Both Toyota and Honda are planning to go racing with their new sports cars, the FT-86 and the CR-Z respectively.
While the showroom version of the FT-86 is expected to cost over $27,000 in full spec (that's a touch over L16K, but expect that price to be considerably higher for UK cars), one source close to Toyota told us that a special low-frills competition version will sell for less than $22,000 and be specially set up for racing with stiffer suspension and beefier brakes. The same model will be used for drifting competitions.
Meanwhile, Honda has slightly bigger plans for its CR-Z. In addition to dual applications of its new hybrid system, namely entry in a one-make sprint race series as well as petrol-sipping eco-runs -- at the same circuit, on the same day with the same drivers -- Honda also plans to enter rhe CR-Z in endurance racing at the Nürburgring, starting from the second half of 2010.
One Honda Germany press officer said that if the race cars could be prepared in time, 'Honda Europe would very much like to get the ball rolling with a couple of cars for the 24-hour race in May, maybe even one for an all-girl team!'
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