The 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon – the world’s largest custom car show, so it is claimed – gave Toyota a showcase for new interpretations of its models, from off-the-wall concepts to race-tuned specials.
GRMN – Gazoo Racing tuned by MN – is showing a second-generation of its iQ Supercharger prototype, a model scheduled for a limited (100 units) production run later this year. It is powered by a further development of the supercharged 1.33-liter engine previously used by GRMN in the iQ 130G MT, delivering 128 bhp and 133 lbs.-ft. of torque. It also features a six-speed, close ratio gearbox, uprated brakes, sports suspension and a tuned dual exhaust system.
As well as hotter performance, the car gains a new look thanks to a full body kit, including rear spoiler, sports seats and instrumentation and 16-inch Enkei alloys.
GRMN has also got to work on a new Yaris, building a turbo concept. Based on the three-door Yaris (called Vitz in Japan), it carries a 178 bhp 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and is track-prepared with revised suspension, improved brakes and 18-inch rims.
Even in showroom guise, the new GT 86 commands attention. That package has been taken to another level in two new styling interpretations from TRD and Modellista.
Key handling features added to TRD Performance Line GT 86 include a reworked suspension with new front and rear anti-roll bars, a carbon front strut, rear diffuser, additional cross-bracing and a high-response exhaust system. Finished in Satin White Pearl, the coupe gains a full body kit with skirts and spoilers, 18-inch alloy wheels and sports seats. Likewise, the Modellista interpretation of the “hachi-roku” (eight-six) shows some of the customization possibilities the car offers.
These versions are shown alongside the Gazoo Racing FT-86 which competed at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2011. The team has announced it will return to the event this year with a specially prepared GT 86.
G Sports have produced custom show cars based on the Japanese market Mark X saloon and Vellfire large MPV, and Modellista and TOM’S have, respectively, upped the style factor of the full hybrid Toyota Aqua hatchback and Prius+ MPV. The European version of Prius + is due to reach the UK market later this year.
At the wilder end of the spectrum, the Toyota Auto Fan Club has built a solar-electric powered version of the famous 2000GT sports car and the Toyota Engineering Society has crafted the TES-ERA EV, a futuristic EV coupe.
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