The quota of sporty Toyota models is complete. Statements from a high-ranking brand official have indicated that they have no intention of expanding their range of sports versions beyond the four models they have around the world.
For Toyota, the range of sports models is perfectly covered. The Japanese firm had not experienced sportsmanship in such a way, arriving late to what would have been a fierce battle in key market segments in Europe such as utility vehicles, which has been losing steam in recent years until it was reduced to a minimum. representation.
And despite being late, he has done it in style, with an exponent like the GR Yaris. A model that is available in the Old Continent together with the GR Supra and the new generation of GR 86reserving only for the United States another jewel like the recent GR Corolla. Toyota’s four badges feature genes drawn directly from GAZOO Racing’s expertise, masters in the art of delivering more dynamic driving and a more aggressive image.
Toyota will expand the GR Sport but not the sportiest GR
But there will be no more new models with the seal of the sports division of the Japanese brand, since a high official has ruled out that they intend to expand this more select catalog, although it is unknown if it is in the short, medium or long term. In fact, this has been stated by Yasunori Suezawam, chief engineer of the Toyota GR86, in an interview with the Australian magazine «Drive», stating that «Actually there are no more in the pipeline, so this one -referring to the GR86- is the last one».
The Japanese president has closed the door directly to a sports version of one of the SUV of the range of products that is sold in the different markets in which it is present, so if we wanted to see what GAZOO Racing could do with the Yaris Cross or C-HR, firm candidates, it will stay in that, in dreams. They have no plans to give an answer to the European manufacturers that do bet on sports and high-performance versions, even in SUVs.
However, Suezawam has confirmed that the special “GR Sport” finish will be extended to other models, so the sportier aesthetic will reach other models such as the C-HR. The Japanese has also referred to the life cycle of sports models on the market, noting that the Supra will remain on sale until 2025 or 2026 as long as the BMW Z4 remains on the market. GR Yaris and GR Corolla, the latter sold in the USA, will expire in 2025while the GR86 will maintain its life cycle of up to 10 years in certain markets, since in Europe it will be withdrawn in 2024.