Open Letter to CEO Akio Toyoda

[Terrari]

Mr. Toyoda,

I have been a driver of Toyota sports cars since 1984. I followed the development of the original MR2 since 1983, ironically with a photo showing you looking at the spy photographer as you and the driver motor by. The
SV-3 secret was out. Performance was great from the FT-86 through the 1998 Supra.

I lament the days since the Supra disappeared from the U.S. Boring Toyota.
Maker of appliances for the highway. Now you are in charge and have re-ignited the performance spark at Toyota. Rumors abound again. You understand that there are gear-heads out here that lust for a new High Performance Toyota just as you do. You have that car in waiting now: The FT-86 GSport.

But now I read that you are going to snatch defeat right from the jaws of victory. The FT-86 will be a eunich. No balls. Missed the price target. Scion is sucking air. So the FT-86 will be delayed so it can be re-styled so it will not hurt Lexus. Then the FT-86 will be introduced as the cheapened
FR-S that will save Scion, not hurt Lexus, and hit its price target. Bull Shit!

Sell us the FT-86 GSport as the FT-86 GSport. The FT-86 has a huge following of enthusiasts whose original FT-86s are about two turns from the scrap pile. We have waited long enough. We can afford it. U.S. teens buy $40,000 cars every day. Why wait? We won't! You are in the right position to make this happen.

Thank You,

Fred Watkins

[Cal]

Ummm...

Did you send that to him?

[ej25ti]

Ummm...

Did you send that to him?

lol?

and I think you meant AE-86 not FT-86 in the first paragraph
i think?

[Terrari]

This is an open letter. Car companies monitor sites such as this to measure public reaction to products. Maybe it will reach him.

[Cal]

Ah I get it the concept. Users write in how they feel in case a toyo rep comes across it.

[ProZach626]

The decisions have been made long ago. Reversing this would waste a lot of money that has already been spent. I really think most of everything has been decided. Now we just have to sort through the information we have and interpret it as we will. All we can do now is wait and see how bad they will ruin the car.

[G4BROKE]

Perhaps there should be a site message to the big wing. I'm down for it.

[RJF]

Submitted on Digg.

Digg - Open Letter to CEO Akio Toyoda - Toyota FT-86 / FR-S Forum and Subaru 216a Forum | Toyobaru.net Forums

[Othan]

Hopefully this will catch Toyota's attention and release the FT-86 as it is... a Toyota, I have a feeling that if it is released as Scion it will be a big disappointment to a lot of people. If that happens and the FT-86 doesnt come to the U.S. nor the Subaru variant, I will import the Subaru.

[ej25ti]

I will import the Subaru.

that's not always that easyy =/

[Cragie Azn]

I know a way to get past emissions and lower the cost a bit, a buddy of mine told me about this guy who works at a mitsubishi dealership where they have an imported r34 gtr, they said the guy imported the car but registered it as a unibody kitcar, idk how he did it but there are pics to show it, i just gotta get them from my friend

[Cal]

^That skirts on the line of legal btw. See Kaizo R34

Yea importing is actually quite difficult.

[ej25ti]

^That skirts on the line of legal btw. See Kaizo R34

Yea importing is actually quite difficult.

ahhh sooo hot, in red, ughhh

[Cragie Azn]

ooohhh... damn... hmmm now i wanna go over to that mitsu dealership to see if that r34 is still there :[

[Othan]

sure it may be difficult to import a car, but it can be done. I am just saying that if it came to it and the FT-86 was scion only and the Subaru didnt come to the states, then I would import one rather then drive a scion.

[ej25ti]

oh... me too! lol

[ae86gtsBOSTON]

Ok here's my letter.

to whom it may concern...

Make it a Scion. I don't care.

$25k? how about $20k. How? Take out everything I don't want. No power windows, no sunroof, negligible rear seats that aren't supposed to be used. This is not supposed to be a luxury car, if I wanted that I would buy an IS. It's an homage to the original corolla, and last time I checked you can still buy a NEW "corolla" with crank windows...

