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THREE CHAMPIONSHIPS SETTLED AT SALT LAKE CITY SUPERCROSS

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The American Motorcyclist Association awarded No. 1 plates to champions in three AMA Supercross lessons on Saturday, May 11, on the finale of the 2024 AMA Supercross season in Salt Lake City.

Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence grew to become the third rookie in AMA Supercross historical past to assert the 450SX championship, becoming a member of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Ryan Dungey and Jeremy McGrath. Lawrence’s title is Honda HRC’s second 450SX victory in as a few years.

After coming into the ultimate spherical of the 2024 AMA Supercross season deadlocked at 186 factors, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing R.J. Hampshire prevailed over Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki Levi Kitchen in Salt Lake City to earn the 250SX West title. In the Eastern regional, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle captured his first AMA Supercross title to go together with his pair of MX2 World Championships in 2020 and 2022 after accumulating two wins on the season.

TOM VIALLE

“After another exciting season of racing, with down-to-wire title races, all of us at the AMA congratulate the 2024 AMA Supercross champions and their respective teams for a stellar campaign,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman stated. “Jett Lawrence, R.J. Hampshire and Tom Vialle are exemplary individuals that have shown incredible grit and determination, and of course, fantastic racing skills, on their journey to their respective championships.”

After main the 450SX class for a lot of the season, Lawrence discovered himself locked right into a tie with Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb after the thirteenth spherical of the season in Foxborough, Mass. But, Lawrence landed on the highest of the rostrum every of the subsequent three rounds to depart little doubt relating to his title pursuit.

Lawrence’s eight wins are the second-most all-time by a 450SX racer of their rookie season, trailing solely Jeremy McGrath (10) in 1993.

“I think it hasn’t fully sunk in yet,” Lawrence stated post-race, “but, I mean, we had times when we sucked really bad this year then also times when we weren’t too bad, so, [I’m] super happy for the team and doing it for them. They’ve been awesome. They’re family now and to give them another title is just the biggest ‘thank you’ to them… I couldn’t do it without the team around me. [There’ve been] so many hard moments that we’ve had that you can’t even put it in an interview, it’s just so long. I’m just super happy just for my family and the team and yeah, I’m just going to leave it at that because it’s too much.”

RJ HAMPSHIRE

The 250SX West title race got here right down to the ultimate spherical in Salt Lake City, with Kitchen and Hampshire twisted up coming into the East-West Showdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Needing to complete forward of Kitchen to win the championship, Hampshire produced a second-place end — clearing Kitchen in fifth-place — to earn his first-ever AMA Supercross title.

After a runner-up end within the 250SX West class final season, Hampshire notched a trio of wins, whereas touchdown on the rostrum in seven races, en path to his elusive title.

“[I’m] just so thankful,” Hampshire stated from the rostrum. “From the beginning, like my dad, the Grondahls, Kevin Keen, just so many people have helped me get to this point right here and just believed in me. So [I’m] thankful to my wife, my daughters, it’s truly special. This whole Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing team from Nate to Murph to my mechanic Amos, Aldon, Throttle, all the guys back home. They know how much I put into this, so it’s truly special. Just a massive thank you to Salt Lake. Man, you guys are going to be one I’m always going to remember. It’s truly special tonight. Thank you.”

In the 250SX Eastern Regional, Vialle outdueled Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan for the category crown. Vialle ended the marketing campaign with 172 factors, holding off Deegan by 4 general factors.

“I’m really happy,” Vialle stated post-race. “You know, coming from Europe, moving here to the U.S., and I’ve already got the [AMA] Supercross title in my second year. It’s amazing, so I’m very happy. I want to thank everyone on the team who believed in me, my family, and I’m really happy about the day. Thank you.”

The Supercross Futures AMA National Championship additionally wrapped up in Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium, with Troy Lee Designs GASGAS’ Cole Davies successful in Utah and taking the title for the season.

“It’s definitely cool to win this race,” Davies stated after claming the win. “The track is gnarly at the moment. I was able to get a pretty good start. I made some mistakes at the start there, but Drew [Adams] made a mistake, and I was able to capitalize on that and yeah, I’m stoked.”

