Toyota Gazoo Racing reveals a daring mid‑engine kei truck at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, blending sport‑car flair with mini‑truck practicality. Learn more now!
At the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota Gazoo Racing turned heads not with a conventional sports car, but with a radically re‑imagined kei‑truck – a tiny pickup that looks like a cross between a classic mini‑truck and a race‑car seat pod.
From Hint to Reveal
In the weeks leading up to the show, Toyota teased a two‑seat, mid‑engine machine that sparked rumors of a resurrected small‑sport car platform. When the curtains lifted, however, the spotlight landed on a Daihatsu Hijet‑based chassis that had been stripped down, re‑configured, and given a central‑engine layout.
Design and Layout
The concept keeps the Hijet’s compact overall silhouette but flips the traditional arrangement: the power‑plant sits behind the twin bucket seats, while the cargo box is reduced to a skeletal frame that serves more as a styling element than functional storage. A roll‑cage, racing‑style seats and oversized off‑road tires reinforce the vehicle’s experimental, performance‑first attitude.
Performance Speculations
Toyota has withheld all technical specifications – power output, drivetrain configuration, and even whether the prototype is a fully drivable unit or a static showpiece remain unclear. The emphasis appears to be on proving a design concept rather than announcing a production‑ready model.
Purpose and Message
This mid‑engine kei truck was unveiled as part of an internal challenge among Toyota’s motorsport divisions, including Gazoo Racing and Daihatsu. The message is less about raw performance figures and more about showcasing flexibility, playful experimentation, and the willingness to bend traditional vehicle categories.
Reception and Outlook
Fans hoping for a sleek, road‑legal sports concept may feel a tad disappointed, yet the reveal aligns with Toyota Gazoo Racing’s history of using the Auto Salon stage to preview bold, non‑production projects. For now, the kei‑truck remains a glimpse into what could be possible when a small‑car platform meets race‑car ingenuity.