The first-gen Mazda RX-7 has competed in many forms of motorsport, from IMSA enduros to drag racing to touring car challenges. Here it is on dirt, with gratuitous helicopter tracking shots.  Video after the jump.

Hat tip to Andrew P.

(more…)

Our hopes for a return to RWD Toyotas have been dashed on account of the drastic worldwide economic downturn. The lightweight coupe, widely assumed to be a RWD Corolla successor, has been in the works since August 2007 but according to this article the project has been put on hold until at least 2012. This comes with the news today that Toyota has posted its first operating loss since 1938, its first year in business. But those are just the beginning of woes that are slamming the Japanese auto industry. (more…)

We all know of the recent untimely passing of rally legend and Toyota Team Europe founder Ove Andersson. If you would like to express your thoughts about this tragic loss, you can do so by signing a memorial book at Toyota USA HQ, the Toyota USA Museum, or at Toysport. Or you can email tribute_to_ove@toysport.com and your message will be included in the book, which will be sent to Toyota Motorsport GMBH (formerly TTE) in Cologne, Germany in time for the memorial service on July 1.

You can read Toysport founder Joel Luz’s words about Andersson after the jump. (more…)