Auto News: Sport Cars

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II to debut at Nurburgring

6:22 AM New Cars, Sport Cars, Toyota GRMN No comments

Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II to debut at Nurburgring

GRMN stands for GAZOO Racing tuned by Meister of Nürburgring, and is so-called in honour of the late Hiromu Naruse, who was Toyota’s chief test driver and head of the GAZOO Racing team and died in an accident last summer driving a prototype of the Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition in Germany.

The GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II is based on the MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept roadster that was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, and will make its debut at the Nurburgring 24 hour endurance race in Germany this weekend.

The prototype concept features a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that produces 245bhp, and is rear-wheel-drive. Additionally, the car is equipped with an electric motor that powers the front wheels and gives the SHC an all-wheel drive system. Toyota says that the concept weighs about 1,500kg in total, and that total power output of the petrol engine and electric motors combined is around 295bhp.

Road Test - Porsche 911 GT3 3.8 (M)

5:57 AM 911 GT3, Porsche 911, Sport Cars No comments

Road Test - Porsche 911 GT3 3.8 (M)

The 911's excellent design stays intact even after a series of revamps

It is well known that Aoyama is a fan of Porsche. His favourite model is 964, which retailed from 1989 - 1993. He is particularly keen on the Speedster variant, and even built an RSR-type Speedster using genuine Porsche parts, although he had some problems finding the rare deep rim wheels. He also considered purchasing the current 997 Speedster variant, which costs ¥29.69 million and whose global sale is limited to only 356 units.

When asked what he finds so appealing about Porsches, he replied that they usually combine excellent design, innovative engine technology and compactness. Though recent models are larger, they are still smaller than Ferrari's offerings. "I prefer smaller cars," he said. "So a Porsche-sized car that is easy to drive is ideal for me."

Exterior

The 911 GT3 measures only 4435mm x 1810mm x 1280mm, much smaller than Ferrari's 458 Italia, which measures 4527mm x 1937mm x 1213mm.

The Drive

During the test, the road reverberated with the roar of the 3.8-litre flat-six engine that generated 435bhp. As Aoyama drove the spartan 911 GT3, he was reminded of his participation in the 2006 and 2007 Porsche Carrera Cup Japan. The ride was much better than the stiff GT2's - even with its "hard" suspension, the GT3 could withstand more road stress.

Aoyama also praised the car's familiar engine note, handling and torque transmission. Porsche's 4WD strategy aside, the RR layout also contributed to the driving experience.

When asked to choose between the turbo-charged and naturally-aspirated variants, Aoyama said that he preferred the latter.

Not only was it well made, but it was also easier to control and was more stable at elevated speeds. Though the noses of most Porsches rise while running at higher speeds, GT3's large lip spoiler enhanced its stability.

Conclusion

Though Aoyama greatly liked 911 GT3, his wife did not share his sentiments - the MMS he sent her received only a curt "No comment". That said, his mission is to gradually ease her into a mindset that is more sympathetic towards Porsche. Since she now calls such cars "cool" instead of "cute", he could be making some progress indeed!

In the end, Aoyama awarded the Porsche 911 GT3 with 90 points - after his wife's input, this will probably drop by another 50 points. To maintain harmony in the home, he has to concede. So Mrs. Aoyama, please approve of your husband's love for Porsche!

The 911's width posed no problem while manoeuvring through Japan's narrow roads.