TMR News and Features
The open speed limits on Germany’s Autobahns have been under attack in recent times with the latest claim being that the introduction of a maximum speed limit (130kmh) would reduce emissions, slow global warming and stem the soon to rise seas. Oddly, a voice of reason has emanated from non-other than Toyota of Germany. Markus Schrick, vice president of Toyota Deutschland had the following to say to Automotive News Europe.
“Being able to drive without restrictions on the autobahns is the unique selling point for Germany.”
Schrick went on to say that a fixed speed limit would do little to reduce CO2 emissions - like I said, a voice of reason. As if reducing Autobahn speeds would make any worthwhile difference.
Now this is really quite an interesting stance for a company like Toyota, the worlds largest manufacturer of automotive white goods and what it highlights is a change of attitude, due mainly to Toyota’s move back into the performance car realm with their new Lexus IS-F and the upcoming V10 Lexus supercar based on the LF-A Concept.
The Automotive News Europe article also revealed Toyota’s plan to re-introduce the Celica sports coupe into Europe in 2009. The Celica name-plate was last seen in 2005 and was representative of capable but boring FWD four-cylinder coupes. Lets hope this time around they take a leaf out of Hyundai’s book and use a RWD chassis with something reasonable under the hood – and then bring it to Australia.
[Source: Automotive News Europe]
Filed under 
TMR Poll
Loading ...Columns
Mates
- Automobiles De Luxe
Luxury, Classic and Performance cars covered passionately - Japanese Nostalgic Car
For fans of classic Japanese cars. - Japanese Performance Car News
The latest Japanese Performance Car News. - OzMazda
Australia’s premier Mazda community. - Trollhättan Saab
For the true Saab enthusiast.
There Are 5 Responses So Far.
Click here to jump to the Add Comment box
Get a Gravatar. Click here to find out more!
Comment by Marlon
27 March 2008
The celica was my favourite car, and i cried when they took it away before i was old enough to afford one. =(
I hope they DO bring it back, and make the TRD model the basic model, and include a convertible option, sunroof, sound package, and other cool stuff for young people like me =) .
[Reply to this comment]
Comment by kimi
27 March 2008
bring back the f**** celica
[Reply to this comment]
Comment by eliza
14 August 2008
I don’t understand why so many people dislike the celica. It’s a beautiful car, leave it alone.
[Reply to this comment]
Comment by Charlie
14 August 2008
Quite possibly because every Celica made since the 80’s has been a limp wristed boulevarde cruiser.
The AWD turbo rally homologation specials were generally overweight and softer than their Subaru / Mitsubishi competitors, and priced far above, but the run-of-the-mill front wheel drive ones that comprised the majority of production were for people who wanted all the looks of a sports car, but without all the annoying sportiness associated with it.
The last generation were a reasonable return to the fold with reasonable handling, but given the mismatched gearing / VVTi-L changover point it was still not a particularly good car. As such, you’d have to be a poseur to have bought one over an Integra Type-R or a Nissan 200SX of the same vintage.
Toyota stopped building cool sports cars decades ago, and that quest for blandness has made them the biggest car manufacturer in the world.
[Reply to this comment]
Comment by Mondeoxr5
14 August 2008
Hmmm Post 70’s Celica = Corona / Camry in Drag. Good for looks and hairdressers. Sought of Japanese equivalent to Triumph Stag. Nice full of promise just couldn’t deliver.
[Reply to this comment]
Leave your own comment