TOYOTA to Launch “GR” Sports Car Series in Japan; "GR" trademarked in U.S.

[JohnJuan]

Originally Posted by weederr33

Not gonna lie.. I'd like to see a hotter version of the IM or Yaris hatchback.

So like this, from that release? Note the engine: 1.8 supercharged, 210 PS (roughly 205 hp?).

[JohnJuan]

Originally Posted by Is Always Angry

The single tailpipe on the 86 doesn't refer to this nasty thing,
does it?
https://www.autoblog.com/2015/12/27/...#slide-3749118

It's a butt!

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by JohnJuan

So like this, from that release? Note the engine: 1.8 supercharged, 210 PS (roughly 205 hp?).

Yup just like that.

[driftartist]

If they bring the Toyota Vitz (yaris) grmn stateside, I have no problem selling my 86 for that. That GRMN will be going back to its old school toyota roots and that is really awesome. Good move for Toyota. Man refreshing.

[Shark_Bait88]

I'd daily the hell out of a GRMN Yaris. The concept that's been shown several times looks/sounds awesome.

Also, the 86 GR is VERY intriguing.

[Is Always Angry]

Originally Posted by Shark_Bait88

I'd daily the hell out of a GRMN Yaris. The concept that's been shown several times looks/sounds awesome.

Also, the 86 GR is VERY intriguing.

86 GR looks to be approximately a BRZ PP, right? Or maybe more comparable to the tS. Glad Toyota gets some options, too.

[sunami88]

Originally Posted by mav1178

Biggest issue I see will be the obvious question:

What does Gazoo stand for?

oblig.


I don't find anything on offer terribly compelling.

[Zaku]

Hmm what if they're separating the TRD and GRMN, for example GRMN will be Europe and Asia. While TRD will be an American thing because of NASCAR and TRUCKS TRUCKS!! and Australia be cool if we get stuff though

[Jayvelliott]

I swear Toyota is run by the most backward group of idiots. Toyota had the opportunity to offer its buyers something really special, and its not this Gazoo crap. It was the GT 86 14R60, instead they only made a handful of them, and gave no one the ability to purchase it or its parts in their largest market. What a bunch of idiots.

[mav1178]

I always look at things related to Toyota Gazoo Racing/GR/GRMN with a jar of salt, because 99% of what they do is irrelevant to the North American market.

Originally Posted by SkAsphalt

TRD is the north american brand - which has been focused on off-roading here forever.

Originally Posted by 9walker

What happen to TRD? isnt that the official Toyota parts?

Originally Posted by Zaku

Hmm what if they're separating the TRD and GRMN, for example GRMN will be Europe and Asia. While TRD will be an American thing because of NASCAR and TRUCKS TRUCKS!! and Australia be cool if we get stuff though

At the current timeframe, we have the following separate companies:

TRD USA
Toyota Technocraft (TRD Japan)
Toyota Motorsport GmBH (TMG)

Toyota Gazoo Racing essentially is Toyota Corporate teaming up with TMG to produce a racing program and (to a lesser extent) produce road cars for sale.

Whether GR makes it to the US is entirely dependent on 1) whether USA corporate is interested, and 2) whether it makes sense for TRD USA or not.

Originally Posted by Jayvelliott

I swear Toyota is run by the most backward group of idiots. Toyota had the opportunity to offer its buyers something really special, and its not this Gazoo crap. It was the GT 86 14R60, instead they only made a handful of them, and gave no one the ability to purchase it or its parts in their largest market. What a bunch of idiots.

Because GR and TRD are not the same company/entity. If anything, GR is more Toyota than TRD on a company integration basis.

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by sunami88

oblig.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/mo...k-gazoo-anyway

This is pretty much as close to a good answer for "Gazoo" as I can find, which really sucks because it doesn't actually tell a story about what Gazoo means to Toyota.

In a nutshell, Gazoo Racing is entirely driven by internal employees and passions and that spilled over into motorsports and other activities. Only after a while did it become part of their official racing program.

It's still weird because even hardcore motorsport enthusiasts like me are still confused by TRD vs Toyota Racing vs Toyota Gazoo Racing...

[wangson]

Does this mean the US will get some sort of Mark X sedan?

[chaoskaze]

Originally Posted by Impureclient

Does this really work...putting a couple pieces of extra plastic and overpriced parts that you're better off buying aftermarket and people fall for this?

hi VW R-line, Audi S-line, BMW M package, Benz Amg "package"?

the list goes on.

[mrg666]

Put the damn turbo/supercharger instead of that lousy/overpriced wheels, butt-hole exhaust, skirts, and all that. I might look at it then.