The AMA additionally congratulates Jett Lawrence for incomes Rookie of the Year within the 450SX class, in addition to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer who was named Rookie of the Year within the 250SX class.

Results 450SX Class – Salt Lake City
1. Chase Sexton (USA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
2. Justin Cooper (USA), Yamaha
3. Cooper Webb (USA), Yamaha

Standings 450SX Class 2024 after 17 of 17 rounds
1. Jett Lawrence, 351 factors
2. Cooper Webb, 336
3. Chase Sexton, 307

Results 250SX East/West Showdown Class – Salt Lake City
1. Haiden Deegan (USA), Yamaha
2. RJ Hampshire (USA), Husqvarna
3. Jordon Smith (USA), Yamaha

Standings 250SX East Class 2024 after 9 of 9 rounds
1. Tom Vialle, 172 factors
2. Haiden Deegan, 168
3. Coty Schock, 132

Standings 250SX West Class 2024 after 10 of 10 rounds
1. RJ Hampshire, 208 factors
2. Levi Kitchen, 203
3. Jordon Smith, 185

BMW

Peter Lamp honoured with prestigious worldwide award for battery analysis, growth and industrialisation.

Munich / California: The North American Advanced Technology Battery Trade Association (NAATBatt) has introduced Dr. Peter Lamp with the organisation’s Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual convention.

This award recognises people who’ve made excellent contributions to the development of battery applied sciences over the course of their profession on both a enterprise, technological or regulatory degree. Previous award winners have included Dr. John Goodenough, Dr. M. Stanley Whittingham and
Dr. Akira Yoshino, who obtained the Nobel Prize for his or her contributions to the event of the lithium-ion battery, in addition to Robin Zeng, Chairman of CATL.

The recipients of the annual awards are chosen by the affiliation’s Board of Directors, comprising over 60 world-renowned battery specialists and representatives from the battery business. Peter Lamp has labored on the BMW Group for 23 years and has been a formative affect within the subject of battery cell know-how at BMW since 2008. Today he is likely one of the firm’s foremost cell know-how specialists.

“Having Peter in our ranks and being able to benefit from his exceptional expertise and passion is something very special for me. We sincerely congratulate Peter and thank him and his team for their contribution to our success. The deep expertise we have in battery cell development makes the difference now and in the future — I am convinced of that.” says Dr. Florian Preuß, Senior VP High-Voltage Battery and Charging.

Peter Lamp provides: “Winning this award in the USA is without doubt one of the highlights of my career. Even on such occasions, however, one should never forget that it is always a team effort. We have always strived to actively shape the global development of technology. In so doing, we ensure that the very best technology makes its way into our products, where it can impress and delight BMW drivers all over the world.”

The BMW eDrive know-how fitted within the BMW Group’s electrified fashions in the present day is now in its fifth era, which is testomony to the event progress achieved for the reason that BMW i3 launched in 2013. The arrival of the Neue Klasse fashions in 2025 will mark the debut of the sixth-generation tech, which is able to convey additional main advances when it comes to all customer-relevant traits, similar to vary and charging time.

News

The AMA Is Raffling Off A 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Anniversary Edition

2024 marks an enormous 12 months for the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). In a earlier article, we talked about all of the grand plans the AMA has in retailer for the motorcycling neighborhood in 2024. From occasions, particular races, and displays, the AMA is ensuring that it celebrates its centennial anniversary with a bang.

That mentioned, it isn’t simply AMA who’s celebrating an enormous milestone in 2024. Kawasaki can also be celebrating the fortieth birthday of the legendary Ninja, a mannequin that has gone down in historical past to outline a number of generations of sportbikes. The authentic Ninja first made its debut in 1984, and aside from its main position in Top Gun, proved to be fairly a formidable machine. The authentic Ninja, the GPZ900R, was a primary for the trade, because it mixed open-class energy with nimble dealing with. With that, each Kawasaki and AMA are leveraging the Ninja’s iconic standing, and raffling off a brand-new Ninja ZX-4RR Anniversary Edition.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR marks an vital milestone for Team Green. It proves that corporations at present can nonetheless defy conference and cater to a distinct segment fanatic market. The ZX-4RR is the one motorbike in its displacement class to characteristic a high-revving 399cc inline-four engine. That approach, it produces a formidable peak energy in extra of 80 ponies, all whereas revving to an astronomical redline of 16,000 rpm.

