Latest news with #GR86
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- 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.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Next-generation Toyota Supra could spawn Lexus and Mazda coupes
The current BMW Z4-based Supra is nearing the end of its run, but Toyota is already planning a successor, and it could have a Lexus sibling. According to Best Car, Toyota is preparing a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This mill in naturally aspirated form will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission for the third-generation GR86, which is expected to debut in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Following on from this, possibly in 2027, will be the sixth-generation Supra, which will reportedly have a hybrid drivetrain featuring a turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre engine. Power will reportedly be sent to the rear wheels via either an eight- or 10-speed automatic transmission with a built-in electric motor. Like the current Supra, the new model will be strictly a two-seat affair. However, the related Lexus coupe will reportedly have 2+2 seating for a dash of extra practicality, and to provide an extra point of difference. The Lexus might also be offered as a convertible. With production of the RC set to conclude in November, and the aging LC believed to have no direct successor, this new Lexus coupe is reportedly being referred to internally as "LC+RC Integrated Sports". It's unclear what the new coupe will be christened, but Lexus may revive the SC nameplate or go with something new. If it does decide to resurrect the SC name, it would follow in the footsteps of the original SC (above), which was an export version of the third-generation Toyota Soarer and was based on the contemporary 'A80' Supra (below). The two cars even shared their base engines: a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated straight six. They did however diverge for high power variants, with the Supra featuring a twin-turbo six, and the SC borrowing the 4.0-litre V8 from the LS sedan. A twin-turbo six could be found in the Japanese-market Soarer, however. Toyota is reportedly investigating whether it can shoehorn Mazda's straight-six engine into the new Supra's rear-wheel drive platform. If it can cram the six-pot from the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 SUVs into the engine bay, the Japanese magazine believes there's a chance of a Mazda-badged variant. MORE: Everything Toyota Supra Content originally sourced from: The current BMW Z4-based Supra is nearing the end of its run, but Toyota is already planning a successor, and it could have a Lexus sibling. According to Best Car, Toyota is preparing a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This mill in naturally aspirated form will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission for the third-generation GR86, which is expected to debut in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Following on from this, possibly in 2027, will be the sixth-generation Supra, which will reportedly have a hybrid drivetrain featuring a turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre engine. Power will reportedly be sent to the rear wheels via either an eight- or 10-speed automatic transmission with a built-in electric motor. Like the current Supra, the new model will be strictly a two-seat affair. However, the related Lexus coupe will reportedly have 2+2 seating for a dash of extra practicality, and to provide an extra point of difference. The Lexus might also be offered as a convertible. With production of the RC set to conclude in November, and the aging LC believed to have no direct successor, this new Lexus coupe is reportedly being referred to internally as "LC+RC Integrated Sports". It's unclear what the new coupe will be christened, but Lexus may revive the SC nameplate or go with something new. If it does decide to resurrect the SC name, it would follow in the footsteps of the original SC (above), which was an export version of the third-generation Toyota Soarer and was based on the contemporary 'A80' Supra (below). The two cars even shared their base engines: a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated straight six. They did however diverge for high power variants, with the Supra featuring a twin-turbo six, and the SC borrowing the 4.0-litre V8 from the LS sedan. A twin-turbo six could be found in the Japanese-market Soarer, however. Toyota is reportedly investigating whether it can shoehorn Mazda's straight-six engine into the new Supra's rear-wheel drive platform. If it can cram the six-pot from the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 SUVs into the engine bay, the Japanese magazine believes there's a chance of a Mazda-badged variant. MORE: Everything Toyota Supra Content originally sourced from: The current BMW Z4-based Supra is nearing the end of its run, but Toyota is already planning a successor, and it could have a Lexus sibling. According to Best Car, Toyota is preparing a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This mill in naturally aspirated form will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission for the third-generation GR86, which is expected to debut in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Following on from this, possibly in 2027, will be the sixth-generation Supra, which will reportedly have a hybrid drivetrain featuring a turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre engine. Power will reportedly be sent to the rear wheels via either an eight- or 10-speed automatic transmission with a built-in electric motor. Like the current Supra, the new model will be strictly a two-seat affair. However, the related Lexus coupe will reportedly have 2+2 seating for a dash of extra practicality, and to provide an extra point of difference. The Lexus might also be offered as a convertible. With production of the RC set to conclude in November, and the aging LC believed to have no direct successor, this