Intro
Welcome to this bumper issue of the Toyota Owners Club Newsletter.
Sorry we have been away so long, but don't worry we're back now! This issue is stuffed full with action from all the shows, including a full report back from JAE, news and updates from the club and Toyota, feature cars and a whole lot more.
We hope you enjoy this issue, and don’t forget to get in touch if there is anything you would like us to include in future newsletters!
General News
Important!
Its always devastating to hear one of our own is in trouble, so when we read one of our moderators, Kimi, was diagnosed with breast cancer, messages of support flooded in for her and her partner Mark from across the net. A donation fund has been set up to help Kimi while she is off work and to generally show our support and love for her.
Please give what you can, details are here Donations for Kimi
She will get through this.
Babies Galore!
Congratulations firstly to Lee aka Dawesy & Alli, on the birth of Zoe on Sept 8th, weighing in at a healthy 7lbs 10oz.
Congrats also to Rico aka RicoMR2 & Chloe on the birth of Ben, born on Oct 7th, also weighing in at 7lbs 10oz.
The question on everyone's lips is when's Ken going to do a group buy of TOC babygros!
Love is in the air
Congrats to the big man Steve and his beautiful wife Xiaojing on their wedding back in July. Hope you have many happy years together.
Also congrats to Silvasurfa and his partner Lisa on their engagement. He finally got down on one knee on holiday in Cuba!
Another congrats to our own editor Rach. Her partner Nick finally proposed and they have set the date for September next year. His mother is now on a frantic search for a hat.
Congrats & Well Dones
Well done to Asha getting Kitt into the J-Tuner magazine after our feature on Kitt in the last newsletter. Also congratulations to Clarky for getting his modified wheely bin in there too! Just need NOS & some LEDs and mags will be banging your door down to do a feature.
Well done to TOCs Tug-O-War team at JAE for beating everyone to become champions for 2005, and congrats to Andy aka Mr Bump for being voted Fittest TOC Guy @ JAE by SoTOC
More Discounts!
If you needed another reason to go Gold, Ken gave that reason at the beginning of October. Twenty new discounts suddenly appeared, offering up to 20% off normal prices. The list includes the likes of TicketMaster, ASOS and Butlins, and also a florist for when you've spent too much time fiddling with the car and forgotten your anniversary...
Update!
After Lee aka Knightrider's accident, his friends at TOC secretly started to raise some money to help get him back on the road. So back in August woke to find a recorded delivery package of a get well soon card, 1:43 scale model of a Toyota 2000 GT Racing SCCA, and a rather healthy cheque. Hope you enjoy it Lee!
Fun and Games!
A topic appeared on the forums with soon started buzzing with boasts of which celebrities we've got a connection with. Here are some of the Celebrity links : Blaze missed meeting Fern Britton & Philip Schofield with her family as she had to go do a GCSE exam; TomB is related to Bo Derek; Alanbradley's parents can nearly see J.K. Rowlings house; and best of all our very own editor Em got star struck by Martine McCutcheon aka Tiffany from Eastenders.
TOC on the map!
Ok, not literally but Fidgits started up a TOC map so we could locate members across the world. If you would like to add yourself, click here Map
As always, any news you feel should be included in this newsletter, please feel free to contact one of the editors.
Toyota News
Land Cruiser Amazon
A new model year traditionally provides manufacturers with the chance to rack up a vehicle’s driver appeal with an attention-grabbing array of new features. When it came to grooming the new ’06 Land Cruiser Amazon, Toyota soon realised that, apart from fitting a real array of whistles and bells, the ’05 model more or less had it all.
Thanks to the exceptional standard specification of the Land Cruiser Amazon, Toyota’s flagship 4x4, the principle changes are subtle, but stylish. There is a new-look grille with three horizontal bars and a larger Toyota insignia and both front and rear light units have been slightly restyled. Three new metallic paint finishes are available: Tyrol Silver, Slate Blue and Island Green.
Where standard equipment is concerned, an automatically dipping electrochromic rear view mirror has been introduced. An ICE system comprising a DVD player with twin front headrest mounted monitors and infra red headsets increases the fun factor for long journeys. The package, newly available as an accessory, can play movies and CDs and is compatible with computer gaming systems.
