Classic Corollas in Daring Desert Dash

 

Classic Corollas in Daring Desert Dash

A dozen well-worn little Japanese sedans and coupes will tackle some of Australia’s toughest outback tracks in the name of fun, camaraderie and charity.

The 19th running of the annual Corolla Caper will begin from Kartmania at Gepps Cross in Adelaide’s northern suburbs at 8am, setting out on a 7-day, 2000km odyssey around South Australia’s Riverland, Central Murray and Southern Flinders Ranges.

Wild Lexus spotted in Dubai

Friend of MotorWeb, Dubai-based Damien Reid, muses over the stalwart LandCruiser and its Lexus cousin.

Only an idiot would diss a LandCruiser's stated intention as arguably the best off-roader on the planet but the Lexus LX570 as an urban cruiser is definitely feeling its ladder-frame chassis age, though thankfully an all-new one is coming. I loved the Lexus feel, interior quality and touchpoints but it's not tricking you into thinking it's anything but a well used Landy. 

This is a 'Ltd Ed' with the very nice olive green paint (not sure about so much red leather though, personally) but holy crap that window tint cannot be factory spec. Literally couldn't drive it at night. It will sell no doubt to the purists but I'm now curious to see the new model. Its 5.7 V8 is one of the world's best V8s and no question, the big L still commands respect and appreciation in these parts. The enigma. 

Lexus Lexus UAE Lexus Australia

‘Done and Dusted’: 2020 Corolla Caper rolls back into Adelaide

The completion of the 18th annual Corolla Caper has seen yet another success for the volunteer team from SA’s Rotary Club of Regency Park, joined by participants from other district clubs and friends of Rotary.

A total of 45 participants in 23 vehicles, including twelve 30+-year-old (3rd and 4th Generation) Toyota Corollas, completed some 2000kms over eight days from Adelaide to Marree, Wilpoorina, Murnpeowie Station, Mt Freeling, Arkaroola and Blinman on roads normally reserved for bold 4WDers.

Inspecting Kluger: Toyota's seven-seat SUV under the magnifying glass

Drive review available now.

Toyota's 2017 Kluger seven-seat SUV now delivers even more power for less fuel. We test the 3.5 litre EFI V6 on a country run and see if Toyota's claims stack up.

Toyota 86: 21st Century Cult Racer

Roderick Eime test drives the MY2014 Toyota 86

You’ve seen them on the street, parked in front of hip cafes or roaring noisily past the kebab shop in second gear.

The sleek Toyota 86, styled after a smooth wedge of Devondale cheddar, has certainly gained a loyal (some say ‘cult’) following since its sensational introduction in 2012. I say ‘sensational’ because here is a genuine, fully-imported sports car, beautifully engineered, for under $30k.

But that admiration goes back further than the 86’s current incarnation - and the number is the clue.

‘Hachi-Roku’ or ‘eight-six’ has its roots in Toyota’s 4-cylinder racing heritage that goes back to the mega-popular AE86, introduced in 1983. Ahead of its time, the fuel-injected, 4-cylinder twin-cam 1587cc 4A-GE engine delivered a decent 130kW and is still in favour with racers and rally drivers today.

But real Toyota know-it-alls will stop me here and quickly tell me that the iconic 2000 GT from 1967 was the first real Japanese supercar. A hastily modified 2000 GT even appeared in the James Bond movie “You Only Live Twice”. Modified because the 189cm Sean Connery could not fit in the tiny cockpit unless the roof was sawn off. Which it was, creating the two supremely rare 2000 GT convertibles. One is part of the James Bond collection and the other is in the Toyota Museum in Japan.

The 2000GT is quite possibly the most collectable Japanese car of all time

But the gorgeous 2000GT, perhaps the most collectable Japanese car ever, is a six-cylinder. The rest of the Eight-Six clan are fours.

Just this year, Toyota has decided to further tweek the 86, adding more value to this bargain blazer.

A reversing camera and a touch-screen display audio system can now be found in the GT variants, adding at least $1,000 value at no extra cost on the GT manual while the GT auto is actually cheaper by $300.

A full-size spare wheel can now be ordered at no extra cost, giving customers an alternative to the weight-saving tyre-repair kit which is fitted as standard, but no popular with all customers.

