We reported just yesterday that Japanese automaker Toyota had been traipsing around Europe snapping up trademarks for Gazoo Racing (GR) badges for its 86 sports car and Yaris small hatch, and while we speculated as to what they were for, today we got a better indication. A teaser video out of Toyota’s offices in Spain have shown to the world what Toyota’s intentions are behind those trademarks: There are indeed hotter models in store.
The subject of the teaser in question is the 86 sports car, as despite the clouds of dust the donut-ing FR-layout car is kicking up, it’s obvious that it’s an 86. The caption seals the deal.
“It’s all a matter of passion for speed. #GT86, by Toyota Gazoo Racing.” – Toyota España
Very recently, Toyota unveiled the Yaris GR-Sport, a lukewarm hatch with a hybrid powertrain beneath but a highly-fettled chassis setup that promised more driver engagement in lieu of no extra poke. In contrast, the proper Yaris GRMN with its supercharged 1.8-litre was off the wall. This suggests that the GR 86, and indeed other GR-badged cars, will sit somewhere in the middle. Suspension upgrades and that sort of thing are a given, but as for more power, we can only wonder just how much (or how little) more power will be offered.
This marks Toyota’s continued efforts to widen the reach of its Gazoo Racing performance subdivision, with the impending Supra sitting as the halo car for the brand. This was first made evident with the mild Yaris Hybrid GR-Sport, showing its capability to do more than just very-unhinged cars like the Yaris GRMN.
Gazoo has fettled with the 86 before, showing a GR HV concept last year at the Tokyo motorshow. When quizzed by Autocar, a Toyota spokesperson said they were not permitted to comment on the trademark filings. However, we’ve decided to be hopeful and cross our fingers that a hotter 86 sports car might be on its way.
For the best deals on a new Toyota, check out our Showroom.
