Tag Archives: toyota gazoo racing

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Toyota GR Supra Lightweight Evo: simple yet powerful!

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In addition to the introduction of the limited edition A90 Final Edition model, Toyota Gazoo Racing has also updated the GR Supra Lightweight Evo as an equally impressive alternative.

The Lightweight Evo version retains the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo engine, delivering 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque, and is available with either a manual or automatic transmission.

This model features a more stripped-down design compared to the A90 Final Edition, with the GR Supra Lightweight Evo equipped with distinctive elements such as a carbon fiber ducktail spoiler, new matte black 19-inch wheels, and fins on the front wheel arches.

However, Toyota remains committed to enhancing the handling characteristics, equipping this model with larger Brembo brakes, revised camber angles on the front and rear wheels, and tuning of the electronic shock absorber control.

Additionally, Toyota engineers have reinforced several crucial components, including rubber bushings, rubber mounts, sway bars, and underbody braces.

Finally, the electric power steering system has been recalibrated to provide a better steering feel and handling response.

Inside the cabin, the GR Supra Lightweight Evo features Alcantara-wrapped seats adorned with GR logos, red seatbelts, and red stitching on the gear knob, giving it a sporty appearance.

According to Toyota, although production of the GR Supra A90 is coming to an end, this does not indicate that the model will be neglected.

On the contrary, the GR Supra will continue to thrive in various motorsport disciplines around the world.

Toyota has also indirectly confirmed that the GR Supra will receive a new generation successor, hinted at through an Easter egg featured in a short animated series called GRIP.

NEWS

Not the Supra GRMN, but the GR Supra A90 Final Edition, 435 hp, 570 Nm!

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Whether we realize it or not, the Toyota GR Supra has now been around for five years since it was introduced in 2019.

Before the production of this rear-wheel-drive sports car comes to an end, Toyota Gazoo Racing has launched a limited edition model called the Toyota GR Supra A90 Final Edition.

The original inline-six 3.0-liter turbo engine has been tuned to achieve a power increase of 90 hp and 70 Nm, bringing the total to 435 hp and torque of 570 Nm.

Changes made include a revised airflow, the use of low back-pressure catalytic components, and optimization of engine operation control.

As a result, this Final Edition GR Supra can achieve a higher top speed of approximately 270 km/h.

To maintain peak performance at all times, Toyota has added a baffle plate to the engine oil pan to prevent uneven oil distribution under high G-forces.

The cooling system is enhanced with a radiator fan, a sub-radiator, and larger cooling fins on the differential cover.

Handling has been improved with an adjustable KW suspension system similar to that used in the GR Supra GT4 race car, accompanied by adjustments to the front and rear wheel camber angles for better grip, as well as an active differential control to reduce understeer.

In addition, Toyota has recalibrated the electric steering system for more dynamic, natural, and connected handling, and added a crossbar in the rear cargo space along with strengthened front and rear stabilizer bars.

Drivers will also experience improved cornering stability, thanks to wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that are 10 mm wider, wrapping around lightweight 19-inch front and 20-inch rear rims.

The braking system has been enhanced with high-friction brake pads, front and rear floating drilled rotors, and stainless steel braided brake hoses.

Finally, all these upgrades would be incomplete without a more aggressive appearance.

The Toyota GR Supra A90 Final Edition features an aerodynamic body kit inspired by motorsport involvement, including a carbon fiber front spoiler, front bumper middle canard, front bumper side fins, carbon fiber hood vents, and a carbon fiber goose-neck rear wing.

Additionally, the A90 Final Edition borrows the titanium Akrapovič exhaust from the GR Supra GT4, ensuring a more powerful soundtrack.

Inside the cabin, the GR Supra is equipped with full Recaro Podium bucket seats featuring Alcantara cushion covers and a racy red color scheme for optimal and comfortable driving position, especially under high G-forces.

Production of the GR Supra A90 Final Edition is limited to just 300 units worldwide.

NEWS

Toyota ‘unveils’ future sports car lineup in anime series GRIP

In addition to the Japanese animated series “Initial D” and “MF Ghost,” which feature characters driving Toyota-branded cars, there is also an anime series officially produced by the automaker itself.

