Toyota claims it is serious about performance.
Following a rumor that a Toyota Gazoo Racing Corolla is in development, another juicy nugget of speculation suggests that a C-HR could be on its way. Auto Express reported the rumor but didn’t specify where it came from. The GR CHR could be the next performance Toyota model to debut before 2023, if true.
The GR CHR could be a swan song for one of the more funky crossovers on market or a model to kick off the second-generation, which is expected to debut in 2021. It will be based on Toyota’s TNGA platform, which underpins the Toyota lineup and should make for a solid foundation for a performance crossover.
The GR Corolla would be competing with the Ford Focus ST or Hyundai i30N. The CR C-HR would also face off against the Ford Puma ST, VW T-Roc R and other models. There are many people who want sportier trims and models as consumers move towards crossovers and SUVs. Toyota can adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Toyota says it is serious about performance and will make itself more appealing to younger customers. The automaker will still produce a variety of high-powered sports cars, but that doesn’t mean they won’t make a lot. It should give some life to a Toyota brand that has long been safe.