Industry News - 欲漫涩 is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999

Celica and MR2 to Return?

2025-03-31T19:52:39+00:00

Story By Lee Bailie

Stop me if you鈥檝e heard this one already鈥攂ut yes, rumor has it that Toyota is contemplating bringing the Celica and MR2 sports coupes back to life. The 鈥�90s are back! Maybe.

We just published a story about the demise of famed two-doors such as the Lexus RC and Nissan GT-R, both of which were getting a bit long in the tooth and suffering from declining sales. But now, it appears Toyota might add to the coupe population鈥攁nd we couldn鈥檛 be more excited.

While Toyota hasn鈥檛 officially confirmed the return of either model, speculation has been heating up over the past few months. As a recent Car and Driver story recounts, both cars appeared last fall in Grip, an anime series produced by Toyota. Shortly thereafter, a company executive told a Japanese magazine that a new Celica is in Toyota鈥檚 plans. The statement鈥攎ade at a Rally Japan event鈥攚as later partly walked back, and Toyota has been radio silent since. So, draw your own conclusions.

But what really sent speculation into overdrive was the reveal of the mid-engine GR Yaris M Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon this past January. Could this mean a new MR2 is on the way?

Right now, all we can say is: maybe. The current GR Supra鈥檚 days appear to be numbered, as BMW has indicated the Z4 convertible鈥攚hich shares its platform, engines, and assembly plant with the Supra鈥攚ill be discontinued in early 2026. This could theoretically leave a hole in Toyota鈥檚 lineup that a new MR2 might fill.

Relax, Supra fans鈥擳oyota has said the nameplate will not disappear, regardless of an MR2 return. It will survive even after Z4 production ends, although there could be a gap between current and next-gen models. It might even morph into something else. Bottom line: stay tuned.

So, what could the MR2 look like? The FT-Se concept, revealed at the 2023 Tokyo Mobility Show, could offer some clues. Incidentally, that show is back this October鈥攕o we may learn more about the fate of a new Celica and MR2 then.

Sports Cars Continue to Disappear

2025-03-24T11:48:35+00:00

Story By Lee Bailie

Here at 欲漫涩, we have a soft spot for sports coupes and convertibles. Over our 25 years-plus we have enjoyed featuring them in our pages, on our website, and now on our weekly podcast. Lately, however, some of our favorites have begun to disappear from production, and so many have departed over the past few years, we thought it appropriate to mention some of them here.

Why are they being discontinued? Generally, shrinking sales volume is the leading cause, but some have had long production cycles that have run their course, while others are falling prey to manufacturer electrification plans. Most are not expected to return, but some could.

Two that caught our eye, are the Lexus RC, and the Nissan GT-R. That鈥檚 right, Godzilla as we鈥檝e come to know it is now officially out of production.

As for the RC, Toyota confirmed in January that its production will conclude at the end of the 2025 model year. After more than 90,000 units sold in 62 countries over a 10-year lifecycle, the RC is bowing out. For the U.S. market the 2025 model year the RC is available in two grades: RC and RC F.

Obviously, we鈥檙e partial to the V8-powered RC F which comes with a 472-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 and a lot of special 鈥淔inal Edition鈥� kit, including standard F-tuned adaptive variable suspension, 19-inch BBS split-5 spoke lightweight forged wheels wrapped in staggered Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (255/35ZR19 front, 275/35ZR19 rear), Brembo brakes and a lot more. The Final Edition is available in four colors: Incognito, Infrared, Iridium, and Ultra White. Oh, and it鈥檚 still fast: 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Starting MSRP for the RC Final Edition is $94,000.

And yes, it鈥檚 true, over at Nissan, the R35 GT-R production is wrapping up. North American production ended in Fall 2024, with T-Spec Takumi and Skyline editions marking the sendoff. Production for the home Japanese market continued, however, over the past few months until Nissan officially stopped accepting orders last week. First introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the R35 was one of the longest-running sports cars, with 18 years of continuous production.

So, will Godzilla return one day? Maybe. Nissan showed an all-electric Hyper Force concept in 2023 that could serve as the R35鈥檚 replacement by 2028. Nissan has not confirmed production, but if you鈥檙e looking for a possible R36 successor, it seems like the best bet.

Until then, we bid adieu to the RC, GT-R, and its coupe / convertible brethren that have left us over the past couple of years including, but not limited to, the Audi R8 and TT, Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Jaguar F-Type, and Lamborghini Huracan.

