Gazoo Racing: what is it, exactly?
RPM reported yesterday morning the arrival of a brand new model of Toyota, or the 2023 GR Corolla, which will also be marketed in Canada: with its 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that develops 300 horsepower, it is obviously not a Corolla in the traditional sense of the term.
However, this is not the only model offered in the Gazoo Racing, while the Toyota GR Supra and GR86 also carry this emblem here in Canada. Elsewhere in the world, a Toyota GR Yaris is also marketed, and it is all the rage with enthusiasts. But, what is Gazoo Racing?
In a few words, Gazoo Racing is the racing division of the Toyota manufacturer, as its English name suggests. The name “Gazoo” originated in 2007, when Toyota’s racing division was meant to be much older.
This division deals not only with road vehicles with a more sporting vocation, such as the GR Corolla, GR Yaris, GR86, GR Supra, but also vehicles dedicated to motor racing of all kinds. Indeed, Gazoo Racing is involved in several car racing divisions, such as Rally, endurance races (24h of Le Mans, Sebring, etc.), or the Dakar Rally.
Moreover, the influence of Gazoo Racing has even flowed to Lexus, while the team once took care of mounting a Lexus LFA for some endurance races.
That said, all the expertise of the world of motor racing eventually flows, albeit on a smaller scale, in the road vehicles that are transformed by Gazoo Racing: this is why the models that wear the “GR” badge are so special. They are also numerous, while there are no fewer than 10 vehicles currently offered in different markets.
An example
A few months ago, RPM reported that the Toyota GR Yaris would not be marketed on Canadian soil, much to the dismay of enthusiasts. This 3-door version of the Yaris is actually a version on steroids of the European Yaris: a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine that develops 261 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque is housed under the hood.
This is a one-of-a-kind Toyota: “Only a 6-speed manual transmission transfers everything to a fully variable all-wheel-drive system that Toyota calls GR-FOUR. Moreover, three driving modes are offered: Normal mode distributes power between the front and rear in a 60/40 ratio; Sport mode reverses priority to send 30% of the power to the front and 70% to the rear; the Track mode, meanwhile, fixes the distribution at 50/50.
Regardless of drive mode, power can be distributed variably, up to 100% front or rear, depending on road conditions and the driver’s style of driving,” reported William Clavey. in his text. Moreover, the GR Corolla has an all-wheel drive system of the same type.
This is the kind of creation that Gazoo Racing, the sports division of Toyota, brings to life.
