Toyota Archives

UMW Toyota Motor launches competition-ready, road-legal Toyota GR Yaris

Tonight is a big night for Toyota with Malaysian importer and distributor UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) unveiling three new models as well as announcing future activities which centre around motorsports. The increased motorsports activity has been going on for some time now since the Vios Challenge One-Make series began a few years ago, complemented by UMWT being the first local car company to get into eSports (simulator racing).

Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR), which manages the brand’s global competition activities, also began to develop into a brand of its own, focused towards high performance products like the GR Supra. The motorsports involvement by the brand could be largely attributed to Toyota’s President, Akio Toyoda, who is a racing driver and sees motorsports as a way to build better cars.

Second GR model
Now comes the second GR model – the GR Yaris – which is a ‘Homologation Special‘, meaning its original brief was for a model that could qualify for use in FIA-sanctioned motorsports events. The FIA requires a manufacturer to make no less than 25,000 units of a model and if they want to have a high-performance variant, there must be a minimum of 2,500 units which are really the Homologation Specials.

However, Toyota has decided to develop a high-performance model that can be offered to more customers, so it is building 25,000 Homologation Specials! At the same time, the car is road-legal with all the required safety systems and should the owner want to enter a rally, he or she can do so as well (with the fitment of additional safety equipment for racing purposes).

“The manufacturing process is a first for Toyota, whereby the competition elements and requirements dictated the building and engineering of the GR Yaris. The end product and the results have been phenomenal,” said UMWT’s Deputy Chairman and Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama. He added that the GR Yaris is made in Japan in the same factory that built the Lexus LFA.

Developed in collaboration with Tommi Makinen
Development of the GR Yaris was carried out by TGR in collaboration with Tommi Makinen Racing, the organization led by the legendary WRC driver who was champion for 4 years in a row (1996 – 1999). His WRC-skilled team of designers and engineers focused on perfecting the aerodynamics, weight distribution and weight optimization of the car to achieve the best performance and drivability.

Unique model line
The GR Yaris is different from the latest Yaris hatchback assembled and sold in the Malaysian market. It is a unique model rather than a variant and has a 3-door hatchback bodystyle which provides increased area for the inclusion of aerodynamic parts. Its overall length is 3995 mm with the wheelbase at 2560 mm.

As with most of the latest Toyota models, it sits on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform which is highly variable. For the GR Yaris, the variability was taken further as half the platform is the GA-B which is mated to the GA-C platform that is used for the Corolla and C-HR.

The reason for this hybrid architecture is to allow the rear suspension to use the more sophisticated double wishbone layout of the GA-C Platform (instead of the torsion beam rear suspension of the GA-B platform). The special platform also accommodates all-wheel drive and achieves high levels of agility and stability.

Aerodynamically optimised, lowered weight
For competition cars, aerodynamics and weight reduction are crucial factors which influence performance. These were areas the TGR team gave much attention to and as mentioned earlier, instead of just making 2,500 units with superior aerodynamics and the lowest possible weight (1,280 kgs), Toyota is offering the same benefits in all 25,000 units. This can save costs for those who want to use the car for competition as they don’t have to change to lighter parts.

Aluminium is used in many areas, including the bonnet, and the roof is made of C-SMC, a carbonfibre material which saves 3.5 kgs compared to a steel roof. Besides aluminium, another lightweight material used is TSOP (Toyota Super Olefin Polymer), for the rear bumper which reduces weight by 38 kgs. By lightening the upper part of the body, it also helps lower the car’s centre of gravity (by 2.5 mm),

Even though they run over rough ground, rallycars travel very fast so aerodynamic performance is just as important as on the racing circuit. Reducing wind resistance is one thing but increasing stability is also important – even when going sideways! Various aerodynamic aids have been installed on the optimized shape of the car, and as with many modern cars, the underside has been made as smooth as possible to minimize turbulence and lift.

The roofline is low to increase the amount of wind hitting the deep, high-mounted rear spoiler, maximizing the downforce generated. The roof and rear pillars are also tapered to promote better stability at high speeds. Shaping the rear diffuser (the aero step) to fold into the bumper unit also helps in managing airflow to reduce turbulence as it leaves the car.

High performance suspension
Drawing on experience developing the WRC cars, the engineers had a lot of data to use for suspension geometry and settings to maximize tyre grip. The front MacPherson strut suspension is both lightweight and highly rigid as is the specially developed trailing double wishbone suspension at the rear.

With the high speeds that the GR Yaris is capable of, the braking system has been engineered to provide strong stopping power. At the front are 356 mm ventilated discs with 4-pot, lightweight aluminium calipers (in red), while the rear brakes have 297 mm ventilated discs with 2-pot aluminium calipers.

Incidentally, the brakes fitted to the GR Yaris are comparable in size to those used on the GR Supra and in fact, the front discs are larger in diameter. And there is also a mechanical hand-operated parking brake for additional cornering control in rally driving.

Most powerful production 3-cylinder engine
The GR Yaris is powered by an all-new 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine (G16E-GTS) producing 261 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 360 Nm of torque between 3,000 and 4,600 rpm. This makes it the world’s most powerful 3-cylinder engine and the lightest and smallest 1.6-litre turbo unit currently in production. The engine conforms to WRC 2 regulations and its 3-cylinder configuration was preferred by Toyota engineers due to light weight and compact size, making it simple to install.

