeting, at Fuji Speedway, and has ran this in open session himself at a pace that will make most owners cringe with late braking and lateral loads...

Lexus - AMAZING.

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American brands are all on a healthy revamp with their lines of higher-budget cars. Both Cadillac and Lincoln are sharp and elegant, and moreover original in shapes and uniform as a brand.
JEEP hits a home-run in my view with the Gladiator Jeep-truck. Removable doors and optional cage keeps, motorbike lifts, and high performance dual shocks? Get out of here! That is some good stuff! Tons of room in them too with extended wheelbase and 5 passenger fun configuration!

The Korean firms Kia and Hyundai had a very clear message, and their cars are just getting nicer and nicer in designs, and aren't at the bottom of the CSI anymore either, rather contrary, a very satisfied bunch of owners these days too. Genesis brand is catching on it seems, and people were looking closely at the luxury offerings too.
Motorsports programs extend to avid support for grassroots and minor series globally, now, and even an entry into professional drifting with the Forte sedan under RED BULL flag!

Porsche releases the stunning new 992 platform 911, and is yet another benchmark to all other cars for dynamics. But sort of trending with the times, and gone is the mechanical linkage shift lever, and in place, a toggle switch like all modern cars these days. Cringing traditionalist minds yes, but perhaps when a benchmark car like the 911 goes that route, we shall assume that the days are numbered for old manuals sadly, for us old school sports car fanatics. (Yes 911 will have a manual for the 992 soon, but for how much longer?)

While the 911 sort of shines over all other launches from Germany, VW has a very conservative Tiguan that is all new for the year. I like it.

Jaguar has the new electric crossover called the I-PACE, and boy this is a stunning car!
I want one in gas, but they only offer this in electric, while the new E-PACE is offered in fossil fuel power plants only. Ok, who thought of the name here? It's backwards!

Alfa and Maserati both offer a small SUV that are like monsterized versions of FIAT 500XL, but trust me, mechanically they are as far apart as Ferragamo to Crocs. The quietly aging FIAT 124 and Abarths still seem to have a strong niche of following, and I hope FCA can keep catering to the small but loyal fans of the brand. (and help Mazda retain the MX5 that's built along with it.)

Lexus UX unveils in Southern California quietly, but I can see a lot of fine tuned inert excellence that is the usual Lexus new car. The LC is stunning and GS-F is another superb example of what F brand can package. Still very subdued though at the show floor at LA.

Toyota being a little bit louder this year, shedding the quiet tone of the last few years with the launch of TRD-Edition Avalon, Camry, and 86. Corolla has a clutch pedal manual, and preparing for the grand launch of the A90 Supra soon next year too. I can sort of see the old hands of now-gone Scion brand's excellent product planners and marketing folks going to Toyota, and having something to do with the Toyota label's vitality today.

Honda's booth looked a bit confused, but it is hard to single-out any of the many things they do so innovatively these days. Nissan and Mitsubishi (along with Infiniti) are a bit more coherent these days, but sort of lacks a flagship they can call new this year. Still the NSX and GT-R are omnipresent and are still relevant and strong contenders in a high end Japanese sports car group. Small niche yes, but definitely worthy as a future classic.

Tesla can't really be called a startup anymore, but they now have more competition too as major manufacturers are gearing up for higher number of cars made in electric mode. Also emerging are others too, like the Karma re-emerging strong from what was left of Fiskar, and the all new RIVIAN knocking out a stunning SUV.

As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electric vehicles, Tesla has undeniably played a significant role in popularizing this technology and setting new standards. With its range of electric vehicles, including the popular Tesla Model Y, the company has demonstrated a commitment to combining sustainability with cutting-edge design and performance. One area where Tesla has particularly excelled is in their focus on interior features and user experience. The tesla model y interior, for instance, showcases sleek minimalism, advanced infotainment systems, and innovative design elements that enhance both comfort and functionality. By prioritizing these aspects, Tesla has not only revolutionized the electric vehicle market but has also spurred other manufacturers to elevate their interior offerings and prioritize user-centric design. As competition in the electric vehicle space intensifies, consumers can expect to see an exciting array of options that combine eco-friendliness, technological innovation, and captivating interior experiences, all influenced in part by the pioneering efforts of Tesla.

LA Auto Show isn't just a dealer gathering anymore. Tons of concepts and high-budget floor entertainment, lounges, and interactive stuff, fine arts, and big LED displays too. These combine to make a show that is impressive as any major global auto showcase, and I think it's now a show worthy of visiting from afar.

