If automotive fanatics might construct their very own nation, Akio Toyoda would almost definitely be unanimously voted as president. The previous Toyota CEO has been the driving power behind many enjoyable automobiles launched below the Gazoo Racing banner. Though the corporate founder’s grandson has been with Toyota since principally perpetually, he enjoys automobiles from different manufacturers as properly.
Think about the confusion he created on the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon the place Toyota’s sales space had a Suzuki. Not simply any Suzuki, however the Web’s favourite – the Jimny. It was one of many 5 autos on the so-called Morizo Storage earlier this month on the present held in Japan’s capital. If you happen to’re unfamiliar with “Morizo,” it is Akio Toyoda’s alter ego when he is racing automobiles. Toyota has an intensive rationalization of the place that identify comes from in its Toyota Instances journal.
As a lot because the chairman loves the Jimny, a badge-engineered model is not occurring. Toyota reportedly wished to promote its personal model of the lovable go-anywhere SUV, however Suzuki stated no. The smaller of the 2 Japanese automakers motivated its determination by saying the Jimny is deeply rooted in Suzuki’s DNA: “It’s like asking Toyota to allow us to badge engineer the Land Cruiser,” in accordance with an announcement by an organization exec in an interview with Autocar India.
Since 2017, Toyota and Suzuki have been working collectively on a number of tasks as a part of a enterprise alliance to share prices. In actual fact, Toyota even owns a 4.9% stake in Suzuki after a reciprocal association that allowed Suzuki to amass a 0.2% share in Toyota.
The Jimny was showcased alongside a modified GR Corolla and the obscure iQ GRMN. The latter was solely bought in Japan the place 100 items have been in-built 2009. A few years later, the iQ GRMN Supercharged arrived with a (sure, you’ve got guessed it) supercharger that bumped the 1.33-liter engine by 27 hp and 41 lb-ft (56 Nm) to a mighty 120 hp and 128 lb-ft (174 Nm).
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Launched on the Tokyo Auto Salon, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR Idea was the primary non-Toyota to make use of the turbocharged three-cylinder engine of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. The 1.6-liter mill makes 300 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) delivered to the street by way of Toyota’s new eight-speed automated transmission from the 2024 GR Yaris. The idea automotive is a one-off for now nevertheless it goes to indicate Akio Toyoda is eager on efficiency SUVs.
Talking of which, the Morizo Storage additionally hosted an intriguing Century SUV GRMN with minivan-like electrically sliding rear doorways. Toyota’s luxurious SUV has obtained the sporty therapy with a extra aggressive physique and carbon fiber. It’s unclear whether or not the corporate intends to place the mannequin into manufacturing. As a reminder, Akio Toyoda hit the monitor a couple of years in the past in a Century Sedan GRMN.
The Jimny wasn’t the one product exterior of the Toyota/Lexus empire since moreover the 5 automobiles we talked about, there was additionally a Yamaha Vino scooter. Akio explains he truly wished a Vespa however these have been costly and determined as an alternative to accept a used Vino with worn tires and a cracked mudguard. Nevertheless, when he got here to select up the scooter, the seller had changed it with a brand new one.
Toyota’s chairman mentions he purchased all of his automobiles from dealerships like common of us, with out anticipating any particular therapy from the salespersons. Nevertheless, he later admitted he took benefit of his high-ranked place within the firm to chop in line and purchase the GRMN automobiles:
“I urge them to get only one for me, and power my manner in. Let me abuse my privilege that a lot.”
Akio was requested what number of automobiles he owns, and whereas he by no means counted them, he did say he has a couple of restricted version autos, particularly GRMN fashions.
You possibly can activate the English subtitles within the video under.