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR fortieth Anniversary Edition being raffled off by AMA for its centennial anniversary joins a number of different noteworthy items worthy of a spot in probably the most die-hard collector’s storage: a 1975 BMW R90S and a 1997 KTM 200 EXC Jackpiner.

AMA’s Chief Operating Officer, James Holter, shared his pleasure and gratitude for the neighborhood. In the AMA’s official press launch, he mentioned, “We are honored and appreciative that Kawasaki approached the AMA with this opportunity to commemorate both of our historic milestones with this anniversary raffle. Even better, every dollar raised will go to fund the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving American motorcycling history for future generations through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

Meanwhile, Kawasaki’s Regional Sales Director Mark Hosbach defined how Kawasaki has supported the AMA for greater than 50 years, and in some ways, shares the identical imaginative and prescient for the motorcycling neighborhood. “This year marks the 100th anniversary of the AMA as well as the 40th anniversary of the legendary Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle. We are proud to partner with the AMA to offer a limited 40th-anniversary model of our new Ninja ZX-4RR motorcycle to be raffled off in 2024 to help further support the AMA’s cause.”

Participating within the AMA’s raffle is fairly simple and easy. Every $5 donation earns you one ticket, whereas bumping up that donation to $20 provides you 5 entries. As is the case with most contests of this kind, members should be at the very least 18 years of age and be residents of the US in an effort to win. For extra info, and to make a donation, take a look at the AMA’s official website.

NewsNew

NATIONAL HARE & HOUND ASSOCIATION PREPARES FOR 2024

PRESS RELEASE: The National Hare & Hound Association (NHHA) is thrilled to move into 2024 as soon as once more as the marketing physique for each the AMA National Hare & Hound Championship Series and the AMA West Hare Scrambles (WHS) Regional Championship Series.

Hare & hound (H&H) racing has been a staple of motorbike competitors within the western U.S. and is, by AMA definition, an off-road race normally within the desert and on unimproved terrain over a marked course with a minimal distance of 60 miles. It might be both point-to-point or run over at the very least two loops, nearly all of every loop run solely as soon as.

A hare scrambles, then again, “…is carried out over a closed course, utilizing trails and paths over pure terrain. These races are run for both a specified variety of laps or chief’s general time; for the Pro/AA race, that is two and a half to a few hours. Hare scrambles are usually on tighter trails within the woods on programs 10-15 miles lengthy.

While the AMA is the game’s sanctioning physique, the NHHA is a promotions group initially created in 2009 by 4 AMA District 37 golf equipment—100s M.C., Desert M.C., Four Aces M.C. and Vikings M.C.—who’d earned the marketing rights from the AMA. The NHHA acquired the rights to the WHS sequence in 2014.

Since 2015, Meg Argubright and Jacob Michna have captained the NHHA, Argubright serving as Chairman and Michna the Race Director. Since then, the duo have grown and advanced each sequence’ right into a constant, skilled, trendy expertise for racers, spectators and sponsors alike. Most not too long ago, Argubright acquired NHHA possession in early 2023, alongside Michna.

Change is, nevertheless, inevitable and after eight years of continued innovation and development in each sequence, Jacob Michna has determined to shift gears and transfer on to a brand new profession path. While he’ll be sorely missed, his effort within the sport has laid a strong basis for the NHHA group to proceed constructing on.

Argubright will assume the NHHA management position going ahead and notes, “Our organization is what it is today thanks to the efforts of Jacob Michna and his relentless hard work and passion for the sport of off-road motorcycle racing. The impact he made for our sport raised the bar of expectation for professional off-road motorcycle racing in the greater Western United States and we are better because of him.”

