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  • TOYOTA GR 86 (2022) REVEALED

    After Subaru’s 2020 unveiling of the all-new BRZ, it was about time we saw the new Toyota GR 86, and this one is coming to the UK!

    Replacing the Toyota GT86 is Toyota’s all new GR 86, rebranded to sit inside the Gazoo Racing division, hence the GR namesake, the 86 makes up the third member of the performance brand, alongside the Yaris and Supra.

    What we know so far is that the car will replicate the GT86’s dimensions, measuring 4.4 metres long and 1.7 metres wide. While newer cars are getting heavier, the Toyota GR 86 stays true to its original image and thus weight has been kept to a minimum, with the new car representing an “under 50kg” weight increase. In total, it sits at 1270kg. While that’s no Lotus Elise, it is some 100kg lighter than the Porsche Cayman.

    Toyota GR 86

    Powering the new Toyota GR 86 is the 2.4-litre Boxer engine also found in the Subaru BRZ. Free from forced induction, the naturally-aspirated four-pot produces a healthy 228bhp and 184lb ft of torque, which represents an increase of 31bhp and 33lb ft over the out-going GT86. As a result, the GR86 knocks off 1.3 seconds from its 0-62mph sprint time, now completing the test in 6.3 seconds thanks to a 184bhp/ton power-to-weight ratio (GT86 equated to 164bhp/ton). You have the option of a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

    We’re still thin on the ground with information, however, we do know that at the front will be MacPherson struts with double wishbones at the rear. It is unclear what dampers will be used, with rumours suggesting the old car’s optional Sachs dampers will be the new car’s standard option. Rigidity, however, is said to be up more than 50%. Those interested in tyre sizes will be pleased to know the car’s 215-section width remains, however, they grow an inch to 18.

    Inside, Toyota has given the GR 86 a bit of a freshen up, with a new 7-inch TFT display and new infotainment system.

    We’re waiting to hear about specific pricing, but with the Toyota GT86 costing £27,325, expect it to sit around the £30,000 mark when it arrives in 2022.

    Toyota GR 86
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  • Here’s what Gordon Murray T.50’s Cosworth V-12 sounds like lapping Le Mans

    Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) has already provided a sample of how the 3.9-liter Cosworth V-12 in its T.50 supercar sounds, but on Wednesday the company released a video of the engine running a simulated lap of Le Mans’ Circuit de la Sarthe on the dynamometer. Spoiler alert: it sounds epic.

    In the video, GMA namesake Gordon Murray seems as proud of the engine note as he does of any other aspect of the car. Murray attributes the lack of forced induction, and the ram-air intake mounted right behind the driver’s head, to the car’s fantastic high-pitched sound.

    Gordon Murray's first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    Gordon Murray’s first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    On the simulated Mulsanne Straight, the V-12 shrieks like the engine of an early 2000s Formula One car. That’s thanks to a 12,100 rpm redline, which the company claims is the highest of any production car. GMA also claims its engine is the lightest V-12 in a production car, at 392 pounds.

    Working with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, peak output is 654 horsepower and 344 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers aren’t world-beating for a supercar these days, but keep in mind that the T.50 only weighs 2,174 pounds, about 200 pounds less than a Miata.

    Murray also isn’t interested in chasing numbers. Instead of trying to beat a top-speed record or Nürburgring lap time, he designed the T.50 to be the ultimate analog supercar. That’s why the V-12 is coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission, which most competitors have abandoned.

    Gordon Murray's first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    Gordon Murray’s first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    The T.50 will almost certainly be entertaining to drive. During a recent test drive, Murray chirped the tires at just 3,000 rpm. At higher speeds, the T.50 uses trick aerodynamic aids, including a fan inspired by Murray’s Brabham BT46B “Fan Car” F1 racer from 1978.

    Only 125 T.50 supercars will be built, including 100 road cars and 25 T.50s Niki Lauda track cars, which ditch the manual transmission but get more power and even more extreme aerodynamic elements.

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  • Edd China battles with his Volkswagen T5 van in “Workshop Diaries” episode 1

    Mechanic and television personality Edd China is back with a new YouTube show called “Edd China’s Workshop Diaries,” and the first episode is now live.

    As the title suggests, the show focuses on the various projects China has going on at his workshop, with some guests and field trips in the mix as well. In addition to old-school mechanical work and restorations, the show will feature electrification and prototyping projects, using modern technologies like 3D printing, CNC machining, and water-jet fabrication, as China explains in the episode’s intro.

    Besides setting up the premise of the show, and catching up viewer’s on China’s activities since he left “Wheeler Dealers,” the first episode focuses on China’s Volkswagen Transporter T5 van. That’s the fifth-generation VW, which wasn’t sold in the U.S. (VW quit with the Transporter T4, sold as the Eurovan in this market).

    Edd China

    Edd China

    The van was leaking coolant, and China hypothesizes that an oil cooler was the problem. Coolant in the engine oil confirms that hypothesis, so China tries to save the old oil cooler before deciding to install a new oil cooler and filter (they’re attached to the same housing on this engine) on the van. He also installs a new air-conditioning pump while the engine is accessible.

    Next, it’s time to reattach the radiator and front clip, reconnect hoses and sensors, and top off fluids. Once the engine is fired up and up to temperature, China finds no sign of a coolant leak. Watch the full video, and you’ll get a detailed yet concise explanation of the repair.

    It’s worth noting that China announced two previous shows—”Edd China’s Garage Revival” and “Built By Many“—after leaving “Wheeler Dealers” in 2017, and neither went anywhere. Perhaps “Workshop Diaries” will have more success. China says he plans to create an episode every week until people don’t want to watch. He also notes that he’s working with a production team and sponsors, indicating at least some level of long-term commitment.

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