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.
For anyone with factory equipped Adaptive or Electronically Controlled Suspension will know, changing to an aftermarket suspension kit (i.e. coilovers) isn’t typically a straightforward, or plug & play affair. Now, some suspension manufacturers will at least include some method of resolving any warnings or errors that may pop up on the instrument panel whenever disconnecting the OEM Adaptive/Electronic suspension. In some cases, it’s not a problem at all.
This is the error notification you’ll get on the late-model Honda Accord Touring models with Adaptive Suspension.
Over a two years ago, we decided that we had to do something similar, as factory Adaptive/Electronic suspension is becoming standard on entry-level priced cars. No longer is this type of suspension exclusive to luxury marques. This led to the development of our Error Canceller Kits.
Error Canceller Kit show with some accessories, but actual accessories may vary by vehicle application.
Again, with entry-level cars now having either standard or optional (trim level dependant) Adaptive/Electronic suspension, there’s always a need for better handling performance. So, we had to come up with some type of resolution to the aforementioned warning or error on the dash.
Our solution is literally plug & play. Each Error Canceller unit uses a OEM style plug that connects to the factory wiring harness for the suspension. All that’s left is to mount the canceller securely to the damper, and you’ll be good to go!
To date, we’re still limited on which vehicles we make our Error Cancellers for, mainly because there aren’t too many Japanese entry-level priced vehicles with Adaptive/Electronic Suspension. However, as we’re getting into product development for European vehicles, it’s only natural that our Error Canceller Kits will continue to grow in vehicle application.
Currently available and upcoming Error Canceller Kits:
Finally! It’s been an exhausting R&D process in getting a coilover available for the newest Toyota Supra. But now we can say it’s an honest improvement to the OEM suspension.
That was the hiccup in getting our coilovers released in a timely manner. While we had early access to the A90 Supra working with Toyota Motorsports in the U.S., this new platform proved to be difficult in getting to actually improve its performance on just suspension alone. But now, with the help of Japanese sports car tuner Matchless Crowd Racing (MCR), we finally have something to offer!
STREET ADVANCE Z (Part number: GSTJ4-91AS3)
MSRP: $1,200.00
*Front-Right and Rear-Right components shown
After nearly two years of R&D on this car, we’re first releasing our STREET ADVANCE Z coilover kit. At $1200 retail, this kit is a great value in high performance suspension for this new car.
Geez. Two years… Why did it take so long?! We won’t go into all the details. After all, if you’re an A90 Supra owner, we really don’t want to say much to offend you. But since you’re reading this, I’d wager in my assumption that you’re looking to increase the handling performance of your car. So…… In a word, it’s a very difficult car to work with. Don’t take our word for it. If you do a quick search on “MCR A90 Supra” you’ll quickly find that MCR’s owner, Kobayashi-san, really doesn’t like the new Supra. According to him, in translated text, It can’t turn, can’t stop, and is slow. Those are supposed to be aspects that a sports car is good at!
MCR A90 Supra
Take it for whatever it’s worth. I happen to like the A90, but maybe the criticism of this car is just simply a tuner’s standpoint (or marketing point) in order to give the aftermarket something to work with and give the end-user something they “need”, if you know what I mean.
The fact is, the new Supra isn’t priced anywhere near other Japanese supercars like the Acura NSX or Nissan GT-R, and for good reason- it simply isn’t built like those cars. It seems like it was built with aftermarket tuning in mind.
MCR staff setting up the STREET ADVANCE Z prototype kit for testing/evaluatingPrototype STREET ADVANCE Z for A90 ready for testing with MCR.
But, it is true- the new Supra is a difficult one. It’s very electronically-laden, much like a lot of high-end sports cars these days. And, again no offense, it is very typical German engineering. That’s not a bad thing. It just takes some time to better understand their design to really improve upon it.
So, what do you get with our A90 STREET ADVANCE Coilover Kit?:
-6kg/mm front springs
-12kg/mm rear springs
-Damping adjustability (16-click rebound) for front and rear dampers
-Rear upper mounts with access holes for damping adjustment
-TEIN Developed Error Canceller Units
-Camber Adjustable Upright Insert
A few things to explain-
Our Error Canceller makes this a plug ‘n play suspension kit by connecting directly to the OEM’s Electronic Suspension control module. Without it, and simply unplugging the OEM dampers will cause a warning on your dash.
