I'll Cut You: Toyota Launches Blade In Japan
Toyota launched its new Blade hatch in Japan earlier today. Named not for the weapon of choice among Yakuza assassins of past decades, rather to "suggest an automobile with a 'sharpness' that fascinates people" (hmm), the Blade is a swank version of the Auris, which will is essentially a hatchback'd Corolla. It's got an interior swaddled in leather and alcantara, a 167-hp 2.4-liter four, and despite its mock-violent name, it's targeted to those approaching retirement. More important for our purposes, however, are rumors that a 280-hp, hot-hatch version could follow next year, sporting Toyota's 3.5-liter GR-FE V6. Dare we dream of a Toyota?
Press conference on the Toyota Blade HDTV [Nihon Car and Bike]
Related:
First Look? Toyota Corolla Hatch for Europe; T(u)RD Kit: The Toyota Auris Sportiva [internal]