Ford mulls off-road supercar

2025-02-10T21:26:46+00:00

While this story might feel as speculative as the one about a Corvette SUV, we鈥檙e on somewhat firmer ground as this one comes from the lips of Ford CEO Jim Farley. Speaking to told Top Gear, via Motor Trend, Farley recently said, 鈥淲e鈥檙e in the middle of creating something, so we don鈥檛 have all the answers yet, but the question is should Ford make an off-road supercar? Not a version of a car, a standalone supercar.鈥�

He went on to say, 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what we鈥檙e trying to answer. What do we do on a utility car? Is there a supercar? That鈥檚 what we鈥檙e debating now.鈥�

It鈥檚 not much to go on, obviously, but Motor Trend speculated that this theoretical supercar wouldn鈥檛 use the Mustang platform, or that of an existing Raptor truck model because of its potential dedicated super-vehicle nature.

It could be a lifted supercar, as Motor Trend suggests, related to the GT, or something more truck-like that鈥檚 related to Ford鈥檚 involvement in the Dakar Rally. Porsche chose the former with its 911 Dakar model in 2023, which drew on the German automaker鈥檚 history with race. Porsche built 2,500 911 Dakar units, complete with factory racing livery, with production ending last November.

Ford鈥檚 most recent Dakar entry was a purpose-built Raptor T1+ race truck which competed in the 2025 event and finished third in the T1+ class.

2024 Nissan Z Nismo 鈥� Pros and Cons

2025-02-10T16:45:25+00:00

The Nissan Z sports coupe was all-new for a seventh generation in 2023, and last year the top-line Nismo was introduced.

We were lucky enough to get behind the wheel for a little seat time 鈥� on public roads only, unfortunately 鈥� to gather some impressions of the Z Nismo.

After spending about a week behind the wheel, our overall sense is the Z newest Nismo entry is that it is a worthy performance car entry. Bottom line, if you鈥檙e a fan of the current Z family, you鈥檒l probably like the Nismo too.

But no car is perfect, and there are some caveats for our overall positive take.

Without wanting to get too wordy, we鈥檝e condensed our impressions down to main takeaways we鈥檝e organized into pros and cons. To make it fair, we鈥檙e including three of each. Before diving in, it鈥檚 important to note that these impressions are subjective. Your mileage, as they say, may vary.

Pros

More power, more trackable

For us, this is the biggest thing the Z Nismo has going for it. Nismo engineers have increased power output from the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 so that it produces 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. of torque out of the box, which are gains of 20 and 34, respectively, over the regular Z.

Nissan also made changes to the 9-speed automatic transmission, giving the Z Nismo better clutch packs for faster shifting. Transmission downshifting has been cut in half versus the regular Z. Designed to improve its track capability, the Z Nismo has also been outfitted with a new sport plus drive mode, and some unique suspension tuning. The Z Nismo uses unique stabilizer bars, has a stiffer spring rate, and larger, retuned dampers. It also rides on grade-specific 19-inch forged Rays wheels wrapped in staggered Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 summer tires, which are also standard on the GT-R. Braking power is supplied by Nismo-Akebono four-piston front / two piston rear brakes.

Although we didn鈥檛 track our Z Nismo tester, the car feels faster, and more on rails than the regular Z, with much improved reflexes with respect to accelerating, steering, and braking.

Nismo style

This is subjective, but we really like the way the Z Nismo looks. The design changes are subtle but are more noticeable upon closer inspection. Not only does the Z Nismo have unique badging, but it features a 鈥淕rand Nose鈥� which is a homage to its Fairlady 240ZG ancestor from the 1970s. It also has a unique honeycomb mesh grille, canards near the front wheels for better aero performance, along with grade-specific red and black accents. The paint finish shown here, Stealth Grey, is exclusive to the Z Nismo.

Reasonably priced

Whether a car鈥檚 price is 鈥渞easonable鈥� or not is also subjective, but we think the base MSRP of $65,750 USD is fair, considering what the car鈥檚 performance, style and equipment upgrades. Many cars that make 400+ horsepower, such as German alternatives, cost thousands more.

Cons

Where鈥檚 the manual?

The biggest miss for us for the Z Nismo is that there is no manual transmission option. That鈥檚 right鈥攖his car is 9-speed automatic only. The rationale from Nissan is simple 鈥� cars with manuals, even sports cars, don鈥檛 sell. The regular Z can be had with a manual, but the Nismo cannot, which we think is a mistake given the target audience, and the car鈥檚 track-focused nature. But Nissan, so far, has not indicated a manual will be offered. We can only hope they change their minds.

Cramped interior

This is a bit of a minor nitpick, and it鈥檚 not just for the Z Nismo. The entire Z family has interior confines that are a bit tight. In fact, the Z has had a small interior going back several generations. Out six-foot frame managed to find a comfortable driving position in the car鈥檚 standard Recaro seats (another Z Nismo exclusive), but if you鈥檙e a few inches taller, and want to do some tracking with a race helmet, you might find the Z Nismo鈥檚 interior to be a bit too close for comfort.

Compromised outward visibility

Related to the last point, the Z Nismo is low-slung, with a low seating position and a sloping roofline that somewhat compromises outward visibility. Mirrors and seating position can be adjusted, of course, but the Z Nismo鈥檚 windows are smaller, and rearward visibility isn鈥檛 great. Bottom line, you鈥檒l need to check your mirrors frequently.

