While most general manufacturers are abandoning the production of sports models due to the increasingly strict emission regulations in regions such as Europe (which is why hot hatches such as the Clio RS have disappeared and models such as the new Nissan Z will not arrive at our market), Toyota continues to strengthen its GAZOO Racing range.
Because a large part of its sales in the old continent corresponds to hybrid models, which significantly lowers its average emissions, the company has followed a reverse process to that of the competition and has deployed a complete arsenal of thermal sports cars; namely: GR Yaris, GR 86, GR Supra, the imminent GR Corolla…
However, the Japanese firm, they are aware that the short-term future goes through total electrification. In fact, at the end of last year, Toyota announced its intention to have a zero-emission range made up of a total of thirty electric models (including the Lexus proposals) by 2030, which will include some sports cars.
During the event where this new electrification strategy was announced, fifteen prototypes were presented, including a small yellow roadster with the GAZOO Racing badge on the front. Said model was, in appearance, a preview of the future Toyota GR MR2, a two-seater called to compete against the future electric Porsche 718 Boxster.
The Toyota bZ4X could receive a GR version
Therefore, it is to be expected that in parallel with the deployment of Toyota’s new 100% electric range, we will also see zero-emission proposals from GAZOO Racing. The best example is found in the Toyota bZ4X GR Sport Concept, a prototype that was presented during the Tokyo Motor Show.
The Toyota bZ4X has been envisioned as the company’s first dedicated electric car. Based on the thee-TNGA modular platform, this SUV with dimensions similar to the popular RAV4 (D-SUV segment) will be sold in the main international markets, standing up to models such as the Tesla Model Y or the Volkswagen ID.4, among others.
As its name suggests, the prototype is a GR Sport, not a “thoroughbred” GR. Therefore, it only differs from the standard bZ4X by having a sportier aesthetic. Among other changes, we should highlight its dark blue paint or the larger diameter wheels; however, elements such as the bumpers do not vary.
Although the powertrain is not modified either (it probably has the most powerful drivetrain in the range, made up of two electric motors capable of delivering 217 hp and 336 Nm), the concept flirts with the possibility that Toyota decides to launch a more powerful version. the sport of its new electric SUV.
