Latest news with #GRYaris
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
World's largest car maker confirms it WILL build hot hatch in UK and invest £40million in a new assembly line
THE world's biggest car maker has confirmed it will build a popular hot hatch in the UK from next year as demand soars. Toyota says it will manufacture the GR Corolla from Burnaston, Derbyshire in a bid to ramp up production. 3 The GR Corolla is currently only available in Japan Credit: Toyota 3 Camry vehicles move down the assembly line at the Toyota Motor Corp. manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky Credit: Getty 3 Toyota's car plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire Credit: PA:Press Association It follows reports that the car maker was planning to invest around £41 million into the new line. Toyota has denied that the move is related to Trump's tariffs, which place a 25% import tax on cars from Japan compared to just 10% from the UK. The announcement has further fulled speculation that the popular model, which is currently only available in specific markets, could soon be launched in Europe. The GR Corolla is currently only available in Japan - and is exported to North America and certain other markets. Prototypes were spotted being tested at Germany's Nürburgring last year, leading to speculation of a launch according to Autocar. However, a spokesperson suggested it was standard to test global products there - but did not deny the prospect of a European launch. Toyota currently sells the GR Yaris and the GR Supra in Europe. Yoshihiro Nakata, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said: "We are proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles, securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide. "We very much appreciate the historical support and recognition of the United Kingdom and would like to continue to contribute to UK society as a 'Best in Town' company." The Burnaston plant currently produces Toyota's Corolla hatchback and estate for British and European markets. Popular car brand to launch new EV as company teases 'hammerhead' design to rival the Volvo EC40 But the proposed new investment could see production rates significantly boosted. Previous Reuters reports suggest that it could give the plant a capacity of 10,000 cars per year. The reports add that Toyota's Motomachi plant in Japan, which handles GR output, is currently at full capacity. Burnaston built its five millionth car since opening in 1992 last year. Toyota invested a staggering £240million to upgrade the Burnaston plant back in 2017. Then Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said at the time: 'Our automotive sector is one of the most productive in the world and Toyota's decision to invest £240 million upgrading its Burnaston plant is a further boost to the UK auto sector. "I also welcome the prospect of investment to take Toyota New Global Architecture into the supply chain. "Toyota is one of the world's largest car producers and this inward investment underlines the company's faith in its employees and will help ensure the plant is well positioned for future Toyota models to be made in the UK. "As we prepare to leave the EU, this Government is committed through our Industrial Strategy to ensuring the UK remains one of the best places in the world to do business and we are able to help businesses seize on economic opportunities.'
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
World's largest car maker confirms it WILL build hot hatch in UK and invest £40million in a new assembly line
THE world's biggest car maker has confirmed it will build a popular hot hatch in the UK from next year as demand soars. Toyota says it will manufacture the GR Corolla from Burnaston, Derbyshire in a bid to ramp up production. Advertisement 3 The GR Corolla is currently only available in Japan Credit: Toyota 3 Camry vehicles move down the assembly line at the Toyota Motor Corp. manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky Credit: Getty 3 Toyota's car plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire Credit: PA:Press Association It follows reports that the car maker Toyota has denied that the move is related to Trump's tariffs, which place a 25% import tax on cars from Japan compared to just 10% from the UK. The announcement has further fulled speculation that the popular model, which is currently only available in specific markets, could soon be launched in Europe. The GR Corolla is currently only available in Japan - and is exported to North America and certain other markets. Advertisement read more in motors Prototypes were spotted being tested at Germany's Nürburgring last year, leading to speculation of a launch according to Autocar. However, a spokesperson suggested it was standard to test global products there - but did not deny the prospect of a European launch. Toyota currently sells the GR Yaris and the GR Supra in Europe . Yoshihiro Nakata, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said: "We are proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles, securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide. Advertisement Most read in Motors "We very much appreciate the historical support and recognition of the United Kingdom and would like to continue to contribute to UK society as a 'Best in Town' company." The Burnaston plant currently produces Toyota's Corolla hatchback and estate for British and European markets. Popular car brand to launch new EV as company teases 'hammerhead' design to rival the Volvo EC40 But the proposed new investment could see production rates significantly boosted. Previous Reuters reports suggest that it could give the plant a capacity of 10,000 cars per year. Advertisement The reports add that Toyota's Motomachi plant in Japan , which handles GR output, is currently at full capacity. Burnaston built its five millionth car since opening in 1992 last year. Toyota invested a staggering £240million to upgrade the Burnaston plant back in 2017. Then Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said at the time: 'Our automotive sector is one of the most productive in the world and Toyota's decision to invest £240 million upgrading its Burnaston plant is a further boost to the UK auto sector. Advertisement "I also welcome the prospect of investment to take Toyota New Global Architecture into the supply chain. "Toyota is one of the world's largest car producers and this inward investment underlines the company's faith in its employees and will help ensure the plant is well positioned for future Toyota models to be made in the UK. "As we prepare to leave the EU, this Government is committed through our Industrial Strategy to ensuring the UK remains one of the best places in the world to do business and we are able to help businesses seize on economic opportunities.'
