Toyota Corolla Axio GT

Since the demise of the Celica and MR2, it has become all too easy to criticise Toyota for the distinct lack of anything of interest to the keen driver within its vehicle portfolio. While Celicas from the 70s, Hachirokus from the 80s, and Supras from the 90s are now revered as collectors items, it is almost unthinkable that any of the offerings within Toyota's current line up will garner the same level of affection from the automotive community in years to come.
Despite the current unprecedented state of affairs which sees Toyota facing its first operating loss in 71 years - and what a loss it is expected to be, at 400 Billion Yen ($4 Billion) - there are signs that something of a quiet revolution may be taking place at the company; a revolution which could see some of the desirability and excitement restored to its product line. The first glimmer of hope comes in the form of Toyota's soon to be inaugurated new president, Akio Toyoda, an inveterate petrolhead, who has not only participated in the Nürburgring 24-Hours, but who has also taken a lead role in the development of Lexus' performance derivatives, the IS-F and LF-A.

There are however more palpable signs of the sea change currently afoot within Toyota. While other Japanese manufacturers race to extricate themselves from their global motorsport commitments, Toyota continues to push ahead with plans for a full season of worldwide motorsport in 2009. One could even go as far as saying that Toyota is expanding its motorsport presence in 2009. Indeed, when the Japanese Super GT Championship kicks off later today at Okayama International Circuit, the dated and unsightly Lexus SC430, which has competed in the GT500 class since 2006, will be joined on the grid by Toyota's new challenger in the GT300 class - the Corolla Axio apr GT.

This is not however merely motorsport for motorsport's sake. There is growing evidence to suggest that this increased motorsport activity is filtering back into Toyota's road car line-up, for, slipping imperceptibly under the radar in February, Toyota launched its new Corolla Axio GT, directly influenced by its new GT300 challenger and aiming to revive the lightweight, sporting spirit of the Corolla, not seen since the days of the AE86.
On paper and aesthetically the GT certainly seems to herald a return to sporting form for Toyota. Its 1.5l powerplant has been breathed on by TRD (Toyota Racing Development), and now includes a custom turbo and intercooler unit, in addition to a revised ECU. These modifications help to push power up to 150ps, while torque stands at a not inconsiderable 196Nm. Meanwhile, the GT's handling should prove to have been suitably ameliorated by way of a full TRD sports suspension, damper and anti-roll bar package. Visually, the car is distinguished from its inferior brethren by a somewhat menacing black mesh grille, imposing front spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels. For those of you that remain unconvinced, delving into the options list enables the transformation of the GT into an even more extreme sporting proposition, with the addition of a mechanical LSD, high response exhaust and ostentatious TRD graphics.
The word on the ground is that the Axio GT is a worthy rival to the Honda Civic Type-R, despite the Toyota's obvious deficiency in the area of power output. Regardless though, the GT certainly represents a step in the right direction for Toyota, however small that step may be.