“Moving into the 2024 season, I am incredibly excited to continue pursuing our vision—alongside our talented NHHA team—through our mission of elevating the National Hare & Hound and West Hare Scrambles series by providing a truly authentic, consistent and professional experience.”

Featured

FAME Subsidy For EVs Should Be Extended For Another 5 Years: FICCI

The commerce affiliation states that the scheme will assist in attaining the goal of 30 % EV penetration in India

  • The FAME-II scheme was launched in April 2019 and is efficient as much as March 2024.

  • FICCI suggests together with non-public EV patrons within the new FAME-III scheme.

  • Penetration of EVs within the Indian market stands at 5 % at present.

  • Also suggests contemplating hybrid automobiles as a part of the scheme.

The reputation of electric vehicles (EVs) has been on a pointy rise in our market over the previous couple of years, which can also be right down to many manufacturers having launched totally different fashions. Before this surge, the central authorities had rolled out a pan-India incentive scheme known as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric automobiles (FAME). An up to date model, FAME-II, was rolled out in 2019 with a goal to maintain the momentum of mass adoption of EVs. However, with the FAME-II scheme ending in March 2024, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has put forth a proposal suggesting that the Indian authorities carry ahead the FAME scheme for one more 5 years.

What Has FICCI Suggested?

FICCI says sudden withdrawal or discontinuation of the incentives will result in as much as 25 % value enhance of EVs, dissuading potential patrons and even affecting funding within the discipline. As per the organisation, EV penetration within the Indian market at present stands at solely 5 %.

If the inducement schemes proceed for the subsequent 5 years, roughly 30.5 million electrical automobiles could possibly be adopted throughout segments, serving to electrify 30 % of India’s transportation as focused. FICCI said that the subsidies could possibly be lowered and finally discontinued as soon as the value hole between EVs and combustion engines develop into negligible. This shall be achieved because the battery prices proceed happening and costs of EV elements lower over the subsequent 3-5 years.

Other Recommendations By FICCI

Besides the above solutions, FICCI has additionally shared a couple of different inputs:

  1. It has talked about that every one sorts of hybrid automobiles (together with strong- and plug-in hybrids) and hydrogen-powered automobiles have to be included below the FAME-III scheme.
  2. FAME-III ought to deal with extending the advantages to non-public patrons selecting an electrical automotive as nicely.
  3. It additionally highlighted that the calculation of the subsidy ought to proceed to be primarily based on the battery dimension (per kWh) as at present talked about within the FAME-II scheme.

Sulajja Firodia Motwani, chairperson, FICCI EV committee, mentioned, “Favourable insurance policies and particularly the FAME-II scheme of the Government of India has performed a key position in spurring demand by serving to to scale back the upfront costs of EVs. This has helped create a optimistic momentum and encourage EV adoption within the nation. However, whereas we have now nicely begun, we’re nowhere near being half performed. Let us not overlook that the present value premium of EV vis-à-vis ICE with none subsidy continues to be substantial, starting from 40 % to as excessive as 130 % for numerous segments. Given this actuality, the continuation of demand incentive or subsidy is crucial and important to assist scale back this value hole. Fame-III is required to spur continued curiosity from prospects in EVs and enhance penetration over the subsequent few years.

Also Read: All The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Buying A New Car At The End Of A Calendar Year

A Recap Of FAME-II Scheme

The FAME-II scheme was launched in April 2019 and was initially supposed to finish by March 2022 however the Indian authorities pushed again the deadline by two years (on account of COVID-19) to March 31, 2024. It covers hybrids and electrical automobiles, however largely tilted to favour the latter.

It had a funds of Rs 10,000 crore to subsidise the price of shopping for an electrical automobile. This would cowl subsidising 55,000 electrical 4-wheelers having Li-ion batteries, 10 lakh electrical 2-wheelers, 5 lakh 3-wheelers and seven,000 buses had been additionally eligible for the inducement over a interval of three years. In the case of 4-wheelers, incentives have majorly been supplied to business automobiles and people used for public transportation.

