Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recently welcomed esteemed AutoTrader UK journalist and former BBC TopGear presenter Rory Reid for an exhilarating showcase of Toyota’s high-performance GR lineup. This special visit provided an exclusive opportunity for Rory and his team to experience the thrill of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing models firsthand, with a particular focus on the highly anticipated GR Corolla—a model yet to reach UK shores.
An Adrenaline-Fueled Day at Zwartkops Raceway
The team’s journey took them to Zwartkops Raceway, the proud home of Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa, where they were introduced to the full suite of GR performance vehicles, including the GR86, GR Supra, GR Yaris, and the much-coveted GR Corolla. The track was set, the engines were primed, and the stage was ready for an unforgettable day of high-speed action.
The GR Corolla: A Rare and Thrilling Encounter
Among the lineup, the GR Corolla was the standout attraction. South Africa remains one of the very few markets to offer all four GR models, a fact that left Rory Reid particularly impressed. Getting behind the wheel of the GR Corolla for the first time, he quickly noted its raw power, aggressive stance, and razor-sharp handling—attributes that firmly establish its pedigree as a true driver’s car.
Reid remarked on the GR Corolla’s ability to deliver an exhilarating driving experience, emphasizing its punchy turbocharged engine, responsive all-wheel drive system, and dynamic track capabilities. The vehicle’s sheer performance and engineering precision left a lasting impression, reinforcing its status as a motorsport-inspired masterpiece.
Putting GR Performance to the Test
Beyond the GR Corolla, the AutoTrader UK team had the chance to push the limits of Toyota’s GR range, putting the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR86 through their paces on the challenging Zwartkops circuit. From the GR Supra’s formidable power and sleek aerodynamics to the nimble and engaging GR86, each model demonstrated Toyota’s unwavering commitment to delivering pure driving excitement.
The day was packed with full-throttle action, showcasing the superior engineering and performance capabilities of Toyota’s GR lineup. With every lap, the team gained deeper insight into the brand’s motorsport DNA and the passion behind Gazoo Racing.
Watch the Full Experience
Rory Reid’s experience at Zwartkops Raceway captured the essence of Toyota’s GR philosophy: to build cars that are fun, engaging, and exhilarating to drive. For a closer look at this electrifying day on the track, watch the full video documenting the AutoTrader UK team’s adventure: https://youtu.be/uYUfsi-6ykw.
Toyota South Africa Motors continues to affirm its dedication to motorsport excellence, ensuring that enthusiasts and performance purists have access to some of the most exciting vehicles in the world. With the GR Corolla still unavailable in the UK, South Africa solidifies its reputation as a motorsport paradise, offering a rare and thrilling playground for petrolheads and performance seekers alike.
