Toyota recalls certain FR-S models
Toyota Motor Sales announced that it is providing a recall of about 26,000 Scion FR-S models of MY 2013-2016.
In affected FR-S vehicles connectors for the automatic gearbox key interlock may not have been attached during pre-delivery service before sale. If that is the case, you can remove the key not only in "Park" gear position, but also in others. This may increase the risk of the model's rollaway and a collision. Besides, affected Scion FR-S models don't meet the requirements of the Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114.
The known owners of the subject Scions will be informed by a 1st class mail and recommended to return the car to a Toyota dealership in order to confirm the function of the ignition key interlock and to attach delivery mode connectors at no charge in case of need.
For the latest Safety Recall information on Scion, Toyota, and Lexus, their owners should check the status of their car in the "recall" section of the official Toyota website by entering their unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Besides, you can also check the vehicle's status on the NHTSA site in the corresponding section. In case of need you can also contact Toyota Customer Service by the official phone number: 1-800-331-4331.
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Final Scion tC RS 10.0 release
Despite being phased out after the MY 2016, Toyota's Scion isn't going away quietly. With its final tC Release Series 10.0 the brand was pretty active, showing one of its most impressive concept cars. It is worth noting that 14 years ago Scion unveiled its first concepts also at the auto show in New York.
The most popular car by the brand, the tC, leaves an impression due to its aggressive exterior and interior features and improved performance. Besides, the vehicle was created in a partnership with a known designer Kei Miura. So, the Scion tC RS 10.0 features a special Aero Kit by Miura, which consist of rocker panels, front lip, rear lower, and deck spoilers. The car is painted in a bright Barcelona Red color and has contrasting gloss black alloy wheels and black-out Scion badges.
Performance lowering springs by TRD reduce the center of gravity, allowing to make quicker cornering, turns, resulting also in an improved steering response. A more resonant and deep exhaust note is achieved thanks to performance dual exhaust also produced by TRD.
The red and black color theme continues in the interior of the new Scion tC with red accent stitching on the steering wheel, parking brake cover, shift boot, and sport-tuned seat inserts. Red seat belts, Release Series carpeted cargo mats, floor mats, and sequentially numbered nameplate complete the image.
The model will be available with two versions of a 6-speed gearbox – sequential automatic and classic manual. The RS 10.0 tC coupe will be available at Scion by Toyota dealerships starting in June in a limited run of 1,200 units.
Scion FR-S to Toyota 86
As we all know, Toyota stated that its Scion brand will be dropped after the 2016 model year. Though, brand's models, that have gained a wide popularity, won't sink into oblivion – they will be rebranded, receiving the Toyota badge (except the tC, which will be ceased entirely). Hence, the popular Scion FR-S for the 2017 model year will be launched as the Toyota 86, obtaining both exterior and interior changes as well as upgraded powertrain and suspension.
The new Toyota 86 boasts a wide, low stance, emphasized by a larger center intake and more aggressive styling. The front end was redesigned – the front bumper was revised, and LED front headlamps along with turn signals underwent re-configuration. The rear bumper was also redesigned, as well as tail lamps, and the model's alloy wheels now possess a twisted spoke design.
Image by carid.com
As for the interior, the dashboard is surrounded by the new "Grandlux" material with the 86 logo on it. This material also adds a softer feel to the door trim. The 86's cabin also boasts a sporty steering wheel that features integrated audio controls and the model's logo on the center hub.
A spring rate change and revised shock tuning allow the Toyota 86 to deliver agile performance along with enhanced control. The version with a manual gearbox received some additional power that come from a torque increase (up to 156 lb.-ft) and gear ratio change. Horsepower was also increased up to 205 hp. And the Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) system helps to prevent model's rolling back on steep hills. The 86 will go on sale this fall at all company's dealerships.
Apart from the FR-S, two other Scions will be renamed for the MY 2017. The Toyota Yaris iA and the Corolla iM will join the brand's compact car range.
Toyota March sales report
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), officially stated about 219,842 vehicles sold in March 2016. This number shows a 2.7 percent production volume decrease if compared to March 2015. Besides, March of this year featured two more selling days, so this way the sales were decreased by 9.9 percent in terms of a daily selling rate (DSR).
Toyota division sold separately 189,644 units, showing the same decrease in numbers as the entire brand – 2.7 percent down in overall volume and 9.9 percent on a DSR basis.
However, company's trucks "see the best March in over a decade", according to Bill Fay, Toyota division group general manager and vice president. Brand's light trucks, mostly the Highlander and RAV4 showed record sales – they finished with best March and first quarter sales ever.
The best-selling Toyota was the Camry with approximately 37,000 units sold, the second was the Corolla, that finished with 32,556 vehicles sold.
Lexus reported about 30,198 units sold, which equals to 10 percent DSR decrease and 2.8 percent decrease on a volume basis. However, the brand still remains to be well-positioned thanks to its LUV lineup, that meets the demand for luxury crossovers and utility vehicles, according to Jeff Bracken, Lexus group general manager and vice president. Besides, the NX finished with best-ever month and the RX posted the best month (9,648 units) since its launch. The new LX showed 45.7 percent increase.