While these are solely a number of the solutions made by FICCI, it stays to be seen which of those shall be considered by the Indian authorities whereas formulating the FAME-III scheme. Which of those do you suppose must be included within the last incentive scheme? Drop your solutions within the feedback.

Motorsport

Ford Brings 800-HP Supercharged Mustang, Off-Road Bronco And Ranger To SEMA

The Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) 2023 event has begun, and Ford has unveiled a range of modified vehicles covering different segments of the market. Among the highlights is the introduction of a new supercharger kit for the latest Mustang. Ford also showcased other exciting packages and concepts at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The seventh generation Mustang receives a significant power boost with the introduction of a 3.0-liter twin-screw supercharger kit. This kit is compatible with all new Mustangs equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine. It includes various components such as a new heat exchanger with a high-flow intercooler pump, new fuel injectors, an integrated intercooled air-bypass system, a 92-mm throttle body, a 120-mm dual air intake system, and dual high-flow filters. These upgrades are suitable for both manual and automatic transmissions.


Volkswagen

ID.3 successfully completes 100,000 km test by German ADAC

The ID.3, Volkswagen’s electric vehicle, has received a positive evaluation from the German ADAC, the largest automobile association in Europe. The engineers at the Test and Technology Center in Landsberg am Lech have driven over 100,000 kilometers to thoroughly test the vehicle. The key finding is that the high-voltage battery still maintains a net capacity of 93 percent. The tested model, ID.3 Pro S with a 77 kWh net battery energy content, comes with a guarantee from Volkswagen that the battery will retain at least 70 percent of its original net capacity after eight years or 160,000 kilometers of use.

The ADAC testers did not hold back in subjecting the ID.3 to various battery usage scenarios. To expedite reaching the 100,000 km mark, the vehicle was often charged to 100 percent at fast charging stations. Additionally, contrary to the recommended practice, the vehicle was left fully charged for several days while waiting for the next test drive.

This endurance test is the first of its kind for a vehicle in the ID. family. The ID.3 was regularly inspected by engineers at the Landsberg am Lech Test and Technical Center in between drives. The ADAC evaluated the vehicle based on eight main criteria and over 300 sub-criteria, including technology, safety, handling, ease of operation, and environmental impact.

The ADAC strongly advises customers to install software updates. During the endurance test, the ID.3 received multiple software updates, which not only resolved various bugs but also improved charging power up to 170 kW. Furthermore, the updates had a positive impact on consumption and range. Specifically, the new software significantly improved power consumption in short distances and winter temperatures ranging from 0 to 5°C.

The ADAC testers also praised the intelligent Electric Vehicle Route Planner, which was added to the ID.3 through a software update. This feature plans charging stops based on the fastest route to the destination, considering factors such as battery charge level, traffic conditions, and forecasts. The charging stops are dynamically evaluated based on charging pillar performance. As a result, the route planner may recommend two shorter charging stops with higher power instead of one long stop with lower power.

For more information and test data, visit: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/autokatalog/autotest/vw-id3-dauertest/

NewsNew

2023 U.S. MXoN TEAM ANNOUNCED

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has officially announced the 2023 Motocross of Nations team for the U.S. The team consists of three highly-skilled motocross racers: Aaron Plessinger, R.J. Hampshire, and Christian Craig. The announcement came after speculation that there would be no U.S. team at the event due to funding and testing constraints. Despite these challenges, key figures stepped up to support the effort. All team members are from KTM and Husqvarna teams.

The Motocross of Nations event will take place in Ernée, France from October 6-8. The U.S. team is looking to defend their championship title from last year’s competition. AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier expressed his excitement about the team’s potential and their eagerness to represent the United States.



Aaron Plessinger

Aaron Plessinger, the team captain, will be racing in the MXGP Class. This will be his second time representing Team USA in the Motocross of Nations event. Plessinger expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to race for his country and his determination to live up to the team’s past success.

