During January's Tokyo Auto Salon, the mid-engine TGRR GR Yaris M concept was unveiled as the number-one item in "Morizo's Top 10 News Stories." At the recent Super Taikyu race in Okayama, the midship model finally took to the track.
New engine and layout show their potential
Super Taikyu’s sixth round saw the cars split into two groups, with each competing in a three-hour race. The TGRR GR Yaris M concept ran in the ST-Q class for development vehicles approved by the Super Taikyu Mirai Organization (STMO); together with ST-1, ST-2, and other classes, it was among the 31 cars that made up Group 2.
Aiming simply to finish the car’s debut race, the team qualified fourth. Building on its good grid position, the GR Yaris M concept briefly led the race as it steadily racked up the laps.
The result—third overall in Group 2—was far more than a mere finish, demonstrating the midship model’s potential.
Despite some minor hiccups, the TGRR GR Yaris M concept completed the race without serious trouble. For this model, however, one major problem persists: cooling.
In cars with front-mounted engines, cool air enters the front section simply by driving. By contrast, in a midship layout, the engine sits behind the driver, where it is much less exposed to cooling air.
Through countless experiments and specialized circuit tests, the team has been exhaustively trialing ways to feed air in to cool the system. While the struggle continues, this experience has the potential to transform carmaking.