MINICARS from JAPAN

I received a surprise in the most recent package from my wife’s sister  in Japan.

* * *

LIONEL
ACTION RACING COLLECTABLES

NASCAR TOYOTA CAMRY

Purchased from a seller on eBay.

2011 (left row)
Brian Scott #11 Boise State Broncos
Steve Wallace #77 5-Hour Energy
Kyle Busch #18 Sam Bass Holiday

2010 (right row)
Kyle Busch #18 Doublemint
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight
Joey Logano #20 The Home Depot

* * *

NEWS

All-New 2013 Toyota Avalon Features Both Gasoline and Hybrid Powertrains

TORRANCE, Calif. (June 26, 2012) – When the all-new, North American designed and engineered 2013 Avalon goes on sale later this year, consumers can choose between a powerful V6 gasoline powertrain and Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive. The efficiency offered by the new hybrid model will help the all-new premium mid-size sedan achieve excellent fuel economy with an EPA-rating of 40 mpg combined.

In addition to offering a hybrid powertrain, the new Avalon features a stunning design, improved dynamic performance, a greater degree of refinement, and a highly spacious, comfortable interior experience with an abundance of outstanding convenience technologies.

Powerful, Efficient V6 Engine
The 2013 Avalon will feature a proven 3.5-liter, DOHC V6 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle, which has been enhanced to offer more responsive and efficient performance. The all-aluminum six-cylinder engine will produce 268 horsepower and 248 lbs. ft. of torque, which will propel the new sedan to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Compared to the previous-generation Avalon, this 2013 powertrain combination offers improved fuel economy, performance, superior shift feel and response, with upgraded drivability and quietness.

This enhanced powertrain’s programming has been updated to offer ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT Modes. The ECO mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by reducing power application at lower speeds and reducing energy consumed by the air-conditioning system. The SPORT Mode provides increased acceleration responses though altered engine control unit (ECU) programming, and it offers a more direct and responsive EPS programming to enhance steering feel.

In addition, the new transaxle is equipped with a numerically lower differential gear drive ratio (3.23), designed to help improve fuel economy. The V6-powered 2013 Avalon achieves an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (21 city/ 31 hwy).

The transmission operation has been made more efficient and responsive with the adoption of a flex-start control feature lock-up clutch. With lock-up control, the transmission’s torque converter fully engages at a lower RPM during standing starts to improve acceleration response and help suppress unnecessary engine revolutions. The new transmission is also kept at an optimal temperature with an automatic-transmission fluid warmer, helping enhance efficiency.

The multi-mode automatic transmission console shifter offers a D range and can be moved into an S-mode gate, which allows manually operated sequential shifting using the console shifter or available (Touring and Limited models) steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The gear can be selected by moving the shifter up to (+) position or lower using the (-) position to experience highly responsive shifts. By using the paddles or in S-range, the transmission uses a quick responding shift-logic that includes throttle blipping for downshifts. The gear changes and range-of-gear selections are displayed in the color multi-information display.

Avalon Adds Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive
For consumers seeking a premium mid-size sedan with excellent fuel economy ratings and an environmental message, the new Avalon features a full power-split hybrid system. Coupled with reductions in vehicle weight and improvements in aerodynamics, the Avalon Hybrid is expects to achieve impressive fuel economy ratings. The 2013 Avalon incorporates the latest advances in Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, building upon Toyota’s 14 years of hybrid-development experience. The Avalon Hybrid features a 2.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine, a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and a pair of electric motor/generators within the transaxle. A power-control unit located in the engine compartment houses an inverter, a DC-DC converter, a step-up converter (raises voltage to a maximum of 650 volts) and the hybrid-drive ECU, which governs the seamless operation of electric-motor power application and regenerative braking. The power control unit relies on liquid cooling to maintain an efficient temperature.

