Latest news with #ToyotaGR
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota Admits ‘Many Challenges' With Its Mid-Engine Sports Prototype
Toyota Admits 'Many Challenges' With Its Mid-Engine Sports Prototype originally appeared on Autoblog. The GR Yaris M Concept is a testbed with troubles Toyota's GR Yaris M Concept, a testbed for the company's compact mid-engine sports car engineering, has yet to make its planned 2025 race debut as the manufacturer grapples with significant developmental challenges. After the GR Yaris M Concept missed another race in Japan's Super Taikyu Series this past weekend, Toyota announced: 'While many challenges have been identified and improvements are ongoing, there are difficulties unique to midship-mounted vehicles in terms of braking, steering, and driving, and Toyota has therefore decided not to participate with this vehicle at Autopolis to refine it further.' Toyota added that it 'has its sights set on entering the vehicle in future races,' but there are only two more Super Taikyu Series rounds left in the 2025 season. The Super Taikyu Series consists of seven rounds, with its final two races scheduled to take place over a three-hour event on October 26 at Okayama International Circuit and November 16-17 at Fuji Speedway. Toyota unveiled its GR Yaris M Concept in January. According to the manufacturer, the GR Yaris M Concept features a new G20E engine with an IHI turbocharger, producing 400 to 450 standard horsepower. A version with a larger turbo is also available, offering up to 600 horsepower. Mid-engine sports car challenges aren't limited to Toyota Mid-engine sports car development issues have occurred with other automakers, such as General Motors (GM), which encountered several problems with its Pontiac Fiero produced during the mid-1980s. The Fiero sports car used a three-quart oil pan instead of a four-quart one during its first model year, resulting in the engine sometimes running hot due to an oil shortage, according to MotorTrend. Pontiac's 1984 Fiero also had weak connecting rods and a wiring harness mounted too close to the exhaust manifolds, which increased the risk of engine fire. One in every 400 debut Fieros experienced a fire, and GM didn't recall the vehicle until 1987. So, what makes a mid-engine car difficult to perfect? These vehicles have a low center of gravity, which aids stability but makes regaining control harder during spins. Mid-engine sports cars are also more expensive on average to make, posing challenges to companies like Toyota. In contrast, companies like Ferrari, known for using this configuration, aren't as restricted in this area. Since mid-engine parts are more difficult to access, repairs can also come at a higher expense. Rumors of Toyota using the GR Yaris M to help revive its mid-engine MR2 sports car have excited many, but this concept's slow development raises doubts about a near-future MR2 release. Final thoughts Toyota hasn't yet pulled the plug on its mid-engine sports car testbed, but those waiting on an MR2 revival shouldn't necessarily hold their breath. The automaker has until mid-November to fulfill its goal of entering the GR Yaris M Concept into Japan's Super Taikyu Series, and whether this happens will likely influence release timelines for future mid-engine models. Toyota's current struggles with its compact mid-engine sports car concept underscore the challenge of striking a balance among performance, reliability, and affordability in these vehicles. Still, the manufacturer appears to be carefully navigating these obstacles to facilitate smooth debuts of future mass-market models using the configuration. Toyota Admits 'Many Challenges' With Its Mid-Engine Sports Prototype first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 8, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Campaign ME
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Campaign ME
Jameel Motorsport on bridging racing and gaming at EWC 2025