new Lexus coupe is reportedly being referred to internally as "LC+RC Integrated Sports". It's unclear what the new coupe will be christened, but Lexus may revive the SC nameplate or go with something new. If it does decide to resurrect the SC name, it would follow in the footsteps of the original SC (above), which was an export version of the third-generation Toyota Soarer and was based on the contemporary 'A80' Supra (below). The two cars even shared their base engines: a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated straight six. They did however diverge for high power variants, with the Supra featuring a twin-turbo six, and the SC borrowing the 4.0-litre V8 from the LS sedan. A twin-turbo six could be found in the Japanese-market Soarer, however. Toyota is reportedly investigating whether it can shoehorn Mazda's straight-six engine into the new Supra's rear-wheel drive platform. If it can cram the six-pot from the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 SUVs into the engine bay, the Japanese magazine believes there's a chance of a Mazda-badged variant. MORE: Everything Toyota Supra Content originally sourced from: The current BMW Z4-based Supra is nearing the end of its run, but Toyota is already planning a successor, and it could have a Lexus sibling. According to Best Car, Toyota is preparing a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This mill in naturally aspirated form will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission for the third-generation GR86, which is expected to debut in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Following on from this, possibly in 2027, will be the sixth-generation Supra, which will reportedly have a hybrid drivetrain featuring a turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre engine. Power will reportedly be sent to the rear wheels via either an eight- or 10-speed automatic transmission with a built-in electric motor. Like the current Supra, the new model will be strictly a two-seat affair. However, the related Lexus coupe will reportedly have 2+2 seating for a dash of extra practicality, and to provide an extra point of difference. The Lexus might also be offered as a convertible. With production of the RC set to conclude in November, and the aging LC believed to have no direct successor, this new Lexus coupe is reportedly being referred to internally as "LC+RC Integrated Sports". It's unclear what the new coupe will be christened, but Lexus may revive the SC nameplate or go with something new. If it does decide to resurrect the SC name, it would follow in the footsteps of the original SC (above), which was an export version of the third-generation Toyota Soarer and was based on the contemporary 'A80' Supra (below). The two cars even shared their base engines: a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated straight six. They did however diverge for high power variants, with the Supra featuring a twin-turbo six, and the SC borrowing the 4.0-litre V8 from the LS sedan. A twin-turbo six could be found in the Japanese-market Soarer, however. Toyota is reportedly investigating whether it can shoehorn Mazda's straight-six engine into the new Supra's rear-wheel drive platform. If it can cram the six-pot from the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 SUVs into the engine bay, the Japanese magazine believes there's a chance of a Mazda-badged variant. MORE: Everything Toyota Supra Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Next-generation Toyota Supra could spawn Lexus and Mazda coupes
The current BMW Z4-based Supra is nearing the end of its run, but Toyota is already planning a successor, and it could have a Lexus sibling. According to Best Car, Toyota is preparing a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This mill in naturally aspirated form will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission for the third-generation GR86, which is expected to debut in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Following on from this, possibly in 2027, will be sixth-generation Supra, which will have a hybrid drivetrain with a turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre engine. Power will be sent to the rear wheels via either an eight- or 10-speed automatic transmission with a built-in electric motor. Like the current Supra, the new model will be strictly a two-seat affair. The related Lexus coupe will, however, have 2+2 seating for a dash of extra practicality, and to provide an extra point of difference. The Lexus might also be offered as a convertible. With production of the RC set to conclude in November, and the aging LC believed to have no direct successor, this new Lexus coupe is being referred to internally as 'LC+RC Integrated Sports'. It's unclear what the new coupe will be christened, but Lexus may revive the SC nameplate or go with something new. If it does decide to resurrect the SC name, it would follow in the footsteps of the original SC (above), which was based on the contemporary 'A80' Supra (below). Supplied Credit: CarExpert The two cars even shared their base engines: a 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated straight six. They did however diverge for high power variants, with the Supra featuring a twin-turbo six, and the SC borrowing the 4.0-litre V8 from the LS sedan. Toyota is investigating whether it can shoehorn Mazda's straight-six engine into the new Supra's rear-wheel drive platform. If it can cram the six-pot from the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 SUVs into the engine bay, the Japanese magazine believes there's a chance of a Mazda-badged variant. MORE: Everything Toyota Supra
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Next-generation Toyota Supra could spawn Lexus and Mazda coupes
The current BMW Z4 -based Supra is nearing the end of its run, but Toyota is already planning a successor, and it could have a Lexus sibling. According to Best Car, Toyota is preparing a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This mill in naturally aspirated form will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission for the third-generation GR86, which is expected to debut in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Following on from this, possibly in 2027, will be sixth-generation Supra, which will have a hybrid drivetrain with a turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre engine. Power will be sent to the rear wheels via either an eight- or 10-speed automatic transmission with a built-in electric motor. Like the current Supra, the new model will be strictly a two-seat affair. The related Lexus coupe will, however, have 2+2 seating for a dash of extra practicality, and to provide an extra point of difference. The Lexus might also be offered as a convertible. With production of the RC set to conclude in November, and the aging LC believed to have no direct successor, this new Lexus coupe is being referred to internally as 'LC+RC Integrated Sports'. It's unclear what the new coupe will be christened, but Lexus may revive the SC nameplate or go with something new. If it does decide to resurrect the SC name, it would follow in the footsteps of the original SC (above), which was based on the contemporary 'A80' Supra (below). The two cars even shared their base engines: a 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated straight six. They did however diverge for high power variants, with the Supra featuring a twin-turbo six, and the SC borrowing the 4.0-litre V8 from the LS sedan. Toyota is investigating whether it can shoehorn Mazda's straight-six engine into the new Supra's rear-wheel drive platform. If it can cram the six-pot from the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 SUVs into the engine bay, the Japanese magazine believes there's a chance of a Mazda-badged variant.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Racing reflections as we encounter highs and lows from the Toyota Gazoo GR Cup at Zwartkops
There were lots of thrills and spills for car #60 at the GR Cup held at Zwartkops this weekend. Image: Stefan Van Niekerk It was a mixture of euphoria and disappointment as I drove my Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) GR Yaris into the pits after the final race of the fourth round of the GR Cup held at Zwartkops this weekend. Racing can be a cruel mistress and the highs and lows that come with it put you on an emotional rollercoaster. Practice It had been more than a month since we drove at the Aldo Scribante Circuit in Gqeberha and during the first practice at Zwartkops I felt a little detached from the car as I tried to get back into my rhythm with my times reflecting that as well. The previous week I had done a number of laps during a Mercedes-Benz AMG day and with the help of a racing and media colleague had worked out all the important entry and exit zones. I stuck to them for the second practice ending with more competitive times despite struggling to get an open run in a field of 25 cars including our GR Yaris', dealers in their Corollas and the GR Academy youngsters in their GR 86's. Going as fast as possible in the Toyota GR Yaris. Image: Stefan Van Niekerk Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading GR Cup popularity Talking of 25 cars… It's a testimony to the hard work and vision of the TGRSA staff that has seen the series grow exponentially in popularity from an initial six cars in 2022 to the almost full grid this season including five of the manual Yaris' that we started the season with. It's now a fully-fledged racing series that follows the Extreme Festival around South Africa's most iconic race tracks. Practice three went a lot better after I had spoken to Lorenzo Gualtieri from Comprehensive Driving Solutions and shown him my inboard footage. There was lots of time to be made up in turn one, two and four with later braking and earlier acceleration. I heeded the advice; my times improved, and more importantly, I was being consistent. It's strange how the two days dominate your every thought as you go through each corner in your mind even while you're trying to fall asleep, knowing that race day takes a lot out of you. Because of the large field, qualifying was split into two 10 minute sessions to allow for cleaner runs. Keeping the chasing cars at bay into turn six. Image: Stefan Van Niekerk Qualifying As we exited Parc fermé onto the track I latched onto one of the Corollas who had set some fast practice times and in doing so took two seconds off my best practice time. For the rest of the session I concentrated on braking, entry and exit points trying to save my tyres for the races ahead. Our GR Media Cup Challenge with Charl Bosch (Citizen), Lawrence Minnie (Auto Trader), Phuti Mpyane (TimesLive), Kyle Kock (CAR Magazine) and Nabil Abdool (SuperSport) again saw Abdool tear up the track throughout the weekend. Race one The rolling start for race one saw me get a lucky break into turn one and two allowing me to make up a couple of places, but it meant that they were hunting me down. Remembering the advice of keeping your lines and running your race, a group of three GR Corollas and myself ran bonnet to boot. It's damn exhilarating trying to outbrake and out maneuver the others but at the hairpin on turn two on the second last lap I turned too late, allowing a Corolla to pass me on the inside. Still, it was a fantastic dice. Hugging the apex. Image: Stefan Van Niekerk Race two Race two started in much the same way but with six of us going head to head. It's a tough job focussing on your race when you're chasing, there's someone pushing behind you and you have to keep your cool going into every corner. I needed to pass one car in order to get a clean run and took my chance on lap four at the turn two hairpin. The Corolla braked too late and came in wide, allowing me to sneak inside. Perhaps he didn't see me in his side mirrors but he turned in and smacked me on my left front, sending him into the kitty litter and me sideways before arresting it for turn three. The calm before the storm. Image: Stefan Van Niekerk
