Toyota Unveils Etios Motor Racing in India

[ToughGuy]

Toyota Kirloskar exhibits concept cars of EMR Series

Toyota Kirloskar Motor yesterday exhibited the concept cars of its Etios Motor Racing (EMR) Series along with motorsport activities at Nandi Toyota and Ravindu Toyota in Bangalore. This new venture is in line with its global philosophy of introducing 'WAKU DOKI', which in Japanese means 'excitement, joy and fun.'

Unveiled for the first time earlier this year at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012, the new sporty avatar of the Etios will re-emphasize Toyota's efforts in reaching out to the younger target group. And, more importantly take motorsports closer to its customers and the youth of the country.

Apart from the EMR concept cars on display, there is a host of motorsport based activities for all age groups visiting the dealership. racing simulators, remote controlled cars on race tracks, a children's automotive learning area, and other relevant contests and activities.

This year will be dedicated to popularizing the EMR brand, apart from the dealership activations in 14 cities and 24 dealerships, there will be exhibition races, road shows and a whole lot of activities lined up before the Series next year.

Recently, Toyota laid down its global mission, called WAKU DOKI which is to provide 'excitement', 'joy' and 'fun' through its products. Here in India, TKM has decided to start motorsports in the same global direction with the Etios brand, " said Hidehisa Nagae, executive managing coordinator-marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

Source:ET

 

[visran]

Toyota India showcased their Etios Racing cars at Lakozy and Shinrai Toyota dealerships in Mumbai last Saturday. We attended the launch in Mumbai and here are the updates for the events:

Why are they doing this?
After successfully conducting the first ever F1 race, Toyota believes that motorsport will become more mainstream in India.
Toyota is associated with motorsports since 1954 but has not conducted any motorsport activities in India.
The company plans promote motorsports in India starting with the one make Etios Motor Racing series.
Knowing that the average age of the Indian car buyers has fallen from 39 years in 2000 to 33 in 2012, this racing series will help Toyota promote its brand to a younger audience.

How will they do this?
Toyota has roped in TRD (Toyota Racing Development) and Red Rooster Racing to bring in the technical know-how of racing.
MRF and Denso are brought in as financial sponsors.
The Japanese auto maker will start ‘dealer activation’ in 14 cities and 24 dealerships across India.
Dealer activations means Toyota will conduct many activities starting from racing simulators, remote controlled racing cars, automotive education for kids, etc.
The company has already selected 25 drivers from across India for the racing series. The drivers are being honed in Chennai by racing professionals.
2 exhibition races will be held in India as a teaser for the main racing event. These races will be tentatively held on Aug 4th and Oct 6th of 2012.

When will the Toyota Etios Motor Racing start?
The racing series will start 2013.
There will be 6 races – 2 at the Buddh, 2 at Madras Speedway and 2 at the Kari Motorway.
25 race-prepped Etios sedan models will start the season.
Soon Toyota will also include Liva hatchback in the racing series.


Read more: Toyota Etios Motor Racing promoted through dealers

 

[visran]

First off the Etios sedan is the donor car, engine and all. This being a stock car category most of the major components such as the engine, transmission and chassis are the same. Not even a bolt has been replaced, even the ECU is stock without any reprogramming. Yet this is a race car and it needs a certain amount of modification to make it compatible to driving on a race track. So the stock suspension has been replaced with a race suspension, the wheels are lighter aluminum alloy bits and the interiors have been stripped bare. There is a single race seat with a four point harness, a roll cage,a fire extinguisher and a 3-spoke sports Momo steering wheel. That is all that's immediately visible to the naked eye, what you won't notice are the electronic gauges on the dashboard until you strap yourself into the seat.


