Toyota may introduce GR sedan, electrified sports model

Toyota Gaju Racing Skunkworks could be the next sedan fetal, and has left the door wide open for electrification before 2030.

Toyota Motor North America Sales Executive Vice President Bob Carter said Motor trends “Stay connected” when asked about the possibility of a GR-based sedan.

For electrification, Toyota says there is nothing imminent but it is evaluating the feasibility of future electrified GR models, with Mr. Carter hinting that an electrified GR car could “probably” arrive in five years.

“Electrification in GR is one of the things we are talking about. In the long run, GR is the best way to deliver what it is and what does electrification have to do with it, “said Cooper Eriksen, vice president of Toyota’s product planning and strategy group.

“Driving the key is fun, lightweight, performance tracking, so if we can deliver it with an EV, we can take a look at it.”

Toyota currently offers both the GR and GR sport-based models.

GR vehicles are enthusiastic-oriented, dedicated performance machines and include the GR86, GR Supra, GR Corolla and GR Yaris. Toyota says this year’s GR GT3 concept is also in development.

In contrast, the GR Sport models have aesthetic and mechanical changes but no longer provide any power.

The Toyota sells GR Sport versions of everything from the Yaris and Prius to the HiLux and LandCruiser 300 series. It also previews a GR Sport version of its upcoming bZ4x electric crossover.

In contrast, Mr. Carter told U.S. Publishing last year that there are no plans for GR-badged SUVs.

“I don’t want to miss anything, but not initially,” Mr. Carter said last year.

“The importance is pleasant driving. You have a higher center of gravity when you go into an SUV and it’s just not useful. Nothing is off the table, but initially you can expect it to be a car-based ride. There is still a market for it. ”

What could this GR sedan be, a GR Corolla sedan seems to be a clear suggestion.

The GR Corolla hatchback, here at the end of the year, uses the GR Yaris’ turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine but with more power (220kW) and the same torque (370Nm), combined with the Toyota GR-Four variable 4WD system.

It will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission – for now.

Toyota is testing an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission on a GR Yaris, which could give the GR Corolla more volume appeal.

While American enthusiasts are known to appreciate the stick change, hot hatches are less common there and a sedan body style may resonate better.

Motor trends Also reported that the GR sedan could be a GR camry.

There are precedents for a hot camry. In Australia, TRD has created a hot, supercharged version of the Aurion, as the V6-powered Camry has been known here for two generations.

The blown V6 has generated 241kW of power and 400Nm of torque, while the Panchi Aurion V6 has grown to 37kW and 64Nm.

Changes to the TRD Aurion include larger brakes, sticker Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires, stiffer springs and more damp, and a 12mm lower ride height, although there was no limited-slip differential or all-wheel drive system.

Although the TRD Aurion failed, a TRD-badged camera appeared in North America in 2019.

While its 224kW 3.5-liter V6 remains unchanged, it features a cat-back dual exhaust, thick underbody brace, stiffer coil springs, and specially tuned shock absorbers, among other mechanical modifications aimed at giving “track tuning”.