Latest news with #ToyotaGRYaris
Arab Times
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
ALSAYER celebrates the successful conclusion of the GR Yaris Cup Kuwait Season 2
KUWAIT CITY, May 21: Mohamed Naser Al Sayer & Sons Est. Co. W.L.L proudly announces the successful conclusion of the second season of the GR Yaris Cup Kuwait, a groundbreaking sporting event that has significantly advanced motorsport in the region. Launched in 2023 as the Middle East's first FIA-certified racing series dedicated to the iconic Toyota GR Yaris. This season marked a notable milestone featuring the first-ever GR Yaris Regional Cup between Kuwait and Qatar, in cooperation with Al Abdulghani Motors. The Kuwaiti team clinched the inaugural Gulf Championship title amidst fierce competition, highlighting Kuwait's rising prominence in regional motorsports. GR Yaris Cup Kuwait, organized by ALSAYER, reaffirmed Toyota's dedication to inspiring motorsport excellence in the region, strengthening regional relationships, and engaging local youth through exciting and safe racing initiatives. The passion and enthusiasm continue to drive the growth of motorsport in Kuwait and beyond. Mr. Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer, Board Member of ALSAYER Group, expressed gratitude for the tremendous support from FIA, Kuwait Motor Town, Suffix Event Management Company, sponsors, as well as the dedicated team members. He highlighted the event's role in engaging local automotive fans, promoting motor sports, and strengthening regional and international partnerships. Mr. Mohamed Al-Sayer also extended thanks to the sponsors, organizers, and media for their pivotal roles in ensuring the event's success, emphasizing the importance of community and youth engagement in shaping the future of motorsport. Mr. Martin Aherne, Senior Business Director, emphasized the teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship demonstrated by all involved—drivers, sponsors, organizers, and fans alike. He praised the exceptional performances of Kuwaiti racers, the reigning GCC champions, highlighting how the championship has not only been a test of speed but also a showcase of talent and perseverance. 'With future seasons on the horizon, the team expressed their commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and excitement, solidifying Kuwait's position as a leading hub for motorsports in the Middle East,' commented Mr. Martin Aherne. A special Open Day was held for the ALSAYER Group during the final round of the season in association with the Group Corporate Excellence Department as a special family day at Kuwait Motor Town, where employees and their families enjoyed a weekend filled with exhilarating activities. Highlighting the season's success, Mr. Bader Faisal Al Sayer, Senior Manager of Toyota Marketing, mentioned that 'attendance and enthusiasm have reached new heights. We are excited to note that over half a million fans interacted with the event via social media during this season. We look forward to upcoming seasons, promising more exciting races, continuous community engagement, and regional sporting development'.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Unleashing the new Toyota GR Yaris: a unique racing challenge at Aldo Scribante Circuit
Kyalami was the last outing of the current Toyota GR Yaris. For the rest of the season the GR Cup Media Challenge will be in the new more powerful GR Yaris It's a new car, a new track and a new challenge when the Toyota GR Cup heads into the third round of the National Extreme Festival at the Aldo Scribante Race Circuit in Gqeberha this weekend. The Toyota GR Cup Media Challenge manual GR Yaris' have been put out to pasture after three seasons and two races in the current season, which means we'll be behind the wheel of the updated and more powerful Toyota GR Yaris. First view It will be the first time the new versions will be seen in South Africa because they haven't officially been launched locally. The first batch of six were scooped up by Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) to make our stripped out racing cars. Our outgoing track weapons produced 198kW and 360Nm, while the new GR Yaris is now good for 210kW and 400Nm from its 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. Significantly, the six-speed manual gearbox we've become accustomed to has been replaced by a newly developed eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) with upgraded software aimed directly at quick shifting and optimised gear selection. It's also fitted with paddle shifters and we'll have three practice sessions on Friday to determine which options work best. I have a suspicion I'll settle for the electronic brain because I've read that the auto 'box boasts world class shifting speeds. It also means that you can keep both hands on the steering wheel, allowing you to focus on braking points, corner entries and exits.
