Tokyo adrift with news of the launch of a G Sports conversion series

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) introduced the world to its G Sports conversion range for cars (G’s) at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon, which was held at the Nippon Convention Centre, Chiba-city in the Chiba Prefecture. The range is set for introduction in Japan in mid-2010, with no plans announced yet for introduction outside of Japan and in South Africa.
 
The “G’s” name is based on the “G” associated with classic Toyota sports models such as the Toyota 2000GT and the Celica GT-Four. The conversions will be produced in limited numbers and will offer kit for both cosmetic and performance enhancement.
 
The series, to be sold through Toyota-brand dealers in Japan, is meant to offer enhanced driving performance to a wider audience and specifically car and racing enthusiasts that follow Toyota’s GAZOO Racing activities in Japan. GAZOO Racing is led by TMC’s master test driver Hiromu Naruse who, with a team of test drivers, participates in races, develops cars and supports motor sports activities. The GAZOO Racing team has a large and loyal following and news of their exploits have spread far after they recently raced a Lexus LF-A at the Nürburgring in Germany.
 
The G’s range was created for customers who are looking for a unique vehicle, without the price tag associated with the usual aftermarket upgrades. The series includes enhancements for the personalisation of the interior, exterior and for the upgrading of the performance and driving characteristics of the vehicle. TMC has directly designed this sports conversion series, instead of taking the conventional approach of outsourcing development to a customisation firm.
 
The G’s range of enhancements starts with the range of external and internal components that enhance the look and ride of the standard vehicle. Enhancements include a sports suspension kit, aerodynamic parts and racing seats. Underneath the skin the G’s range offers a variety of handling and performance enhancements, which was developed through many test hours by GAZOO Racing drivers. This is the same team that participated in the 24 hour Nürburgring-race and who have developed striking performance models such as the GAZOO Racing iQ, dubbed the GRMN iQ. GRMN is an acronym for GAZOO Racing tuned by MN.
 
TMC will aim to make cosmetic and performance accessories more accessible to a wider range of customers by, amongst other things, fitting certain upgrades on the production line.
 
Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 FT-86 and Prius G Sports Concept
 
The Tokyo Auto Salon is widely described as Japan’s version of the popular SEMA-show (Las Vegas, USA) for aftermarket tuners and developers. The show, which ran from 15 January to 17 January, was attended by over 230 000 enthusiasts.
 
TMC chose the FT-86 concept as its central showpiece in an exhibition which showed various G’s Series Concept and Production vehicles. The rear-drive FT-86 boasts the full complement of cosmetic and race-ready tuning and was selected by the crowds for the Excellence Award for concept vehicles at the show. The FT-86 was flanked by a Prius G Series Concept, which introduced a new face to environmentally conscious motoring.
 
The plans has been set to expand the range of sports models through the introduction of various conversion and sports-trim-only versions of mass produced models, using the GRMN and G’s brands to differentiate them.
 
TMC aims to place a fresh emphasis on the motorsport culture by actively participating in grassroots motorsport events such as Formula Nippon and SUPER GT in Japan and the popular NASCAR in the United States.