It goes without saying that a car intended for competition use would come with a manual transmission and the GR Yaris is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission with i-MT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) function detects the driver’s shifting operation (disengaging the clutch and shifting) and matches the engine speed after shifting (constant speed shifting).

Rallying experience also dictated that the gearshift lever should be positioned higher and set closer to the steering wheel for quicker shifting. The shift stroke is also shortened and lightened for a more engaging feel.

New 4-wheel drive system
20 years ago, Toyota developed its own Sports 4WD system which was used in the Celica GT-4, one of its successful WRC cars. Lessons learnt in the past plus new technologies developed for today’s Yaris WRC rallycar have gone into the new GR-Four 4-wheel drive system fitted to the GR Yaris.

This advanced system has an aluminium central transfer case and distributes power between the front and rear axles using a high-response coupling with an electronically controlled multi-plate type clutch managing the split power between the front and rear wheels. Besides intelligent distribution of power in Normal mode when the torque is split 60:40 front to rear, the driver can also select a Sport mode which is 30:70 and Track mode which is 50:50.

Comfortable cabin for 4 persons
While weight-reduction was a priority, the cabin of the GR Yaris is not barren or uncomfortable (as racing cars often are because unnecessary items have been removed). It has the same comfortable feel as a Yaris hatchback but with a much sportier image. There is still weight-saving but it’s not visible, eg in the structure of the sports seats.

The overall interior theme is in black with smoke silver trim details. The front and rear seats are upholstered in black leather with red stitching for those at the front. There is also a GR 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and drilled aluminium sports pedals with wider dimensions. The pedal position, pad angle and pressing angle have also been calculated in line with the driver’s hip point to gain the best possible controllability.

Instrumentation in the GR Yaris consists of an analogue meter with white calibrations and red pointers, and a 4.2-inch TFT colour Multi-Information Display (MID). The MID shows various operating information and includes an all-wheel drive indicator showing torque distribution. There’s also a turbo pressure monitor and gearshift indicator, besides the 4WD Mode indicator. The driver can also refer to the standard Head-up display (HUD) projected on the windscreen.

For those who use the GR Yaris for highway cruising, there is also an infotainment system and all the convenience features that are found in other Toyota models – even dual-zone air-conditioning. To provide a more sporty feel, the engine sound transmitted into the cabin is enhanced in accordance with the engine speed.

Toyota Safety Sense
The GR Yaris comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) driver assistance systems consisting of a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Automatic High Beam (AHB). The systems use data from a camera and radar to monitor the road ahead, intervening with counter-measures whenever there is a risk of an accident.

Additionally, the GR Yaris also has ABS, Traction Control, Electric Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist and Hill-start Assist Control. The Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system includes an Expert Mode that can be activated by skilled and experienced drivers. Basically, it disables Traction Control and the VSC but the engine and brakes may be controlled depending on the car’s behaviour.

5-year warranty too
Although the GR Yaris is a high-performance competition-capable car, it has been thoroughly tested (even by Toyota’s President himself) for durability and reliability. For this reason, it comes with a warranty that is similar to what is offered with other Toyota passenger cars which is 5 years long – with no limit on mileage.

“We are absolutely excited and thrilled to welcome the GR Yaris to Malaysia. It is a car that has attracted so much of attention and praise globally. It sets a new and higher benchmark not only for a vehicle in its segment but also in the very way in which the car is actually built, and when you’re finally confronted with it, all I can say is the GR Yaris’ reputation as a competition-bred performance car precedes it,” said UMWT’s President, Ravindran K.

Of the 25,000 units Toyota will produce, less than 200 units of the GR Yaris will be available for sale in Malaysia. Each one is priced from RM299,000 (excluding insurance and roadtax) and a limited number of units will have the Performance Pack, with each car bearing a special plate to indicate its exclusivity. Customers can choose from three colours: Platinum White Pearl, Emotional Red and Precious Black.

Additionally, UMWT is also offering an ‘Early Bird Package’ (worth a total of RM5,000) which consists of an exclusive helmet bag, a GR Yaris scale model and participation in a GR Yaris Driving Experience in 2021 to learn to enjoy the GR Yaris to the fullest.

While the other Toyota models are available at all authorized Toyota outlets nationwide, the GR Yaris (and GR Supra) are available only at outlets which have the GR Garage. To locate these outlets, visit www.toyota.com.my.

What’s a Homologation Special?

UMW Toyota Motor has a major announcement to make tonight

In the past week, you would have noticed an unusual post in your social media feeds which advised you to set aside whatever you planned to do on the evening of December 17. The message was from UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) which said that they have a surprise to announce.

Well, it is December 17 and if you are curious to know what the exciting news is all about, be at UMW Toyota Motor’s Facebook, YouTube or Instagram pages at 7:30 pm tonight.

“Whatever you’re doing on 17 December 2020 – IT CAN WAIT! We have surprise to share, and let’s just say that there’s a bit of something for everyone to appreciate especially after what has been an incredibly challenging year for Malaysians on all fronts ,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“In many ways, what will be announced during the online event tonight will be an industry first for Toyota, and will be the foundation to ushering in an exciting 2021,” he hinted.

The company statement has not revealed what will be revealed or announced. Given how the company has been increasingly active in motorsports, it could be something related to motorsports (a new series?). In fact, recent teasers have mentioned ‘a newborn’ so it could even be a new sporty model as a helmet is shown.

