Four years ago, Toyota introduced a performance version of its Mark X sedan, called the GRMN. Short for Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring, it paired a 3.5 litre naturally-aspirated V6 with a six-speed manual gearbox – the only variant to do so – and rear-wheel drive, and as it was limited to just 100 units in its home market of Japan, it sold out pretty quickly.
Those of you who missed out on the initial run, fret not, as the Mark X GRMN is back. There’s a larger allocation this time around, but with just 350 units available, you’ll still have to act fast to snag one. The recipe remains largely the same, so the 2GR-FSE direct-injected mill continues to churn out the same 318 PS at 6,400 rpm and 380 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm – figures that are identical to the standard Mark X.
The row-your-own ‘box is still unique to the GRMN, and what’s more, the company has retuned the engine and transmission and revised the gearing of the Torsen limited-slip rear differential for a more pleasurable shifting experience. The body has also been strengthened with 252 extra spot welds, which were performed at the Motomachi plant that has also built the Lexus LFA and LC sports cars.
To take full advantage of this, the GRMN gets a revamped electric power steering system, new dampers and revised suspension tuning. All this is wrapped in a more aggressive exterior, dominated by a massive front grille that will get those in front to move out of the way when they see this thing in their rear-view mirror.
You’ll also get a small bootlid spoiler, quad exhaust pipes, gloss black door mirrors and handles and dark chrome highlights at the front and rear, while the gorgeous 19-inch forged BBS alloy wheels hide larger brake discs that measure 18 inches at the front, clamped by silver GR-branded four-piston callipers. An optional carbon fibre roof shaves 10 kg off the cars weight.
Inside, there are bucket seats wrapped in Ultrasuede upholstery, a smaller three-spoke steering wheel, a redesigned instrument cluster and fake carbon fibre trim, not to mention the three aluminium pedals. Want to snag one of the 350 units? You’ll have to prepare to fork out 5.13 million yen (RM194,200) for one, plus another 270,000 yen (RM10,200) for the carbon roof.
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Mark X used to have style and sharp lines, too bad it now looks like a upsized Vios or Altis. BORINGGG!
Nissan Salesman, Honda Salesman or P2 Salesman detected always bashing Toyota, Proton, Geely, Volvo and other carmakers.
this is so sexy
Toyota Mark Preve to death! Habisla Proton!
I think this same user always bashing Proton and Toyota and including others
our regular anti Toyota troll john is having heart attack now. No more dedak and no more Proton sales
So what? Stop pretending to be Toyota Salesmen, only you protecting Perodua Salesman, Nissan Salesman or even Honda Salesman. What’s the point? Because you are bashing Toyota Articles so No one cares about you anymore
Old school racer and it has a manual box and RWD to boot.
Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring? HAHAH wtf
3.5 litre NA V6, manual transmission, RWD and 4 door sedan but only 350 units! Damn, this kind of car should produce in mass.