Toyota is going concept crazy at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon by lining up no less than 34 concept models - 12 more than last year - for the world's largest customised car show. There are plenty of tasty cars among the show pieces, but the main news comes from Gazoo Racing, which has revealed its contenders for the 2014 Nürburgring 24 Hours: a Toyota GT86 and two incredible Lexus LFAs, one of which is known as Code X.
This uprated racing beast has been created as a research vehicle to test future sports car technologies, with the highlights for the likes of us including a larger 5.3-litre V10 engine - up from 4.8 litres as standard - with power and torque optimised for the particular challenge the Nordschleife presents, plus a full carbon frame, making Code X lighter and more rigid.
Elsewhere, GRMN's 86 Concept is inspired by Gazoo's experience competing with a GT86 at the aforementioned 'Green Hell' endurance race. The show car's extensive use of carbon fibre and other weight-saving measures are designed to give it a lower centre of gravity than the road-going Toyota coupé; it's also stiffer as a result. Concept 86 is blessed with a carbon roof, bonnet and boot, polycarbonate windows, no rear chairs and carbon-fibre backed sports seats in the front.
Alongside that, G's will be showing a sports-tuned version of the Yaris - branded Vitz RS in Japan - with mild modifications inside and out to make it more focused, such as a sports interior, a rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels, a new exhaust, upgraded brake pads and tuned suspension. The tuner has also turned its attention to the Toyota Harrier SUV, which is related to the Lexus RX. This gets lowered suspension, new front and rear bumpers, LED lights, revised bodywork and 19-inch alloys. Extra spot welding and bracing apparently improve the handling.
Anything else?
Toyota's Auto Salon display will also feature concepts from TRD and Modellista, and race-prepared cars that will be competing in Japanese circuit and rally championships in 2014.