Toyota, the renowned Japanese automaker, is gearing up to make a significant announcement at the 100th anniversary of the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 10-11. Speculations are rife that Toyota will introduce its next GR-tuned model, which might be a Toyota Prius, showcasing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. Let's delve into the details surrounding this exciting development. Toyota's GR-tuned Model Toyota Gazoo Racing has confirmed that a concept car equipped with cutting-edge vehicle technologies honed through rigorous motorsports participation will be exhibited at the event. This emphasizes Toyota's commitment to leveraging its racing endeavors to enhance the performance and capabilities of its production vehicles. Enthusiasts can expect a showcase of engineering excellence and breakthrough advancements in this highly anticipated unveiling. Teaser Image A tantalizing teaser image released alongside the announcement provides a glimpse of what's to come. The front apron of the car captures attention with its distinctive features. Four fog lamps on each side of a prominent central intake immediately draw the eye, reminiscent of the headlamp design on Toyota's GR010 Hybrid endurance racer. The intake proudly sports a "GR" badge, while other elements such as a license plate holder, a prominent front lip, and dive planes further enhance the car's aggressive appeal. While Toyota remains tight-lipped about the car's specific identity, keen observers have noticed similarities between the towing point covers and upper intake slit of the front bumper with the fifth-generation Prius. Could this be a hint at the upcoming GR-tuned Prius? Could it be Toyota Prius? One exciting possibility is that Toyota's latest GR model might be a GR Prius. Known for its hybrid efficiency and eco-consciousness, the Prius has the potential to receive the full GR treatment, combining performance enhancements with sportier styling cues. The current most powerful Prius variant boasts a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 223 PS (220 hp or 164 kW). If the GR badge is applied to the Prius, we can anticipate a power boost and an even more striking aesthetic presence, elevating the Prius's appeal to a wider range of driving enthusiasts. The Existing GR Lineup Toyota's GR lineup already includes some impressive models, each bearing the distinct GR mark. From the exhilarating Supra to the agile Yaris, the dynamic Corolla, and the iconic 86, Toyota has consistently demonstrated its commitment to delivering thrilling driving experiences across its range. The addition of a GR-tuned Prius would further expand the brand's performance-oriented offerings, catering to a diverse set of customer preferences.

In April this year, Indus Motor Company (IMC) introduced a new variant named, Toyota Yaris Aero. The sedan has upgrades at front, sides and rear and it was launched in two variants, i.e., Yaris Aero 1.3 CVT (1329cc)  and Yaris Aero 1.5 CVT (1469cc). The prices of these variants are Rs. 5,199,000 and Rs.  Rs. 5,969,000, respectively. Both variants are Rs. 200,000 expensive than the old ones. Moreover, the upgrades in Yaris Aero are: Aero Front Bumper Extension with unique Foglamp covers. Aero side skirts (L+H side).  Aero Bumper Extension with black inlay. Aero Smart Rear Trunk Spoiler. Bookings & Delivery of Toyota Yaris Aero  Now, the car has finally arrived at the dealerships of Toyota Pakistan across the country. You can visit the nearby dealership, if you want to buy one. The booking of both new variants is open, however, there is a slight difference in the delivery dates. As per the company representative, 1.5L will be delivered in June, 2023, while July is month of delivery for 1.3L variant. He added that there are no delivery issues in these cars, so you can book them and get them within two months. Toyota Yaris has remained the top seller for Indus Motor Company since its launch in 2020. The sedan hit the local market with a bang and beat the combined sales of its competitor, the Honda City, and Civic. With the name of Toyota, this machine is considered trustworthy and, as per our tradition, has a good resale. Furthermore, the parts and accessories are also available easily in the local market, making it a consumer favorite. The company hopes to increase sales with this new Aero kit. Do you think the new kit of Toyota Yaris Aero will increase the sales of the sedan? Are you planning to book one? Tell us in the comments section.