As before, the seven-seat Land Cruiser Amazon is available with a 4.2-litre turbo diesel engine with five-speed manual or automatic transmission, or a 4.7-litre V8 petrol unit, exclusively with the automatic gearbox. Standard features include DVD-based satellite navigation with Electronic Traffic Avoidance function, a Rear Park Assist Monitor for simple and safe reverse parking manoeuvres, touch screen controls for the navigation, audio and air conditioning functions, Bluetooth® connectivity, leather seat facings, seven-speaker sound system with six-disc CD auto-changer and additional rear seat controls, climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, side steps, automatic rain-sensing wipers, electric sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats, cruise control and headlamp washers.
The 2006 Land Cruiser Amazon is on sale now, the 4.2 TD Manual is £45,995 OTR, the 4.2 TD auto is £47,675 OTR and the 4.7 V8 auto is £48,675 OTR
Corolla Compressor
Tougher emissions regulations signal the end of the road for production of Toyota’s rapid Corolla T Sport model, but its hot hatch reputation is being kept alight with the introduction of a Corolla that’s faster, more powerful and has better handling and more street presence than ever before.
Available only in strictly limited numbers, the Corolla Compressor uses the same 1,794cc VVTL-i four-cylinder engine as the T Sport, but with a supercharger added to boost output from 189 to 215bhp (217 DIN hp) and technical adjustments to meet Euro IV emissions standards. That helps knock one-and-a-half seconds off the car’s 0-62mph acceleration time, down to 6.9 seconds, and adds 3mph to the top speed, now 143mph.
Thanks to extra torque at lower engine speeds – a maximum 215Nm at 4,000rpm – the Corolla Compressor delivers supremely flexible performance: acceleration from 50 to 75mph in fifth gear is accomplished in 8.5 seconds, while the shift from 37 to 62mph in fourth takes only 6.1 seconds.
To cope with the power hike, the Corolla Compressor is fettled with 15mm lowered sports suspension and uprated springs for extra handling performance. It looks the part, too, riding on 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 tyres and dressed with a roof spoiler, deep rear air dam and sports exhaust with twin tailpipes.
Only 250 right-hand drive Corolla Compressor models are being made available in the UK, so potential owners will have to move almost as quickly as the car they desire in order to secure one. The model goes on sale on 1 November 2006, priced on-the-road at £19,995.
All New Hilux
The launch of the new Hilux marks the latest generation of one of Toyota’s most successful models. Renowned throughout the world for its off-road capabilities, durability and reliability, the Toyota Hilux has long been the vehicle of choice to tackle the toughest driving conditions.
The new Hilux was designed to the principle of being ‘one size up’ from the model it replaces. This yields bigger dimensions all round, not least in length which has increased by 340mm to 5,255mm. The extra length is mainly in the wheelbase, contributing to greater interior space and a better ride and improved comfort for passengers.
The size of the rear deck has also increased with load capacity on Single Cab models up by 15 per cent and on Double Cabs by 30 per cent. Although the new Hilux is bigger in size, the increase in kerb weight is more modest at an average 131kg across the range.
The Hilux Single Cab is offered in 2WD and 4WD versions, exclusively in the entry-level HL2 grade, with an emphasis on robust work performance. Features include ABS, driver and passenger airbags, power steering, electric windows, air conditioning, tilt adjust steering column, remote central locking and an audio system with CD player with MP3/CD-R compatibility. Built to withstand wear and tear, it comes with seats finished in a hard-wearing cloth and vinyl floor trim. The 4WD version rides on larger, 16-inch wheels and has a rear differential lock.
The entry-level Double Cab HL2 model matches the Single Cab 4WD’s specification with the addition of carpeted interior, a smooth sided load deck, an upgraded audio package with four speakers and body colour matched front bumper and grille.
HL3 grade introduces 15-inch alloy wheels with body colour matched wide wheel arches, chrome detailing on the door handles and mirrors, rear step and grille surround, velour upholstery, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, alloy side steps, and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm with interior and perimeter protection. The Auto Disconnect Differential (ADD) gives the HL3 improved NVH and economy for two wheel drive driving.
