If you've ever wondered what a Zagato-bodied Lexus RX might look like, you now have an answer.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Toyota's Toyopet dealerships, the automaker has worked with the legendary design studio to produce the Harrier Zagato for the Japanese market. It was unveiled today at the 2006 Tokyo Auto Gallery, a tuner/specialty car show now in its 6th year. Only 250 examples will be built.
A pure appearance package, the Zagato modifications take the sleek and sedate Harrier and give it the look of a rally car. The front fascia is overhauled with an open-look grille, new bumper, and a lip spoiler that houses round foglights. The changes continue as you walk around the car. Bulging, ventilated fender flares and lower body cladding carry the aggressive new profile to the rear, where you find revised bumper and a deeper roof spoiler. Gold five-spoke Zagato Design wheels complete the package.
The interior is left intact save for some new aluminum trim.
Based on on the Harrier 240G "L" (2.4L 4 cyl) and 350G "L" (3.5L V6), the Harrier Zagato can be ordered with either 2WD or 4WD powertrains for both engines. Prices, depending on drivetrain selection, range from ¥4,935,000 ($42,000 USD) to ¥5,712,000 ($48,800 USD). Colors are red mica metallic or white pearl crystal.
(Additional photos after the jump)
[Source: Toyota Japan]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Richard Warren @ Jul 28th 2006 3:13PM
Yep, it's a Toyota, UGLY
nick @ Jul 28th 2006 3:15PM
looks cool, but I've never understood why Japanese market cars have to have that third little rear-view mirror on the front left side of the car. That doesn't look very cool, but I guess they're used to it.
Rob @ Jul 28th 2006 3:15PM
ummmm... i usually love toyotas and especially the rx330, but this is just UG-LY.
what were they thinking with those squarish bulges???
and those wheels are horribly tacky. takes away the sportish/luxury look of the rx and makes it look like its made out of legos.
Rob @ Jul 28th 2006 3:20PM
Richard...
are you talking about toyota...or about your momma?
PJ @ Jul 28th 2006 3:21PM
Coming to a midnight showing of "Judge Dredd" near you...
Claud @ Jul 28th 2006 3:34PM
Yawn!
RickDom @ Jul 28th 2006 3:45PM
It looked good in the front shot, but the side crap is just ugly, and it does go with the rear end styling of the Harrier/RX at all. All that plastic reminds me of the Aztek.
The mirror is for Japanese visibility requirements, nearly every single truck and SUV has one. It has something to do with how much the A pillar blocks your view and the ability to see the side. It's complicated, like most Japanese things.
bob @ Jul 28th 2006 3:51PM
Wow! That's so bad, and the press release/blog entry so fawning, I can throw the bottle of ipecac away. I'll just bookmark this page.
- bob
&& @ Jul 28th 2006 4:16PM
Lexus RX + Ricer wheels + Scion interior + Idon'tevenknowwhatbutitlookslikeshit body panel additions + large hood ornament misplaced by 3 or 4 feet = this P.O.S.
Usually stuff being exclusive to Japan sucks for us...in this case, that's great.
C @ Jul 28th 2006 4:28PM
At least this means Zagato has stopped messing with Aston Martins. Well, for about 15 minutes at least.
http://seriouswheels.com/cars-xyz.htm
Other than the people paid to write the press releases, who thinks these are good looking cars?
G @ Jul 28th 2006 4:29PM
Too strange for words. How bizarre that Toyota should do this.
http://www.automobilesdeluxe.blogspot.com
Roy @ Jul 28th 2006 4:34PM
That cladding makes the Aztek look absolutely understated. But of course if its by Toyota, everyone loves it. UGGH!
Joe Condon @ Jul 28th 2006 4:36PM
Zagato's Ason Martins were beautiful. This just sucks. And, what's the deal with the 'Toyopet' dealerships?
P to the C @ Jul 28th 2006 4:50PM
Wow, looks like a Chevy Malibu mated with a Dodge Caliber. That's one I'm glad they're not bringing to the U.S.
Howard Kerr @ Jul 28th 2006 4:52PM
ONLY 250 will be built? Thank God...and thank God it will only be offered in Japan.
Zagato has built some great cars, this isn't one of them. But, if it keep them from "screwing up" a perfectly decent Italian car, I say go ahead.
Toyopet was/is the name of one of several Toyota dealer outlets. Each Japanese brand has several in Asia, though Toyopet is the biggest and oldest for Toyota. Toyopet was also the brand Toyota entered the U.S. with about 50 years ago.
courtstone @ Jul 28th 2006 5:23PM
It looks okay, but those wheel fender bulges are way too overdone. Oh yeah...
#4 Rob - You actually made me laugh out loud. When just readying about Lexus and seeing that comment out of nowhere...I had to laugh. I appreciate the entertainment.
John @ Jul 28th 2006 5:44PM
Thats where the Pontiac Aztek cladding went.
James @ Jul 28th 2006 5:50PM
I'm not to keen on the design. Would like to see some other performance enhancements. I have the 2007 RX350 AWD and it's good around town and on the highway, but I could always go for more power. :-)
Richard Warren @ Jul 28th 2006 7:43PM
No Rob, actually Toyota and your momma. Nice match your ugly momma and and ugly car.
lw adkins @ Jul 29th 2006 9:43AM
all those bulges. just like the 4runner and the tocoma. i wish toyota would stop putting bulges in their vehicles. i have owned lots of toyotas and probably will own more, but please stop the BULGES.