When Munir Khoja, the Managing Director of Marketing Communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, and the lead behind its Jameel Motorsport initiative, talks about the brand's presence at the Esports World Cup (EWC), he doesn't focus on products or race cars. He talks about building a bridge – a connection between the two racing worlds: the real and the digital. The EWC, currently taking place in Riyadh's Boulevard City, is the world's largest esports tournament, drawing global attention and local footfall as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a future hub for gaming and interactive entertainment. Within that context, Jameel Motorsport isn't just joining the party – it's helping define the experience. 'We are trying to be the bridge between the physical world and the digital world,' Khoja shares with Campaign Middle East. That bridge takes literal form at Jameel Motorsport Park, the brand's activation space at Riyadh's Boulevard City, where karting circuits sit next to gaming simulators and a new generation of Saudis are invited to connect with the thrill of motorsports – whether on the track or behind a screen. Jameel Motorsport's presence isn't just about tapping into gaming culture – it's about embedding the brand into Saudi Arabia's broader transformation. 'With the presence of Vision 2030 and all its strategic objectives and the programmes and opportunities that it has created gave us the better opportunity to engage with the youth and to find out the targeted audience throughout doing all of that,' says Khoja. His view is clear: motorsport is one of the most dynamic tools to reach, engage, and empower young Saudis. Jameel Motorsport's role, particularly at EWC, is to make that connection feel tangible. The brand isn't entering esports through a sponsorship badge – it's building an entire physical and digital environment that audiences can explore. From full-scale simulators to live karting, from remote-controlled cars to a full Toyota GR vehicle display, the activation is designed to meet fans at every level of interaction. 'We have remote-controlled cars, which are great for the youngest in the family. Then there's karting for anyone who is older enough to go on those karting,' he explains. In other words, the experience is designed to feel inclusive. 'It's a family-friendly environment where we're bringing everyone together.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Campaign Middle East (@campaignmiddleeast) That inclusivity is a continuation of the brand's decades-long efforts. Though Jameel Motorsport is a new division, it stems from Abdul Latif Jameel Motors' 28-year legacy in motorsport and youth development. 'We started supporting Saudi youth in motorsports more than 28 years ago, beginning with Abdullah Bakhashab, who used to race in rallies,' says Khoja, referring to Saudi Arabian World Rally Championship driver from the 90's. 'After that, we moved into racing schools, youth programmes, and domestic rallies across Saudi Arabia.' Over the years, this translated into more than just cars. Abdul Latif Jameel Motors became a regular presence in professional football through partnerships with the Saudi League. The cumulative effect of these efforts – from rally racing to grassroots initiatives – laid the groundwork for the brand's current esports engagement. According to Khoja, Jameel Motorsport's continued partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation reflects a deeper ambition to support Saudi's growing interactive entertainment sector. He sees the initiative as aligned with the country's broader goals of becoming a global hub for esports while giving local talent new platforms to express themselves. The brand's storytelling also reaches beyond the walls of the main activation at the Riyadh Boulevard. Earlier this summer, Jameel Motorsport staged a late-night cinematic stunt at Riyadh Boulevard, transforming the symbolic heart of the EWC into a drift circuit. The film – which featured two Toyota Supras drifting through the empty venue in a video game-style sequence –blurred the line between simulation and reality, nodding to the exact crossover that defines the brand's current esports approach. Back on site, the activation includes merchandising, character appearances, and entertainment for all ages. 'People will see the brand present in all our activities,' says Khoja. 'We have a merchandise corner where fans can pick up branded t-shirts.' That also includes a partnership with Sega, which adds a touch of nostalgia and younger appeal. 'This year, we have partnered with Sega – so Sonic the Hedgehog is part of the booth experience. That brings in a completely new element.' The brand set up a Sonic Racing CrossWorlds-inspired karting track that lets visitors race in karts themed around Sonic, Tails and Knuckles. But ultimately, Khoja's focus isn't on nostalgia – it's on relevance. By merging real racing with interactive play, he sees Jameel Motorsport as not just showing up where young people are but shaping how they engage.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Did Toyota Just Kill All Hope for the Return of an Iconic Mid-Engine Car?