Prices are also down on the GTS grades - the manual by $500* and the auto by $800* as a result of recent duty reductions. Yay! So, the price for the most affordable 86 remains at $29,990 - the same as the launch price more than two-and-a-half years ago.

The racing heritage is not forgotten either, and Toyota has just announced that a one-make series for both professional and amateur drivers will take place at V8 Supercar events in Australia and will be similar to those run in Japan, Germany and New Zealand.

The series will launch next year with up to five selected professional drivers who will mentor and compete against a larger field of amateur drivers who must qualify for a spot on the starting grid.

The Toyota 86 Pro-Am race series, under the official banner of Toyota Racing Australia, will be sanctioned by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS).

The race cars will be based on the GT manual with key specifications controlled to ensure their suitability and reliability while keeping costs as low as possible.

Interested in going racing? Visit the Toyota website at www.toyota.com.au/86/pro-am

The marvellous 147kW D4-S 2.0 litre boxer motor developed in conjunction with Subaru

Specs:

TOYOTA 86 PRICES* (AUD)

• GT manual $29,990
• GT auto $32,490
• GTS manual $35,990
• GTS auto $38,490

Options

• Full-size spare No cost
• Premium paint $450 Aero pack (GTS) $3,000

Engine

• Boxer 4/16V 2.0L-Boxer 4 Capacity (cm3) 1998
• Four cylinders, horizontally opposed, 16-valve, DOHC, four valves per cylinder and alloy cylinder block
• Bore x stroke (mm) 86 x 86
• Compression ratio 12:5:1
• Max. output 147kW @ 7,000rpm
• Max. torque 205Nm @ 6,400-6,600rpm
• Recommended fuel type98 or more Octane
• Fuel-tank capacity (L)50

Performance

0-100km/h (s) 7.6 (manual), 8.2 (auto)
Max. speed (km/h) 226 (manual), 210 (auto)

Driving to Save the World

OUTthere Magazine : Issue 66

The days of the gas-guzzler are over. Cheap petrol is a thing of the past, and if the rising cost of fuel wasn’t enough to sway us, then pleas from our suffering planet should change our minds.

We’re stuck with roads, cars, buses and trucks for the short term, so rather than look for a ‘tardis’ solution, it is clearly more practical to investigate alternative fuels for existing combustion engines and beyond that, new propulsion systems for the next wave of vehicles.

Roderick Eime examines and rates some current and near-future developments

Good: Biofuels

Fuel from vegetable sources has had a lot of publicity recently. Sir Richard Branson flew one of his Virgin jetliners using some coconut and palm-derived biofuel in a well-publicised test, but the jury is still out. Certainly, the source of biofuel is renewable, but critics point out that crops like corn and maize are better used to feed hungry humans than fly rich ones. Brazilians on the other hand, have greatly reduced their reliance on oil for petrol by using sugarcane waste for ethanol. Here in Australia, ethanol is already in our fuel tanks as is biodiesel for our trucks and heavy equipment. The net benefit of biofuel is still under debate, as their burning does produce greenhouse gasses. Supporters argue that the growing of the fuel source reabsorbs the carbon emitted during combustion, bolstering their “carbon neutral” claim.

Better: Petrol- Electric Hybrids



Some experts predict the current eco-vehicles are just an interim measure until even more efficient vehicles arrive. Chances are at least several of you are owners of hybrid vehicles like Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid or Lexus, while others will have driven one as a hire car. In hybrids, a conventional petrol engine is supplemented by banks of NiMH batteries (like those in mobile phones) driving a powerful electric motor. Under coasting or braking, the energy generated is fed back to recharge them, delivering impressively low gasoline mileage.

Outstanding! Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Think of hydrogen and it immediately conjures visions of the exploding Hindenberg airship. Sure, hydrogen is volatile, but it’s also extremely lightweight and efficient when used in a fuel cell. Hydrogen fuel cells work along the same lines as a regular torch or car battery, but instead of acids and fluids, the reactants are gases, the other one being oxygen from the air. Fill up like LPG and away you go and the only emissions are water vapour. It’s only a matter of time before full commercially viable vehicles join the limited experimental ones currently on the road. Japan, unsurprisingly, is leading the way with eleven hydrogen fuel stations already operating as part of their “Hydrogen Highway”.

