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2014 Toyota 4Runner

I recently took the redesigned 2014 Toyota 4Runner for a muddy romp in Pennsylvania. While the mechanical bits and pieces beneath the body-on-frame SUV trudge forward into the new model year with very few tweaks, the truck "receives a rugged new exterior design and interior refinements that add comfort and convenience without sacrificing its hallmark performance capability and excellent value," says the automaker.
A quick visual scan of the 4Runner reveals a new front end with a more "aggressive" and "muscular" appearance (yes, I'm quoting Toyota) that includes new headlights, grille and hood scoop. A roof rack is now standard across all trims, too. While SR5 and Trail grades have a bland color-keyed grille insert that gives the face a monochromatic appearance, the range-topping Limited (shown above and in our gallery) snarls with a silver-plated chin that gives it a bit more character.
New soft-touch surfaces within the cabin provide a more upscale environment and a bright new Optitron instrument panel improves readability and functionality. As before, the SR5 and Trail models arrive with fabric upholstery or optional Softex seats (synthetic leather). Genuine hides are reserved for the Limited trim, which is also fitted with Toyota's unique X-REAS (X-Relative Absorber System) automatic suspension system as standard equipment.

Production Toyota C-HR to debut in Geneva, has hybrid engine

Toyota now officially confirms earlier reports that the C-HR crossover concept (above) will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The CUV will also be available a European-made hybrid powertrain, but the company won't yet say whether that will be the only engine option. "We are entering the C-segment crossover market with a fantastic product and with a hybrid powertrain from the start," Johan van Zyl, Toyota Motor Europe president and CEO, said. At least for Europe, the company will build the production C-HR at its factory in Turkey. The automaker originally planned the C-HR for the US as a Scion model and even displayed the concept that way at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. However, the brand's demise means the crossover now gets to be a full Toyota product here. The five-door CUV rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture, but test vehicles keep the production version's styling hidden under heavy camouflage. The final vehicle reportedly looks like the concept, though. On this side of the pond, the C-HR will compete against compact crossovers like the Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade. View 13 Photos Related Video: Toyota Motor Europe confirms European production for future crossover based on C-HR concept Future crossover to be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey alongside Corolla, Verso New generation hybrid engine to be manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, UK in Deeside, Wales Brussels, Belgium - Ahead of the presentation of the highly anticipated production version of the C-HR concept at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) shared today its production plans for the model in Europe. The vehicle will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Turkey (TMMT) in Sakarya, Turkey, in what marks the first time a hybrid-powered vehicle will be produced in the country. This will be TME's third plant to produce hybrid vehicles in the Europe region, after Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in Burnaston, Derbyshire (Auris Hybrid and Auris Touring Sport Hybrid) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (Yaris Hybrid). TME also announced that the hybrid engine for the crossover is to be produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK's engine plant in Deeside, Wales. The production destination for the vehicles will be greater Europe and regions outside Europe. Individual export countries are being considered at this time.

Autocar pits McLaren MP4-12C against turbo Toyota GT86

The Toyota GT86, in all of its forms, is one of the best-handling cars money can buy, a trait that can put a smile on the faces of all but the most jaded car enthusiasts. But if good handling isn't what they're looking for, then what is? Our first guess would have to be more power, something the 200-horsepower Toyota would benefit from. Autocar tries out that theory by driving two turbocharged GT86s on track, then pitting the more powerful one against the 616-hp McLaren MP4-12C in a track battle.
The first GT86 turbo Autocar's Steve Sutcliffe drives makes around 255 rear-wheel horsepower and a bucket-load more torque than the stock car. That's plenty of power to either have a lot of fun or get into a lot of trouble. But the GT86 that Sutcliffe tails in the McLaren is race-prepped, stripped to the bone and wears slicks to harness a heavy-hitting 335 hp at the wheel. Weighing in at under 2,500 pounds, the Toyota can't overcome the MP4-12C's power-to-weight ratio of 5.3 pounds per horsepower, but it comes pretty close.
Enjoy a lot of chasing and drifting fun in the video below!