Latest news with #GazooRacing
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Toyota confirms reports it will shift production of its in-demand hot hatch from Japan to Derbyshire next year
Confirming reports earlier in the week, Japanese car giant Toyota has today announced it will shift production of one of its in-demand hot hatchbacks to the UK next year. Manufacturing of some GR Corolla cars will move from its native Japan to the Burnaston plant in Derbyshire in 2026, where the hybrid Corolla family hatchback is already produced. However, despite plans to soon build the car in Britain, the GR Corolla isn't sold in the UK. In fact, the aim is to increase Toyota's supply of these motors to North America where there's intense demand for the 300hp sports car - which costs $43,995 (approx £32,500). It will also mean the company can reap the benefit of the more favourable trade deal agreed between the US and UK, with Japanese imports levied with steeper 25 per cent tariffs. It will be the first time a GR-branded Toyota - which stands for Gazoo Racing, the competition arm of the company that overseas its World Rally Championship and World Endurance Championship assaults that also tweaks its range of performance cars - will be made outside Japan. While unconfirmed, it is reported that Toyota will spend over £41million setting up the dedicated assembly line for the US-bound hot hatchbacks. Toyota said on Friday that its GR Corolla has been 'met with high levels of customer enthusiasm and demand' in North America, which has 'outstripped supply, leading to today's announcement of an expansion of vehicle production'. It added that the choice reflects Toyota's efforts to 'optimise its global production footprint to produce and deliver vehicles to customers as swiftly as possible'. Toyota also has European vehicle production hubs in France, Turkey, Poland, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Russia. However, it said the decision to choose Burnaston is recognition of the 'capability of TMUK [Toyota Manufacturing UK], its staff and its supply chain, and the deep motorsport culture and skill base within the United Kingdom'. Bosses say preparations for this move have been in place since last year. The move allows the company to reap the benefit of the more favourable trade deal agreed between the US and UK, with Japanese imports levied with the higher 25% tariffs Toyota also has European vehicle production hubs in France, Turkey, Poland, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Russia. However, it said the decision to choose Burnaston is recognition of the 'capability of TMUK [Toyota Manufacturing UK], its staff and its supply chain, and the deep motorsport culture and skill base within the United Kingdom' Yoshihiro Nakata, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, commented: '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.' Expected to start by mid-2026, production is expected to reach 10,000 units annually. In 2024, Burnaston produced 98,055 vehicles - a combination of Toyota Corollas and the Suzuki Swace, its Japanese partner's version built on the same platform. The GR Corolla assembly line will help to cover some of the 20 per cent decline in annual UK outputs, with Toyota making 122,193 passenger cars at the plant in 2023. The news will be a small boost to Britain's automotive sector. On Thursday, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders confirmed that vehicle production in the UK had fallen to a 72-year low in April resulting from a huge decline in demand from key export markets as tariff fears weighed heavy. Experts believe that Toyota's move is a sign of Britain's attractiveness to firms deciding where to set up factories. A trade deal with the US to reduce tariffs from 25 per cent to 10 per cent was rubberstamped earlier this month. This now means the UK is 'well-placed to act as a bridge between the US and EU,' said Alex Altmann from business advisers Lubbock Fine, adding that Brexit allowed the UK to 'tailor its regulatory framework to better suit domestic industries'. In 2024, Burnaston produced 98,055 vehicles - a combination of Toyota Corollas and the Suzuki Swace, its Japanese partner's version built on the same platform Burnaston began operations in 1992 and already produces the normal hatchback and hybrid estate Corolla for UK and European markets. Despite suffering a decline in manufacturing since Brexit, its advanced production technology and Corolla expertise make it a natural choice, one of the people said. Engineers will be temporarily dispatched from Japan to share production technology and other expertise as well. The 'GR factory' Motomachi plant in Japan assembled 25,000 cars last year, around a third of which are Corollas, but is reportedly at full capacity. The shift to UK GR Corolla production also lends credence to the theory that the GR Corolla could launch in Europe soon. Currently it is only offered in a number of enthusiast markets including the US and Japan, but prototypes were spotted testing at the Nürburgring last year. Currently UK hot hatch fans have the GR Yaris, but demand is so high that Toyota uses a ballot system.
