Toyota Yaris Turbo

Marty Howard · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2007 10:27 am

Toyota Yaris Turbo Modellista @ 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon

Red alert for turbo Yaris
Toyota has taken the wraps off a high-performance turbocharged version of its Yaris supermini.

Unveiled at recnt Tokyo Auto Salon - a motor show that gives Jap*anese makers the chance to let their hair down - the Turbo Modellista is set to go on sale in its home market in the next few months, and previews a European version. Based on the Japan-only Yaris RS, it uses a 1.5-litre engine turbocharged by Toyota's in-house tuner, Modellista, and Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

Power is increased by 40bhp to 150bhp at 6,000rpm, and with 196Nm of torque, the newcomer should cover 0-60mph in less than eight seconds on its way to a 135mph top speed.

To ensure all the power reaches the road, TRD has equipped the car with a limited slip differential, and further improved the handling by lowering the ride height 20mm and fitting spe*cially tuned sports suspension.

The looks are enhanced by a muscular bodykit, with large intakes at the front to feed air into the intercooler, plus 17-inch OZ Racing alloys. Inside, the Turbo Concept gets specially des*igned instrumentation, which includes a turbo boost gauge, plus a leatherbound steering wheel and gearknob.

Matt Nicholson · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:53 am

Quote:

Power is increased by 40bhp to 150bhp at 6,000rpm, and with 196Nm of torque, the newcomer should cover 0-60mph in less than eight seconds

I should hope so.

Any serious production plans?

I've heard rumors of a Nissan Versa SE-R, BTW......

Michael Westerfield · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:01 pm

I fell asleep before I finished that one. Toyota is making some boring cars these days.

8 seconds!!! What will I do with this rocket?!?!?!

Marty Howard · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:36 pm

Marty Howard · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:36 pm

Michael Westerfield wrote:

I fell asleep before I finished that one. Toyota is making some boring cars these days.

8 seconds!!! What will I do with this rocket?!?!?!

Seems like 150 HP in 2100 lbs should be under 7.

Carl Fisher · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:37 pm

I dunno, I think it looks good. I've always liked the "hot hatch" concept, which for me is more about being light and nimble than it is about power. Even so, 8 seconds 0-60 sounds pretty good to this Neon/Mini driver...

If they could keep the price at or under 16 or so, it'd be a sweet deal. But who am I kidding, they'd never offer it here.

Graham Jagger · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 12:53 am **Posts:** 1718

That car is just plain fugly. I hope they don't import it.

I agree Michael. Toyota is making some seriously boring cars. Time for something to come out of TRD besides drive trains. I'm sure those folks have some ideas on what a cool car would look like.

When I think Toyota, all I can think of is Corolla and Camry. A good 4dr sedan that lasts a long time. Very practical but no fun.

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Graham Jagger wrote:

That car is just plain fugly. I hope they don't import it.

I agree Michael. Toyota is making some seriously boring cars. Time for something to come out of TRD besides drive trains. I'm sure those folks have some ideas on what a cool car would look like.

When I think Toyota, all I can think of is Corolla and Camry. A good 4dr sedan that lasts a long time. Very practical but no fun.

But Graham, it has carbon fibre door trim and mirror vents. Those are exciting, aren't they? Not to mention worth a lot of whorespower.

David Spratte · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2007 4:41 pm

The wheels are purdy.

Wes Eargle · **Joined:** Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:47 am **Posts:** 3683

MikeWhitney wrote:

Not to mention worth a lot of whorespower.

A shot of penicillin will clear that right up.

Graham Jagger · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 12:53 am **Posts:** 1718

MikeWhitney wrote:

But Graham, it has carbon fibre door trim and mirror vents. Those are exciting, aren't they? Not to mention worth a lot of whorespower.

You're right Mike! I didn't notice that the first time I looked. I got queasy by the 2nd picture and had to look away. :shock:

After some Pepto Bismol I've been able to look at the other pics. Oooh CF, and I now see the CF parts under the hood too. Pimpy! You can never get enough whorespower on a ricer :lol:

It needs a wing!!!

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:07 pm

Carl Fisher wrote:

I dunno, I think it looks good.

From a basic styling point of view, I would agree. I don't like the poseur boy racer CF stuff however.

Aaron Buckley · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:33 pm

Graham Jagger wrote:

When I think Toyota, all I can think of is Corolla and Camry. A good 4dr sedan that lasts a long time. Very practical but no fun.

Yup, and that's what they want you to think. When it comes to luxury, they want you to think Lexus. When it comes to smaller, fun cars, they want you to think Scion. Maybe that's why they outsell every other car company on the planet

- AB

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Wed Jan 24, 2007 9:02 am

Graham Jagger wrote:

When I think Toyota, all I can think of is Corolla and Camry. A good 4dr sedan that lasts a long time. Very practical but no fun.

Funny, I think of Toyota and I think of a stock that is a BUY, BUY BUY with a long term HOLD HOLD HOLD.

Maybe GM can stay in business selling nitch market cars like the Z06!

Matthew Fortner · **Joined:** Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:21 am **Posts:** 384

I think this would pretty much only appeal to the Yaris enthusiast. Just as a GTI or R32 mostly appeals to VDubbers. "High performance" is a bit of an overstatement.

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