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Here are a few established journalists and seasoned professional driver's first impressions of the A90 Supra on the raceway.
Though still a pre-production versions, these are final versions of the prototype and pretty close to the real thing which will release in 2019.
Translated here for English audience, here is what they had to say.

Shimizu Kazuo, a veteran of the Japan Group A's legendary R32~33 Skyline Era, and JGTC, and a long established performance driving instructor and journalist, reviews the Supra at the very limits.

"Here is the Z4, err Supra...  OK jokes aside the Supra in comparison to the Z4, feels lighter, and as such allowing the car to be softer but with higher tactility.  It's a nice balance.
You can see that the interior is similar to the BMW, here so there isn't much to comment in addition to the already released Z4.
The nose of the car responds extremely well, so it is easy to induce an oversteer, optionally corrected by VDC or left to dance.  Either way, pleasurably.
It's half wet on the track today, but it seems to stabilize well.  Michelin Pilot Sport and it isn't a run-flat I think.
A typical well made front engine rear drive car.  A good balance as such indeed.  It has the character almost of what I recall driving the classic Hakosuka FR GTR, with a touch of that rawness in dynamics with a dose of stability of the A80 Supra.
The straight six just feels fantastic, and is something missing in feel today from even comparable target that is the Porsche Cayman, as those are now inline 4's.
The response and linearity of this engine, just makes so much pleasure in driving.
Despite the long nose, the wheel base is short, and the driving position in relation to the car is cabin forward in feel compared to traditional long nose, long wheelbase sports cars of the past.
Your  shoulder lands about in the middle between the front and rear wheels, hence the rotational center of your vision is just ahead of the wheel base center, with a near 50-50 balance.
Feedback, hence, is similar to the visual and inertially, similar to the Ferrari's modern front engine mid-ship cars.
It's about the price of two Mazda MX5 Roadsters today I assume, but well fitting of that pricepoint.
Humm.  Steering weight feels slightly more lively than the Z4.  VSC behavior is yet to be seen on the production models, as this prototype still has a few quirks to me.
I'm hoping to see how the final production car will feel, as it seems really promising. "

Yuki Imai, an established motor journalist and a FIA licensed driver, test drives the new A90 Supra.
Notice the letter S in the Supra name plate on the side sill? It is the shape and the view of the Adenauer-Frost Corner of the Nurburgring, from driver's seat!
And upon driving, she's shocked with the sound level being quite potent in cabin, and with a beautiful, strong note of the inline 6. It just feels fantastic on throttle!
The acceleration and exhaust note, blending with the mechanical song, just has this impeccable balance in this car to just feel very much connected seamlessly to emotions.
In this day and era, a car like this is rare. It needs to be celebrated.
The overall tactility from especially the suspension, has a strong flavor of Toyota cars, and quite different from its BMW siblings.
BMW of recent, loves to play with very strong flavoring differences among their line of car selection, some being ultra sharp and added harshness, and others being calmer and gentle to cater to a specific buyer.
This car however, has that Toyota philosophy where it focuses on the purity to what the car is intended, and refined with the proper balance of what is "proper," given the specific car.
It really strikes the right emotion, and one that is in accord with the GR movement at Toyota.
It's been a while since I am on Sodegawara Circuit, so I'm seeking the road a bit, but despite this, the car has phenomenal stability so as not to make me feel nervous.
I can confidently catch up to the visual feed with precise input on this raceway. It's great.
It's both communicative and dare I say, easy to take to the limits. That's my feeling, really in a nutshell.
Definitely a winner.

GT500 and TS020, and Nurburgring LFA Meister, Iida Akira takes a drive in the A90 Supra, and here is what he has to say.
We've enjoyed the return of the GT-R a decade ago, and now we are extremely happy to welcome a Supra returning.
It seems like an extension of the 86 in the best way. Added refinement and capability, with purposeful cabin, really lends to those who might graduate out of an 86, as the next step.
For those who feel the 86 is too youthful, it may be the best ticket.
For those who drive a Porsche or Mercedes Benz sports offerings, the Supra seems to have found enough class and refined luxury to give this Toyota a spin.
The steering is weighed nicely, with enough weight and road feel, unlike the lighter feel of stronger-assisted steer feeling of a typical BMW.
Interior is all hidden, but you can take a guess from the already released BMW Z4, and use your imagination.
His driving partner, Katsura san, feels that the throttle pedal weight and steering feel are a little different than a typical Toyota and through this project, hopes that this excellent feel is reflected in other future Toyota offering.
They both feel that the Supra has hit a point of refinement that should be well-deserving of praise, and despite the controversial topic of collaboration for a flagship, as a sports car, it's just on a different level.
They say the driver tactility is precise, and spot-on for this size and being what this is, a real sports car for drivers.
VSC is fine, safety is fine, and efficiency too is promising. And it is the driver who will have the ultimate effect on automobile safety, and for that, this is one of the best tools to engage that too.
They both will, buy one.
That's a good sign

