Toyota went full “Gazoo Racing” at the Tokyo Auto Salon, announcing the GR GT3 race car, and the much-anticipated GRMN Yaris.
Much to the delight of enthusiasts, Toyota just announced a slew of motorsport-spec cars and concepts with the likes of the GR GT3 Concept, Yaris GRMN, bZ4X GR Sport, and the Lexus NX PHEV off-road at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon!
Toyota has been pretty busy in the new year with the launch of new models and several electric concepts in its pipeline. Rounding the clock to last month, the Japanese conglomerate and its luxury division unleashed 15 different EV prototypes in all shapes and sizes, from miniature crossovers, SUVs, and a full-blown hypercar that could challenge the ungodly Lotus Evija soon (fingers crossed). Furthermore, it also fast-tracked a $3.1 bn investment into building battery tech in the US and also topped the overall sales charts for 2021!
However, in true Akio Toyoda fashion, the Japanese automaker also unveiled four intriguing and wacky motorsport concepts at Tokyo Auto Salon, starting with:
GR GT3 Concept
If you thought the GR GT3 was a more hardcore version of the GR Supra, think again. Toyota designed the prototype from the ground up, borrowing only a few design aspects from the Supra or the 2000GT.
The mule starts with a super sharp and wide front-end with a massive intake, splitter, pronounced hood, and side vanes to aid in downforce. The side profile emulates the super-limited Aston Martin Vulcan to some degree with widebody fenders, side-mounted exhaust, and vents, side skirts. Toyota topped the design with an enormous rear spoiler and diffuser.
Hopefully, we get to see it in its full flesh in Japan’s Super GT racing series with a cracking powertrain package. Even more optimistically, Toyota might launch a production version, which I wouldn’t write off as long as Akio Toyoda is at the helm.
Yaris GRMN
If you are a proper car nut, you would’ve come across the unmistakable Toyota GR Yaris. Approved by the petrolhead CEO – Toyoda himself – the hot hatch is a street-spec homologation of the Toyota’s WRC Yaris Rally car. Featuring a 6-speed manual, a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and a 4WD system with Torsen diffs, it becomes clear why it gained a massive cult following over the past two years.
What’s new in the GRMN, you ask? While power figures remain largely similar to before (267 hp/284 lb-ft), the hardcore version sheds an additional 44 lbs thanks to 18’ BBS wheels, Recaro bucket seats, and a slew of carbon parts (front splitter, side skirts, rear spoiler, hood, etc.). Additionally, the GRMN receives Bilstein dampers, upgraded brakes, and mechanical LSDs in the front and rear. Quite a bit of kit, innit?
bZ4X GR Sport Concept
Designed in collaboration with Toyota and Subaru, the bZ4X is Toyota’s first foray into the all-electric space with an angular and striking crossover design. However, what if you want something even more sporty looking while maintaining the sanctity of your neighborhood? The Japanese automaker responded accordingly with a GR Sport prototype with sporty seats, bigger wheels, and a healthy splash of matte black paint. As of now, there are no plans of offering it with the standard car, although only time will tell.
Lexus NX PHEV Off-Road and ROV Concepts
The off-road NX concept is based on Lexus’s top-tier NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid version. The luxury carmaker went out of the box and equipped the vehicle with raised suspension, a set of off-road tires, and a roof rack to carry all backpacking and adventure essentials.
However, if you want to go full-blown off-road, the brand also unveiled an ROV Concept; it’s a side-by-side buggy-style skeleton with off-road shocks, knobbly (tires), and a horizontal roof light. Lexus doesn’t plan a production version, though it might succeed, as the UTV/side-by-side market is on the rise.
Stay tuned for more!
Gallery: Toyota and Lexus at Tokyo Auto Salon