The anime series “GRIP,” which can be watched legally on YouTube, is now in its second season and includes Easter eggs that will delight fans.

Shared on the Supra MKV forum, one such Easter egg appears on a chalkboard in a scene featuring a list of potential future GR sports cars, including the Supra Mk6, Celica Mk8, MR2 Mk4, GR86 Mk3, and GR GT3.

Notably, the GR Yaris and GR Corolla are completely absent from this list, along with the GR Starlet, which has been promoted as an affordable alternative to the GR Yaris hatchback model.

According to several previous reports, Toyota Gazoo Racing is set to revive several iconic names that are part of the brand’s motorsport history.

The Celica is expected to return as an all-wheel-drive coupe with a 2.0L turbo engine delivering 400 hp, while the MR2 is likely to make a comeback as a mid-engine sports car based on the FT-Se concept model.

In addition to the new generation GR86 and GR Supra, there is also the GR GT3/Lexus LFR, which may be powered by a V8 engine.

Toyota is also looking to develop another fast model, the GR Starlet, which will serve as a complement to the existing hot hatch lineup (GR Yaris, GR Corolla).

Unlike the two models equipped with GR-Four all-wheel-drive systems, the GR Starlet will utilize a three-cylinder inline engine producing around 150 hp and 220 Nm, driving only the front wheels.

NEWS

Toyota GR Yaris TGR Italy Limited Edition, 51 exclusive units to celebrate the first WRC victory

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Toyota seeks to commemorate the 51st anniversary of its first World Rally Championship (WRC) victory by launching the limited edition GR Yaris model.

With a production limit of 51 units exclusively for the Italian market, the Toyota GR Yaris TGR Italy Limited Edition comes with a unique specification package.

For example, it features a distinctive red decal graphic design inspired by the Corolla 1600 Coupe which won the Press On Regardless Rally championship in Michigan in 1973.

Moreover, this limited edition GR Yaris is adorned with TGR Italy emblems on both the exterior and interior, complete with production serial numbers.

Each of the four wheel arches is adorned with 18-inch forged rims in Heritage Gold color, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires.

Despite these cosmetic changes, no alterations have been made to the heart of the car, the 1.6-liter turbo G16E-GTS three-cylinder inline engine capable of producing 276 hp.

All 51 units of the GR Yaris TGR Italy Limited Edition are offered with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Reservations for this limited edition model will commence on the Toyota Italy website on September 9, and each unit will be sold at €67,500 (RM325,917).

Interested buyers will need to pay a deposit of €2,000 (RM9,657), and notably, Toyota also provides a test drive session in a racing car, two VIP passes for the TGR Italy 2025 event, special car protection, and branded sportswear from Gazoo Racing.

NEWS

Vios Challenge Season 7’s opening race has just the right ingredients

The first round of the seventh season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge, which unfolded last Sunday, had the right mix to produce a more dramatic race weekend.

In addition to the debut of the new generation Vios racing car for the first time, it also became a battleground with changing weather conditions, sibling showdowns, international racer participation for the first time, and a resurgence of young driver dominance.

The first round saw a total of 33 cars battling it out in a challenging one-hour race format, different from previous seasons where drivers only had to compete in shorter sprint races.

In the Super Sporting class, Axle Sports’ driver Naquib Azlan emerged as the overall winner of the first round, taking home a prize of RM16,000.

Mitchell Cheah from Prima Pearl TD Racing came in second place, and Tengku Djan Ley (TD Racing) secured third place.

In the Sporting class, Kenneth Koh from PCM Group Racing Team emerged as the overall winner after improving his position in the second race.

Shafiq Shamsudin (Race Rally KL), who clinched the first race victory, seemed to swap places with Kenneth Koh in the second race, thus securing second place overall.

Meanwhile, Teo Hong Zhou (BAE Racing by ES Yang) finished third overall, after securing fourth place in the first race and second place in the second race.

The Rookie class, showcasing a lineup of young drivers, produced the same results in the second race as the first, with pro karter  Adam Mikail clinching first place twice consecutively throughout the weekend.

