Tag Archives: Akio Toyoda

NEWS

2026 Toyota GR Corolla upgraded for the Japanese market

As a fan of high-performance Japanese cars, you should express your gratitude to Akio Toyoda, a key figure at Toyota.

Akio, affectionately known as Morizo, believes that motorsports serves as the ideal platform for developing the best street cars.

Thanks to his vision, we now see one of the key Gazoo Racing model, the hot hatch GR Corolla now receiving a new enhancement package without a long wait.

Here are the changes introduced to the GR Corolla:

  1. An increase in chassis structural adhesive from 13.9 meters to 32.7 meters for a sturdier and more stable chassis, capable of handling vertical and lateral G-forces.

  2. A new cooling duct has been added to the second air intake, aimed at stabilizing engine output under high-temperature driving conditions.

  3. The JBL Premium audio system has been improved with the addition of a subwoofer in the cargo area, complemented by the Active Noise Control (ANC) system.

  4. Additionally, the Active Sound Control (ASC) system enhances the sporty sound profile during acceleration and deceleration. Even when the throttle is released, this system generates a pop from the exhaust.

In terms of power, the 2026 GR Corolla continues to feature the G16E-GTS engine, capable of producing 300 hp and 400 Nm, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic.

For current GR Corolla owners, Toyota Gazoo Racing will introduce a software-inclusive upgrade program designed to increase torque from 370 Nm to 400 Nm.

The GR-Four drive system will also be upgraded, with the distribution ratio of 30:70 being replaced by a Gravel mode (50:50), while the Track mode (50:50) can be adjusted to 60:40 and 30:70.

In Japan, the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla is priced starting at ¥5,680,000 (RM161,000) for the manual version and ¥5,980,000 (RM169,000) for the automatic version.

NEWS

Toyota plans to produce Century SUV GRMN

The high-performance SUV genre is no longer an anomaly, considering many manufacturers are racing to produce their own unique products.

Not limited to producers such as Audi RS, Mercedes-AMG, and BMW M, there are also quick SUVs from premium automotive brands like Aston Martin, Bentley, and Lotus.

But what about Toyota?

For your information, Toyota still does not have a lineup of high-performance SUVs, but the manufacturer is said to be planning to produce a Gazoo Racing model in the near future.

During a visit to China to meet with Century SUV owners, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda disclosed plans to produce the Century SUV GRMN model so that “more people from around the world can enjoy the model.”

Built on the TNGA-K platform, the Century SUV is equipped with a V6 3.5-liter plug-in hybrid engine producing up to 406 hp.

At the launch of the Century SUV model, Toyota also unveiled a special build Century SUV GRMN model with a more sporty appearance and a sliding rear door design.

For this Gazoo Racing Meister of Nurburgring variant of the Century SUV model, we can expect significantly higher spec upgrades compared to the standard GR Sport and GR models (GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR Supra).

The Century SUV GRMN model is owned by Akio Toyoda, who also has a Century GRMN sedan with a much more radical appearance than standard Century sedans out there.

NEWS

“Let’s keep on making engines” – Toyota Chairman

The world’s largest car manufacturer, Toyota, is determined not to concede in the internal combustion engine race. The company aims to uphold this commitment, driven by the direction of its chairman and car enthusiast, Akio Toyoda.

He is adamant about safeguarding millions of jobs in Japan while simultaneously offering choices to future car buyers.

“To those who have been producing engines from the past until now, let’s continue to develop engines,” Toyoda stated during the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 (TAS2024) event.

“As car enthusiasts, we are tasked with shaping the future. My desire to enjoy cars leads me to want to explore various technologies. This is something I take seriously,” he added.

Highlighting that over 5.5 million workers are involved in engine manufacturing in Japan, Toyoda emphasized the importance of retaining these jobs.

He outlined Toyota’s multifaceted plan for future mobility, stating, “The approach to carbon neutrality depends on the country and region. However, shouldn’t we consider the desires for cars that we need?”

Toyoda noted that outside of the country, Toyota has numerous colleagues with similar interests and desires. He expressed that Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are not the sole means to achieve carbon neutrality, as Toyota has been developing hydrogen technology for the past three years.

“Last year, we tested liquid hydrogen and drove it at Le Mans. There is still work to be done in engine technology to achieve carbon neutrality. So, let’s refine engine technology. Let’s start that project,” Toyoda concluded.