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Confirmed: Toyota Will Make the GR Corolla In the UK
The rumors were true: Toyota will begin producing the GR Corolla in the United Kingdom starting in 2026. Preparations at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) plant actually began last year and will culminate with the start of production sometime next year. The Burnaston factory in Derbyshire will become the company's first plant outside Japan to assemble a full-fat Gazoo Racing product. It makes sense to build the car in the UK, considering Toyota already produces the regular hatchback and the not-for-America Corolla Touring Sports wagon at the same site. Since its launch in 2022, the GR Corolla has been exclusively built in Japan at the Motomachi Plant. Whether relocating some of the production to the UK indicates plans to sell the car in Europe remains unclear. For now, the three-cylinder compact car remains a forbidden fruit on the Old Continent. Photo by: Toyota Toyota has announced that it will reveal details about where the UK-built GR Corolla will be sold at a later date. The company will also share information on annual production volumes and reveal how much it's investing to prepare the factory for the flagship model's arrival. TMUK has been making cars since 1992, when the first Carina rolled off the assembly line. The Avensis sedan and Auris hatch were also made there. Toyota cites growing demand for the GR Corolla as the reason behind its decision to expand manufacturing. It also aims to 'deliver vehicles to customers as swiftly as possible,' and according to Reuters , the UK-made cars will be shipped to the United States. The world's largest automaker for the fifth consecutive year is reportedly spending up to $56 million to make it happen. Once production ramps up, as many as 10,000 vehicles are expected to be shipped to North America annually. It's worth noting that the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on vehicles assembled in Japan, while tariffs on UK-made cars have been reduced from 27.5% to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles per year. Shifting production of US-bound GR Corollas to the UK would ease some of the tax burden, though it's unlikely current pricing will remain unchanged for long. Now might be the best time to buy one, unless you're holding out for the hardcore version Toyota recently teased. It'll have more torque than the standard car's 295 lb-ft (400 Nm), although it's unclear whether it will carry the GRMN badge or be a different kind of special edition. Expect a two-seat layout similar to the Morizo Edition. Stay Up To Speed With The GR Corolla: The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Is Still the AWD Hot Hatch King How Toyota Made an Automatic Worthy of the GR Corolla Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Toyota Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Toyota Gazoo Racing caps off Safari Rally with a strong finish
In addition to the pair of South African entered GR Hiluxes, overall victory went to the factory Gazoo Racing team of Henk Lategan/Brett Cummings. Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet completed the first-ever South African Safari Rally in 12th place overall for Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa. Picture: Toyota Gazoo Racing The inaugural South African Safari Rally, round three of the World Rally-Raid Championship, oncluded with the fifth stage on Saturday (24 May), wrapping up six days of racing through some of the country's most punishing terrain. Final push Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa crews Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy, and Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet capped the event with a double top 15 finish on the on the final 111 km special stage around Sun City. The stage covered 222 km in total, featuring two liaison sections split by a high-speed special run through a mix of sand, soft gravel, rocky outcrops, and dry savannah. Opening the route after winning the fourth stage proved a tall order for teenager Variawa and his French co-driver Cazalet as they struggled to maintain pace. 'I gave it everything,' said Variawa. 'I pushed at yesterday's winning pace, but opening the road makes it incredibly difficult. There's just no line to follow, and by the time a few cars are through, the route changes completely. We saw corners become straights just a few cars back.' ALSO READ: Toyota Gazoo Racing ends Safari Rally fourth stage on a high The duo finished 18th on Stage 5, seven min 31 sec behind the leader. 'All in all, it was an amazing event,' Variawa added. 'The scenery, the fans, the stages, everything was fantastic. We were fighting with the world's best, and it's clear we're moving in the right direction.' Teammates Botterill and Murphy also rebounding strongly after a tough start to the event. They produced another clean run to finish 12th on the final stage. 'We had a really successful weekend overall,' said Botterill. 