On April 18, 2023, Indus Motor Company (IMC) announced a new variant of Toyota Yaris, named Yaris Aero. The company introduced new kit updating the front, side and rear. A social media post by the company read: “The all-new Yaris Aero, where sleekness meets exclusivity.” Here are changes introduced in new Toyota Yaris Aero: Aero Front Bumper Extension with unique Foglamp covers. Aero side skirts (L+H side).  Aero Bumper Extension with black inlay. Aero Smart Rear Trunk Spoiler. Price  The company installed the new kit in two variants and these are their prices: Yaris Aero 1.3 CVT (1329cc) – Rs. 5,199,000 Yaris Aero 1.5 CVT (1469cc) – Rs. 5,969,000 Disclaimer: Yaris Aero is available on ATIV CVT and ATIV X CVT variants. It is pertinent to mention that the price of Yaris 1.3 CVT is Rs. 4,999,000, while the current rate of Yaris 1.5 ATIV X CVT is Rs. 5,769,000. So, it means the price of this new kit is Rs. 200,000.  Exclusive Photos of Toyota Yaris Aero And now, here are the exclusive photos of this new variant for our readers. The car has arrived at the Toyota dealerships across the country. [gallery bgs_gallery_type="slider" ids="176854,176856,176858,176860,176862,176864"] In these photos, you can see the new kit on Yaris, as company has tried to enhance the whole look of the sedan. Yaris has been the top seller for IMC since its launch, however, it has faced criticism from consumers over its exterior look. Many believe that the upper body of the car is kind of lifted resulting in a huge gap between tyres and the body. To resolve, the issue, the company has now introduced a new kit for it. Hopefully, this would resolve the much discussed problem in the car.  Meanwhile, there are no changes in the interior and engine of the vehicle. What do you think about the new kit of Toyota Yaris Aero? Please tell us in the comments section.  

The mid-size truck segment is abuzz with competition, and the heat is on once again. With the Nissan Frontier carving a niche for itself and Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford launching their revamped models in the form of the Colorado, Canyon, and Ranger, it's an exciting time for truck enthusiasts. And now, Toyota joins the fray by unveiling the highly anticipated 2024 Toyota Tacoma, finally revealing its details after months of teasing. As we celebrate three decades since the arrival of the first Tacoma in the US, it's worth noting that the current generation, despite being the oldest design in its class, continues to dominate the market as the most popular mid-size truck. Last year alone, Toyota sold over 230,000 units. With the introduction of the 2024 Tacoma, the coming years hold even greater promise, thanks to a range of firsts, including a hybrid powertrain and the introduction of the rugged Trailhunter trim level. Turbo and Hybrid Power: A Look Under the Hood One of the most intriguing aspects lies under the hood, where Toyota offers four different powertrain options for the Tacoma. The entry-level SR model features a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating an impressive 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque when paired with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. Moving up the range, the SR5 trim offers a more potent version of the same turbocharged engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Notably, this comes with the option of a six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching—a nod to the die-hard stick-shift enthusiasts. Upgrading further, the enhanced engine paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission pushes the output to 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. [gallery size="publisher-md" ids="176556,176554,176560"] At the top of the lineup, the 2024 Tacoma offers an optional hybrid powertrain for the first time. Leveraging the I-Force Max branding from its larger sibling, the Tundra, this hybrid configuration combines a 1.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a 48-horsepower electric motor with the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. The result is an impressive total output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This nearly doubles the power of the outgoing V6 model, with only the new 405-horsepower Ranger Raptor boasting higher horsepower (though the Tacoma reigns supreme in terms of torque). Drivetrain In terms of drivetrain, the rear-wheel drive remains standard for trims like the SR and SR5, now equipped with a limited-slip differential. For the four-wheel-drive models, Toyota introduces an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high- and low-range gearing, along with an upgraded Active Traction Control system featuring a limited-slip differential. The top-of-the-line Limited model, featuring the hybrid I-Force Max engine, comes with full-time four-wheel drive and a center-locking differential. The Outer Appearance Turning our attention to the exterior, the new Tacoma boasts a more rugged aesthetic compared