The Avalon Hybrid achieves a total system output of 200 horsepower and offers three unique modes of operation: EV, ECO and SPORT. The Avalon Hybrid models achieve an EPA-rated 40 mpg in the city, and a 39 mpg on the highway for a combined 40 mpg EPA-rating.

The 2013 Avalon Hybrid offers an EV mode that, under certain conditions, allows the vehicle to operate solely on electric propulsion. EV mode can be engaged, provided other conditions are correct, for up to one mile at speeds up to 25 mph, providing an all-electric option that is convenient in residential areas or parking garages.

The ECO drive mode engages the gasoline motor, but reduces throttle response and HVAC output to help improve overall efficiency. The SPORT Mode takes full advantage of the new Avalon’s dynamic character, improved chassis, and enhanced suspension by altering the engine’s throttle response and enhancing steering feel.

The Avalon’s hybrid’s battery pack is comprised of 204 cells and is located in the vehicle trunk behind the rear seats, while still providing ample trunk space. The scroll casing for the battery cooling system’s blower fan has been designed to produce extremely quiet and efficient airflow, helping reduce interior noise and elevating refinement. The power-control unit, located in the engine bay, houses the inverter, DC-DC converter.

The efficient hybrid transaxle in the new Avalon contains two high-output electric motor/generators, a power-split device, an open differential and the final drive ratio. Motor/Generator 1 (MG1) is used to start the gasoline engine and generate the energy that is returned to the battery to power the system. Motor/Generator 2 (MG2) is primarily responsible for electric drivetrain propulsion and regenerative braking. The hybrid vehicle transaxle also incorporates a flywheel-damper design that helps reduce noise and vibration during engine engagement.

Captivating Styling with a Spacious, Luxurious Interior Experience
The new 2013 Avalon is the product of a North American-focused design and engineering effort. The new sedan’s striking exterior and luxurious interior design was conceived by a youthful, talented team at the Calty Design Research Inc., facilities in Southern California and Michigan.

The car’s engineering development was led by a passionate and dedicated group based at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Continuing a North American focus, the 2013 Avalon will be assembled at the award-winning Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) facility in Georgetown, Ky.

True to the future product mission set forth by Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda, the new Avalon’s more stylish, bold, sporty exterior design and luxurious interior styling are matched by an enhanced dynamic package, a combination that foreshadows the more compelling and passionate nature of future Toyota products.

Original press release and specs.

* * *

NEWS

LAND CRUISER HERITAGE MUSEUM

As announced on AUTOWEEK, the new Land Cruiser Heritage Museum opened on June 23 in Tooele, Utah – located at the Miller Motorsports Park. Admission will be “by appointment only.”

From AUTOWEEK:

The new Land Cruiser Heritage Museum will open on June 23 in Tooele, Utah. Located in Miller Motorsports Park, the museum’s opening will be part of the festivities surrounding Miller’s annual “CruiserFest” gathering for Toyota Land Cruiser fans.

The Land Cruiser Heritage museum is home to a collection of about 40 of the Toyota off-roaders owned by Greg Miller, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. The vehicles on display were selected to showcase the heritage of the Land Cruiser, and the oldest is a 1959 FJ25 model.

Admission is said to be “by appointment only.”

Check out the full press release below for more information.

Tooele County, Utah (May 20) — This Saturday, June 23, Miller Motorsports Park is proud to host the Grand Opening of the new Land Cruiser Heritage Museum. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. as part of the annual Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series and CruiserFest events.

The museum, located in the West Paddock at Miller Motorsports Park just east of the Off Road Short Course, houses an extensive collection of Toyota Land Cruisers that belong to Greg Miller, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies.

The Toyota Land Cruiser began development in 1951 as Toyota’s version of a Jeep-type vehicle and went into production in 1954. It has been produced in convertible, hardtop, station wagon and utility-truck versions and is the longest-running series in Toyota’s history. It is renowned globally as a go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle and enjoys iconic status in the world of off-road travel.