Top Gear
a day ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Toyota will build GR Corollas in the UK because of its ‘deep motorsport culture'
Toyota will build GR Corollas in the UK because of its 'deep motorsport culture' No confirmation if we'll be getting any GR Corollas ourselves, mind Skip 6 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 6 Toyota will build the GR Corolla in the UK from 2026 partly to cope with demand, and partly because of our excellent motorsport culture and expertise as the primary reasons. Basically, Toyota reckons we're pretty good at building fast things. The GR Corolla will be manufactured at Toyota's Burnaston plant, near Derby, where the standard Corolla and Corolla Touring Sports models are currently being produced. Makes sense, considering the two cars share a few exterior panels and interior trim. Advertisement - Page continues below Something that certainly isn't shared is the engine: a punchy little 1.6-litre three-pot that also features in the equally punchy (and brilliant) GR Yaris. Which means 300bhp and 295lb ft, enough to chalk off 0-62mph in five seconds. (These GR engines are built in Toyota's Motomachi plant in Japan.) OK, we know what you're thinking: the GR Corolla's being built here, but we can't buy one. Well, Toyota has confirmed future markets and production volume strategy will be clarified over the coming months. And having acknowledged the UK's love for racy things, there's reason enough for us to be optimistic. Optimism that runs to the even racier GR Corollas Toyota's been working on... Advertisement - Page continues below Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
Auto Express
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Toyota GR Corolla to be built in the UK, but British buyers still can't have one
In an effort to keep on top of increasing demand for the hot GR Corolla, Toyota has announced the car will be built at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire. There had been hopes the GR Corolla would become the fourth fully-fledged GR product to go on sale in the UK, after the GR Supra, GR86 and the GR Yaris, but Toyota has given no indication that it'll be added to the line-up. Advertisement - Article continues below The decision to bring GR Corolla production to the UK makes more sense when you factor in the car's long waiting lists in the US, plus increasing dealer mark-ups as a result of strong demand. The GR Yaris and GR86 both experienced high demand during their initial launches in 2022, with spots on waiting lists being sold for sums that reached four figures. Taking the slack off Toyota's Motomachi plant in Japan where the GR Corolla, GR Yaris and GR86 are manufactured, the Burnaston factory already exports 85 per cent of its production overseas and recently celebrated its five millionth car – a Corolla GR Sport Hatchback hybrid. The GR Corolla has had hot hatch enthusiasts excited since it was revealed in 2022. It uses the same three-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged engine as the 276bhp GR Yaris, but tuned to 295bhp. Like the GR Yaris, power goes to all four wheels through a torque vectoring system, and there's even been a choice of automatic or six-speed manual transmissions. Toyota says that preparations for the hot hatch's production line have been in place since 2024, although we expect the GR Corolla will be made on the same line as the standard car with new tooling added for the changes in bodywork and powertrain. Toyota says the first UK-built GR Corolla will roll off the factory floor in 2026. Commenting on the GR Corolla's production move, Yoshihiro Nakata, CEO of Toyota Motor Europe said: 'We are proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles in securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide. 'We really appreciate the historical support and recognition of the United Kingdom and would like to continue to contribute to UK society as a 'Best In Town' company.' Latest Toyota Corolla deals Now take a look at the best hot hatchbacks you can buy in the UK...
