One of the longest-running nameplates in the auto industry, and with 20 straight years as America’s #1 selling midsize sedan, the 2023 Camry keeps things rolling with a refreshed Nightshade Special Edition. The Camry was among the first Toyota models to offer the distinctive Nightshade edition, a factory designer package without the customizer’s price. And, for 2023, Toyota offers three moods of Nightshade with the choice of Midnight Black, White and the new Reservoir Blue exterior colors.
The Nightshade Special Edition gives the 2023 Camry the look and stance of a premium sport sedan. The 2023 Camry Nightshade is available in SE grade front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and hybrid models. The black front grille with Sport Mesh insert is borrowed from the Camry TRD model. The Nightshade also wears a black rear spoiler, mirror caps, exterior badges and, for 2023, adds black-trimmed headlights and taillights for a stronger dose of attitude.
The standout new design feature for the distinctive Nightshade is the 19-inch matte bronze aluminum alloy wheels. These rims give a look that really pops against any of the three body colors offered. The standard SE grade features carry over, including the sport-tuned suspension.
The Nightshade Edition is designed to appeal to drivers who enjoy a car that gets a little extra attention or for those who appreciate getting a designer look at a value price. That appeal is growing. The Nightshade package accounted for about 5% of Camry sales in 2021 and, for 2022, is on track to be about 7%.
A Camry for Everyone, and Up to 52 MPG
Currently in its eighth design generation, the Toyota Camry is also just one year shy of its 40th anniversary in America. A wide array of model choices, plus Camry’s alluring, coupe-inspired design and renowned Toyota quality and value, are a few reasons why Camry maintains leadership in the mid-size sedan category. All told, the 2023 Camry offers 18 different choices, offering a model for nearly every budget and taste. Notably, the Nightshade Edition is offered on all four-cylinder and hybrid models.
Five 4-cyl. FWD grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, XSE
Five 4-cyl. AWD grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, XSE
Five hybrid grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, XSE
Three V-6 grades – XLE, XSE and performance-tuned TRD
As fuel economy has recently zoomed to the top of many buyers’ priority lists, it is worth pointing out the outstanding fuel efficiency ratings across the Camry line. The LE Hybrid is the champ, with a manufacturer-estimated 51 MPG city/53 MPG highway/52 MPG combined rating. The LE FWD gas model is also a standout in its class, with manufacturer-estimated 28/39/32 MPG ratings.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
The Camry has been a repeat IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK recipient. This is the organization’s highest rating and one that acknowledges the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system that includes:
Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection with Intersection Support
Extensive use of high-tensile-strength steel in the TNGA-K platform along with innovative fastening methods, including laser screw welding and advanced adhesives, give Camry its rock-solid feeling on the road. Optimally tuned MacPherson-type strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension endow the Camry with a ride-handling balance befitting luxury vehicles (SE, XSE and TRD grades also have sport-tuned springs and shocks).
Camry engineers prioritize a quiet ride, and the current-generation model improved on that by incorporating noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) countermeasures previously found exclusively on luxury models. Extensive sound-absorbing insulation includes foam/vibration-dampening materials throughout the vehicle, along with a thicker dash silencer mat across the entire firewall section. A special vibration-damping coating is applied over a wider area of the underfloor, and noise-proofing material encompasses more surface area under the headliner.
High-Style, High-Function Cabin
The Camry’s interior melds functionality, elegant styling and impeccable fit and finish. The dash design gives the driver a sporty cockpit-type feel while treating both the driver and the front passenger to expansive outward visibility.
Surfaces throughout the cabin employ soft-touch premium materials. Interior trim in all grades gives a sophisticated, higher-tech look with linear dark, wood inlay or patterned metal, depending on the model grade. Interior color choices, depending on exterior color, include Ash, Macadamia or Black. The sport-oriented XSE grade also offers an exclusive Cockpit Red interior for a touch of exotic sports car flavor.
Exquisite stitching on the front- and rear-seat surfaces, one example of the high level of craftsmanship, is found throughout the vehicle. The XLE grade features a luxurious-looking textured herringbone seat pattern. Ventilated front seats are available on the XLE and XSE.
The Camry relays information to the driver via three available displays. A floating 7- or 9-inch central touch-screen display combines audio and navigation. Customizable features and smart phone-like touch screen icons help ensure familiar and convenient operation.
For even greater functionality, Camry also offers an available 7-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster. Available on XLE and XSE, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) projects vital information, including speed and turn-by-turn navigation directions, onto the lower portion of the windshield.
The Camry LE features standard air conditioning, while all other grades step up to automatic dual-zone climate control. The system specific to the hybrid versions uses an electric compressor and humidity sensor. Rear seat vents come standard on the XLE and XSE Hybrid grades and are available as a package upgrade on the LE and SE.
High Power, Efficiency and Value
The 2023 Camry offers a choice of three powertrains: 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder, 3.5-liter V-6 and next-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II). The Dynamic Force 2.5-liter engine is a strong but smooth operator, yielding an impressive 203 hp at 6,600 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,000 rpm (206 hp and 186 lb.-ft. for XSE grade, which uses a dual-outlet exhaust). Most AWD grades have 202 hp, while the Camry XSE AWD grade has 205 hp with dual-outlet exhaust.
The four-cylinder engine uses a very high compression ratio (13:1) and Toyota’s innovative D-4S fuel injection, which employs both direct injection and additional port injectors. The engine is chock-full of Toyota’s most advanced technologies, including Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing intelligent system by Electric motor) and laser-clad valve seats. A variable cooling system, variable oil pump and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system all contribute to the engine’s high thermal efficiency and outstanding fuel economy ratings. Notably, regular-grade fuel is specified for all 2023 Camry models, helping to bolster value for the customer.
V-6 Performance at a High Level
The 2023 Toyota Camry is one of the few midsize sedans to still offer a V-6 engine and this one is a gem. It is standard for the TRD and is available for the XLE and XSE grades, as well.
The 24-valve, DOHC 3.5-liter engine is equipped with the D-4S direct injection system, along with a specially-developed VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) variable valve timing system for the intake, with VVT-i on the exhaust. The VVT-iW system can switch the engine to the Atkinson cycle, which reduces pumping losses by delayed closing of the intake valves. Output is outstanding, with 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm.
Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic
In all Camry gas grades, both the 2.5-liter engine and the 3.5-liter V-6 are teamed with the Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers satisfyingly crisp-yet-smooth quick-shifting to deliver an exemplary blend of performance and refinement. Close mid-range ratios improve passing performance, while the wide range of torque converter lock-up yields a more direct driving feel and contributes to fuel efficiency. Control logic optimizes precise matching of engine torque on downshifts for smoother transitions.
An auto repair customer’s journey is a short one that typically starts on a search engine, and that’s why SEO and local advertising are such effective marketing methods. With some planning and an intuitive website, auto shop owners can continue to bring in new customers. Here are a few promotional tips for auto repair shop owners.
Search Ads
Many shop owners use PPC (pay per click) advertising to generate qualified leads and site traffic. Ad copy should promote a business’ unique qualities, such as special offers, fast completion times, insurance claims assistance, and satisfaction guarantees. When promoting an auto repair shop, work with a digital marketing team to set up ad campaigns, bid on the best keywords, and optimize audience targeting for the best results.
Local Reviews and Listings
Local reviews and listings are a great way to get an auto repair shop’s name in front of consumers who need help. The most important step is to build a presence on Facebook, Yelp, Google My Business, and other sites drivers use, as well as local sites. Encourage existing customers to review your services and provide timely responses to feedback. By optimizing listings and building a business profile, owners can boost their shops’ search engine rankings and build a stronger customer base.
SEO Strategies
SEO or search engine optimization is the process of ensuring that a shop’s site has desirable traits and can be indexed by the search engines. SEO is a highly technical, evolving process, so working with an agency is the best way to keep pace with algorithm changes and stay ahead of competitors. Search engine optimization ensures that, when drivers look online for local repair shops, yours will show up first.
A Well-Designed Website
A site that’s informative and optimized does much to support a shop owner’s overall SEO strategy. Don’t forget to include and update opening hours, location, and service offerings, as well as other important information. We recommend including high-quality photos, along with valuable, relevant content that keeps customers coming back for advice.
Chat Features
A chat button makes it simple for customers to ask questions and voice their concerns. With live chat, shop owners can engage with site visitors and start the service experience off on the right foot. Chat services, whether they’re powered by live agents or artificial intelligence, collect information about customers and their desired services, which makes follow-up calls easier.
Lead Management Tools
Drivers, especially those who need emergency service, typically go with the first shop to take their calls. According to a recent study, it’s much easier to qualify leads within five minutes of initial contact than within a half-hour. With lead management and tracking software that captures call recordings, lead details, and more, it’s easier to nurture these leads and gain a wider view of the shop’s customer acquisition strategies.
Don’t Wait—Start Planning Your Shop’s Success Strategy Today
We hope these tips will help auto repair shop owners promote their offerings and build stronger relationships with customers. Don’t be afraid to help you’re business succeed and market smarter, not harder.
• GR Supra evolves again with a new manual transmission (MT) option
• MT available on GR Supra 3.0, 3.0 Premium and a limited A91-MT Edition model
• A91-MT Edition limited to 500 units for the U.S. Market, comes in two exclusive exterior colors with a unique Cognac leather trimmed interior
• Refined handling across all GR Supra 3.0 models with new steering and suspension tuning and new Hairpin+ function
• New premium 12-speaker JBL Audio system standard on all 3.0 Premium and A91-MT models
• Complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association, featuring a High-Performance Driving Event with expert
From the moment of its launch in 2019 the GR Supra captured the spirit of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing – one that’s all about the joy of driving. For 2023, it adds one more dynamic element: a six-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). For drivers who love the control and rewards offered by precisely timed manual shifts, it might be the Supra they’ve been waiting for.
True to the GR Supra’s thoroughbred engineering quality, this development wasn’t simply a matter of using an off-the-shelf solution. Engineers developed a manual transmission specifically for GR Supra, with components designed specifically to suit the power and torque characteristics of its 3.0-litre 382 horsepower engine. At the same time, the GR Supra’s braking control systems and suspension have been retuned for even better performance – changes that are being introduced throughout the model range. The manual transmission will be available as an option on the Supra 3.0 and 3.0 Premium and a limited A91-MT Edition model will also be produced for model year 2023 only. Available colors for the MT 3.0 and 3.0 Premium will include all standard Supra colors plus a new Stratosphere Blue color, which will also be available on Supra 2.0. The A91-MT Edition will be available in Matte White and CU Later Gray. Pricing for 2023 GR Supra MT versions will be announced later this summer and models will be available at Toyota dealerships later this year.
Manual Transmission Designed for Supra Power Available on the 3.0, 3.0 Premium and a limited A91-MT Edition model. The manual transmission installed in the GR Supra has been engineered and tuned specifically for use with the coupe’s straight-six engine. The engineering team modified an existing transmission housing, driveshaft and gear set and removed elements that were not required, such as the acoustic package, which reduced weight. At the heart of the transmission is a newly engineered large diameter clutch with a reinforced diaphragm spring. With a larger friction area and a stronger spring, this new component has the high-performance capability appropriate for use with the GR Supra’s high-torque engine. The newly developed 6-speed manual gearbox also features an Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) programmed with new software that prioritizes sporty performance. When upshifting, the parameters are tuned to optimize engine torque at the moment of clutch engagement and release; on downshifts, the software has been fine-tuned for consistent performance. The iMT is set as the default but, if the driver prefers, it can be switched off in Sport mode. To avoid a sluggish take-off and a low in-gear acceleration feel, the final drive ratio has been shortened, from 3.15 (in the GR Supra automatic) to 3.46 (in the GR Supra MT). The result is response and gearing appropriate for sports car performance. Close attention was also paid to how a manual shifter could be accommodated in the driver’s cockpit. The lever ratio was specifically set to minimize the effort required to make shifts and engage reverse gear. While the weight and shape of the 200g gear knob, along with the quality of shift engagement, have all been precisely defined. Ergonomics were also top-ofmind, as the console unit and position of the drive mode selector were adjusted to provide a 1.7-inch clearance between the shift knob and the control panel.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing:#savethemanual
The GR Supra was Toyota’s first global GAZOO Racing (GR) model and the dream of Toyota President Akio Toyoda to deliver a car that is purely about the joy of driving. Subsequently, the introduction of global models, like the GR Yaris and last year’s arrival of the GR86 coupe, have reinforced the special qualities that define the GR brand – cars that are born out of a passion for driving and draw directly on the world championship-winning expertise and experience of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. At launch, the 2020 GR Supra was offered with a straight-six 3.0-litre engine with 335 hp/365 lb.-ft. of torque matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. In 2021, the GR team increased the 3.0 Supra to 382 hp and 367 lb.-ft. of torque and introduced a turbocharged four-cylinder GR Supra 2.0 with 255 horsepower and a stout 295 lb.-ft. of torque. While the car and its performance have received high praise worldwide from media and fans alike, perhaps inevitably the question of whether a manual gearbox would be available persisted. Now that it’s official, the addition of a manual transmission option to the Supra line-up means Toyota will offer all three of its U.S. GR models with a stick, which is standard on the upcoming GR Corolla and available as an option on GR86.
Tuned for Traction, Stability, and Agility The GR Supra’s traction and braking have been optimized for operation with a manual transmission. With an automatic, it’s possible to use second gear when pulling away uphill when opposite wheels are on surfaces with different grip levels – for example, when the car is parked on partly icy road, progress is smooth with no rolling back or wheel slip. With a manual gearbox, first gear must be used and releasing the clutch brings a greater risk of wheel spin. To address the issue, Toyota engineers have tuned the car’s TRAction Control (TRAC) system to achieve smooth operation like that experienced with an automatic. The system is also optimized for the GR Supra’s characteristic high engine torque, wide tires and rear-wheel drive. The car’s behavior when accelerating out of a corner is a key element in the “Fun to Drive” quality Toyota has developed for the GR Supra. For the new manual version, the traction control has again been the focus to ensure an ideal balance of agility and stability when exiting a corner on the throttle. TRAC intervention has been calibrated to maintain stability – so the car keeps faithfully to the driver’s intended line – while allowing the right amount of power for a sporty experience.
The ambition to make the GR Supra fun to drive in the most demanding scenarios has helped inspire the introduction of a new Hairpin+ function. This is designed to allow more freedom and reward when taking tight bends on an uphill gradient (more than 5%) with a high-friction road surface. More “freewheel” spin can make such routes more enjoyable to drive, so Toyota has optimized engine torque control to allow a greater difference in the degree of wheel spin on the left and right-side tires. To counter the possibility of “snap-off” oversteer – something that may be hard to control with the car’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) alone – an Anti-Roll Program (ARP) has been adopted for both the manual and automatic versions of the GR Supra. This intervenes at an earlier point with the VSC to cover any sudden loss of grip when the car’s high-response suspension setting it used. In addition, the Track mode has been tuned to allow for easy drifting with freedom of throttle control. The vehicle remains agile, but there is less risk of spinning thanks to specific engine and torque control. Special Edition and Updates Across the Lineup The A91-MT special edition will be a 500 unit limited-run model that comes equipped with exclusive Cognac leather-trimmed seats, GR logoed Alcantara shift knob and a 12-speaker acoustically tuned premium JBL sound system. On the outside, a red “Supra” Badge and red GR Supra emblazoned calipers punctuate its extreme, condensed design. It will be offered in two exclusive colors, Matte White and CU Later Gray, and comes equipped with unique forged 19-inch Frozen Gunmetal Gray wheels. Under the hood, red strut tower braces add one more accent to the already bold Supra. All 2023 GR Supra 3.0 models, both AT and MT versions, will benefit from a retuned suspension with re-tuned shock absorbers for improved roll balance and ride comfort. The mechanical components in the electric power steering and the system’s operating parameters have also been re-tuned. All 3.0 models will have an active rear sport differential standard. The 3.0 MT will come equipped with new 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and be available in previously available standard and premium colors plus the new Stratosphere Blue color. On the inside heated, black leather-trimmed seats are now standard. The 3.0 Premium has everything you’ll find on the 3.0, plus a red and black leather-trimmed interior, full color heads up display, acoustically tuned 12-speaker JBL sound system and Qi Wireless charger standard.
Supra Connect1 is also available. This advanced technology suite is designed to help you get more from your GR Supra 2.0 and 3.0 with Safety and Technology Package, 3.0 Premium and A91-MT Edition and includes features like Automatic Emergency Call, Real-Time Traffic Information, Roadside Assistance and the available Supra Connect iPhone® app to lock/unlock the doors and activate Ventilation Now and Ventilation Timer features.
It was a fast and epic weekend for race fans as the NTT IndyCar Series returns. This prestigious race took place in the streets of Long Beach, specifically held at the Long Beach Convention Center.
Regardless if you’re a racing fanatic, this event was one to remember. Entering the convention center guests were directed towards a large room filled with concept cars that anyone would dream of driving. Automobiles from Acura, Lexus, Ferrari, etc. were flooded throughout the entire venue. Proceeding towards the back of the locale where numerous vendors were selling snacks ranging from homemade beef jerky to sugar cane candy. It was the perfect place to hang out if you wanted to change up the scenery, or if you wanted to enjoy a quick bite to eat.
Lexus, the car company recognized for their luxurious drive and classic look, would be competing in this legendary competition. The brand that was known as something your grandmother would drive is now breaking barriers by entering the racing scene. Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat piloted the Seal Master liveried No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 to a second place finish at this 11-turn circuit.
360 Magazine. sat down with the two British drivers to conduct a short interview. The two motorists coincidentally grew up in the same part of England, with only an hour drive from between them. Only three years apart, they had never raced together until now. The two of them have been enjoying their time together as allies and plan to build upon that chemistry for future races. To hear the full interview click here.
The Grand Prix of Long Beach was the third race of the 2022 season and first sprint race. One of the Lexus drivers, Jack Hawksworth had a few words to say “Mega day for us. It was a surprise podium today. We had a bit of a struggle yesterday. We just ran a clean race, and we didn’t make any mistakes. We got a nice overcut there in the beginning to jump ahead of the GTD leader and then after an incident on pit lane among competitors got to second. Ben (Barnicoat) did a great job on the restarts and the Vasser Sullivan team did a great job on pit lane. We just did all of the basics right and got on the podium. It was a really good day.”