Invincible models gain darkened rear privacy glass, six disc CD auto-changer, chrome tubular side bars, front fog lamps and 16-inch alloys.
The Hilux is powered by the latest development of the Toyota 2.5-litre D-4D diesel engine, featuring a second generation common rail system. It develops 101bhp (102 DIN hp) at 3,600rpm and is tuned to deliver two different torque outputs: up to 260Nm for 4WD versions and 200Nm for 2WD models.
JAE 2005
Build Up
Well the time was upon us once again when the TOC would be showing at the biggest Japanese Car Club show in the UK, the Japanese Auto Extravaganza. This was to be no ordinary year with a new venue since the berth of JAE many years ago. The previous venue at Billing Aquadrome could no longer accommodate a growing show.
So time for change was needed and a new venue chosen which would be the East of England Show Ground, a venue much larger with better facilities and also much easier to organise and layout such a huge show.
TOC had a pitch large enough for 125+ cars which also included Toyota’s F1 car racing simulator and VIP sweet from the kind folks at Toyota GB. This year was going to TOC’s year, aiming for best in show, which Ken was determined to this through.
What JAE is all about? Well in a nutshell it’s a weekend for you to get away from work, relax and enjoy an atmosphere unlike any other car show in the UK. This show is all about the socialising more then anything else, a real family show that you would feel safe bringing along the kids and family to see. For most tocer’s its tent, beer in hand and……………relax!!!.
With this everyone in TOC was busy preparing for the show for months prior with all sorts of plans going on behind closed doors, admin and management where busy organising and finalising every detail.
JAE Thread
This is where it all began this year for TOC back in May when Ken made the announcement to organise the stand and BBQ and the famous Ken’s Curry night. By JAE the thread was 14 pages long and a whopping 334 replies to it!
As always prior to JAE the forum is buzzing with activity surrounding the event and did it live up the hype? Did we win Best in show? Well read on and find out!
Friday Night
We arrived in a very drizzly Peterborough in late afternoon. Slapping our wristbands on, we drove through the showground until we saw the Toyota GB stands being set up for us. Looking around there was only a few cars parked on the stand, so we sat there for a few minutes. This was until I looked round to see the TOC village in all its glory.
Tents were quickly erected, to stop the insides getting a soaking in the process, meaning the village grew further and further out. As the rain eased off, cars were opened up, stereos turned to full volume, and out came the alcohol. The Toyota F1 Simulator was revealed, and a battle ensued on who would get to have the first go.
As the time went on, the smell of curry wafted across our stand. The stampede left the village and the simulator (food is obviously more important than the simulator) and headed for the marquee. Curry was quickly forced down to allow for more drinking time, which was probably not a good idea since we would all be in close proximity for the next two days.
Everyone settled down into their bargain price camping chairs for a beer and a catch up. For many, it had only been a few weeks since seeing each other, however some of us had not seen our fellow TOCers for months. There was even a few "newbies", which by the end of the weekend felt like one of the ever increasing TOC family. As the skies got darker, it gave way for a mini light show from the many LEDs and neon's across the village. People continued to arrive throughout the night, even after most of us had retreated to our sleeping bags
Saturday
After the frivolity of the night before and with everyone feeling the slightly unpleasant after effects of Kens curry night plus hangovers, we ventured into Saturday.
The place was humming and the weather seemed to hold out, with it being mild for most of the day, although most people agreed that it was more like April than July!
Still, the atmosphere was electric and while the queues for the F1 Simulator and the Hospitality Trailer grew, so did the population of the TOC Stand, as more people came throughout the day to meet new and friendly faces.
In the early afternoon, out came the vino courtesy of Les aka Giddlepin and the real fun started! But really it wasn’t so much about the drink at that time as the good laughs being had by all.
Walking round the stands, it was plainly obvious that TOC had the best one and as evening approached, it became all too clear that the best was yet to come!
Saturday Night
As the visitors slowly began to leave, the showground filled with the smell of smoke and burnt sausages. TOC's stand became alive with orange wristbands, and a queue yet again started to form from our marquee where our rather large and rather impressive barbeque had been set up. When everyone had ate their fill, the group split off into two main groups, one on the stand and one in the village. This did not last long however, as the villagers soon packed up their chairs and invaded the Yaris windbreak circle.