Engine? 2.0 liters is fine. 170hp is also OK as a base option, but considering my 25 year old corolla with it's 1.6 liter 16v engine is making 180hp with a small turbo, I'd appreciate more power than that from it's reincarnate. Nothing stupid but 225+ would be nice with a redline that's actually exciting. The original had close to 8k, and it still makes my heart flutter. Nothing exciting about shifting at 6.5k.

Suspension? Give it STOCK adjustability. Ride height and camber angle adjustment out of the box would change the world.

A real limited slip differential, 1.5 way locking clutch type differential. No torsion, no viscous.

A steering wheel with no buttons. The last thing I want while driving spirited is to change from FM to AM radio. I do not want to change the song without taking my hands off the wheel. The only times I actually don't want my hands off the wheel is precisely the worst time to want to change a song so there is no point to this button.

Keep the weight under 2500lbs.

Tight pedal cluster. I don't want to feel like I'm driving a tractor. If the pedals feel too close to some people, that's a good thing. They will learn to drive it and like it better.

Cruise control? Cut out $1000 and I'll show you a person who doesn't like cruise control.

No fat man seats. A decent semi bucket seat that adjusts and has a lumbar support would be nice. Good lateral force wings are necessary as well.

20 inch rims? How about 17 inch rims Mr. Toyoda. I can't afford a 20 inch tire if I'm buying a scion for $20k, ESPECIALLY a rwd Scion. 20 inch rims are only an excuse to make the rim closer to the fender, without having to lower it to the ground. Lowering it is cooler though historically.

An important topic on any sports car is the exhaust, and this car will be no exception. I do not want 2 tailpipes that have no actual exhaust coming out of it. I don't even want to settle for having 2 tailpipes with 1 having exhaust coming out of it. Give me 1 tailpipe, with REAL exhaust coming out of it. You'll come up with an electric version soon enough, but until then let me burn up the rest of the dinosaurs with a healthy heavy breathing exhaust that can be heard when revving above 4k. If anyone complains the car gets too loud above 4k, then they forgot the shift gears on their way too the petting zoo. I want mustangs to double take, not laugh with an L on their forehead.

That's about it for my so-called letter. Got a little into it at the end hope this isn't off topic or misplaced on the forum (just joined) so just to reiterate -

-cheap
-light
-sporty

These were the main premises on what originally drew me too the original, and now to this concept. If anything I listed above is considered contradictory to any of those 3 bullet points please call me out. And just to feel this one out, am I the only person who thinks power windows in a car that's supposed to be x-y-z is dumb? Sure they're convenient but they're heavy, expensive, and unreliable compared to crank windows. Buy an IS350 right???

[DrewsiferxXx]

@ae86gtsBOSTON you can put my name on that too! bravo!

[dookie11]

Engine? 2.0 liters is fine. 170hp is also OK as a base option, but considering my 25 year old corolla with it's 1.6 liter 16v engine is making 180hp with a small turbo, I'd appreciate more power than that from it's reincarnate. Nothing stupid but 225+ would be nice with a redline that's actually exciting. The original had close to 8k, and it still makes my heart flutter. Nothing exciting about shifting at 6.5k.
-cheap
-light
-sporty

+1 on all this. Especially the horsepower. I have a 200HP lude, and refuse to go any lower. How many liters is the S2k motor? Let's match that!

[ej25ti]

How many liters is the S2k motor? Let's match that!

also a 2.0L, but it wasn't that, it was the insane compression that made it so powerful... and a poor candidate for boost

[Turbowned]

+1 to ae86gtsBOSTON.

-Sub-2500lbs, no sissy power options, no traction control, stability control, ABS, any of that crap. If you can sell your other base models without such options you can certainly do it for what should be a purist's sports car.
-More horsepower!! I noticed that the Corolla and Matrix XRS (the only relatively sporty cars in the Toyota lineup) went from having 180hp and a 6 speed manual to 140hp and a 5 speed. What gives?? We want more power, not less! Anything less than 200bhp and I'm buying a different car.
-Optional track package. The MX-5, S2000, 350Z, Solstice, Genesis Coupe all come with track or club racer packages. This car should be no exception!
-Why a Scion again? Toyota has motorsports heritage. Formula 1, World Rally Championship. JGTC/Super GT, etc. What does Scion have? Race of Celebrities? Whoopdee doo. The FT-86 is a Toyota through and through.
-

[drperry]

Ok here's my letter.

to whom it may concern...

Make it a Scion. I don't care.

$25k? how about $20k. How? Take out everything I don't want. No power windows, no sunroof, negligible rear seats that aren't supposed to be used. This is not supposed to be a luxury car, if I wanted that I would buy an IS. It's an homage to the original corolla, and last time I checked you can still buy a NEW "corolla" with crank windows...

Engine? 2.0 liters is fine. 170hp is also OK as a base option, but considering my 25 year old corolla with it's 1.6 liter 16v engine is making 180hp with a small turbo, I'd appreciate more power than that from it's reincarnate. Nothing stupid but 225+ would be nice with a redline that's actually exciting. The original had close to 8k, and it still makes my heart flutter. Nothing exciting about shifting at 6.5k.

Suspension? Give it STOCK adjustability. Ride height and camber angle adjustment out of the box would change the world.

A real limited slip differential, 1.5 way locking clutch type differential. No torsion, no viscous.

A steering wheel with no buttons. The last thing I want while driving spirited is to change from FM to AM radio. I do not want to change the song without taking my hands off the wheel. The only times I actually don't want my hands off the wheel is precisely the worst time to want to change a song so there is no point to this button.

Keep the weight under 2500lbs.

Tight pedal cluster. I don't want to feel like I'm driving a tractor. If the pedals feel too close to some people, that's a good thing. They will learn to drive it and like it better.

Cruise control? Cut out $1000 and I'll show you a person who doesn't like cruise control.

No fat man seats. A decent semi bucket seat that adjusts and has a lumbar support would be nice. Good lateral force wings are necessary as well.

20 inch rims? How about 17 inch rims Mr. Toyoda. I can't afford a 20 inch tire if I'm buying a scion for $20k, ESPECIALLY a rwd Scion. 20 inch rims are only an excuse to make the rim closer to the fender, without having to lower it to the ground. Lowering it is cooler though historically.

An important topic on any sports car is the exhaust, and this car will be no exception. I do not want 2 tailpipes that have no actual exhaust coming out of it. I don't even want to settle for having 2 tailpipes with 1 having exhaust coming out of it. Give me 1 tailpipe, with REAL exhaust coming out of it. You'll come up with an electric version soon enough, but until then let me burn up the rest of the dinosaurs with a healthy heavy breathing exhaust that can be heard when revving above 4k. If anyone complains the car gets too loud above 4k, then they forgot the shift gears on their way too the petting zoo. I want mustangs to double take, not laugh with an L on their forehead.

That's about it for my so-called letter. Got a little into it at the end hope this isn't off topic or misplaced on the forum (just joined) so just to reiterate -

-cheap
-light
-sporty

These were the main premises on what originally drew me too the original, and now to this concept. If anything I listed above is considered contradictory to any of those 3 bullet points please call me out. And just to feel this one out, am I the only person who thinks power windows in a car that's supposed to be x-y-z is dumb? Sure they're convenient but they're heavy, expensive, and unreliable compared to crank windows. Buy an IS350 right???

Not a bad list, but too tight of a pedal cluster will make it impossible for some people to drive. :P

I've driven a few cars I had to take my shoes off, otherwise I'd press two pedals at once.

[Exitspeed]

Here's mine:

Dear Akio Toyoda,

Don't **** this up!

Love
Mel Russell aka Exitspeed

Otherwise this one is really good.

Ok here's my letter.

to whom it may concern...

Make it a Scion. I don't care.

$25k? how about $20k. How? Take out everything I don't want. No power windows, no sunroof, negligible rear seats that aren't supposed to be used. This is not supposed to be a luxury car, if I wanted that I would buy an IS. It's an homage to the original corolla, and last time I checked you can still buy a NEW "corolla" with crank windows...

Engine? 2.0 liters is fine. 170hp is also OK as a base option, but considering my 25 year old corolla with it's 1.6 liter 16v engine is making 180hp with a small turbo, I'd appreciate more power than that from it's reincarnate. Nothing stupid but 225+ would be nice with a redline that's actually exciting. The original had close to 8k, and it still makes my heart flutter. Nothing exciting about shifting at 6.5k.

