Toyota Sees North American Production Returning to 100% in September

Toyota on Thursday revised an earlier forecast predicting that North American production would return to 100 percent towards the end of the year with the company now stating that it expects normal output levels to be achieved in September.
Following the problems that arose after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Toyota and its suppliers ramped up their efforts and as a result, eight of the company’s 12 North American-built models returned to 100 percent production on June 6.

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 Freshly Spied at the Nurburgring Race Track

If anything else, spy photographers have their work cut out with the new Toyota FT-86 sports coupe. As we are nearing closer to the launch of the production model, the Japanese automaker has increased its presence at the Nordschleife circuit in Germany to fine tune the chassis and mechanical hardware, with this latest scoop video showing a camouflaged prototype in action.

New Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S Sports Coupe Scooped on Video

By now, you have probably already seen our spy shots of the kitted-out Toyota FT-86 prototype with the Supra-like rear wing, which was snagged during testing in Germany, but one scoopster managed to film the sports car on the road as well.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

April 20, 2011 - New York - At the 2011 New York International Auto Show, Scion introduced the new rear-wheel drive 2011 Scion FR-S Concept sports car coupe. Another auto show, another version of Toyota and Subaru's joint partnership rear-wheel-drive sports car. Now here in New York, Scion has taken the wraps off of its FR-S, a sexy little number that rides on this same platform. The 2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept, stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, and Sport; is the definition of a genuine and compelling style rear-wheel-drive sports car, with exceptional balanced performance and handling, flexible utility and surprising MPG.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

“Scion is always experimenting with new things,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “The brand is iconic with the xB, adrenalized by the tC, and groundbreaking with the iQ. The FR-S will expand the brand into yet another new dimension that I know it is truly destined for.” Hollis says that the FR-S' design is inspired by the legendary Toyota 2000GT, and we can even see a bit of Lexus LF-A in the angular shapes that blend with sleek curves. This is one hot concept, and we're told that it previews a new addition to the Scion family coming in 2012.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept is powered by 2.0-liter front boxer engine combined with a rear-wheel drive system. This 2.0-liter boxer engine is set up lower and further back to giving the car a lower center of gravity and a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio. This engine is the first boxer to incorporate Toyota’s D4-S injection system, an addition that results in both direct and port injection. All this means is that the 2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept will get increased horsepower and torque without having to deal with the loss of fuel efficiency, a big plus when dealing with these mounting gas prices.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

Inspired by the AE86, the 2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept is built around the core goal of achieving "pure balance," which begins with the strategic placement of a flat 2.0-liter boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine's compact size and shape allows the FR-S' powertrain to be mounted lower and further back towards the rear, giving the car a lower center of gravity and a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio. The FR-S' naturally-aspirated engine is innovative, being the first boxer to incorporate Toyota's D4-S injection system, which utilizes both direct and port injection, resulting in increased horsepower and torque throughout the entire powerband, without sacrificing MPG.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept is available in six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission controlled by sporty shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The manual transmission  offers quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission features aggressive. Power is distributed effectively via a limited-slip differential.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

The front fenders protrude upward, making space for the massive monoblock Five Axis 20x8.5-inch wheels, while the muscular rear fenders are widened to house the 20x10.5-inch wheels, emphasizing the Scion FR-S Concept' staggered stance and rear-wheel-drive setup.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

The rear fascia sits low and wide, with extensive lower treatments that surround the dual exhaust exits and contribute to excellent aerodynamics. LEDs illuminate both the edgy taillights and the bold "SCION" logo. The concept cars features four-piston-caliper front brakes that clamp down on monstrous 18-inch annular carbon ceramic matrix rotors that are fixed to the wheels in a motorcycle-fashion.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

In addition, the 2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept is layered in rich coats of Code Red, the appropriately named color that consists of a custom blend of candy and a developmental additive from BASF called Mearlite SSQ. The estimated price for 2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept is around $25K, which matches what Toyota’s version is rumored to cost.