Example of TEIN Error Canceller
Our Camber Adjustable Upright Insert is a sleeve between our damper and the aluminum knuckle assembly. By allowing camber adjustment from the bottom of the strut, you can retain the OEM upper mount assembly, which is a good design in reducing NVH.
Camber Adjustable Upright Insert shown in red square in above picture.
While installation of our coilovers do void the use of the Factory Electronic Suspension system, you can opt for our optional EDFC ACTIVE or EDFC ACTIVE PRO kit to allow for electronically controlled damping settings.
At last, we finally have a setup that offers true handling performance gains for the new Supra. Better late than never, and better to be well-developed than hastily done, I suppose. Anyway, expect this kit to arrive mid June 2021!
While we still sell plenty of our FLEX Z and MONO SPORT coilover kits, and since they fit the bill for most consumer’s needs, we feel and also see the need for more race-oriented suspension setups. To date, we still produce our SUPER RACING coilover line for those needing a setup to match more aggressive chassis and tire setups people use for road racing and the ever-so-popular Time Attack races. However, for some, there is no necessity of 2-way damping adjustability. In fact, for some consumers, having that extra adjustment (separate compression and rebound damping), might be confusing. Again, probably why we still sell plenty of FLEX Z and MONO SPORT coilover. There’s a certain simplicity to these coilovers.
But, in between a MONO SPORT or SUPER RACING coilovers is a bit of a gap. This led to our development and release of the new MONO RACING coilover line.
MONO RACING coilovers take all of the features of the MONO SPORT line- monotube construction (with our proprietary “Strong Upright Tube” setup for strut suspensions), threaded shock body (for separate spring preload and ride height adjustments, and use of our Micro Speed Valve (M.S.V.) for improved low-speed damping control. With that, we add some features of the Super Racing line, mainly items for strut type applications, such as camber/caster adjustable front upper mounts and extra camber adjustment at the lower bracket (camber washer). Along with those features, we valve the MONO RACING dampers far more aggressive and include stiffer springs, making the package a much more race oriented feel. Damping adjustment is rebound only (16-click, like our typical coilovers), and is of course compatible with our EDFC systems. Like all TEIN coilovers, we still treat the MONO RACING coilovers to our proprietary ZT and powdercoating for long-lasting durability. MONO RACING coilovers are also serviceable (rebuild and valving) and customizable.
Camber Washer for Strut Type SuspensioTEIN developed Micro Speed Valve
Again, the setup is aimed towards consumers who done vehicle modifications that are complimentary to a track setup. Typically a very good summer tire or even R-compound will work well with this suspension package, but also other additions like small aero upgrades can take good advantage of the more aggressive damper and spring setup.
Most importantly, we wanted to bring this user-friendly race coilover kit at a reasonable price point, starting at $1800 and going up to $2220, all depending on the vehicle application (strut type or independent spring/shock type suspensions are more expensive).
Now available for the following applications:
Honda Civic Type R (FK8) *includes Error Canceller Units
Toyota 86 (Scion FRS)/Subaru BRZ
Mazda Miata (NA6C/NA8C/NB8C/NDERC)
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions VII/VIII/IX (CT9A) and X (CZ4A)
Typically following the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is a few race events that we look forward to. One of them is Global Time Attack’s Super Lap Battle at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. The second one, one which we weren’t too familiar with, was the Continental Tires Show Car Shootout, which was run by Super Street Magazine. All we did know was that our friends at Sportcar Motion were bringing their K24 powered Honda S2000 to the event.
This S2000 is one of Loi Song’s, owner of Sportcar Motion, personal vehicles. When he picked up a set of our MONO SPORT coilovers for this car, we thought it was basically just one of his street cars, something to drive to and from work. Eventually, this ended up becoming yet another track car to the many in his stable, with a built K24 motor replacing the F22 usually sitting in the engine bay. Other than that change, the car looks like many tuned S2000’s you’ll find on the street or at the occassional track day.