Not only has UMWT been having racing events like the one-make Vios Challenge series but it is also providing serious training for a new generation of racers, as the video below shows.

UMWT’s Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama, said the brand seeks to ramp up its involvement, activities and programs in an even bigger and meaningful way in 2021. “The full details will be disclosed tonight but suffice to say we are going big!” said Mr. Takeyama, who is also the company’s Chief Motorsports Officer and participates is the Vios Challenge.

“At Toyota, we do not just build cars, we build people. Developing exceptional people is Toyota’s Number 1 priority. Reflecting on the challenges of 2020, I have seen this same spirit being manifested to bring out the best in Malaysians who have demonstrated strength, perseverance and determination in overcoming what has undoubtedly been a very difficult 2020. Now, it is time to move forward!” he said.

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota.

Second generation of Toyota’s Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell car goes on sale today

The Mirai, Toyota’s electric vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) has started its second generation with its market launch in Japan, on schedule, today. The company had given an early glimpse of the new model a year ago at the Tokyo Motorshow and said it would begin selling the car by the end of 2020.

After beginning serious development of FCEVs in 1992, the Mirai’s predecessor was launched in 2014 and was a revolutionary model. Like the Prius hybrid, it was a global forerunner in mass production of FCEVs. However, it was sold only in a limited number of markets where hydrogen refuelling stations were available.

2021 Toyota Mirai FCEV — *2021 Mirai second generation*

Feedback from customers indicated that more seating space was desired, so the new Mirai has space for 5 persons instead of 4. Its cruising range has also been increased by approximately 30% compared to the first generation, with up to 650 kms claimed.

Also following the way the Prius design evolved, the new Mirai’s appearance is less radical and has been given a more premium image. The concept of ‘silent dynamism’ was incorporated into the design with the aim of creating an emotional appeal not just because it is an eco-car, but because of its styling.

Sleeker, less radical styling
The new Mirai has sleeker proportions with overall height by 65 mm and 140 mm added to the wheelbase to extend it to 2920 mm. With the rear overhang extended by 85 mm, overall vehicle length is now 4975 mm.

“We have pursued the goal of making a car that customers will feel they want to drive all time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face,” said Yoshikazu Tanaka, the new Mirai’s Chief Engineer who also headed the team for the development of the first generation.

“I want customers to say ‘I chose the Mirai not just because it’s an FCEV, but because I simply wanted this car; it just happens to be an FCEV.’ We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai, we will be a leader in helping realise a hydrogen energy society,” he added.

Simple, modern cabin
The interior has been conceived as a simple, modern space with a warm, comfortable. Key elements include a 12.3-inch centre display and an instrument panel that wraps around the driver. As the Mirai runs only with an electric motor, there is no engine vibration or noise and with the enhanced body rigidity and additional soundproofing measures, the low level of quietness is significant.

A Toyota innovation is the catalyst-type filter is incorporated in the air intake. As air is drawn into the car to supply the fuel cell, an electric charge on the non-woven fabric filter element captures microscopic particles of pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxides and PM 2.5 particulates. The system is effective in removing 90 to 100% of particles between 0 and 2.5 microns in diameter from the air as it passes into the fuel cell system.

The Mirai sits on the TNGA-based GA-L platform which is intended for high-end rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The structures of various parts including the rear have been redesigned to create greatly enhanced body rigidity. This has a positive effect on ride and handling, enhancing driving dynamics and comfort.

The more rigid body also contributes to better occupant protection and with advanced driver assistance systems, the Mirai offers higher standards of motoring safety than before with the latest Toyota Safety Sense suite.

The driver assist functions are based on the Mobility Teammate Concept, a unique Toyota concept for automated driving whereby the car and driver act as partners to enhance each other’s capabilities and drive together. AI technology is used with on deep learning capability to forecast various situations that may be encountered while driving and provide support for driver responses.

Increased used of hydrogen for mobility
Since launching the first generation 6 years ago, hydrogen use for mobility has progressed widely to include trucks and buses. Toyota has continued to improve and advance its fuel cell (FC) systems in areas such as size, efficiency, and productivity.

There are three tanks which together increase the fuel capacity by around 1 kg (compared to the first generation), increasing hydrogen capacity by approximately 20% which, in turn, extends range. One of the tanks is now installed inside the floor tunnel space, which also helps in weight distribution for better stability and handling.

Though the Mirai is also powered by electricity, the hydrogen it uses can be pumped in much faster than the fastest recharging time for an electric vehicle which can be up to 25 minutes. The FCEV is said to be able to fully refuel in about 3 minutes from high-pressure pumps, certainly something that will appeal to potential buyers.

Compact and more powerful FC system

The compact, high-output FC stack is located in what is traditionally the ‘engine compartment’ but the motor and battery are at the rear. Toyota’s new FC stack and fuel cell power converter (FCPC) have been developed specifically for use with the GA-L platform. The designers have been able to bring all the elements together in the stack frame with each part made smaller and lighter, while at the same time improving performance.

The FC stack uses a solid polymer, as in the current Mirai, but has been made smaller and has fewer cells (330 instead of 370). Nonetheless, it sets a new record for specific power density at 5.4 kW/litre as maximum power has risen from 114 kW to 128 kW. Cold weather performance is also said to have been improved with start-up now possible at temperatures from as low as -30˚.