News.com.au
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR review
Take the fizzing turbo engine from Toyota's GR Yaris, wrap it in a luxury skin, then lower, widen and stiffen. Cook it up and it's the most 'Banzai!' Lexus we've seen in years – the LBX Morizo RR. This new model shakes off the normal LBX's sensible shackles to become a Gazoo Racing LBX city SUV in all but name. The code name Besides, the Morizo 'Rookie Racer' badge is cooler, as it's the alias of Toyota Corp's chairman – and utter rev head – Akio Toyoda. Such is the big boss's affection for this hot little Lex, he's gifted his racing name to the model. Why? Because it's the funnest Lexus we've seen in years. But it's not cheap. At $76,490 – over $80,000 to drive away – it's 30 grand more than a well-equipped entry-level LBX hybrid. But that's not stopped Aussie shoppers. There's already a year-long waiting list for this Morizo RR. Here's the appeal. Its screaming 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo's good for 206kW and 390Nm, meaning 0-100km/h in only 5.2 seconds. That matches Toyota's GR Yaris weapon, and trumps the larger GR Corolla. Helping the performance cause is race car-like electronically variable all-wheel drive, Torsen rear limited slip differential, bespoke sports suspension, forged aluminium 19-inch wheels and sticky Continental performance tyres. It looks the business There's body coloured fenders, twin exhausts, unique bumpers for improved airflow, red brake callipers on ventilated rotors, and it sits 15mm lower and 15mm wider than lesser LBXs. Front occupants enjoy semi-aniline leather and suede heated seats; dash and door trims are suede with red stitching, there's classy push button door handles, aluminium pedals and chunky heated steering wheel. It's not luxe-dripping like larger Lexus offerings, but feels classy enough inside, and a mighty leap over the hard plastic cocoon of the related Toyota Yaris Cross. Tech includes an angled 9.8-inch infotainment screen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto (which you must use – the native software's very average), digital driver display, Mark Levinson audio and five USB-C ports. Why you need five is a mystery, as this LBX is cosy for two but a serious squeeze for more. Rear seats are a challenging fit, and the boot's also a tiddler as the rear suspension changed to a sportier independent set-up. Which shows priority's been given to the drive rather than practicality. Good. Something is missing But then a major misstep, for this reviewer at least, is no manual gearbox offered. Not only is a six-speed stick shift offered in the GR Yaris and Corolla, LBX Morizo RRs in Japan feature three pedals. Lexus Australia (rightly) says demand for manuals is near non-existent here, but we still say boo. On our Victorian Alps test road, the driver engagement is still extraordinary. Being a Lexus, this mongrel LBX must be more sophisticated than commoner GR Toyotas, so isn't as raw, exhaust-poppy and spine-smashingly firm. But it remains toylike in bends, exhibiting phenomenal balance and grip, while the steering – key to a rewarding car – is superbly weighted in Sport mode, helping accurate dives into a corner apex. It's a car that just sticks. Glue like. The engine is a star Its petrol particulate filter robs of some performance next to a GR Yaris, but you'd not notice. Torque pull's mighty so you fly out of bends, ready to nimbly dart into the next direction change. The eight-speed auto gearbox is smooth and eager, and paddles give control to hold it to the redline, where the noise is windows-down worthy. It's docile in town, but seriously thirsty. Reckon on over 12L/100km on urban or back roads. Ride quality's also on the firm side for daily use, but you'll forgive it for the thrills offered. Unlike $6950 for five years' servicing – that's tough to swallow. Verdict No manual gearbox is a shame, but it's still a great fun, capable and desirable pocket rocket dressed in a fancy Lexus suit. 4 stars 2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR ENGINE: 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol, 206kW and 390Nm THIRST: 9.2L/100km