Super Street finally published the results of this event, which included a dyno session then a track day at Streets of Willow at Willowsprings Raceway. End result- last in power on the dyno (235hp/193lb-ft), third (among 10 competitors) around the track with a 1:24.619 lap. Hmmmm. Interesting result considering field this car was competing against. The fastest car of the day was a BMW 135i with a v8 swap (unspecified engine, unspecified power). That car did a 1:23.327. Second place was an Acura NSX which was also near the bottom in power (321hp/238lb-ft) and stopping the timer at 1:23.786. Other cars in the field included an R32 Skyline, another AP2 S2000, 370Z, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, GRF Sti, and a pair of CZ4A Evo’s. Not a bad field.
Goes to show that power isn’t the only part of the race car equation to consider. It’s a balance of well-tuned suspension (which I might add is an out-of-the-box setup), mild aero front and rear, good tires (Continental UHP ExtremeContact Sport tires were used on all cars for this event) and brakes. This all has to work together well. So, for a “show car”, nice job, Sportcar Motion!!!!
Read more about the Super Street hosted event here.
This week is the Super Lap Battle Time Attack event at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, hosted by Global Time Attack.
Damn, that’s a mouthful to say…
Anyhow, we’ve continued to attend the event for the past 6 consecutive years now. Our main purpose is to check out how the event goes, see how it has grown, and also to assist any teams/drivers that are using TEIN suspension.
For the most part, most teams/drivers are pretty experienced with their setup. So it’s not like we’re trying to rearrange everything they’ve setup and working for them. We just want to see how we can extract a bit more performance with a little bit of tuning. We bring one of our in-house engineers to speak with the driver and get feedback on how the car feels. From that, we are able to make an assessment on whether any changes to the suspension should be made, or if some other aspect should be altered. Funny enough, tire pressures tend to be overlooked.
The past few years has really just left us looking like spectators, however. Again, most of the teams have their race cars sorted out. So there isn’t much for us to do except check out the progress of each session.
For this year, we really only know of two teams on TEIN-equipped cars competing. Evasive Motorsports is bringing their R35 GT-R to run in the Unlimited AWD class, and Sport Car Motion (SCM) has their DC2 Type R Integra in the Limited FWD class. Both teams using our Super Racing damper kits.
The SCM Type R has proven to be plenty fast, mainly because they know how to extract the most out of their Rotrex-charged K24 engine setup. [Not] oddly enough, their Super Racing dampers are completely off-the-shelf. No changes in valving, and spring rates are per our recommendation. We did a refresh on the dampers last year, but unfortunately the car couldn’t make the event. Considering this specific Super Racing kit was on the team’s previous EG Civic race car, and that it has just over 6 years of use, the dampers were due for a rebuild anyway. We look forward to seeing the Type R run again this week!
Evasive Motorsports has only taken their GT-R, in its current iteration, to a couple of track days. Back when the car had the very basics (our Super Racing dampers, racing brake pads, upgraded wheels & tires), they were using our recommended setup. Now, with a slightly wider body and more aero additions, we’ve uprated their springs. Other than that, the Super Racing dampers have our 3-way units installed, but valving has been kept as out-of-the-box. Wheels are a bit larger now, and they’re using a much more sticky tire. On its maiden voyage in this setup at Buttonwillow, the car did something in the neighborhood of a 1:47.00 lap time. No time spent trying to fine tune anything, and that’s what they run……… Damn. We weren’t expecting something that quick for what is essentially a still very street-bound car with full interior, full amenities. While we would love to attribute this shockingly fast time to our dampers, the fact is that Evasive Motorsports aren’t any slouches when it comes to building a proper car for the track. We’ll see what else the team does to knock down a couple more seconds from the timer.
Other than those two cars, which would keep our engineer busy enough, we’ve yet to hear of anyone else that may need our assistance. But, as I mentioned, they probably don’t need our help……
……….. You know what,,,,, this is just starting to sound like an excuse for us to just go and watch some racing! Don’t tell my boss…
For sure Formula Drift New Jersey, which took place on June 17 & 18, had a great crowd turnout, as well as a nice showing of cars both inside the venue, out in the parking lot, and of course on the track.
We were glad to have ourselves a beautiful booth car for our TEIN booth. The Evo X owned by Max Solarz was tastefully set up using our MONO SPORT coilovers, and a host of other JDM goodies. That really helped our booth stand out.
That’s not to say that there wasn’t any other good looking car at the event. As we mentioned, it seemed the whole venue was packed with nicely built cars. Super Street Magazine was gracious enough to share their pics of cars from Wall Speedway’s pit area. Check it out!