The car is equipped with lithium-ion high-voltage battery in place of the previous nickel-metal hydride unit. Although smaller in size, it is more energy-dense, giving higher output and superior environmental performance. Containing 84 cells, it has a 310.8 rated voltage compared to 244.8, and a 4.0 Ah capacity, versus 6.5 Ah. Overall weight has been reduced from 46.9 to 44.6 kgs.

Aiming for higher sales volumes
The introduction of the new Mirai will see Toyota target deeper market penetration with a 10-fold expansion in sales volume. To achieve this, the carmaker has adjusted the price downwards by around 20%. In Japan, where two grades are offered, prices start from 7,100,000 yen (about RM277,200) while the pricing in Europe is expected to start from 64,000 euros (about RM316,000) which is less than what Tesla charges for its similarly-sized EV.

Of course, actual prices customers pay will depend on incentives and rebates that governments in different countries offer. As with hybrids, the acceptance of FCEVs will depend on how much they are sold for and right now, with the advanced technologies being new, they are expensive. Therefore, governments have to help to make them affordable while the carmakers boost volumes so that economies of scale can kick in to lower costs. This has already happened with hybrids and next would be EVs, before FCEVs.

There is also the matter of refuelling stations which is an even greater challenge because it involves hydrogen supply. Even with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and full EVs, the issue of recharging stations has been one that consumers think about. This is being addressed by rapid expansion of the recharging station network in some countries, as well as the improvements in technology to provide longer range.

Don’t expect it in Malaysia anytime soon
Vehicles with petrol and diesel engines will be phased out eventually and in fact, they will be banned in some countries, including Japan, by the end of the decade. It’s uncertain how the situation will be in Malaysia given the instability of policies and the way they are executed. The aspiration to become the ‘EV hub of ASEAN’ is pretty much a dream, especially the governments of Thailand and Indonesia are already pushing ahead with clearly-defined programs to increase EV usage, which attracts some of the carmakers to make further investments as well.

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota.

Revised Toyota Yaris to be available soon

The Toyota Yaris gets its first update with revisions in cosmetics as well as the addition of safety features. Already a leader in the non-national hatchback segment, UMW Toyota Motor expects the updated Yaris to maintain its position.

Cosmetic changes can be seen in the new front grille. The bumper has also been restyled, gaining a more aerodynamic form with an aerokit accessory, with the DRLs repositioned. The headlights have also been restyled to be more eye-catching and have a follow-me-home function.

The follow-me-home function is useful at night as the lights remain on to provide illumination ahead. They switch off automatically after a while, ensuring that the battery is not drained.

Toyota Safety Sense
In the safety department, the provisions for the Yaris are representative of Toyota’s attention to giving occupants the best possible protection. Like the bigger models, the Yaris now comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) . This suite of safety systems comes with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). Both systems use camera and radar sensors to monitor the road ahead.

PCS assists the driver in avoiding an accident by alerting and then taking braking action automatically if a collision is likely to occur. Even if a collision is unavoidable, the speed reduction can help reduce injuries as well as vehicle damage. It is active from a speed of 15 km/h so it is effective in urban conditions.

LDA, which operates from 50 km/h, will be helpful if the driver is drowsy and does not keep the car in its lane, and it starts to deviate dangerously into another lane. There will be a visual alert in the Multi-Info Display and also a beeping sound to alert the driver.

The Yaris also comes with a 3D 360-degree panoramic view monitor giving the driver an all-round view that is displayed on the dashboard panel. The images are created from four tiny cameras and cover the front, rear and sides. It is very useful to spot any hazards, obstacles or even small children nearby.

TSS complements safety systems that include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), ABS, with EBD and Brake Assist, and Front as well as a Rear Digital Video Recorder.

For connectivity, the Yaris has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to link compatible smartphones to the infotainment system. This means favourite apps can be accessed via the 7-inch touchscreen on the dashboard.

Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) is now made as a standard feature for Yaris (G&E variants). VTS provides real-time tracking of the car which means that if it is stolen, the Control Centre for the telematics service will be able to locate it and inform the authorities. This will enable its recovery more quickly.

*The Yaris is assembled along with the Vios at UMWT’s own assembly plant in Selangor.*

Bookings accepted from today
Assembled locally, the Yaris is available in various colour choices, with Platinum White Pearl being a new colour. UMWT has a lot of experience with pearl finishes, having been the first company to introduce it when it was available with the Corolla models in the late 1980s.

“The revised Yaris is built to excite and exceed standards,” said the President of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn, Ravindran K. “It’s about giving an already vibrant model a more dynamic and charismatic personality, and this is a strong reflection of Toyota’s global commitment moving forward. We will continue to offer customers vehicles equipped with advanced safety features, unwavered reliability, performance and convenience throughout our product range, but it is equally important that these vehicles must have a strong presence and be exciting to own, experience and drive.”

The updated Yaris will be launched soon but confirmed prices have not been revealed (although estimated prices on the website start from RM71,688) . Nevertheless, they will be exempted from 10% sales tax until the end of this year. Bookings are accepted now at all authorized Toyota showrooms nationwide, or can also be made online.

Two more financing schemes available for new Toyota purchases

Fuel pump recall list for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia expanded

Following a recall notice announced in March, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has expanded the list of affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles that require a fuel pump replacement. The expansion has been prompted by additional information received from Toyota Motor Corporation which has identified 9,500 new units of Toyota models and 850 new units of Lexus models. These were units officially distributed by UMWT between July 2017 and July 2019.

