- the copen gr sport was developed to be an entry-level sports car for toyota's gazoo racing (gr) lineup in japan.
- it's powered by a 63-hp 660-cc engine, comes with manual or continuously variable automatic (cvt) transmission choices, and is priced starting at the equivalent of $22,000.
- the interior is updated with recaro seats, a momo steering wheel, and a red illuminated gauge cluster.
in the latest edition of "cars we won't get" is this just-launched toyota copen gr sport. this cute ultracompact convertible sports car's "gr" represents toyota's gazoo racing division, just like the "gr" in the name of the much bigger toyota supra. unlike the supra, the copen will only be offered in japan. sad.
this isn't the first time we've seen a copen. the little roadster was developed by daihatsu, a sub-brand of toyota known for its array of the tiny vehicles known as kei cars. the new copen gr sport is now the entry-level car for toyota's gr lineup, and it will be priced starting at the equivalent of about $22,000.
this front-wheel-drive car is powered by turbocharged 0.6-liter engine that makes 63 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 68 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. a five-speed manual transmission is available and would be our preference, but there's also a continuously variable automatic (cvt) with seven-speed super active shift and paddle shifters.
toyota's development focused specifically on body rigidity and suspension tuning, with an added front brace, retuned spring rate, and modifications to the electric power steering for better performance.
the most notable exterior changes include a front bumper with side air intakes, a larger gr matrix grille, and matte gray bbs wheels. and if this isn't enough to prove to you that this copen means business, gr sport badges are pasted on the front, side, and rear of the car.
inside the car, recaro seats feature gr sport embroidery, and a leather-wrapped momo steering wheel fronts an updated gr-specific gauge cluster with red accents. with all the gr sport emblems, you'll never forget that your copen has the gr treatment.
additional options such as a gr front spoiler, side skirts, and trunk spoiler are all available. but, since we can't get it here, we'll just have to settle for the supra, and we're beyond fine with that.