Toyota's Mid‑Engine Kei Truck Turns Heads at Tokyo Auto Salon

Explore Toyota Gazoo Racing’s mid‑engine kei‑truck concept unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon, and see how its playful design hints at future performance ideas.

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Mid‑Engine Kei Truck Stuns Tokyo Auto Salon – A Quick Look

The 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon wasn’t about another sleek sports car. Toyota Gazoo Racing turned heads with a radically re‑imagined Daihatsu Hijet – a tiny kei truck that now sports a mid‑engine layout and rally‑ready attitude. Curious how a miniature pickup became a performance playground? Here’s the essence in under five minutes.

What Makes This Concept Different?

  • Mid‑engine placement – A three‑cylinder engine sits behind the driver and passenger, giving the kei‑class a true centre‑of‑gravity feel.
  • Stripped‑down cabin – Lightweight roll‑cage, track‑grade seats, and minimal bodywork focus on performance over practicality.
  • Sport‑focused wheels – Wide, low‑profile tyres and oversized wheels replace the usual compact set, hinting at rally intent.
  • Protective frame – Reinforced chassis and external crash structures add a rally‑style safety edge.

Why Toyota Is Playing with a “Silly” Idea

Toyota isn’t promising a production model; the concept is a playground experiment for Gazoo Racing and its Daihatsu partner. By swapping the traditional front‑engine layout for a rear‑mounted powerplant, the brand signals a willingness to explore unconventional engineering paths. The move may seem whimsical, but it could spark fresh approaches for future small‑displacement performance cars.

What This Means for Enthusiasts

  • Creative freedom – The truck showcases Toyota’s sandbox mindset, where bold ideas are tested without the pressure of immediate market release.
  • Future tech hints – Racing‑grade components suggest that at least a limited on‑track demo was envisioned, planting seeds for upcoming kei‑car performance upgrades.
  • Design inspiration – Even if the vehicle never reaches showrooms, its daring stance may influence the DNA of next‑generation sport‑oriented kei vehicles.

Should You Dive Deeper?

If you’re intrigued by how a humble Japanese pickup can morph into a rally‑ready concept, the full breakdown reveals every design nuance, speculation on drivability, and the strategic message behind Toyota Gazoo Racing’s bold experiment.

🚗 Read the complete article and see the concept in action: Toyota’s Mid‑Engine Kei Truck Concept – Full Details

For more cutting‑edge Toyota reveals, stay tuned and explore further insights on our site.


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