Giant Fighting Robot Helps Toyota Sell Auris 1.2 Turbo in Japan

Because we speak fluent geek, we know exactly what's going on. The robot is something called a red Zaku, originally piloted by Char Aznable in the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series. Toyota collaborated with the people who made the Gundam series and created a special edition that people can buy.

It's called the Zeronic Toyota Auris and comes with a choice between 1.2-liter turbo, 1.8-liter and 1.5-liter engines, all matched to CVT gearboxes. However, Char seems to be driving the Auris 120T model, produces 115 horsepower and 136 pound-feet (200 Nm) of torque from just 1,196 cubic centimeters of displacement.

By now, you guys are probably a little more familiar with the Toyota Auris than you were last year. That's because the Corolla's hatchback brother is now available in America under the name "Scion iM". With every feature, you could want at just $20,000 it pretty much sells itself. However, in Japan, they still have to work the marketing machine.

We really have no idea why Toyota chose a red Zaku theme for its Auris. There are far newer and more interesting robots in the Gundam series, like Exia from the Gundam 00 series or the much older Unicorn unit. However, by picking the Zeonic, Toyota is targeting people who are old enough to but a car.

As you can see from the second video, cosmetic changes are ample. They include red wheels a brilliant paintjob and a brand new front end with fins and extra intakes.

Editor's note: Pretty sure the Indian girl says she loved the handbrake turn right at the end of the video. You can only get that kind of respect from anime chicks!