'We managed two 1-2 stage finishes as a team, which was fantastic. The pace is definitely there; we just need to cut out the small mistakes and learn how to better manage the road order strategy in these world-level events.' Reflecting on the rally's, Botterill noted: 'Nobody won a stage starting in the top 10 this week. You really want to be starting fifth or sixth every day, but it's hard to get that balance right. The guys who've been doing this for a while know how to play the game. We're learning fast, and we'll come back stronger.' All round success for Toyota Both Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa GR Hilux EVOs completed the event without issues Variawa/Cazalet finishing 12th overall and with Botterill/Murphy 13th. In the overall standings, works Toyota Gazoo Racing team Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings took the victory ahead of the Dacia Sandrider of nine-times world rally champion Sébastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin, and the second Gazoo Racing Hilux EVO of Brazilian Lucas Moraes and Spanish co-driver Armand Monleon. In the drivers' classification, Variawa edges closer to the top ten, while Botterill adds valuable points to his international campaign. With the South African round complete, the focus shifts to the next round in Portugal on 22-28 September. Overall Results #205 Henk Lategan/Brett Cummings – Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux DKR EVO #219 Sébastien Loeb/Fabian Lurquin – Dacia Sandrider #203 Lucas Moraes/Armand Monleon – Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux DKR EVO #277 Gareth Woolridge /Boyd Dreyer – Castrol Neil Woolridge Motorsport Ford Ranger T1+ #225 Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz – Ford M-Sport Raptor DKR #204 Seth Quintero/Dennis Zenz – Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux DKR EVO #227 Nani Roma/Alex Haro – Ford M-Sport Raptor DKR #242 Daniel Schröder/Henry Köhne – PS Laser Racing Volkswagen Amarok #222 Guillaume De Mévius/Xavier Panseri – X-Raid Mini John Cooper Works #200 Nasser Al-Attiyah/Édouard Boulanger – Dacia Sandrider ALSO READ: Stage 3: No let up for Toyota Gazoo Racing on South African Safari
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
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Toyota CEO says a car is not a car if it's not fun
At a press conference to discuss the company's latest financial results, held a few hours before the launch of the sixth-generation RAV4 yesterday, Toyota CEO Koji Sato boldly declared: "A car is not a car if it's not fun". Responding to a question about fewer cars being exciting and fun to drive these days, he went on to say "That's why we will never allow our cars to become commodities". The sentiment echoes that of Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, the driving force behind the Japanese giant's Gazoo Racing (GR) performance sub-brand and models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While it's clear that mission statement still applies for the world's biggest automaker, Sato-san also said he believes Toyota "can no longer sell cars just with model updates, slightly better fuel efficiency, or new designs" and that "unless that same passion [as sports cars] can be found in other types of cars, we won't be able to reach customers". The CEO finished off his thoughts by stating: "I'm trying to instill this kind of mindset in each of our project teams. That is the Toyota I want to create, and I will continue working on that this year." So it seems the theme laid out by the automaker's previous CEO, who remains at the firm as its chairman and "master driver", not only remains but will be supported by more than just incremental improvements across its model range in future. Toyoda-san took control of the family firm in 2009 when Toyota was in the thick of a recall scandal brought about largely by being too aggressive in chasing down sales stats and the global sales crown. His turnaround plan included refocusing on quality, as well as making the company's cars "fun to drive, again". Not long into his tenure, the FT-86 concept debuted, which slowly morphed into the first-generation Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ. With his well-known love for racing, he championed the elevation of his pet Gazoo Racing division to develop wickedly fast GR versions of the Yaris and Corolla, as well as the Supra. MORE: Everything Toyota Content originally sourced from: At a press conference to discuss the company's latest financial results, held a few hours before the launch of the sixth-generation RAV4 yesterday, Toyota CEO Koji Sato boldly declared: "A car is not a car if it's not fun". Responding to a question about fewer cars being exciting and fun to drive these days, he went on to say "That's why we will never allow our cars to become commodities". The sentiment echoes that of Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, the driving force behind the Japanese giant's Gazoo Racing (GR) performance sub-brand and models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While it's clear that mission statement still applies for the world's biggest automaker, Sato-san also said he believes Toyota "can no longer sell cars just with model updates, slightly better fuel efficiency, or new designs" and that "unless that same passion [as sports cars] can be found in other types of cars, we won't be able to reach customers". The CEO finished off his thoughts by stating: "I'm trying to instill this kind of mindset in