The Lexus IS-F is so rare that only 150 cars are being allocated to the UK.

That will make it rare indeed, but I would have one of these over an M3 any day – same power, but bigger brakes and better styling…and exclusiveity.  The engine will be more reliable, as will all other parts.  BMW just doesn’t last like Jap stuff.

Otherwise known as Toyota IS-F, this fast sedan is going to be quite something.

6-pot brakes and vent ducts for cooling + 400hp.  Stiff suspension and lowered ride height.

More info at Toyota Japan’s website here

It seems that oil sludge can kill the latest Toyota engines used in the RX300.

Closer investigation reveals that if the oil is not changed every 10K, it can sludge.  I can comment that my engine has drank 1 litre of oil in the last 8000 miles….unusual for a Toyota block.

Toyota are not invincible and regular servicing seems to be highly important with gearbox fluid change in the RX being 30,000 in the manual but 10,000 in reality.

Still, you can rely on your Landcruiser to roam about Africa all day long without an oil change for years.

It seems the drive to reduce emissions has ended up with too many O2 sensors and catalytic convertors.

For example, my Lexus RX has 4 oxygen sensors and 2 catalytic convertors.  1 cat has been replaced at 55,000 miles and a sensor replaced twice in last 12 months.  Engine management is so sensitive that it throws an engine light and turns off skid control as a precaution.  It seems my RX still has the problem, but it is down to a sensor or a catalytic convertor.  Either way, for a Toyota vehicle with 65,000 miles that’s not very acceptable.

The death of the Nissan Skyline GT-R was due to emissions, although the new one puts out 500hp with emissions correct.

Still, the days of unleaded fuel used to make me sick, now aircon and cleaner fuels have taken care of this.

It seems all the Japanese cars are going towards NA.

Or like the new Skyline, with turbos built into the manifold so expensive and difficult to modifiy.

The new Supra may/may not be twin turbo but I am thinking it will be 400hp NA/Hybrid.  The new Lexus coupe is 500hp NA.

Gone are the days of twin turbo 280hp with easy tuning for more power.  I doubt they will build a 2JZ-GTE engine again, it’s over engineered to begin with and surpasses requirements while increasing costs.

At last a 4-wheel drive people carrier.  The Voxy is only available in Japan but may make it’s way to Europe if it’s funky looks work with the public.

As it’s renown for being the most reliable car manufacturer in the world, Top Gear tried to kill a Toyota here.

Better luck next time Mr Clarkson!

Toyota make great cars, but the Toyota F1 Team seems to achieve mediocre results – 10th and 14th right now.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they move forward considerably in coming years with all the profits from their consumer vehicles however.

I know this isn’t a Toyota, but it deserves some kudos.  The new Civic Type R has been released and it has very nice specs.

 1267 kilo kurb weight is just excellent combined with 201ps NA engine, that’s plenty of grunt….plus 31mpg.

On a twisty back road it’ll be excellent and with it’s small dimensions, great for town driving, albeit a hard ride with sports suspension and 18″ rims.

Not being a turbo and FWD means tuning the power isn’t going to be cheap or productive.  Still, if you want a fast hot hatch with good fuel economy this is definitely a great car.

What can I say…I had the experience of the Toyota Crown in Singapore.  Yes, it looks unsophisticated and tin-canny….but when you sit inside you have ENORMOUS leg room like a Hackney, smooth ride, smooth engine.

It should be noted the taxi fares in Singapore are super cheap – try about 5GBP for a 30 minute journey.  And there is no ripoff or expected tips.  Very good indeed and we really enjoyed being in the clean Toyota Crown taxis.