Recent testing difficulties suggest that the Japanese automaker's 'driver-first' development process isn't going according to plan. Ever since Toyota unveiled the FT-Se back in 2023, the rumor mill has been firing on all cylinders about how the concept would be reflected in the automaker's upcoming sports cars. With its sleek shape, two-seater configuration and all-electric powertrain, the design initially seemed like a natural next step for the long-discontinued Toyota MR2. Since that time, Toyota has only continued to muddy the waters. In addition to hinting at the revival of yet another iconic sports car in a potential Celica successor, the automaker has also announced the ongoing development of a mid-engine model through the GR Yaris M Concept. At this stage, Toyota has yet to confirm if a new MR2 is actually on its way. However, due to recent testing difficulties and some previous naming confusion, it's seeming increasingly unlikely that the model will be making a return anytime soon. Hot hatch hiccups When Toyota pulled the wraps off the GR Yaris M at the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year, it stated that the concept would compete in the Super Taikyu Series as part of a process it coined 'driver-first' carmaking. In practice, this meant that the test mules would be 'repeatedly driven to failure and then repaired in the extreme conditions of racing' to gauge real-world performance and get feedback from those behind the wheel. Evidently, things aren't quite going according to plan. As part of a recent announcement signaling its entry into the ENEOS Super Taikyu Series, Toyota gave an update on the state of the GR Yaris M development. Due to the 'difficulties unique to midship-mounted vehicles in terms of braking, steering, and driving,' the GR Yaris M will not be participating at this time. Now, it's worth noting that Toyota hasn't pulled the plug on the program just yet. The automaker also announced that 'many challenges have been identified and improvements are ongoing,' so there's still potential that its mid-engine sports car will eventually come to market. Sports car confusion That said, the news doesn't bode well for the MR2's return. The development of a mid-mounted sports car was the most promising aspect of the rumors for a potential successor, especially in light of previous confusion over naming conventions. That's because, even though there has been an abundance of speculation suggesting that both the MR2 and the Celica are due for a revival, a report from Japanese magazine Best Car indicated that the two Toyota sports cars are, in fact, one and the same. After all, it's not like the automaker has been sitting idle. Between the GR86, the GR Yaris, the GR GT3/Lexus LFA successor and the next-generation Supra, Toyota certainly has its hands full. Considering that the Celica has also been confirmed, the addition of a new MR2 would make for quite the crowded sports car lineup. Celica surety While Toyota has remained pretty tight-lipped about the potential return of the MR2, it hasn't shied away from drumming up hype for the Celica. The automaker initially teased the eighth-generation sports car through its in-house animated series Grip, showing a whiteboard littered with iconic nameplates. Granted, a fourth-generation MR2 also made the list, but Toyota has since extended its trademark for the Celica name and filed a trademark for 'GR Celica' to boot. As if that wasn't enough, at the 2024 Rally Japan event, Toyota vice-president Yuki Nakajima reportedly said that 'there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So… I wonder if it's okay to say this in a public forum, but we're doing the Celica!' Only time will tell whether the eighth generation arrives as a mid-engine coupe based on the GR Yaris M. As of now, though, all signs suggest that the Celica is the Toyota sports car set to make a return. Even without a concrete timeline, Nakajima's statement amounts to far more of a confirmation than any hearsay related to the MR2.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Did Toyota Just Kill All Hope for the Return of an Iconic Mid-Engine Car?
Recent testing difficulties suggest that the Japanese automaker's 'driver-first' development process isn't going according to plan. Ever since Toyota unveiled the FT-Se back in 2023, the rumor mill has been firing on all cylinders about how the concept would be reflected in the automaker's upcoming sports cars. With its sleek shape, two-seater configuration and all-electric powertrain, the design initially seemed like a natural next step for the long-discontinued Toyota MR2. Since that time, Toyota has only continued to muddy the waters. In addition to hinting at the revival of yet another iconic sports car in a potential Celica successor, the automaker has also announced the ongoing development of a mid-engine model through the GR Yaris M Concept. At this stage, Toyota has yet to confirm if a new MR2 is actually on its way. However, due to recent testing difficulties and some previous naming confusion, it's seeming increasingly unlikely that the model will be making a return anytime soon. Hot hatch hiccups When Toyota pulled the wraps off the GR Yaris M at the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year, it stated that the concept would compete in the Super Taikyu Series as part of a process it coined 'driver-first' carmaking. In practice, this meant that the test mules would be 'repeatedly driven to failure and then repaired in the extreme conditions of racing' to gauge real-world performance and get feedback from those behind the wheel. Evidently, things aren't quite going according to plan. As part of a recent announcement signaling its entry into the ENEOS Super Taikyu Series, Toyota gave an update on the state of the GR Yaris M development. Due to the 'difficulties unique to midship-mounted vehicles in terms of braking, steering, and driving,' the GR Yaris M will not be participating at this time. Now, it's worth noting that Toyota hasn't pulled the plug on the program just yet. The automaker also announced that 'many challenges have been identified and improvements are ongoing,' so there's still potential that its mid-engine sports car will eventually come to market. Sports car confusion That said, the news doesn't bode well for the MR2's return. The development of a mid-mounted sports car was the most promising aspect of the rumors for a potential successor, especially in light of previous confusion over naming conventions. That's because, even though there has been an abundance of speculation suggesting that both the MR2 and the Celica are due for a revival, a report from Japanese magazine Best Car indicated that the two Toyota sports cars are, in fact, one and the same. After all, it's not like the automaker has been sitting idle. Between the GR86, the GR Yaris, the GR GT3/Lexus LFA successor and the next-generation Supra, Toyota certainly has its hands full. Considering that the Celica has also been confirmed, the addition of a new MR2 would make for quite the crowded sports car lineup. Celica surety While Toyota has remained pretty tight-lipped about the potential return of the MR2, it hasn't shied away from drumming up hype for the Celica. The automaker initially teased the eighth-generation sports car through its in-house animated series Grip, showing a whiteboard littered with iconic nameplates. Granted, a fourth-generation MR2 also made the list, but Toyota has since extended its trademark for the Celica name and filed a trademark for 'GR Celica' to boot. As if that wasn't enough, at the 2024 Rally Japan event, Toyota vice-president Yuki Nakajima reportedly said that 'there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So… I wonder if it's okay to say this in a public forum, but we're doing the Celica!' Only time will tell whether the eighth generation arrives as a mid-engine coupe based on the GR Yaris M. As of now, though, all signs suggest that the Celica is the Toyota sports car set to make a return. Even without a concrete timeline, Nakajima's statement amounts to far more of a confirmation than any hearsay related to the MR2.
