I could think of no better way to kick off our TAS2017 coverage than a showcase of machines from Japan’s largest automotive manufacturer, Toyota. Unlike last years flashy showcase which had a more street vibe, the big boys from Aichi were all business this time. Bringing along a bevy of cars showcasing much of their racing pedigree. From championship machines from yesteryear to cars built to conquer races that have yet to come.
TS050 Hybrid from the World Endurance Racing series. While we all know that #6 was the car that eventually made it to the second place podium during last year’s LeMans race, i really did wish to see the #5 car instead. Hopefully Toyota will be able to get the win this year.
The Gazoo Racing Yaris WRC was attracting quite a lot of onlookers.
Toyota’s latest baby, the CH-R crossover (urgh) was EVERYWHERE. Here it is getting a proper rally treatment. No idea where they are going with this but hey, racecar!
No Toyota rally showcase wouldn’t be complete without their classic heroes right? They totally didn’t hold back and brought along these trio of championship winning Celicas.
1985 Safari Rally winning TA64.
ST165 Gr.A, piloted by Juha Kankkunen grabbed its first win in the Australian Rally in 1989. And a year later, Toyota began their fierce head-to-head battle with Lancia for WRC dominance.
The most successful individual model in Toyota’s rallying history, the ST185, clocked 15 WRC wins in the 2 years it was campaigned. With a very impressive 1-2-3-4 finish during the 1993 Safari Rally. It was during the ST185’s reign when Lancia sadly stopped all official WRC activities but eagerly awaiting to take their place were the boys in blue from Subaru.
Not content with letting Toyota have all the fun, Lexus also brought along their competition cars to the Auto Salon. Like this RCF GT3.
But of course, all eyes (and cameras) were on its successor, the LC500.
Built to compete in the GT500 division of Super GT, its eye catching chequered carbon pattern looked mean and badass.
Also at the Lexus booth that morning was a certain personality i’m sure we all know.
TRD, Sard and Cusco also brought along their rally machines to join in the race car festivities.
On the more street-oriented scene, Cusco had a fantastic looking 86 wearing some winter warpaint.
86 something something limited edition…
Aimgain’s new GT widebody kit for the facelifted 86.
Ings’ 86 going the more traditional tuner route sans widebody.
If you ever wanted a signed Hachiroku and girl calendar.
AQM had an 86 with a rather different front clip. Not bad really.
Solid & Joker’s 86. Though the Integra behind looked more interesting.
From past rally rivals, Toyota and Subaru have teamed up to create the Toyobaru 86/BRZ. But because Subaru had shit lighting, i didn’t get much pictures in. Sorry…
As i mentioned above, Toyota’s new CH-R was pretty much everywhere and every major tuner had at least one on display. Of course i’m not too fond of crossovers so i skipped through most of ’em. But here’s a few, from Blitz, T-Demand and Modellista.
Modellista also brought along an i-Road. I need one of these things. I wish such concepts could prove to be a reality one day for the daily commute, but unless city designs change, i seriously doubt they’d ever catch on on our present-day roads.
I love Crowns. This one’s an Athlete from Car Sense Brand.
Work wheels also had a Crown on display, sitting on some tasty wheels.
This 80s Cressida wagon was packing some major sound audio.
I’m guessing they are not going for the “original” look.
Not your everyday Mark-X.
Prius’ (Priii?) seem to still have some popularity with the dress up crowd. The reverse mount split wheels seem to be becoming a trend too.
Still somewhat niche in the car-scene but Vanning still enjoys considerable support from the community. With T-style going for the trendy widebody look.
Yes the CyberJapan girls show up at K-Break’s booth every now and then. Chaos regularly ensues.
Since we are at K-Break’s booth, let’s take a look at their widebody Lexus LS. Any idea who are the guys behind it? Give up?
All the World needs, is more Liberty!
I thought the IS250s at the Forzato booth were pretty cool. Not because of their wide flared arches but come around the back…
A little carrier for your moped! How cool is that? No idea if they’ll stay mounted on bumpy roads though.
Aimgain’s RCF slammed.
A more mild visual tune from Sard.
Novel also brought a really great looking pair of Lexus F-cars. That blue hue is stunning.
Menacing black GS-F sitting at Weds wheel’s booth.
Also at Weds was their RCF racer.
TOM’s also had some great looking Lexus F-cars on display.
I especially liked this GS-F.
Then the girls came out and there was no chance of getting close to the cars anymore…
A pair of LX’s from Double Eight with the white one sporting some flared arches.
In case you need a little bit more off-roading capability than what a Lexus LX can provide.
An interesting spray-on finish. Maybe would work well with my outdoor furniture.
There aren’t that many Mk IV Supras on display nowadays so it’s still nice to see them occasionally.
This one’s for sale too!
GARAGE36 