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Toyota's New Mid-Engine Testbed Sidelined by Development 'Difficulties'
Toyota's New Mid-Engine Testbed Sidelined by Development 'Difficulties'

The Drive

timea day ago

  • Automotive
  • The Drive

Toyota's New Mid-Engine Testbed Sidelined by Development 'Difficulties'

The latest car news, reviews, and features. Toyota's not-so-secret mid-engine sports car program has hit a snag. The GR Yaris M Concept, which the company announced back in January, has still not made an appearance in Japan's Super Taikyu racing series. With five of the seven races scheduled for 2025 already in the bag, it's becoming increasingly unlikely that the GR Yaris M will race in the series this year. Why? Well, as it turns out, designing a proper mid-engine performance car is tricky. 'The GR Yaris M Concept exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 held in January is undergoing full team development in pursuit of further possibilities for the GR Yaris, with a view to participating in the Super Taikyu Series,' Toyota's announcement said. '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,' it said. With the new mid-engine race car still sidelined, Toyota instead brought along the #32 GR Yaris (a standard front-engine car, prepped as it was for the Nürburgring 24 Hour Race held in June) and the ENEOS-built #28 GR86. Mid-engine platforms are tough to dial in—just ask General Motors, which spent more time developing the C8 Chevrolet Corvette than just about anybody anticipated. It says a lot that even Toyota, which is in a position to draw on institutional knowledge from its development of the MR2, is facing setbacks. If there's any good news here, it's the fact that Toyota has acknowledged the delay openly. A pet racing project like this might normally die quietly in the face of mounting market pressures. Public updates like this suggest that this is more than just a frivolous boondoggle, meaning that it likely has implications for Toyota's future sports car development. In other words, new MR2 when? Got a news tip? Let us know at tips@

Zeltwanger Two Races Away From Glory
Zeltwanger Two Races Away From Glory

Scoop

time5 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Scoop

Zeltwanger Two Races Away From Glory

Lee Zeltwanger will be hoping for a drama-free weekend as the clock counts down to the final round of the inaugural Toyota 86 Trophy Series at Taupo International Motorsport Park this Saturday and Sunday. Zeltwanger has been the revelation of the four round winter series, not only matching the pace of more senior Bridgestone GR86 Championship runners Harry Townshend and Ajay Giddy, but leading the points battle for series honours overall with just two races this Sunday remaining. He has a 60 point lead over his nearest challenger in the race for the highly desirable prize pool. The winner will secure not only a free lease of a GR86 – supported by CareVets – but also free support from a race and championship winning engineer and mechanic. Second place in the championship will secure a free lease of a car from TGRNZ. Both first and second places will be responsible for other season costs. The third placed driver will secure entry fees and tyres for a season in the 2024-25 Bridgestone GR86 Championship. Sprague will be aiming to sign off his winter season in style with a debut win, having improved with each outing in his CareVets Scholarship car while Matt Day has impressed many with his speed in the TR86 and is in a well-deserved third overall in the Trophy Series points. All of the young guns will need to have their eyes out this weekend for both Townshend and Giddy. Both have taken wins and multiple podium places in the three rounds so far and will be on the pace this coming weekend too. They can't win the Trophy Series prizes – which are exclusively for TR86 rookies – but they can certainly add to their tally of wins and that is what both will be aiming to do. Mitch Vye makes his TR86 debut this weekend at Taupo too, and it will be the first appearance in the winter series for the Right Karts Academy – which ran three cars so strongly in its debut Bridgestone GR86 Championship campaign last season. If Mitch matches the form of the summer series drivers, he could be a dark horse for this final weekend. Nathan Grammer and Toby Elmiger complete the runners and will both be hoping to finish their campaigns for Mackenzie Motorsport and Action Motorsport on a high. Toyota 86 Trophy Series – Points after Round 3

Do you want one? This Toyota GR86 is one in a million — literally
Do you want one? This Toyota GR86 is one in a million — literally

Hamilton Spectator

time19-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Hamilton Spectator

Do you want one? This Toyota GR86 is one in a million — literally

Want some bragging rights? Only 30 of these 2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Editions are coming to Canada. Some of them may end up as garage queens, never seeing the light of day. With around 25 million registered motor vehicles on our roads, that means that about one in every million cars on the road will be a Hakone GR86. That's pretty exclusive. What's a Hakone you ask? It is a 15-kilometre long scenic toll turnpike with views of Mount Fuji in Japan, loved by local automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts. Its twists and turns ascend more than 1,000 metres up to the Daikanzan Observation Deck which acts as a meeting place. This special stretch of tarmac is used by Japanese manufacturers to test their vehicles' handling and performance dynamics. It is sometimes referred to as Japan's Nürburgring. European manufacturers use the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife race track in Germany to test their vehicles. The last time Toyota offered a Hakone 86, as it was called then, was in 2020 when 30 of them also arrived on our shores. What makes this Hakone different from other 2025 GR86s? It is available exclusively in this new Ridge Green exterior with bronze wheels. The result is striking. These 18-inch rims are wrapped in very sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 215/40R18 tires. Lurking behind those bronze wheels are big, red Brembo brakes that not only make it look track-worthy, they improve braking performance with their larger-diameter rotors. The Performance Pack also adds Sachs dampers, which improve this car's handling characteristics. Adding to the Hakone's unique exterior is the large and purposeful-looking rear duckbill spoiler. You get a Hakone Edition rear deck lid badge with a silhouette of the GR86 in front of Mount Fuji. Inside the driver's door is another badge indicating that this is a Toyota Gazoo Racing (the 'GR' in GR86) Hakone Edition, limited to 30 units produced in 2025. As you walk towards this pretty little two-seater, you hope and assume that you are about to embark on a fun, engaging and entertaining drive. Does this lightweight sports car deliver? It does … in a very back-to-basics kind of way. This car weighs just 2,800 pounds (1,270 kg). Its 2.4-litre, naturally aspirated Subaru boxer engine generates 228 horsepower. All Toyota GR86s and Subaru BRZs are built by Subaru in their Gunma Plant in Japan. The Hakone GR86's coming to Canada are only available with a fun-to-use, short-throw, six-speed manual transmission. Get your gear changes right and you can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in around six seconds. It feels quicker than that because this is such a small car and you are so aware of what's going on around you. On the highway, you really feel dwarfed by those big SUVs and massive tractor-trailers. Getting into this stylish interior requires more effort than getting into your family minivan. Everything about this car, including its centre of gravity, is low to the ground. Nestle into these snug leather and Alcantara front seats, with tan and bronze sticking, and everything is within easy reach. It does have back seats, but you'd have to be pretty tiny to be able to fit in them. Fold them down and you get a decent amount of cargo space. I bought the first generation 86 in 2013 because Jeremy Clarkson, then of 'Top Gear' fame, named it his 2012 car of the year. Back then it was called the GT86, except in North America where it was badged the Scion FR-S (which stood for Front-engine, Rear-wheel-drive, Sport). Since its launch a dozen years ago it has become a favourite among driving enthusiasts. That's because this car is very rewarding to drive. Especially these second generation cars, which came out in 2022. They received a 20-per-cent increase in engine displacement, an 11-per-cent increase in horsepower and an 18-per-cent increase in torque over the first gen. cars. I had a chance to drive a GR86 on a race track and it was a blast. Because these cars don't have a lot of power, the level of danger is somewhat reduced. You have to try to not scrub off too much speed in the corners. You really get to hone your momentum driving skills. As rewarding as these cars are to drive on the road, the experience is that much better when you get into a rhythm on a race track. The handling, braking, flat-four boxer engine and six-speed manual transmission all harmonize to provide a thoroughly engaging and rewarding driving. The GR86 is proof that you don't have to spend a fortune and have gobs of horsepower to have fun. This relatively affordable enthusiast coupe provides plenty of performance driving pleasure. Type: Two-door, rear-wheel drive, sports car Engine: Naturally aspirated, 2.4-litre, horizontally-opposed (boxer), 4-cylinder engine, 228 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque (motive force) Transmission: Six speed manual Fuel: 12.0 litres/100 km in the city; 8.9l/100 km on the highway; 10.6l/100 km combined Cargo: 178 litres, with the rear seats up Price: $38,710 (excludes freight, other fees, taxes)

