Industry News - �ֲ��ý is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999

Yokohama Returns to Pikes Peak with Team ADVAN

2026-06-16T18:51:27+00:00

Yokohama Returns to Pikes Peak with Team ADVAN

Photo Courtesy of Yokohama Tire

Yokohama Tire is heading back to the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with more than 20 sponsored drivers competing on ADVAN tires across multiple divisions.

The 104th running of the legendary “Race to the Clouds” takes place June 21 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Yokohama will also return as the exclusive tire supplier for the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama for the ninth consecutive year, with Porsche, BMW, and Toyota entries running on ADVAN A052 tires.

“We’re excited to return with another exceptionally strong lineup for this year’s hill climb,” said Patricia Wall, Yokohama’s senior manager of motorsports. “After last year’s weather-shortened race, our Team Yokohama drivers are eager to return and compete on the full-length legendary mountain course.”

Laura Hayes, who holds the Pikes Peak record for “Fastest Woman,” returns to the GT4 field in a Toyota Supra GT4 EVO2. Robin Shute also returns as one of Yokohama’s headline drivers, competing in the Unlimited Division’s Super Unlimited Class with his self-designed 2026 Sendycar on ADVAN A005 tires.

Shute has already helped Yokohama earn two overall “King of the Mountain” titles on ADVAN tires. For 2026, his Sendycar will run a special ADVAN A005 hill climb compound developed by Yokohama specifically for Pikes Peak, with the goal of helping Shute secure his fifth overall King of the Mountain title.

Other Team Yokohama drivers include Robb Holland in a Kellymoss Racing Porsche GT4R, Dai Yoshihara in an Acura Integra Type-S, Cole Powelson in a 2025 Stryker Rogue Maverick, rookie Phillip McGilton in a Campbell Enterprises Ultra4 car, Danny Aitken in a 2001 Reynard Indy Car, and JT Taylor in a 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T.

Taylor will also appear with Warrior Built and Yokohama at a special event at nearby Fort Carson on June 17 before signing autographs at Yokohama’s booth during Fan Fest on June 19 in downtown Colorado Springs. Yokohama Tire is a corporate partner of Warrior Built, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting combat veterans and wounded service members through vocational and recreational therapy.

Yokohama will also host an activation during the Downtown Colorado Springs Fan Fest, featuring Team Yokohama athlete autograph sessions, race car displays, giveaways, and more.

The 2026 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be broadcast in its entirety on June 21 through the RACER Network cable channel and RACER+ streaming app.

For more information on Yokohama motorsports programs, visit yokohamatire.com/motorsports.

KICKER Supports Future Installers at SkillsUSA Championships

2026-06-10T20:03:02+00:00

KICKER Supports Future Installers at SkillsUSA Championships

KICKER continued its long-standing support of SkillsUSA by participating in the organization’s National Leadership & Skills Conference and Championships, held last week in Atlanta.

Representing the brand, KICKER Tech Force Manager Aaron Malin and Tech Force Trainer Jacob Luckey served as judges for the Mobile Electronics Installation competition, helping evaluate students pursuing careers in the 12-volt and mobile electronics industry.

The Mobile Electronics Installation category challenges competitors through a combination of written exams, interviews, and hands-on installation exercises designed to reflect the skills required of professional installers. The competition focuses on industry-standard installation practices and technical knowledge used in real-world mobile electronics environments.

SkillsUSA’s annual event featured more than 6,000 high school and college competitors participating in over 115 contests covering a wide range of technical and vocational career paths.

As part of its continued support of the program, KICKER donated more than $5,000 in prizes to competitors in the 12-volt categories. Gold medal winners in both the high school and college divisions received $1,500 in KICKER.com credit, while silver medalists received $1,000 and bronze medalists received $500.

KICKER has supported SkillsUSA on both local and national levels for several years as part of the company’s commitment to helping develop the next generation of mobile electronics professionals.

For more information, visit kicker.com.

Toyota unveils 2026 GRMN Corolla

2026-06-08T17:39:50+00:00

2026 Toyota GRMN Corolla Sharpens the Hot Hatch Formula

Photos Courtesy of Toyota Motor North America

It’s not often that an automaker caters directly to the enthusiast community in these days of seemingly endless SUV announcements, but when it does happen, it’s worth paying attention.

Case in point: Toyota’s recent reveal of the 2026 GRMN Corolla, which the company describes as “the ultimate in GR Corolla performance.” The car was developed at the Nürburgring, a track where Toyota Master Driver, former company CEO, and current Chairman Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo, began his driving career.

The GRMN name refers to Meister of Nürburgring. If a car bears that name, Toyota says “it must be able to run the Nürburgring properly.”

