New Toyota Mark X GRMN: The rear-drive sedan returns

Some of you may remember that Toyota released a limited series of just 100 rear-drive Toyota Mark X GRMN sedans four years ago. The cars sold like hot cakes, but the company didn’t intend to continue production. Until now, that is.

Toyota’s sports subdivision called Gazoo Racing (GR) has picked up where the main company left off and will be releasing a new car under the Mark X GRMN banner. Its predecessor rightfully holds the title of the fastest-going sedan ever released by the Japanese car marque. While the mass-produced Mark X sedan line ships with an assortment of six-cylinder engines (including the low-end 2.5L engine with 203 hp / 152 kW), the GRMN series invariably gets the top-specced 3.5L V6 engine rated at 318 hp (237 kW).

The main feature of the GRMN trim comes in the form of a six-speed manual transmission (rather than automatic). It also features a sports exhaust system, better suspension, optimized engine control software and a sportier, more rigid body. Optionally available is a $2,500 carbon roof.

From the purely aesthetic point of view, the limited Toyota Mark X GRMN looks almost identical to the main series, including the same body kit and aggressive-looking bumpers. Its interior, on the other hand, houses a new steering wheel, ergonomically sculpted seats and numerous carbon-fiber accents.

The new Toyota Mark X GRMN will enter the domestic market in Japan in the spring of 2019. It is going to be priced at what amounts to U.S. $47,400, which is U.S. $11,800 over the cost of the main series. Initial production plans involve only 350 cars.

Photo: carscoops.com