Safe to say Hawksworth was happy with his performance for that day. Barnicoat followed up with “It was a great day. Amazing to finally get the first podium of the season after being so close in both Daytona and Sebring. We finally got there. I feel like the Vasser Sullivan team did a great job today — everyone involved from the ground up. We definitely didn’t have the pace, but we maximized what we had so to come out of here with a second place is beyond what we thought we were quite capable of on paper. A huge thank you to everyone at Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing for their effort today. Hopefully it’s the first of many this season.”
360 Magazine also had the honor of experiencing an exclusive offering called Hot Labz. It was an opportunity of a lifetime where a professional driver took a lap around the track in the brand new IS-500. The Japanese chariot has a horse power of 472 MPH, with a five-liter V8 engine. It’s apparent that Lexus will continue to move mountains and make a name for itself in the motor-sporting space.
Toyota newly announced the release of their showstopping 2023 GR Corolla, a hot hatch model perfect for drivers in search of a stylish yet high-performance vehicle. 360 Magazine had the opportunity to attend the official vehicle reveal in Long Beach, California to soak up the opulence of the new style.
The reveal of the brand new 2023 GR Corolla launched on March 31, where 360 was invited to attend the Toyota Performance Vehicle Reveal and Dinner. On-site, prototypes of the two grades of the GR Corolla were shown off and tested to reveal a few of the vehicle’s capabilities.
Beautifully designed, the space emulated the rich supersonic red and sleek silver aspects showcased in the new Toyota styles. Lights sparkled over the GR Corolla as it drifted and drove for the audience to awe in the model’s glory.
During 360 MAG: A No-Nonsense Conversation, 360’s President Vaughn Lowery and Creative Director Armon Hayes conversed on-site at Thunder Studios located in Long Beach with Sondej and Hogard to discuss all things Toyota GR Corolla.
Sondej works in the product education/marketing department, while Hogard specializes in product PR for Toyota. Lowery and Hayes learned that this specific, advanced hot hatch model has been in the works for quite some time, dating all the way back to 2018.
The 2023 GR Corolla was designed to appeal to a well-versed demographic. Allowing for a heightened driving experience with customizable design features, the GR Corolla appeals to several ages and aesthetic points of views. The high-performance aspects of the vehicle were constructed with a specific person in mind, though: adrenaline junkies. If you enjoy partaking in heart pumping activities like skateboarding or sky diving in your free time, the GR Corolla was crafted with the thrill seekers in mind.
Equipped with manual transmission, the hot hatch is built with a 1.6 L turbo engine that generates a whopping 300 horsepower. The GR force system of the GR Corolla allows for a selection of three settings of torque. You can switch from 60/40 for everyday driving, to 30/70 while traveling down windy roads, or to the 50/50 track utilized for needed stability when moving through snow/gravel.
A well-versed model, the GR Corolla allows for differing customizability’s to match your desired aesthetic. Between the two grades of core and circuit, there is a selection of colors to choose from ranging from red, white, black and silver. With impeccable styling showcased through the eye-catching exterior, the GR Corolla reminds us of top high-performance vehicles across the globe, guaranteed to match your vibes.
Some of the most noteworthy and unique elements of the hot hatch stem from its interior. Inside, the GR Corolla sports a Toyota multi-media system that is entirely touch screen while allowing for great device connectivity. The system allows utilization of your favorite methods like Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa, but you’ll be stunned with your very own “Ask Toyota” functionality. You can easily ask your Toyota a question by stating, “Hey Toyota,” and the car will be there to assist.
The climate of the inside of the car can, too, be controlled through the touch screen or “Ask Toyota” feature. Showing off a fully digital interior system, the speedometer display is also digitized, and shifts design format depending on the selected drive mode. That’s right, as you switch from sport, normal and eco functions, the color/design of the digital dashboard changes also.
Crafted out of the Toyota GR Factory in Japan, the GR Corolla was created with a hand-built approach to ensure the finest quality for consumers. Guaranteeing a modern build and design methodology for the latest hot hatch from Toyota, you’ll want to get your hands on the GR Corolla when it drops later this year.
It’s official, the powerful, stylish, and agile hot hatch U.S. drivers are looking for is on its way, the first-ever 2023 GR Corolla. With the detail-obsessed TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team at the helm, and master driver Akio Toyoda, a.k.a. Morizo, signing off on approval, this all new addition to Toyota’s growing lineup of sports cars brings the performance, handling, and functionality that hot hatch fans love.
Powered by the lightweight, compact-yet-powerful G16E-GTS turbo charged, direct/port injected three-cylinder engine, GR Corolla delivers 300 hp and 273 lb.- ft. of torque. Engineered for snappy acceleration out of the corners, output hits peak torque at 3000-5500 rpm, with max horsepower coming at 6500 rpm. It’s thrill inducing power is piped through a unique triple exhaust that’s designed to reduce back-pressure for maximum power delivery.
The G16-E engine is paired with Toyota’s rally developed GR-Four All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) drivetrain. This system gives drivers a choice of 60-40, 50-50, or 30-70 power distribution to the front and rear wheels. GR Corolla will be offered exclusively in a manual transmission, staying true to its hands-on rally racing roots.
Its broad hatch profile and low center of gravity are built on Toyota’s GA-C platform, with enhanced frame reinforcements developed specifically for GR Corolla at GR Factory at Toyota Motomachi plant. Functional exterior air vents and aerodynamic features further support steering stability.
GR Corolla will come in two grades, Core and Circuit Edition.
The Core Grade will be available later this year in white, black, and Supersonic Red. It will have a color keyed roof with rear lip spoiler, GR-Four stamped side rockers, and wide-fender flares. On the inside, seating for five will come with GR logoed fabric sport seats.
The Circuit Edition will be a limited-run model available in 2023. Standard colors are white, Supersonic Red and Heavy Metal with the same GR-Four stamped side rockers and wide fenders as the Core. It adds a forged carbon fiber roof, vented bulge hood, and a sporty rear spoiler, Brin Naub® suede-trimmed sport seats with red accents, and a launch-year-exclusive Morizo signed shift knob.
Both grades will come equipped with an all new Toyota Multi-Media System with touchscreen. Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) system will also come standard.
Pricing will be announced later this year.
Race Inspired Engineering
In 2007, Akio Toyoda wanted to expand the company’s use of racing in its car development activities. As a starting point, he chose to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the grueling endurance race held on the famous track winding through the German forest. It was an unofficial Toyota activity at the time, so the team was called GAZOO Racing and was made up of employees, including Akio Toyoda driving under the alias of Morizo.
With a limited budget, the newly-named team entered the race with two secondhand Altezzas. Despite adversity, both cars finished the challenging race, and a new era of Toyota motorsports and product development, one founded on a spirit of challenge aimed at instigating change, began.
As TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s first wholly developed and manufactured model for the North American market, the GR Corolla carries this spirit forward.
With professional drivers, experts, and Morizo at the wheel, GR Corolla was tested repeatedly at some of Japan’s leading circuits, including Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and Tsukuba Circuit. In addition, the GR team carried out heavy duty dirt and snow driving with a Japanese Rally Championship driver. No road was left unturned in the process, so engineers and technicians could sharpen acceleration and control worthy of the GR name.
GR Factory
To help meet the performance goals for the GR Corolla, Toyota has established a dedicated GR Factory at its production facility in Motomachi, Japan. It’s the birthplace of legends such as the Lexus LFA and Supra A80 and is now home to the first GR production line, where GR Corolla and GR Yaris are precision built.
Instead of the traditional conveyor system, the body and assembly lines comprise several different cells connected by automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) rather than the conveyors featured in conventional car plants. This fully flexible method of working, with many manual assembly techniques, enables precise body and suspension alignment, with variations in vehicle dimensions and weight kept to a minimum.
Being built by experts means that the assembly of each GR Corolla takes longer than a conventional mass-produced car. The production line has been streamlined for performance, with elements such as body alignment and weld checks to ensure that each GR Corolla is built with meticulous care and attention.
Toyota Gazoo Racing has brought together highly skilled technicians from throughout the company to work on the GR Corolla. This team not only assembles every GR Corolla but also contributes to the technical skills of workers at other Toyota facilities. It’s a team structure that’s part of the overall GR mission at Toyota, developing people, driving fans, and making ever better cars.
The GR-FOUR System
With all TOYOTA GAZOO Racing sports cars firmly rooted in motorsports, it only makes sense that the GR Corolla’s drivetrain was born from the rigors of rally racing.
At the heart of the new GR Corolla is the GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system, Toyota’s first sports all-wheel-drive system in over 20 years. Developed in collaboration with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team and honed by WRC drivers, it delivers exceptional levels of traction and control with engineering designed to optimize drive power to each wheel, while also being simple and lightweight.
Made for rally, the GR-Four system is designed for a variety of conditions. Whether the driver is looking to adjust performance for dirt, rain, or snow, or just in the mood for a different feel, the GR-Four system offers settings to match.
With the twist of a dial, GR Corolla can adjust four-wheel drive performance to fit the driver’s needs. For every-day situations, drivers can set a front/rear torque distribution of 60:40; for a more sport setting, balance can shift to the rear, with 30:70 distribution for a fun-to-drive quality on winding roads and circuits; and for maximum stability a 50:50 setting can be used for fast, competitive track driving on circuits or special stages. In each mode, the torque balance will automatically adjust in response to the driver’s inputs, vehicle behavior, and road or track conditions.
The GR Corolla Circuit Edition is also equipped with front and rear Torsen LimitedSlip Differentials (LSD) hich offer enhanced cornering performance and grip with control of left and right-hand drive torque distribution on the front and rear axles. Front and rear LSD is available as part of the Performance Package on the Core grade, with AWD open differentials standard.
Revolutionary 3-Cylinder Turbo Engine
For GR Corolla, we took the same turbocharged G16E-GTS powerplant used in the GR Yaris and boosted its output. This compact-yet-powerful three-cylinder engine has increased power for GR Corolla thanks to improved engine exhaust efficiency thanks to a 3-piece muffler with valve capped off with brushed stainless steel tips. This design reduces exhaust pressure and outside noise, which are essential to backpressure performance.
The G16E also benefits from motorsport technologies that maximize performance, including multi-oil jet piston cooling, large-diameter exhaust valves and a partmachined intake port. Displacing 1,618 cubic centimeters, it produces a maximum power of 300 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque.
Compact and lightweight, the DOHC 12-valve engine features a single-scroll ballbearing turbo that’s matched to a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) with rev-matching engineered to accommodate high torque levels. The turbocharger is integrated in the exhaust manifold, reducing weight, while control of wastegate bypass gases is used to improve the catalyst’s warm-up efficiency. Combustion is fed by Toyota’s D-4S direct and port fuel injection system, which operates at high pressure for maximum fuel dispersion and efficiency.
Wide, Rigid, and Designed to Handle
To achieve control worthy of the GR badge, a highly rigid body was specially constructed for GR Corolla. Based off the GA-C platform, it produced handling performance that rewards the driver. Enhanced rigidity comes from significantly more weld points in the frame, particularly to strengthen joints. Further gains are made through extensive use of structural adhesive, increasing the joint rigidity between component parts.
The front suspension is a MacPherson-type strut design that offers both light weight and firm handling, maximizing the tires’ grip potential. Made up of circuittuned coil springs, shock absorbers, and stabilizer bars, the front suspension is designed to deliver all the engine’s power to the road and provide optimum cornering capability on all surfaces. The rear suspension uses a double-wishbone type multilink system that accommodates the AWD system’s goal of maximum agility and stability.
Wide tread tires ensure high cornering performance while maintaining the excellent high speed stability of the GR Corolla’s 103.9-inch long wheelbase. It wears Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires 235/40R18 on the both grades and comes equipped with 18-in. gloss-black 15-spoke cast alloy wheels on the grades.
Braking power comes from opposed, fixed-caliper disc brakes with 14 x 1.1-inch ventilated and slotted rotors outfitted with 4-piston aluminum calipers on both grades, the Circuit Edition caliper is red painted with GR logo. At the rear, 11.7-in. x 0.7-in. ventilated rotors with 2-piston aluminum fixed-caliper disc brakes with redpainted calipers and GR logo are standard on the Circuit Edition.
Lightweight and Aerodynamic
Throughout the GR Corolla there has been a focus on saving weight to maximize the performance potential, without compromising strength and safety. This rigorous approach is particularly evident in the car’s construction, with extensive use of lightweight metals and materials used in key areas.
On the Circuit Edition, the roof is made of a forged (rather than woven) carbon sheet molding compound. This lightweight, highly rigid material keeps off the ounces that steel roof would bring and helps lower the car’s center of gravity. Aluminum is used for the hood and front door panels, with light and strong hightensile steel in critical areas to ensure the car’s structure can safely absorb and dissipate impact forces.
For the best possible aerodynamic performance, GR Corolla’s nose ascends to a tapering roof line. Wind flow is directed onto the rear spoiler to generate extra downforce. As with rally cars, the shaping of the front and rear canards and GRFour stamped lower rockers efficiently channel airflow down the sides of the vehicle. Hood, fender, and rear bumper ducts, and a flat underfloor reduce drag, add downforce, and improve stability.
Rally Ready Hot Hatch Style
The wide stance and broad hatch exterior design of GR Corolla projects a strong, attack ready style with its black GR badged functional matrix grill. Flanked by functional air ducts on both sides, the front grille on the Circuit Grade comes in gloss-black and features integrated LED fog lamps. Auto on/off LED headlamps and LED DRLs are standard on both grades.
Both grades feature wide front and rear fender-flares. The Circuit Edition features a bulge hood with functional gloss-black air ducts. The Carbon Fiber roof on the Circuit Edition is matched with a matte-black roof mounted shark fin antenna. The Core Grade features an aluminum hood with a color-keyed roof and matching shark-fin antenna. Gloss-black heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, gloss-black window molding, and black GR Corolla badges are standard on both grades.
At the rear, both grades feature a rear lower bumper cover with functional air vents, for an extra touch these vents are gloss black on the Circuit Edition. The tapering of the roof and rear pillars are complimented by a high mounted matte-black rear spoiler on the Circuit and a gloss black rear-lip spoiler on the Core Grade. The wide track and flaring of the rear wings emphasize the car’s wide and low silhouette.
Race Inspired Interior
The design of the GR Corolla’s interior reflects the car’s performance, particularly around the driver’s cockpit.
Incorporating the feedback of professional drivers, a GR Full TFT meter was newly developed with a 12.3-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) that has a GR meter with 4WD mode, turbo pressure, gear position indicator, and tachometer. The brightly lit display is designed for easy-viewing in any condition and even features a start-up GR animation.
The shift lever has a shortened stroke for a quick throw between gears. Positioned where the driver’s arm is naturally lowered from steering, the action is light with short shift strokes, adding to the performance quality. GR Corolla uses a pull type mechanical parking brake.
The Circuit Edition’s interior is finished in black with red trim details around the door handles, center console, steering wheel and side air vents, and the Core Grade is finished with black and silver details.
Brin Naub® suede and synthetic leather-trimmed sport seats with red stitching, red mesh inserts, and GR badged headrests; 6-way adjustable driver’s seat with seatback pocket; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket are standard on the Circuit Edition. Fabric sport seats with gray stitching and GR badged headrests; 6-way adjustable driver’s seat with suede sheet seatback pocket; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket are standard on the Core.
Automatic climate control, power windows with one-touch auto up/down, and heated front seats and steering wheel standard on Circuit Edition. Heated front seats and steering wheel are available with the of Cold Weather package option on Core Grade.
A GR leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with audio, MultiInformation Display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and voice-command controls comes standard on the Circuit Edition. For an added touch, a “Morizo” signed shift knob comes exclusively on the launch year Circuit Edition.
Standard on both grades is a push button GR engine start/stop button, aluminum sport pedals, two USB charging ports, one 12V auxiliary power outlet, lighted foot wells, front console tray, and rear console box. Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with full charge indicator light is standard on the Circuit Edition and available as part of the Technology package on the Core Grade.
The all-new Toyota Audio Multimedia system will come standard on all GR Corollas. Featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, the system offers an improved user experience thanks to new sight, touch, and voice activation. With Intelligent Assistant available through Drive Connect*, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awakens the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find POIs, adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more.
The cloud-based native navigation system offered through Drive Connect allows for real-time Over the Air updates for mapping and Points of Interest (POI), and Google POI data is integrated to ensure up-to-date search capability. It also supports standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto compatibility.
Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. A Wi-Fi Connect subscription offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices by turning GR Corolla into an AT&T Hotspot*, and it also offers the ability to link your separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to your vehicle with Integrated Streaming.
The Circuit Edition comes with Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation with eight JBL® speakers with amplifier. It includes a USB media port, two USB charge ports, Dynamic Navigation with 3-year trial, Dynamic POI Search, Dynamic Voice Recognition, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, SiriusXM® with 3-month All Access trial.
See toyota.com/audio-multimedia for details. Connected Services — Safety Connect® with 1-year trial, Service Connect with 10-year trial, Remote Connect with 1-year trial, Wi-Fi Connect with up to 2GB within 3-month trial and Destination Assist with 1-year trial. See toyota.com/connected-services for details.
The Core Grade comes with six speakers, Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® & Amazon Alexa compatible, USB media port, two USB charge ports, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, SiriusXM® with 3-month All Access trial.
See toyota.com/audio-multimedia for details. Connected Services1 — Safety Connect® with 1-year trial, Service Connect with 10-year trial, Remote Connect with 1-year trial, and Wi-Fi Connect with up to 2GB within 3-month trial. See toyota.com/connected-services for details. Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL® w/Clari-Fi®, and Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging are available as part of the Technology Package.
Safety & Other Technology
All GR Corolla grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), which includes enhancements made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is also capable of detecting motorcyclists and guardrails in certain conditions. When making a turn or approaching an intersection, the system is designed to detect forward or laterally approaching oncoming vehicles and provides audio/visual alerts and automatic braking in certain conditions. Improved lane recognition delivers refined performance of Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.
GR Corolla will be equipped with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is designed to notify the driver via audible and visual alerts and slight steering force if it senses the vehicle is leaving the lane without engaging a turn signal. When DRCC is set and engaged, Lane Tracing Assist uses visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
Automatic High Beams are designed to detect preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switch between high beam and low beam headlights. Road Sign Assist is designed to recognize certain road sign information using a forwardfacing camera and display them on the multi-information display (MID).
Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder comes standard on all GR Corolla grades. The feature can note whether a rear door was opened within 10 minutes of the vehicle being turned on, or at any time after the vehicle has been turned on, with a reminder message in the instrument cluster after the engine is turned off, accompanied by multitone chimes.
In addition to the TSS 3.0 system, other standard safety features on the GR Corolla include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), which is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) for added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) also comes standard.
GR Corolla comes with a one year trial subscription of Toyota Safety Connect® at no additional cost — includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance and Automatic Collision Notification.
Option Packages
GR Corolla Core Grade is available with the following packages:
• Performance package: Includes front and rear Torsen Limited Slip Differentials (LSD).
• Technology package: Includes Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL® w/Clari-Fi®, and Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging.
• Cold Weather Package: Includes heated front seats and heated steering wheel.
Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty. GR Corolla also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
*Certain features include a trial period at no extra cost upon original date of new vehicle purchase or lease. After the trial period ends, a paid subscription is required. More details on trial periods and subscription-based features can be found at https://www.toyota.com/connected-services/.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more.
About TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing embodies Toyota’s commitment to overcoming every limit to make ‘ever-better’ cars, to forge new technologies and solutions under the extreme conditions of motorsports, and to never stop innovating. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing races its cars to push the limits for better and to learn from the toughest challenges. Competing on every kind of road, no matter what the challenge, inspires TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to build ‘ever-better’ cars and engineer Toyota’s future DNA to bring freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone. For more information, visit HERE.
Lexus and Uptown Magazine celebrated a pre-oscars evening with LA’s favorite couples at the Sunset Room in Hollywood. The black-tie event celebrated Black love and honored the industry’s top Film and TV producers, writers, actors and more. 360 Magazine had the chance to cover the red carpet for this post-pandemic dinner with with guests ecstatic to see familiar faces unmasked and glammed out.
Salli (“The Gilded Age” producer/director) and Dondre Whitfield (“Queen Sugar”) were amongst the talent and shared a few words on what the event meant to them and touched on Salli’s current network project.
“All these couples are our friends. It’s good to surround yourselves with other couple who are likeminded. You have to identify who your tribe is. So far, its been one of the best experiences of my life [Guilded Age on HBO]. It’s been life-changing to bring the story to the screen and have this partnership with HBO.”
Whitfield’s pushed the importance for the next generation of women of color, “Be brave. Throw that fear out the window and just go for it.”
The American Black Film Festival GM/President, Nicole Friday, also spoke on celebrating twenty-six years since it’s inception. “Our mission has been about community.. about spreading Black Love but in the artistic way. Showcasing new artists and new voices and continue what we’ve been doing for the last twenty-six years.” Friday told 360 one of her favorite TV shows is Abott Elementary along with excitement for Issa Rae’s upcoming new show Rap Shit to hopefully come to ABFF.
The dinner consisted of a three-course meal and signature cocktails as everyone cheered for the honorees that have been trailblazing the film scene. The new 2022 Lexus NX Hybrid, unveiled a few months prior, was staged fabulously for attendees to view after the awards. Black excellence shined through the evening with a sense of community in the air. Other noteworthy celebrities in attendance included: B. Thompson, Mali Music, Chante Moore, Glozell.
Founded in 2004, UPTOWN is the only luxury lifestyle brand that targets the Affluent African American (AAA) Market. UPTOWN Magazine affords luxury purveyors the broadest access to this highly sought-after audience. Uptown offers both traditional and innovative strategies across multiple platforms including UptownMagazine.com, the interactive website, signature events, and its soon-to-launch digital channel Uptown EXP.
About Lexus:
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and one F performance model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.
Tesla spends more on research and development (R&D) than any other automaker. According to data presented by StockApps, the firm spends $2,984 on R&D per car produced. That’s thrice the industry average and higher than the collective R&D budgets of Ford, General Motors (GM), and Chrysler per car.
Commenting on the report, StockApp’s Edith Reads had this to say.” Tesla spends more than any other carmaker on R&D in order to maintain its lead in EV technology. And if you ask them about it, they’ll tell you this is the key to keeping their customers happy—which is what keeps them in business.”
Tesla’s investment in R&D is paying off
Its vehicles are not only making strides in environmentalism, they’re also safe, fast, and excellent at technology integration. Elon Musk‘s commitment to spending time developing new products and services is what makes Tesla successful.
Tesla is famous for its ambitious production goals. So if anyone is going to invest in making those dreams a reality, it’s them. And you can see why: while most carmakers focus on marketing themselves as a brand first and foremost, Tesla is focusing on making every car a piece of innovative engineering.
No Advertising Spending
Further, Tesla’s spending proves they are future-focused, unlike other manufacturers. While Tesla spends $0 on advertising per car, the industry average is $485. This further illustrates that consumers want to buy vehicles for their functionality and rely on testimonials for brand awareness rather than beautifully crafted commercials.
The company’s lack of an advertising budget is even more impressive than its R&D spending. Tesla’s unique business model becomes clear when we consider what its competition spends per vehicle on advertising. Ford and Toyota spend $468 and $454 per car respectively.
Despite not spending anything on advertising, Tesla is technically a marketing magnet. That’s why it is one of the world’s fastest-growing brands. The firm dominates the press and social media engagements. Most of that comes from widely popular Elon Musk.
When the 2023 Toyota bZ4X battery-electric SUV arrives at dealers later this year, it will come with more than just stylish looks and emissions-free utility. The all-new EV will also mark the start of a collaboration between Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) and EVgo to provide new bZ4X customers with on-the-go access to DC fast-charging stations. EVgo’s high-powered chargers provide EV drivers both flexibility and convenience to quickly charge at prime locations, such as frequently visited grocery stores, shopping centers, and central downtown areas, allowing drivers to travel and charge with minimal downtime and aligning with their break, shopping, eating or errand time.
Customers who purchase or lease a new 2023 Toyota bZ4X will get one year of unlimited complimentary charging at all EVgo-owned and operated public charging stations nationwide. Customers will be able to use the Toyota App on their mobile device to sign up for this offer, locate EVgo stations and initiate complimentary charging for their new bZ4X.
“The arrival of our all-electric bZ4X marks an important step in our commitment towards electrifying 70% of our fleet by 2030. We want our bZ4X customers to enjoy a high-quality ownership experience that is as seamless and worry-free as possible,” said Christopher Yang, Vice President, EV Charging Solutions, Toyota Motor North America. “Collaborating with EVgo, the nation’s largest public fast-charging network, will help provide bZ4X owners with access to a fast, reliable charge where and when they need it.”
With more than 800 DC fast charging locations and thousands of Level 2 charging stations, EVgo’s charging network serves over 68 metropolitan areas across 35 states. The EVgo network is powered by 100% renewable energy.
“EVgo is thrilled to collaborate with Toyota on bringing accessible and convenient fast-charging to new EV drivers with the bZ4X,” said Jonathan Levy, EVgo Chief Commercial Officer. “Toyota’s scale and EVgo’s track record of leadership in clean transportation will help make it easier for even more drivers to go electric.”
When it goes on sale in the spring of 2022, the 2023 Toyota bZ4X will offer consumers a battery-electric option that combines Toyota’s legendary reputation for quality and reliability with the performance and practicality they expect in a modern SUV.
“This is just the beginning of Toyota’s next-generation battery electric vehicle products that will join our existing portfolio of electrified vehicle options and will drive our progress toward carbon neutrality,” said Yang.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands plus our 1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 in North America and has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, the company’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. Toyota has more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, with electrified vehicles comprising more than a quarter of our 2021 North American sales.Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, click HERE.
Despite frosty temperatures, Monster Energy’s snow sports team delivered! The brand congratulated its team of freeski and snowboard athletes on a strong performance at the Snow Rodeo competition in Calgary, Canada. In the official World Cup event sanctioned by the International Ski Federation (FIS), athletes from across the globe competed for Olympic qualifier points in Freeski and snowboard disciplines from December 30, 2021, to January 1, 2022, at WinSport Canada Olympic Park.
In the competitive Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle final on Saturday, 17-year-old snowboard prodigy Kokomo Murase from Gifu, Japan put down a dominant performance to claim first place. This marks the first FIS World Cup victory in the slopestyle discipline for the Japanese Olympic prospect, who also received the traditional Snow Rodeo cowboy hat as a trophy.
Earlier in Thursday’s Women’s Freeski Halfpipe final, Monster Army rider Hanna Faulhaber stomped a perfect run to claim second place. Earning her first FIS World Cup podium spot, the 17-year-old from Carbondale, Colorado, posted the day’s highest aerials and scored qualifier points for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
This week’s Snow Rodeo presented by Swatch and Toyota marked the event’s second iteration as a ski and snowboard competition in Calgary. Featuring contests in halfpipe and slopestyle disciplines, the FIS World Cup event offered athletes the second chance of the 2021/22 season to qualify for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Here’s how the action unfolded this weekend for Team Monster Energy:
Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle
On Saturday afternoon, the Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle discipline was contested as a special New Year’s Day event on the downhill obstacle course, designed by Stomping Grounds Projects snow park builders. The eight riders in the final hailed from Japan, Canada, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Just in time for the daytime event, the previously overcast skies opened, and temperatures climbed significantly after several days of polar vortex-induced chills. With several riders posting perfect runs, Monster Energy’s Murase upped the ante by landing a flawless routine on her first attempt.
In the technical rails section, Murase finessed a backside boardslide pretzel, Half Cab 50-50 frontside 360 out, followed by a gap lipslide 270 out on the Toyota rail feature. Heading into the jump section with speed, she landed a front-side 720 tail grab, backside 720 mute grab, and crippler melon grab on the final side-hit obstacle for a 77.58-point score and first place.
“[Snow Rodeo] was really tough because I was really nervous before the competition. But I’m so happy to win my first slopestyle World Cup today,” said Murase upon winning Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle in Calgary.
On the strength of Saturday’s victory, Murase now ranks at the top of FIS Snowboard Park & Pipe overall standings with 236 points. She also currently holds first place in the Slopestyle rankings that determine Olympic qualification and third place in the Big Air discipline.
Earlier this season, Murase claimed the win at the 2021 Big Air Festival Chur as well as third place in Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle at Dew Tour Copper 2021. Heading into the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Murase is considered a podium threat in Big Air and Slopestyle disciplines with an impressive record to boot. At X Games Norway 2018, she became the youngest Winter X Games athlete ever to win a gold medal, at age 13. She also made history as the first girl to land a 1260 double cork aerial in competition.
Women’s Freeski Halfpipe
On Thursday night, the action in Calgary kicked off with the Women’s Ski Superpipe final amid biting cold on the Olympic Park superpipe. Eight of the world’s leading halfpipe skiers were looking to post the best score in three runs. Countries represented included China, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In the highly competitive field, 17-year-old Monster Army rider Hanna Faulhaber from Carbondale, Colorado came in as a rookie. But despite her young age, the Olympic hopeful had already made her mark this season: Earlier in December, the young US Ski Team rider stole the spotlight with a breakout performance in a third-place finish at Dew Tour Copper.
Blasting aerials higher than the rest of the field, Faulhaber rose all the way to claiming her first career World Cup podium. On her first run in the nighttime final under the floodlights, she put down a perfect routine including a huge tail grab off the top, leftside and rightside flair safety grabs, cork 720 safety landed backside, switch rightside 360, and leftside 540 on the final hit for 92.80 points and second place.
“It’s a crazy one for sure. It’s great to be able to put down consistently and I’m just happy to keep it going. I don’t know really what to say, I’m just excited for how it’s going and it’s unbelievable–I never thought that I would be here,” said Faulhaber upon claiming her first FIS World Cup podium in Calgary.
Prior to competing in Calgary, the young U.S. Pro Halfpipe Ski Team rider placed third in the 2020 Youth Olympics and fourth in the 2021 Ski Halfpipe World Championships. She currently holds third place overall in the FIS Women’s Ski Halfpipe World Cup rankings with 125 points.
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes, and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers, and fans.
