Rumor: Toyota Considering Performance-Focused CH-R

The Toyota C-HR isn’t even out yet, and already the rumor mill is spinning with talk of a high performance model.

The all-new Toyota C-HR is a compact crossover SUV that began life as a Scion, but has since been transitioned to the Toyota brand, along with a number of other Scion models.

According to Autocar, Toyota could introduce a performance version of the C-HR that would rival similar high-performance models like the Nissan Juke Nismo. The info comes from the vehicle’s lead engineer, Hiro Koba, who told Autocar magazine that while an official decisions has yet to be made, “I am pushing to make such a car. I need to get approval.”

Despite Koba’s desire for a performance-focused C-HR, adding a more powerful variant may prove difficult. Senior Manager Rembert Serrus is reported to have said that while “it would be possible, such a move depends on how much we have to change. A sports version could be a minor change or it [a performance-focused CH-R] could be a new project. A sports version would make a lot of sense.”

Interestingly enough, Toyota already has a racing C-HR, which competes in the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring. Depending on positive public reaction to the racecar, Toyota could feel compelled to offer a street-legal version to consumers somewhere down the road.

Should such an initiative come to fruition, we expect the model to be influenced by the racer and feature a number of enhancements, including an even sportier exterior design, upgraded powertrain, as well as a modified interior, sharper steering, and enhanced brakes and suspension.

Of course, those of us at DCH Toyota of Oxnard are simply excited for the arrival of the C-HR, so any additional models or performance variants are simply icing on a very delicious-looking cake.

If you simply can’t wait to get behind the wheel of a new Toyota, be sure to browse our large selection of new and pre-owned vehicles. You can also contact us online or visit us at 1631 Auto Center Drive, Oxnard, CA 93036 to schedule a test drive.

Image Credit: Toyota