Land Cruisers have always been a part of the Miller family, transporting them on numerous vacations and family outings as well as to off-road competitions. They bring friends and family together, and are more than just trucks – they are memories. Greg Miller says that Land Cruisers are one of life’s simple pleasures. “When I’m in a Cruiser,” he said, “I’m usually with people I love, doing what I love, in a place I love.”

The Land Cruiser Heritage Museum is intended to showcase the heritage of Land Cruisers, not one man’s love for Land Cruisers that is shared by many. The museum houses approximately 40 Cruisers, with displayed vehicles being rotated occasionally. The Cruisers on display range from a 1959 FJ25 to 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser VDJ78Rs that are being used for the Expeditions 7 global off-road adventure.

Going forward, access to the museum will be by appointment only. Those interested should contact Tobie Warner at 801-563-4179.

Original report by Seth Harrison on AUTOWEEK

* * *

NEWS

MATTEL vs ICON part 3

According to this AUTOBLOG report, ICON and Mattel speak about FJ40 trademark claims:

Things are looking up for Icon. The company just moved from its tiny original location to a sprawling new facility, and every machine its craftsmen produce is sold before the final bolts are tightened. There’s even talk of finding ways to triple production in order to keep up with demand. In addition to the off-road titans and clever Derelict models we know and love, Jonathan Ward, CEO and Lead Designer with the company, is busy working to expand his business with corporate partnerships and new products that go beyond old metal. But Icon recently made headlines for another reason altogether.

As you may recall, Icon recently accused Hot Wheels and parent company Mattel of infringing on the customizer’s design and naming trademarks. Jonathan Ward, CEO and head designer for Icon, says the trouble started in September, 2010 when he pitched the idea of a die-cast Icon model to Alec Tam, the design director for Hot Wheels. Ward sent an email with the full Icon product book to Mattel to no avail. Six months later, he received a note from a customer congratulating him on scoring a deal with Hot Wheels. The client had spotted a rendering on the Hot Wheels future product page that looked awfully similar to a promotional shot Icon uses for the company’s FJ40 model.

Aside from a little paint, a few decals and some suitably over-the-top wheels, the parallels between the Hot Wheels rendering and a photo Icon’s general manager shot during FJ40 suspension trials in the desert were unavoidable.

“It just didn’t sit right with me,” Ward said. “It wasn’t about revenue. It just didn’t seem right.”

Even worse, Hot Wheels designated the toy a “Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40.” While Mattel licensed the use of the Land Cruiser name and design from Toyota, neither company holds the trademark to “FJ40.” The name originates from part of the 17-digit VIN code found on vintage Land Cruisers, and while enthusiasts the world over recognize FJ40 as a Land Cruiser designation, Toyota never marketed the model as such. Ward applied to trademark the FJ40 name for his use in 2005, and received the official registration in 2009, giving Icon alone the power to license the name.

“The problem with marks is, if you don’t diligently protect every infringement on your mark, they go generic,” Ward said. “If Jeep wants to come out with an Icon trim edition in the fall, there’s a strong legal potential that the mark is deemed generic and I’ve got nothing. It just ruins my brand.”

Ward initially reached out to Hot Wheels via email, and says the company responded by asking which areas of the vehicle design he felt belonged to Icon. That’s when the lawyers got involved. On August 1, 2011, Icon’s legal counsel sent a cease and desist letter to Mattel officially informing the company of its issues with both the rendering and the toy itself. Mattel pulled the rendering from the company site, and its law team replied on September 9, saying it disagreed with Icon’s allegations.

Mattel argued that it holds a licensing agreement with Toyota for the Land Cruiser name, and that it has been manufacturing and selling toys inspired by the Toyota Land Cruiser since 2009, and off road iterations since 2010. Furthermore, the toymaker said the “FJ40″ designation is merely used to describe the model, and as such, falls under the fair use provision of U.S. trademark law. The company said it simply doesn’t have any other way to identify the toy. Under the law as its written, someone may use a trademarked phrase or design for purposes of comparison, criticism or as a point of reference.

