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Toyota C-HR R-Tuned: 447kW racer headlines stand at SEMA

NASCAR-inspired Camry duo also debut


Toyota has turned the C-HR into a turbocharged, 447kW monster for SEMA in Las Vegas. Along with the fire-breathing compact SUV, the Japanese manufacturer leaned on its NASCAR driver lineup to create a range of modified Camrys.

The headline Toyota is undoubtedly the C-HR R-Tuned, designed to see how far the base package could be developed as a track car. Power comes from a 2.4-litre Toyota 2AZ-FE engine with forged internals, a reinforced valve-train and a custom Garrett turbo running 23PSI of boost.

Gone is the standard CVT gearbox, and in its place is a five-speed manual. The net result is a car capable of hitting 60mph (97km/h) from a standstill in just 2.9 seconds.

To make sure that power isn't wasted, the C-HR chassis has been completely overhauled. Remote-reservoir, three-way adjustable suspension works with a three-way adjustable sway bar at the rear, while the front end is running a custom alignment and balance setup.

Brembo brakes lurk behind a set of 18-inch wheels at all four corners, wrapped in Toyo Proxes RR rubber measuring 275mm wide.

The outlandish aerodynamics package is fully functional, developing 136kg of downforce at speed, and helping the car pull 1.2G under braking and 1.7G during heavy cornering. Try doing that in your mum's C-HR Koba.

As a result, the C-HR R-Tuned lapped the 'big track' at Willow Springs International Raceway in 1:25.22 – quicker than an Aventador SV.

The handful of NASCAR-inspired Camrys on show seem a bit tame compared to the winged, turbocharged C-HR. Here are our two favourites.

Denny Hamlin, Daytona 500 winner, has treated his car to a wide-body conversion, and lowered the ride height with a set of Tein coilovers. The car rides on 20-inch forged alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

Inside, the standard seats have been traded for Recaro buckets with four-point harnesses. Red-and-black trim is scattered around the cabin, too, while a JBL sound system has been fitted. If engine noise is more your thing, the V6 has been fitted with a TRD stainless steel exhaust.

Although he isn't technically a NASCAR driver, Rutledge Wood, ex-Top Gear USA host and current paddock pundit, has also overhauled the ever-popular Toyota mid-size sedan.

If the custom 'blurple' paint job isn't enough to catch your eye, there are 3D-printed body parts and a custom carbon-fibre bodykit to make the car stand out, while the three-piece Rose Gold wheels also generate a bit more drama.

The interior is finished in 'baseball glove' leather with contrast stitching, but remains otherwise untouched.

Check out the photos tab for images of the Toyota lineup at SEMA.

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