Differences that separate the GRMN from the regular GR Corolla include refined aerodynamics. The GRMN features unique aero components including a hood duct, fender ducts, front side spoilers, and a rear wing developed from racing. These parts were tested on a hydrogen-powered GR Corolla competing in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series.

The GRMN also receives unique suspension hardware, including front and rear monotube shock absorbers designed to improve inner-wheel traction and high-speed cornering performance. Its steering has also been adjusted to improve cornering under high g-forces. The car rides on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer tires.

Output from the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine remains at 300 horsepower, just like the regular GR Corolla, but the GRMN produces more torque at 302 lb-ft compared to 295 lb-ft. The extra torque arrives between 4,000 and 6,400 rpm, helping the car accelerate harder out of corners, according to Toyota.

The GRMN also receives several cabin tweaks, including a serial number plate, brushed metal finish on the instrument panel and front pillar, Morizo signature on the dash panel, and unique bucket seats.

The 2026 GRMN Corolla will be built at Toyota’s Motomachi plant in Japan. Pricing, unit allocations, and on-sale timing have not yet been announced, but Toyota says the car will be aimed primarily at North America, Japan, and Australia. Given that it’s a 2026 model, more details should be available soon.

For more information, visit the Toyota USA Newsroom.

LIQUI MOLY Adds QR Verification to Oil Products

2026-06-03T15:39:48+00:00

LIQUI MOLY Adds QR Verification to Oil Products

Photos Courtesy of LIQUI MOLY

LIQUI MOLY is adding another layer of security to its oil products with a new digital verification system designed to help customers confirm authenticity in real time. Each oil canister now features an individual QR code on the lid, giving buyers a fast way to check whether the product is genuine.

The company first introduced QR codes on oil canister lids in 2023 as a traceability measure, using unique batch numbers to help identify product origin. Since mid-May, LIQUI MOLY has updated those codes with a new version featuring a green frame that cannot be copied. The updated QR codes are now being used across all LIQUI MOLY oil canisters.

With the new system, customers can scan the code on the canister lid to verify the product immediately. Along with confirming authenticity, the scan also provides additional product information, including details about proper use and application.

If something appears irregular during the scan, the process moves into LIQUI MOLY’s authentication app for a second check. From there, the app determines whether the product is genuine or counterfeit. If a counterfeit is detected, users are directed to a reporting form so LIQUI MOLY can investigate and take further action.

“Like all lubricant manufacturers, we are constantly faced with the worldwide threat of counterfeit products and we take legal action whenever possible. The quality of our oils makes them a popular target. Counterfeit products cause financial losses, undermine customers’ trust, and, in some cases, can lead to engine damage or even put users’ health at risk,” explains Marco Esser, Marketing Director at LIQUI MOLY.

“We aim to take an active approach to this issue. The new digital real-time check is intended to reduce the number of counterfeit products while providing certainty for our business and private customers. There is one thing you can rely on: If it says LIQUI MOLY, the product delivers proven LIQUI MOLY quality.”

For more information, visit liqui-moly.com.

Toyota unveils updated 2027 GR86 at FuelFest

2026-06-01T19:33:19+00:00

2027 Toyota GR86 Gets New Updates and Thunder Exterior Color

Photos Courtesy of Toyota Motor North America

Toyota has taken the wraps off the 2027 GR86, and it comes with several updates that are bound to find favor with track-day drivers and everyday enthusiasts alike.

The first public viewing, which took place at FuelFest in the Bay Area of California, showed off one of the biggest changes: a new gray exterior finish called Thunder. According to Toyota, Thunder is a solid gray color that changes depending on the light source.

Mechanical changes to the 2027 GR86 include refining “the relationship between accelerator input and torque delivery to help create a smoother, more linear response,” according to Toyota. The chamfer of the shifter interlock between fourth and fifth gear has also been widened by about 0.02 inches for smoother shift feel.

New cabin color options are also being added, including Cockpit Red, which features black Ultrasuede and red leather accents on the side bolsters, along with red floor mats and red door trim. A black option with black Ultrasuede and black trim is also available. Toyota has not released cabin photos featuring these color schemes.

A Performance Package is also available for GR86 and GR86 Premium trims. Key chassis upgrades include Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers. The Brembo setup features red-painted four-piston front calipers and two-piston rear calipers. The SACHS dampers use high-pressure nitrogen and oil and are “designed to absorb vibrations across a wide range of speeds, maximize ground contact, and support firm, stable steering, while also balancing road feedback and ride comfort,” according to Toyota.

As before, all 2027 GR86 models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that drives the rear wheels and produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Both trims, GR86 and GR86 Premium, will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2027 Toyota GR86 is slated to go on sale this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

For more information, visit the Toyota USA Newsroom.

