Looks like the folks from Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival’s Toyota Vios Challenge are still pumped up with racing passion as they will be taking part in the Sepang 1000km Endurance Race (S1K) this weekend at the glorious Sepang International Circuit. (more…)
One of the unique things about the Toyota Vios Challenge, part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival that is now in its third season, is the fact that each track has been brand new and created just for the races (with the exception of the Sepang International Circuit used for the final round of Season 2). In fact, once the event is over, the track vanishes and the area reverts to what is usually a large carpark.
For the second round of Season 3, the uniqueness went up one notch as the location chosen was Bandar Malaysia, formerly an airbase of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) and before that, an international airport between 1952 and 1965, after which Subang airport replaced it. Motor vehicles would certainly have been driven on its runway but there were no races ever held – until this weekend.
The runway that aircraft – which includes Malaysia’s first fighter jets like the Tebuan and Sabre – landed on was 1,199 metres long and on this runway, the event organisers created a track that is 1.96 kms long with two long straights (the longest being 600 metres). This track is one of the fastest and longest ever constructed for the series. Thus the stage was set for the fastest street racing action so far, presenting a new challenge of higher speeds than usual (140 – 150 km/h).
“I like the track because it is high speed and very wide. The long straight is awesome and I love the chicane. It’s both about being gutsy and a test of your skill in controlling the car,” said Dato’ Ken Foo, a competitor in the Sporting Class. “While the track is wider, overtaking will still not be easy because we are all driving identical cars. It’s about how you pace yourself the entire race, managing you speeds into and out of the corners, and looking at the opportunities. The weather will also make a lot of difference in the race, especially with the changing surface conditions from tarmac to concrete.”
SPORTING CLASS
In the Sporting Class for amateur drivers, S&D Tama Motorsports’ Tom Goh (Car 33 in the picture below) raced to his first victory of the season ahead of Crestmax Motorsports’ Adam Khalid in second place, in an incident-riddled 20-lap race which saw the Safety car coming out twice and leading the cars around. In third place was 15-year-old Hayden Haikal.
23 Motors’ Mirza Syahmi Mahzan led opening stages of the race from pole position but his race weekend was severely ruined by a 15-second penalty for a start infringement subsequently followed by a retirement. Three laps into the race, Saksama Motorsports’ Ricky Tan was too wide going into a left-hander and collided with the concrete barrier ending his race early. When the Safety Car peeled off the track 3 laps later, it didn’t take more than a few corners to bring it right back out due to a second collision between Distinctive Model’s Clement Yeo and Panglima City Racing Team’s Kenneth Koh.
“After Mirza’s crash, it was pretty much a race on my own at the front. I was however, trying to play it safe because the level of grip on the track was completely different during the race to what we had initially set-up the car for (wet conditions) during the unofficial practice session,” said Tom.
For Adam, second place was a solid finish considering he started fifth on the grid and missed out on scoring any championship points due to a badly damaged car in the opening round of Season 3 in Kuala Terengganu in September. “This is literally my first race weekend considering I was unable to compete in Kuala Terengganu after an incident during qualifying. It’s a great result for me!” he said.
SUPER SPORTING CLASS
The pros delivered a sterling drive as expected in the Super Sporting Class with 23 Motors’ Tengku Djan Ley storming to victory from pole position in his black Vios (shown below). He would finish the 20-lap battle just 2 seconds ahead of Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin and Telegamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang in third place.
Tengku Djan and Mark set a blistering pace and were locked in a private duel at the front. ”My car felt good throughout the whole race and I could keep a consistent pace. I saw the lead stretching so I just maintained my focus to retain a comfortable gap to the finish. The track in Bandar Malaysia is wide and it allows you to take many different lines of attack into the corners and that builds for closer racing which is good,” said Tengku Djan.
While drivers endured a wet track on the first day of unofficial practice, today’s race was run in perfectly good dry (and very hot) weather which made it difficult for racing crews to find the most ideal set-up for the cars.
“This is the best track we’ve been able to race in the championship. There are slow corners and also high-speed corners which really reward drivers who commit. It is also about how well you can set up the car. So it doesn’t just boil down to the driver but you’re talking about an entire package in order to excel,” said Mark.
“Frankly speaking, I prefer it to be a wet race tomorrow. In rain, anything can happen. You can be the fastest but all it takes is one mistake and you’re out. It’ll be quite exciting and I certainly hope it rains tomorrow,” added Mark.
PROMOTIONAL CLASS
This class for celebrities has always been a big crowd-puller, especially fans who have followed celebrities like Janna Nick, Diana Danielle and Shukri Yahaya. Starting with the same experience – which was none – as all the other 35 competitors in the Vios Challenge, beat-boxer Shawn Lee made a textbook start from pole position to win the 20-lap race ahead of actor Shukri Yahaya and presenter Nabil Ahmad who finished third.
