The paint hasn’t even dried on the recently-unveiled Toyota C-HR – we haven’t even seen the interior of the car, for one – and already there’s talk of a hotter, high-performance variant of the B-segment crossover being considered, according to Autocar UK.
Lead engineer of the C-HR Hiro Koba told the British publication that such a car would tackle the Nissan Juke Nismo, and give Toyota a leg up in the hot crossover market. Although he said that a sportier C-HR was not “concretely” in Toyota’s plans, he added, “I am pushing to make such a car. I need to get approval.”
Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Europe’s senior manager Rembert Serrus said, “The car lends itself to it. It would be possible, but it depends on how much we have to change. A sports version could be a minor change or it could be a new project. A sports version would make a lot of sense.”
A racing version is already slated to enter the 24 Hours of Nürburgring next month, and Koba has driven it – power comes from a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine producing around 178 hp. Public reaction to the racer is expected to heavily influence the business case for a road-going hot C-HR.
If a production model does come to fruition, it could use a similar engine, particularly as Koba has already suggested that he wants to see more powerful models. Some of the aerodynamic addenda could also be carried over, along with the usual retuned suspension, brakes and steering, and a revised interior. Expect a sportier C-HR to be unveiled no earlier than 2018, given the development time needed for such a project.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
U kno wat, looks even more like that lotus APX concept…
Why need to do so much? Just change rim, add bodykit, add spoiler, add more LED lights, add TRD stickers & badges, and then just call it C-HR TRD Sportivo Ricer Drift Edition. Sure MY pipu will buy this crap.
I thought it was a TAMIYA
Already seen the real pics at outside environment (viral in online). Release it now. By Jan 2017 the data sheet MAA fact figure sale will be yours.
that rear tail lite keeps reminding me of honda civic 2016