Suspension? Give it STOCK adjustability. Ride height and camber angle adjustment out of the box would change the world.

A real limited slip differential, 1.5 way locking clutch type differential. No torsion, no viscous.

A steering wheel with no buttons. The last thing I want while driving spirited is to change from FM to AM radio. I do not want to change the song without taking my hands off the wheel. The only times I actually don't want my hands off the wheel is precisely the worst time to want to change a song so there is no point to this button.

Keep the weight under 2500lbs.

Tight pedal cluster. I don't want to feel like I'm driving a tractor. If the pedals feel too close to some people, that's a good thing. They will learn to drive it and like it better.

Cruise control? Cut out $1000 and I'll show you a person who doesn't like cruise control.

No fat man seats. A decent semi bucket seat that adjusts and has a lumbar support would be nice. Good lateral force wings are necessary as well.

20 inch rims? How about 17 inch rims Mr. Toyoda. I can't afford a 20 inch tire if I'm buying a scion for $20k, ESPECIALLY a rwd Scion. 20 inch rims are only an excuse to make the rim closer to the fender, without having to lower it to the ground. Lowering it is cooler though historically.

An important topic on any sports car is the exhaust, and this car will be no exception. I do not want 2 tailpipes that have no actual exhaust coming out of it. I don't even want to settle for having 2 tailpipes with 1 having exhaust coming out of it. Give me 1 tailpipe, with REAL exhaust coming out of it. You'll come up with an electric version soon enough, but until then let me burn up the rest of the dinosaurs with a healthy heavy breathing exhaust that can be heard when revving above 4k. If anyone complains the car gets too loud above 4k, then they forgot the shift gears on their way too the petting zoo. I want mustangs to double take, not laugh with an L on their forehead.

That's about it for my so-called letter. Got a little into it at the end hope this isn't off topic or misplaced on the forum (just joined) so just to reiterate -

-cheap
-light
-sporty

These were the main premises on what originally drew me too the original, and now to this concept. If anything I listed above is considered contradictory to any of those 3 bullet points please call me out. And just to feel this one out, am I the only person who thinks power windows in a car that's supposed to be x-y-z is dumb? Sure they're convenient but they're heavy, expensive, and unreliable compared to crank windows. Buy an IS350 right???

[bFreed]

$20k, 225hp, fully adjustable suspension, 1.5 way diff, less than 2500lbs....???

Is this really what you think they are building? Lol.

I just want the price tag under 25K, weight around 3k or less and a turbo engine with good torque.

And I want it NOW!!

I don't understand the whole Scion badged thing. Who cares? Either way it'll probably be just what I want.

[drperry]

Because Scion means "girly"

Not that there's been any manly Toyota cars released in N/A in quite some time, but apparently there's a difference, lol

[Cal]

The scion brand is aimed at the 16-24 crowd. Most people don't want to be placed in that category because of the stigma of said category.

[bFreed]

Eh whatever. Scion to me means cheap price tag.

[Toyoriffic]

The Scion name doesn't matter ta me...it's the car that counts. Period. If it's RWD, 6-speeds, looks like I want it to look and costs around $20,000 I'll take a look at it. If it costs even $5,000 I'll look away like it's The View on TV.

I don't know how any one woman could be any more annoying than Barbara Walters.

[Cal]

^Likewise especially since we all can just get toto badges from Europe or Japan.

[Exitspeed]

The scion brand is aimed at the 16-24 crowd. Most people don't want to be placed in that category because of the stigma of said category.

The Scion name doesn't matter ta me...it's the car that counts. Period. If it's RWD, 6-speeds, looks like I want it to look and costs around $20,000 I'll take a look at it. If it costs even $5,000 I'll look away like it's The View on TV.

I don't know how any one woman could be any more annoying than Barbara Walters.

Agreed. I'm about to be 32 and could care less if it's a Scion. I don't care one bit about any stigmas that may go along with the brands image.

I'm sure someone could quote me more then a few times on here saying that I don't care what they call it and what brand it is.