All posts by Francis Mitterrand

NEW CARS, Uncategorized

Toyota GR KART Brings Affordable, Family-Friendly Karting to Japan

Toyota Gazoo Racing is taking a different approach to growing motorsports. Rather than starting with a faster road car or a more powerful race machine, the Japanese automaker is focusing on something much smaller: a kart designed to make getting into racing easier for children, parents and newcomers.

The Toyota GR KART has officially launched nationwide in Japan, with availability through kart tracks and GR Garage locations. Developed as an entry-level racing kart, it is intended to remove some of the practical barriers that often discourage people from taking up karting, including purchase costs, transportation, storage and maintenance.

The result is a machine that puts accessibility ahead of complexity, while retaining the hands-on driving experience that makes karting such an important first step into motorsports.

Toyota GR KART: Making Motorsports More Accessible

Karting has long been one of the most direct ways to experience the fundamentals of driving. There is no power steering, no electronic safety net and very little separating the driver from the track. For many professional racing drivers, it is also where their competitive careers begin.

Toyota Gazoo Racing sees that experience as something that should be available to more people. The GR KART is part of the company’s broader effort to expand the grassroots motorsports community and encourage the next generation of drivers.

The philosophy also reflects a long-standing ambition of Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda, who competes in motorsports under the name Morizo. His vision is for motorsports to become an activity that families can take up as naturally as baseball or soccer.

The GR KART is Toyota‘s answer to that challenge: a kart that is easier to buy, transport, store and maintain, while allowing drivers to experience the satisfaction of controlling a vehicle themselves.

A Carmaker-Made Kart Built in Japan

Toyota describes the GR KART as a “carmaker-made kart,” and its development reflects the company’s manufacturing experience. Production takes place at the Gamagori GR KART Workshop in Aichi Prefecture, a deliberately small-scale facility designed to make it easier to test ideas, solve problems and introduce improvements quickly.

The workshop follows principles associated with the Toyota Production System (TPS), with an emphasis on quality, efficiency and continuous improvement. That approach is intended to help reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining the durability and consistency expected from a Toyota-developed product.

For customers, the objective is straightforward: a kart that is not only accessible when purchased, but also practical to keep and use over time.

Designed to Fit Into a Family Minivan

One of the most significant obstacles to karting is not necessarily the track itself. It is getting the kart there.

The GR KART has been designed to fit inside everyday family vehicles, including the Toyota Noah and Toyota Voxy, without requiring disassembly. That means owners can transport it using a conventional minivan rather than investing in a large trailer or dedicated race transporter.

The same practical thinking extends to storage. Toyota has designed the GR KART to support upright storage without first draining its gasoline and engine oil.

Several details make that possible:

  • An engine oil catch tank designed for upright storage.
  • A diaphragm carburetor without a float chamber.
  • A fuel filler opening orientation intended to minimize fuel leakage when the kart is stored vertically.

For families with limited garage space, those details could make the difference between a kart that is used regularly and one that becomes difficult to live with.

One Kart for Children and Adults

The GR KART is designed to accommodate a broad range of drivers. Its sliding pedals and tiltable steering wheel can each be adjusted with a single touch, allowing the kart to fit users between 135 and 185 centimeters tall.

That gives children and adults the opportunity to share the same machine rather than requiring separate equipment as a child grows. It also makes the GR KART a more practical proposition for families who want to experience karting together.

A dedicated weight box can hold up to 15 kilograms of ballast, allowing the kart’s weight to be adjusted for racing. The box also includes a location for installing a transponder, keeping race-day equipment integrated into the design.

Simple Maintenance Is Part of the Appeal

Toyota has paid particular attention to the systems that owners will need to live with after the initial purchase.

The GR KART uses a belt-drive system instead of a chain drive. That eliminates the need to deal with chain oil and includes an automatic tensioner, removing the requirement for periodic belt-tension adjustments.

The engine also features a built-in, self-charging battery, so owners do not need to install a separate battery or deal with the inconvenience of charging one independently.

Another notable feature is the newly developed diaphragm carburetor for the four-stroke engine. Because it does not use a float chamber, it is designed to reduce the effects of fuel-level fluctuations caused by lateral g-forces.

A primer pump draws fuel into the carburetor before starting, making engine preparation simpler for beginners.

Durability has also been considered throughout the design. The rear axle shaft is made from rust-resistant stainless steel, while internal metal fuel lines inside the fuel tank are intended to reduce degradation caused by gasoline.

