| New concept | 2008 London Motor Show | Toyota Aygo Crazy concept |

Toyota will give a new concept car its world debut at next month's British Motor Show, but the Aygo Crazy is not just destined for a rotating show stand, as demonstrated by Toyota's F1 driver, Timo Glock.

The custom-made Aygo body has been stretched with flared wheel arches, side skirts and a deep front air dam. Above the tail sits the wing from an American Champ Car racer. These modifications add nearly 10cm to the car's length and 18.5cm to its width.

A 1.8-litre motor has been fitted in place of the rear seats boasting a Toyota Motorsport turbo conversion, which increases power to 297bhp at 6,700rpm and torque to 177lb.ft at 3,400rpm. The power goes through a five-speed gearbox to the rear wheels. A large, front mounted radiator keeps the engine cool.

There are no driver aids, no traction or stability control, no anti-lock brakes or power steering. What you do get is MacPherson strut suspension all round with adjustable Tein dampers and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/45 Goodyear tyres.

The driver and passenger sit on purpose-built sports seats and are held in place by four-point racing harnesses. The steering wheel is a neat (and airbag-less) Sparco item and the cabin is reinforced with a roll-cage.

Toyota quotes performance figures of 0-62mph in 5.75 seconds and an estimated top speed of 127mph. According to Toyota, performance figures are not what the Aygo Crazy is about: "this is a machine that exists to be responsive and alive to the driver's commands, to put smiles on the faces of those inside and outside the car."

John Lambert - 18 Jun 2008