Toyota has immersed itself fully in the field of sports cars. The Japanese brand is expanding its offer of special versions tuned by GAZOO Racing. The latest proposal has debuted at the 2022 Tokyo Motor Show, the Toyota bZ4X GR Sport Concept.
Before the end of last year 2021, Toyota presented its new electric model with which it will assault a market segment that it abandoned with the cessation of production of the Avensis, and where the Camry’s days are numbered. Despite being a hybrid, the Japanese saloon has not finished penetrating among European customers, so the new Toyota bZ4X will assume the representation in the D segment.
But not with a combustion or hybrid model, but with a new generation electric crossover that will hit the market in 2022, and with leader wood. If we add to this that Toyota is giving carte blanche to the sports division of GAZOO Racing to expand the offer of sports versions as never before, the icing on this new electric has not been long in coming. At least as a conceptual preview, presenting the Toyota bZ4X GR Sport Concept at Tokyo Motor Show 2022.
Toyota bZ4X GR Sport Concept, an electric with sports genes
Like the new rival with which it shares technology, the Subaru Solterra STI Concept, the commitment of the Japanese firm is presented with the aesthetics of the models with the “GR Sport” stamp and a more aggressive personality. The electric crossover stands out for the chosen body paint, a combination of metallic dark blue gradient in some sections that blends into elegant matte black on the doors, wheel arches or on the front. This same color, with a metallic finish, dresses the alloy wheels that are noticeably larger than on the production model, as are the tires.
Toyota has not allowed a look inside, but it has been noted that the front seats have a sportier configuration. Where there are no variations is in the powertrain. The brand has not provided details, so it is assumed that the most powerful version with which the electric crossover will be sold is under the bodywork. Two electric motors that develop a maximum power of 160 kW, equivalent to 217 hp, Y all wheel drive, powered by a battery that offers a maximum autonomy of 460 kilometers.
Whether it has signs of becoming a reality is, today, a mystery. The truth is everything works in its favor, the sports brand has more prominence leaving its mark on models such as the Yaris, C-HR, Hilux and, soon also on the Corolla, so what they can do with this electric SUV is also a real challenge. Even so, sales, which will start in mid-2022, will confirm whether we will see this option materialized before the middle of the decade.