Toyota Display 15 Showcase Race Cars and Custom Models

A selection of custom GT 86, iQ and Yaris models were on display at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon over the weekend. 

Tuning, design, and engineering firms affiliated with Toyota displayed 15 race cars and customized production models at the Tokyo Auto Salon on the weekend, some of which were pretty sweet.The standout model was the new Toyota GT 86, modified by TRD and Modellista the latter of which is a study in modest exterior styling. The version from TRD includes a full body kit, front and rear anti-roll bars, carbon front strut brace, additional cross-member braces, a sport exhaust system and 18-inch alloys.
Sports seats and a fresh-faced instrument gauges are highlights of the interior.Two models by GRMN (Gazoo Racing tuned by MN) were also on show. First up, a second-generation iQ supercharger prototype has been revised with a full body kit, sports seats, upgraded brakes, sports suspension, a tuned dual exhaust system and 16-inch Enkei alloys.Under the hood there's a 1.33-liter engine good for 128hp and 133lb-ft of torque (up from last year's 119hp and 117lb-ft), mated to a close-ratio six-speed transmission. GRMN will release just 100 units with production starting at the end of the year.

The other GRMN on show was a Yaris Turbo Concept better known as the Vitz in Japan. Based on the 3-door Yaris it comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine rated at 178hp, a revised track-prepared suspension, upgraded brakes and 18-inch alloys.Sitting beside these motors at the Auto Salon was a FT-86 race car that had competed in the 2011 Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race.The racing team has announced their intention of returning to the event with a specially prepared GT 86 for the 2012 season.Other vehicles at the display included a Mark X and Vellfire MPV by G Sports, a Toyota Aqua Hybrid by Modellista and a TOM's version Prius + MPV.Finally, Toyota Auto Fan Club built a sola-electric powered version of the 2000GT sports car and Toyota Engineering Society displayed their TES-ERA EV, a futuristic EV coupe.