Show full PR text 'GRMN', 'G's' Concepts Debut at Tokyo Auto Salon 2012



'GRMN iQ Supercharger' to be Launched Summer 2012



Toyota City, Japan, January 13, 2012-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is displaying a total of 15 vehicles, including five concept vehicles from "GAZOO Racing tuned by MN" (GRMN) and "G Sports"1 (G's), plus production vehicles, at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with NAPAC2. The Tokyo Auto Salon, the world's largest customized car exhibition, is being held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City from today through January 153.



TMC views the Tokyo Auto Salon as a place where peoples' dreams about automobiles convene, and as such has actively exhibited there. Building on last year's show, TMC hopes to spark an even wider range of people's interest in the joy of owning, driving and discussing automobiles developed through GAZOO Racing4 activities.



The main concept vehicle on display is the "GRMN iQ Supercharger" prototype, a second-generation GRMN supercharged ultra compact scheduled for a limited 100-unit launch5 this summer. Based on the "iQ 130G MT "6, the GRMN iQ Supercharger features enhanced driving performance and seeks a feeling of integration between vehicle and driver. Also on display from the GRMN series are the "GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II" and the "GRMN Vitz Turbo Concept", as well as the G's series' "Mark X G Sports Concept II" and "Vellfire G Sports Concept" sports-conversion models.



Part of TMC's exhibition space is an area devoted to custom versions of the compact, rear-wheel-drive sports car "86" ("hachi-roku"), a vehicle extremely popular at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011. On display are two custom models and also the "GAZOO Racing Toyota FT-86" that competed in the 2011 Nürburgring endurance race. (TMC plans to compete again this year with an 86 from GAZOO Racing.) The display will also feature aerodynamic parts, wheels and other accessories to give consumers a clear idea of the 86's expansive customization possibilities.



During the exhibition, TMC is holding virtual events on GAZOO Metapolis7, a Japanese-language website featuring a virtual city (http://metapolis.toyota.co.jp). Also, the GAZOO website (in Japanese) has a special, exhibition-focused section (http://gazoo.com/racing/event/autosalon2012). Videos from the venue will be posted on Ustream and information will be available on web-based social-media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to enhance the dialogue between car enthusiasts both inside and outside the exhibition.



To further expand its GAZOO activities, TMC established a full-time GAZOO department this January to create more opportunities for people to easily experience the joy of automobiles. The department will continue to actively conduct various grass-roots motorsports events such as the GAZOO Racing "Waku Doki" circuit events8 and the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival (TGRF)9.



Key Specifications of GRMN iQ Supercharger (Prototype Model)



Base vehicle IQ 130G MT (arrow pronounced "go")



Length/width/height 3,140 mm/1,705 mm/1,470 mm



Wheelbase 2,000 mm



Weight 990 kg



Seating 4



Driveline Front-wheel drive



Engine 1NR-FE + supercharger



Displacement 1,329 cc



Maximum output 95 kW (130 PS)/5,200 rpm



Maximum torque 180 N-m (18.3 kgf-m)/4,400 rpm



Transmission Six-speed manual transmission (close ratio)



Tires 195/55R16



Main features Performance - Specially-tuned suspension



- Exclusive brake pads & rotors



- Specially-tuned mufflers (dual)



- Lower gear reduction ratio



Exterior - Blister fenders



- Exclusive bumpers (front & rear)



- Exclusive rear spoiler



- Aluminum wheels (by Enkei)



Interior - Exclusive sport seats



- Exclusive gauges (200 km/h scale)

Here's a surprise: Toyota has announced the company will produce the iQ Supercharger first unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon in limited quantities. The automaker has confirmed the development at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon . The vehicles will be built by partner Gazoo Racing and will feature a brawnier version of the same 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine found in the standard iQ . With a little forced induction on its side courtesy of a supercharger, the engine should be good for 130 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 36 ponies and 44 lb-ft over the stock configuration.Like the concept, the production model will wear a not-so-subtle widebody kit, stiffer suspension and more aggressive brakes than its standard siblings. A six-speed manual transmission will be the only gearbox option. Indoors, buyers can expect to find custom seats and gauges that read all the way up to 124 mph. Toyota and Gazoo Racing only plan to produce 100 of the muscle-bound iQ Supercharger models, and there's no indication its Scion cousin sold in the States will receive a similar treatment. What a shame. Hit the jump for a brief introductory video featuring the original concept as well as the full press release.