2019 Toyota Mark X GRMN - Avalon

Take a moment to read these specifications for a small sports saloon - rear-wheel drive, a 313bhp 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6, limited slip differential and and a six-speed manual gearbox. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Could be something from the 90s; probably German; and cylinder layout aside, something from Munich perhaps? It’s not though - it’s a Toyota.

Toyota has quietly been selling wonderfully focused and unpretentious sports cars in the Japanese domestic market for years, almost completely unknown to those not into the Japanese car scene. The Mark X GRMN you see here is one such car, and just the first of a myriad of fascinating models to have featured at this year’s Tokyo auto salon.

This new GRMN model rekindles the sportiest type of Mark X, which last appeared in Gazoo Racing guise around four years ago. As mentioned above, the GRMN includes a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 which has been seen over here in various Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora models. The engine itself is a relatively mudane unit at its core, powering countless versions of American-market Camrys and Highlander SUVs. Here though, some good old fashioned modifications to the exhaust and induction systems have liberated not only a few more bhps, but also a more characterful side to the supermarket motor.

The Mark X GRMN also features an optional carbonfibre roof, revised springs and dampers, forged 19-inch alloy wheels and a raft of aggressive styling touches. Production is limited to 350 units.

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