Tag Archives: Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia

NEWS

UMW Toyota forms TGR Racing Malaysia team, set to compete in the 2026 Thailand Super Series

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced the formation of the TGR Racing Malaysia team, which will compete in the 2026 Thailand Super Series in the GT4 category.

This participation marks a new chapter for Toyota Malaysia as it expands its involvement in regional GT racing.

It also strengthens the company’s role in driving the development of motorsport in the country.

The establishment of this team is based on the extensive experience gained over eight seasons of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge.

Through this platform, UMWT has successfully developed local driver talent, enhanced technical capabilities, and improved racing operations expertise.

TGR Racing Malaysia Features Local Drivers

Throughout the five rounds of the Thailand Super Series GT4, TGR Racing Malaysia will feature a lineup of local drivers:

  • Shaun Thong
  • Weiron Tan
  • Nazim Azman
  • Putera Adam

All these drivers will be supported by an experienced technical and operations crew from both Malaysia and Japan.

GR Supra GT4 EVO2 as the main weapon

TGR Racing Malaysia will field two GR Supra GT4 EVO2 vehicles prepared according to the regulations of the Thailand Super Series GT4.

Developed by Toyota GAZOO Racing Europe, the EVO2 version features several improvements:

  • Enhanced braking system performance
  • Refined shock absorber tuning for optimum stability
  • Improvements to the cooling system and ABS calibration

The GR Supra GT4 EVO2 is powered by a turbocharged inline-six engine.

This engine is paired with a modified ZF automatic transmission, supported by a Marelli ECU, an Akrapovic racing exhaust system, and a Drexler LSD.

Other features include:

  • KW adjustable racing shock absorbers
  • Six-piston Brembo calipers and 390 mm front rotors
  • Four-piston Brembo calipers and 335 mm rear rotors
  • 18-inch OZ wheels
  • Pirelli tires
  • FIA-compliant safety cage
  • ABS and TCS as standard features
  • Fire suppression system

The GR Supra GT4 EVO2 will compete alongside other racing machines such as the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, Mercedes-AMG GT4, Aston Martin Vantage GT4, and at least five other GR Supra GT4 EVO2 vehicles.

2026 Thailand Super Series Calendar

The following is the calendar for the 2026 Thailand Super Series:

  • April 22-23: Pre-season testing at Chang International Circuit
  • May 21-24: Opening round at Chang International Circuit
  • July 1-5: Second round at Bangsaen Grand Prix, Chonburi
  • August 21-23: Third round at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit
  • September 18-20: Fourth round at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit
  • October 30-November 1: Final round at Chang International Circuit
NEWS

Toyota GR Corolla Automatic variant now available in Malaysia, priced at RM378,950

UMT Toyota Motor has announced the arrival of yet another high-performance model, the Toyota GR Corolla, in an automatic transmission version.

The basic specifications of this vehicle remain the same, featuring a 1.6-liter three-cylinder G16E-GTS turbo engine that delivers 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque.

Like the GR Yaris AT, the GR Corolla AT is equipped with an eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) gearbox, complete with the exclusive Launch Control feature.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.3 seconds.

The GR-Four all-wheel-drive system offers three power distribution settings: Normal, Gravel, and Track, complemented by three driving modes: Sport, Normal, and Eco.

Standard equipment for the GR Corolla AT includes a Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD) at both the front and rear.

Notable enhancements include an ABS system tuned for more stable braking power on any surface, along with suspension tuning for improved cornering confidence.

In the cabin, the 2026 GR Corolla AT features a 10-inch Display Audio screen, a 12.3-inch digital cluster display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a head-up display (HUD), paddle shifters, and an added blind-spot monitoring (BSM) feature.

The retail price for the GR Corolla AT starts at RM378,950, which is RM10,000 more expensive than the manual version of the GR Corolla.

NEWS

Round 2 of Vios Challenge features one-hour endurance race format!

UMW Toyota and Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia have announced a change in the Vios Challenge race format in conjunction with the AUTOBACS Super GT Malaysia event, which will take place from June 26-28.

Unlike the usual 30-minute sprint race format, this time the Vios Challenge will adopt a one-hour endurance race format covering the full distance of the Sepang International Circuit, which is 5.543 km long.

The Vios Challenge 2025 will continue to feature three classes of racing: Super Sporting, Sporting, and Rookie.

This means that in the second race of this season, all five Rookie class drivers will showcase their talents on the international stage for the first time.

To date, 22 drivers have graduated from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Young Talent Development Program since its launch in 2021.

Of that number, more than 10 drivers are currently competing at the local level, and four drivers have already achieved victories and championship titles at the international level.

According to Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, “Our participation as the Main Sponsor reflects UMWT’s ongoing commitment to elevate motorsports in Malaysia.

“The Vios Challenge has proven to be a stepping stone for local talents, marking a significant achievement where our drivers can compete on the same platform as international teams in Super GT.

“The Super GT Malaysia Festival is not just a competitive stage; it is a launchpad that proudly places the name of Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia on the map of global motorsports and shows that Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia is here, actively moving forward and ready to grow.”

He further stated that there are plans to establish the Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia (TGRMY) manufacturer team to participate in regional racing events to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in motorsports.

Returning to the Super GT race, this is the only race round held outside Japan for the 2025 Super GT calendar.

Visitors can witness the action of the GT500 class GR Supra from the Toyota team, including the GR Supra TOM’s, which previously won the opening round in Okayama, and the GR Supra KeePer CERUMO, which won the second round at Fuji Speedway.

Additionally, there will be an exhibition of a lineup of GR models, including the GR Supra, GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR86, as well as Corolla GR Sport and Corolla Cross GR Sport HEV.

On the same dates, the Sepang Circuit will host the inaugural race of the Toyota GR86 Cup Malaysia as a support race for Super GT.

Not only that, visitors to the Super GT Malaysia Festival will also have the opportunity to participate in Japanese cultural and food events, namely Nihon Matsuri, as well as enjoy the post-race concert GT Live!, featuring a variety of renowned artists.

Among them are the trio Tenxi, Naykilla & Jemsii (TNJ), KLP48, Fareed K-Clique, Sabhi Saddi, and Kaka Azraff.