Hot Toyota C-HR in consideration

A performance version of the C-HR Crossover Toyota recently revealed in consideration.

The new model, which has been debated by the C-HR lead engineer Hiro Koba, will act as a rival to the likes of the Nissan Juke Nismo and allow Toyota to compete in emerging markets and favorable for hot crossover.

Speaking to Autocar, Koba said that the performance of the C-HR is not "concrete" in Toyota's plans but "I am pushing to make a car like that. I have to get the approval".

Senior Manager of Toyota Rembert Serrus added: "The car is suited to it. It would be possible, but it depends on how much we have changed. A version of the sport could be a small change or it could be a new project. A version of the sport will make a lot of sense. "

Koba has piloted the racing version of the C-HR and it is known that the car will compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance event next month. Autocar understands that the public reaction to the heavy car will inform a business case to produce a version of C-HR performance road-going.

Race C-HR is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol with around 178bhp. A same machine can also be used in a road car, and Koba has hinted he would like to see more powerful variant of the C-HR launched. Some less prominent race car's aerodynamic bodywork can also do more.

It's quite possible the performance version of the C-HR will also include uprated brakes and suspension, and the steering more weight and a modified interior.

Toyota's new crossover, which is under the RAV4 in the Japanese car maker's line-up, will be launched in the UK in December. It will be offered with a choice of two powertrains: 1.2-liter petrol engine and hybrid connect a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor.

Although the hybrid version of the C-HR is expected to take most of its sales in the UK, there is a clear gap at the top of the range where the performance-biased C-HR can sit. Given the development time required to produce a model that, though, it will probably appear in showrooms until at least 2018.

Read Autocar's first ride in the new C-HR

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