Models affected
The Toyota models affected are the Alphard, Vellfire, Camry, Corolla, Fortuner, Innova, C-HR and Harrier. Lexus models affected are the ES250, GS200t, GS350, IS200t, LC500, LS500, LX570, NX300, RX300 and RX350. Models not mentioned are not affected, UMWT stresses.

The issue with the defective fuel pump is a serious one as it may stop operating. If this were to occur, warning lights and messages may be displayed on the instrument panel, and engine power or hesitation may occur. Therefore it is very important that owners respond to this recall announcement and visit an authorised Toyota or Lexus service centre for the replacement.

*Models such as the Toyota Harrier (above) and Lexus LS 500 (below) imported from Japan by UMWT are among the vehicles being recalled under the Special Service Campaign.*

UMWT says it will officially notify affected vehicle owners to request them bring their vehicles in for the replacement of the fuel pump unit. There will be no charges for the parts and labour involved in this Special Service Campaign.

It is possible that some owners might not receive such a notification if they are not the original owner and their contact details are not registered with UMWT. If you own one of the vehicles listed (and distributed through the authorised Toyota and Lexus network) but do not receive any notification from UMWT, you can contact any authorised Toyota Service Centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682) for assistance. For Lexus owners, contact authorised Lexus Service Centres or call the Lexus Freephone at 1800-22-LEXUS (53987).

Lower maintenance costs with Toyota Service Savers packages

Malaysia’s Taj Aiman finishes second overall in first-ever GR Supra GT Cup ASIA

Online racing or sim racing has been growing over the years and this year, its popularity has accelerated (or at least activity) due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. As people around the world were forced to stay home and large-scale activities like motor racing were not permitted, the alternative very quickly became racing online. There were already some popular series running and some manufacturers began to also create their own championships.

One of them has been Toyota which has been stepping up its presence in motorsports through Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR). One of the new activities created was the GR Supra GT Cup ASIA 2020, a regional event which would see the best sim racers from 5 countries – Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and India – competing against each other.

Organized by Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, it was the first virtual motorsport racing championship in Asia. Each country has held its own series to find three of the best racers, and these were the ones who represented the country. The 15 contestants challenged each other using identical GR Supra RZ20 racing cars on the PlayStation platform, watched by millions of viewers worldwide… certainly way more than a real-world race.

Three races, 15 competitors
The event comprised 3 races, starting at the Fuji Speedway in Japan. At the end of this race, A. Aleef from Singapore led the pack with a strong 6-second lead. He was followed closely in second and third place, respectively, by Muhammad Iqbal Ahmad Suji and Taj Aiman, both from the Malaysian team.

The second race was an exciting 5 laps through the night ‘Shuto’ expressway of Tokyo – obviously only possible in the virtual world! Lap 5 saw one of the most exciting duels of the race as Suji, Tanapat (Thailand) and Shaz (Singapore) race 3-wide through the long straight to compete for P7 in a one-lane turn. But it was Aleef who again finished with a strong first place, followed closely by N. Sirigaya (Thailand) and T. Lallave (Philippines).

Nurburgring was where the final battles took place. This circuit runs over 20 kms and has more than 150 turns, requiring a mandatory pitstop and tyre change. After 3 intense laps, Taj Aiman came in first with an incredibly close second from Sirigaya and Aleef in third.

The overall winners were determined by their total points at the end of the three races. Aleef had the highest score of 36 points, while Taj Aiman came second with 33 points, and Sirigaya was in third with 25 points.

Overall winner faces global challengers
Aleef won US$6,000 in cash and a coveted spot to race in the global final GR Supra GT Cup 2020 in December. He will this represent Asia against the best of class e-Motorsport challengers from around the world.

Taj Aiman, placed second, received US$3,000 while Sirigaya, who came in third, won US$1,500 USD. All three winners were also awarded trophies.

“It has been a phenomenal year for me, having won the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship, given the honour to represent Malaysia and going on to finish second in the GR Supra GT Cup Asia, What an incredible experience!” said Taj Aiman. “Coming in second and just 3 points short of an overall victory is tough but that’s racing, and it is what it is.”

Malaysian event inspiration for GR Supra GT Cup Asia
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) continues to be the first, and remains as the only car company in Malaysia to be associated with e-Motorsport activities. The company has run three seasons of the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship, which was also instrumental in inspiring the very first GR Supra GT Cup Asia series.

2020 Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship — *The Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship has been held in Malaysia over the last three years.*

“With simulator racing becoming more competitive and also regarded as an important stepping stone for some of the world’s best real-life racers and teams, it is important that Malaysian virtual racers are also given the opportunity to compete at regional as well as international levels. At Toyota, we are delighted to be able to provide them with this exposure,” said Akio Takeyama, GAZOO RACING Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer.

President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran K., said the company’s contribution to Malaysian motorsports will continue both on the racing track and in the virtual world as it aspires to bridge both disciplines and bring motor-racing to the masses.

“It’s amazing to see how far virtual racing has come and, in many ways, today becoming an important element in accelerating the learning and development of a driver on the track. Virtual racing has also been instrumental in growing the interest and appreciation for motorsports and moving forward, UMWT will continue to invest in its potential,” he said, adding that part of UMWT’s initiatives include the recent launching of a GAZOO RACING Young Talent Development Program which is aimed at allowing both young karters and simulator racers to transition into real racing.

