1999 Toyota Camry on 2040-cars

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Toyota fills in details about its future design direction and global platform

"In the future, out of 100 customers, we want to excite ten of them instead of not offending all 100."
Almost all of the details about the Toyota New Group Architecture (TNGA) strategy have come out since the initiative was first reported on in March of this year, but Autoblog did learn a few new things about it on a recent trip to Japan. Probably the second-most important detail is that each new segment platform will be based around a common hip point to create an "optimal driving position architecture."

TMG's super Lexus LS Sports 650 gets track tested

The people at Toyota Motorsport GmbH have been responsible for the Japanese automaker's motorsports efforts since the 1970s, but since Toyota pulled out of Formula One after the 2009 season, the tuning shop has been developing a super sedan based on the Lexus LS called the Sports 650. Details on TMG's first road car have been scarce, but XCAR was recently invited to drive the 641-horsepower Lexus on track.
Here's what we know: the Sports 650 has enough power to sprint to 60 miles per hour in under four seconds, tops out at 199 mph, weighs over two tons and utilizes LFA brakes. Oh, and its twin-turbo V8 bellows like an AMG V8. That last part isn't surprising when considering TMG could become Toyota's in-house tuning arm - like AMG is to Mercedes-Benz. As for the bespoke body kit, fender flares and stacked exhaust pipes? They fit the car well and even remind us a bit of Lexus' other high-performance sedan, the IS F. Currently there are no plans for the Sports 650 to be made into a production car, but we doubt TMG is devoting this much effort developing the LS into a road-rocket for nothing.
Check out XCAR's video below to see the AMG-fighter wrung out on track, and then ponder what could be if TMG were let loose to fiddle with other cars in Lexus' lineup. Now that's something we could get used to!

2014 Toyota 4Runner priced at $32,820*

Toyota has announced pricing on its facelifted 2014 4Runner. The rough-and-tumble SUV will be available in three grades: base SR5, upmarket Limited and off-road-ready Trail. Depending on the trim level, buyers will have the choice of rear-drive or one of two different four-wheel drive systems. The sole engine is Toyota's 4.0-liter, 270-horsepower V6.
Entry-level buyers can get an SR5 for $32,820. That includes 17-inch wheels, fabric seats and Toyota's Entune infotainment system. Adding four-wheel drive bumps the price by $2,920, while the Premium Package (SofTex faux leather seats, navigation, sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors and power passenger seat) adds $1,875. All model prices listed do not include $860 for destination and tax.
The Trail starts at $35,725, while the Trail Premium bumps the price to $38,645, adding the same suite of equipment found on the SR5. While it boasts the same standard equipment as the SR5, the Trail is better suited for going off road. A multi-terrain response system comes standard, as does hill-start assist and Toyota's Crawl Control. For an extra sum, buyers can opt for the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which automatically disconnects the sway bars for better articulation and trail holding.