Ignition requires a turn of the key, there isn't a starter to thumb. And when the engine cranks up it's gratifying to hear a mild thrum, the exhaust is loud, it gets louder too as you wind up the revs and it should make the cars a lot more interesting to listen to when 25 of them take to the grid next year. Slip into first and the transmission feels smooth, it's a manual with optimum shift quality and maximum benefits can only be gained when you shift just a nick before the red line. This being Chennai, the pit lane exit curves alongside the first corner or C1. I meet the track a hundred metres short of C2, a right hander but rather than giving it the beans I try and get a measure of how quicker the steering feels to turn in now that the weight of the car has dropped down by another 30 odd kilos. This isn't an official figure by the way, Toyota is still keeping all this very hush hush, so it's just me guessing that's what all the sound deadening carpets, paneling, and seats would weigh.


I also stomp on the brake pedal to get an idea of how much force is generated and how quickly, the brakes are also one other area that have been modified in the interest of safety with more grippier brake pads and stronger brake shoes. All the pedals incidentally, the accelerator, clutch and brake have also changed to a larger drilled aluminum set. Anyways the brakes feel sharp and progressive though I do think a bit more bite would allow harder and later braking.


The Tyres are MRF slicks and they are grippy, the rubber working optimally in the sweltering Chennai heat. Track surface temperatures are around 55 degrees and it's ideal for traction. So I pile on the pressure, whack the throttle to the floor and ok while I have sat in cars that literally feel like a hammer moving through my gut, the Etios feels like a schoolbus compared to most of them. Don't get me wrong, this car is linear in its delivery, powerful but smooth, the car jumps forward eagerly but with none of the viciousness associated with powerful race cars. This is still the 90 horsepower engine you can buy from any showroom. It behaves similarly too, just that the little lesser body weight makes it more agile though you really won't make out the difference in performance.


The next few corners pass by not in a blur but progressively. The engine's linearity is further enhanced by its nature. Its torquey and third gear easily sees me build enough speed through the corners without falling out of the powerband. Soon I am flying through the corners, aided by the accurate dynamics. This car is easy, it's simple and manageable and that will be one of its biggest draws, especially for the newbies to racing. It allows you to explore your abilities as a race car driver. It is fast enough to give you a scare, but it's agility, steering precision and textbook handling makes understanding this car and what it's doing easy.

Part of this confidence is provided by the very competent suspension setup, the dampers and springs are stiff, probably too stiff for C1 at Chennai. The long right handed sweeper taken at full bore has a jink near its apex which throws most cars off their intended line. In a highly stiff car the kick is even more pronounced, inconsistent and unpredictable and the Etios just leaps clear off the racing line. It's going to be a tricky situation in a race, we will see some incidents. Without it however there will be no racing, just ceremonial parades that will allow whoever posted the fastest time in qualifying to take the lead and win. The same suspension setup will be a massive boon when tackling the much larger F1 circuit in New Delhi and its longer faster sweeping corners. The Kari Motor Speedway at Coimbatore will read an entirely different story too.

Source:
Exclusive! Toyota Etios Motor Racing car first drive - Overdrive

 

[visran]

The nationwide hunt for the final driver line-up of the Etios Motor Racing (EMR) Series ended last weekend after 40 young racing hopefuls battled it out in the Etios Motor Racing cars. The selected 25 will be driving the Etios in its racing avatar this year at the Exhibition races in August and October, and next year at the inaugural season of Toyota’s single-make racing series.
The entire selection process was well-planned and thorough in order to select the most talented racers in the country belonging to the age group of 15 to 24 years old. These drivers will go on to compete at the Etios Motor Racing Series and in turn will also have bigger and brighter opportunities opened up to them in the field of racing both in India and overseas.

Commenting on the EMR driver training programme, Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, said,

“We had young aspiring racing drivers from all over India, and it was truly heartening to witness the passion and enthusiasm they showed for motorsport at the various EMR camps. In fact this further emphasizes the purpose of an initiative such as this for motorsports in the country. An experienced team put their heads together to select the driver line-up for the EMR Series, and will continue to partner us to hone the driving skills of the young talent the country has to offer. This is only the beginning, and we have a lot of excitement in store, starting with the exhibition races in August and October this year.”