UMW Toyota Motor starts GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program

Two more financing schemes available for new Toyota purchases

Those who are planning to buy the latest Toyota Hilux or any Toyota model have a choice of various schemes from UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) to help them with financing. These are the Toyota EZ Beli Plan, Jom Drive, AITAB, Toyota Drive, Toyota Flexi Plan as well as conventional Hire-Purchase and Vehicle Lease financing schemes which are available from all authorized Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide.

Two new schemes
UMWT, in collaboration with Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, now offers another two more which are Shariah Compliant Term Financing schemes to its customers – Vehicle Financing-i and Vehicle Financing-i GradHitz.

Vehicle Financing-i is available for all customers aged up to 60 years old with a minimum income of RM2,800 or more. Vehicle Financing-i GradHitz is a special package tailored for newly employed young graduates, aged less than 30 years, with a minimum qualification of a diploma degree from a recognized institution under Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). For this scheme, they can apply for up to 100% margin of financing (terms and conditions apply).

Both schemes are based on term financing under the principle of Murabahah to the Purchase Order as a cost-plus profit financing contract. The financing tenure is up to 9 years, with fixed profit rates from 2.35% to 2.55% per annum. Customers will be eligible for Ibra’ (rebate) if full settlement is made before the maturity period of the financing.

The two Bank Islam financing schemes are applicable for all new Toyota models sold by authorized Toyota dealerships throughout Malaysia (including the Labuan and Langkawi duty-free zones).

Takaful coverage for peace of mind
Auto Financing Takaful Plan (AFTP), a takaful coverage, is also offered to customers. The plan covers the outstanding financing amount in the event of death or permanent disability within the financing period. The AFTP contribution is calculated based on financing amount and age of the applicant.

Customers who require more information may contact any authorized Toyota dealership in Peninsular and East Malaysia. Locations of the dealerships can be found at www.toyota.com.my.

100% financing packages to buy new Toyota or Lexus models

New Toyota Hilux Rogue: A Hilux designed for life in the city, or is it?

There used to be a time when the Toyota Hilux used to be the first and last word in the world of pick up trucks. Nothing else came close.

Conceived from a time when the world needed hardcore work horses to help with everything from construction sites to moving timber and such, the Hilux made a reputation for itself as a reliable truck that never seemed to give up.

But it was too utilitarian. It served a singular purpose – to work, to complement a worksite and to never give up.

It was far from comfortable, had very little creature comforts save for air-conditioning and radio, and safety equipment was almost non-existent.

Then the market shifted. Suddenly people wanted a pick up truck that looked cool, impressed the office mates and looked in place at the valet parking lot of the hottest club in town.

The mighty Hilux was caught off guard in a territory it once dominated. People no longer wanted a hardcore workhorse alone, but they wanted that workhorse to also come with comfortable suspension, interior comforts for the family, entertainment and yet at the same time unrelenting reliability and the ability to tow a bungalow.

There is no doubt in the world that the Hilux offered Toyota’s renowned reliability and durability in all conditions, but it was caught out in every other category that involved the passengers.

Come the second decade of the 2000s and the Hilux was pinned. Faced with an onslaught of modern pick ups like the Ranger, Navara and the Triton, the Hilux seemed like it only had a couple of things going for it – Toyota’s unrelenting reliability and a reputation for toughness forged over decades of hard work.

But that did not seem like a bad thing, because though the market was shifting towards more urbanised pick up trucks so to speak, the Hilux still sold in the tens of thousands and has always been among the top three best selling pick up trucks. Talk about a grand old reputation.

So here we were then, at the introduction and test drive of the latest Toyota Hilux – the Hilux Rogue. A supposedly more urbanised version of the Hilux with creature comforts meant to cuddle and entertain its passengers.

But has the Hilux really softened down to become one of those urban pick ups that do well on tarmac as their owners indulge in car like comforts but are totally hopeless when it comes time to get down and dirty with tough work?

Well, did Arnold Scharzenegger soften up and lose his muscles in his role as a kindergarten teacher in the 80s flick – Kindergarten Cop? No, he did not. Likewise with the Hilux Rogue, it is still as tough as ever and you feel it from the moment you get inside.

The steering wheel feels like it would survive a nuclear fall out and we simply love the near vertical dash that gives you ample of knee space and adds to the overall macho feel of the interior.

Interior quality is great and the buttons are soft to the touch. On the topic of pampering its passengers, the Hilux Rogue offers automatic air-conditioning, an entertainment system that offers Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard (a must have in cars these days if you ask us), and even rear air-conditioning vents. Now surely anyone can appreciate that.

But that’s not all for the interior actually, it also comes standard with a Digital Video Recorder so you don’t have to get a third party unit with the cables dangling in your line of sight. And though we didn’t actually see it, Toyota says that the interior of the Hilux now features an illuminated door trim that “elevates the atmosphere within the cabin”.

But it doesn’t end there – the Hilux Rogue also comes loaded with technology designed to make life behind the wheel all the better. This comes in the form of passive safety systems such as Pre-Collision System that alerts you of an obstacle and automatically applies the brakes in case you do not respond.

And then there is the Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist that lets you know when you drift out of your lane, gently tugs at the steering wheel to pull you back into your lane, and if all else fails and you still keep straying out of your intended lane, it will apply brake pressure to the two inner wheels as a final effort to keep you from crashing.

