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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic carmaker discontinues fastest EVER model branded ‘agile & smooth'.. but firm's boss is already teasing its return
END OF ROAD Iconic carmaker discontinues fastest EVER model branded 'agile & smooth'.. but firm's boss is already teasing its return Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ICONIC carmaker is set to discontinue production of its beloved fastest-ever model. Toyota has confirmed it will cease making its "agile and smooth" Supra early next year, although one of the carmaker's bosses has already hinted at the iconic car's successor. 4 Toyota has announced its GR Supra will cease production in Spring 2026 Credit: Supplied 4 The current version has been in production since 2019 Credit: Toyota GB 4 Toyota's GR Supra is the fifth generation of the vehicle since its introduction in 1978 Credit: Handout The Supra has a rich history among car enthusiasts, with five generations of the sports car having been produced since its introduction in 1978. Toyota's fifth-generation Supra entered production in March 2019, a staggering 17 years after production ended on the fourth-generation A80 cars. Described as a "handsome" vehicle, the Supra is powered by a 3-litre six-cylinder turbo engine, which packs a whopping 340hp with 500Nm of torque - helping it to sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 4.3 seconds. However, the iconic motors, which are produced at a Magna plant in Austria, will cease being made from Spring 2026, reports Motortrend. A Toyota boss explained it was "not cost-effective" to give the low-volume car the upgrades needed to meet new and pending global regulations. However, not all hope is lost for Supra enthusiasts, as there have been hints of a next-gen Supra entering the market, although it is unclear when this will be. Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Strategy for Toyota Motor North America Cooper Ericksen said: "It would be logical that we would have a next-gen Supra - but when and how is still TBD." He confirmed that there would "definitely" be a gap between the end of the current GR Supra's production and the start of the next motor's manufacturing. However, he said the company aims to have a gap that is "significantly less" than the 17 years seen previously between the A80 and GR Supra. It is also unclear whether Toyota will continue to keep its partnership with BMW to develop the next Supra, having collaborated with the German carmaker for the current GR motor. Inside Toyota's UK production plant as it builds five MILLIONTH motor since first Carina E rolled off the line in 1992 General Manager of the Toyota Division for Toyota Motor North America David Christ said the company would "love to build a next generation Supra", but the company has not officially announced plans to do so. Toyota is at a busy stage currently, having just introduced the 2026 RAV4, which includes a number of new technologies which will eventually be rolled out to countless of its other models. Explaining the end of the Supra's production, Ericksen said: "A product like Supra, it's made it to a point where now we have a Final Edition and the reason is it's just not cost effective with all the new regulations and investment we have to make." In a review for The Sun last year, the Supra was described as a "chunky beast" that "packs a punch". It retails for £58,580 and can reach a top speed of 155mph, albeit with a fuel economy of 34mpg and CO2 emissions of 183g/km. TOYOTA TO INVEST £40 MILLION IN UK PLANT This comes as Toyota is reportedly planning to invest a whopping £40 million to build a new vehicle assembly line in the UK. The Toyota plant at Burnaston could be in line for a major investment, as the company weighs moving production for the US market from Japan to Derbyshire. The car maker plans to invest around £41 million to set up a new production line dedicated to making GR Corollas, according to Reuters. Toyota has denied that Trump tariffs are behind the potential shift, despite taxes on Britain being 10 per cent compared to Japan's 25 per cent. In light of the potential move, Japanese automaker Toyota revealed that new cars could be added to the European market. Currently, the GR Corolla is only available in Japan and is exported to North America and select other markets. Burnaston plant currently produces the Corolla hatchback and estate for the UK and European markets, but production rates could significantly improve with the proposed investment. A new production line could be operational within 12 months, with reports suggesting that Japanese engineers may temporarily relocate to Derbyshire to assist with the transition.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic carmaker discontinues fastest EVER model branded ‘agile & smooth'.. but firm's boss is already teasing its return