Adam’s performance has exceeded expectations as a rookie, considering his ability to finish the race early compared to the Sporting class winner, securing a tenth place overall position in a grid of 33 cars.

The seventh season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge also saw the participation of three young drivers: pro karter Audrey Leong (17 years old), simulation racer Raja Amirul (21 years old), and recreational karter Kingston Tan (19 years old).

The second round of the Vios Challenge will take place from September 27 to 29 at the PETRONAS International Circuit at Sepang.

 

NEWS

Vios Challenge 7th season begins, featuring the new generation Vios race car

UMW Toyota Motor has announced the return of the Vios Challenge racing series for its seventh season, starting this weekend, offering a total prize value of RM630,000.

For this year, the Vios Challenge will feature up to three rounds and six individual races taking place at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.

The first round of the Toyota Vios Challenge will take place from August 9-11 simultaneously with the Malaysian Championship Series (MCS), while the second round will be held from September 27-29. Both of these rounds will be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.

The final round will take place on January 3-5, 2025, open to the public with various attractions and programs planned to further enliven the atmosphere.

The seventh season of the Vios Challenge will feature three main classes: Sporting Class, Super Sporting Class, and TGR Rookie Class.

Among those expected to draw attention in the Super Sporting Class are three-time champion Tengku Djan Ley, Mitchell Cheah, Eddie Lew, William Ho, Tom Goh, and Freddie Ang.

Additionally, the Super Sporting Class will see the participation of young racers such as Putera Adam, siblings Naquib and Nabil Azlan, Bradley Benedict, Ady Rahimy, and Aman Nagdev from India.

The Sporting Class will list names like Dato’ Dr Ken Foo, Kenneth Koh, Dannies Ng, Shafiq Samsudin, Ricky Tan, Lim Chung Beng, as well as young racers Elson Yew, Amirul Haikal, Timothy Yeo, and Ashen Arumugam.

This class will also feature international racers, namely Panithan Rakpaibulsombut from Thailand and Daniel Inosuke Ooi from Singapore.

Meanwhile, the TGR Rookies will showcase a lineup of 24 young racers who have just completed the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program.

Highlighted names include kart racer Brandon Ho (22 years old), Adam Mikail (18 years old), Amirul Afiq (22 years old), Audrey Leong (17 years old), Kingston Tan (19 years old), and simulation racer Raja Amirul (21 years old).

The seventh season of the Vios Challenge will serve as the main stage for the debut of the latest generation Toyota Vios racing car.

It still retains the 1.5-liter engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission, but with a more stable platform and chassis, and revised aerodynamics to enable it to achieve the fastest lap times.

 

NEWS

2024 GR GT Cup, Taj Aiman claims his fourth title

In the final round of the GR GT Cup Malaysia simulation race held at Sunway University Campus the other day, Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira emerged as the champion for the fourth consecutive time.

The 26-year-old teenager has now become the most successful simulation racer in the GR GT Cup Malaysia series, accumulating a total of 59 points, leaving Chong Kai Chang in second place and 2022 champion Muhammad Iqbal Suji in third.

With a total prize pool worth RM120,500, the GR GT Cup Malaysia is the most lucrative simulation racing series ever organized in the country.

According to Taj Izrin Aiman, he made the decision not to change tires when the rain began to fall after two laps, and this bold move allowed him to overtake other racers.

Chong is satisfied with improving his position from third place last year to second place this year.

He, who took home the RM15,000 prize, often practices with his friends using various racing strategies due to the major update received by Gran Turismo 7 involving game physics several days before the final event took place.

The third place was taken by Muhammad Iqbal, bringing home a cash prize of RM12,000.

UMW Toyota’s President Datuk Ravindran K said, “Throughout the seven seasons of organizing the GR GT Cup Malaysia, the competition has become increasingly intense, and each year the driving skills and level of race craft displayed by the finalists are at a higher level.

“This is what we at Toyota aim to achieve, and I am very pleased that we can make an impact on motorsports in Malaysia, whether in the virtual world or through racing circuits such as the GR Vios Challenge and GR Young Driver Development Program.”

