R-tuned

Toyota C-HR

TOYOTA’S current range isn’t exactly famed for its high-performance sports cars. And while that may change with the forthcoming Gazoo Racing-badged Supra due in 2019, bosses clearly thought the brand needed to make a splash at the SEMA show.

The result is what Toyota claims is the “world’s fastest crossover” – a 600bhp R-tuned version of the humble C-HR family car. This SUV uses a 2.4litre four-cylinder engine, Brembo brakes and special suspension, and can lap California’s Willow Springs Raceway faster than many of the latest Porsche and Mclaren models.

The crazy C-HR R-tuned follows in the footsteps of the Sienna R-tuned MPV, which appeared at SEMA in 2015. While the newcomer certainly looks the part, the biggest changes are under the skin. Its five-speed box powers the front wheels via an OS Giken limited-slip diff, while the bodykit develops more than 130kg of downforce at “triple-digit speeds”.

There’s no word on whether the tuned C-HR will spawn a production car, but with Toyota backing its GR sub-brand with a host of upcoming models, it isn’t out of the question.