Tag Archives: tokyo auto salon

NEWS

MX-5 Mazda Spirit Racing to make appearance at 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon

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Only a few weeks remain before the Tokyo Auto Salon opens its doors in Japan next month.

Mazda will showcase several special models at the event, including a limited edition model produced by its high-performance division, Mazda Spirit Racing.

For those unfamiliar, Mazda Spirit Racing has been utilized by the manufacturer since 2021 in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series, designed to take over the role previously held by Mazdaspeed.

Mazda Spirit Racing RS Concept

 

Based on a single image (main picture) provided, the Mazda MX-5 tuned by Mazda Spirit Racing features a new front splitter, an “R” logo on the front grille, black six-spoke wheels, red brake calipers, and a rear lip spoiler.

Additionally, there are red accents on the center of the bumper and on the side mirror housings, as well as a set of racing-inspired decals.

Currently, Mazda has not revealed any details regarding mechanical upgrades for this special model.

In addition to the Mazda MX-5, Mazda will also showcase two racing concept models: the Mazda3 Bio Concept and the MX-5 Roadster CNF Concept, along with the CX-5 SUV, which has been developed in collaboration with Toyo Tires.

NEWS

Tokyo Auto Salon KL to return November 8-11, ticket sales now opened

The Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur (TAS KL) returns for its second year and will meet you from 8 to 11 November 2024. It will be held at the same venue, the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Ticket sales are now open, and the earliest buyers will receive attractive discounts. TAS KL is the only event of that automotive brand held outside Japan. The event is organized under license and inspired by the prestigious Tokyo Auto Salon in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Over 19,000 visitors were reported to have attended last year’s TAS KL event. Among the exhibitors participating are Top Secret, Spoon, HKS, and GReddy. This year’s exhibition is expected to be on a larger scale.

“Just like the original event in Japan, various efforts are being made to ensure that this year’s event surpasses the expectations of fans,” said Director and CEO of Element X Strategies, Jason Yap.

Ticket prices are RM60 for single-day entry and RM120 for a 3-day pass. However, early bird buyers can get a special price of RM50 only. Tickets for children aged 6 to 12 are RM25 for early birds, RM30 at the event price, and RM60 for a 3-day pass. Children under six enter for free.

For a more exclusive experience, you can purchase the Black Tag at RM1,500. With this pass, you have privileges such as:

  • Access to all three days of the event
  • Free valet parking
  • Access to the Black Tag lounge
  • Complimentary food and beverages
  • Access to Japan Pavilion Cars
  • Exclusive TAS KL 2024 merchandise
  • Meet and greet with various individuals
  • Priority for auctions
  • Exclusive lounge without media and photographers

Tickets can be purchased at https://tickets.tokyoautosalonkl.com, and early bird offers are limited to the first 5,000 buyers until 31 July 2024 only.

NEWS

TAS: 2024 Toyota GR Yaris unveiled, gains 8-speed auto option

You may have read the report before this that the Toyota GR Yaris will be offered with an 8-speed automatic gearbox option.

Now it’s official, as it was launched by Toyota at the ongoing Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) event. Toyota has dubbed this gearbox the Direct Automatic Transmission.

Founded on a torque-converter unit, it has been tuned for quicker gear changes, and even features a mode for track use. In addition, the 2024 GR Yaris has undergone changes in several other areas.

The Circuit package will bring improved cooling system with an additional radiator, intercooler sprayers, and a redesigned intake system.

The automatic version also comes with a specific cooler for the gearbox. Both coolers can be seen from the side air vents. Interestingly, the automatic version only adds around 18kg in weight.

Chassis rigidity has been increased, and the suspension has been further enhanced to accommodate more power from the engine. It’s not just a regular tune-up, but a “strengthened” one.

There are new materials for the exhaust valve, higher pressure for direct fuel injection, a new air pressure sensor, and lighter wheels.

Finally, the GR Yaris has been given a facelift both externally and internally. The front bumper is more aggressive, while the cabin space is more driver-focused. The new 12.3-inch screen is from the GR Corolla.

Previously, the GR Yaris was among several vehicles offered with a manual gearbox option only, alongside the Honda Civic Type R. With the addition of an automatic option, does it make the GR Yaris less ‘hardcore’?