See PDF

Tray Bien - 4x4 Tray back utes

OUTthere 56 - All Torque


See layout in PDF

The workhorse of the rural sector, the trusty 4x4 trayback utility has provided a hardworking vehicle for the “man on the land”. Despite the unchallenged cult popularity of the sedan-based ute, sometimes a 2WD just won’t cut it.

Troopy to the Rescue – LandCruiser 70 Series


Out and out the most popular in this category, the Landcruiser 70 Series “Troop Carrier” has long set the benchmark for reliability and sheer durability.

Now with eight models in the all-diesel range including Toyota’s first turbo diesel V8, the 70 Series will continue to set the pace. The 4.5-litre, 32-valve, 151kW turbocharged and intercooled, high-pressure-injection engine is standard equipment on all models.

To give some insight, Toyota commissioned its own research and found that the predecessor to Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, on which it is based, fulfils the major requirements of its target market.

Seventy-four per cent of LC78 owners have previously owned a Toyota, while almost two out of three of them will replace their current LandCruiser with another one.

The research said the typical buyer in this market was male, married, with an average age of 48 with towing capability and mechanical reliability as the two major priorities for heavy four-wheel-drive buyers. Load-carrying capacity was ranked third, followed by body workmanship.

Entry level cab chassis Workmate starts at $53,490 with air-conditioning an option at $2640.

Indians! – Mahindra Pik-Up


In June 2007, Sydney’s huge family-owned Tynan Motor Group formed TMI Pacific P/L to import and distribute Indian-built Mahindra motor vehicles in Australia. As of November 2008, a new joint venture company Mahindra Automotive Australia, will be 80 per cent owned by the Indian parent, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Built like the proverbial brick outhouse, and based on early Willys Overland chassis technology, the addition of the Peugeot family 79kW 2.5l common-rail turbo diesel brings these vehicles up to locally-acceptable spec.

Playing on their price point advantage, frill-free Pik-Up is a no-nonsense worker with plenty of cab room.

Mahindra Pik-Up 2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Single Cab 4x4 is $ 26,990 (RRP Inc GST)

Going Forward - Nissan Patrol


The popular and often undersung competitor in this range is the big Nissan Patrol cab chassis ute. The 4.2 litre diesel is now replaced by a 3.0 turbo of 118kW driving through a five-speed manual transmission.

The bold new look is just over 12 months old with exterior changes bringing it into line with the Patrol wagon and Nissan’s trademark “four-wheel drive family” grille, new headlamps and revised front fender and bonnet.

DX Leaf spring rear is priced from $49,790 with a/c standard.

You’re D-Man - Isuzu D-MAX

One of the world’s most popular utes, the Isuzu D-MAX, is being launched to Australian one-tonne ute and light truck customers at very competitive prices through a newly-appointed national network of Isuzu UTE dealers. Out to tackle class-leading Tpyota Hi-Lux head-on, this will be an interesting stoush.

The 11-model range is all 120kW 3.0 litre turbo intercooled diesel-powered with class-leading fuel economy. 4x2 is also available.

Recommended retail prices start from just $27,800 in the 4x4 range for the EX single cab-chassis manual – and that’s with air.

Better Now – Mazda BT-50


Just revitalized, Mazda’s BT-50 range should raise Mazda's reputation as one of the fastest growing brands in the light commercial segment. Five new 4x4 models bring the number of BT-50 variants available to 29, offering 2.5 litre or 3.0 litre common-rail turbodiesels with 5-speed transmissions.

Most of us will remember the trusty, if unremarkable Bravo series, badge-shared with Ford’s Courier. The new 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine developing 115kW will power the 4x4 segment of the BT-50 range with the 2.5 or 3.0 available in the 4x2s.

Prices for the 4x4 range start at $31,415 for the 3.0L Single Cab Chassis DX (no airbags) with 5-speed manual

TOYOTA TO UNVEIL NEW BRAND, NEW VEHICLES

Industry News:

TOYOTA TO UNVEIL NEW BRAND, NEW VEHICLES

Toyota will unveil a new brand, a concept vehicle and four new production models at next month's Melbourne International Motor Show.