2025 Toyota GR86: Price, Features & BRZ Comparison
2025 Toyota GR86: Price, Features & BRZ Comparison

Time Business News

time02-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Time Business News

2025 Toyota GR86: Price, Features & BRZ Comparison

The Toyota GR86 is a sports car that ignites passion. It's fast, stylish, and budget-friendly. For drivers who crave excitement, this car delivers. Part of Toyota's Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup, it offers pure driving joy. In this guide, we'll explore its price, features, and how it compares to the Subaru BRZ. Additionally, we'll cover models like the Toyota CHR Hybrid and Toyota GT86. Let's dive into the adventure! The GR86 is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe. It's built for thrilling drives. For example, its low center of gravity ensures precise cornering. Moreover, the sleek design and powerful engine attract car enthusiasts. The GR86 builds on the legacy of the Toyota GT86 and iconic Toyota AE86. Best of all, it's affordable compared to other Toyota sports cars. Engine: 2.4L 4-cylinder boxer Horsepower: 228 hp Torque: 184 lb-ft Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic Drive: Rear-wheel drive Fuel Economy: 20 MPG city, 27 MPG highway (manual); 21 MPG city, 31 MPG highway (automatic) Starting Price: $31,085 The car is designed for performance. For instance, it offers sharp control. Features like Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers (on higher trims) enhance handling. Meanwhile, the Hakone Edition adds unique style with Ridge Green paint and bronze wheels. The starting price for the 2025 model is $31,085 for the base trim. The Premium trim costs $33,405. Furthermore, the Hakone Edition is priced at $36,405. These prices make it a top pick among sports cars. In comparison, the Subaru BRZ starts at $32,380, slightly higher. Here's a table showing the 2025 prices: Trim Starting Price Key Features Base $31,085 6-speed manual, 17-inch wheels, 6 speakers Premium $33,405 18-inch wheels, 8 speakers, heated seats Hakone Edition $36,405 Brembo brakes, SACHS dampers, Ridge Green paint Prices vary by region. For example, in the UAE, the Toyota GR86 price is around AED 108,000 ($29,400 USD). Therefore, always check with local dealers for exact costs. The GR86 boasts impressive specs. Its 2.4-liter boxer engine produces 228 horsepower. This is a significant upgrade from the Toyota GT86's 2.0-liter engine. As a result, it hits 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds (manual) or 6.6 seconds (automatic). Additionally, its lightweight design enhances agility. Engine Type: 2.4L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder boxer Horsepower: 228 hp at 7,000 rpm Torque: 184 lb-ft at 3,700 rpm Top Speed: Around 140 mph Weight: 2,811 pounds (base trim) The rear-wheel-drive setup ensures sharp handling. For example, it excels in tight corners. The car also features Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), adjustable for track driving. Consequently, drivers can push the limits safely. 2025 Toyota GR86 Engine The interior is driver-focused. It has sporty seats and a simple layout. Moreover, the 8-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add heated seats and an 8-speaker audio system. However, the rear seats are small, better suited for storage than passengers. The GR86 includes Toyota's Active Safety Suite (automatic models only). This features: Automatic emergency braking Lane departure warning Adaptive cruise control Similarly, the Subaru BRZ offers Subaru's EyeSight system. Both cars include airbags and anti-theft features. As a result, they prioritize safety without sacrificing fun. The GR86 and Subaru BRZ are like siblings. They share the same platform and engine. However, they have unique traits. Let's break it down. Both cars use a 2.4L boxer engine with 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. They offer manual or automatic transmissions. The GR86 reaches 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, slightly faster than the BRZ's 5.9 seconds. Moreover, the GR86's stiffer suspension feels sportier. In contrast, the BRZ's softer suspension offers a smoother ride. The GR86 has a bold grille and a ducktail spoiler on higher trims. On the other hand, the BRZ has sleeker lines. The Hakone Edition features unique green paint. Similarly, the BRZ's trim, limited to 500 units, sports a vibrant purple color. Therefore, both cars stand out. Both interiors are similar. However, the GR86 offers red or white accents. Meanwhile, the BRZ has blue stitching in its tS trim. The GR86's Premium trim includes Ultrasuede seats, while the BRZ's Limited trim offers comparable features. As a result, both prioritize driver comfort. 