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
2025 Toyota GR Yaris pricing unearthed
Ditching a clutch pedal for flappy paddles, the all-new Toyota GR Yaris is nearly in South Africa, and it promises to turn things up to 11! Here is pricing on the potent all-wheel drive hot hatch. Looking for a new or used set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag! Readying for South African arrival, the evolved GR Yaris has some big shoes to fill. It just went on sale in Japan, and it's officially on Toyota South Africa's radar, with local launch timing expected to be confirmed in the coming months. Fortunately, we've got a sneak peek at how much the hot hatch will cost, but before that, here is what makes the refreshed GR Yaris new and improved. Toyota claim the model benefits from real-world lessons learned in motorsport, including rally stages and circuit racing. It features enhanced mechanical upgrades, including Toyota's Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (an eight-speed torque-converter auto), a first for the model. But purists can rest easy — a six-speed manual will remain. Related: Road Test Figures: BMW M3 Touring Under the bonnet is the familiar 1.6l turbocharged three-cylinder engine (G16E-GTS), now tuned for 224kW and 400N.m, sent to all four wheels via the GR-Four system. This is a serious bump in power and torque from the outgoing model, 26kW and 40N.m to be specific. Alongside the mechanical tweaks, Toyota has reworked the suspension and steering feel with input from professional racers. One highlight for track-day warriors is the new Aero Performance Package, due later in 2025. It includes a ducted aluminium bonnet, fender vents, a variable rear wing, and underbody aerodynamic aids. The updated MT model retains the 1 280kg dry weight but the new automatic is 20kg heavier overall. Related: LONG-TERM WRAP-UP: Ford Territory 1.8T Trend AT Inside, Toyota has made ergonomic updates too, such as a wider footrest for automatic variants and the option of a vertical rally-style handbrake. 2025 Toyota GR Yaris pricing GR Yaris Rally MT – R897 400 R897 400 GR Yaris Rally AT – R925 300 Official specification is expected closer to its local launch – stay tuned to CAR Magazine's Kyle Kock during his 2025 GR Cup campaign, which will see the media contingent shift from the previous generation GR Yaris in favour of the eight-speed automatic. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Pricing Unearthed appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
TimesLIVE
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
More potent Toyota GR Yaris arrives in SA: pricing and specs
First presented at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, the updated Toyota GR Yaris has finally arrived in SA offering improved straight-line performance, sharper handling and superior interior ergonomics. Ready to rip up asphalt (or gravel if you want to imitate Toyota WRC driver Elfyn Evans), here are five things you need to know about it. 1: It packs a more potent engine The 1.6l three-cylinder turbocharged engine has been beefed up with a strengthened valvetrain, new exhaust valve material and an increase in fuel injection pressure. A new set of lightweight pistons with wear-resistant rings and intake pressure sensor have also been added. Controlled by updated engine management software, this means peak power has risen to 210kW at 6,500 rpm while torque increases to 400Nm between 3,250rpm and 4,600 rpm. Performance is brisk, with Toyota claiming the manual and automatic variants are capable of dashing from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds. Top speed is a respectable 230km/h. A new drive mode selection function is also fitted as standard and allows drivers to tailor the car for sports driving and daily use. With the flick of a switch, Sport, Normal and Eco modes engage different settings for the vehicle's electric power steering, air-conditioning, throttle response and the driver's instrument display. On models equipped with the eight-speed automatic gearbox, the gearshift feel and selection are also adjusted. 2: An automatic transmission is available as an option To make it appeal to an even broader spread of customers, the updated GR Yaris can be fitted with an eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. According to Toyota, the unit was subjected to a gruelling test programme that included stints on snow-covered roads in Finland and stages in the Japanese Rally Championship. Fitted with performance optimised software, the torque converter unit constantly monitors brake and accelerator inputs to anticipate when gear shifting is necessary even before changes in vehicle behaviour occur. Stacked with a set of shorter ratios, it also sports a new torque control system and a compact, high-response linear solenoid, features Toyota said result in 'world-class shifting speeds' and faster lap times than those achieved with cars equipped with the six-speed manual. Cooling requirements are addressed with the installation of an automatic transmission fluid cooler, while handling performance is boosted by front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials. The carmaker has also strengthened the gear linkages fitted to the manual transmission. The GR-Four all-wheel drive system has been upgraded with revised modes. Normal mode features a 60:40 front-rear torque split while Gravel offers a slightly more rear-biased 53:47. Track mode is fully variable, however, offering torque splits between 60:40 and 30:70 depending on drivetrain loads and real time driving conditions. 3: Stronger chassis To improve the car's yaw response and enhance overall steering feedback, Toyota has stiffened up the new GR Yaris chassis by upping the number of spot welding points (+13%) and adding more structural adhesive (+24%). To help keep the vehicle's alignment in check, Toyota has installed beefier shock tower mounts featuring three fastening bolts. Another key tweak comes in the form of increased front and rear spring rates, which will help reduce the amount of body roll experienced through high-speed corners. 