The one make racing event, Vios Challenge, was exceptionally unique this time as it featured a different format compared to the previous two races.
For the first time, the Vios Challenge made its international debut concurrently with the Autobacs Super GT round in Malaysia, held from June 26-28.
Additionally, this second round of the 8th season of the Vios Challenge introduced a one-hour race format covering a total distance of 5.543 km, as opposed to the previous 10-lap sprint races that utilized half of the Sepang circuit.
To make the race more exciting, all 36 drivers from three racing classes (Super Sporting, Sporting, and Rookie) were released simultaneously, which significantly increased the challenge and provided a fairer opportunity for all competitors.
This was reflected in the final results of both races, where podium positions varied for each racing class.
The Vios Challenge still has two rounds remaining, with the third round scheduled to coincide with the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) on August 8-10.
Meanwhile, the fourth round is planned for October 2025 in Johor, with the exact location and date to be announced later.
Below are the race results of the Vios Challenge by class:
Super Sporting Class
Race 1 1. Freddie Ang (Telagamas Toyota)
2. Nabil Azlan (Wheelcorp)
3. William Ho (Toyotsu Toyota)
Race 2 1. Mitchell Cheah (Team Prima Pearl SP Selatan)
2. Ady Rahimy (Laser Motor Racing)
3. Freddie Ang (Telagamas Toyota)
Sporting Class
Race 1 1. Jwan Hii (Hong Huat x Armada KK Racing)
2. Dato Dr Ken Foo (Kulim Top Wheels)
3. Warunchit Wattanathanakun (RUK Team Nexzter PMC 52)
Race 2 1. Justin Toh (BAE Racing by ES Yang)
2. Elson Lew (BAE Racing by ES Yang)
3. Warunchit Wattanathanakun (RUK Team Nexzter PMC 52)
The Vios Challenge still has two rounds remaining, with the third round scheduled to take place concurrently with the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) on August 8-10.
Meanwhile, the fourth round is planned for October 2025 in Johor, with the exact location and date to be announced later.
Round 3 of the Super GT Malaysia 2025 saw the Deloitte TOM’s GR Supra and UPGARAGE AMG GT3 excel in the GT500 and GT300 classes, respectively, under track temperatures reaching 42°C.
Here are the final results of Round 3 of Super GT Malaysia 2025:
GT500 Class
Deloitte TOM’s GR Supra #37
Arta Mugen Civic Type-R GT #8
TRS Impul with SDG Z #12
GT300 Class
Upgarage AMG GT3 #18
Green Brave GR Supra GT #52
Goodsmile Hatsune Miku AMG #4
After the Malaysian round, Super GT will return to Japan, where the fourth round will take place at Fuji Speedway on August 2-3.
Malaysia remains the only location outside of Japan to host Super GT races, and this year marks the first time this prestigious event has returned to the Sepang Circuit since its last hosting in 2013.
In conjunction with the closing ceremony of the seventh season of Toyota Gazoo Racing, UMW Toyota Motor has launched three high-performance models for the Malaysian market: the 2025 GR Yaris, 2025 GR Corolla and the Corolla GR Sport.
According to UMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K, “Driving is not just about moving from one destination to another, but an emotional experience that connects the soul with the road, bringing joy to every journey.”
“With the launch of the GR and GR Sport models, Toyota continues its legacy by elevating the driving experience to extraordinary levels. Developed with a spirit of performance, these models are designed to inspire and excite every Malaysian.”
2025 Toyota GR Yaris facelift
The hot hatch, born from Toyota’s involvement in WRC racing, is still powered by a 1.6-liter inline three-cylinder turbo engine that generates 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque.
For the Malaysian market, it is still offered in a six-speed manual version, along with the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system.
Engine performance is enhanced with the addition of a sub-radiator and an intercooler spray system for optimal operation under extreme pressure.
It has been reported that the GR Yaris with an eight-speed automatic transmission (DAT) is expected to follow later.
Changes to the exterior include a completely new front bumper structure with the Functional Matrix Grille Ver. 2, designed to maximize airflow and cooling, followed by new rear lamp units, an exhaust system, and a diffuser.
Inside the cabin, the dashboard layout has been completely revamped, incorporating elements from rally racing and the Super Taikyu Series.
In comparison to the previous GR Yaris, the control panel and display screen have been positioned at a 15-degree angle, allowing the driver easier access to the desired functions.
Additionally, the driving position has been improved, now with the driver sitting 25 mm lower and the rearview mirror raised.
There is also a full 12.3-inch TFT digital cluster display.
The GR Yaris 2025 facelift is priced at RM315,600.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla facelift
Like the GR Yaris hot hatch, the GR Corolla facelift is also powered by the G16E-GTS three-cylinder engine, producing 300 PS and 400 Nm, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system.
The driving aspects of the GR Corolla have been enhanced with upgraded suspension systems, providing benefits in grip levels, agility, and stability.
Aerodynamically, the GR Corolla features a completely new bumper design for improved airflow, while the wheel arches have been widened for a bolder appearance.
The hot hatch image, inspired by rally sports, is complemented by an updated interior featuring performance-oriented seats, gun-metallic finishes, a 9-inch central display, and a 12.3-inch digital cluster screen.
There are several attractive color options available, including Platinum White Pearl Mica, Precious Black, Precious Metal, and Emotional Red 2.
The Toyota GR Corolla 2025 is priced starting from RM367,000.
2025 Toyota Corolla GR Sport
Another model launched is the Corolla GR Sport 2025, which is a more practical yet sporty option.
This C-segment sedan is still powered by a 1.8-liter engine producing 139 PS and 172 Nm, but it comes with a Sport Sequential CVT transmission that offers 10 virtual speeds.
In terms of appearance, the Corolla GR Sport features a two-tone color scheme, a unique GR Sport grille with a hexagonal pattern, aerodynamic accents on the bumper, 18-inch GR Sport alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler.
Inside the cabin, the Corolla GR Sport showcases suede and premium leather-trimmed seats, a GR steering wheel, and a 10-inch central screen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This sedan is available in several two-tone color options, including Platinum White Pearl Mica, Red Mica Metallic, and Attitude Black Mica.
The Toyota Corolla GR Sport 2025 is priced starting from RM149,800.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that it successfully sold 10,402 vehicles in December 2023.Of the monthly sales figure, 10,079 units were Toyota vehicles, while 323 units were Lexus vehicles.
With this tally, UMWT’s total year-to-date sales as of December 2023 stands at 108,107 units, an increase of 7% than the 101,035 units posted in 2022.
The company also said it recorded 1,342,130 returning customers for aftersales services in 2023, showcasing a commitment to customer satisfaction and efficiency in automotive care.
“With heartfelt gratitude to all our customers for their unwavering support, this year-end, UMWT renews our commitment to ‘Move Your World.” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMWT.
“We persist in our efforts to offer an enriched mobility experience through our Toyota cars and extend access to ownership for potential customers.
“Our commitment to achieving excellence and fostering innovation in the automotive industry remains unwavering, ensuring the best offerings for our drivers and stakeholders,” he added.
Ravindran further stated that UMWT plans to introduce more models, particularly with an emphasis on xEV technologies. This is to strengthen its commitment to support Malaysia’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
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