Limited Edition, Turbocharged 'Vitz' to go on Sale in Japan

Toyota City, Japan, August 7, 2013―Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will later this month begin taking online-only orders for the latest GRMN (GAZOO Racing tuned by MN¹) vehicle, the "Vitz GRMN Turbo" sports conversion² model.

Sales will be limited to a total of 200 units and will be carried out exclusively through online applications processed by Area 86³ shops in Netz dealerships throughout Japan.   Applications for the vehicle, priced at 2,700,000 yen⁴, will start August 25 on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Vitz GRMN Turbo was developed as a sports hatchback that exemplifies the pure and grounded handling expected from a compact sports car.  Available in two colors, Super White II and Black Mica, it features a three-door body and unique exterior styling, such as LED headlights, a large-diameter tail pipe, rear spoiler, exclusive front bumper, large rocker panel moldings and a contoured GRMN logo on the side of the body.

With the turbocharger providing enhanced engine performance―up 32 kW (43 PS) compared to the base Vitz engine― the Vitz GRMN Turbo also features a reinforced powertrain, strengthened opposing 4-pot caliper brakes, a high-rigidity body and an exclusively tuned suspension― all combining to provide greatly improved ride, turning and braking.  The Vitz GRMN Turbo conveys the joy of driving, from normal roads to circuits.

Interior features include exclusive sports seats, instrument gauges and a three-spoke leather steering wheel with red stitching.

Online application webpage (Japanese only): http://gazoo.com/GRMN/Vitz_Turbo/

Those who successfully secure a Vitz GRMN Turbo through the online application process will be able to discuss their vehicle purchase with staff knowledgeable in motorsports located at the 107 Area 86 shops across Japan.

¹GAZOO Racing is a vehicle-development and motor-sports support program created by GAZOO, which also operates the GAZOO.com customer-participation portal site launched in 1998, the "GAZOO Mura" driving-promotion program and the "Drive Kingdom" large-scale test-drive events for the general public; "Meister of Nürburgring" refers to Hiromu Naruse (1944-2010), a former TMC test driver and chief of the GAZOO Racing team.  One aspect of the activities started by the GAZOO.com website is to convey the joy of cars to consumers; Toyota test drivers participate in races and vehicle development with the aim of creating ever-better cars, and grass-roots motor sports events are promoted to provide the joy of driving to consumers.
²A vehicle produced in limited numbers that comes with specialized features in terms of exterior and interior design and driving performance.  In Japan, such modified vehicles must be inspected directly by license plate-issuing authorities (whereas conventional vehicles can be registered upon submission of required documentation only).
³Specialist shops that provide high-quality support and service to car enthusiasts; the name was created with the hope of establishing sites where all people interested in the 86 and other cars can gather
⁴Includes consumption tax; does not include recycling fees and differs in Okinawa