Tag Archives: play

News

Toyota GR ‘critical’ for revitalizing Corolla and Prius models

The Toyota GR will play a crucial role in reinvigorating the reputation of its long-standing models, including the Prius and Corolla, according to Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda in an interview with Autocar.

Toyoda emphasized the power of motorsport in enhancing desirability and profitability. He specifically mentioned the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, a special edition Prius inspired by racing and designed to commemorate the hybrid technology that helped the car win five races between 2018 and 2022.

Toyoda explained how the Prius became an iconic nameplate by pioneering hybrid technology and breaking the mold of traditional class segments. However, to approach the Prius from a different angle, Toyota decided to create a motorsport-inspired version of the vehicle.

A similar approach applies to the Corolla. While many people associate it with a mass-produced sedan loved by the public, Toyoda drove a hydrogen engine-powered Corolla at Le Mans. Additionally, the GR Corolla is priced significantly higher than the standard model, adding a new level of appeal to the nameplate.

The GR branding has the potential to push up the price of these vehicles and bring a fresh attractiveness to these long-standing models, according to Toyoda. Essentially, Toyota’s strategy involves rebranding these popular vehicles.

The Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition is 90mm longer, 50mm wider, and sits 30mm lower than the standard model. It also features widened front and rear tracks by 40mm. The edition showcases mini-inverters mounted directly onto the electric motor, as well as silicon carbide semiconductors and improved cooling.

Long-Term Review

Alpina D3 S 2023 long-term test

In Germany, Alpina’s diesel models are popular because people prefer to commute long distances rather than fly internally. In Japan, which is traditionally a petrol market, they have also started to embrace diesel models, similar to the trend in the early 2000s.

From a dynamic perspective, the Alpina D3 S is quite impressive. It has a firm yet controlled ride, low noise levels, and heavy but consistent steering. The car feels incredibly stable at high speeds and has a reliable and uncompromising approach.

It’s common to compare Alpina models with their BMW M counterparts, but since the D3 S is a diesel and BMW doesn’t offer this engine, I won’t be making a direct comparison to the M3 Touring. These two cars are quite different, and the D3 S lacks the agility of the M models.

If there is an issue with the D3 S, it’s not entirely its fault. The 20-inch wheels with 30-profile Pirelli P Zero tires provide a nicely balanced four-wheel-drive setup with even weight distribution. However, on a couple of occasions, I encountered unexpected British potholes at night that made me fear damaging a tire. It might be worth considering the 19-inch wheels instead, although they have a different design compared to the sleek Alpina classic spokes that I’m personally fond of.

Stay tuned for more updates, including how the tires fare on continental Europe roads.

Second Opinion

Prior’s enthusiasm for the diesel V6 engine in Alpina’s D4 S Gran Coupé is well-founded. Earlier this year, I was thoroughly impressed by its refined cruising and effortless performance and efficiency. I even speculated that you could achieve 40mpg while cruising at speeds over 100mph on the autobahn.

Motorsport

F1 Reflects on 50 Years of Safety Cars, Starting with the Porsche 914

Safety cars are an essential part of Formula One events, serving to protect track marshals and safety crews during accidents or hazardous conditions on the track. While they are a familiar sight in modern races, there is a rich history behind these safety cars, as explored in a video on the Formula One YouTube channel.

The very first official Safety Car was a Porsche 914/6, used at the Canadian Grand Prix in 1973. Since then, Formula One has employed various cars for this role, including the Lamborghini Countach at the 1981 Monaco Grand Prix. Other unlikely choices have included the Ford Escort Cosworth, Renault Clio, and Fiat Tempra. It became evident that the safety cars needed to be fast enough to maintain normal operating temperatures in the Formula One cars’ brakes, tires, and engines, which is why in 1996 Formula One entered into an agreement with Mercedes-Benz to provide the official safety cars. Mercedes-Benz and its high-performance division, AMG, have supplied a range of vehicles, such as the CLK63 AMG Black Series, SLS AMG, and Mercedes-AMG GT, to fulfill the demands of the role. This exclusivity lasted until 2021 when Aston Martin joined as a partner, sharing the responsibility of providing safety cars.

However, being a Formula One Safety Car driver encompasses more than just piloting a fast car like the Aston Martin Vantage. It requires a skilled driver like Bernd Maylander. Maylander, an accomplished race car driver in his own right, won the 1997 FIA GT and the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2000. For the past 24 years, he has served as the primary Safety Car driver in over 212 Grand Prix events.

The Formula One Safety Cars differ significantly from their stock, road-going counterparts. They are equipped with enhanced performance and safety features to handle the demands of the track. Special lights and communication equipment, including GPS and telemetry systems, are utilized to pinpoint the location of any accidents and the leading car during races.

Even to this day, Formula One and the role of the Safety Car continue to evolve. Maylander emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the continuous learning process within the safety car team. While he cherishes the memories from his extensive tenure as the primary Safety Car driver, it is the collaborative effort of the entire team that he takes the most pride in.