2025 Toyota GR86 Interior Here's a table compararison: Model Starting Price Top Trim Price Toyota GR86 $31,085 $36,405 (Hakone) Subaru BRZ $32,380 $37,530 (tS) The GR86 is more affordable. Ascendingly, it includes a free High-Performance Driving Experience. Choose the GR86 for a sportier feel and lower price. Pick the BRZ for a smoother ride and Subaru's reliability. Both are excellent choices for Toyota sports car fans. The GR86 isn't Toyota's only sporty vehicle. Let's compare it to the Toyota CHR Hybrid and Toyota GT86. The Toyota CHR Hybrid is a compact crossover. It focuses on fuel efficiency, not speed. For instance, it gets 43 MPG combined, far better than the GR86's 27 MPG (manual). However, the GR86 offers thrilling handling. In the UAE, the Toyota CHR price starts at AED 95,000 ($25,900 USD). Therefore, the CHR is better for daily commuting. The Toyota GT86 was the GR86's predecessor. The GR86 has a larger 2.4L engine compared to the GT86's 2.0L. It also has more power (228 hp vs. 205 hp). Furthermore, the GR86 features updated styling and a larger touchscreen. As a result, it's the modern choice for performance seekers. The Toyota GR family includes the Corolla GR. This hatchback offers 300 hp and all-wheel drive. However, it's pricier, starting at $36,500. In contrast, the GR86 is more affordable and focuses on lightweight, rear-wheel-drive fun. Consequently, the GR86 is ideal for purists. The 2025 Hakone Edition is a special trim. It's named after Japan's Hakone Turnpike, a famous driving road. This edition includes: Ridge Green exterior paint Bronze 18-inch alloy wheels Tan Ultrasuede interior Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers Only 860 units are available. Therefore, it's highly exclusive. It's perfect for drivers seeking style and performance. 2025 Toyota GR86 The Toyota GR lineup is rooted in racing. The GR86 competes in events like the Super GT Championship. Its lightweight design and balanced chassis make it a track star. Moreover, Toyota's Gazoo Racing team fine-tunes it for performance. As a result, it's a favorite among racers. The GR86 faces rivals like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Ford Mustang. The Miata has less power (181 hp) but similar handling. Meanwhile, the Mustang offers 315 hp but is pricier. Consequently, the GR86 balances affordability and fun. For example, it's ideal for budget-conscious thrill-seekers. In the UAE, the GR86 is popular among sports car fans. Its price starts at AED 108,000. In contrast, the Toyota CHR price in UAE is lower, but the GR86 offers unmatched thrills. Both cars have sporty designs. However, the GR86 is built for performance driving. Some confuse VSC Lexus with the GR86's Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). VSC prevents skids and is standard on the GR86. For instance, you can adjust it for track driving. Lexus models, like the IS, use VSC for luxury driving. Therefore, the GR86's VSC is tailored for sporty performance. The 2025 GR86 is a top pick. Here's why: Affordable Price: Starts at $31,085, cheaper than rivals. Thrilling Drive: Rear-wheel drive and sharp handling are exciting. Unique Style: The Hakone Edition adds flair. Reliable: Toyota's reputation ensures durability. However, the rear seats are cramped. Also, road noise can be noticeable. Nevertheless, the GR86 offers incredible value for Toyota sports car enthusiasts. Before buying, consider your needs. For example, decide between manual or automatic transmission. The manual offers more engagement, while the automatic is easier for daily driving. Additionally, test-drive different trims. The Hakone Edition is exclusive but pricier. Therefore, weigh style against budget. Finally, check for deals or incentives at local dealers. The GR86 is affordable to maintain. For instance, oil changes cost $50-$80. Tires last around 30,000 miles and cost $600-$800 to replace. Moreover, Toyota's warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles. As a result, ownership costs are reasonable for a sports car. However, track driving may increase wear on brakes and tires. How much is a Toyota GR86? The 2025 Toyota GR86 starts at $31,085 for the base trim. The Premium trim costs $33,405, and the Hakone Edition is $36,405. Prices vary by region, like AED 108,000 in the UAE. How much is Toyota GR86? The 2025 Toyota GR86 has a starting price of $31,085. The Premium trim is $33,405, while the Hakone Edition costs $36,405. Regional prices, such as AED 108,000 in the UAE, may differ. When did the Toyota GR86 come out? The second-generation Toyota GR86 was released in December 2021 for the 2022 model year. The 2025 model, with updates like the Hakone Edition, became available in fall 2024. Toyota GR86 how many seats? The Toyota GR86 has a seating capacity of four. However, the rear seats are very cramped, better suited for storage or small children than adults. The 2025 Toyota GR86 is a dream for sports car lovers. Its affordable price, powerful engine, and sharp handling make it a standout. Compared to the Subaru BRZ, it's sportier and cheaper. Whether you choose the Hakone Edition or base trim, it delivers thrills. Ready for the ride? Visit a Toyota dealer today! TIME BUSINESS NEWS

