We already knew that Toyota was planning to appeal to enthusiasts at the show, but the full exhibition list confirms it.
Toyota Gazoo Racing and Lexus have revealed a list detailing all the amazing builds the two brands will display at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 and the Tokyo Outdoor Show, and we're fascinated.
Toyota recently explained that it will focus on three core concepts under the shared theme, “Toyota: leaving no car lovers behind.” The concepts that the automaker wishes to convey pertain to carbon neutrality, producing cars honed in motorsport, and the diversity of lifestyles enjoyed by various car lovers.
Toyota will present two alternatively-powered versions of the AE86, one running on hydrogen and one on electricity. Two special editions based on the GR Yaris will be unveiled too, but these are only the start of the incredible creations to be showcased this year.
Under the category of “Carbon neutrality for protecting beloved cars” are the abovementioned AE86 concepts, which you can read about in detail in a separate article.
The category “Making ever-better motorsports-bred cars” includes the special-edition GR Yaris models we mentioned earlier, but there will also be a GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid, a GR Yaris GR4 Rally car built for use on gravel, and even an SF23 open-wheel racer. The No. 8 GR010 Hybrid hypercar will also be on display, as will an Eneos x Prime GR Supra, an Orc Rookie GR86 CNF concept, and an Orc Rookie GR Corolla H2 concept. The last two will run on carbon-neutral fuel and hydrogen, respectively.
The GR Yaris Rally2 Concept is another highlight, showing what TGR will have to offer Rally2 teams looking to compete in various upcoming series. This car will be developed in the Japanese Rally Championship as it aims to obtain homologation for Rally2 competition in January 2024.
The last model in the motorsport-bred category is a version of the Lexus LX600. The “Offroad” Team Jaos 2022 SUV competed in the 2022 Baja 1000 and will also be displayed here. This vehicle was entered in the Stock Full Class for unmodified production vehicles. But its development is not over, as the machine continues to evolve as part of a three-year project with Team Jaos.
The final category of “Diverse lifestyles to be enjoyed with beloved cars” has a wide variety of machines under its banner, including an AE86 owned by professional racing driver Masahiro Sasaki and a Celica ST165 owned by TGR Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala. A GR86 showing off various GR parts will be joined by the GR Corolla Aero Concept too.
More focus is given to the GR Yaris, with a range of GR parts to be offered, many of which have been honed with the help of pro racing drivers. These include a steering wheel, a lightweight shift knob, a parking brake lever, and full bucket seats, all of which will be released before the end of March. Other parts (a release date for which has not yet been decided) include a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) hood, a CFRP rear stabilizer, shock absorbers for track use, a cold air intake duct, and an undercover with NACA cooling ducts.
The GR86 will also benefit from an expanded catalog, with a raft of items becoming available by the end of March, including an aerodynamic nose cone, door mirror fins, a roof fin, and rear side spoilers. Rear window louvers, a branded oil filler cap, a sports oil filter, and a rear V-brace complete the range.
For those with older cars, the 2023 GR Heritage range will reproduce discontinued parts for eight models. Rear axle shafts for the Land Cruiser 70 and 80 will launch in April, but the automaker is currently taking reproduction requests for Land Cruiser 60, 70, and 80 models.
Back to newer products, the Lexus RZ Sport Concept is an EV that aims to show electric machines are ripe for aftermarket customization. Lowered 35 millimeters and endowed with a new hood, widened arches, vented fenders, spoilers, and numerous other aero upgrades, the modified SUV is an attention-grabber that needs no loud exhaust to capture the imagination. Bucket seats and sporty wheels don't hurt, either.
Finally, Toyota and Lexus unpack the attractions of their first Tokyo Outdoor Show exhibit. The RX Outdoor Concept based on the new RX450h+ will be present to showcase “exclusive equipment and gear for the more-comfortable enjoyment of outdoor lifestyles,” while the ROV Concept 2, with its hydrogen engine, aims to combine environmental friendliness with the fun of a running engine. Both of the vehicles are painted in an exclusive finish called Regolith.
The GX Outdoor Concept, based on the Lexus GX460, is also fitted with various special items for maximum enjoyment of the outdoors.
The last item on the agenda is one of the coolest: the Crown Outdoor Concept, a lifted version of the new Crown with all-terrain tires and a roof carrier. This looks outstanding, and we wouldn't be surprised if it makes production someday or if off-road-friendly parts will be offered through TGR.
Toyota is making a big splash this year, and we can't wait to see what else it has planned for the rest of 2023.
Keyword: Toyota Reveals All The Wild Builds For Tokyo Auto Salon 2023