Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s latest trailer confirmed that the Nissan Z, best-known as the Fairlady Z in Japan, will arrive alongside the game’s v1.0 release this year.
The Z is the current final stage in the evolution of the Fairlady model, which began back in 1969 with the 240Z (marketed initially as a Datsun).
Featuring a three-litre, twin-turbo V6 engine, the modern-day Z gets to 60 mph in around 4.5s in manual transmission form, which drops to 4.3s with a nine-speed auto box installed. It’s no slouch in a straight line, then, but it’s let down somewhat by its ageing, 370Z-derived platform when the going gets twisty.
Sadly, the Z is unavailable in Europe or the UK, so British and continental gamers will have to content themselves with driving a virtual Z for now.
GR Yaris enters the chat
As ever with TXR, a teaser image concluded its latest trailer, with the unmistakable front-end of a Toyota GR Yaris on display. As a current GR Yaris custodian (and a former 350Z and 370Z owner, weirdly), all I can say is: strap yourself in.
Released in 2020, the GR Yaris was a sensation.* Originally conceived as a rally homologation special by Toyota boss and all-round motorsport enthusiast Akio Toyoda, production still went ahead despite Covid-19 affecting its rally program.
It quickly emerged as one of the finest driving experiences on the road, gaining unanimous critical acclaim for its pin-sharp chassis and surprisingly meaty three-cylinder engine (the most powerful production three-cylinder motor in the world).
Featuring a chassis comprising a standard Yaris front end and a Corolla rear-end, the only common features between the GR Yaris and its more sensible parent are its headlights, taillights, wing mirrors and antenna fin (a fact I simply have to explain to my friends, family, neighbours and passing strangers).
The GR Yaris was also built in the same Motomachi plant as the Lexus LFA hypercar (a fact I…see above).
It’s not a Yaris, really
The GR Yaris has an aluminium boot lid, bonnet and doors, with a forged carbon roof sheathed in deceptive carbon fibre vinyl. Not only is it lower than a standard Yaris, but it’s wider, with 257 bhp on tap to help propel it towards its next apex (with a dab of oppo, preferably).
Adjustable all-wheel-drive, Torsen limited-slip differentials and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres all contribute towards a car that is just as happy visiting your local Spar as it is destroying supercars on damp B-roads (performance car drivers visibly wince when they see a GR Yaris approach in their rear-view mirror).
In the UK, Circuit Pack trim levels gained all the uprated suspension and handling components, while Convenience Pack cars dispensed with these to feature sat-nav, an improved stereo system and heated seats. Needless to say, Circuit Pack cars became the go-to model for most consumers (especially those who favour track work).
In 2024, a facelifted version of the GR Yaris was released, commonly referred to as the ‘Gen 2’ model (although this version has not officially been homologated for rallying like the ‘Gen 1’). This came with a small power and torque bump alongside a dashboard redesign, as well as an automatic transmission option.
JDM delights
The car depicted in TXR’s teaser is probably a Japanese domestic market-spec Gen 1 (judging from the more pleasant-looking front bumper), which came in several trim levels.
Japanese customers could choose a front-wheel-drive version, the GR Yaris RS, alongside RC and RZ variants with separate Convenience and Circuit Pack trims. The limited edition Yaris GRMN was also developed for the JDM market, offering more torque and increased rigidity.
What version of the car we’ll see in TXR is unknown at this stage, given how all variants feature the same body, but it’s thought the performance-focused RZ will make its bow when v1.0 releases in September.
The GR Yaris and Nissan Z will also be joined by the Lexus RC F Track Edition in TXR’s future update.
Are you looking forward to driving the best car on the planet in Tokyo Xtreme Racer?* Let us know in the comments below.**
*Unbiased opinion.
**After all that, wouldn’t it be embarrassing if the teaser image featured a completely different car?
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