All-new Toyota Racing Vios makes debut at Sepang Circuit

With the Toyota Vios having gone into a new generation this year, the racing version for the GR Vios Challenge one-make race series (now in its sixth season) has also undergone change. The new model makes it debut this weekend at the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival/GR Vios Challenge and the first units are being used by the celebrity racers in the Promotional Class this weekend.

First and second versions of Vios developed for the one-make series. Both the competition cars were based on the third generation model while the new version for Season 7 in 2024 uses a brand new platform as it is based on the fourth generation of the Vios.

In 2024, when Season 7 is underway, the new racing car will be used by competitors in the other categories as well, namely the Super Sporting, and Sporting classes of the GR Vios Challenge for professional, amateur and celebrity drivers, respectively.

The 4th generation of the Vios , launched in Malaysia in March 2023. Click here to know more about it.

Driver skill more important than power
Since the beginning of the GR Vios Challenge, UMW Toyota Motor has offered a ready-to-race Vios in order to have cars with identical specifications for the one-make series. As every participant has the same power output from his or her car (yes, there are also female drivers taking part), skill, experience and strategy become deciding factors.

This makes for close racing – which spectators like to see – and it equalises the competition. Of course, different drivers have different levels of experience so there are different classes for different skill levels. There is even a Rookie Class for newcomers who have graduated from GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Young Talent Development Program.

Ready for racing
The cars are prepared and upgraded strictly in accordance with the regulations and made available to teams and drivers for purchase from UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd. Each car with all the necessary safety equipment and racing trim. This includes a 6-point roll cage, OMP racing seat and 6-point racing harness that are FIA-approved.

Some of the changes made include racing exhaust manifold, exhaust mid-section and exhaust muffler, and a limited slip differential (LSD) is also added. Besides having Enkei wheels, the suspension is tuned to make the car more capable on the track.

Fitted with manual transmission
For the new Racing Vios, which is the third competition version introduced for the series, the powertrain remains the same with a 1.5-litre engine, just like the latest showroom model. However, while the general public can only get the Vios with a CVT, the racing version has a 5-speed manual transmission.

New, more rigid platform
The latest Vios generation has a new platform which is more rigid and gives enhanced stability for better driving dynamics. It has improved handling, and with the tuning for the racing car, the car is more planted in corners, more responsive to driver input and capable of even faster lap times.

Special price
As per previous seasons, teams and individuals can purchase the car at a special price (it is only for track use). This is in line with UMW Toyota Motor’s commitment and long-term objective to make motorsports in Malaysia more affordable and accessible to more teams and drivers. This has proven to be a successful initiative as, over 6 seasons, there have been many newcomers to the sport.

Those interested in registering to participate in Season 7 and to purchase the new racing Vios can  get in touch with Janet, the series Race Management representative, at 016-367 3300.

GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge finale this weekend

The post All-new Toyota Racing Vios makes debut at Sepang Circuit appeared first on MotaAuto.com.