The world is in turmoil and the public, utterly dependent on only one form of energy, is forced to pay or risk loosing their only means of transport. Sound familiar? It should, it's our lives. With gas prices above the three-dollar-per-gallon mark, the age has finally arrived where SUV owners stop after every fill-up and think, "Damn, that was expensive."
Even owners of thirsty performance cars such as the 350Z and Lancer Evolution are beginning to feel the heat. As if turbos, springs, exhausts, car payments, and insurance weren't enough, now you have to shell out fifty bucks per tank of gas. We've heard many whispered rumors of sports car owners switching camps to a Civic Hybrid or Prius, but really, come on. Drag racing Honda Insight bodies aside, who the hell really goes fast in an environmentally friendly car?
Blitz does, that's who. After building the deliciously ironic turbocharged Toyota Prius demo car, Blitz has now turned its attention to the Toyota Vitz. Set to appear in the United States as the 2007 Toyota Yaris, the Japanese market Vitz has been blown, dropped, and dressed by Blitz. Most importantly, think of this miniature commuter as a glimpse into the future. Now that the Toyota Yaris is available in the U.S., it's only a matter of time before an exact replica of this car is built using already available parts.
Designed as an economic and simple commuter, the Vitz delivers exactly what was intended. The small 1.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder 1NZ-FE engine pumps out only 108.5 hp and 104.2 lb/ft of torque - but it's no problem as the Vitz weighs a mere 2,314 lbs. Small fuel injectors, tiny engine displacement, and low weight combine to give the Vitz excellent gas mileage under all conditions. Even with the throttle constantly nailed, you're going to see gas mileage numbers that put Honda Civics to shame.
Bringing up the rear of Toyota's sub-compact urban-escape lineup, the Vitz is sold in mass quantities to those discerning drivers who only wish to get from point-A to point-B. However, where there's a wheel, there's a way. As many would-be American Yaris owners are about to find out, the Vitz is a spunky little car that could use just a hint of extra go-juice to help it stand out.
Blitz began the build-up on their Vitz RS with the addition of their C7 supercharger-based Blitz Compressor System. Utilizing a twin-screw positive displacement blower at the heart of their kit, Blitz's supercharger unit makes use of an electronic clutch for engagement. Fitted with a control knob sporting "Low," "Med," "High," and "Off" settings, the Blitz Compressor System allows the user to control the activation of the supercharger based on rpm and throttle position.
As tested by Blitz Japan, this 2005 Vitz RS made 106.9 hp and 102.0 lb/ft. of torque at the flywheel when completely stock. After the addition of boost and a Blitz Nur-Spec C-Ti exhaust, power output sailed up to 148.0 hp at 6100rpm and 149.0 lb/ft. of torque at 3400rpm - a solid 41.1 hp gain. The CVT automatic transmission found in this JDM wonder remains stock, and has found no trouble holding down the extra power. The 1NZ-FE engine found in the Vitz RS is also used in the U.S.-market Scion xA and xB, and will be used in the Yaris, so expect Blitz to offer this kit to the American market shortly.
A complete package both inside and out, this Vitz is sporting the entire lineup of Blitz products. The space-age escape pod appearance has a tendency to give off a love-it or hate-it feel, but not after Blitz had its way. Augmented with a Blitz Flex front spoiler and silver carbon fiber pillar trim, the otherwise stock RS bodywork exudes a smooth sort of style. Dropped using a set of Blitz Super Flex springs, this Vitz is an inch and a hair lower than stock and looks perfect with 17x7 Blitz Techno Speed Z4 wheels and 195/40/17 Dunlop Le Mans LM703 tires. Adding just the essentials, the Vitz's interior has been fitted with a pair of carbon fiber Blitz racing buckets and vital monitoring equipment. Because the Vitz uses an odd center instrument display, there was plenty of room dead center for Blitz to add in some boost, oil pressure, and water temperature sensors, along with an MMD i-Color digital display.
With gasoline prices climbing well into the three-dollar-per-gallon stratosphere, attention is beginning to turn towards more fuel-efficient and cost effective vehicles. Neatly tuned and nicely appointed, Blitz's Vitz is the perfect blend of style, practicality and fun. It's neat little tuned cars like these that make you think twice about the eternal battle between fun and cost, because apparently you can have your cake and eat it too - just like Blitz.
Car
2005 Toyota Vitz RS
Weight: 2,314 lbs.
Power
148.0 hp @ 6,100 rpm
149.0 lb/ft. @ 3,400 rpm
Engine
Base: 1NZ-FE
Blitz Compressor System
Blitz Nur-Spec C-Ti exhaust
Blitz Type 2 radiator cap
Blitz oil filler cap
Transmission
Stock CVT automatic transmission
Suspension
Blitz Super Flex Springs
Front: 0.79-0.98 inch drop, 140 lb/in. rate
Rear: 0.98-1.18 inch drop, 168 lb/in. rate
Brakes
Blitz MR-1 brake pads
Wheels & Tires
Blitz Techno Speed Z4 17x7 wheels (+35 offset)
Dunlop Le Mans LM703 195/40/17 tires
Exterior
JDM factory Vitz RS bodywork
Blitz Flex front spoiler
Carbon fiber pillar trim
Blitz 4800k Super White HID
low-beam headlamps
Blitz 5000k Super Blue dual-tube halogen high-beam bulbs
Interior
Blitz carbon fiber bucket seats
Blitz Racing Meter ELV gauges: boost, oil pressure, water temperatureBlitz MMD i-Color
Double-DIN navigation-capable head unit