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January 13, 2023
The Theme: "Toyota Will Not Leave Any Car Enthusiast Behind" – GAZOO Racing and Lexus Exhibit at Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 | TOYOTA
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
LEXUS
Proposing New Joys of Cars and Motorsports in the Carbon-Neutral Era
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and Lexus will exhibit at Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, held at Makuhari Messe from January 13th to 15th.
AE86 with Hydrogen Engine and BEV Also on Display
At this Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and Lexus have set a common theme: "Toyota Will Not Leave Any Car Enthusiast Behind." Under this theme, they are exhibiting vehicles and parts aligned with three concepts: "Carbon Neutrality to Protect Beloved Cars," "Making Better Cars Starting from Motorsports," and "Diverse Lifestyles to Enjoy with Your Beloved Car."
During the event, through talk shows with drivers and development engineers, and demo runs, they will propose new joys of cars and motorsports in the carbon-neutral era.
Carbon Neutrality to Protect Beloved Cars
First, regarding the exhibition under "Carbon Neutrality to Protect Beloved Cars." Toyota believes it is crucial not only to advance the carbon neutrality of new cars to be released in the future but also of cars already cherished by their owners. For this exhibition, they are displaying the concept cars "AE86 H2 Concept" and "AE86 BEV Concept," which are modified versions of the AE86, a car loved by motorsports and sports car fans for many years, while preserving its original state as much as possible, into a hydrogen engine vehicle and a battery electric vehicle.
The AE86 H2 Concept was developed with insights gained from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's "Making Better Cars Starting from Motorsports" initiative, practiced in the Super Taikyu Series with President Akio Toyoda's team, Rookie Racing. It's designed to allow drivers to enjoy the appeal of an engine, such as its sound and vibrations, while driving.
Two high-pressure hydrogen tanks used in the FCV Mirai are mounted in the rear, and other modifications are limited to the injectors, fuel delivery pipes, and spark plugs, keeping the scale of modification to a minimum.
Meanwhile, the AE86 BEV Concept leverages the electrification technologies cultivated by Lexus. While preserving the AE86's body, light weight, and front-rear weight balance as much as possible, it aims to provide an even greater driving enjoyment than before through features like strong acceleration unique to BEVs and the adoption of a manual transmission.
It also utilizes electrification technologies from existing vehicles, such as using motors from the Tundra HEV, which Toyota produces in North America, and batteries from the Prius PHEV.
Making Better Cars Starting from Motorsports
Next, regarding "Making Better Cars Starting from Motorsports." Currently, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is practicing "Making Better Cars Starting from Motorsports," which involves commercializing cars honed for racing. In line with this, they are exhibiting the "GR Yaris Rally2 Concept" at Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, developed with knowledge gained from participating in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).
Furthermore, to express gratitude to the fans who supported the "TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team" and with the desire to "further invigorate WRC," they held the world premiere of the "GR Yaris RZ "High Performance" Sébastien Ogier Edition Concept" and the "GR Yaris RZ "High Performance" Kalle Rovanperä Edition Concept."
Both models were supervised by Sébastien Ogier, who won the drivers' title in 2021, and Kalle Rovanperä, who won the drivers' title in 2022, and feature vehicle settings tailored to each driver. The release timing and detailed specifications for these models are scheduled to be announced later.
Diverse Lifestyles to Enjoy with Your Beloved Car
Under the concept of "Diverse Lifestyles to Enjoy with Your Beloved Car," they are exhibiting vehicles customized under the supervision of professional drivers, as well as new GR parts developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing based on feedback from motorsports. The GR parts range from steering wheels to carbon rear wings and shock absorber sets.
Additionally, they are showcasing new heritage parts scheduled for release from 2023 onwards, responding to users' desire to "continue driving their beloved cars filled with memories." The lineup will be expanded to three Land Cruiser models, with the first release, a rear axle shaft for the Land Cruiser 70 and 80, planned for April.