And our favourite feature that truly makes life behind the wheel comfortable is the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Simply set your desired cruising speed and let the car do the braking and accelerating, all you have to do is steer. It is even smart enough to accelerate slightly to help you overtake the car in front. The radar mounted into the Toyota emblem in the grille (seen above) will detect obstacles and other cars and will brake the car automatically, and once that gets out of the way the Hilux Rogue will then automatically accelerate again.

Combined, all these systems are called the Toyota Safety Sense. And so far it is only available in the top of the line 2.8 Rogue edition. But expect this to trickle down the model line or to be offered as an option in other variants as well.

Outside the Hilux Rogue takes on a love it or hate it design. The overall design is still typical Hilux, there is no mistaking it for anything but, and the new LED headlights look fantastic with the Daytime Running Lights. But from a personal point of view, the blacked out body kit that starts from the grille and loops over the wheel arches looks a little cheapish – as if the paint shop had forgotten to paint it. But if ruggedness and machoism is the name of your game, then the Rogue body kit should appeal to you.

Driving the Hilux Rogue is still a mundane affair – a character typical of pick up trucks, save for perhaps a Tundra TRD, F-150 Raptor or a Dodge Ram SRT-10. Power is of course available in abundance thanks to an improved 2.8-litre turbocharged engine that puts out 204hp and 500Nm of torque. Despite that fuel economy has also improved by 4%, something we will testify to after driving from Shah Alam to Rawang and up to Janda Baik via Ulu Yam and then to Goh Tong Jaya and back to Shah Alam. The damage? Just a quarter tank of fuel, which is quite impressive considering stop start traffic, uphill climbs and lots of acceleration.

As for handling, Toyota has updated the Hilux with something called a Variable Flow Control Power Steering, this makes the steering speed sensitive – light at low speeds, and heavier at high speeds. But interestingly it is not an electronic steering rack, it is still hydraulic. Which is not a bad thing because a hydraulic rack requires fewer sensors, which means there is a lesser chance of failure.

In the product brochure of the new Hilux Rogue, Toyota says that the suspension has been improved and now offers a more comfortable ride. But as a first impression, we found that the suspension still picks up on the slightest unevenness, bumps and even hops and skips over rumble strips rather than absorbing them.

Now this is also typical of a pick up as it comes with all pick-up trucks (except for the Nissan Navara) come with independent suspension up front with leaf springs at the back. This is normal because pick-ups are designed to carry loads rather than offer a plush ride, absorbing bumps and such. The direct consequence of which is a somewhat stiff ride, which is a character of the new Hilux Rogue.

But what the Hilux Rogue does have though is an impressively quiet interior, it is not as quiet as the interior of a Ranger Wildtrak (which uses Anti-Noise Cancellation technology to cancel out ambient sounds), but it is still quite good, almost like the interior of early 2000 continental cars. Well done to Toyota for that.

All in all, the new Toyota Hilux Rogue is a mighty impressive machine. It is still not as urban centric as some of its competitors but it is fast catching up. And you can always rely on a Hilux to never fail you in any situation. It still comes with the usual array of off-roading gizmos like Downhill-Assist Control and an Automatic Limited-slip Differential, so you can trust that it will always deliver in any situation.

If there ever was an award for the most hard working and most reliable pick-up truck to ever grace the earth – the Hilux would win it hands down. And if ever the call came for this writer to suddenly drive to the end of the world, the Toyota Hilux would be the vehicle of choice, each and every time.

The new Toyota Hilux Rogue is now available for RM146,880, but if you go to a Toyota showroom as soon as you’re done reading this, Toyota will give you a RM2,000 early-bird discount. It also comes with a 5-year warranty.

Click here for the New Toyota Hilux pricelist for all Malaysian regions.

Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship Grand Final

Team mates and friends Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira, Mior Muhammad Hafiz and Muhammad Iqbal Ahmad Suji won big time at the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship Grand Final when they clinched the top three positions to win almost RM40,000 in cash prizes.

The 2-day event brought together an elite group of 20 online racers who competed in a semi-final, with the top 10 fastest drivers advancing to the Grand Final. Held at the UMW Toyota Motor headquarters complex in Shah Alam, Selangor, the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship was streamed online was had more than one million views.

In total, some 720 participants entered the Toyota GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship which had kicked off with a series of 4 qualifying rounds. The championship offered more than RM70,000 in total prize money, most lucrative virtual racing event in Malaysia.

How Taj Izrin Aiman won
Taj Izrin Aiman was victorious in Race 1 behind the wheel of a GR Supra RZ at the Autodrome Lago Maggiore circuit in Italy, finishing ahead of Mior Muhammad with Rio Pandukusuma in third place in the 15-lap race. In Race 2, at the Autopolis Racing Course in Japan, Moo Shuan Jinq crossed the finish line ahead of Mior Muhammad in the 18-lap race in a FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo, with Taj Izrin Aiman finishing in third position.

For Race 3, run at the virtual Circuit de la Sarthe in France which is the venue for the annual Le Mans 24-Hour race, Muhammad Iqbal piloted a TS050 Hybrid to victory ahead of Mior Muhammad and Ariff Roslan in second and third places, respectively.

By the end of the 3 races, the overall championship was down to three potential winners with Mior Muhammad leading with 54 points, followed by Taj Izrin Aiman at 50, and Muhammad Iqbal with 45 points.

In the fourth and final 18-lap race at the famous 13. 6-km Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, Taj Izrin Aiman however, stamped his authority by leading the race from start to finish in a Toyota-powered Dallara Super Formula SF19, building an unassailable lead of 9 seconds ahead of Arif Roslan and Rio Pandukusuma who finished second and third respectively. Low Wooi Kit crossed the finish line in fourth place, followed by Muhammad Iqbal in fifth, while Mior Muhammad who was fourth at one point in the race dropped to sixth, finishing more than 35 seconds behind the race winner and essentially bidding farewell to his hopes of winning the overall championship.

Like racing in the real world
“Virtual racing is an entirely different discipline. It requires a lot of practice and seat time. Just like real racing requires you set-up a vehicle, in virtual racing you have to adapt to the steering and pedal techniques, and at the same time you have to adopt a strategy and manage your tyre wear as well as fuel during a race,” said 22-year-old Taj Izrin Aiman who is an avid motorsports enthusiast and is only into his first year of competitive virtual racing.

Clinching the overall Toyota GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship is also his first major title in virtual racing. Together with his winning team mates, the trio will also represent Malaysia at Toyota’s Regional eSports competition.

In a special 17-lap exhibition race involving celebrities who have competed in the Toyota Vios Challenge, musician Shawn Lee proved that he was indeed a force to be reckoned with both on and off the racing circuit. Lee, a two-time champion in the Promotional Class of the Toyota Vios Challenge, led the virtual 17-lap race at the 4.5-km Fuji International Speedway from start to finish. Behind him was GAZOO RACING Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama, and celebrity gamer Daddy Hood.

“Competing in Toyota GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship is an excellent warm-up for us in preparation for Season 4 of the Toyota Vios Challenge. I can’t wait to get back into racing,” said comedian Nabil Ahmad, who used a Toyota GR Supra Racing RZ.

High driving standards of virtual racers
GAZOO RACING Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer Akio Takeyama noted that the driving standards and technical knowledge the competitors brought to virtual racing was very high.” They are very serious about what they do and, despite never having experienced real racing, the degree of race craft, the strategies they adopt, discipline and familiarization as well as adaptability to the different types of vehicles and tracks they are exposed to is simply phenomenal.”

“Virtual racing is indeed becoming an important bridge to real racing, and this is also an area we at Toyota are investing in with the start of our GAZOO RACING Young Talent Development Program which will not only provide young karters, but also virtual racers, with the opportunity to transition into real world saloon car racing,” he added.

Virtual racing or esports will be another strong pillar for Toyota to bring motorsports to the masses. The Toyota GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship began in 2018 and UMW Toyota Motor was the first and still the only car company in Malaysia to be associated with the fast-growing sport that is also recognised by the FIA (the world motorsport governing body).

*UMW Toyota Motor will continue to support and promote motorsports in Malaysia.*

More motorsports-focussed initiatives
“Moving forward, the GAZOO RACING brand will continue to spearhead and expand Toyota’s presence in Malaysian motorsports with a number of new initiatives to be rolled out soon,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

This, he added, will include continuity of the Toyota Vios Challenge racing series and the Toyota GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship, the roll-out of a new range of race-bred and race-inspired GAZOO RACING-badged vehicles, and the expansion of specialty showrooms in the form of GAZOO RACING (GR) Garages for the benefit of customers.

UMW Toyota Motor starts GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program

Confirmed prices for new Toyota Hilux range announced

Prices for the updated Toyota Hilux to be launched soon have been announced by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) today. In the new line-up, there are five variants to choose from, with the new Double Cab 2.8 Rogue as the flagship.

There are two turbodiesel engine choices – 2.8 litres and 2.4 litres – and also automatic and manual transmissions. The Hilux Single Cab is still offered for those who use the vehicle mainly for heavy-duty business purposes. A warranty of 5 years (or maximum of 150,000 kms after original registration) is provided.

Assembled in Malaysia, the new Hilux range comes with a choice of seven exterior colours. These are Bronze Mica Metallic (a new colour), Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic and Super White II. The Hilux Single Cab is available only in a Solid White colour.

As mentioned in an earlier report, the new Hilux has changes to styling, updates of features inside, and improvements in performance. Although the current 8th generation has achieved the maximum 5-star rating from ASEAN NCAP, it continues to be improved in safety aspects with the inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense system (Hilux 2.8 Rogue only).

Toyota Service Savers & Insurance Packages
For those intending to purchase new Toyota vehicles, UMWT also recommends the Toyota Service Savers & Insurance Packages. With the Toyota Service Savers package, there can be saving of up to 13% during servicing and discounts of up to 20% for selected items and parts replacement. Available for the period of 5 years or 3 years, the cost of the package can be included in the financing scheme as part of the vehicle purchase cost.

The Toyota Insurance Package offers benefits which can allow an owner to regain use of his or her vehicle as quickly as possible after an accident. If not exceeding RM20,000, the claim can usually be approved within 24 hours, enabling repair work to commence quickly. There’s also no betterment charges or Excess Clause and the insurance companies will pay the entire amount of the claim.

Visit www.toyota.com.my for more information on the new Hilux and other products and services in Malaysia.

Improved Toyota Hilux to be launched soon, and you can book now

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