Under a dress reminiscent of the Yaris GR, this brave Toyota iQ has swapped its original engine for a block of Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R, developing more than 200 hp.
Sold between 2009 and 2014 in Europe, the Toyota iQ was never successful despite its unique design. Succeeding in squeezing four seats in such a small car was quite a challenge for the manufacturer. Toyota has therefore never offered a supercharged version like the new Yaris GR. The error is now repaired thanks to a Japanese tuner.
The basis is a simple red iQ, which received some bodywork elements borrowed from its big sister Yaris GR. The front face therefore resumes the grille and headlights of the Yaris, while the black band and the large lights of the Japanese city car are installed at the rear. The sills, fenders and inflated bumpers are also there, complemented by a carbon fiber hood and a discreet rear spoiler. Finally, the iQ has large white rims with a rally look.
An overpowered micro-city car
At the time, the power of the micro-city car was 68, 90 or 98 hp depending on the engine, for a weight less than a ton. The tuners decided the performance was too light, and have chosen to install a Kawasaki engine at the rear. We also notice that the exhaust comes out on the left rear quarter window. This engine is nothing but the four-cylinder of one of the fastest motorcycles in the world, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R. This 1.5 develops a whopping 211 hp, transmitted only to the rear wheels. The block is mated to the motorcycle’s six-speed sequential gearbox.
This project led by a Japanese preparer should be presented at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2022. So there should be some extra details on the model, or even a moving video and especially a stereo. The result could be as amazing as when Aston Martin fitted the iQ’s chic binoculars, the Cygnet, with a big 430hp V8!
Photos : @ZR250Aniki (Twitter)
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