Expanding GR Factory: Steadfast Devotion to Quality Auto Manufacturing
In the heart of Toyota's manufacturing operations lies the GR Factory, a dedicated production line that plays a pivotal role in crafting the brand's sports cars. The factory's unique approach, rooted in a motorsports-oriented philosophy, ensures that every vehicle rolling off the production line offers an exhilarating driving experience.
Every vehicle that leaves the GR Factory undergoes a rigorous evaluation on a test course by 16 inspectors. This meticulous process, which includes 14 items such as straight-line stability, handling stability, and braking behavior, guarantees that each car delivers the same performance as those created by master driver Morizo and professional drivers.
The GR Factory's body fabrication process is unique compared to regular Yaris models. It involves using more structural welding material and increasing the number of welding points, contributing to greater precision and a more secure assembly. Moreover, the body production process ends with a precision inspection, where the finished frame is checked against blueprints to ensure accuracy.
The GR Factory's production methods are tailored specifically for sports cars, employing high-quality components and automotive-grade sensors to maintain high performance and reliability. The cars are honed for responsiveness, durability, and driver engagement through a "break and fix" cycle in high-intensity race series like Japan's Super Taikyu Series and international events like the World Rally Championship and Nürburgring 24 Hours.
The GR Factory's emphasis on intuitive driving is evident in the cars' response to driver inputs. This philosophy is embedded in the factory's assembly and tuning processes, reflecting insights from experienced racers who prefer direct driver control over electronic intervention.
The GR Factory's style of monozukuri, or artisanal manufacturing, contributes greatly to developing personnel and continuous growth among employees. It also results in cars with a distinct GR feel in the way they drive, turn, and stop.
The GR Factory was established for the production of the GR Yaris, and it adapts its processes as vehicles evolve, learning from motorsports. For instance, the GR Yaris bodies are rust-proofed, and some are sent to Finland to be used as Rally2 vehicles.
Racing driver Hiroaki Ishiura provides honest feedback during the vehicle planning stage at the GR Factory, ensuring that the cars are not only high-performing but also meet the needs of drivers.
The GR Factory's approach to carmaking has made it a production line dedicated to making Toyota's sports cars that offer an engaging, intuitive driving experience. This holistic approach accelerates development and maintains Toyota’s commitment to "making ever-better motorsports-bred cars."
From April 18, 2025, the GR Factory began offering plant tours for GR Yaris and GR Corolla owners, providing an exciting opportunity for fans to witness firsthand the meticulous process behind Toyota's sports car excellence.
- The GR Factory's meticulous process, which includes inspections by 16 inspectors, ensures that each sports car, like the GR Yaris, delivers the same high-performance as those created by master driver Morizo and professional drivers.
- The GR Factory's body fabrication process, unique compared to regular Yaris models, employs high-quality components, automotive-grade sensors, and more structural welding material to maintain performance and reliability.
- The GR Factory's style of monozukuri, or artisanal manufacturing, not only contributes to the growth of its employees but also results in cars with a distinct GR feel, offering an engaging, intuitive driving experience.