Shawn drove almost unopposed as the top 3 drivers broke away from the rest of the pack early in the race. It wasn’t that their cars had more power but their personal driving skills gave them an advantage. “I really love this track. It’s really high speed,” said Shawn, who crossed the finish line 2.2 seconds ahead of Shukri. Finishing fourth and fifth were actress Diana Danielle and singer Khai Bahar.
The battle for sixth and seventh positions was also intense between singers Wany Hasrita and Nabila Razali, and it lasted for a good 16 laps before Nabila managed to successfully overtake. “Today was a very difficult day for me but thankfully, I managed to overcome these challenges. I love the track but I must admit that it is very tricky,” said Nabila.
The race was not without incident as, in the 10th lap, actor Syafiq Kyle crashed into the wall. For model Ain Edruce, finishing eighth was a consolation considering she started tenth on the grid after running into the wall during the qualifying session.
Race 2 of the three classes will run tomorrow with the top six finishers today lining up on the starting grid in reverse order. So Tom Goh and Tengku Djan Ley will be starting from the back and have to fight their way through the pack.
Visit Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia for updates on the event.
An elaborate list of safety features and some minor performance upgrades makes all the difference in the all-new Toyota Vios racing car which made its debut in all three classes of the Vios Challenge Season 3 yesterday and today. Running to a one-make race format where driving skills take much precedence over any vehicle modifications, the series – part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Festival – was held at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
How different is the new racing car?
“The biggest change in the car is the limited slip differential. The car now feels much more alive and the suspension is good. But the engine and transmission are pretty much the same,” said Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin, winner of Race 1, Super Sporting Class.
“It is a lot more responsive. This weekend was the first time I’ve driven the car as I was unable to do the shakedown. From the practice session, I managed to make small changes here and there and I could actually feel the difference. This year is going to be a good year where those drivers who are able to set up their car for the track will have an advantage. The other biggest difference this season is that the top 9 cars are all within a second of the fastest qualifying time. Everyone is super competitive this year!” said 23 Motors’ Tengku Djan, runner-up in Race 1, Super Sporting Class & Season 1 Super Sporting Class Champion.
TEDCO Racing’s Brendon Lim, who was 3rd in Race 1, Super Sporting Class & Season 2 Sporting Class Champion (TEDCO Racing) noted that car set-up is vital. “Depending on your driving style, the set-up of the car’s camber, toe and tyre pressure is critical to getting the best performance out of the car over a race weekend. Tyre pressure is the most important,” he explained. Of course, whatever adjustments made have to be within the provisions of the regulations and every car is inspected before and after the race.
Quicker times this year
Kenneth Koh of the Panglima City Racing Team can confirm it is better in terms of handling. “The chassis is stiffer and together with better suspension, almost all the drivers posted quicker times in Kuala Terengganu. I was 1.5 seconds quicker in the first unofficial practice session and during the shakedown at Sepang International Circuit, my time was 3 seconds faster. There are a lot of improvements in the car, the car is very different, and it is a lot easier to handle. We also have a lot more grip from this season’s tyres,” he added.
Definitely the biggest strength in the new car is in the more rigid chassis and the suspension which is more firm this season. “We experienced a lot more flex in the older generation car, especially when you hit a kerb on the track but with the new car, it was firm and planted. Our times are also a lot quicker, and I believe this also has something to do with the newer tyres which offer a lot more grip. My qualifying time was half a second faster compared to last season on the same track,” observed William Ho, Super Sporting Class & Season 1 runner-up (Toyotsu Racing).
Set-up will be crucial in Season 3
“The new car has definitely improved, in terms of suspension, brakes, and traction. The biggest challenge last season was fighting for more traction and getting the right balance between getting brake bite and grip. This season is going to be about the driver’s ability to set-up the car well,” said Kenny Lee, one of the drivers in the Super Sporting Class supported by Kegani Racing. It’s amazing how the car reacts better with just minor changes. Understanding the characteristics of the suspension and tyres, as well as depending on the driving style of the driver.”
“We definitely have better grip from the tyres this season. There is also more bite from the car’s LSD. Setting-up the car will also be very important this season. Those who are able to set-up the car to minimize the understeer should be able to be a lot faster on the track. Experiencing understeer means you cannot accelerate because that would just send you into the concrete safety barrier. It’s better to have oversteer because the rear will just point the car in the direction you want and you can immediately be on the accelerator,” explained Syafiq Ali, a Super Sporting Class competitor with the M7 Japan Project Team.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has initiated a Special Service Campaign (SSC) to replace the airbag inflator module components of certain Toyota models sold by the company. The vehicles involved in this campaign were subjected to a previous Takata airbag inflator module recall and repaired between 2014 and 2019. At that time, a certain number of vehicles were replaced with non-desiccated airbag inflators modules produced by Takata but for this new SSC, those airbag inflator modules will be replaced with one that has improved components.