Taking centre stage on the Toyota stand will be the new TRD brand and its first two performance-enhanced vehicles - a near-to-production TRD Aurion and a concept TRD HiLux.

Toyota will also display the new Euro-styled Corolla hatch, the sophisticated new Corolla sedan and the next-generation Kluger medium SUV, all to be seen in Australia for the first time.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said Toyota is aiming to consolidate its market leadership with these significant new models to be introduced in 2007.

"The performance-enhanced TRD vehicles, the new Corollas with their European-influenced design and the next-generation Kluger with the added flexibility of 2WD will provide a great boost to our line-up," Mr Buttner said.

"We will also have other surprises when the show opens on 2 March," he said.

Mr Buttner said the advent of TRD is an important development that will increase the desirability of the Toyota brand.

"It is the first time in the world TRD has been established as a separate brand under Toyota," Mr Buttner said.

"We are drawing on Toyota's 50 years of motorsport heritage to engineer and market a range of vehicles under the TRD banner.

"They will add a new dimension to the Toyota brand in Australia."

The TRD Aurion is expected to go on sale during the third quarter of this year.

Based on the Toyota Aurion large car introduced late last year, it features a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with a development target of at least 235kW.

It will come with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual override and locally developed upgraded brakes and suspension.

The TRD Hilux Concept is based on a 4WD Double Cab with luminescent red paintwork embedded with gold flecks.

A production model is expected to go on sale before the end of the year, equipped with a supercharged 4.0-litre V6 engine.

Local engineering development and design have been carried out entirely by Toyota Australia, with final assembly carried out by our supplier Prodrive.

The new Corolla will be a feature of the Toyota stand - with a distinctive, sporty hatch and a sleek and sophisticated sedan.

The stylish and sophisticated Corolla will feature a more powerful 1.8-litre four-cylinder dual VVT-i petrol engine.

New Corolla is longer and wider than the current model, providing even more interior space for passengers and luggage.

Corolla is Australia's most popular small car and last month was the top-selling vehicle in the country - a feat it achieved twice last year.

Toyota is also providing a preview of the next-generation Kluger, fresh from its world debut earlier this month at the Chicago Auto Show.

For the first time, Kluger will be available in 2WD as well as all-wheel drive when it goes on sale during the third quarter of this year.

It will feature the dual VVT-i 3.5-litre V6 engine already seen in the Aurion large car and Tarago V6 people mover.

It is expected to develop around 200kW - the most power of any non-turbo soft medium SUV.

Available with five or seven seats, next-generation Kluger is longer, wider and taller than the current model.

It will offer more space for passengers - especially in the second and third rows.

The Cars Outback

Slick city sales pitches don’t travel far in the country. Rural businesses and private buyers alike are driven by common sense and practicality, not glossy brochures or schmick advertising. Country BIZ examines four straight-up vehicles that should be on your next test drive list. 

 Roderick Eime 

U. B. Ute. E!

 Ford BF RTV Ute

• 4.0 litre DOHC Six 190kW 
• 5-speed manual with 4 speed auto option 
• $31,950 plus options
• 3 year / 100,000km warranty  

Ford utes have been in the shed for as long as there have been sheds. It is so inseparable from the country that it even features on a postage stamp. Ask any cocky, builder or tradesman why they drive a Ford ute and they’ll tell you it’s as much about the cultural icon as it is about reliability, toughness and practicality. Heck, there’s even an annual muster at Deniliquin for the workers’ best mate and V8 ute racing on TV!

The current RTV is the rural version of the Ford ute, continuing a trend begun with the formidable Outback ute some ten years back. High, 1-tonne suspension, heavy-duty underbody protection and now with ABS and switchable diff-lock, every bloke wants one wrapped up under the Chrissy tree – if he can wait that long!

Following tradition, power is still derived from a muscular 4.0 litre straight six, although the current donk is a far cry from the trusty carby-fed 250ci ones of old. The newie has double overhead cams, multipoint fuel injection and comes with a dedicated LPG engine as an option. The option list doesn’t stop there and Ford allows an almost complete control over possible fitments and enhancements including tow packs, a V8, manual or auto transmissions, cab chassis or tray-backs.

