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Toyota launch the TF109

  • By Rod Halligan
  • Carsguide
  • 15 January 2009
image The TF109 was launched to the world last night on the Internet. Photo Gallery

The TF109 was launched to the world last night on the Internet...

...a strategy in keeping with the current trend within the motor industry of not being seen to expend funds in unnecessarily lavish ways.

Visually the car is quite appealing save for the mandatory narrow rear wing that the regulations call for this rear. Toyota’s interpretation of the best method of maximising down force within the boundaries of the new rules calls for; this includes a narrow, short raised nose, shapely front wing endplates and undercut side pods.

We will see its first public outing next week during testing at Portimao and it is there we will get an impression of whether they can improve on the 5th place in the constructors championship from last year. A jump from 5th to being one of the top 3 runners is a big step and we can’t help but feel unless that happens in 2009 the funding situation may change for 2010 unless global sales improve.

 

 

 

 

Comments on this story

Displaying 1 of 1 comments

  • Toyota enjoyed an improved season last year in F1 and actually performed OK finishing 5th overall in the Manufactuers Title from a field of 10 ... well, 11 originally but one team pulled out.

    That to the side, Toyota absolutely stormed NASCAR last year to the point that Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge whinged, swined and cried because they couldn’t keep pace with the Toyota teams so rallied to have their HP restricted.

    What a bunch of losers ... instead of investing more and working harder to catch-up, they take the easy path and lobby to have Toyota ‘slowed-down’ instead !!!

    Sounds all to familiar ... Nissan and the GTR in Australia should ring some bells.

    Oooops ... lets not forget about the Sierra either !!

    Anyway, despite being restricted because Toyota / TRD USA were over-competitive, they still managed to secure 2 from the 3 available Manufactures Titles which was an effort well done.

    Oh yeah, Team TRD in Oz with Neal Bates and Simon Evans on board also secured the Australian Rally Championship title in 2008 marking thier 3rd straight annual win.

    Luke GT of Central Queensland Posted on 21 January 2009 9:22pm

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