Tag Archives: turbocharged

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.

Defi USDM Racer Series High Boost Gauge (max45PSI)

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Defi will soon release their USDM Racer Series high boost gauge! We’re expecting them to arrive early Summer 2015.

These gauges will feature a peak reading of 45PSI. And yes, that is PSI and not kPa. That means a more familiar reading that most U.S. consumers understand, and also do tuning with! No need to know how to convert bar to lbs!!

rg_boost45

While we don’t expect this to be a very popular seller, being that most customers with turbocharged or supercharged vehicles have peak boost around 20psi or less, it is a great option for the drag racer or time attacker that puts out anything over 30psi of boost.

Defi gauges are not only known for their exceptional quality and fitment, but also for their precise readings and fast, real-time data. It is Defi’s top priority to provide a high performance gauge since knowing your engine’s vitals are of utmost importance.

Available backlighting in Red (DF14602), Blue (Df14601), or White (DF14603), all of which are super bright for greater visibility in low light or potentially glaring conditions. MSRP- $266.
If you have a vehicle with more than 30psi, don’t skimp on quality and use the more affordable gauge option. Don’t risk the chance of false readings. Use the gauge that you will be confident in knowing and seeing how your engine is performing. Use Defi!