Toyota is taking a starring role at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon. The world’s largest custom car show takes place this weekend, 13 to 15 January, with a selection of off-the-wall concepts and race-tuned specials.
GRMN is showing a second-generation of its iQ Supercharger prototype, a model scheduled for a limited production run of 100 units later this year. The car is powered by a supercharged 1.33-litre engine, delivering 128bhp and 180Nm torque. It also features a six-speed, close ratio transmission, 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 new Yaris, building a Turbo Concept (above). Based on the three-door Yaris (called Vitz in Japan), it carries a 178bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and is track-prepared with revised suspension, improved brakes and 18-inch rims.
Even in showroom guise, the new GT 86 has the looks and performance to command attention. The 2012 Tokyo Salon takes it even further with two new styling interpretations from TRD (pictured below) and Modellista that make full use of modified parts and accessories.
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 and meters in the cabin. Likewise, the Modellista interpretation of the “hachi-roku” (eight-six) shows some of the customisation 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.
At the even wilder end of the spectrum, the Toyota Auto Fan Club has built a solar-electric powered version of the famous 2000GT (shown above) and the Toyota Engineering Society has crafted the TES-ERA EV, a futuristic EV coupe.
To visit our full 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon photo gallery, click here.
Will the TRD parts be available in the UK at launch? I’ve pre-ordered a GT86 and have put down a deposit and really want some of the TRD parts as shown above. Please could you let me know.
Hi FB,
The options and accessories for the GT 86 have not yet been finalised, however, it is unlikely that the TRD parts will be available here in the UK at this time. Thanks for your question.
Hi FB,
Great news, we can now confirm that Toyota GB is currently looking at offering a range of GT86 TRD accessories for sale in the UK early next year (2013). Further details are not available at the moment, but we’ll update the blog as soon as we know more.