R.J. Hampshire will be making his debut appearance in the Motocross of Nations competition, racing in the MX2 Class. Hampshire is excited to represent his country and aims to perform well.



RJ Hampshire

Christian Craig will also be representing the U.S. in the Motocross of Nations for the first time, competing in the Open Class. He expressed his honor and commitment to making the country proud alongside his teammates.


Roger DeCoster, an AMA Motocross Hall of Fame Legend, will manage the U.S. team. DeCoster, who leads KTM, GASGAS, and Husqvarna’s racing efforts in the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross series, has a distinguished career in motocross. He has taken part in six victorious Motocross of Nations teams and is a five-time motocross world champion.

DeCoster mentioned the challenges faced in assembling the team due to the long race season, injury concerns, and riders switching teams. However, he expressed his happiness that Plessinger, Hampshire, and Craig eagerly accepted the opportunity to represent the USA. The team is looking forward to competing against the French Team and showing the world their capabilities at the stunning Ernée track.

The FIM Motocross of Nations is a prestigious motorsports event that has been held since 1947. National teams from around the world come together to compete for the championship title based on a combined score. The U.S. team holds the record for the most overall team victories in the Motocross of Nations, with 23 wins, 21 of which were achieved under DeCoster’s management. The defending champion, Team USA, aims to secure another victory this year.

Motorsport

Witness the Development Process of the New Subaru WRX Rally Car

Subaru recently introduced its new rally car, which will be competing in the American Rally Association Championship starting from August 2. However, its first official race will take place at the Ojibwe Forests Rally on August 25 and 26. Leading up to its debut, Subaru is documenting the vehicle’s development journey.

The video begins with Subaru’s participation in the 2022 ARA Championship. During this time, the team faced tough competition from Ken Block and made aerodynamic modifications to the WRX in order to close the gap. It’s worth noting that the team has been using this chassis since 2015.


ToyotaUk

Toyota GR Corolla Returns as Official Pace Car for NASA National Championships

  • GR Corolla Set to Pace All Races at the 2023 National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Championships
  • NASA Championships Take Place Sep. 7-10 at the “Pitt Race” in Pittsburgh, PA
  • Pace Car Racing Livery in Red, White, and Black TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Color Scheme
  • 300 HP and 295 Lb.-Ft. of Torque GR Corolla MORIZO with Racing Livery Used for Pacing Duties

PLANO, Texas (August 9, 2023) – The Toyota GR Corolla, designed for performance-minded driving enthusiasts, is set to pace all races at the 2023 National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Championships. With rally-inspired roots, a turbocharged engine producing 300 horsepower, and All Wheel Drive, this hot hatch has gained a loyal fan base across America. It previously served as the official pace car for the 2022 NASA National Championships and will continue its pace car duties for 2023.

A GR Corolla MORIZO Edition, adorned with red, white, and black graphics inspired by Toyota motorsports and endurance racing liveries, will lead the pack at the 2023 National Championships from September 7 to 10, 2023. The championships will take place at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex (Pitt Race) in Wampum, Pennsylvania. This event features NASA race drivers from 14 regions across the United States competing for the top prize. The GR Corolla will pace more than 350 entrants competing in 25 classes at the Pitt Race.

Mike Tripp, vice president of Toyota Vehicle Marketing and Communications, expressed the company’s passion for motorsports and the honor of supporting racing enthusiasts by pacing all NASA Championship races. Since 2019, Toyota has included a complimentary one-year NASA membership and a track day at a NASA High Performance Driving Event for customers who purchase a new GR Corolla. This program aims to give sports car owners performance driving experiences under the guidance of expert instructors.

The 2023 GR Corolla is equipped with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The MORIZO Edition boasts an increase in torque to 295 lb.-ft. and features Toyota’s rally developed GR-Four AWD system, allowing drivers to choose from different power distribution options. The car also offers four drive modes, ECO, Normal, Sport, and Custom, to cater to various driving situations. The GR Corolla is available in three grades: Core, Circuit Edition, and MORIZO Edition.

For more information about the GR Corolla, visit the Toyota USA Newsroom.