Table of Contents
Introduction
Toyota is claiming its stake in the car enthusiast market, and it’s undeniable they are taking over. When most people hear “Toyota”, they think of econobox family cars or popular 4×4 SUVs like the 4Runner. However, when car enthusiasts hear Toyota, we think of the Supra, the MR2, or the AE86 tearing up the tracks and the streets. Unfortunately, Toyota was simply a boring car brand in the early 2000s. This reputation started to change with the introduction of the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ. Since the arrival of the FR-S/BRZ, Toyota has risen again as an enthusiast brand. Today, we’re outlining Toyota’s revival and what their future says for car enthusiasts worldwide!
Toyota’s Revival As An Enthusiast Brand
From the GT86 platform to the venerable MK5 Supra, Toyota is establishing itself as an overwhelming force of automotive performance. Across different price points and car genres, Toyota has something for everyone. Personally, I love where Toyota is going because it is forcing other manufacturers to pay attention. Appropriately priced fun sports cars can really take the market by storm if done correctly. In contrast, companies like Honda will tease us with their new cars, such as the Prelude, only for it to let us down in terms of performance.
Where Toyota has really achieved success is with the Gazoo Racing Team. We all know homologated sports cars have a huge history in the automotive world. This GR era reminds me of when every manufacturer really had their lineups together. You can get behind the wheel of a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive performance car for a decent price and have loads of fun. Obviously, one of the best traits of Toyota’s sports cars is their inherent reliability. While people may eye-roll at Toyota using a BMW engine for its flagship sports car, these cars are going to last as the durability of that motor has been extensively tested. I am extremely excited about these cars as I really hope it ushers in the modern counterpart of the 90’s JDM era.
Which Toyota Would Powershift Auto Buy Brand New?
If I were in the market, my choice without a doubt is the GR Corolla. When people ask me about my dream garage, it will always include some type of rally car. What the GR Corolla does is provide an excellent powertrain in a lightweight all-wheel drive platform for a reasonable amount of money (in today’s market). Not only that, it is still one of the few new cars offered with a manual transmission. With these attributes combined, the GR Corolla is a rally enthusiast’s dream. It is also practical enough to daily drive should you choose to do so!
What’s Next For Toyota’s Car Enthusiast Brand Era?
As we saw earlier this year, the Toyota rumor mill is stirring up the car world. Will we get the Celica and MR2 back in their true forms? Or are we going to be let down by another manufacturer giving a legendary name to a crossover SUV? Yes Mitsubishi, I’m talking about you. Nonetheless, the exciting possibilities of new driver-focused vehicles to hit the road are making other manufacturers nervous. With how the sports car market has been in the last several years, I think Toyota is going to remain top dog. What do you think? Reach out to us and let Powershift Auto know your thoughts on today’s enthusiast car market!
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