Toyota Gazoo Racing launches new motorsport hub in SA
Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag!
The expansive 12 500m² facility, a testament to high-performance engineering and development, hints at even greater potential for the Dakar Rally-conquering GR Hilux EVO.
The purpose-built Toyota Gazoo Racing Motorsport Hub centralises Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa's entire rally-raid operation under one roof. This multi-level complex houses the team's growing fleet of race vehicles alongside previously disparate technical departments. Crucially, the new hub boasts significant upgrades, including a dedicated engine room, a sophisticated damper laboratory and an in-house dynamometer. These additions will allow for more precise and rapid development of the formidable GR Hilux EVO's powertrain.
Furthermore, TGRSA has heavily invested in its fabrication and machining capabilities. The upgraded divisions are now equipped with precision component production tools, enabling the team to bring previously outsourced services in-house. This strategic move is expected to drastically reduce turnaround times for crucial parts and allow for even finer control over the performance, durability and, crucially, the reliability of their Dakar challenger.
Related: NWM's New Evo Plus Rally-Raid Contender Is the Ford Ranger Bakkie to Have
The sheer scale of the new facility is impressive. With the capacity to prepare up to 20 racecars simultaneously – a substantial increase from the previous limit of six – TGRSA is clearly gearing up for an expanded operational scope, potentially supporting more global rally-raid efforts in the future. A state-of-the-art parts store, complete with custom-built inventory and logistics software, will not only serve TGRSA but also have the capacity to support other teams worldwide.
While the unveiling focused on the impressive infrastructure, the underlying message is clear: TGRSA is doubling down on its commitment to rally-raid success. The enhanced in-house capabilities suggest a renewed focus on pushing the boundaries of the GR Hilux EVO, hinting at potential future evolutions of the vehicle designed to conquer the world's toughest terrains. Team principal Shameer Variawa expressed immense pride in the new facility, emphasising the collective vision and ability that it represents. Glenn Crompton, the vice-president of marketing at Toyota SA Motors, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the new hub as the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Toyota's motorsport endeavours and their partnership with SVR.
Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!
The post Toyota Gazoo Racing Launches New Motorsport Hub in SA appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux crews on rally-raid podium in Parys
Saood Variawa and co-driver Francois Cazalet win their maiden race in the Free State. Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) tackled the critical South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) double-header in Parys this past weekend and the Toyota Hilux GR racing bakkie managed to hold off the challenge from the Ford Ranger. While the results from Round 2 of the season remain under review, the team bagged a double-podium in Round 3, including a maiden victory for Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet. The race weekend saw competitors descend upon the Free State town of Parys, on the banks of the Vaal River. With the Designated Service Points (DSP) and Race HQ at the Stonehenge Lodge, the crews faced two full rounds of the national championship, with a total race distance of nearly 800km. Each round offered a full complement of points, making the double-header a pivotal weekend in the championship battle. ALSO READ: Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux must take the fight to Ford Ranger Toyota Hilux crews fight bravely Despite the added pressure, TGRSA's two Toyota Hilux GR IMT EVO crews fought bravely throughout the weekend. The results of Friday's second round remain under review, but even so the team had two cars in podium contention throughout the weekend. On Saturday, however, there were no questions asked: TGRSA had not only achieved an overall win thanks to Variawa and co-driver Cazalet, but added a third-place finish courtesy to Guy Botterill and co-driver Oriol Mena. The pair held the hard-charging crews behind them at bay to secure a second podium position for the team. The terrain around Parys proved to be every bit as tough as expected, with a surprising amount of deep water and mud, despite the mid-winter race weekend. The weather was kind, however, with moderate temperatures and light wind. But out on the stages, the action was as hot as ever, and TGRSA was right at the sharp end throughout the race weekend. ALSO READ: Close call makes Lategan more determined to win Dakar Rally Team boss chuffed 'It was a tough weekend for sure,' said TGRSA team principal Shameer Variawa after the race. 'Tactically our crews had to preserve the cars for Round 3, but they not only managed to finish strongly on Round 2, they also secured a double podium the very next day. For the team, there was a huge amount of pressure to ensure the cars were fully prepared for both days – but this is familiar territory to us thanks to our participation in the Dakar Rally, and in the end, we are ecstatic with the confirmed results.' Round 4 takes place at the Louvain Guest Farm near George in the Western Cape. This is a new race on the calendar and takes place on 19 and 20 September.
