Who would have thought 20 years ago Toyota will become the next master of sports cars ? The Japanese manufacturer, which arrived in Europe via Great Britain in the 1980s, had previously quite confidential sales with us. A situation which, of course, is related to many of our national producers, as well as the producers of our European neighbors. Previously considered an affordable brand, pragmaticat first it was a choice more reason than passion. But gradually the brand gained popularity, and now again in the collective consciousness. With us, appearance of Yaris in 1999 (and now Yaris Cross) on the conveyors of Onnaing (59) also contributed to this manufacturer becoming more local, “less Japanese” than before.

Quasi-European manufacturer

This is his too serious stylistic and technological changes which contributed to the growth of the brand in Europe and France. Ten years ago, we wondered who would be able to buy these models. to slanted, separate and tasteless forms, let’s say it. Since then, the manufacturer “Europeanized” his design and developed a truly complete line of models. Hybrid Champion, he managed to democratize this technology. Personifying it in finally sexy modelsand the quality is perceived better than before.

An effort that paid off as in 2021 the brand rose to sixth place in France in the ranking of manufacturers ! From January to October 2022 The Yaris was also the first foreign model to be sold in France (except for the European Fiat 500, all other models are French). This is because the third lever that Toyota managed to further strengthen its reputation: sport.

Toyota Gazoo Racing: The latest sports cars available

Toyota and sports are not new. Participation in Formula 1 and rallywe owe him in the past sports models whose names have already entered into legends. Supra, Celica, MR2 not recite to anyone but them. Not forgetting about the sublime Lexus LFA, which was sold from 2010 to 2012. Toyota understood the importance of using sports and its competitive victories. To better evoke emotions about your cars. The manufacturer has thus created his Gazoo Racing label in 2015 or GR, for styling their models with sports versions !

In 2017, the Yaris was transformed into a character bomb in a version GRMN (limited), the first creation under this label! They have been since then Supra, GR86 and especially Yaris GR. One of the last few sports available market. GTi, RS, ST left the niche, and Toyota jumped into the gap. With the ambition and intended plan of the GR product, Toyota wants to show the world that cars for enthusiasts still exist!