YotaTech Drives the 600 Horsepower Toyota C-HR R-Tuned Race Car
Popping the carbon fiber hood
Underneath the Kaminari hood, which is lined with gold heat reflective foil, is a Toyota heart, but not the one you may be expecting. I have already spoiled the fact that the R-Tuned is packing 600 horsepower. But how did Toyota and DG-spec get there?
The standard C-HR is packing a modest 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four 3ZR-FAE engine. The 3ZR is a new engine to North America, so, admittedly, the aftermarket support is a bit tame. So, the team at DG-spec swapped in a 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE engine. The 2AZ has been around for a while, and in many applications. It’s a proven mill. That 2AZ is force-fed with a generously-sized Garrett turbocharger setup, custom built by DG-spec. Dezod pistons, rods, rod bearings, which are spec’d for a boosted application, along with upgraded valves, are fitted to an otherwise stock engine. Beyond that, it’s all factory Toyota, baby. DG-spec initially ran a bone stock motor at 23 PSI to see how long it would last at 600 horsepower. The answer: Longer than expected.
The C-HR’s continuously-variable transmission is also removed. Putting monster turbocharged torque through a CVT isn’t generally a good idea. Though, again, it’s replaced with another Toyota unit. Interestingly, DG-spec sourced an E-series 5-speed manual transmission from a Camry for the C-HR R-Tuned. Gardner said it’s a stock manual transmission other than a clutch and flywheel upgrade. Impressive.
Front-wheel drive and 600 horsepower sounds like a terrible idea on paper. That’s why, in tandem with those fancy MCS shocks, and sticky Toyo RR competition rubber on Enkei wheels, the C-HR R-Tuned is also packing an OS Giken-sourced clutch-type limited-slip differential. The team at DG-spec spent a lot of time at the track dialing in the car, stacking the clutch packs inside the differential for optimum performance.
The engine is so manic, but the driving experience is serene and delightful. There is just grip, everywhere, all the time.
“Woahing” all of that go is a big brake package, featuring massive two-piece vented front rotors, a 4-piston Brembo race caliper, and G-Loc racing brake pads. Interestingly, the rear brakes are the stock units, with just a pad upgrade. Being a front-heavy, front-wheel drive vehicle, the front brakes are doing most of the work under hard braking.
One more fun fact
The body may be very much off the shelf, with no fender flares or replacement panels, that doesn’t mean some tweaks weren’t made. While weight was shed in every area possible, especially to compensate for the weight of the roll cage, there is one unusual addition I couldn’t help but notice.
The trunk stoppers. DG-spec fitted these red rubber and foam caps to the trunk stoppers. Why? Because the wing was making so much downforce on the hatch assembly that it was crushing the factory stoppers and making the hatch rattle at speed. Sometimes it’s the little details.
Continue to the next page for more on the Toyota C-HR R-Tuned.
