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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

14/01/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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It’s not even for sale in North America yet, but over in Japan they’re already hard at work modifying the all-new Toyota Vitz – sold here as the Yaris.

A marked improvement on the current model in the style department, the G Sports team at Gazoo Racing have customized this little hatch with a selection of accessories including a complete aero kit. Of note is an aggressive race-inspired rear diffuser, as well as a subtle roof spoiler. As expected, there’s a lowered suspension, plus a set of 18-inch light weight wheels for this sub-compact.

Toyota isn’t one for building driver’s cars, but the G Sports line is helping give enthusiasts a reason to buy Toyota products – or at least they are in Japan. However, as it stands, this package is still just a concept.

GALLERY: G Sports Concept Vitz

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02/11/2010 | By: Colum Wood

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With plenty of other blinged out rides at the 2010 SEMA Show, Toyota‘s Yaris GT-S Club Racer is a refreshing change of pace. There’s no big stereo system in the trunk, and it doesn’t make 500-hp. Instead, it’s a purpose built track car that’s not only ready to do battle in SCCA competition, but has already done so.

Built by SportsCar Magazine the little Yaris was piloted by associate editor Jason Isley to win the Southern Pacific H Production Division Championship, eventually finishing 8th at the annual runoffs.

Sporting a significantly modified Toyota 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, the Yaris makes 145-hp thanks to bolt-ons like a DC Sports header, K&N intake and some interior engine work. A Scion xB final drive also assists in acceleration, while a Kaaz LSD keep ensured maximum traction. A completely stripped-out shell drops weight by 400 lbs, while outside the custom bodywork gets some retro-inspired livery while keeping the car glued to the ground are a set of tiny 13×7-inch Jongbloed Racing wheels.

GALLERY: Toyota Yaris GT-S Club Racer

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GALLERY: Toyota Yaris GT-S Club Racer Official Pics

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Get complete details on the car after the jump:

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10/06/2010 | By: Jason Siu

The Toyota Yaris was voted as the 2010 Best Overall Value of the Year. V-A-L-U-E, not F-U-N. But hey, who is to stop crazy enthusiasts from turning it into fun? Much like the Honda Civic Hatchback from say 1995, the Yaris wasn’t meant to be turbocharged, or taken down the quarter mile. It was meant to be a nice, cost-effective and fuel-efficient vehicle that could get you from point A to point B without looking too funny. But now we’re staring at a 12-second Toyota Yaris that boasts over 350-hp. Say what?

According to its spec sheet, the motor has been bored and sleeved to approximately 1.6-liters. Fully built with new pistons, rods and an overhauled head. The turbo kit was pieced together with a Garrett T28 as the heart of it and an AEM EMS controlling it all. On the outside we have to admit this Yaris doesn’t even look half bad. The black and white theme is clean, and who would’ve thought white wheels would still look cool in 2010? The riveted carbon fiber fender flares are a nice touch too.

Don’t believe it? Think this owner is just hard parking his wicked Toyota Prius at a show? Check out the video after the break where it blasts a 12-second pass in your face!

GALLERY: 357hp 12-second Toyota Yaris

[Source: ClubLexus]

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04/11/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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Toyota actually bothers to spell out in its press release on the Hard Kandy Yaris, that it is aimed at attracting the attention of female buyers. We kind of thought the pink and white interior and exterior was a bit of a give away, but…. whatever….

The custom Yaris also gets a custom body kit, as well as a set of 18-inch wheels and a Corporate Accessories Department (CAD) rear spoiler. There’s even an aftermarket sunroof, because Toyota doesn’t offer a sunroof on the Yaris.

Some the car’s interior is absolutely hideous, like the pink center console and center stack. On the other hand, we love the Alcantara seats and door inserts.

Toyota CAD supplied an interior lighting kit, along with sport pedals and a new shift knob, as well as a Blu-Logic Bluetooth hands-free system. Alpine Eletronics donated an iPod touch screen interface, while West Coast Customs installed a media center that offers 3G internet service.

For more on the Hard Kandy Yaris, see the car’s full specifications after the jump.

GALLERY: Toyota Hard Kandy Yaris

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Official release after the jump:

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