The Vitz is Toyota’s subcompact model that was launched in 1998 and is now on its third generation. Over the years, the company has been continuously developing the model, also known as the Yaris in other markets, to make it more fuel efficient, safe, reliable, powerful, and functional; they have also come up with two new Toyota Vitz concept cars which are sure to make anyone wish he had a Vitz. Let’s take a look at them now and see what they’ve got!
GRMN Vitz Turbo Concept
In January 2013, Toyota participated in the Tokyo Auto Salon, which ran from January 11 to 13 at the Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall in Chiba City. The company is an active exhibitor in the annual event and hopes to reach out to more people, and through their concept cars, be able to create new car enthusiasts and fans. For 2013, Toyota displayed four concept vehicles. One of these is a Vitz, customized by Gazoo Racing Masters of Nrburgring, or GRMN. Called the GRMN Vitz Turbo Concept, this Vitz unit is part of the third generation release launched in December 2010. Team Gazoo has been tuning, modifying, and customizing cars to make them track-competitive, especially in the motorsports complex of Nrburgring in Germany.
Modifications
Toyota and Gazoo racing teamed up to create the GRMN Vitz Turbo Concept for the Tokyo Auto Salon 2013. The Gazoo team started with the sportiest version of the Vitz, the three-door RS grade with the 1.5-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission. Gazoo turbocharged the engine, enhancing its performance and generating 150 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota Vitz concept car also features a tuned sports suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels in 215/45 R17 tires, upgraded brakes, and a stronger body that’s perfect for circuit courses. The Vitz RS grade already has a sporty exterior, and Gazoo enhanced this with their special body kit, styling the car with GRMN-style bumpers and side skirts.
Yaris HSD Hybrid Concept
An older, yet as impressive, concept car is the Yaris HSD Hybrid Concept. Simply put (and as you may have deduced), it is a hybrid version of the Yaris/Vitz model. Making a hybrid subcompact wasn’t that simple, however, as Toyota faced the challenge of making the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) drivetrain fit into the subcompact body. They were able to introduce the HSD powertrain by first optimizing it for installation in the Yaris without sacrificing system quality, performance, comfort, and space.
Another energy-saving and generating feature of the Yaris hybrid/Toyota Vitz concept car is the group of solar panels on the roof, which will power the air-conditioning unit when the car is parked. This adds to the car’s fuel economy and of course, mileage. The engine makes use of a maintenance-free timing chain and no drive belts, so that’s a couple less things to worry about, making the car more sturdy and reliable, and of course reducing maintenance and repair costs. The HSD allows for the car to be driven in full-electric mode too, so that means no harmful emissions! The hybrid concept was also designed to be more aerodynamic, adding to its efficiency.