Icon’s lawyers had been quick to point out that the Hot Wheels toy looked more like an Icon FJ40 than the original Toyota Land Cruiser, and laid out a litany of 13 similarities between the rendering, the finished toy and the Icon FJ40 itself. In its letter, Mattel dismissed those claims, saying in order for Icon to have a trade dress, it must prove its elements are inherently distinctive, that there’s a likelihood of causing confusion among consumers and that the design elements are nonfunctional. Mattel claimed that since elements like the bumper, doors, fuel door, lights and roll cage were all functional, Icon didn’t have a case. The corporation wrapped up its argument by saying the original rendering was “not identical” to the Icon FJ40, but more importantly, it wasn’t identical to the final Hot Wheels toy, either.

Icon’s lawyers had a field day dismantling the Mattel argument. Citing cases from Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and even Fudruckers, the counsel showed the courts have held elements that are separately unprotectable can be protected as a whole under U.S. law. That means that while elements like Icon seats, shifters or lights may not be defendable as a trademark on their own, taken as a whole, they represent a complete creation. That creation’s design can be taken as a trade dress. Furthermore, Rolls-Royce once showed an object can be both functional and a trade dress in a suit involving the company’s iconic grille.

Then came the fair use argument. Icon showed there had already been confusion amongst consumers by quoting from internet forums, where users were debating on whether or not the Hot Wheels rendering depicted an Icon model. Confusion had already taken place, and Icon argued Mattel was attempting to capitalize on the FJ40 trademark held by the shop in Los Angeles.

On October 7, 2011, Mattel asked for more time to consult with Toyota on the matter. Icon reached out again after 30 days, at which point Ward says the toymaker insinuated Icon was welcome to attempt to sue over the alleged infringement.

Mattel has a long history of going to bat over its own perceived trademark infringements. Most recently, the corporation sued MGA Entertainment over the design of the Bratz doll line. Mattel alleged Carter Bryant, the mind behind the multi-ethnic dolls, came up with the idea for Bratz while employed by Mattel. MGA Entertainment won the case, and courts awarded the company $309 million in damages.

In 2002, the toymaker took MCA records to court over Aqua’s pop hit “Barbie Girl.” The toymaker said the lyrics violated the Barbie trademark and turned the toy into a sex object. Mattel even went so far as to say the album’s cover used “Barbie Pink,” a color owned by the corporation. Lower courts dismissed the accusations, but Mattel took the fight all the way to the Supreme Court. Judges ruled the song was a parody, which is protected under the First Amendment.

The list goes on and on. There’s the small feminist press that was pressured into changing the title of “Adios Barbie” to “Body Outlaws” in 1998 for fear of being litigated into bankruptcy. And the adult film star who Mattel sued over her stage name, Barbie Benson. Both parties settled that case, but Mattel has also had plenty of issues barreling over trademarks held by other parties. Donna Douglas, the actress who played Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies” won a settlement from the toymaker in 2011 over the Elly May Barbie doll for using the character’s name and likeness.

Autoblog reached out to Mattel for comment on the Icon claims, and the company sent this response:

Mattel respects the intellectual property of others and takes these types of allegations very seriously. We strongly disagree with the allegations from JW Motion and the facts they have presented. In particular, the artist’s concept illustration that has been publicized was not intended to be an accurate representation of the actual Hot Wheels Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 toy vehicle that Mattel eventually produced. That image, which was only posted on hotwheels.com for a short period of time, was taken down permanently last fall.

We had previously been in dialogue with ICON’s attorney for a period of about six months regarding this; however we have not heard from them since our last communication nearly four months ago. Hot Wheels Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 toy vehicles are produced by Mattel under license from the Toyota Motor Corporation.

When we asked specifically about the FJ40 trademark, the company said there was no one to speak to on the matter, and that it had provided all it had on the situation. Mattel is currently the world’s largest toymaker, and as such, lawsuits of every shade are bound to be part of the territory.