Manabu Kawaguchi posts a wet track experience in the A90 Supra 
See it making a pretty good engine noise?
From the tone and note it sounds definitely like a straight six version.
It was a preview day so he wasn’t pushing it to risk but he was sliding the car out of composure to check for recoverability. Interior still covered but you can start to see this is a fun little car.
"It's a lively car, plenty of power felt despite the modest numbers on paper.  This is a light car!
It's wet today so I'll be careful.   It's an aggressive shape, but the driving feel is a much nicer, tactile, and well tuned balance with dose of comfort too.
It is truly a blend of what BMW does well, coupled with a strong feed of Toyota's current philosophy of car tuning.
The car can be darty with instant response when the driver wishes to flick the nose in, but and can be rocked loose, but will come back sharply with great corrective inputs of the systems within.
In normal mode VDC, the car will correct your aggression calmly and positively keeping you safe.
In sport mode, it allows you to hang a little looser but with a very good safety net where it counts.
With the VDC completely off, things seem to respond more tenaciously to driver's wishes.  But do be careful, it is a very capable car, and as such, drivers will need a bit of skills too.
What a mature car...  It's fun, docile, and refined.  It is what the Supra should have been all along?  Sure.
BMW flavors included?  That too.  But forget about that, we shall all celebrate that this definitely is a fine sports car."

And finally, without need for much translation, all of the premier Japanese tuner's reactions.

Masahiro Fujitsubo of Fujitsubo Exhaust Systems - "Damn it looks good, I wish we had it sooner so we could have a muffler ready by Tokyo Auto Salon, but we will in 2019!"
Ikeda of Trust/Greddy "Totally anticipated, and we will get right on it, we have to!"
Fujimura Auto - "Oh it's beautiful~"
Yokoyama of Phoenix Power - "It's great!  I see it has potential, and they even left a bit of room for me to put my work into it, I see it!  Hoping this will be the standard of next tuner car once again"
Yokomaku of VeilSide - "I'm so excited I wanted to just peel the making off the car!  It's been years. I want to work on it again...Seriously"
Tarzan Yamada - "They didn't let me drive it,  so I don't give a crap...  Err, ok I'm kidding, It's SPECTACULAR!!!"
Hiroyuki Iiri - "Yeah I saw it, it's smaller than I expected, and I really see something here.  It's a sports car!

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Today, I had seen definitely, the most mintiest, all-original Mazda RX7 FC3S I would see for the rest of my life.

This 1988 RX-7 Turbo "10th Anniversary" (US Spec) is completely original. 1443 miles on the odometer, untouched, unmolested, and hardly ever driven, but completely maintained by Mazda dealer. The current owner is the 2nd, and the first owner only drove it 1000 miles and was put into an air-conditioned garage, and taken out only twice a year for check up at a Mazda dealer in Oregon, that for the last 28 years with records.

It has never, EVER seen rain, it has all factory option since day 1 off the lot, including box full of dealer accessories that has never been installed, like the original front bra, and mud flaps as it did not ever go back for PDI after delivery. In fact, I am the 5th person to ever drive this car, after the original owner, his son, the trucking company man who delivered it on to the current owner, the current owner, then me. Even the ultra-rare factory rear louvers is free of dust or UV fade.

None of the rubber pieces both inside or out has any sign of dryness, or any hint of it ever getting an once of UV. The wheels still have tire alignment dot marking from factory tire mounting. The spare tire has no cracks or even dust. The seat is not only brand new, but still smells new. The gas cap isn't worn out at all since today was the 7th time it was ever opened for refueling.

The only, and I mean only thing that isn't original to this car from new, is the battery, couple of hoses, spark plugs, and the tire, which only were replaced from simply age of just sitting there.

Mind you this is a 28 year old car...

It starts with one crank, and apex seal seems to be fine, unlike most all parked RX7. It does not smoke, and it's still blowing ice cold air on the original R12 AC refrigerant.

Cassette deck auto reverse and all features work perfectly. Original CIBIE headlights, still working on the original bulbs.... Automatic antenna mast makes no aged noises, and goes up and down as new.

A true "time-capsule" car....

It was truly one of the best days of my life to have seen this, and was lucky enough to put 5 miles on it with my own driving. The shifter feels stiff and new, the engine revs just as it had once for the original owner on his test drive before purchase in 1987.
I mean think about it. This 13B at 1144 miles has barely been broken in yet!

Imagine THAT!

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