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Toyota reveals custom Mark X, Harrier and Prius for Tokyo Auto Salon

Toyota offers a robust lineup of models in markets around the world – ours included – but there are certain models that remain reserved for Japan, and now it has revealed some tantalizingly modified versions for its home market. Arguably chief among them is a version of the Mark X that's been upgraded by GRMN. For those unfamiliar, the Mark X is a rear-drive sport sedan offered in the Japanese Domestic Market, while GRMN (shorthand for Gazoo Racing Masters of Nurburgring) is the street-tuning division of one of the company's racing departments. The confluence of these two Japanese lines brings some enticing upgrades to the sedan, including a new front bumper, carbon-fiber roof, trunk spoiler, 19-inch alloys, sport suspension, upgraded brakes and an interior decked out with sports sedans and steering wheel as well as carbon, piano black and Alcantara trim. Motivation comes from a 3.5-liter V6 driving 316 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and Torsen limited slip differential. Joining the Mark X GRMN are a pair of models enhanced by G's, another one of Toyota's Japan-centric performance lines. There's an Elegance version of the Harrier – similar to the Lexus RX we get Stateside – with a sports suspension dropped by 1.4 inches, upgraded brakes, an aggressively restyled front end and an enhanced interior. Alongside it Toyota has revealed a version of the tall-roofed Prius Alpha (which we know as the Prius V) with a similarly upgraded suspension, refreshed front end styling and interior with sports seats and silver-stitched black interior. All three models are slated to debut at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Salon - Japan's equivalent of the SEMA show - next month at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Featured Gallery Toyota at 2015 Tokyo Auto Salon View 18 Photos News Source: Toyota Aftermarket Green Tokyo Auto Salon Toyota JDM toyota prius v

The 2021 F-150 elevates Ford's bed game

The new 2021 Ford F-150 is ushering in a new era of pickup capability, but there's more to it than the introduction of the PowerBoost hybrid. While that new powertrain is certainly the truck's headlining element, the supporting electrical architecture enables a level of utility that hasn't been offered in past consumer half-tons. The true party trick is Ford's new "Pro Power Onboard" feature, which is essentially a built-in generator that provides juice for the 2021 F-150's rather robust in-bed power station. This system is available even on gasoline-engine models, but its utility is maximized with the electrified powertrain. ICE models equipped with the option max out at 2.0 kilowatts, while the PowerBoost hybrid can be had with either a 2.4- or a whopping 7.2-kilowatt inverter.  The idea here is that the F-150 can essentially stand in for a high-output portable generator. In a worksite example provided by Ford, a PowerBoost model with the 7.2-kW upgrade and a single tank of fuel could provide 32 hours of power for an 1,800-watt compound miter saw, a 1,000W circular saw, a 1,200W battery charger, a 1,200W hammer drill, and a 1,000W air compressor with hundreds of watts to spare for lighting and other accessories. But even without the Pro Power Onboard option, Ford's new bed setup enables more versatility than in previous models. The new Tailgate Work Surface option adds a flat work area with integrated rulers, recesses for pencils or small tools, and even a stand for a personal device.  Ford is neither the first to offer an auxiliary power outlet in a half-ton pickup bed, nor was Ford the first to introduce a more feature-rich tailgate. GMC's MultiPro tailgate was a major innovation on that front, and while it is geared mostly toward improving the cargo utility of the bed, it can also be customized with 12-volt power and even an accessory speaker system. The Ram 1500 is also offered with both a multi-function tailgate and AC power in the bed, though the latter option is limited to models with the RamBox cargo package.  As half-ton pickups approach levels of towing and hauling capability that begin to blur lines with heavy-duty offerings, it's clear that automakers are looking for ways to differentiate themselves without stepping on their own bigger trucks' toes. These new bed and tailgate innovations may yet be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to full-size pickup versatility. Related Video:    

Toyota inks deal as global Olympic sponsor

Toyota has just scored a sponsorship with one of the biggest events on the planet – the Olympic Games. The company announced its position as a member of the TOP (The Olympic Partner) program, which takes effect in Japan next year and globally in 2017. The deal is slated to run through 2024. That means, if we're understanding the deal correctly, that we won't see as much official Toyota sponsorship at next year's Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, while the company will enjoy a much more visible presence among American consumers at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Unsurprisingly, the automotive giant's sponsorship will be in the mobility category, covering "vehicles, mobility services and mobile solutions," the company's press release said. Fuel cells are expected to play a big role. "We will do everything possible to fulfill our new role in The Olympic Partner program, and justify the trust the IOC has placed in us. The addition of a mobility category to the TOP Partner field is an important recognition for our entire industry," Toyota president Akio Toyoda said in a statement. "Under this Olympic flag, let us today reaffirm the power of sports to bring people together. And let us dedicate ourselves to creating a better world by promoting sports in the Olympic spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play." "The IOC welcomes Toyota as a key partner for the provision of sustainable mobility solutions for the Olympic Games as outlined in Olympic Agenda 2020, our strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement," International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. "Toyota is the world leader in its field, and this partnership signifies a strong commitment to the future of the IOC and the Olympic Movement. This is a milestone agreement in the implementation of Olympic Agenda 2020 because the focus of our cooperation is sustainable mobility, and Toyota will provide sustainable solutions for the entire Olympic Movement." Check out the official press release. Toyota Becomes IOC TOP Partner Tokyo, Japan, March 13, 2015-Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) today announced it has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to become part of The Olympic Partner (TOP) program. The agreement runs through to the end of 2024 in the mobility category, which includes vehicles, mobility services and mobility solutions.