Beginner-Focused Safety Features

The GR KART is designed to make newcomers feel more comfortable behind the wheel, with several safety features aimed at preventing common problems and reducing the consequences of incidents.

Among them are:

  • Rear bumper design: Shaped to help prevent another kart from riding up onto a rear tire during a collision.
  • Rear-hub stopper pins: Designed to prevent the unlikely event of a rear hub detaching.
  • Protective seat design: The upper portion of the seat provides a designated surface for resting hands when getting in or out, while its shape helps shield hands from the hot muffler.
  • Throttle cable mounting: Designed to help prevent the throttle from sticking in the open position.

These features do not turn karting into a risk-free activity, but they demonstrate Toyota’s intention to make the GR KART approachable for people who may have little or no previous racing experience.

Toyota GR KART Price and Availability

Toyota Gazoo Racing has launched the GR KART nationwide in Japan through kart tracks and GR Garage locations. The company describes its pricing as beginner-accessible, although the supplied announcement does not specify an exact purchase price.

The kart’s broader ownership concept is just as important as its initial cost. By simplifying maintenance, making transport easier and allowing upright storage, Toyota is attempting to reduce the ongoing expenses and practical difficulties that can make karting difficult to sustain.

More Than a Kart: A Gateway to Motorsports

The GR KART is not intended to replace the excitement of a serious competition kart. Its purpose is more fundamental: to make the first step into motorsports less intimidating and more realistic for ordinary families.

That makes it an interesting extension of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s philosophy. The GR brand is known for performance cars developed from motorsports experience, but the GR KART takes that relationship in the opposite direction. Instead of bringing racing technology to the road, it brings the experience of racing closer to everyday life.

If Toyota’s approach succeeds, the GR KART could help more children discover the joy of driving, more families spend time at kart tracks and more aspiring racers find their way into motorsports.

And for a company that has long talked about making ever-better cars, there is something fitting about starting with a machine whose entire purpose is to teach people why driving is so much fun in the first place.

Source: Toyota

NEW CARS

Bovensiepen Spider Is a 429bhp BMW Z4 Collector’s Special with Alpina DNA

Bovensiepen, the new automotive marque founded by the creators of Alpina, has revealed the Spider, a limited-production roadster based on the BMW Z4 M40i. With 429bhp, a 183mph top speed and production capped at just 99 examples, the Spider is designed to preserve the appeal of the lightweight, two-seat sports car in an increasingly SUV-dominated market.

The BMW Z4 may have reached the end of its production run, but its story is far from over. Bovensiepen, the marque established by the former Alpina founders, has transformed the latest Z4 into a bespoke performance roadster that combines more power, sharper dynamics and the kind of handcrafted luxury that made Alpina famous.

Called the Bovensiepen Spider, the new model is the company’s third production car, following the £320,000 Zagato coupé and the £144,000 05 GT estate. It is also the brand’s first convertible, although its connection to the Z4 goes back much further than its recent launch.

The Spider is, in many ways, a modern successor to the Alpina Roadster S, the Z4-based roadster created by the same team around two decades ago. This time, however, Bovensiepen has taken the latest-generation Z4 M40i and developed it into a considerably more powerful and exclusive machine.

Only 99 examples will be built, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2027. Despite its limited production and bespoke engineering, the Spider is positioned below Bovensiepen’s other models, with a German price equivalent to approximately £99,000—roughly the same territory as a new BMW M4 Convertible.

A 429bhp Straight-Six Roadster

At the heart of the Bovensiepen Spider is BMW’s familiar 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine. In standard Z4 M40i specification, the unit already delivers strong performance, but Bovensiepen has substantially increased its output to 429bhp and 428lb ft of torque.

That is enough to propel the Spider from 0 to 62mph in 4.2 seconds, while the top speed rises to 183mph. According to Bovensiepen, those figures make the Spider quicker than any previous version of the BMW Z4.

The engine has not simply been given a software upgrade. Bovensiepen has reworked the intake system to help it breathe more freely, while a redesigned exhaust system has been optimised for improved gas flow and a more exhilarating, sporty soundtrack.

Cooling has also been upgraded to ensure the engine can maintain peak performance under demanding conditions. Buyers seeking even greater capability can specify an optional Performance Pack, which adds enhanced differential heat management to improve performance during sustained high-load driving.

Sharper Handling, More Grip

The Spider’s performance upgrades extend beyond its engine. Bovensiepen has retuned the dampers to improve responsiveness and give the roadster a more focused driving character.