Approximately 41,000 Toyota vehicles
UMWT says there are approximately 41,000 Toyota vehicles manufactured from 2001 to 2013 involved. These are the Toyota Vios produced from May 2003 to August 2007, and September 2007 to July 2013; Toyota Corolla Altis produced from July 2001 to July 2007; Toyota Camry produced from June 2002 to December 2005; and Toyota Yaris produced from January 2006 to August 2007.
In accordance with standard practice, the company will notify all affected vehicle owners officially and perform the necessary replacement at no charge to the owners. In the event that you believe your vehicle to be affected but have not received any notification, you can visit Toyota’s Special Service Campaign webpage to check using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Checker. To those who have uploaded the Toyota Drive Apps, there is also a link to Toyota’s SSC page and the VIN Checker. Information on other vital SSCs is also available on the webpage.
Further information can also be obtained from any authorised Toyota service centre or by calling the Toyota Freephone at 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
Click here for other news and articles about Toyota in PISTON.MY
Minggu lepas, kami dan beberapa media permotoran tanah air tercinta telah mendapat peluang untuk mencuba Toyota Vios 2019 tawaran dari UMW Toyota Sdn Bhd. Vios generasi baharu dengan tagline “As Never Before” memberi imej awal sebuah kenderaan serba baharu yang dipasarkan untuk pelbagai golongan dari mereka yang baru bekerja hingga berkeluarga yang ingin mencari sebuah kenderaan yang selesa dan berpatutan dari semua aspek termasuk servis selepas jualan. (more…)
Following the preview of the All-New Toyota Vios at the KL International Motor Show 2018 in November last year, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, announced its official introduction and delivery to its customers recently.
“Since the first model was launched in 2003, we have sold almost half a million Vios, making it the most popular in its segment. Over the years, we have set the standard for this vehicle segment and I am pleased to announce that this new model, the third generation Vios will continue to set the standards for many years to come,” said Mr. Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. In case you’re wondering how much the new Vios costs, check out the official price list below:
As you know Piston.my previously covered the Media Drive of the new Vios here, (<–link) with 2 videos, and below is yet another video we produced during the drive…
“We were also very pleased to have been able to give the public a preview of the All-New Toyota Vios during the KL International Motor Show 2018. We are extremely happy and appreciative of the overwhelming response that we have received from the public. This is indeed an encouragement for us to continue to produce ever-better cars for our customers in Malaysia, especially with the support shown to us by our fellow Malaysians,” he added.
With this latest update, the Vios receives not just refreshing new looks but also many improvements and features which make it more enjoyable and safer to drive. All variants have been rated the maximum five stars by ASEAN NCAP and come with seven SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill-start Assist Control.
Check out our final say of the new Vios in the video below…
Notable changes inside the car are the redesigned dashboard and instrument panel, new seat upholstery and cushioning, redesigned centre console box, addition of USB charging ports and a cabin lamp for rear occupants, improved/added storage spaces and a fully automatic air-conditioning system for all variants. The drive will also be more pleasant as noise and vibrations are lower with the use of improved insulation materials and measures. For the Vios 1.5 G, there are now paddle shifters and 16-inch alloy rims as a standard accessory. This top-of-the-line variant also gets an Optitron meter with colour Multi Information Display and DVD-AVX infotainment system with USB mirroring.
Other standard features include leather upholstery, electrochromic rear-view mirror and a Drive Mode switch. Safety is further enhanced with a Blind Spot Monitor, Panoramic View Monitor, Front Digital Video Recorder and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, features were previously only available on the larger Toyota models. Available for viewing and test-drives at Toyota showrooms nationwide from today, the All-New Vios comes with a 5-year warranty (unlimited mileage). Every new Vios owner also gets a free 24-SEVEN Road Assist membership for the first year. This provides peace of mind to customers who can receive roadside assistance with just a call, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
The All-New Vios is the first model to roll out from UMW Toyota Motor’s new manufacturing facility at Kawasan Perindustrian Bukit Raja, Klang, Selangor. One of the most modern, most advanced and most efficient Toyota plants in the world, it is built in line with the Malaysian government’s direction of new vehicle production in the country.