The GR GT Cup Malaysia 2024 also featured a race involving 10 finalists selected from the GR GT Cup Malaysia Campus Tour.

Among those who garnered attention was the presence of 14-year-old young racer Ethen Low from St Michael’s Institution, who managed to seize second place.

Meanwhile, Raja Amirul Syauqat has been selected to join the GAZOO Racing Young Driver Development Program and is expected to make an appearance in the Vios Challenge through the Rookie Class.

Additionally, there was a special race organized for Toyota GAZOO Racing rookie racers and media practitioners, aside from the Team Championship, where finalists from the GR GT Cup were combined with Campus Tour participants with the aim of finding new talent to be guided by professional racers.

NEWS

Final round GR GT Cup season 7 at Sunway University this weekend

UMW Toyota Motor invites Malaysians interested in Gran Turismo 7 simulation racing to witness the final round of the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup season 7 at Sunway University Campus from 27th to 28th July.

The two-day event is open to the public, where the semi-final round will be held on 27th July to select the fastest simulation racers who will compete on 28th July for a total prize of RM120,500.

The semi-final stage will see 20 racers driving the Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO Edition at Alsace circuit in France, as well as the Toyota GR Supra RZ at the Deep Forest Raceway circuit in Switzerland.

The top 10 fastest participants will advance to the final stage to race the GR010 prototype car at Monza circuit in Italy and the GR Supra Racing Concept car at Circuit De La Sarthe Le Mans circuit in France.

Notable contenders this year include Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira vying for his fourth championship title, competing against last year’s runner-up Danesh Wigneswaran and Chong Kai Chang, as well as 2022 champion Muhammad Iqbal.

The GR GT Cup final will also feature a special race involving TGR Rookies, media practitioners, and the top 10 fastest racers from the GR Tour, comprising students from Sunway University, USM Nibong Tebal, MMU, UKM, and UiTM Pasir Gudang.

The public is also invited to test their racing skills and stand a chance to win special prizes.

There will also be a showcase of Tomica diecast vehicle models and exclusive Gazoo Racing merchandise for purchase, as well as displays of the latest Toyota vehicles.

UMW Toyota President, Datuk Ravindran K, stated, “Simulation racing is evolving globally and is now recognized as a crucial step for individuals aspiring to transition to real racing.

“It is also a vital prerequisite in the selection and training of candidates wishing to join the Gazoo Racing Young Driver Development Program to compete as a Rookie in the GR Vios Challenge,” he added.

NEWS

2025 Toyota GR86 got upgraded handling and suspension, also with exclusive green color!

Toyota Japan has updated its offering of the rear-wheel-drive sports coupe model Toyota GR86 for the 2025 model year with the anticipated upgrades for its enthusiasts.

Compared to the previous GR86, Toyota claims the 2025 model is able to offer sharper handling and a more connected driving feel with the road.

 

 

Based on input obtained from racing circuits, Toyota has retooled the characteristics of the suspension system and the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control of this vehicle for more precise response and control without sacrificing stability.

For the manual transmission model, the traction control has been recalibrated to facilitate throttle blipping, in addition to offering smoother traction control response.

Toyota engineers also adjusted the engine speed tolerance aspect on the automatic transmission-equipped GR86 for a more sporty driving experience based on feedback from customers involved in motorsports.

Furthermore, the Toyota GR86 2025 has been updated with new features such as tire pressure warning system and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

 

 

For those seeking something more exclusive, Toyota Japan has introduced the GR86 “RZ Ridge Green Limited” edition, limited to just 200 units.

It features an exclusive green color on the exterior, 18-inch silver-colored rims, Brembo vented brake rotors, SACHS shock absorbers, two-tone black/tan leather and suede upholstery, as well as special embroidery on the door panel.

The Toyota GR86 Ridge Green Limited edition is priced starting from ¥3,897,000 (RM114,560) and can only be purchased through a lucky draw system, with applications closing on July 28.

Those who miss out can still get the standard Toyota GR86 with a starting sales price of ¥3,195,000 (RM93,923) for the manual version, while the automatic version starts from ¥3,293,000 (RM96,804).