The suspension is supported by Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, fitted to lightweight forged wheels. These high-performance tyres are intended to provide the grip necessary to exploit the Spider’s additional power, while optional high-performance brakes offer buyers the opportunity to further enhance its stopping ability.

Unlike the Z4’s recently available six-speed manual option, the Bovensiepen Spider uses the standard ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. That decision prioritises rapid, consistent performance and reflects the marque’s focus on delivering a refined but engaging driving experience.

A More Exclusive Take on the Z4 Interior

Bovensiepen has retained the basic architecture of the BMW Z4’s cabin, but the interior has been extensively retrimmed using premium materials.

The seats are available in Vernasca leather, while the steering wheel is finished in Lavalina leather. Alcantara is used around the windscreen surround, adding a more sporting feel to the cabin.

As with the company’s other models, personalisation is a major part of the Spider’s appeal. The Bovensiepen Saddlery customisation programme is designed to offer a level of individual specification comparable with Bentley’s Mulliner or Aston Martin’s Q division.

Customers can work with the company to create a highly personalised car, with options including Alcantara boot lining, bespoke headrests and custom embroidery. These details are intended to make each Spider feel less like a conventional production sports car and more like a collector’s commission.

Bovensiepen’s Answer to the Disappearing Roadster

Bovensiepen says the Spider was created in response to a broader change in the automotive industry. Modern cars are becoming larger, heavier and increasingly influenced by SUV design, while traditional lightweight two-seat roadsters are becoming harder to find.

The company describes the Spider as a deliberate effort to preserve a vehicle class that has long represented one of the most direct forms of driving pleasure.

Its philosophy is summed up by the phrase “fine driving”—a concept that places emphasis not only on outright performance, but also on balance, craftsmanship and the experience behind the wheel.

The result is a car that occupies an interesting position in the market. It is based on a BMW Z4, but its limited production, increased power, bespoke materials and extensive customisation move it well beyond the standard model.

Price, Production and Availability

The Bovensiepen Spider will be limited to 99 units worldwide, with deliveries expected to start in early 2027. Its German price is approximately £99,000, making it significantly more accessible than the marque’s Zagato coupé and 05 GT estate.

For buyers looking for a rare, handcrafted performance convertible, the Spider offers a compelling combination of BMW straight-six power, Alpina-inspired engineering and exclusive ownership appeal.

Bovensiepen Spider: Key Specifications

  • Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six
  • Power: 429bhp
  • Torque: 428lb ft
  • 0–62mph: 4.2 seconds
  • Top speed: 183mph
  • Transmission: ZF eight-speed automatic
  • Base model: BMW Z4 M40i
  • Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
  • Production: 99 examples
  • Deliveries: Early 2027
  • German price: Approximately £99,000 equivalent

Source: Bovensiepen

News

Chery Plans Four New UK SUVs and British R&D Centre

Chery is preparing its next major expansion in the UK, with four new or updated SUVs planned for 2027, a new Tiggo X family and a research and development centre at the UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. The Chinese automaker says the move will help it build cars better suited to British roads while challenging established mass-market brands such as Volkswagen.

The announcement comes as Chery marks its first full year of UK sales. During that period, the brand has sold approximately 29,000 vehicles. Although that figure trails its sister brands Jaecoo and Omoda, Chery UK managing director Farrell Hsu says the company has already exceeded its sales target for 2026.

Hsu’s ambition is considerably larger than simply establishing a foothold in Britain. He wants Chery to become a mainstream manufacturer capable of competing with Volkswagen and other established “people’s car” brands.

“We want to challenge brands such as Volkswagen,” Hsu said, outlining a strategy focused on reaching the mass market rather than remaining a niche alternative.

Four New SUVs Will Expand the Chery UK Line-Up

Chery currently sells the Tiggo 4, Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 SUVs in the UK. The models compete across segments occupied by vehicles such as the Ford Puma, Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq.

The next stage of the company’s strategy will see four new or updated SUVs arrive in 2027. One of those models will be electric, while the others are expected to broaden the range with new body styles, powertrain options and a more lifestyle-oriented approach.

The name of the new family has not yet been finalised, but Chery is expected to introduce a Tiggo X range. The first model could be closely related to the Tiggo X SUV unveiled at the Beijing motor show.

Positioned as Chery’s new flagship, the Tiggo X is a large, approximately 5.0-metre-long, seven-seat SUV with a boxy design and plug-in hybrid powertrain. Chinese media reports suggest it could produce a combined 476bhp and 465lb ft of torque, with an electric-only range of around 124 miles on the more generous CLTC testing cycle.