Toyota selects drivers for the inaugural season of the Etios Motor Racing Series | WheelsUnplugged

 

[visran]

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) is exhibiting the concept cars of its Etios Motor Racing (EMR) Series between 7th – 9th July 2012 along with exciting motorsport activities at Galaxy Toyota (69/1A, Najafgarh Road, Moti Nagar Crossing) and Grace Toyota (39 Milestone,Sector-35, Delhi-Jaipur Highway,NH-8, Gurgaon, Haryana). Etios Motor Racing is in line with its global philosophy of introducing ‘WAKU DOKI’, which in Japanese means ‘excitement, joy and fun.’
Unveiled for the first time earlier this year at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012, the new sporty avatar of the Etios will re-emphasize Toyota’s efforts in reaching out to the younger target group. And, more importantly take motorsports closer to its customers and the youth of the country.

Apart from the EMR concept cars on display, there is a host of motorsport based activities for all age groups visiting the dealership. Racing simulators, remote controlled cars on race tracks, children’s automotive learning area, and other relevant contests and activities. This year was dedicated to popularize the EMR brand through the dealership activations in 14 cities and 24 dealerships. There will be exhibition races, road shows and a whole lot of activities lined up before the series next year.

Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director, Marketing said, “Motorsports is gaining popularity in India, commanding a growing audience among the young, educated and dynamic; the demographic that the Etios Brand also reaches out to. We aim to exceed our customers’ expectations, and create many more happy customers. Recently, Toyota laid down its global mission, called WAKU DOKI which is to provide ‘excitement’, ‘joy’ and ‘fun’ through its products. We would like to take this opportunity to promote motorsports in India through EMR and capitalise on our global motorsport heritage.”

Toyota Dealerships in Delhi NCR host motorsport activities to popularize Etios Motor Racing | WheelsUnplugged

 

[visran]

In line with its global philosophy and the company’s latest marketing campaign, Waku Doki, which means excitement, joy and fun, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is taking the excitement of the Etios Motor Racing (EMR) to the next level with its first Exhibition Race at the Chennai race track on the 4th and 5th of August, 2012. This event will mark the debut of 25 promising racers who have been chosen after rigorous selection rounds from more than 3000 aspiring candidates who had registered. The EMR Exhibition Race promises to be a fun-filled Toyota motorsport event, and apart from the final 25 drivers battling it out for the first time on the race track, spectators will be able to witness the racing prowess of local and international racers.
A host of activities have also been planned to keep the spectators engaged, and in order to reach out to motorsport enthusiasts across the country, Toyota has tied-up with Neo Sports for the year 2012. All the EMR action for this weekend will be aired on Neo Sports on Sunday, August 5th between 1500 to 1800 hrs.

Currently, the Toyota Gazoo racing Director and Driver as well as Super GT Class Lexus Team Kraft Director and judge of D1 Grand Prix, Iida Akira is also the development driver for Lexus LFA. On the 31st of August 2011, Nürburgring, he recorded the quickest time in the LEXUS LFA at north course among mass production cars.

Ben Collins (formerly The Stig) was the benchmark of speed against which all other drivers set themselves; he has raced successfully in almost every class imaginable, from Formula 3 and Le Mans 24 Hour competition to American Stock Car Racing. Ben has put every known supercar to the test. Ben also set up and now runs Collins Autosport who have supplied precision drivers for Hollywood, with Ben having just completed filming for Skyfall, the latest Bond movie due out in October. You can also spot him in the final episode of Nolan’s Batman Trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises and not just behind the wheel.