2024 Nissan Z Nismo 鈥� Specifications

Type: two-door sports coupe, front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, V6

Output: 420 horsepower, 384 lb-ft. torque

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel Economy (Premium 91+): 18 / 24 / 20 (mpg 鈥� city / highway / combined)
Cargo: 6.9 cubic feet

Base Price: $65,750

Corvette SUV on the way?

2025-02-10T16:04:33+00:00

Time for another entry in our you can鈥檛 be serious file. After reporting last month that Acura is reviving the RSX as an EV SUV, it appears another famed sports coupe could also go SUV.

Over the past few years, we鈥檝e seen online speculation that GM is planning to turn the Corvette into a sub-brand that will include models that have more than two doors. That鈥檚 means, you guessed it, a Corvette SUV, could be on the way. The rationale, according to a report from Car and Driver, is to compete with high-performance SUVs from other manufacturers, namely BMW and Porsche. Think of it as a potential competitor for the X3 M, X5 M, and Cayenne, among others.

While this news will surely strike some as automotive blasphemy, a GM source confirmed to Car and Driver last year that a Corvette SUV is in development. Apparently, GM is also working on a new performance EV sub-brand but, according to the magazine, the first Corvette SUV is expected to have a gas engine.

As for performance, Car and Driver speculates the Corvette SUV could ride on a platform shared with the Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwings. Engine options could range, depending on trim, from a turbo four, or twin-turbo V6, all the way up to the 682-horsepower supercharged V8 currently offered in the Cadillac Escalade V. The latter could put it in the same performance territory as the Ferrari Purosangue and Lamborghini Urus.

Obviously, GM has confirmed none of this, so who knows if, or when, a Corvette SUV will become reality. At the very least, it鈥檚 no longer unthinkable.

Ford announces returns to Le Mans鈥� top category

2025-02-10T15:52:30+00:00

After first conquering Le Mans in 1966, and repeating the feat again from 1967 through 1969, Ford will once be fighting for outright wins when it returns to the top prototype category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027, which includes the famed 24-hour sports car race in France.

Ford recently confirmed it will be entering the top Hypercar (LMDh 鈥� Le Mans Daytona h) prototype category, which will not only compete for wins at Le Mans and the WEC, but it will also be eligible to compete Stateside in endurance races such as the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the 12 Hours of Sebring. These races are sanctioned by IMSA as a part of the WeatherTech Sports Car Championship.

We use the word eligible because Ford hasn鈥檛 confirmed which races the new car will compete in, apart from those in the WEC. In recent years, Ford has entered racing versions of the second-generation GT and current seventh-generation Mustang, but those cars were competing for class wins, not outright victories.

While Ford hasn鈥檛 shared any details about the car yet, there are plenty of reasons for race fans to be excited. At the top of that list is the fact that Ferrari also competes in the Hypercar class. Ford versus Ferrari 2.0? Yes, but factory-backed teams from Cadillac, Porsche, Toyota, and others will have something to say. But yes, after almost 60 years, Ford will once again clash with Ferrari at Le Mans, and we are here for it!

Rivian R3X Has Intriguing Performance Potential

2025-01-27T16:44:23+00:00

Last March, Rivian revealed its new midsize platforms that would serve as the basis for the forthcoming R2 and R3 models that are expected to go on sale within the next couple of years.

Unlike the R1S (SUV) and R1T (truck) models, which both have starting prices above $70,000 USD, the R2 and R3 are smaller and will cost a lot less. Rivian says the R2 will be positioned as a midsize SUV, while the R3 is a midsize crossover. To separate the two further, Rivian plans to build a more performance and adventure-oriented version of the R3 known as the R3X. Rivian says it will have, 鈥渄ynamic abilities both on and off-road鈥�.

As of now, specifics about the R3X are slim, but Rivian said in a statement that a tri-motor setup (two rear motors, one front motor) will be available for R2 / R3 models, and it鈥檚 a good bet the R3X will be tri-motor. This is the quickest configuration, with 0-60 mph times under three seconds, according to Rivian.

Other tech highlights all R2 / R3 models will share include 300-plus miles of range, DC fast charging support for both NACS (standard) and CCS (with adapter), and self-driving capability that will leverage 11 cameras, five radars, and greater computational power.

As for when and how much, Rivian says R2 will arrive in the first half of 2026, with R3 and R3X to follow, likely as 2027 models. Pricing for R2 is expected to start at roughly $45,000 USD, with the R3 expected to be lower. Rivian didn鈥檛 mention pricing for R3 / R3X, but Car and Driver recently suggested the R3X could be about $10K USD more than the R3, which it pegged at $37,000 USD. If that holds, R3X could start at around $47,000 USD.