Toyota Gazoo Racing at 2017 Tokyo Auto Salon – Yaris, Prius c TGR hot hatch concepts to be shown?

Last year, Toyota Gazoo Racing became Toyota’s official racing division, unifying Toyota Racing, Lexus Racing and Gazoo Racing under one banner. Since then, rumours suggest that the Japanese carmaker could be turning the company into its performance road car brand to take on the likes of BMW M and Mercedes-AMG, and it sure looks like it if TGR’s exhibit at the 2017 Tokyo Auto Salon is any indication.

The company announced that it would be turning up at the Makuhari Messe on January 13 with the Yaris TGR and Prius c TGR concepts, hinting at performance versions of both models. Now, Gazoo Racing has previously tuned road cars under its Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring (GRMN) and G’s brands, but these cars will mark the first time that it is putting the TGR moniker to use.

Throwing more fuel into the fire is Toyota Europe’s confirmation on Twitter that it would be building a hot hatch inspired by the Yaris WRC (which will make its Japanese debut at the show as well). The car, which Auto Express reports could use either a high-performance version of the Yaris Hybrid’s powertrain or the 1.5 litre turbocharged engine from the C-HR Racing, was widely tipped to be called the Yaris Gazoo.

A teaser sketch that accompanied the Twitter announcement showed a Yaris that has been beefed up with an aggressive bodykit, larger wheels and brakes and a tailgate spoiler, very similar to the teaser photo released by Toyota Gazoo Racing of the Yaris and Prius c TGR concepts.

The exhibit will also mark the world premiere of Lexus Gazoo Racing’s new GT3 race car, based on the RC F coupé. Also to be displayed are C-HRs customised with genuine TRD, Modellista and Toyota brand parts.

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