Uber Launches Limited-Time “Uber Drift” Experience in Tokyo

2026-05-29T14:58:15+00:00

Uber Launches Limited-Time “Uber Drift” Experience in Tokyo

Photo Courtesy of Uber Japan

Uber Japan is bringing drifting to the Uber app with the launch of Uber Drift, a limited-time experience that gives passengers the chance to ride shotgun with professional drift drivers on a private race circuit outside Tokyo.

Available from June 3 through July 1, 2026, Uber Drift is part of Uber’s global “Go Anywhere” campaign, which has previously offered unique experiences such as Uber Safari in South Africa and Uber Balloon in Turkey. The Tokyo-based program marks the first time the initiative has been offered in the Asia-Pacific region.

Developed in partnership with professional Formula DRIFT drivers, Uber Drift gives participants access to approximately 90 minutes of drifting action at Mobara Twin Circuit in Chiba Prefecture. Guests will experience high-speed drift runs from the passenger seat while professional drivers demonstrate the precision driving technique that has become one of Japan’s most recognizable motorsport exports.

Drifting originated in Japan during the 1970s and has since evolved into a globally recognized motorsport. Popularized through professional competition, video games, and film appearances, drift culture and JDM vehicles continue to attract enthusiasts from around the world. Uber says the new experience was created to provide visitors with a safe and authentic way to experience this uniquely Japanese form of motorsports entertainment.

The experience features a pair of iconic JDM platforms commonly associated with drift culture: the Nissan Silvia S15 and Nissan 180SX. Both vehicles have been specially prepared for drift duty and will be piloted by licensed professional drivers competing in Formula DRIFT competition.

To simplify the experience for visitors and tourists, Uber includes round-trip transportation from accommodations within Tokyo’s 23 wards via Uber Premium vehicles. The package is designed to provide an accessible way to experience Japan’s drifting culture without the logistical challenges typically associated with motorsports events.

Reservations opened May 27, 2026, with availability limited to four groups per day. Each booking accommodates one to four participants and costs ¥30,000, or approximately $210 USD, per group, including transportation and track access.

Participants can reserve an Uber Drift experience directly through the Uber app by selecting the Uber Drift icon, choosing a preferred date and time, and entering pickup and drop-off locations within Tokyo.

For more information, visit uber.com.

2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter is manual RWD

2026-05-19T19:31:22+00:00

BMW M3 CS Handschalter Brings Manual Sendoff to North America

Photos Courtesy of BMW USA

It’s taken until the end of its lifespan, but the sixth-generation BMW M3 CS will finally get a six-speed manual transmission. The good news doesn’t end there: the limited-edition 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter will also be rear-wheel drive only.

The Handschalter, which marks the end of the sixth-generation M3, will be exclusive to North America. It is also the lightest version of the current M3, checking in 75 pounds lighter than the standard model.

As you might imagine, the Handschalter comes correct for serious track use.

Highlights include:

473-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine
0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds; 180 mph top speed with standard M Driver’s Package
M Compound brakes standard; M Carbon Ceramic brakes available
Staggered forged alloy wheels standard; 19-inch front and 20-inch rear
High-performance tires standard: 275/35ZR19 front and 285/30ZR20 rear; ultra-track tires available for $600
M Carbon bucket seats standard

The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter will make its public debut at the All-BMW Petersen Cruise-In event at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 23. The reveal is scheduled for 10 a.m. local time.

Available in two colors, Imola Red and Techno Violet, production for the Handschalter will begin in July, with deliveries slated to begin in the fall. Base MSRP in the U.S. is $107,100 plus $1,300 destination.

As for quantity, BMW USA hasn’t revealed a number, but said the car “will be built in very limited numbers,” according to a press release. We’ll have to wait and see just how limited that turns out to be. Interestingly, BMW Canada has indicated 40 units will head north, with Canadian pricing starting at $132,500 CAD.

For more information, visit the BMW Group PressClub.

Industry News - �ֲ���ý is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999

Yokohama Returns to Pikes Peak with Team ADVAN

Yokohama Returns to Pikes Peak with Team ADVAN

KICKER Supports Future Installers at SkillsUSA Championships

KICKER Supports Future Installers at SkillsUSA Championships

Toyota unveils 2026 GRMN Corolla

2026 Toyota GRMN Corolla Sharpens the Hot Hatch Formula

LIQUI MOLY Adds QR Verification to Oil Products

LIQUI MOLY Adds QR Verification to Oil Products

Toyota unveils updated 2027 GR86 at FuelFest

2027 Toyota GR86 Gets New Updates and Thunder Exterior Color

Uber Launches Limited-Time “Uber Drift” Experience in Tokyo

Uber Launches Limited-Time “Uber Drift” Experience in Tokyo

2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter is manual RWD

BMW M3 CS Handschalter Brings Manual Sendoff to North America

Industry News - �ֲ��ý is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999