They did that back in 2015 and it was pretty awesome. I sat in one when I was in Japan last year and loved it. Blows my mind that we don't get those here. 6-speed manual, ~300hp, nice looking RWD sedan; meanwhile the NA market is asking for a more aggressive looking Camry.Reports in the Japanese media are talking about Gazoo Racing (GR) debuting a lightly tuned version of the Toyota Mark-X (Japanese market model).
I'd rather see GRMN over TRD on a car like this, but I agree, we won't see that name here. Would be cool to see though as kind of a Cayman GT4 competitor package.The Gazoo Supra huh....
Jk, jk. Pretty doubtful that it'll just be a GR Supra considering how aggressively Toyota is trying to reshape their brand image. Taking the one new legitimate sports car in development and then giving it a name that 99.9% of the world doesn't recognize seems like a bad move. The sporty Camry hasn't brought them that much success. (Btw, the new Camry XSE is freaking awesome, good job Toyota! )
Nothing's wrong with TRD, but their current scope of trucks and Nascar doesn't align as well with the Supra. They have a great history, but it seems like Gazoo Racing is the new group doing all of the fun stuff.whats wrong with TRD? Gazoo sounds weird to say the least
now that you put that way, its makes perfect sense. though i hope they opt for the abbreviation GRMN, which i find cool actually ..just not the gazoo part. try and google for "gazoo" ..LOL!.. definitely something is lost in translation.Nothing's wrong with TRD, but their current scope of trucks and Nascar doesn't align as well with the Supra. They have a great history, but it seems like Gazoo Racing is the new group doing all of the fun stuff.
CULTIVATING A SENSE OF EXCITEMENT AROUND CAR CULTURETOYOTA LAUNCHES NEW “GR” SPORTS CAR SERIES IN JAPANESE MARKET
Toyota City, Japan, September 19, 2017―Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch of the new “GR” sports car series. The “G Sports (G's)” sports conversion car series has until now served as a key component in initiatives to fuel excitement around sports car culture in Japan. Now, TMC has revolutionized the G's series by transforming it into the GR series. TMC’s aim is to bolster initiatives to foster a culture of enjoying cars through the driving experience. Plans call for TMC to further enhance the vehicle lineup in the future and have on offer a variety of parts.
In addition, beginning with the Yaris GRMN revealed in Europe in March 2017, TMC plans to deploy the GR series outside of Japan as well gradually.
GR Series (From left, Noah GR SPORT, Voxy GR SPORT, Harrier GR SPORT, Mark X GR SPORT, Prius PHV GR SPORT, Vitz GR SPORT, Vitz GR)
Toward making “ever-better cars,” GAZOO Racing, established as a company within TMC, refines its cars and trains its personnel through motor sports activities such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race in Germany and the All-Japan Rally Championship. The new GR series was developed using the knowledge and know-how acquired by motor sports activites, and representing the lineup in Japan are the top-level “GRMN”, the mid-range “GR”, and the entry-level “GR SPORT”. As a limited release, the GRMN features a tuned engine, while the mass produced GR possesses the essence of GRMN. The GR SPORT is also available in minivans and offers drivers the chance to enjoy a casual sports car driving experience. In addition, aftermarket “GR PARTS” are provided so ordinary drivers can take pleasure in customizing their own cars.
As the initial GR series rolls out, the GR and GR SPORT will be available for the Vitz and the GR SPORT will be offered for the Prius PHV, Harrier, Mark X, Voxy, and Noah on September 19 at Toyota dealerships*1 nationwide in Japan. Moreover, the Vitz GRMN, 86 GR, Aqua GR Sport, and Prius α GR SPORT models will be added to the lineup at a later time. The Vitz GRMN is scheduled for release in the spring of 2018 while the 86 GR, Aqua GR Sport, and Prius α GR SPORT models are slated to go to market this winter.
Additionally, in concert with the GR series launch, TMC will open a series of “GR Garage” shops as regional bases for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing with the aim of bringing the joy of automobiles to a wider range of customers focusing on sports cars and motor sports. Current “AREA 86” shops deployed nationwide across Japan will be rebranded as GR Garage shops with dedicated staff (GR Consultants) once certain criteria have been met at designated locations. All AREA 86 shops will be closed by March 2018, and 39 GR Garage shops are scheduled to open within fiscal year 2017.
Guided by the concept of “the most exciting car shop in town,” the GR Garage will help cultivate an enthusiastic car culture through its commitment to achieving three primary objectives: the creation of a shop that car fans want to visit again and again, the development of staff (human resources) loved by car fans, and providing access to driving experiences that leave car fans wanting more.
[MAIN GR SERIES FEATURES (JAPAN)]
<Design>
Demonstrating the ability to bring out maximum "competitive performance" in motor sports
[Exterior]
▽Grid-style "Functional MATRIX" grille (Vitz, Prius PHV, Aqua) steadfastly pursues fulfilled performance
▽White paint + brake calipers with the GR logo (excluding Vitz GR SPORT)
▽Special emblem (for all cars on the front, rear, and sides)
[Interior]
▽Special seats with side supports that securely bolster the driver and passengers (with GR logo)
▽Unique touches and silver stitching on the door trim and front seats that create a sporty feel
▽GR exclusive start switch
*1 Vitz: Netz stores; Harrier Toyopet stores; Mark X: Toyopet stores and Tokyo Toyota stores; Voxy: Netz stores; Noah: Toyota Corolla stores; Prius PHV, Prius α, 86, and Aqua: Toyota stores, Toyopet stores, Toyota Corolla stores, Netz stores