2008 SEMA Show: Toyota Yaris Twins Go Topless, Get Bifuel for Fun

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LAS VEGAS — It's hard to image the Toyota Yaris, a no-nonsense fuel miser, getting even more serious. But the 2008 SEMA Show features the Five Axis Design Yaris Club that boils the Yaris down to an even more stripped-down essence.

The Yaris Club car is a seriously pruned version of the original. The roof has been removed, along with the interior. "A tonneau was fabricated, turning the Yaris into a single-seater with a fairing that doubles as a driver headrest," said Toyota in a statement. Additions include a supercharger, exhaust headers and a free-flowing exhaust. This SEMA project car "pays tribute to Toyota's racing heritage harkening back to the late '60s when Toyota challenged for the Group 7 category of Can-Am racing with the Toyota 7," the automaker said.

The Toyota Yaris Five-Door Tailback uses a compressed natural gas system. "This bifuel concept offers the ability to switch from the vehicle's combustion engine to its CNG system with the push of a button," said Toyota. Details include automated rear suicide doors, a custom hood and a rear split tailgate. A custom green-with-gold-metalflake exterior paint scheme rounds out the package.

Inside Line says: A Yaris with compressed natural gas sounds, well, like a natural. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent