Today’s vehicle is the Group B version of the Kimura TKR-C. Kimura’s second foray into Group B proved to be it’s most successful.
The Kimura TKR-C was not the prime candidate for the Group B program. It’s predecessor was the Kimura Auriga Group B, which was heavily modified but still fairly close to it’s sedan roots. For 1985, Kimura had originally planned to replace the Auriga with the recently updated Auburn. However, instead, the engineers decided to go with the sportier and more reputable Kimura TKR-C, a car which was an instant hit the year it went into production.
As a clean slate car, the engineers were free to play around with whatever they wanted. They used an engine heavily based off of the advanced C685 3.3L V6 found in Kimura’s larger SUV and sedans, but shortened the stroke greatly and gave it twin-turbochargers. The output was said to be over 500 HP in competition, but up to 550 when competition became tight. An AWD system was fitted, as was 4-wheel vented disc brakes, along with a multitude of other performance upgrades. The end result was named the R6-T, simply for “Ralliart 6-cylinder turbo.” Suzanne Fox was the most famous driver of the TKR-C, known for being fearless and often reckless when storming down the streets of the courses. She and the car garnered the nickname “The Witch’s Brew” for the car’s extroverted styling combined with her terrifying driving behavior. When Group B was cancelled in 1987, all of the prototypes were returned back to the Hokkaido factory, where 5 were dismantled.
The TKR-C would help to cement Kimura’s racing career for good; it’s savage nature and insane styling burned it’s way into people’s minds as did the sport of Group B.