The alcohol came out again, although in truth, for most it had not been away. The general banter you would expect from a bunch of car crazed nutters filled the evening, along with target practise of throwing sweets into open Yaris windows, and games with glow sticks. Trips to the toilets became a mission, and everyone went off in groups (not just the girls), and the lazy among us did trips in their cars
for the short walk.
As it got darker and colder, the circle of chairs shrunk down as people began to disappear back to their tents and into the hospitality hut, leaving the hard core alcoholics with Ryan and his sambuca. At least it numbed the pain for those who got sunburnt rather strangely in the daytime. A quick trip to the toilets, again, and pop by to say hello to our sister site LOC, before leaving the raging alchys and
heading to bed for the night (or the grass for those who couldn't quite make it).
Sunday
The Sambuca Marathon the night before had left many people feeling worse for wear – and the Sunday weather tried to dampen out spirits further as the heavens began to open.
The day started fantastically for Red Yaris 54, who set off first thing to have his car filmed for the Men & Motors channel and while his Yaris was becoming the next big TV star, the rest of us started the day after the night before.
A lot of people started to pack up tents during breaks in the rain and everyone was willing to help out, even if they didn’t camp themselves and the whole TOC team effort saw the job get done.
The rain started yet again, but as the F1 simulator was being packed away, Ken gathered whoever was left for a brief rundown on the weekend – and what a blinder it had been!
We then piled into the stands to cheer on our guys, who were crowned Tug Of War Champions, trouncing all the competition!
All that was left to do was to award those lucky people who had won the TOC awards for the best looking engine bay, Show & Shine Champion, and the 3rd, 2nd and 1st Best in Show awards – keep reading to find out who won what!
Feature Cars
As TOC isn't about having a modified monster of a show car, its about a friendly Toyota obsessed family, we opened up the chance of being a feature car to everyone who came to JAE, whether their car was standard or modified. Names were entered into a SoTOC pink hat, and fate (aka Giddlepin) chose the lucky three winners. These were:
Chriscanavan and his Yaris T Sport
Charlie’s Angel and her MKIII Supra
Fizz and his Rev3 MR2 Turbo
Chriscanavan and his Yaris T Sport
Chris came about to own his Toyota Yaris 1.5 T-Sport when the brakes failed on his previous car a Citroen Saxo 1.1, now there’s fate for you! This happened back in March 2004 and in fact the Saxo had only been in his possession for no more then 2 days.
Flamby saw this excellent specimen of MR2 while Fizz was on the Seat forum. Safe to say he fell in love with it, more or less in the same way that Fizz himself fell in love – and he had to have it – and as soon as he got together the cash, it was his! He sold his old car and bought the car of his dreams.
Since Flamby bought it, he’s added a new sound system and changed the wheels to white Volk TE37’s. Sadly, 2 weeks after Flamby bought it, someone (obviously jealous!) hit him in the passenger door which left a nasty dent in the panel, which should be fixed soon.
Regardless of the dent, she is very much loved by Flamby, who plans on keeping her just as gorgeous as Fizz did!
She’s a TOC legend, she’s belonged to three members already, Rash@RAMotors, Fizz & Flamby – lets hope the legacy carries on!
Final Report
Firstly a huge thanks must go to Ken for organising such a great event with the Toyota Hospitality trailer and Formula 1 simulator not to mention the Toyota GB Supra which looked the part next to Corolla98's Castrol Corolla, they really did put the TOC stand above all the rest!
Saturday’s weather was kind to us this year, but unfortunately it didn’t hold out through Sunday and by midday it was absolutely pouring it down, however this failed to dampen our spirits. The Terrible weather did make for some hazardous journey’s home, but everyone got home safely in the end.
The TOC and its members can be proud of the fact that no other club can touch us when it comes down to brut force and well a bit of ignorance! No more then proved as when the TOC boys came away worthy winners of the JAE 2005 tug of war championship, showing all other clubs how it should be done and just to prove how strong they are they won the final topless!
Some of the TOC members have a received a bit of publicity from this years JAE with Red Yaris 54’s Yaris appearing on Men & Motors.
As many will be aware Lee aka Knightrider was involved in a very serious accident that left both Lee and his car in a complete mess, it’s safe to say however Lee made a full recovery and was showing off his new pride and joy, yes of course another Yaris! Everyone secretly signed his Get Well card behind his back at JAE, which was sent onto him shortly after JAE was over.
On the whole it’s safe to say that as well as being the strongest club at JAE, we can safely assume we’d give many clubs a run for there money in the drinking department too! and as many a TOC member said “ Too much Alcohol, not enough sleep” The TOC even had there very own Beer Circle fuelled by sambuca that also formed the Yaris Wind Breaker, now I bet Toyota didn’t think of that one eh?!
And now for the awards;
Clarky – best looking engine bay
Miss MR2 – Show and Shine Champion
Kimi – 3rd best TOC
Corrolla98 – 2nd best TOC
GIJOE90 – best in show
And how can we not forget Fizz’s fine efforts on the F1 simulator, he dominated this machine almost like man and machine in perfect harmony, the others didn’t really stand a chance!!
As like any other year, JAE couldn’t pass without Ken’s curry night which went down a storm in the not so fantastic weather.
Now for some quotes:
Rob – Dicey2k
“Well... we were sat in a circle, and Ryan brought some Sambuca, and we each had to down a shot and pass it round until the bottle was empty. Then we emptied one bottle and Mr Bump brought another one!!! So around we went again.
However, I have since been told that i was intercepting shots as they were being passed round and having slightly more than my fair share. On top of a shed load of Strongbow and various other ales i had consumed throughout the afternoon, it didn't sit too well. Then i had loads of toffee's out of Gray's boot, and it was Goodnight Vienna, as they say!”
Now I bet he won’t be doing that again in a hurry, well Rob you’re certainly going to be remember in TOC folk law for many years to come
Fizz
“The 2nd night.. i was kept awake by someone telling bad jokes in the middle of the TOC 'village'! Worst of all.. the one that i started to listen to.. i missed the punch line!!!“
Corolla98
“Got pulled by the police 30 min's from home.. One of the nicest Coppers I have ever met, he pointed out that I still had my CASTROL plates still on after a few words and a quick removal job I managed to get off only with brown undies “
The Mitsubishi Delica's won best club stand of the show, but I think everyone will agree that the TOC should have won this, I mean how anyone can compete with an F1 car!?
There was also some mysterious Beer pinching going on as one of our members lost his red bucket full of beer cans, suspected culprits could be the 300zx club next to us, you should be ashamed of yourselves……….really!!!
As always SOTOC was in force and couldn’t be missed in their outfits and club banner especially made for them.
Words really cannot do any justice to just what a fantastic event JAE is for all concerned, what you have just read in this write up is only a small sample of what happened, maybe that’s down to the sambuca or maybe its just so huge that we can’t remember all of it. See for yourself, don’t miss JAE 2006!!!
Events Roundup
Envy Performance Meet July 12 2005
Location:
Envy Performance Ltd
30 Barrington Rd
Bedlington
Northumberland
NE22 7AJ
This meet was set up for the TOC to meet up at Envy performance and give members a chance to have a look round Envy and drool over the fantastic aftermarket parts available for their cars.
One of the main reasons for this event was to bring the NMM & SMM crew together to make this one the largest mini meets to date. Another little bonus chucked in was a night out on the famous rive side stretch in Newcastle for plenty of beer drinking. For many members it meant some very long journey’s for this event, but well worth the effort to see Envy’s impressive premises and meet up with fellow members. Many a TOC member also left the event that little bit poorer, with all those tantalising goodies on display meant very empty pockets on the way out!
To round this event up, a good night out on the town followed by a meet at Envy Performance full of gorgeous Jap Metal, what more could you want?!?!
Japfest Castle Combe May 17th
The day was superb, what an event to be involved with, such an unbelievable day. Over a 1000 modified and standard Japanese Cars. The chance to master your car on one of the fastest UK’s circuits, briefing from professional instructors, all day track action and Japanese cars only ( well it should be, but it’s surprising just how many non jap cars sneak in!) Complete with specialist trade areas. What more could you want from an event!
There was a good turn out from the TOC members and for once outnumbered the LOC members.