Thumbs Up: • Powerful, high torque engine • Rugged, well protected • Good cabin comfort • Extensive option list Mmmm. • Maximum three adult capacity. • I miss the long range tank • No diesel option

  Like a Trooper

Toyota LandCruiser Troop Carrier LC78 • 4.2 litre diesel with turbo option • 5-speed manual • $48,900 plus options • 3 year / 100,000km warranty 

 The Toyota LandCruiser, despite its Japanese heritage, is the stuff of Aussie outback legend. It’s the 4WD all others are measured by and continues to draw the greatest track cred and biggest boasts in any caravan park. Its status is a result of numerous factors, not the least of them being Toyota’s much envied reliability and build quality. Contenders like Nissan’s Patrol, Jeep and even Land Rover have come close but the mighty LandCruiser has always kept at least its head in front of the pack.

Boiled down to the basics of LandCruiser usefulness and practicality is the Troop Carrier. It’s a bare-bones, austere bodied version of the plush urban variety and built with the land in mind. Forget petrol and automatic transmission options, this wagon means business and is built accordingly. You’ll need more than a big stick or an old axe handle to kill one of these – try an RPG!

Available in six smart colours. Go and ask for French Vanilla, I dare you!

Thumbs Up: • Economical, sturdy diesel engine • ‘Military’ build spec • Nine model range • Extensive option list Mmmm. • Spartan interior at basic end • No petrol option • No auto transmission 

  You’ll Want One Outback 

Subaru Outback

• 2.5 litre four-cylinder or 3.0 six • Permanent four-wheel drive (AWD) • $36,990 plus options (2.5) • 3 year/unlimited km warranty There was a time when you’d point and giggle at anyone who turned up in a Subaru Leone. But the little petal has grown up and is now a respectable member of the rural fleet. The most impressive thing about the Symmetrical AWD system now perfected by Subaru and standard on every car they sell, is its ability to cope with a wide variety of road surfaces with confidence. There are times when you want a comfortable sedan and there are times you want the 4WD. Subaru’s clever Outback comes close to delivering both. The intelligent transmission system talks to each wheel and brake, delivering power to wheel most in need. If a wheel begins losing traction, for example, its power is reduced and the surplus transferred to the wheel with the most grip. The principle is not exclusive to Subaru, but hard to find on cars in this price range. Although it won’t take on a LandCruiser, its useful cross-trainer ability is perfect for commuters who face a daily dirt drive. Thumbs Up • Superb build quality • versatile performer • great road holding in varied conditions Mmmm. • Needs a bit of pedal, especially 2.5 • Automatic transmission not best feature 

  Never Mind the Kingswood 

Holden Commodore Omega VE

• 3.6 litre Alloytec V6 180kW • 4–speed automatic • $34,490 • 3 year / 100,000km warranty Like a favourite sweater or golf bag, a Holden Commodore is a comforting, confidence-inspiring vehicle that can take you pretty much anywhere a 2WD can go. Like its long-time sparring partner, the Falcon, Commodore makes sense. You can get in at sun-up, drive all blinkin’ day and half the night and still get out in decent shape. It’s comfortable, reasonably economical, powerful enough and looks good on the road. And hey, the ladies don’t mind it either. With more choice than ever in the new car market these days, it’s easy to get carried away with fanciful notions and hybrid machines, but in the end it needs to be the right decision. Ease of service, availability of parts, versatility and peace of mind have to count for something. The 21st Century Holden sedan still uses a GM V6, although the new Alloytec variants bear little resemblance to the old push-rod Buick 3.8 litre ones first seen in 1988 in the VN. However, some critics have been quick to point out that the old 125kW VNs were actually quicker to 100 km/h than the new 180kW VEs. Go figure. All new Holdens set the motoring media abuzz and the new 2006 VEs were no different. Generally, praise was heaped on the new Commodore with particular mention made of the quality trim of the entry-level Omega. Whatever happened to the Belmont? Thumbs Up: • Comfortable, all-day cruiser • Lively road manners • Enhanced stability and safety features Mmmm. • 4 speed auto feels dated • Wot! No full-sized spare tyre?