Toyota's first Etios Motor Racing exhibition race in Chennai this weekend | WheelsUnplugged

 

[visran]

Know the difference? – EMR Etios vs Showroom Etios; Hyper Etios vs EMR Etios

Read more: Toyota Etios Motor Racing program - The cars explained

 

[visran]

The second Etios Motor Racing Exhibition race in Gurgaon this weekend

Toyota Kirloskar Motor brings the excitement of Etios Motor Racing (EMR) to the National Capital Region with a second Exhibition Race on the 6th and 7th of October at HUDA, Leisure Valley in Gurgaon. Recreating the internationally popular ‘Race of Champions’ format for the first time in India, the EMR Exhibition Race 2 promises to be very unique and exciting.
Close on the heels of the dynamic debut of Etios Motor Racing at the Chennai racetrack in August, Toyota is now taking motorsport in India to new levels with the customized twin tracks in Gurgaon to enthrall many more racing enthusiasts and spectators. Apart from the 25 EMR drivers battling it out, eight Indian racing and rallying champions – Akbar Ibrahim, Vicky Chandhok, Naren Kumar, Farad Bhathena, Navaz Sandhu, Vikram Mathias, Nikhill Taneja and V. Ramnarayanan – from different generations will race against each other. That’s not all, the spectators will get to watch their favourite VJ and youth icon, Rannvijay Singh, drive the EMR car and interact with the young motorsport enthusiasts.

A host of other activities have also been planned to keep all the spectators engaged – SUV zone, racing simulators, remote control racing and much more for the entire family. To further reach out to many more fans and enthusiasts across the country, all the EMR action from the weekend will be aired on Neo Sports on Sunday, October 7th between 1300 to 1700 hrs

 

[visran]

Binoy John wins EMR Gurgaon

Binoy John emerged as the Etios Motor Racing champion at the second exhibition race of the Toyota-backed series which kicks off for a full-season next year.

The Bangalore lad who finished third in the EMR race at the Chennai circuit two months ago, saw off the challenge from 24 other participants racing in RoC-style knockout-format at a purpose-built track at the HUDA liesure valley in Gurgaon.

Vendhan Boominathan secured the first runner-up spot, followed by Meezan Anees who completed the podium.

An all-stars race which included legends of Indian Motorsport saw ex-F3 racer Akbar Ebrahim emerge triumphant after going head to head with several motorsport contemporaries and the fastest EMR drivers.

 

[350Z]

Toyota has announced the first Etios motor racing trophy. It will be flagged off on 27th at Madras motor motor race track as a part of FMSCI national racing championship.

The first EMR race will be flagged off on July 27th, 2013 at the Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT). In all, there will be four EMR Trophy races during the third leg of the National Racing Championship to be held in Chennai on the 27th & 28th of July. The winners of each individual race in all four races will receive a trophy and a cash prize. Apart from the three podium finishes, the most promising young driver will also be entitled to a trophy and cash prize. The next racing weekend for the 25 young EMR drivers will be at the Buddh International Circuit at Noida in September during the fifth leg of the National Racing Championship.

Commenting on EMR’s participation in the NCR, Mr. N. Raja, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “2012 was an excitement filled year for EMR, right from its official launch at the Delhi Auto Expo to the two hugely successful exhibition races at Chennai and Gurgaon, and finally international exposure at the Colombo Night Race in December. EMR also saw a lot of excitement amongst the youth during the driver selection & training camps which were held in various cities. We also took EMR to all our dealerships across India to give our customers a taste of Toyota’s motorsport experience and it was very well received. As we begin our season in 2013, we look forward to a lot of thrill & excitement as our drivers are all geared to take on the National Racing Championship. It is an honor for us to be associated with National Racing Championship and we believe this will be an excellent opportunity for our line-up of drivers.”

The 25 EMR drivers selected last year will compete for the EMR Trophy over eight races this year. The best three EMR drivers after EMR Trophy I & II will also have the opportunity to race at the Vios Cup scheduled to take place in Thailand this year. It is a single make racing conducted by TRD in Thailand. The Official Partners for EMR Trophy in 2013 are MRF Tyres, DENSO, Motul Lubricants and BMC.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[350Z]

Etios Motor Racing’s First Trophy Champion to be Decided at the Buddh International Circuit.

