The Japanese automaker is aligning its performance
offerings in a new hierarchy that's already yielding new performance models –
in Japan at least, and soon for other markets as well.
At the top sits the GRMN level, with full-on
performance upgrades to rival the best on the market, including engine
enhancements. Below that will sit the GR series (replacing the G's line) with
upgraded brakes, suspension, rolling stock, exhaust, and limited slip differentials,
along with aero and interior equipment – but stopping short of the engine. GR
Sport models mostly feature cosmetic enhancements, but with some suspension
tuning. Finally GR Parts will available a-la-carte as well.
Today's announcement isn't all bark and no bite,
though: Toyota's launching new performance models at each level for the
Japanese Domestic Market. The Vitz (as the Yaris is known in Japan) launches in
GRMN, GR, and GR Sport specs – the top ostensibly identical to the Yaris GRMN
we've already seen, the others incrementally removing some of that content
(starting with the engine) and lowering the price.
The Prius, Harrier (Lexus RX), Mark X sedan, and
Voxy and Noah minivans are also launching with upgrades in GR Sport spec, and
soon the same will follow for the Prius C and Prius V (known locally as the
Aqua and Prius Alpha).
Most intriguing, is the 86 GR, upgraded
with a full aero kit, Sachs shocks, Rays forged alloys, six-pot brake calipers
up front, four-pots at the back, a new tailpipe, a Torsen diff, and an enhanced
interior with a smaller steering wheel and Recaro seats. Stopping short of the
full GRMN treatment, though, it keeps the same 2.0-liter flat four as the
standard model.
These models are launching initially in Japan, where
Toyota is also opening a chain of GR Garage workshops. But as the Euro-focused
Yaris GRMN goes to show, Toyota plans on taking its performance offerings to
other markets as well. Here's hoping that will soon include North America, too.
