The all-new fourth-generation Toyota Harrier is a beautiful thing to look at. We’re definitely not the only ones to think so, but we concede that the classy look might not be for everyone. If you happen to fall into the latter camp, Toyota’s own Gazoo Racing division has come up with a set of parts for the Harrier to help you live your racing dreams – even if you now have other responsibilities.
The new Toyota Harrier GR parts are split into two main categories – Exterior and Functional, or so Google Translate tells us. The former consists of GR-exclusive Aero Kit package including the front splitter, side skirts, and a new rear bumper with diffuser and sports exhaust; front bumper garnish, decals, and a boot spoiler that’s placed right above the taillights.
Aside from a sportier look, Toyota also says that these Gazoo Racing aero kit parts also helps with the aerodynamic performance of the Harrier, resulting in reduced lift over the front and rear axles.
As for the Functional category, the big ticket item in the list is the Gazoo Racing performance dampers, which improves ride and steering stability during high-speed driving, while also reducing noise and vibrations, improving comfort.
Other “Functional” items include GR-exclusive sun shade, boot floor mats, window tinting, and even a “GR Discharge Tape” made from aluminium, which can apparently remove static electricity on the body panels, thus bringing out the “original performance” of the car. We presume its working theory and effectiveness is probably similar to their own “GR Aero Stabilising Body Coat” spray.
There’s also a set of new 20-inch aluminium wheels for the SUV, which can even be purchased together with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres. Additional GR door handle protectors and carbon fibre number plate housing complete the souped-up look.
As expected, these GR parts provide no real boost in performance to the Toyota Harrier other than the slight aerodynamic benefits. The all-new Harrier is powered by two new Dynamic Force engines – a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated mill on the base model producing 171 hp and 207 Nm, and a 2.5-litre engine on the front-wheel drive Hybrid model producing a combined 218 hp and 221 Nm of torque, though there’s also a 100 kg weight penalty on the latter.
Both powertrains are paired to a Direct Shift CVT, which is also hardly the last word in sporty driving. So what do you think? Is the racing-inspired look on a practical SUV enough to outweigh the lack of sporting credentials?
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