Ward, meanwhile, says he isn’t angry about the toy or the rendering. As a long-time Hot Wheels collector and fan, he’s more upset about the way the corporation has handled the situation.

“I would have been happy with a, ‘Hey, I’m sorry,” he said. “I would have accepted an acknowledgement of a bad decision or something that snuck by. Any sort of reasonable discussion. But instead I was met with an arrogant, litigious attitude that required me to hire attorneys.”

And now that the situation has grown into legal sabre rattling from both sides?

“I’d love to come up with a resolution with them,” Ward said. “They could pay me a penny and do a proper series of Icon models based on my designs. It’s a no brainer. It creates the next generation of consumers for our products.”

Original report via Zach Bowman / Autoblog

* * *

NEWS

Toyota Motorsport GmbH Brings Electric Technology to Pikes Peak

Original press release and specs

* * *

NEWS

MATTEL vs ICON part 2

The Hot Wheels maker and ICON continue to battle it out according to Hooniverse:

Yesterday we ran a post highlighting what appears to be a pretty scummy issue. Automaker ICON alleges that Hot Wheels ripped off the likeness of its own FJ Series vehicle for a new small-scale toy. We gave you ICON’s side of the story yesterday, which was plucked from ICON’s own newsletter. Now, however, we have Hot Wheels take on the issue.

Alan Hilowitz, Company Spokesman for Hot Wheels, responded to our email inquiry. Mr. Hilowitz states that Hot Wheels has been attempting to communicate with ICON, but there’s been no more communication coming from the automaker’s camp. Initially, the image shown yesterday was part of an artist’s rendering of what Hot Wheels might want to do, with regards to a new model. From there, the toy maker proceeded to license their actual toy based upon the original Toyota FJ, with an agreement forged directly with Toyota.

We’ve got a photo of the actual production toy (shown above, and after the break), and the full response from Alan Hilowitz and Hot Wheels. We know there are two sides to every story, and we’re glad that Hot Wheels took the time to respond. Additionally, we hope that ICON and Hot Wheels can settle the issue. If Hooniverse were called in to arbitrate (you never know…), we would love to see ICON give a thumbs up to a run of Hot Wheels based on the vehicles that the automaker produces.

Mattel respects the intellectual property of others and takes these types of allegations very seriously. We strongly disagree with the allegations from JW Motion and the facts they have presented. We had previously been in dialogue with their attorney for a period of about six months regarding this; however we have not heard from them since our last communication nearly four months ago. The Hot Wheels vehicle referenced is produced under license from the Toyota Motor Corporation by Mattel Inc.

I’d like to also note that the photo you have posted on your site (the yellow vehicle on the right) was an artist’s concept rendering of what the toy might look like and not a photo of the actual toy vehicle produced. That rendering, which was only posted on hotwheels.com for a short period of time, was taken down permanently last fall. I am attaching an image of the actual toy being sold.

Thank you!

Alan

Thanks again for the response Alan.

So what do you think Hooniverse; a case of a careless illustrator letting his inspiration for a new model make it to the website, or did Hot Wheels decide to make a deal with Toyota rather than ICON?

Original report via Jeff Glucker / Hooniverse

* * *

NEWS

Lexus IS F CCS-R Race Car

The Lexus IS F CCS-R race car will compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 8, 2012.

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase            107.5 in.

Overall Length       187.4 in.

Overall Width         71.5 in.

Overall Height        54.5 in.

 

WEIGHT

Curb Weight           3,087 lbs. or less (693 lbs. less than stock)

 

ENGINE

Designation            2UR-GSE

Displacement          5.0L

Horsepower            416 @ 6,600 rpm

Torque                    371 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm

Fuel system            SFI D-4 direct-to-cylinder injection with secondary port injectors

 

DRIVETRAIN

Layout                    Front engine, rear-wheel drive system

Transmission           8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode

 

EXTERIOR

• Orange mica exterior paint
• Reinforced monocoque (with roll cage)
• Carbon fiber hood, door handles, front fender, front spoiler, front canard, rear spoiler, ventilator
• Polycarbonate windows
• Lightweight door

WHEELS/TIRES

• SSR
  • 18×8.5J, off-set 30 front
  • 18×9.5J, off-set 40 rear
• Yokohama /ADVAN NEOVA A050 tires
  • 245/40 R18 front
  • 255/40 R18 rear

BRAKES

• Brake cooling system
• Racing brake kit
• Stainless steel mesh brake hose

SUSPENSION

• Adjustable camber front upper arm
• Modified race suspension
• Reinforced bushings and mounts

EXHAUST

• Racing exhaust system

OTHER MECHANICAL

• Engine oil cooler
• Transmission oil cooler
• Differential oil cooler
• Mechanical LSD

RACING EQUIPMENT

• 120L fuel cell
• Air jack system
• Fire extinguishing system
• Data logger
• Kill switch
• Tow strap

INTERIOR 

• Carbon fiber dashboard, center console, door and interior trim
• HANS compatible full bucket driver’s seat
• Lightened interior (delete power windows, door locks, rear seats, roof lining, etc.)
• Six-point seat belt
• Small-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters

Original press release and photos

* * *

NEWS

MATTEL vs ICON

Mattel, maker of Hot Wheels gets into a brawl with specialty off road builder ICON – as reported on HOONIVERSE:

ICON is the go-to company when you want a bespoke example of a beloved machine from the past. Currently, the company is best known for its excellent interpretation of the old school Bronco and FJ Cruiser. ICON also produced the oh-so-Hoon-lusty Business Coupe. The quality of the company’s work is stunning, and the vehicles are quite expensive as a result. In fact, news of their latest venture just popped up on our radar. It shouldn’t be a surprise then that Hot Wheels saw fit to turn the ICON FJ Series into a scale-model toy.

There’s a problem though, they never spoke to ICON about the project.

Here is the story per the most recent ICON newsletter:

Now we have a less charming story related to how companies can be run. Whereas we have tried to build a company that is a true reflection of our passion and accountability, not all are built as such. As a lifetime fan of Hot Wheels, imagine our initial excitement when we received several emails from friends congratulating us on the Hot Wheels deal. “Hot wheels deal, what Hot Wheels deal?” , I said. So we went to their website and saw they were releasing a new FJ40 model. As I studied their details, and even their launch rendering, I quickly realized that they based it on our ICON FJ40 Baja Edition. Other than some ugly colors and logos, it was our design, trademark and trade dress. Actually, their photo was a quick rendering over a PR shot of me jumping one of our Baja’s in the desert. You can even see my balding head still in the truck!

So then I innocently asked a friend who used to work there, “what’s up?” He said they must have made an honest mistake, and advised me to reach out to the current Director of Design for Hot Wheels, Alec Tam. I sent him a few emails and never got a response. So then I called and got a belittling voicemail where he basically told me to take a hike and that there was no validity to my claim. So much for a friendly discussion… So after a few legal letters back and forth, their attorney said that they wished to settle this out of court, and they asked for thirty days to collect data related to how many had been distributed. So on day 31… we reached out to them again. This time they said if you think you have a claim, sue us. You guys are a small company and we are a big one, so go ahead and try! Sad to see such a great brand run in such a manner, isn’t it? We lack the funds to pour into a legal case to defend our mark and ! I thought this story was worth sharing. Any TM lawyers out there interested in helping us right this wrong? Shame on you Hot Wheels! Consider these facts when you make your next relevant purchase…

We’ve reached out to Hot Wheels for their side of the story, and we will update you as soon as we hear back.

Original report via Jeff Glucker / Hooniverse

* * *

NEWS

2013 Scion FR-S Sports Car Hits Dealerships Nationwide

* * *