Toyota Mark X GRMN debuts in Tokyo

The Detroit motor show will dominate the automotive news next week, but this weekend sees the Tokyo Auto Salon, or TAS, open its doors. And among all the modified metal there are several factory models, including this one from Toyota, the Mark X GRMN.

The Mark X is only sold in Japan and China, but the rear-drive Toyota sedan has been given special treatment by the Toyota-linked racing outfit Gazoo Racing, or GRMN, with the addition of  a six-speed manual transmission for the first time. The car was previously only offered as an automatic.

Enthusiasts who visit the TAS will also note the car's 3.5-litre V6 engine, which pumps out a very healthy 236kW/380Nm, driving the rear wheels through the new manual gearbox, via a Torsen limited-slip differential.

Other changes to the Mark X GRMN include an aggressive body kit, carbon-fibre roof, sports-tuned suspension, quad trapezoid exhaust outlets, upgraded brake package and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. An added strut brace and stiffer doors "due to the addition of the door stabiliser" also conspire to improve the car's performance, as the video shows.

Inside, the car benefits from bucket seats, a smaller diameter suede steering wheel and gear knob along with GR badging on the seats and instrument cluster.

Toyota says the sports new model is designed to "manipulate joy" and has been designed for road and track use. It will appeal to Japanese customers who want an "adult sports FR sedan" as opposed to the less pragmatic 86 coupe. Toyota has sold rear-drive sedans in Australia in the past, such as the
Cressida and Corona, but relies on the front-drive Camry and Aurion for its family-sized sedans these days.

The rear-drive Mark X GRMN sedan will be highly sought-after in Japan, where only 100 vehicles will be built.

Stay tuned for more JDM magic from the 2015 Tokyo Auto Salon.