each of our project teams. That is the Toyota I want to create, and I will continue working on that this year." So it seems the theme laid out by the automaker's previous CEO, who remains at the firm as its chairman and "master driver", not only remains but will be supported by more than just incremental improvements across its model range in future. Toyoda-san took control of the family firm in 2009 when Toyota was in the thick of a recall scandal brought about largely by being too aggressive in chasing down sales stats and the global sales crown. His turnaround plan included refocusing on quality, as well as making the company's cars "fun to drive, again". Not long into his tenure, the FT-86 concept debuted, which slowly morphed into the first-generation Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ. With his well-known love for racing, he championed the elevation of his pet Gazoo Racing division to develop wickedly fast GR versions of the Yaris and Corolla, as well as the Supra. MORE: Everything Toyota Content originally sourced from: At a press conference to discuss the company's latest financial results, held a few hours before the launch of the sixth-generation RAV4 yesterday, Toyota CEO Koji Sato boldly declared: "A car is not a car if it's not fun". Responding to a question about fewer cars being exciting and fun to drive these days, he went on to say "That's why we will never allow our cars to become commodities". The sentiment echoes that of Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, the driving force behind the Japanese giant's Gazoo Racing (GR) performance sub-brand and models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While it's clear that mission statement still applies for the world's biggest automaker, Sato-san also said he believes Toyota "can no longer sell cars just with model updates, slightly better fuel efficiency, or new designs" and that "unless that same passion [as sports cars] can be found in other types of cars, we won't be able to reach customers". The CEO finished off his thoughts by stating: "I'm trying to instill this kind of mindset in each of our project teams. That is the Toyota I want to create, and I will continue working on that this year." So it seems the theme laid out by the automaker's previous CEO, who remains at the firm as its chairman and "master driver", not only remains but will be supported by more than just incremental improvements across its model range in future. Toyoda-san took control of the family firm in 2009 when Toyota was in the thick of a recall scandal brought about largely by being too aggressive in chasing down sales stats and the global sales crown. His turnaround plan included refocusing on quality, as well as making the company's cars "fun to drive, again". Not long into his tenure, the FT-86 concept debuted, which slowly morphed into the first-generation Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ. With his well-known love for racing, he championed the elevation of his pet Gazoo Racing division to develop wickedly fast GR versions of the Yaris and Corolla, as well as the Supra. MORE: Everything Toyota Content originally sourced from: At a press conference to discuss the company's latest financial results, held a few hours before the launch of the sixth-generation RAV4 yesterday, Toyota CEO Koji Sato boldly declared: "A car is not a car if it's not fun". Responding to a question about fewer cars being exciting and fun to drive these days, he went on to say "That's why we will never allow our cars to become commodities". The sentiment echoes that of Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, the driving force behind the Japanese giant's Gazoo Racing (GR) performance sub-brand and models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While it's clear that mission statement still applies for the world's biggest automaker, Sato-san also said he believes Toyota "can no longer sell cars just with model updates, slightly better fuel efficiency, or new designs" and that "unless that same passion [as sports cars] can be found in other types of cars, we won't be able to reach customers". The CEO finished off his thoughts by stating: "I'm trying to instill this kind of mindset in each of our project teams. That is the Toyota I want to create, and I will continue working on that this year." So it seems the theme laid out by the automaker's previous CEO, who remains at the firm as its chairman and "master driver", not only remains but will be supported by more than just incremental improvements across its model range in future. Toyoda-san took control of the family firm in 2009 when Toyota was in the thick of a recall scandal brought about largely by being too aggressive in chasing down sales stats and the global sales crown. His turnaround plan included refocusing on quality, as well as making the company's cars "fun to drive, again". Not long into his tenure, the FT-86 concept debuted, which slowly morphed into the first-generation Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ. With his well-known love for racing, he championed the elevation of his pet Gazoo Racing division to develop wickedly fast GR versions of the Yaris and Corolla, as well as the Supra. MORE: Everything Toyota Content originally sourced from:
