HKS unleashes track-focused aero kit for Toyota GR Yaris
The Toyota GR Yaris has carved out a niche in the hot hatch segment based on its celebrated performance and raw, direct connection to Gazoo Racing's rallying heritage. If that hasn't been enough, Japanese tuning firm HKS has introduced a raft of aerodynamic upgrades dubbed the Type-S Gen2.
Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag!
Looking like something out of a Need For Speed game, the kit isn't only cosmetic but is designed to tangibly improve the car's performance on the track through enhanced downforce. Central to the Type-S Gen2 package is a redesigned front splitter. Crafted from fibreglass with carbon fibre overlays, HKS claims this component aims to optimise airflow, generating increased downforce at the front axle. The result is improved steering precision and greater stability when cornering at high speeds. Complementing the splitter are new side skirts and a very hard-to-miss carbon fibre rear wing, which features unique mounts to ensure maximum aerodynamic efficiency. No figures on improvements have been revealed by the tuner, but HKS has hinted at a noticeable improvement in the GR Yaris' on-track handling characteristics.
Related: From Couch to Competition – 2025 Toyota GR Cup Part 2
The reason behind this is that a GR Yaris equipped with these aerodynamic modifications is currently competing in the Japanese Super Endurance series. This real-world application in a competitive motorsport environment provides a rigorous proving ground for the components, validating their effectiveness under extreme conditions.
However, the kit's availability is currently limited. Enthusiasts outside of Japan will be disappointed to learn that the HKS Type-S Gen2 package is presently exclusive to the Japanese market, with no immediate plans for international sales. For those in Japan, the front splitter retails for approximately ¥165 000 (around R20k), while the side skirts and rear wing are priced at roughly ¥132 000 each (approximately R16k).
Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!
The post HKS Unleashes Track-Focused Aero Kit for Toyota GR Yaris appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Eyewitness News
15 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
KZN Transport Department says relationship with Toyota remains intact despite R6.5 billion lawsuit
JOHANNESBURG - The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department says its relationship with Toyota remains intact despite the motor giant's insurer suing the provincial government for R6.5 billion. Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance recently filed a lawsuit at the Durban High Court, seeking compensation for damages suffered at Toyota's Prospection Plant during the 2022 floods. Following a meeting with Toyota's senior managers, the Transport Department held a media briefing on Friday to update on the lawsuit. During the 2022 floods, Toyota's Prospection Plant in Durban was forced to shut down for four months, with its cars and machines submerged in water. This led to Toyota claiming billions from its Japanese insurer Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance. The insurer is now seeking to recoup that money and has lodged a subrogated claim against the KZN Transport Department, Ethekwini Municipality and Transnet. Transport MEC Siboniso Duma says he met with Toyota officials today to clear the air. 'We agreed to sustain our relationship that has revolved over the years, we will do that in the interest of the people of KZN and the whole country. I am sure you know as the private sector they are a major employer in the province of KZN.' Meanwhile, Toyota South Africa Motors says it's not directly involved in the lawsuit and won't benefit even a cent if the Japanese insurer wins.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Volvo's Electric EX30 Cross Country confirmed for SA
Volvo Car South Africa has confirmed that the EX30 Cross Country will arrive locally in the third quarter of 2025. Built on the standard model, this will serve as a tougher, more rugged counterpart. Looking for a new or used Volvo? Find it here with CARmag! The Cross Country badge, first used on the V70 back in 1997, returns here with an off-road-inspired makeover. Volvo has given the EX30 a raised ride height (19mm higher than the standard EX30), chunkier body cladding, and 19-inch five-spoke wheels finished in Matte Graphite with black aero inserts. Other design tweaks help the Cross Country stand out from the standard EX30. The front shield and boot lid wear a darker finish, and model-specific artwork on the front end takes inspiration from Sweden's Kebnekaise mountain range. Skid plates and wheel arch extensions complete the rugged aesthetic. South African buyers will get the Cross Country in the Ultra Twin Performance trim only. That means a fully loaded cabin with a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and a long list of safety and driver assistance features over 15 in total, including Pilot Assist and a 360-degree camera. Volvo will also offer accessories like mudflaps, a roof basket, and a load carrier for added versatility. Related: Volvo Reinvents The Seatbelt With First Multi-Adaptive Safety Belt For The EX60 Under the skin, the EX30 Cross Country uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup delivering 315kW and 543N.m of torque, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.7 seconds. The 69kWh battery pack offers a claimed WLTP range of 427km. Fast-charging capability means a 10 to 80% top-up takes just 26 minutes with a suitable DC fast charger. 'The EX30 Cross Country builds on everything people love about the EX30, adding rugged capability and distinctive design details,' said Felipe Yagi, Volvo Car South Africa's head of marketing and communications. 'It's a refined, all-electric SUV that feels equally at home on gravel roads or in the city, offering South Africans a practical way to go further with confidence.' The arrival of the EX30 Cross Country highlights Volvo's ongoing shift to electrification, with the brand aiming for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to make up nearly all global sales by 2030. Local pricing and final specifications will be revealed closer to launch. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Volvo's Electric EX30 Cross Country Confirmed for SA Roads appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Honda-backed Helm.ai unveils vision system for self-driving cars
Honda Motor-backed on Thursday unveiled its camera-based system to interpret urban environments, dubbed Vision, and said it was in talks with other carmakers to deploy its self-driving technology in mass market vehicles. is working with the Japanese carmaker to integrate its technology in the upcoming 2026 Honda Zero electric vehicles, which will allow users to drive hands-free and take their eyes off the road. "We're definitely in talks with many OEMs and we're on track for deploying our technology in production," CEO and founder Vladislav Voroninski told Reuters. "Our business model is essentially licensing this kind of software and also foundation model software to the carmakers." The California-based startup's vision-first approach aligns with Elon Musk's Tesla, which also relies on camera-based systems as alternate sensors such as lidar and radar can increase costs. However, Voroninski said while has foundation models that work with other sensors, its primary offering remains vision-focused. Industry experts said other sensors are critical to safety as they can act as backup for cameras, which are known to underperform in low-visibility conditions. Robotaxi companies such as Alphabet's Waymo and May Mobility use a combination of radar, lidar and cameras to perceive their surroundings. has raised $102m (R1,839,466,847) to date and counts Goodyear Ventures, Korean car parts maker Sungwoo HiTech and Amplo among its investors. Vision combines images from many cameras to create a bird's-eye view map, which helps improve the vehicle's planning and control systems, the company said. The system is optimised for several hardware platforms made by Nvidia and Qualcomm. This enables carmakers to incorporate Vision into their existing vehicle systems, which include their own technologies for predicting and planning vehicle movements.
