Quote:
Originally Posted by RRnold
Though this is mere speculation (just like this entire thread), Toyota seems to have merged away from the "motorsports image" that it once embraced back in the 80-90's. By creating a completely different subdivision (Scion) targeting a younger age group all while still developing cars and trucks for the working class American seems like their marketing model.
Pulling the plug on their sports cars didn't seem to hurt their sales figures substantially and most of the Japanese manfactures seemed to have followed. 
Makes me reminisce of cars in the 90's rocking turbos; Starion, GSX/GST, 3000GT, Talons, Galant VR4, MR2, Supra, 300ZXTT, Toyota P/U SR5 turbo!!   |
Impossible. If anything, they perhaps did it with their long focus on Formula 1, however, with their exit, they specifically said they are making a move to get back in touch with their customer base and focus on grassroots motorsport and motorsports that are more connected to the public. To that end, they will be supplying an engine to Rebellion racing to compete in LMP2 at LeMans, and they have been seen snooping around WRC, WTCC and GT venues. They have provided a car to do testing for the Next Gen touring car of BTCC, and Toyota Motorsports GmbH has been converted to a motorsports engineering outsourcing firm, a la Lotus Engineering (does not preclude them from participating as a works team, rumor is that they want to go rallying).
See links
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/toyota-ha...o-formula-one/
^some crazy shit, engineers/mechanics/technical oriented racer's wet dream.