Toyota GR Yaris

Posted on October 18, 2021 by Paul P.

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.

Another Rally xD Podium at NEFR

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Paul P.

Our favorite rally team, the TEIN-supported Rally xD, had a pretty good weekend at round 6 of Rally America, the New England Forest Rally event. Although not at the top of the podium, they were able to secure a 2nd place finish.

As they had dealt with in past events, a few troubles came their way. This time, a transmission swap was necessary to keep the xD in competition. After about 35 minutes, the team got the car back on the gravel.

By then, the damage had already been done. Driver Matthew Johnson had a lot of ground to cover. He and co-driver Jeremy Wimpey did well, cutting the margin to within a couple of minutes. Again, enough to garner a second place finish.
As always, the hard working driver and crew pushed beyond their limits to get the car to the finish.

Great job, guys!

We Like 4×4’s, Too!

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Paul P.

If you follow our TEIN Facebook page, then you probably have already seen some photos of what looks to be some off-road vehicles. You were probably wondering what this had to do with TEIN, a company synonymous with lowering Hondas, or drifting, or Time Attack, or basically anything other than 4×4’s.

For the most part, you’re right. But, if you think about it, it’s not a far cry from TEIN’s start in the suspension business. Founded by a couple of rally competitors, TEIN knew there would be a demand for the perfect suspension for road conditions considered to be less than ideal for a daily commute (but for some reason perfect for racing). Considering the pounding that rally cars take, a properly built rally suspension can make a world of difference in performance.

Our Group N Dampers were developed directly through involvement in domestic and international rally (FIA PWRC, ERC, Rally America).

Gr. N Gravel Dampers

Gr N. with F.R.S. (Fast Rebound System) Tarmac

I guess it would be a natural progression for us to venture into the 4×4 suspension market, which is surprisingly very strong, especially overseas.

The pics that we shared are related to our involvement in the China Cross-Country Raid rally (think Paris-Dakar rally as a comparison).

Here’s a pic of one of the 4×4 developments we created for a customer.

Another 4×4 set

However, some setups are a bit more gnarly, requiring something more unique. Like this double damper setup.

Being that this type of racing was relatively new to us, we had engineers fly out to China to do testing with the teams and help them develop the suspension.

Other than this Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero, we also built suspension for a VW Tuareg

I also know that we’re putting our EDFC Active Pro to the test with a few of these 4×4’s. Talk about having the ultimate advantage- fully active suspension under some of the harshest conditions!

Although a new experience for us, the demands are still relatively the same, just with varying degrees of complexity. So, 4×4 suspension is definitely within the realm of possibilities for us. However, I must make mention that we do not manufacture leaf springs or torsion springs. Through our Specialized Damper Service and our involvement in motorsports, TEIN always looks to bring our very own technological advancements in getting the best out of every racing environment.

TEchnical INnovation- that’s what we’re all about!

*If you’re looking for suspension for your 4×4, let us know if we can help! We obviously love the opportunity to help our customers in obtaining their ideal suspension.

Give us a call at 562-861-9161!

A Slight Change in Fortunes

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Paul P.

Our favorite competitors in the Rally America series, the Scion Racing Rally xD team, put in a great effort this past weekend at the Oregon Trail Rally. Gearbox gremlins prevented from giving the xD a full-fledged attack, and driver Matthew Johnson did his best to baby the car through the stages. The onset of this eventually trickled down to engine problems, followed by a retirement from the race.

Ford-backed driver Andrew Comrie-Picard was able to nab a 2nd place finish, allowing him to pull away as championship points leader for the 2wd class as of this event, for the time being.

I don’t think that is much to worry about. We’ll see the Rally xD team back in proper form for the next event, STPR Rally in Wellsboro, PA on May 30-31.

Please lend your cheers to this hard working crew as they do their best to bring home their first ever championship this season!

Links:

Rally America

Scion Racing Rally xD

Scion Racing

Rally xD Hits Some Hurdles at 100 Acre Wood

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Paul P.

Minor setbacks. Every person/team faces some. Whether it be minor or major is another matter. But, it seems like the Rally xD views any setback as minor, since they quickly get their car back to racing no matter the circumstance.

The Rally in the 100 Acre Woods event on February 22-23 brought such a “minor” circumstance for the team. Day 1 saw some transmission and electrical woes. However, not much could be done at the time. Fortunately, the transmission held up through the day’s stages.

Skipping out on some well-needed rest, the crew got to work after Day 1’s stages, putting in their backup transmission. Luck seemed to be running out as differential issues now plagued the recently swapped transmission. To add to the fading performance of the car, the power steering was starting to fail.

Not deterred by these events, driver Matthew Johnson continued a valiant effort to make this a podium finish. End result- 2nd place!

Well done, guys!

Photo credit: Scion Racing

Season Starts With A Win!!!

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Paul P.

Congrats to the Rally xD team for their efforts this past weekend (Jan. 24-25)!

The Sno*Drift Rally is never truly an easy race (is any rally race easy?), but they once again took the season opener with a 1st place finish! Their new driver, Matthew Johnson wasted no time in getting accustomed to the xD, and piloted the car to what seemed like an easy victory.

I was following whatever updates they posted on Facebook and Instagram to see race stats. Basically, it looks like they led the whole time. Yeah, humble brag baby!!!

Here are some pics they shared from their Facebook Page

Matthew Johnson has quickly taken a liking to the xD!

Hot shoeing through the cold snow. The xD held the lead in their respective class for the whole rally.

The crew that keeps the xD in tip-top shape worked late nights and early mornings to make sure they kept the competition at bay.

Read more about the event here at Rally America

Once again, big congrats to these guys for their hard work and determination! We definitely look forward to the next race!

URT are Russsian Rally Champions for 2012!

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Paul P.

We received an email today from one of our friends from Uspenskiy Rally Tecnica (URT) in Russia. They operate a rally team that has competed in PWRC, and we have supported them as their suspension suppliers with our Group N dampers. For the 2012 season, they are the champions for the “Russia 2012” series!

From the email:

“The team of Sergey Uspenskiy and Marina Danilova triumphal acted in Russian Rally Championship “Russia 2012” in Novorossiysk. They managed to win the stage and become absolute champions of Russia.

The final stage of Russian Rally Championship “Russia 2012” was held from 28th to 30th September. 34 crews from Russia, Estonia and Latvia compete on the track settled near by the Novorossiysk city.

This is not the first time for such big tournaments held in Novorossiysk, two years ago on this track took place the final stage of East Europe Cup. For the final stage organizations chose well known settlement Abrau-Durso which became a “capital” of the final stage in the championship.

The race happened to be very strained both for sportsmen and cars. The last 80 high-speed kilometers of the track which racers passed in the final day of rally was the most complex ones. It was not clear who will be the winner of the stage and absolute champion of the rally until the last special stage. The results are striking! Such a tight battle and this exciting final!

Sergey Uspensky – 13-time champion of the Russian Rally, Head of URT Team and CEO of the Group of Companies “U Service +”, raced clean and accurately which left no chances for the rivals.

The victory on the last stage brought to the crew of Sergei Uspenskiy and Marina Danilova title of absolute champion of Russian Rally Championship meanwhile Subaru Impreza R4 – the first victory on the stage of the national championship.

Three medals of the Championship – in four points! And Sergey Uspensky wins 14-th title of the champion of the country.

Young pilot from St.-Petersburg Nikita Filippov in a duet with co-driver Sergey Gerasimenko and Grigory Tregubov with his co-driver Elena Vasilenko made a company on a podium to Sergey Uspenskiy and Marina Danilova.

Sergey Uspenskogo and Marina Danilova crew raced on rally car Subaru R4 built by «Uspenskiy Rally Tecnica» on the basis of Subaru impreza WRX STI Spec C. R4 was service and carried out by the team of mechanics from URT.

Russian Rally Championship “Russia 2012” in Novorossiysk was prepared with the support of Group of the companies « U Service + » and “URT” which took part in the organization of the stage.

Fabulous result and fabulous final!”

Congratulations to the URT team for their hard work and for their victory in Russia!

Stephan Verdier at X Games 17

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Philip C.

This weekend Stephan Verdier will be driving his STi in X Games 17 in Rally and Rallycross competition.

Tune in to ESPN or ESPN3.com on Saturday from 1-3PM PST for Rally and 2-4PM PST on Sunday for RallyCross action.

Stephan’s car has undergone changes in preparation for X Games which includes a brand new Tarmac spec Gr.N damper. Our in-house engineer, Katsuma Nakai, has been on-hand to help setup and tune the suspension for the new X-Games street course. Stephan should be a force to be reckoned with. He has been considered an underdog all year long as he is one of a few teams/ drivers which is not factory backed (big budget). Yet his Crawford powered STi can compete right alongside the factory Fords, Subarus and Hyundais. Stephan has been competing all year in the Global Rally Cross and currently sits 4th in the overall standings behind Foust, Gronholm and Jernberg.

Root for Stephan this weekend, we will be.

A little over a month ago Stephan drove the Zenkai Motorsports STi at Pikes Peak Hillclimb. He is featured in a video just released by Motul. The Zenkai STI is powered by a Crawford built motor and utilizes Super Racing coilovers.

Stephan unfortunately crashed about 2/3 rds up the hill. The heavy winds and road surface conditions change by the minute making Pikes Peak one of the most dangerous hill climbs in the world. We are glad Stephan walked away unscathed.

Patrik Flodin Places 2nd in Rally Argentina!

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Paul P.

Patrik Flodin and the Uspenskiy Rally Tecnica fought a tough battle during this year’s Rally Argentina. However, team and driver efforts garnered a 2nd place podium finish for the team.

The URT rally team chased down some electrical problems after SS6 that retired them from competing the remainder of the day. Once they resolved the issue, Flodin continued his charge, quickly closing the gap on first place driver Hayden Paddon.

Repairs continued throughout the rally.

Tire preservation proved to be tough for many teams this year.

Flat-out, and nothing less!

We congratulate both Flodin and Team URT and their continued push to see this event through. It was a great result for an otherwise terrible setback! Way to go, Patrik and Team URT! We wish you all the best this season!

Tradin paint and fiberglass plus Big Air

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Philip C.

Rd. 2 of the Global Rallycross took place this past weekend at the Old Mill Adventure Park in Snoqualmie, WA (also home of the DirtFish rally school). The 2 day event is broken into two style of races. The first, held on Friday is SuperRally. Basically one on one battles with a bracket system finishing with an overall winner. In SuperRally, Stephan finished 3 overall but had an awesome battle with Dave Mirra in one of the rounds. Check out the video.

In case your wondering, Stephan went on to win a third and deciding race against Dave to advance.

In the Saturday RallyCross, Stephan qualified first and finished the AWD final in 4th due to a punctured tire. You can see the recap below.

The mixture of surfaces including wet tarmac, mud and gravel make for exciting racing where all competitors have a chance to take home a win. You can watch a rebroadcast of all the action on ESPN. Check you local listing for exact time and dates or check, www.global-rallycross.com

Image courtesy of Mr. Sean McDonough.

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