Having the "fastest" anything isn't something we hear often from Toyota, but that all changes with the C-HR.
The C-HR is the latest Toyota masterpiece to grace the auto industry, and it's already making headlines.
While the C-HR R-Tuned is what gives this crossover it's coveted "quickest ever" reputation, the standard C-HR engine still serves up quite a bit of power with 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque.
The Toyota C-HR R-Tuned made its presence known at Toyota's 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show display back in Oct., where it came out with a 1:25:22 lap time at the Willow Springs International Raceway.
Toyota
According to Toyota, the C-HR R-Tuned "has turned quicker lap times than a McLaren 650S Spyder, 911 GT3 RS, and Nismo GT-R."
So, how does the R-Tuned achieve that "quickest CUV ever" title? Removing hundreds of pounds of curb weight and adding a medley of performance features.
It houses a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that features a custom turbo system. With this intact, the C-HR R-Tuned churns out a gnarly 600 horsepower.
Toyota
Front-wheel drive is standard, but it equips an OS Giken limited-slip differential for improved handling.
The C-HR R-Tuned also comprises:
- Brembo racing brakes with 14-inch rotors
- Four-piston billet aluminum Monobloc calipers
- Triple-adjustable DG-Spec Motion Control Suspension motorsports dampers
In place of the standard CVT is a well-engineered five-speed Toyota E-Series manual transmission.
The exterior was even altered to achieve racecar-like dynamics—an air dam, side dams, an adjustable front splitter, and an imposing rear wing with a gurney flap were all integrated.
This isn't the first time Toyota played around with R-Tuning though. Two years ago, the brand debuted the Sienna R-Tuned. A versatile, safe minivan turned ...exhilarating?
That was the goal—and that goal was met.
While the Sienna R-Tuned kept the standard Sienna powertrain, Toyota added a custom cold-air intake and a 3-inch cat-back exhaust. The transaxle was also fitted with an OS Giken limited-slip differential like the C-HR, and nearly 800 pounds was removed to make the vehicle lighter and faster.
Toyota
The result? According to Toyota, "The Sienna R-Tuned's boldest claim when it debuted at SEMA was that it recorded a lap time of 1 minute, 27 seconds around Streets of Willow—a full second quicker than the outgoing Chevrolet Camaro SS automatic."
As thrilling as these vehicles are, don't expect to see them out on the streets. These are merely "inspirational" models thought up by the brilliant minds at Toyota. However, we are eagerly looking forward to their next R-Tuned model.
NEXT: THE JEEP SCRAMBLER: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
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