“UMW Toyota Motor foresees the auto industry in the country having bigger potential in the future. As such, the company has invested approximately RM 2 billion in this new high-tech and highly efficient manufacturing plant. It is the company’s vision for the plant to be able to produce more advanced energy-efficient vehicles with high technology and high value in coming years to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers in the future,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
“This is the future of Toyota production in Malaysia,” Mr. Takeyama added. “The plant is highly automated to ensure high quality vehicles are produced with better efficiency. Many local engineers and technicians were sent to Japan to undergo production training to upgrade their skills to perform at their best at the new plant.”
For more information, members of the public can visit toyota.com.my or any authorised Toyota dealership throughout Malaysia.
UMW Toyota Sdn Bhd secara rasminya telah melancarkan Toyota Vios 2019 untuk pasaran negara. Model Vios generasi baharu ini mempunyai pelbagai penambahbaikkan dari segi reka bentuk, prestasi dan juga kelengkapan luaran serta dalaman untuk peningkatan pengalaman memandu untuk pemandu dan juga para penumpang. (more…)
It is said that the new 2019 Toyota Vios is 90% new, and that pretty much classifies it as an all-new car. Today we were given a first-drive of it, before its impending launch on the 24th of January, where the official prices for all three variants – Vios J, E & G – will be announced. Here’s the first video…
But wait, there’s a Part 2 below! It’s only the first day, so do stay tuned for more to come as we delve into the second day of this exclusive media drive thanks to UMW Toyota Motor.
Engine: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Dual VVT-i, 1,496cc
Max Power: 107Ps @ 6,000rpm
Max Torque: 140Nm @4,200rpm
Transmission: CVT with 7 virtual ratios + Shiftmatic
Safety: 7-airbags, VSC, Traction Control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ISOFIX,
Drivetrain: Front-wheel Drive
2019 Toyota Vios Photos…
Jika anda ingin ke Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS 2018) yang sedang berlangsung di MITEC Kuala Lumpur, anda harus kunjungi ruang pameran Toyota dimana mereka sedang mempamerkan beberapa kenderaan menarik termasuk sebuah Toyota Vios 2019 yang akan memasuki pasaran Malaysia mulai tahun depan. (more…)
The inaugural Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival is building up to a climactic finale as the championship crown in each of the Vios Challenge categories remain up for grabs until the chequered flag is waved for the final time this season at the Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) in Kuala Lumpur.
The decider that will be held on March 24th and 25th will see all three class races of the Vios Challenge go down to the wire as the search continues for the very first champions of the series. You can read our previous coverage of the TGR Johor Bahru Round here.
“The essence of one-make racing has been reflected in the results we see today in the Vios Challenge. Newcomers, privateers and seasoned professionals have all had their share of the spoils in the winner’s circle, providing motor racing fans with some of the best high-quality racing we’ve seen in the country,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor Mr Ravindran K.
The battles in the Sporting and Super Sporting classes will be the most keenly watched with numerous drivers in contention for bragging rights as well as a shot at the brand new Toyota Vios that is being offered as the champion’s prize for each category.
Nineteen-year-old sensation Brendan Anthony who did not join the first race in Batu Kawan, Penang has consistently chalked up points in his subsequent races and is now just four points behind the sporting class championship leader and namesake Brendon Lim.
Rally sensation Kenneth Koh managed to stay out of trouble in the third Vios Challenge event held in Medini City, Johor in January has scored two useful podium finishes. He is a mere 12 points off the leader’s tally of 75 points. With 20 points awarded for a win, Koh has every chance of snatching the trophy from the Anthony and Lim.
In the Super Sporting Class, Tengku Djan survived various incidents in both his races at Medini City, Johor to hold a slender four-point lead in the championship over nemesis William Ho.
William also enjoyed a good run in Johor as he came away with one win and a third place, moving him up to second with 72 points. Third in the class is M7 Racing Team’s Syafiq Ali who put in some brilliant performances in Johor and sits 16 points behind Djan.
In the Promotional Class, Shawn Lee chalked up wins in almost every race except for one in MAEPS. While he enjoys a commanding lead in the series, he could still be overhauled by the on-form Shukri Yahaya who trails by 18 points. A non-finish in any of the final races by the beat-boxer would easily level any advantage he currently enjoys.
Despite facing less pressure to prove their worth as racing drivers, celebrities including Danny Koo, Diana Danielle, Fattah Amin, Geraldine Gan, Janna Nick, Shukri Yahaya and Venice Min have all shown renewed determination in Johor. Their on-track challenges have shown no lack of quality and can be expected to spoil the party for Shawn.
Entrance to the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival’s Season 1 Finale remains free and there will be lots of activities, food, games and prizes throughout the weekend. To keep up to date on the developments of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival and the Vios Challenge, members of the public should follow Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia and UMW Toyota Motor on their homepage, FB and instagram. Check out the Drift Show at the JB round in January!
© Copyright – Piston.my 2023 Trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved
