The Toyota GR range of high-performance models began in 2019 with the launch of the GR Supra. At the same time, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) also introduced the GR Garage concept, with Malaysian being the first country outside to have it. Since then, GR models and GR parts have been sold through GR Garages which are located at a selected number dealerships around the country.
Since 2019, the range has grown quickly and has been joined by a sporty GR-Sport (GR-S) range which are based on popular models and receive some tuning to improve their dynamic performance. It’s been an open secret that this year will see UMW Toyota Motor widening the GR range of high-performance models substantially. With teaser ads of ‘The Beasts Awaken’, the number of new models will be five and tonight, they are revealed…
GR SUPRA MT – RM645,000 | GR SUPRA AT – RM655,000
The GR Supra is the car that started the GR range of performance-oriented models when it was launched in 2019. For the 2023 model year, the coupe gets the manual transmission which enthusiasts have been asking for.
The 6-speed manual gearbox has been specifically developed to match the performance characteristics of the 3.0-litre straight six with a twin-scroll turbocharger. In its latest form, this mighty 24-valve DOHC engine produces 388 ps between 5,800 – 6,500 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,800 – 5,000 rpm going only to the rear wheels the way a pure sportscar should.
The intelligent 6-speed manual transmission matches engine speeds on up and down shifts for smooth and sporty driving. While the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h with the manual transmission is a quicker 4.1 seconds compared to 4.4 seconds with the automatic transmission.
In addition to adding the option of the manual transmission with the 8-speed automatic transmission, Toyota GR engineers have also further refined the steering and suspension characteristics by modifying the stabilizer bushings and retuning the adaptive variable suspension.
The chassis control systems have also been recalibrated to improve handling performance and ride comfort. Taking note of feedback from high-performance drivers in the time that the car has been in the market, the latest GR Supra now has a Performance Rod added to increase lateral rigidity.
Customers can choose from seven colours – Prominence Red, Lighting Yellow, White Metallic, Silver Metallic, Ice Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Matte Storme Grey Metallic.
GR COROLLA – RM355,000
The new GR Corolla is the latest member of the GR range, joining the GR Supra, GR86 and GR Yaris. Under the bonnet of the GR Corolla is the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine used in the GR Yaris. However, its performance has been uprated with power output increased to 300 ps at 6,500 rpm and 370 Nm between 3,000 and 5,550 rpm.
Available only with an intelligent 6-speed manual transmission (iMT), the GR Corolla employs the GR-Four all-wheel drive (AWD) system developed through TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s involvement in the World Rally Championship. The driver can choose from three drive modes and three AWD modes to tailor the performance to road conditions or personal preference.
For enhanced grip and stability, especially in slippery conditions, there is the support of a Torsen limited-slip differential. The large 18-inch black ENKEI alloy wheels are fitted with 235/45 high-performance Yokohama ADVAN Apex tyres.
The GR Corolla is easily identifiable as a member of the GR family with its functional form featuring an aggressive profile, widened front fender flares, a carbonfibre roof, and sporty gloss-black accents. The larger and striking Matrix is flanked by side air ducts, while at the are triple-exit exhaust tips and an aerodynamic spoiler.
Inside, the GR Corolla offers comfort without sacrificing practicality and functionality. As with all GR and GR-S models, the black theme is accompanied by red accents around the cabin. For clear and instant information for the driver, the GR Corolla incorporates a 12.3-inch full digital instrument display with Multi-Information Display (MID) supplemented by a Head-Up Display.
GR86 MT – RM295,000 | GR86 AT – RM305,000
The GR86 has a history dating back to the famous AE86 of the 1980s. When TOYOTA GAZOO Racing developed the modern 86, it signalled the brand’s renewed commitment to sportscar engineering.
The GR86 builds on the success of the 86 with extensive improvements that take its performance to higher levels which make it a worthy member of the GR range. It now has a 2.4-litre horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine producing 237 ps at 7,000 rpm and 250 Nm at 3,700 Nm, replacing the 2.0-litre powerplant used before.
The naturally aspirated engine provides linear throttle response and the ability to rev effortlessly to high rpm, with technologies including optimized D4-S direct injection helping to provide significantly more torque for better mid-range response.
Customers have the choice of ordering the GR86 with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, the latter featuring paddle shifters. A range of drive modes and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) settings customize performance characteristics to the preferences of each driver for highway or track use. 5 different VSC settings range from full support to completely switched off (for experienced drivers).
To maximize handling capability, the GR86 comes with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Tuning of the MacPherson strut/double wishbone suspension and steering components give sharper agility, handling that is enhanced by weight reduction and a lower centre of gravity. Chassis reinforcements significantly improve torsional and lateral rigidity, while large front and rear ventilated disc brakes ensure that there is always plenty of stopping power.
Available with a choice of 7 colours, the exterior design has styling elements taken from Toyota’s great sportscars of the past such as the 2000GT and AE86 Levin. The long bonnet, sloping roofline and tapered rear end with a prominent lip spoiler give it a sporty silhouette. Dual exhaust pipes and GR badging complete the rear-end look, with black 18-inch alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres at each corner.
Inside the GR86 cabin, the designers have created a cockpit with a simple and ergonomic layout focused on pure driving. However, comfort has not been forgotten either and premium leather seats are standard with 6-way adjustment for the driver.
The driver has a configurable 7-inch TFT colour LCD display which provides all the information about the car’s operation. A Track Mode, designed with help from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s professional drivers, provides real-time readouts of important data for circuit driving.
COROLLA CROSS GR-S – RM142,000
The Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S shares the same design and 1.8-litre engine as the other locally-assembled variants, with sportier looks on the exterior and interior, as well as a sporty driving feel and better handling.
This new member of the GR-S range is differentiated on the exterior by the following features a 2-tone package with black finish on the mirrors, roof and rear spoiler; clear lens LED rear lamp, exclusive rear bumper lower garnish design and sporty diffuser; radiator grille with a black finish and mesh design; and 18-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels with exclusive GR-S design and machined finish.
Customers have a choice of 3 exterior colour choices – 2-tone Platinum White Pearl, 2-tone Red Mica Metallic and 2-tone Nebula Blue.
On the inside of the Corolla Cross GR-S are exclusive features such as a Black interior with Red Stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped gearshift lever knob and boot, and leather seat covers.
The GR logo also features on the engine push-start button and is embossed on the front seat headrests. while the carpet mats incorporate the red and black GR design.
HILUX GR-S – RM159,880
The Hilux GR-S has similar in general specifications to the locally-assembled Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue with the 204 ps/500 Nm 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. It comes with grey body cladding, a black grille frame and overfenders finished in the body colour. The foglights, door mirrors and sport bar are blacked out for a bolder, sportier image.
Customers can choose from three body colours – Super White II, Attitude Black Mica or Crimson Spark Red Metallic – with black and red body side and tailgate graphics inspired the liveries of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s competition vehicles.
The 18-inch alloy wheels, which have an exclusive design for the Hilux GR-S, are fitted with 265/60R18 Highway Terrain Tyres. Behind the wheels, the calipers for the disc brakes are painted red with the GR Logo.
The Hilux GR-S has enhanced driving performance as its sports suspension system uses dedicated monotube shock absorbers and stiffer coil springs. The higher damping force and optimal front-rear suspension balance give outstanding handling, increased stability during cornering and precise steering response.
Exclusive to the Hilux GR-S are paddle shifters, the first time that a Hilux has such a feature that gives the driver more control for a sportier feel and drive. Aluminium sports pedals are also installed for this variant.
Also different from the Hilux Rogue are the front seats which have a different structure for a sportier feel. They are covered with a synthetic leather seat material and have suede and red upper bolsters. As with other GR variants, red stitching can be seen in many areas around the cabin with GR logos on the headrests, leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-start button and Smart key fob. The Optitron meters on the instrument panel have a GR theme with red accents and a GR welcome animation.
