GR Future (Motoman Interview w. Mike Tripp)
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Interesting video. It almost sounds like they were developing the manual trans for the next gen supra and were deciding whether it's worth releasing early. I am guessing they decided to use it to refresh the current model to give it a sales boost to squeeze as much out of it as possible before the next gen. I hope they come out with more cool models but doubt they would do anything beyond the camry in GR. I would love a GR 4runner with the new tundra hybrid power train if it ever became a reality.
2017 Lexus IS350, 2007 Toyota Camry, 1995 Toyota MR2, 1996 Honda Acty
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GR branding should be designated for sports cars only. Otherwise, you are diluting the name. TRD is already well known for their offerings for offroading, and that brand originated from motorsport. And TRD in Japan has a completely different mission than in the US.
Though they do have a GR LC and GR hilux already too, so its possible in the future.
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yeah some cars were spied early on with a manual.
Yea there's a bunch of GR models in Europe. I'd definitely buy a GR Rav4 Hybrid 😄
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Those are “GR Sport” models, it’s the Toyota version of “F Sport” with appearance packages and some handling upgrades.
I agree with @KanmuriDavid they shouldn’t dilute the brand, but if they start bringing the GR Sport badging here it should be actual upgrades.
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Not sure if it'd been mentioned anywhere else but his brief statement of "8k over 4 years..." Before cutting himself off seems to at least indicate we're looking at a global production of 32k over the lifespan which seems in line with expectations but means this car is gonna be really tough to get without huge market shakeups from competition.
Especially if the latest Type R is as low production as rumored. Hyundai is really the only competitor I could see trying to come back into the market besides however the Integra Type S turns out.
Especially if the latest Type R is as low production as rumored. Hyundai is really the only competitor I could see trying to come back into the market besides however the Integra Type S turns out.
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I guess the Type R isn’t going to be limited on purpose though. From what I was told Japan is making it for the world so it’s going to be less that way.
GRC I’m curious on how they decide to do things, AutomotivePress (former Toyota engineer) along time ago said out of all the GR models the GRC/GRY could easily be grandfathered in to the new EV era.
2017 Lexus IS350, 2007 Toyota Camry, 1995 Toyota MR2, 1996 Honda Acty
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Wait a second. Tripp just say "8000ish on a four year..." at 2:14 before cutting himself off. Is GR Corolla going to be around for only four years?
Edit: I was late to this discussion didn't read above. 😂
Edit: I was late to this discussion didn't read above. 😂
Looks like they are trying to match Focus RS production numbers. I sort of like the idea that it will be limited. The Focus RS also seems to retain its value and not have a trashy reputation for this reason.
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It’s actually a decent amount of cars for a “limited” run.
Only thing that seems a off (pure marketing talk) was when he initial gave that interview a long time ago and said the limited nature isn’t because they CANT produce enough, it’s to maintain that niche credibility. Lol.
because in the video he admits that can’t keep up with demand for the GR86 because of the supply chain. Also the GR section Motomachi factory is slower by design, so when cars roll out a little slower people get the impression that Toyota is purposely limiting the cars.
I think the G86 will be produced in MUCH higher numbers though which is why they can't keep up. I am sure they could pump out a couple thousand more GRC's if they really wanted and not be hurt by supply chain, but not 20k more per year.
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Again, by design that section of Motomachi is slower. What I’m saying is saying “we can produce enough, we just don’t want to by maintaining the niche credibility.” Puts stress on Toyota in ways. Lol.
GR Yaris is in the same wing and suffers from supply chain issues and is behind. That’s not considering the whole order system.
True, but I am glad they made it very clear that is their intention.
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Is 8000 enough to warrant a refresh? I was hoping for new colors (not limited editions) and gearbox options (Supra and maybe even GRY).
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If it’s only around for 4 years, that brings us right to the beginning of the EV mandate stuff governments are trying to push. So I’m not sure.
but they are planning special edition stuff beyond the Circuit Edition and we know they’re working on a performance focused auto transmission.
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Your ears might have deceived you, someone please back me up here, and we're all following each other's leads. Watching it again with CC enabled, Mike said "8000ish on a FULL year", not "four years". Notice the "L" and the lack of plural on "year". Then the host relates the same 8000 a year output to Aston Martin. There are 50,000 FK8s made out there and you're telling me GRC has a complete life span of 8000? In the same video Mike explained that the GRC's existence needs a business case and is brought into market to generate enough revenue by selling enough volume. There should be an infraction for unwarranted heart attacks.
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