Toyota Launches GR Performance Lineup, Including Prius Prime PHV...Seriously

Toyota has launched the GR performance edition of its cars in Japan, and somehow, the Prius moniker is involved - introducing the Prius PHV GR SPORT.

Toyota Prius PHV GR SPORT

Mark Kane

By: Mark Kane

Oct 2, 2017 at 9:00am ET

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Toyota has launched the GR performance edition of its cars in Japan; which normally would be of little interest to us other than...the Prius Prime/PHV is included.

Seriously, the plug-in Prius.

Toyota GR Series

The GR series is designed for those who would like the most sporty driving of each model, which is a bit of an oxymoron right there when you include the Prius moniker.

"Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch of the new "GR" sports car series.

The "G Sports (G's)" sports conversion car series has until now served as a key component in initiatives to fuel excitement around sports car culture in Japan. Now, TMC has revolutionized the G's series by transforming it into the GR series. TMC's aim is to bolster initiatives to foster a culture of enjoying cars through the driving experience. Plans call for TMC to further enhance the vehicle lineup in the future and have on offer a variety of parts."

Initially the offer is available only in Japan, but Toyota plans to deploy the GR series outside of Japan as well gradually.

There will be three performance categories of GR:

top-level "GRMN"
mid-range "GR"
entry-level "GR SPORT"

The Toyota Prius PHV GR SPORT falls specifically into the entry-level "GR SPORT" category with limited modifications like special tuning suspension, brace addition, special tachometer (with GR logo), shift knob (Smoke black trim), aluminum pedals, small diameter steering wheel.

Basically, its a skirt kit with some bonus interior trim items.

In Japan price of the base Prius PHV GR SPORT starts at 3,711,960 JPY (including consumption tax), which is around $33,000.

Toyota Prius PHV GR SPORT

Common features of the GR family:

Design

Demonstrating the ability to bring out maximum "competitive performance" in motor sports

Exterior

Grid-style "Functional MATRIX" grille (Vitz, Prius PHV, Aqua) steadfastly pursues fulfilled performance

White paint + brake calipers with the GR logo (excluding Vitz GR SPORT)

Special emblem (for all cars on the front, rear, and sides)

Interior

Special seats with side supports that securely bolster the driver and passengers (with GR logo)

Unique touches and silver stitching on the door trim and front seats that create a sporty feel

GR exclusive start switch

The Toyota Prius PHV GR SPORT details**:**

GR SPORT Base Grade S "Navi Package" S Vehicle Registration Method On-site registration at a local Land Transport Branch Office Body Color White Pearl Crystal Shine (manufacturer option), Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Emotional Red (manufacturer option), Thermo-tect Lime Green (manufacturer option), Spirited Aqua Metallic Main Equipment

Special tuning suspension
Brace addition
Special tachometer (with GR logo)
Shift knob (Smoke black trim)
Aluminum pedals
Small diameter steering wheel

Sales Stores Toyota stores, Toyopet stores, Toyota Corolla stores, and Netz stores in Japan

See details (in Japanese) here.

Toyota Prius PHV GR SPORT

More from Toyota press release:

"Toward making "ever-better cars," GAZOO Racing, established as a company within TMC, refines its cars and trains its personnel through motor sports activities such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race in Germany and the All-Japan Rally Championship. The new GR series was developed using the knowledge and know-how acquired by motor sports activites, and representing the lineup in Japan are the top-level "GRMN", the mid-range "GR", and the entry-level "GR SPORT". As a limited release, the GRMN features a tuned engine, while the mass produced GR possesses the essence of GRMN. The GR SPORT is also available in minivans and offers drivers the chance to enjoy a casual sports car driving experience. In addition, aftermarket "GR PARTS" are provided so ordinary drivers can take pleasure in customizing their own cars.

As the initial GR series rolls out, the GR and GR SPORT will be available for the Vitz and the GR SPORT will be offered for the Prius PHV, Harrier, Mark X, Voxy, and Noah on September 19 at Toyota dealerships*1 nationwide in Japan. Moreover, the Vitz GRMN, 86 GR, Aqua GR Sport, and Prius α GR SPORT models will be added to the lineup at a later time. The Vitz GRMN is scheduled for release in the spring of 2018 while the 86 GR, Aqua GR Sport, and Prius α GR SPORT models are slated to go to market this winter.

Additionally, in concert with the GR series launch, TMC will open a series of "GR Garage" shops as regional bases for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing with the aim of bringing the joy of automobiles to a wider range of customers focusing on sports cars and motor sports. Current "AREA 86" shops deployed nationwide across Japan will be rebranded as GR Garage shops with dedicated staff (GR Consultants) once certain criteria have been met at designated locations. All AREA 86 shops will be closed by March 2018, and 39 GR Garage shops are scheduled to open within fiscal year 2017.

Guided by the concept of "the most exciting car shop in town," the GR Garage will help cultivate an enthusiastic car culture through its commitment to achieving three primary objectives: the creation of a shop that car fans want to visit again and again, the development of staff (human resources) loved by car fans, and providing access to driving experiences that leave car fans wanting more.

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*1Vitz: Netz stores; Harrier Toyopet stores; Mark X: Toyopet stores and Tokyo Toyota stores; Voxy: Netz stores; Noah: Toyota Corolla stores; Prius PHV, Prius α, 86, and Aqua: Toyota stores, Toyopet stores, Toyota Corolla stores, Netz stores"

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices

(Separate pricing in Hokkaido and Okinawa)

Seating (occupants) Engine Driveline Powertrain Price*

(including consumption tax)

JPY Vitz GR SPORT "GR" 5 1NZ-FE (1.5-liter) Front-wheel drive 5MT 2,303,640 Super CVT-i 2,303,640 GR SPORT 5MT 2,087,640 Super CVT-i 2,087,640 1NZ-FXE (1.5-liter) THS II 2,329,560 Prius PHV S "GR SPORT" 4 2ZR-FXE (1.8-liter) Front-wheel drive THS II 3,711,960 S "Navi Package / GR SPORT" 4,116,960 Harrier ELEGANCE "GR SPORT" 5 3ZR-FAE (2.0-liter) Front-wheel drive Super CVT-i 3,398,760 Four-wheel drive 3,593,160 8AR-FTS (2.0-liter direct injection turbo) Four-wheel drive 6 Super ECT 3,996,000 Mark X 350RDS "GR SPORT" 5 2GR-FSE (3.5-liter) Rear-wheel drive 6 Super ECT 4,428,000 250S "GR SPORT" 4GR-FSE (2.5-liter) 3,809,160 Voxy ZS "GR SPORT" 7 3ZR-FAE (2.0-liter) Front-wheel drive Super CVT-i 3,257,280 Noah Si "GR SPORT" 7 3ZR-FAE (2.0-liter) Front-wheel drive Super CVT-i 3,257,280

Super CVT-i

Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent

6 Super ECT

Super Intelligent 6-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission (automatic)

*Prices do not include recycling fees.

Hat tip to Brian R!

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