There are certain cars we would love to have modern-day versions of. The list is progressively growing, as manufacturers shift their focus from fun cars to crossovers, SUVs, and EVs. That said, some of our favorite cars are getting a spiritual successor in the form of virtual renderings and this time, it’s Top Gear Philippines that brings back an iconic and somewhat obscure (to some) Japanese hot hatch – the Toyota Starlet Glanza V.

To add a bit of context, the Toyota Starlet is a boring sub-compact hatchback, designed for old people. However, there was a fun version based on it, called the Glanza V. This particular rendering pays homage to the 60-series from the late 1970s and early 1980s. What’s even cooler is that the 60-series, like its predecessor – the 50-series – was rear-wheel drive.

You can definitely see the 60-series inspiration throughout the rendering. The boxy design is as 1970s as Platform shoes. The headlights overlap the center grille, which like old Toyota cars, has a “Toyota” sign on it, instead of the emblem. Every rendering needs a good story to back it up and this one is apparently developed by Gazoo Racing – something that becomes obvious once you gaze upon the gaping mouth at the lower fascia. The big air dam is flanked by two side air inlets that also accommodate the fog lights. The whole thing reminds us of a boxy GR Yaris.

On the side, we have a clean profile, without much in the way of crests and curves. The only notable things are the well-pronounced wheel arches and the flat roofline that looks like a reversed baseball cap and also neatly integrates a rear spoiler.

You are probably wondering what would power such a car. While the original 60-Series Starlet was powered by anemic 1.0, 1.2, and 1.3-liter engines, with no more than 74 horsepower and 77 pound-feet (105 Nm), this virtual Gazoo Racing interpretation is powered by two engines.

Our colleagues from Top Gear Philippines have been thorough when coming up with the specs. The little Starlet apparently measures 4,015 mm in length, while being 1,730 mm wide. It’s also 1,390 tall and sits on a 2,527 mm wheelbase. In the case of the 2.0-liter variant, the curb weight is 2,535 pounds (1,150 kg).

Toyota GR Starlet Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,015 mm

Width

1,730 mm 

Height

1,390 mm

Wheelbase

2,527 mm

Curb Weight

2,535 lbs


The car is based on a rear-wheel-drive version of Toyota’s TNGA architecture. It also features a McPherson strut front suspension and an independent multilink rear setup at the back. The alloy wheels are wrapped in 205/50 R16 tires. There is also a Track package offered only on the 2.0-liter engine, which would include sportier suspension, wider wheels and tires, sport seats, and a TRD N2-inspired body kit. Optionally, the rear seats could be removed too, which would save around 37.5 pounds (17 kg).

The little hot hatch only exists as a rendering, but the idea of a sub-compact, rear-wheel-drive hot hatch, with a retro-inspired design certainly is an appealing one. Maybe Gazoo Racing can develop something similar, as a budget alternative to the Toyota GR Yaris. Moreover, it will be one more well-known model name returning from the dead.