AN ICONIC carmaker is set to discontinue production of its beloved fastest-ever model. Toyota has confirmed it will cease making its next year, although one of the carmaker's bosses has already hinted at the iconic car's successor. 4 Toyota has announced its GR Supra will cease production in Spring 2026 Credit: Supplied 4 The current version has been in production since 2019 Credit: Toyota GB 4 Toyota's GR Supra is the fifth generation of the vehicle since its introduction in 1978 Credit: Handout The Supra has a rich history among car enthusiasts, with five generations of the sports car having been produced since its introduction in 1978. Toyota's fifth-generation Supra entered production in March 2019, a staggering 17 years after production ended on the fourth-generation A80 cars. Described as a "handsome" vehicle, the Supra is powered by a 3-litre six-cylinder turbo engine, which packs a whopping 340hp with 500Nm of torque - helping it to sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 4.3 seconds. However, the iconic motors, which are produced at a Magna plant in Austria, will cease being made from Spring 2026, reports Read More on Motors News A Toyota boss explained it was "not cost-effective" to give the low-volume car the upgrades needed to meet new and pending global regulations. However, not all hope is lost for Supra enthusiasts, as there have been hints of a next-gen Supra entering the market, although it is unclear when this will be. Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Strategy for Toyota Motor North America Cooper Ericksen said: "It would be logical that we would have a next-gen Supra - but when and how is still TBD." He confirmed that there would "definitely" be a gap between the end of the current GR Supra's production and the start of the next motor's manufacturing. Most read in Motors However, he said the company aims to have a gap that is "significantly less" than the 17 years seen previously between the A80 and GR Supra. It is also unclear whether Toyota will continue to keep its partnership with BMW to develop the next Supra, having collaborated with the German carmaker for the current GR motor. Inside Toyota's UK production plant as it builds five MILLIONTH motor since first Carina E rolled off the line in 1992 General Manager of the Toyota Division for Toyota Motor North America David Christ said the company would "love to build a next generation Supra", but the company has not officially announced plans to do so. Toyota is at a busy stage currently, having just introduced the 2026 RAV4, which includes a number of new technologies which will eventually be rolled out to countless of its other models . Explaining the end of the Supra's production, Ericksen said: "A product like Supra, it's made it to a point where now we have a Final Edition and the reason is it's just not cost effective with all the new regulations and investment we have to make." In a review for The Sun last year, the Supra was described as a "chunky beast" that "packs a punch". It retails for £58,580 and can reach a top speed of 155mph, albeit with a fuel economy of 34mpg and CO2 emissions of 183g/km. TOYOTA TO INVEST £40 MILLION IN UK PLANT This comes as Toyota is reportedly planning to The Toyota plant at could be in line for a major investment, as the company weighs moving production for the US market from Japan to . The car maker plans to invest around £41 million to set up a new production line dedicated to making GR Corollas, according to Reuters. Toyota has denied that Trump tariffs are behind the potential shift, despite taxes on Britain being 10 per cent compared to Japan's 25 per cent. In light of the potential move, Japanese automaker Toyota revealed that new cars could be added to the European market. Currently, the GR Corolla is only available in Japan and is exported to North America and select other markets . Burnaston plant currently produces the Corolla hatchback and estate for the UK and European markets, but production rates could significantly improve with the proposed investment. A new production line could be operational within 12 months, with reports suggesting that Japanese engineers may temporarily relocate to Derbyshire to assist with the transition. 4 Toyota bosses have hinted that a next-generation Supra will be on the way eventually Credit: Getty
The Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Iconic carmaker discontinues fastest EVER model branded ‘agile & smooth'.. but firm's boss is already teasing its return
AN ICONIC carmaker is set to discontinue production of its beloved fastest-ever model. Toyota has confirmed it will cease making its "agile and smooth" Supra early next year, although one of the carmaker's bosses has already hinted at the iconic car's successor. 4 4 4 The Supra has a rich history among car enthusiasts, with five generations of the sports car having been produced since its introduction in 1978. Toyota's fifth-generation Supra entered production in March 2019, a staggering 17 years after production ended on the fourth-generation A80 cars. Described as a "handsome" vehicle, the Supra is powered by a 3-litre six-cylinder turbo engine, which packs a whopping 340hp with 500Nm of torque - helping it to sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 4.3 seconds. However, the iconic motors, which are produced at a Magna plant in Austria, will cease being made from Spring 2026, reports Motortrend. A Toyota boss explained it was "not cost-effective" to give the low-volume car the upgrades needed to meet new and pending global regulations. However, not all hope is lost for Supra enthusiasts, as there have been hints of a next-gen Supra entering the market, although it is unclear when this will be. Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Strategy for Toyota Motor North America Cooper Ericksen said: "It would be logical that we would have a next-gen Supra - but when and how is still TBD." He confirmed that there would "definitely" be a gap between the end of the current GR Supra's production and the start of the next motor's manufacturing. However, he said the company aims to have a gap that is "significantly less" than the 17 years seen previously between the A80 and GR Supra. It is also unclear whether Toyota will continue to keep its partnership with BMW to develop the next Supra, having collaborated with the German carmaker for the current GR motor. Inside Toyota's UK production plant as it builds five MILLIONTH motor since first Carina E rolled off the line in 1992 General Manager of the Toyota Division for Toyota Motor North America David Christ said the company would "love to build a next generation Supra", but the company has not officially announced plans to do so. Toyota is at a busy stage currently, having just introduced the 2026 RAV4, which includes a number of new technologies which will eventually be rolled out to countless of its other models. Explaining the end of the Supra's production, Ericksen said: "A product like Supra, it's made it to a point where now we have a Final Edition and the reason is it's just not cost effective with all the new regulations and investment we have to make." In a review for The Sun last year, the Supra was described as a "chunky beast" that "packs a punch". It retails for £58,580 and can reach a top speed of 155mph, albeit with a fuel economy of 34mpg and CO2 emissions of 183g/km. TOYOTA TO INVEST £40 MILLION IN UK PLANT This comes as Toyota is reportedly planning to invest a whopping £40 million to build a new vehicle assembly line in the UK. The Toyota plant at Burnaston could be in line for a major investment, as the company weighs moving production for the US market from Japan to Derbyshire. The car maker plans to invest around £41 million to set up a new production line dedicated to making GR Corollas, according to Reuters. Toyota has denied that Trump tariffs are behind the potential shift, despite taxes on Britain being 10 per cent compared to Japan's 25 per cent. In light of the potential move, Japanese automaker Toyota revealed that new cars could be added to the European market. Currently, the GR Corolla is only available in Japan and is exported to North America and select other markets. Burnaston plant currently produces the Corolla hatchback and estate for the UK and European markets, but production rates could significantly improve with the proposed investment. A new production line could be operational within 12 months, with reports suggesting that Japanese engineers may temporarily relocate to Derbyshire to assist with the transition.
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Toyota may build compact unibody bakkie
Toyota has a broad global presence with market-specific products, and now rumours have emerged of a potential compact bakkie. The caveat is that it could only be for the US market. Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag! Toyota chief operating officer in the US Mark Templin confirmed this initiative, indicating a potential new offering positioned below the established Tacoma. This exploration is driven by a notable market shift where new vehicle acquisition costs, including those of 'pickup trucks', have steadily increased. The demonstrable success of vehicles like the Ford Maverick, which offers a lower entry price point and substantial sales volumes, underscores the significant demand for more accessible and physically smaller utility vehicles in the US. This contrasts with the comparatively lower sales performance of competitors such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz, providing valuable insights for Toyota's strategic planning. Cooper Ericksen, a senior vice-president at Toyota Motor North America, affirmed the company's strong belief in the segment's potential, stating: 'We could really do well in that segment, so we're trying to do it. It's a matter of timing.' While Toyota is reportedly engaged in developing a compact bakkie for the Brazilian market, its introduction to the US would necessitate careful consideration of trade policies. Related: Toyota Gives New GR Hilux EVO Land Cruiser Beige Hue Should Toyota proceed, a compact bakkie would likely leverage its established reputation for reliability and potentially integrate its hybrid powertrain technologies. This combination could offer a compelling value proposition, providing practical utility and fuel efficiency at a price point distinct from the larger Hilux. Obviously, the success of such a model would hinge on competitive pricing, functional design, and adherence to Toyota's high standards for quality and durability. Digital artist Theottle has already transformed the 2026 Toyota RAV4 into a bakkie by extending its wheelbase and rear overhang to create bed space. He then removed the SUV's rear roof and cargo area, replacing it with a functional open bed. The front and mid-sections largely retain the RAV4's distinct new styling, directly converting the SUV's platform into a bakkie. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Toyota May Build Compact Unibody Bakkie appeared first on CAR Magazine.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Toyota confirms compact pickup truck is coming: Here's what we know so far
