Mini-Me Toyota 86 / Scion FR-S Doesn't Make the Cut at D1GP Drift Event

If you're an avid fan of the art of drifting, you can't go wrong with Japan's D1 Grand Prix or D1GP professional drift series, unless, of course, you stumble upon the wrong car.

We can't say for sure if Gazoo Racing's mini-me Toyota 86 (JDM version of the Scion FR-S) was plagued by a technical problem or if there was nothing wrong and it simply played the role of the rodeo clown, but either way, we can't say we were impressed by its entrance on the track at a recent D1GP drift event in Odaiba, Japan.

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Aww, Isn't That Cute? Gazoo Builds a Real-Life Mini Version of the Toyota GT 86 / Scion FR-S

Anyone remember the craze over the comically-looking mini supercars created with the help of photoshop and various other image editing programs from a few years back?

After a gazillion different design concepts of any vehicle you can think of, the fad passed and we all moved on, or so we thought, as someone over at Toyota's racing and performance partner Gazoo recently had a moment of zen giving it another go.

Mind you, we're not talking about a digital rendering, but a real life, working model designed to look like the Toyota 86 (in case you forgot, it's marketed as the Toyota GT 86 in Europe and Scion FR-S in North America).

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Toyota Unveils Facelifted 2013 Mark X Sports Sedan for the Japanese Market

Yet again, Toyota has refreshed its Japanese domestic market Mark X sedan, which benefits from a series of cosmetic and mechanical tweaks for the new model year.

For those unaware, the Mark X is a mid-size saloon that shares its platform with the Toyota Crown and the (previous) Lexus GS and is available exclusively with V6 powertrains and the option of rear- or all-wheel drive.

In its latest form, Toyota's designers came up with a newly styled front end sporting different headlamps that incorporate Bi-Xenon and LED daytime running lights, a new grille with a more pronounced "X" logo in the center, and a redesigned bumper.

The Japanese automaker also made changes to the rear with a new set of tail lamps that follow the shape of the front headlights and a re-sculptured bumper.

A fresh assortment of exterior finishes along with new silver accents, trims and colors for the interior complete the cosmetic makeover of the regular versions.

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Toyota GT86 Twincharged Sports FR Concept with 315HP to Race at Goodwood Hillclimb [New Photos]

The upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 28 - July 1, 2012) is shaping up to be an extremely interesting event for gearheads and motor racing enthusiasts alike.

Today, Toyota confirmed the participation of the all-new GRMN Sports FR Concept based on the GT86 (a sister model to the Scion FR-S) at the famous Goodwood hillclimb.

The track concept was built by Toyota's motorsports partner Gazoo Racing, which boosted the standard model's 2.0-liter flat-four boxer with the addition of both a turbo- and supercharger that lift output from 200hp to 315hp (320PS) and peak torque from 205Nm (151 lb-ft) to 421Nm (310.5 lb-ft).

A modified six-speed manual gearbox drives the rear wheels while other changes include a dedicated GRMN-tuned suspension that brings the car closer to the ground, larger brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels and a unique sports body kit.

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Gazoo Builds Twin-Charged Toyota GT86 Sports FR Concept with 315-Horses

All this time, automotive enthusiasts have been complaining about the lack of power in the Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ triplets.

Whilst the three companies have no current plans to address these concerns, Toyota's motorsports partner Gazoo Racing has a solution in the works as previewed by new a concept version of the European market GT86 named Sports FR.

Gazoo Racing's engineers have added both a supercharger and a turbocharger to the GT86's Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter flat four boosting output from 200hp to 315hp (320PS) and peak torque from 205Nm (151 lb-ft) to 421Nm (310.5 lb-ft). A modified six-speed manual pushes power to the rear wheels.

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Toyota to Field Four GT86 and One Lexus LFA at the Nürburgring 24 Hours

The moment of truth for the Toyota group and its entries in this weekend's 40th Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race is almost here.

The Japanese carmaker will be represented in the race by four GT86 coupes, which is also known as the Toyota 86 in Japan and Scion FR-S in North America, and one Lexus LFA.

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Toyota to Field a Pair of GT86 Coupes in the Nürburgring 24 Hour Race [Video]

Toyota is wasting no time in preparing its newly launched 86 rear-wheel drive coupe (named GT86 in Europe) for its motorsports activities.

The Japanese automaker announced today that in cooperation with its motorsports partner Gazoo Racing, it is entering two GT86 coupes in the famous Nürburgring 24 hour race, which takes place from May 17 to 20. Gazoo Racing will also field a Lexus LFA in the race.

Prior to the Nürburgring endurance race, Gazoo Racing will bring one of its GT86 models to the Japanese Rally Championship.

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