4: New driver-oriented cockpit One of the biggest criticisms of the original GR Yaris was compromised forward visibility brought about by its 'after thought' infotainment system. Perched high atop the middle of the dashboard, it had a tendency to disrupt the driver's view through the windscreen. Toyota has fixed this by equipping the 2024 GR Yaris with a totally redesigned dashboard. Though the new squared-off layout might have a bit of a 1980s aesthetic, its top edge has been lowered 50mm for much improved field of vision. The control panel housing the infotainment and climate control system has also been angled an additional 15° further towards the driver; a tweak that puts key vehicle control systems much closer to hand. Toyota has also lowered the driver's seat 25mm and readjusted the steering wheel to suit. Another subtle improvement sees the vehicle's iMT and VSC buttons relocated from between the front seats to the area behind the gear lever where the GR-Four and Drive Mode selectors are set. All of this improves ergonomics and ease of use. Customers can also look forward to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offering two layout modes, Normal and Sport. Replacing the analogue dials of old, the latter offers a performance-focused data display useful for motorsport activities. On the automatic model, the readout includes gearbox oil temperature and a visual warning in addition to a sound alarm to alert the driver when engine revs are too high for downshifting. 5: Behold an evolved exterior Though it looks largely unchanged, the exterior of the 2024 GR Yaris does feature a few subtle enhancements. The front bumper, for instance, boasts a three-piece design that allows owners to easily replace damaged sections as opposed to the entire unit. In a similar vein, the lower intake has been retrofitted with a steel mesh grille which is not only more robust than the plastic it replaces but cheaper to replace and easier to mend. Toyota has also fitted side grilles with larger openings to boost cooling efficiency. At the rear you'll find a new opening in the bottom edge of the lower bumper garnish. This feature is said to reduce drag and help disperse heat generated by the exhaust system. The Toyota engineers also relocated the fog and reversing lights, moving them from the lower bumper to be integrated in the rear combination lamps, thus reducing the risk of damage. Similarly, the high-mounted brake light has been moved from the spoiler to the area below the rear windscreen. This makes it easier for owners to change or customise the car's spoiler to suit their preference. Tying all the revisions together is a light bar running between the tail light clusters, a feature creating added visual drama at night. Pricing Available at Toyota dealerships, the new GR Yaris starts at R897,400 for the manual and R925,300 for the automatic. They come standard with a 90,000km service plan and three-year/100 000km warranty.
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Toyota unleashes updated GR Yaris with auto box and more oomph
Red-hot hatch now sends 210kW of power to all four wheels via clever transmission. The World Rally Championship-inspired Toyota GR Yaris has arrived in South Africa. And for the first time, this hot hatch is available locally with an advanced automatic transmission, bringing its motorsport-inspired performance to an even wider audience. From its inception, the GR Yaris has been engineered as a rally car for the road. Developed in collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing and refined through rigorous testing on some of the most demanding rally stages in the world, the GR Yaris reflects Toyota's commitment to building ever-better cars through motorsport. The all-new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) is a standout feature. This advanced gearbox has been engineered for rapid and responsive shifting. It allows the driver to focus more on steering and throttle input – particularly in dynamic driving scenarios. Unlike conventional automatics, the GR Yaris' DAT transmission uses predictive software that anticipates gear changes based on driver behaviour, ensuring shifts that are both intuitive and performance oriented. ALSO READ: Muscled-up Toyota GR Yaris revealed with new automatic 'box Clever auto box This new transmission has undergone extensive real-world and competition testing, including participation in events such as the Japan Rally Championship. It delivers shift speeds that meet professional driving standards, while maintaining the vehicle's mechanical reliability and heat resistance – essential for spirited driving. By introducing the DAT option, Toyota has made the GR Yaris more accessible to those who seek high-performance motoring without compromising on convenience or control. Whether driven in urban conditions or pushed to its limits on a track, the updated GR Yaris delivers an experience that is both exhilarating and refined. The updated Toyota GR Yaris benefits from an increase in engine output and now produces 210kW of power and 400Nm of torque from its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. It is up from 198kW and 360Nm and reaffirms its place as a leader in the performance hatch segment. Paired with Toyota's GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system, the vehicle offers exceptional grip, balance and agility across a variety of driving surfaces, whether on track, gravel, or public roads. Further enhancing the driving experience, the updated interior places a greater emphasis on driver ergonomics and control. A revised seating position, newly designed 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and repositioned controls inspired by rally use all contribute to a cockpit that supports precision and performance. ALSO READ: Back in time: Toyota GR Yaris meets its Yaris TS predecessor The updated Yaris also offers three drive modes (Sport, Normal, Eco), adapting steering, throttle and transmission response to suit both everyday driving and more focused use. The Toyota GR Yaris is available in Glacier White, Platinum Pearl White, Midnight Grey, Lunar Black and Fierce Red. It costs R897 400 for the manual and R925 300 for the DAT. All models come standard with a 90 000km (nine services) service plan and a three-year/100 000km warranty.
