Tag Archives: AWD

Toyota GR Yaris

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This vehicle isn’t anything new, but lately we’ve been looking at pictures of all the different prototype kits that TEIN Japan has made for the Toyota GR Yaris.

In case you’re not aware for some reason, the GR Yaris is the latest hot hatch from Japan. Unfortunately it will not be making its way to the U.S.A. But, we do hear that this car will be available in South America. So, we’re a bit jealous of that news.

Anyway, this car has some pretty incredible specifications given the size of this vehicle. It’s still as compact as any previous Yaris, a bit wider though. But the drivetrain is something else- turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Oh, and that turbocharged 3-cylinder engine puts out ~270hp and ~273lbs-ft of torque. That’s pretty crazy.

It leads to my next question- why is Toyota releasing this vehicle?

The production of this GR Yaris is to meet homologation requirements for WRC, which the Yaris is the platform Toyota uses for rally.

All that power going to all four wheels and in a very short wheelbase. That has to be a fun drive.

Next question- why is it not being released in North America?

No answer there. But word is the drivetrain will make it into another compact Toyota for the U.S.A. That’s at least something of a positive. Still, we really do like the styling of the GR Yaris.

TEIN Japan is already hot in the heels to get product available for this platform, which we’ve already done several prototypes for circuit racing, and even some rally suspension based on our Gr. N coilovers. We had the chance to take a look at the prototype MONO RACING coilovers. Here are some of the pics:

Here’s our MONO SPORT coilover prototype for the GR Yaris. Upper mounts included front and rear, with the fronts using spherical bearings in an aluminum housing. This setup uses 12kg front and 16kg rear springs. This one was developed for circuit racing.
The front struts will use a camber washer arrangement, similar to what we already apply for certain racing suspension models. It will include 0.5 and 1.0 degree camber washers.
The front pillowball mounts are unique in that it still retains the OEM shape and mounting. However, instead of using serrated studs to secure the strut to the strut tower, this mount uses a ring nut to secure the upper mount to the strut tower.

New Products and Developments

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With this COVID-19 pandemic throwing us all a helluva curveball, we find ourselves in a very fortunate position to continue our pursuit in bringing some of the best products we can for a wide variety of vehicle applications! We’re continuing to grow, and we couldn’t be happier!

As mentioned, the pandemic wasn’t what we were expecting. In fact, it was quite the opposite of what we were expecting- low to no business, extended lock downs, as well as possibly having to temporarily shut down our operations if things really got worse for all of us.

But, being an automotive parts manufacturer and distributor kept us fully operational ever since we had our lock downs. We have just been very fortunate that COVID-19 has not affected our staff directly. However, the same cannot be said for our parent company and our two factories. Our manufacturing facility in China had to shut down relatively early on in the pandemic. Japan is facing new lock downs due to the spread of the Delta variant. We’re only hoping that, with everyone doing their part, we won’t be faced with harsher lock downs and restrictions.

With that, we’re still facing some struggles. The supply chain has been greatly affected in all aspects and in all industries, and we’re just now catching up on a lot of backordered items for our customers. Freight costs have soared tremendously, not to mention extended transit times or delays for shipments. But yet, we still are trying our best to continue with product development while still being able to service our customers.

So, while we’re still technically trying to catch up, we’ve worked hard to come out with new vehicle applications and broadening our ENDURAPRO & ENDURAPRO PLUS line to reach the European vehicle market, and to-date we’re proud to see this line flourishing. But of course, our coilover lines, our bread and butter if you will, continues to grow as well, with new vehicle applications being added on nearly a monthly basis.

ENDURAPRO Shock Absorbers for BMW X3 and X4 now in stock.
ENDURAPRO Shock Absorbers for Toyota RAV-4 and Lexus NX200t now available.
ENDURAPRO Shock Absorbers for Tesla Model 3 AWD now available (different part numbers RWD Model 3’s also available)

S.TECH Lowering Springs for Tesla Model 3 RWD and AWD available (AWD springs shown.
MONO RACING Coilovers for Nissan GT-R (R35) arriving soon.

Unfortunately posting all the new vehicle and product applications we now have would make this post long-winded and quite boring. So we ask that you please check out our website and search around for what’s new from us!

Also, if it’s more convenient for you, you’re also free to email us at tus_sales@tein.com, or give us a call at 562-861-9161, and we would be glad to assist you in finding products for your vehicle.