Toyota, known the world 'round as mass-market maker of cars, trucks, and SUVs that go from A to B reliably (unless your Tundra or Sequoia have been suffering from suspension troubles). What Toyota is not known for - not since the days of the Supra at least - is for being the motoring enthusiast's carmaker of choice.

But that is set to change with the premiere of the Lexus LF-A "supercar," Toyota's efforts in F1 racing, and the Japanese carmaker's bold entry into that previously all-American driving sport - NASCAR.

While it's unlikely that Toyota will turn a cold shoulder on its core clientelle of Consumer Reports subscribing pragmatists, the company's overtures to the racing set marks a new direction for the world's second largest car manufacturer.

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