Toyota Sport Matrix Concept

9 January 2002

ON DISPLAY AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

Los Angeles, 3 January, 2002 – Toyota North America unveiled a Toyota Sport Compact Car concept based on the youth-orientated all-new Matrix crossover utility vehicle, which goes on sale in the US from 2003.

The goal of Sport Matrix is simple – to make the car really fast. Work started with an XS Engineering turbo kit originally designed for Celica and added an Electromotive engine management system tuned by Vishnu Performance. The result is nearly instant boost response and a 73bhp increase to Matrix’s existing 180bhp engine.

Also originally designed for Celica are the car’s cross-drilled 13-inch Stoptech brakes. They work with a custom-built Progress Competition coil-over suspension package valved specifically for the Matrix and lightweight 18-inch Volk TE37 wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich g-Force KD tyres.

With the exception of the graphics, which were designed by Modern Image, the exterior of the Matrix is standard. Inside, the engineers added Sparco seats and additional gauges.

The revolutionary Matrix CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) is unlike any other vehicle in the Toyota lineup. Matrix is the result of listening to the wants and needs of young new-car buyers. It combines the style and performance of a sports car, the functionality of a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and the value and affordability of a small saloon.

Matrix styling is biased toward sport while maintaining the image and reality of true utility. Its ‘edge-web’ detailing integrates sharp surface edges with rounded web-like contours to create strong, flowing character lines.

Matrix is designed to offer the kind of interior function and flexibility consumers have come to expect in a sport utility vehicle. It features ample room for five passengers, a wealth of storage space, front passenger and rear seats that fold flat and surprising convertibility.

Note to Editors

Toyota Matrix is for the North American market only. There are no plans to bring this vehicle to the European market.

ENDS

Download this release as a PDF below

Toyota Sport Matrix Concept

Images

Images are copyright free for editorial purposes only

Media enquiries

Please click here to see the press contacts at Toyota (GB):

Show Press Contacts

For further information, please contact:

David Rogers

07825 280608 or by email at david.rogers@tgb.toyota.co.uk

General, alternative fuels and mobility media enquiries

David Crouch

07909 900 085 or by email at david.crouch@tgb.toyota.co.uk

General, fleet and motorsport media enquiries

Please understand that our press team only deal with enquiries from media representatives.

Toyota and Lexus Press Releases

To receive all Toyota and Lexus press information, please select the box below.


To update your profile type in your email address and press return. MailChimp will then send you an email confirming your details and you will then have the opportunity of amending your details.

* indicates required
All Toyota/Lexus News