Toyota confirms compact pickup truck is coming: Here's what we know so far Long before Ford launched the popular Maverick compact pickup truck in 2021, the advanced product strategy team at Toyota were planning a small truck of their own to slot below the bestselling Toyota Tacoma. Toyota has been here before — the predecessors to the modern Tacoma were truly compact, cheap trucks, as seen above and below — and the paperwork is still all there. Toyota has spent so many years studying the smaller truck that Cooper Ericksen, head of planning and strategy for Toyota Motor North America, jokes that he needs a bumper sticker for his Tundra that says "compact pickup or bust." Toyota is building it The good news: a small truck will happen. 'Decisions have been made. The question is when we can slot it in. It's not a matter of 'if,' at this point,' Ericksen tells MotorTrend. We've studied it a lot. We're dedicated to it. We're going to figure out how to make it work.' Progress has been made. The would-be truck's platform and powertrain are pretty much locked in. It will be unibody construction, using TNGA bits, which underpin virtually all Toyotas, and can use Toyota's hybrid powertrain system. It will be a true Toyota truck, akin to the larger, body-on-frame Tacoma mid-sizer and the full-size Toyota Tundra. 2027 Slate Truck EV: The $20K game-changer in bare-bones electric pickups Toyota's data shows it could sell 100,000 to 150,000 compact trucks a year in the U.S. alone to address the appetite for a more affordable entry-level truck. The bad news: customers have to wait a bit longer. Toyota's engineering resources are stretched to the max right now with 24 new or updated models coming out and a multi-powertrain strategy. With most new models being offered as hybrids, plug-in hybrids, an increasing number of battery electric, and the continued commitment to fuel cell vehicles, each nameplate is akin to engineering multiple new models, Ericksen said. 'Because of all of the need now to completely level up our EV portfolio and at the same time we are developing fifth and sixth generation hybrid systems, it's difficult to find the engineering resources to dedicate to a project like a compact pickup truck,' Ericksen says. 'So bottom line is yes, we have been doing a ton of studying and we're very positive that we have a path forward. It's just trying to figure out, from a timing standpoint, when to slide it in.' Product planners are looking at their various projects to find an opening. 'We're trying to figure out how we can get it done.' 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty first look: Built for Australia, not America It must be done right and be a true Toyota truck. 'When you are late you have the benefit to see what works and what doesn't in the marketplace. I think we've been able to look at the various competitors,' Ericksen says. They have learned from other manufacturers what works and what does not. 'If we do this, it is going to be a Toyota truck. It needs to have certain capabilities and attributes and functionality. It needs to be a workhorse.' But it also must be affordable. 'Affordability is one of the biggest headwinds the industry faces,' Ericksen says. 'Full-size trucks and midsize trucks have really gotten expensive.' There are buyers who don't need Rubicon off-road capability that comes with tradeoffs: Trucks that are heavier and less fuel efficient, making them more expensive overall. (See: the Tacoma TRD Pro, pictured below, which starts at more than $60,000!) A reasonable compromise: SUV-like capability in a truck that is lighter, with a hybrid powertrain for great fuel economy, and a decent bed size to meet the needs of most consumers in a truck that costs less. ... But it's at least a year away We won't see a prototype or concept this year and next year might be too soon, as well, Ericksen says. 'My hope is that you will see it very soon but there are a lot of moving pieces.' There is no timeline for a final decision on a compact pickup right now because there is so much focus on what Toyota is building right now, says David Christ, general manager of the Toyota Division. With so much upheaval in the auto industry that is transitioning to electric vehicles and grappling with tariffs, regulations and uncertainty, annual plans completed before tariffs were announced have to be revisited and updated. The timeline may sound long, but it is not unusual in this segment. While Ford got the Maverick to market quickly, Hyundai had a longer gestation period for the Santa Cruz, and Stellantis wins the prize for long-term promises yet to be kept after at least a decade of trying to figure out how to offer a successor to the midsize Dodge Dakota. That project, it seems, is ongoing.
