If we were to guess what current crossover utility vehicle would be the most likely basis on which to build the “world’s quickest CUV,” we might not have picked the Toyota C-HR. But that was the goal for the C-HR R-Tuned, which Toyota claims has turned in a faster lap time at Willow Springs International Raceway?s Big Willow track than a McLaren 650S Spider.
The R-Tuned was introduced at the 2017 SEMA show in Las Vegas. It retains the stock version’s powertrain layout, with a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, but little else. In place of the standard 2.0-liter engine is a 2.4-liter to which is bolted a Garrett turbo running 23.0 psi of boost. It’s fortified with forged pistons and connecting rods, stainless-steel intake valves, Inconel exhaust valves, race bearings, and racing valve springs, among other bits. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that the stock C-HR’s continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) did not make the cut; it is replaced with a five-speed manual transmission. It uses a Centerforce clutch and flywheel, while the front axle gets an OS Giken Super Lock limited-slip differential. Brakes by Brembo feature four-piston billet-aluminum monoblock racing calipers.

A new suspension includes remote-reservoir coil-over dampers, racing springs, adjustable rear camber arms, and a three-way-adjustable rear anti-roll bar.
The most obvious body mod is the towering rear wing with a Gurney flap, along wi...