Irish Examiner
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
McErlean and Treacy struggle with oversteer on opening day at Rally Islas Canarias
Struggling with understeer, the Irish crew of Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy finished outside the top ten on the opening day of Rally Islas Canarias, round four of the World Rally Championship. The Kilrea/Killeagh pairing are 12th overall. The Toyota GR outfit have an impressive lock-out of the top five places with Finland's Kalle Rovanpera finding form and pace to lead team mate Sebastien Ogier by 26.8s with championship leader Elfyn Evans a further 9.6s behind in third after the day's six stages. Rovanpera imposed his authority from the very start and with three stage wins on the morning loop he arrived at the Las Palmas service park with a lead of 17.8s from Ogier, who was on his first WR event since his Monte Carlo victory with Evans a further 2.4s behind in third. Rally leader Rovanpera admitted he couldn't get the tyres to work on the third stage where his Toyota Yaris had some understeer, Ogier's tyres had too much pressure on the opening stage but he moved ahead of Evans on the next stage. Hyundai's Adrien Fourmaux, 34.2s off top spot in fourth place interrupted the Toyota dominance as Sami Pajari and Takamoto Katsuta and his Irish co-driver Aaron Johnson placed fifth and sixth for the Japanese team. Set-up issues with their Hyundai i20 N Rally1 saw Ott Tanak and reigning champion Thierry Neuville languish in seventh and eighth respectively. Luxemburg driver Gregoire Munster (ninth) was best of the M-Sport Ford team, however, he too suffered with understeer as did McErlean, who was eleventh. Following his tenth place on SS1 (Valsequillo) the longest stage of the rally at 26.32km, McErlean said, "We struggled a bit towards the end with some precision. (It's) so easy to miss a braking point or a note, everything is happening so much." The Wexford/Waterford crew of Eamonn Boland/MJ Morrissey (Ford Fiesta Rally2) were 28th in the RC2 category. On the repeat loop, Tanak continued his unrelenting pace to complete the full set of fastest stage times. McErlean improved on all his previous stage times. "It's been nice team work today. Greg (Gregoire Munster) has been a big help today to learn off. Two more days of trying to learn this beast and these roads. Obviously, the times haven't been great, but it's been a crazy experience just to drive these roads. I didn't realise that there were so many people in this country, never mind fans." There are seven stages today (Saturday) and six on Sunday. Rally Islas Canarias (Round 4, World Rally Championship) Gran Canaria: 1. K. Rovanpera/J. Halttunen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)1h. 10m. 31.8s; 2. S. Ogier/V. Landais (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+26.8s; 3. E. Evans/S. Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+36.4s; 4. S. Pajari/M. Salminen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+55.3s; 5. T. Katsuta/A. Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+1m. 06.0s; 6. T. Neuville/M. Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+1m. 13.3s; 7. O. Tanak/M Jarveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally)+1m. 14.1s; 8. A. Fourmaux/A. Coria (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+1m. 14.8s; 9. G. Munster/L. Louka (Ford Puma Rally1)+2m. 11.1s; 10. Y. Rossel/A. Dunand (Citroen C3 Rally2)+2m. 50.7s; 11. A. Cachon/B. Rozada (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2)+3m. 09.4s; 12. J. McErlean/E. Treacy (Ford Puma Rally1)+3m. 16.2s.
