ToyotaFreak

Just finished with detailing my Ravioli, after three days of cleaning it up! Feels nice to start the week with a clean car. :)

An update...

Just purchased a pair of these from eBay, cheap, but effective upgrade over my unpainted covers. Would love to get those with integrated turn indicators, but they might cost a litlte too much, and I'm not that good with wiring up stuff.

Also, ditched the cigarette lighter (Not much use for me, as I'm a non-smoker.) for an LED Spotlight, the red charging LED creates a nice ambiance at night.

As of 13/7/2010, still under 60,000KMs!

Very sad to hear something like this happening to the 'Godfahter of the LF-A'. Condolences to the families of the deceased. :(

We don't have much in the way of details yet, but according to a report out of Germany, Toyota's chief test driver has died in a crash on highway 410 near the Nurburgring after veering into the oncoming lane and colliding with two others test drivers driving a BMW.

While the two BMW test drivers survived the crash, the yet-unnamed Toyota driver died behind the wheel of the recently spied LFA Nurburgring Edition he was driving.

The report says that the driver of the LF-A was 67 years old and Toyota's chief test driver, which leads us to believe that he is Hiromu Naruse, In addition to being the company's chief test driver, Naruse is also Akio Toyoda's personal driver and the Godfather of the LFA.

More information should be forthcoming.

UPDATE: The two drivers in the BMW sustained lift-threatening injuries and one is in critical condition.

UPDATE 2: Video of the scene added after the jump.

UPDATE 3: Spiegel is confirming that Naruse was the driver.

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/23/breaking-toyota-chief-test-driver-dies-lf-a-germany-ring/

The Highlander on the Toyota USA page is the current model. Since the US market uses the Model year system, we'll be looking at the 2011 Model Year for the updated car.

The model year system can get very confusing sometimes. A car built/ made available in mid 2009, is considered as a 2010 model (e.g. 2010 Toyota Rukus in Australia= 2011 Scion xB (Facelift) in the US.).

Awww.... if only I was still in Perth at that time. Flying back here on the 3rd of July.

Oh well, hope you guys have loads of fun! Would love to see photos from the Go kart day. :)

Oh man...... Too funny!

Thanks for organizing the photoshoot -DAvo, if only I wasn't very shy that night. I'll try to interact more next time.

-DAvo & shakotan mz11: Nice photos!

Two okay looking shots from my camera of the WA Photoshoot. Still not good with night time shots, need to practice more with the DSLR after exams (Also a good opportunity to prepare myself for the photography class next term.).

Aight thanks, so I'll see you guys there.

Drive safe! :)

so who is in!? 8:30pm southperth bridge

I'm still in, will bring a classmate along, so that he could take some photos for his photography class (Just asked him if he wants to tag along today.).

Anyways, can someone please give me an exact address, as I don't really have a good sense of direction.

Thanks,

TF

EDIT: Davo, please check your PM, I've sent you my mobile number.

I might come in, if i'm free tonight! =)

Same here. :)

Ooh, is the Rukus available for viewing in dealers right now? I think I'll drop by the Toyota dealer today, if that's the case.

Welcome to the club btw.

Hi everyone

The insurance company pinched my car (hail damaged) and I am now the proud owner of a 1998 RAV4. I could not be happier

I live in Perth and would love to get to know other RAV4 owners and to know if there is a club I can join.

Amanda

Niiiceee!!!!!!!

Finally, a RAV4 owner based in Perth!

Welcome to the club.:)

I knew some aftermarket keyless sys, it cost about $500, but you need to order it from China, hope this help.

That looks like the one I saw on a Thai forum & a website which sells that thing (Recognized the remote.). From what I've read, they can supply an application-specific driver's side smart key door handle.

Spotted Dre @ Waroeng Tempo Doeloe (Westminster Presbyterian Church) today....

I waved at you on the way out, was the guy in the silver RAV4. heheh :)

So, this thing was shown at the 2010 Beijing Motorshow...

Top speed: 120 KM/H

Emissions: Euro5

Turning Circle: 5.2m

I wonder if the design was inspired by gyoza*...

Source: http://www.chinacartimes.com/2010/04/24/hunan-university-designs-odd-car-students-claim-no-self-medication-went-on-during-design-process/

*JDM-spec dumplings

DDR FTW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2-hwM35jLA

Spotted today.

Silver Pre-facelift Corolla 1BJG*** (Not sure if it was a Sportivo or an Ascent with bodykit.) with 5 spoke wheels (Looks like 17 or 18 inch I think.) with two Asian guys in the front @ Lawson street.

Anyone here?

Ouch! Sorry to hear about your car. :(

is everyone in perth ok?

I am safe and sound, at uni. Might sleep there, or in the car. Having Full Time 4WD and good tires help I guess. Wanna join me? let's make a TOCAU WA sleepover!

Hope others are safe too.

And here are some of mine. Sorry for the delay, had other things to do.

More photos here (Page 8 onwards)-> http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3435...mp;l=fd3da5e280

Looks like I'll need to get a Flash Unit (For night time.) and download the manual for the DSLR (Probably left it in one of the boxes overseas.). First time trying to do night shots with it. Note, the photos I uploaded is from my regular cam.

What, no photos of the mighty SX4? So dissapointed...

I might have a few shots of your SX4, will upload them as soon as I'm done with brunch.

Well guys im finally awake, not getting home until 4am.... Was a good run considering i was the only chick there.... and thanks to the dude (sorry forgot ur name) who put the ***** on my car LOL

Just editing photo's now, so they will be up soon.

-TP - Sara

That wouldve been Alistar! aka "toyotafreak" :P

LOL Didn't draw anything, not even that 'organic drive shaft'. Besides, I will never write on my own or someone's car if it's dusty/ misty, as I might scratch something. Only took a photo of that UK message. Hope that clear things up.

Anyways, photos will be up soon (If they're okay.).

EDIT: btw, it's E R, not A R

EDIT#2: Spelling Mistake

Just wondering, how heavy is traffic on Friday nights?

Ouch! Sorry to hear about your car.

At least you're alive (That is the most important thing.).