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Over 20,000 Ford vehicles recalled in South Africa due to safety issues
The recall affects the Ford Ranger, Everest, Puma, and EcoSport models, all built between 2021 and 2025. The Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has announced a recall affecting thousands of its vehicles across the region. The recall relates to certain Ford models built between 2021 and 2025 and affects several popular models including the Ford Ranger, Everest, Puma, and EcoSport. The recent announcement specifically highlights issues with the Ford Ranger and Everest, both equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and produced between June 2022 and March 2025. Upon investigation, FMCSA discovered a potential defect in the left-side camshaft sprocket that could fracture, leading to an unexpected engine stall—a situation Ford has described as raising 'the risk of an accident.' In some of the affected vehicles, FMCSA said the infotainment screen may freeze followed by a black screen and a system reboot and if this occurs while reversing the vehicle, the rear-view image may be frozen, missing or delayed. "A frozen rear-view camera display image while in reverse may create a false representation of where the vehicle is relative to its surroundings, increasing the risk of an accident," said FMCSA. The recall affects a total of 21,736 vehicles across the Southern African region, with the vast majority, 20,693 vehicles, located in South Africa. Namibia follows with 657, Botswana with 363, and Eswatini with just 23 vehicles impacted. Notably, the breakdown of affected vehicles is as follows:
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Ford recalls thousands of vehicles in South Africa
The Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has announced a major safety recall impacting thousands of vehicles sold between 2018 and 2025, with the Ford Ranger being the most widely affected model. The recall includes: Ford Ranger Ford Mustang Ford EcoSport Ford Everest Ford Transit Custom The issues range from infotainment and camera system failures to mechanical concerns that may increase the risk of accidents. The company has identified a serious issue in eight 2025 Ford Ranger vehicles where the transmission main valve body's internal dimensions do not meet engineering specifications. This defect can cause the following problems: Vehicle may fail to move in reverse gear. Vehicle may move forward when placed in reverse or neutral. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and Wrench light will illuminate. Unexpected forward motion increases the risk of an accident. Ford is sourcing replacement parts, expected to arrive by October 2025, and will notify affected owners. Certain models built between 2018 and 2023 may experience system instability in the SYNC infotainment unit. This occurs after repeated short ignition cycles, leading to: Frozen or blank rear-view camera images. Rear-view images remaining on screen after reversing. A frozen image may mislead drivers about their surroundings, raising the risk of a collision. 33 vehicles in South Africa are affected, broken down as follows: Ford Mustang – 30 Ford EcoSport – 1 Ford Ranger – 1 Ford Everest – 1 Ford expects to provide a software update by the third quarter of 2025. The largest recall involves 20,693 vehicles built between 2021 and 2025. Ford reports that the infotainment screens in affected vehicles may: Freeze, then reboot with a black screen. Freeze or delay the rear-view camera while reversing. This defect impacts visibility and increases accident risks. The affected vehicles include: Ford Ranger – 16,820 Ford Everest – 3,199 Ford Transit Custom – 674 Ford anticipates a fix by the third quarter of 2025. Ford emphasised that all repairs will be completed free of charge once solutions are available. Customers can check if their vehicle is affected by visiting: 🔗 (Enter your VIN number in the search bar) They can also contact the Customer Relationship Resolution Centre: 📞 0860 011 022 (South Africa) 📞 +27 12 843 5824 (International) 📧 [email protected] In a statement, Ford reassured customers: 'Our commitment, together with our dealer partners, is to provide customers with the highest level of service and support.' With thousands of vehicles in Potchefstroom and across South Africa potentially affected, Ford urges drivers to take action immediately to ensure their vehicles remain safe to operate.