A strong showing for TimesLIVE rookie racer at Zwartkops Raceway
A strong showing for TimesLIVE rookie racer at Zwartkops Raceway

TimesLIVE

time24-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • TimesLIVE

A strong showing for TimesLIVE rookie racer at Zwartkops Raceway

The fourth leg of the Extreme Festival powered by Coca-Cola came and went at the Zwartkops raceway in Pretoria at the weekend. As part of the GR Cup media challenge competing for TimesLIVE against motoring journalists from four other local publications, and a regional manager from SuperSport, we share the racing space with Toyota dealers in GR Corollas and Toyota development drivers in GR 86 coupes in the largest single grouping of racing machinery and bodies in the series. Again the large GR Cup field lived up to its promise of action with 25 cars roaring off the starting blocks. The six development drivers started at a fair distance to lessen the chaos while the GR Yaris/Corolla pack fielded 19 cars after a few debutants from the Toyota dealer network. SuperSport's Nabil Abdool was in his element as usual, qualifying at the top of the field with a time of 1:11.571 for race one. In second place was dealer man Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) in a GR Corolla with a 1:12.013 and in third place was GR Academy manager Devon Scott with a time of 1:12.166 in one of the older GR Yaris manuals. I started fourth on the media/dealer grid for race one at midday after posting a qualifying time of 1:12.324 early on Saturday morning, ahead of the MD of the Toyota Gazoo Racing driving academy Paul de Vos with 1:12.434. Heat one got off without a hitch, but seldom do race drivers malign motorsport for its inherent frights and dangers, at least not in public or in the heat of the moment. While that is not a baseless critique expressed mostly in the aftermath, one cannot guarantee an incident-free outing or the trading of coats of paint when racing and which nearly happened to me on lap two when De Vos capitalised on the smallest of gaps to squeeze past me. In a split second decision to sustain the pressure and risk a mirror or something worse, I chose to relinquish the position, waving the Toyota man on his way, thus gifting class peer Abdool an extra cushion in the process. It was a lost cause, though, as Abdool had opened a sizeable gap between himself and the chasing trio of De Sousa, Scott and De Vos. Meanwhile, our front running skirmish had opened up a comfortable lead from the rest of the field and I finished race one in fifth, but second in the class. Race two started after 3pm with me not in a better position in fifth overall, but still second in our GR Yaris class behind Abdool. Again, the racing was a hard charged affair so much that our class experienced its first racing incident since the series began in March. Lawrence Minnie of AutoTrader connected with Kyle Kock of Car Magazine, with the latter's car suffering terminal damage and limping off to the pits. Minnie was able to finish the race and collected maximum points. My points haul has improved my position in the overall driver standings. I occupy second place behind Abdool, with three more races left in the series. Zwartkops was an otherwise fantastic outing for racing. There were no injuries from any of the racing incidents, thankfully, and the spectators added to the magic, some of them arriving at 5am to secure top spot for viewing. The round five race will be held in East London on July 19. We hope to meet and greet some the TimesLIVE readers from the region.

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