Toyota Unveils Lightweight High Performance XYR Sports Coupe Concept

6 January 1999

Toyota used the Detroit Motor Show to unveil the exciting XYR sports coupe, a lightweight high-performance concept vehicle styled by Toyota’s CALTY Design Centre in Newport Beach, California.

An all-new aluminium alloy 1.8-litre twin-cam engine powers the front-wheel drive XYR. The engine employs an all-new VVTL-i induction system to produce 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm. The newly developed system combines continuously variable valve timing and continuously adjustable valve lift, depending on engine rpm. The system provides an exceptional blend of power, fuel economy and reduced emissions over a broad rpm range.

The aggressively styled XYR rides on a 2590mm wheelbase and weighs in at only 1,140 kg. Suspension is fully independent, featuring MacPherson struts up front and double wishbone suspension at the rear, with 17-inch wheels, low profile tyres and disc brakes all round.

The interior of the XYR was designed to convey the look, feel and simplicity-of-operation of a race car cockpit. Instrumentation is large and legible. Controls are simple and easy to operate, and the sports seats are heavily bolstered for good lateral support.

The XYR is one of two vehicles to be unveiled by Toyota at this year’s Detroit show that are aimed specifically at young new car buyers. The second is a unique-to-the-U.S.A. saloon version of the new Yaris hatchback to be called ‘ECHO’ in the States. Both offer a strong conceptual indication of future Toyota products aimed at establishing an impression and a lasting connection with younger drivers.

TOYOTA XYR CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder, twin-cam, 16-valve multi-point EFI, aluminium block with aluminium alloy head
Bore & Stroke 82.0 x 85.1 mm
Displacement 1795cc
Compression Ratio 11.5:1
Valve Train Twin-Cam 16-valve VVTL-I
Horsepower (SAE) 180 hp at 7600 rpm
Fuel System Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection
Drive System Type Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission 4-Speed Automatic w/ E-Shift
SUSPENSION Front: MacPherson Strut Rear: Double Wishbone
BRAKES Front: Ventilated Disc Rear: Disc
STEERING Power rack-and-pinion
TYRES AND WHEELS Wheel Size 17×7.5-inch JJ
Tyre Size 215/45 ZR 17
DIMENSIONS Wheelbase 102.4 in
Overall Length 170.6 in
Overall Width 68.4 in
Overall Height 51.4 in
Track (f/r) 58.7/58.3 in
Kerb Weight 1,140 kg

ENDS

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Toyota Unveils Lightweight High Performance XYR Sports Coupe Concept

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