to some of its rivals. Slim headlights grace the front bumper, complemented by running-mascara faux vents that add an aggressive touch. The TRD Sport trim features a simple black grille with a central Toyota jellybean badge, while the luxurious Limited model elevates the design with a chrome-finished badge, horizontal slats, and matching chrome wheels. [gallery size="publisher-md" columns="2" ids="176550,176566,176564,176548"] For off-road enthusiasts, the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models sport the retro "TOYOTA" wordmark across the grille, along with additional rugged visual cues such as a front skid plate, horizontal LED running lights, and specially designed wheel and tire combinations for off-roading. The TRD Pro features black 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear off-road tires, while the Trailhunter pairs unique 18-inch bronze wheels with the same rugged rubber. Design and Chassis Enhancements Underpinning the 2024 Tacoma is the new TNGA-F platform, incorporating high-strength steel throughout the chassis for improved rigidity. Aluminum is used in the upper portion of the body to reduce weight. The new Tacoma also receives a multi-link rear suspension, replacing the previous leaf springs. This setup is featured on the SR5 double cab, as well as the TRD Sport trim and above, with each model's suspension, tuned to provide a unique driving experience. Towing and Payload Capacities While the towing capacity of the Tacoma has slightly decreased compared to the previous model, the payload capacity has improved. The SR5 I-Force and TRD PreRunner trims offer a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, around 300 pounds less than last year. However, the TRD Off-Road model impresses with an enhanced payload capacity of 1,709 pounds, compared to the previous maximum rating of 1,685 pounds. To aid with towing, Toyota has equipped the new Tacoma with advanced trailering features such as a trailer brake controller, a trailer backup guide, and a digital rearview mirror. Inside the Cabin: Infotainment and Comfort Features Inside the cabin, the 2024 Tacoma comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while the Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims feature a larger 14.0-inch display. The larger screen is paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while a standard 7.0-inch cluster is available. Both displays utilize the excellent Toyota infotainment interface introduced in the Tundra, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as Qi wireless phone charging. Additionally, an optional removable JBL Bluetooth speaker is available, accompanied by a 10-speaker JBL audio upgrade. [gallery size="publisher-md" ids="176572,176570,176568"] Safety First: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Safety is a top priority in the new Tacoma, as Toyota equips all 2024 versions with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This comprehensive suite of safety features includes pre-collision detection with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and an innovative Proactive Driving feature. Proactive Driving stands out as a new feature for Toyota, making its debut in the Tacoma. By utilizing the truck's camera and radar systems, Proactive Driving enhances the capabilities of adaptive cruise control, providing braking, throttle, and steering inputs even on mildly curvy roads. Off-Roading Capabilities The Multi-Terrain Select drive mode function now extends to both 4WD High and 4WD Low, offering three adjustable modes: Mud, Dirt, and Sand. Toyota also touts a quieter Crawl Control function—essentially off-road cruise control—with five adjustable speeds. To enhance comfort during off-road adventures, Toyota introduces the IsoDynamic Performance Seat. This innovative seat utilizes embedded shock absorbers to dampen body movement and stabilize the driver's head and neck. The Trailhunter Trim For avid overlanding enthusiasts, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma introduces the new Trailhunter trim. This model replaces the Fox shocks found on the TRD Pro with 2.5-inch forged monotube Old Man Emu shocks, designed specifically by Australian-based ARB for long-range off-road travel. The Trailhunter trim incorporates new steel bumpers, more robust rear recovery points, enhanced rigidity for rooftop tents, and offers a choice between a five- or six-foot bed, catering to various overlanding needs.   There is much to admire about the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, and the best part is that we have yet to experience its capabilities on the road. The pricing details are yet to be announced, with Toyota planning to release that information closer to the on-sale date. Truck enthusiasts can anticipate the arrival of the 2024 Tacoma later in 2023, ready to take on the challenges of the road and off-road adventures with its impressive powertrain options, rugged design, advanced technology, and enhanced safety features.