> EMR Cars to debut at the BIC

> EMR Trophy to be a part of the 5th leg of the National Racing Championship

Toyota Kirloskar Motor today announced that the concluding round of the Etios Motor Racing (EMR) Trophy, 2013 will be held at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Noida as a part of the FMSCI National Racing Championship, organized by Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC). This is the first time that the EMR cars will be driven at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The inaugural round of the EMR trophy was held in Chennai this year in the month of July as Chennai witnessed 25 EMR drivers battle it out amongst each other in three exciting races.

The upcoming round of the EMR trophy to be held at the BIC in Noida on the 14th & 15th of September will be flagged off on September 14th. In all, there will be four EMR Trophy races during the fifth leg of the National Racing Championship which along with the scores of the inaugural trophy (held in Chennai), will give EMR its first ever trophy champion. The winners of each individual race in all four races will receive a trophy and a cash prize. Apart from the three podium finishes, the most promising young driver will also be entitled to a trophy and cash prize. The best three EMR trophy drivers will also be entitled to race at the Toyota Vios Cup, a single make race conducted by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) in Thailand this year.

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Sanjay Gupta, General Manager, Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “After a fun & excitement filled exhibition race season last year, the inaugural round of EMR Trophy took place in July in Chennai this year. This is our second participation in the National Racing Championship and the first time that the EMR cars will be driven at the BIC. Racing at the BIC will be a huge boost for all our drivers as they are all geared to take on the EMR Trophy. The best three EMR drivers of both Trophy I & II will also get the opportunity to race at the Vios Cup scheduled to take place in Thailand this year. It is a single make racing conducted by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) in Thailand.”

​

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[350Z]

Toyota Etios Motor Racing is back with second season!

After the success of the inaugural Etios Motor Racing (EMR) Trophy in 2013, Toyota Kirloskar Motor today announced its return to the race circuits with the 2014 season of EMR Trophy. The EMR drivers will compete against each other for the second edition of the EMR Trophy to be held as a part of the National Racing Championship this year. Scheduled to be a part of the third & fifth round of the National Racing Championship, the first round of the EMR trophy for 2014 will take place on the 19th and 20th of July at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore. This is the first time EMR Trophy will be held in Coimbatore.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. N. Raja, Director & Sr. Vice President - Marketing and Sales, TKM said, “Toyota introduced EMR in India in 2012 with an aim to promote motorsports at a grass root level and make motorsports more accessible and popular in India. The EMR platform has helped talented young racers develop their motoring skills, and further trained them to gain a competitive edge for their future. After the success of the inaugural EMR trophy last year, we are looking forward to the second edition of the trophy”.

The new EMR driver line up which consists of a mix of existing and new EMR drivers, will compete for the title this year. The inaugural EMR trophy which was held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida last year saw Diljith as its first champion whereas Akhil Rabindra and Varun Anekar finished in the second and third places respectively. The EMR cars are now on display in select dealerships in South (Coimbatore & Kerala) and contests are being run in these dealerships to provide people with a chance to experience the EMR cars on the track. For more details, you can log on to Welcome to Toyota Etios Motor Racing

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[350Z]

Quick update: Second season of EMR will take place on 19th and 20th July 2014 at Kari Motor Speedway. For the first time, EMR trophy is going to held at Coimbatore.

​

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[sagmartsuvcars]

I think Toyota plans to take the TRD Etios cars in exposition racing and also participate in road shows.

 

[dhoom9]

Toyota is market leader as far as MUV (Innova) & SUV (Fortuner) concerned, but not so good in sedan segment, so probably using Etios in motorsport & trying to promote the brand. However something is better than nothing. Mahindra is using all SUV vehicles in its mahindraadventure activities, although mainly Scorpio.