Race-Ready Toyota Yaris Featured at SEMA Show

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (11/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Known more for saving fuel than tearing up the race track, the 2012 Toyota Yaris sub-compact car recently received a racy makeover for the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show held in Las Vegas from Nov. 1 through Nov. 4. The show attracted auto fans and equipment buyers alike and served as a platform for automakers and parts manufacturers to show their unique wares.

Based on the 2012 Yaris SE three-door hatchback available at Toyota dealerships, the Yaris B-Spec Club Racer was designed to compete in the B-Spec class, a new entry-level class of racing being adopted by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). The race-ready Toyota will be driven by action sports star Jamie Bestwick, a seven-time X Games champion more known for his skills on a BMX bike than behind the wheel.

"SCCA is helping to introduce the B-Spec class as an affordable way for people to get into racing, which makes it a perfect outlet for the second-generation Yaris to make its racing debut," said Bob McKenna, general manager of upstate New York Toyota dealer New Country Toyota of Saratoga Springs. "The Yaris is Toyota's most affordable car and a great fit for commuters looking to save on gas while having a little fun at the same time."

The Yaris B-Spec Club Racer features an exterior graphics package that pays homage to the Toyota GT-One racecar built for the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1998. Modified by SportsCar Magazine, it is the first next-generation Yaris SE to be converted for racing in the United States. Adding to its racing resume are a set of Hoosier racing tires mounted on lightweight wheels, as well as a Cusco suspension setup that should keep the Yaris gripping the road at high speeds.

Power for the Yaris racer comes from a lightly modified version of the 1.5-liter engine found in the production car. The modifications include a racing exhaust, racing oil and a custom tune that focuses on performance rather than fuel economy. Braking still relies on the stock brake calipers and rotors, but improves in effectiveness with upgraded pads. Inside, the track-ready Yaris features a roll cage, racing seat and SCCA-mandated safety equipment like a fire-suppression system.

"While most people will buy a Yaris because it's fuel efficient and reliable, the fact that it has potential on the race track means that it's also capable of surprising a lot of people with its drivability," McKenna noted. "In either form, the Yaris is an affordable way to get your kicks, whether you're hitting the open road or Watkins Glen International."

The Yaris was joined at the SEMA Show by a trio of tricked-out Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks from the likes of Oakley and DC Shoes. DC Shoes and West Coast Customs paired up to create what it called the Ultimate Motocross Truck, which featured a bike ramp into the truck bed as well as a pressure washer and air tank to aid post-ride cleanup. Oakley created a Tacoma customized for surfers, while the third SEMA Tacoma was an off-road racing vehicle created by the Long Beach Racers to compete in the 2011 Baja 1000 race.

About New Country Toyota of Saratoga Springs:

Upstate New York Toyota owners can rely on New Country Toyota of Saratoga Springs to provide an outstanding level of customer service. Their Toyota service department is second to none, and their dedicated service technicians are committed to keeping their customers' Toyotas in great shape for many years to come. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group, New Country Toyota of Saratoga Springs is located at 3002 Route 50 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Customers can browse their wide selection online at www.toyotaofsaratogasprings.com, call them at 866-979-0592, or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewCountryToyotaSaratoga.