The Toyota GR Yaris is by no means a large car however a Japanese tuner has converted a Toyota iQ into a diminutive version of the revered AWD hot hatch. Complete with a rear-mounted Kawasaki motor, it may even be as fun to drive!
This unconventional creation showcases a blend of engineering prowess, artistic vision, and a claimed driving exhilaration that has quickly garnered attention.
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The foundation of this extraordinary endeavour lies in the Toyota iQ, originally designed as a compact rival to the Smart ForTwo. With meticulous craftsmanship, the tuner seamlessly integrated lighting units from the GR Yaris, capturing its iconic design cues. Modified bumpers, side sills, and fenders tastefully emulate the genuine GR Yaris, while a carbon-fibre bulged bonnet and a subtle rear spoiler enhance aerodynamics with style.
Taking the Toyota iQ’s performance to unprecedented heights, the most remarkable aspect of this conversion lies beneath the bonnet, or rather, where the rear seats once resided. Nestled in the heart of this pocket-sized powerhouse is a formidable engine sourced from the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R, one of the world’s fastest motorcycles. This remarkable four-cylinder, 16-valve marvel boasts a displacement of 1 441 cc and delivers an output of 155 kW of power and 154 N.m of torque in its original configuration.
Integrating the Kawasaki engine into the iQ’s compact frame most likely results in a thrilling driving experience. Power transmitted to the rear axle, likely facilitated by the bike’s six-speed sequential gearbox, combines with the lightweight nature of the iQ and the high-revving engine to deliver exhilarating performance. The minuscule wheelbase enhances agility, promising a dynamic and engaging driving encounter that is sure to ignite the passion of any true petrolhead.
Related: Road Test Figures: Toyota GR Corolla has VW’s Golf R firmly in its sights!
Stepping into the transformed iQ, one is immediately immersed in a motorsport-inspired ambience. Racing bucket seats, a three-spoke Momo steering wheel, and a bespoke instrument cluster create a focused and immersive driving environment. A distinct boxy screen, likely employed for telemetry data, adorns the centre console, reflecting the tuner’s meticulous attention to detail. Notably, the removal of the rear seats not only reduces weight but also symbolizes an unwavering commitment to performance and driving pleasure.
In the realm of automotive tuning, the Toyota iQ conversion into a Mini GR Yaris with a rear-mounted Kawasaki engine represents a bold and extraordinary project that has captured the attention of devoted petrol heads worldwide. This remarkable fusion of engineering prowess, aesthetic refinement, and unbridled performance is a testament to the unyielding creativity and passion within the automotive tuning community.
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