All type's of car's turned out from old, old Audi’s to Supra's, GT40 kit cars, you name it, it was there and it was being pushed around the track, some amazing spins and the smell of rubber filling the air all day, it could not be beaten and had money allowed (and the rain hadn't have started) I would have been on track as much as possible, it was a truly amazing experience that won't be beaten in a long while. Words -Rhaines
Unfortunately the weather once again decided to rain on us, but was mixed throughout the day so that made for some interesting track action. The track action was varied with drivers testing their car’s round a very demanding track and the Driftworks SX200 was certainly not to be missed with some amazing displays.
Japfest could well have been called Scoobyfest this year with 100’s of Subaru’s in attendance and opening up a real estate on the stand areas. Well us Tocers will just have to attend in force in next year.
A highlight from the TOC was a member ramping the death out of his old White Corolla GT (AE82) as TOC member Treuno’s AE86 wasn’t ready he had to take his daily drive, which made for some interesting handling, but didn’t stop him from sticking on the rear of a twin turbo supra for laps on end and beating MR2 turbos/imprezza's and skylines round quarry, some drive!!!
This event is different to many others that it not only has club stands, trade areas that you would associate with many events that you may attend through the year but throw in the track action and it really keeps you entertained through the day and makes it well worth the effort in attending.
Japshow Santa Pod June 18th
This event is a good weekender and being in June usually makes for a hot weekend at Santa Pod. The TOC had a stand at the event and camping area that made for a chilled out weekend with ¼ mile action through from Saturday to Sunday afternoon.
The TOC had a cracking stand location, excellent weather and top group of people gave the ingredients for a top weekend that was enjoyed by all! With the scorching weather meant that many got caught by the sun over the weekend, but hey well worth the pain for such a cracking weekend!! Don’t forget the sun cream next time!! BBQ’s running through the weekend gave it that JAE feel as well.
The CRD supra ran 9.9 to claim the quickest road car of the weekend followed closely by Fensports Corolla. Santa Pod’s very own funny car with a top speed of 340mph ran an amazing 6.07 @ 267mph. When this fine machine fired up on the starting line the crowd in the grandstand got covered in diesel fumes and grit from the jet engine! To experience this machine I highly recommend you go to the finish line and watch it fly by you in a blur, it’s some experience that you can’t describe using words!
With cars on show such a Supra’s running 1400bhp you know you’re in the presence of greatness when it comes to the UK’s fastest cars. Dodge Chargers running 11sec ¼ mile times showing up a few of the Jap boys
- Ken’s best time in his Avensis turbo was 14.74 @ 94.11mph
- Jaxx ran 14.55 in his MR2 Turbo @ 92.24mph
- Special mention goes to Rossnova for making a 350 mile round journey to make the event. Well done chap!
This is a just a brief highlight of a cracking weekend and one you shouldn’t miss!!!
TOC Slapper Competition
Back in June, Steve posted up a new competition to win some amazing TOC prizes. The mission was to take a photo of the TOC wed address in the most amusing and wackiest places possible. Entries trickled in over the last few months, and the included the following:
- Karma Supra taking his life into his own hands by putting a sticker on girlfriend Milly’s face while she was sleeping.
- Moderators Jaxx & Earpl turning into TOC soldiers, complete with guns and tank.
- Moffmo and his little friend Flat Eric.
But we are sure you'll all agree that the best entry was from Les aka Giddlepin. With a little help from a friend, he managed to get our lads out in Iraq to get the TOC flyer out and about on some of our vehicles out there, including one of the tanks. Les and his friend got into "considerable risk" but he's not gone into hiding as yet. Well done Les!
Next Month
Coming in your next Jam Packed edition of TOC Mag - news and gossip from forthcoming meets, including the Rolling Road day in Southampton, the Midlands meet in Kidlington, the TOC Night Out in Manchester & the one and only TOC Christmas Party in Warwickshire!
We'll also have all the news on forthcoming models, including the all-new Yaris which is set for release on January 1st 2006!
Also, who is Top TOC Male and Top TOC Female - YOU DECIDE! Just for fun, we want to see this TOCers you think are the funniest, smartest and most helpful, the top man and top woman get to be crowed Top TOC Male and Top TOC Female, just keep an eye out for a forthcoming thread in General. Will it be you?
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