Those figures remain subject to confirmation for the UK market, but they indicate the direction Chery is taking with its flagship SUV: substantial dimensions, strong performance and the ability to cover many daily journeys using electric power alone.

Details of the other Tiggo X models remain undisclosed. However, Hsu suggested that the family will offer a distinctly different character from the existing Tiggo 4, 7, 8 and 9.

“They will bring a different feeling,” he said, describing the new models as having a “lifestyle” focus. That could mean more distinctive, boxier styling, increased practicality and some light off-road capability.

Chery Wants Its Cars to Feel More European

Expanding the model range is only part of Chery’s UK strategy. The company also wants to make its vehicles better suited to local driving conditions, and its new Bedfordshire R&D centre will play a central role in that effort.

Initially, the facility will operate as what Hsu called a “translation centre”. Its job will be to gather feedback from British customers and automotive media, then convert that information into practical engineering changes that Chinese development teams can implement.

That process will cover steering, chassis tuning and advanced driver assistance systems. British roads present a different challenge from those in China, with tighter lanes, more frequent bends and road surfaces that can be considerably less forgiving.

“We will test everything and then tell HQ what they need to do,” Hsu explained.

The Millbrook facility should allow Chery to evaluate modifications more quickly, including changes to dampers, suspension bushings and software calibrations. Rather than relying solely on feedback from overseas markets, engineers will be able to test adjustments locally and determine whether they deliver the desired improvements.

The goal is not simply to make Chery vehicles comfortable on British roads. Hsu also wants them to develop the driving character associated with German competitors.

“So many people like the German feeling; cars that drive like a German car,” he said. “It really gives them a very good impression. This is something we need to learn.”

That statement reflects a pragmatic approach from a manufacturer still building its reputation in Europe. Chery is not claiming to have mastered every aspect of the market. Instead, it is using local engineering expertise to understand what British buyers expect from the steering, suspension and overall behaviour of a modern family SUV.

Millbrook Could Influence Chery’s Global Cars

Although the Bedfordshire centre is being established to support the UK market, its influence could eventually extend much further.

The UK has considerable expertise in autonomous driving, artificial intelligence and vehicle development. Chery believes the knowledge gained through its British operations could eventually help shape products sold in other countries.

The same engineering improvements will also benefit Chery’s sister brands, including Omoda, Jaecoo and Lepas. That gives the Millbrook project significance beyond the Tiggo range, potentially allowing the wider group to develop a more consistent understanding of European driving preferences.

For now, however, the priority is straightforward: make Chery vehicles feel more natural and convincing on British roads.

Plug-In Hybrids Are Central to Chery’s UK Strategy

Chery’s rapid expansion will also depend heavily on its plug-in hybrid technology. Hsu said the company’s “Super Hybrid” PHEVs account for approximately three quarters of its UK business to date.

That strong proportion suggests British buyers are responding to the combination of electric driving capability and the flexibility of a combustion engine. Hsu also implied that supply, rather than a lack of customer interest, has been a limiting factor in the company’s sales performance so far.

His longer-term vision is even more ambitious: every Chery model could eventually be offered with the company’s plug-in hybrid powertrain as standard, with customers choosing the battery size and therefore the electric range that best suits their needs.

Hsu compared the idea to selecting the storage capacity of a new iPhone. Instead of choosing between entirely different powertrains, buyers could select the battery capacity that matches their driving habits and budget.

That approach would give Chery a consistent electrified strategy across its range while allowing it to serve customers with different requirements. A smaller battery could suit buyers who mainly drive short urban journeys, while a larger pack would appeal to those seeking greater electric range and reduced reliance on petrol.

Chery’s Next Challenge Is Turning Momentum Into Trust

Chery’s first year in Britain has delivered a solid starting point, but the company’s next phase will be more demanding. Four new or updated SUVs, a new Tiggo X family and a dedicated British development centre represent a significant increase in ambition.

The brand’s success will depend on more than competitive pricing and equipment levels. It will need to demonstrate that its vehicles can deliver the refinement, driving dynamics and local suitability expected by British buyers.

The Millbrook project could prove especially important in that regard. By bringing British feedback directly into the engineering process, Chery hopes to shorten the distance between its Chinese development headquarters and the requirements of the UK market.

If the company can combine that local expertise with its expanding SUV range and increasingly important plug-in hybrid technology, it may have a credible route toward the mainstream.

For now, Chery’s message is clear: the UK is no longer simply a market in which it wants to sell cars. It is becoming a place where the company intends to learn how to build better ones.

Source: Chery, Autocar