My FM Log: Heroes

The Toyota GR Yaris and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N are prize cars in Forza Motorsport's Daily Racers update. Having got my hands on these two everyday heroes on the road and track, let's get to know them two.

I acquired the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N by completing the Open Class Tour update or finishing 10 races in the Open Class Featured Multiplayer until the March 12, 2025 deadline. 

The IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance variant of the IONIQ 5 crossover and signifies that Hyundai N is embracing electrification.

Equipped with an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors that power both the front and rear wheels, the IONIQ 5 N delivers a default output of 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque. When the N Grin Boost feature is activated for ten seconds, the power increases to 650 PS. Additionally, with N Launch Control engaged, it can achieve a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h.

Hyundai has truly excelled with the IONIQ 5 N, which has won the 2024 World Performance Car award as well as Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year. This high-performance electric crossover not only boasts an impressive design but also the power and speed to match. Its recent achievement of setting a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in the Modified and Production SUV/Crossover classes further underscores its performance capabilities.

Moving to the Toyota GR Yaris that I acquired by completing the Daily Racers Tour or finishing 10 races in the Daily Racers featured multiplayer until the March 26, 2025 deadline.

Known as the second JDM sports car of the Reiwa era, the GR Yaris served as the template for Toyota's next rally car. Take the fourth-generation Yaris, strip the two extra doors off, make it wider, jam it with the G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine, and lodge it with the GR-FOUR four-wheel-drive system. The result is a road-legal rally car akin to the legendary Toyota Celica GT-FOUR.

In addition to the 1.6L turbocharged variant, there is a cheaper and much slower RS variant with the 1.5L M15A-FKS engine mated to a CVT.

Having acquired these two high-performance Asian superheroes, let's drive these two around Brands Hatch to prove just how "super" these everyday superheroes are.

They both know how to use their superpowers effectively. As the saying goes, "with great power comes great responsibility." That's why I admire them both.

Anyway, enjoy your new rides.

Toyota GR Corolla (2025MY Minor Change)

For the 2025 model year, Toyota's super hot hatchback, the GR Corolla, has received a much-needed change that promises to make observers burn with jealousy. This update promises to be better than before.

2025 Toyota GR Corolla

Now starting at 5,680,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the Toyota GR Corolla minor change has more oomph than the first time the world encountered Toyota's super-hot hatchback hero, which became the spectacular antithesis of the Corolla lineage.

2025 Toyota GR Corolla interior

The exterior design resembles the pre-facelift model; however, it now includes the new front bumper design introduced in last year's facelifted GR Yaris. This updated design replaces the fog lamps with larger corner air inlets to improve cooling capacity. The interior remains similar to the previous model, but it now features a darker finish on the trim and switches for a sportier appearance.

Customers can choose the SPORT Package, which includes black and red seat upholstery with red perforations, as well as synthetic leather featuring black and red stitching.

2025 Toyota GR Corolla

The updated GR Corolla still has the G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produces 304PS of power but 30Nm more torque than before, producing 400Nm of torque. In addition to the updated 6-speed manual gearbox, the GR Corolla can now be equipped with the available 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. No matter which gearbox you're on, the GR Corolla packs a power-to-weight ratio of 6.7kg/kw.

Asked about the fuel economy, the manual variant has 12.4km/L while the new automatic variant has 10.4km/L based on WLTC mode standards.

The team at Toyota Gazoo Racing dedicated valuable manpower to recalibrating the GR Corolla, drawing on their experience from the Super Taikyu Series. As a result, the updated GR Corolla features improved dynamics, including increased rigidity through additional braces and bolts. This enhances vehicle stability during acceleration and control while turning, as well as improves steering responsiveness. Additionally, the sport-tuned suspension and brakes contribute to a more exhilarating driving experience.

The GR Corolla is equipped with the signature GR-FOUR Active Torque Split 4WD System, featuring a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for improved cornering and stability on various surfaces, including tarmac, gravel, and snow. When the car is set to Track Mode, its dynamics become more engaging, resembling those of the GR86 or GR Supra. 

Additionally, the Drive Mode Select feature allows you to choose a driving mode that suits your style. One notable option is the secret EXPERT MODE, which can be activated by selecting either SPORT or CUSTOM mode and briefly pressing the VSC OFF button. EXPERT MODE is specifically recommended for track use, so use it wisely.

As a general rule, the GR Corolla is limited to a top speed of 180 kph on normal roads. However, when you arrive at the circuit, you can activate Circuit Mode, which disables the speed limiter and provides special instrument displays, including engine RPM and LED indicators.

With a slightly new look, improved torque, an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission option, and enhanced dynamics, the minor changes to the Toyota GR Corolla make it even better than before. These improvements are sure to appeal to performance enthusiasts who have a desire for speed. This is the GR Corolla that the world wants, so don’t look back.

Available Colors: Super White II, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Precious Metal, Precious Black Pearl, and Emotional Red II.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

My GT7 Log: Crossover The World

The crossover SUV market is as ever-growing as superhero movies in theaters, and Toyota continues to buck the trend with the compact SUV C-HR. In Gran Turismo 7, I uncovered this mega-popular but short-lived compact crossover.

So, what's it all about the Toyota C-HR, the compact crossover that became an immediate hit on its home turf, only to get shortlived after nearly a decade?

Introduced in late 2016, the Toyota C-HR is designed to entice customers with its coupe-like styling, efficiency as an eco-car, and dynamics supposedly inspired by the Nurburgring—although many would argue this is theoretical. The styling, which takes its cues from the 2014 concept car, gives the C-HR a coupe-like look that some believe makes it a high-clearance sports car.

This subcompact SUV shares the TNGA platform of the Prius and is available with a 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine with all-wheel drive, or a 1.8L hybrid with front-wheel drive. Both choices are paired with a CVT. The model featured in Gran Turismo 7 is sadly the latter.

In 2017, the Toyota C-HR was one of the best-selling cars in Japan until the arrival of the Daihatsu Rocky-based Toyota Raize in late 2019 outsold it. As a result, the C-HR was discontinued in 2023.

A pre-production prototype raced in the 2016 Nurburgring 24-Hour Race and achieved 3rd place in the SP2T class. In 2019, GAZOO Racing Team Thailand raced two C-HRs in the SP3 class with one of them finishing 3rd in the said class while the other failed to start.

I went to the Nurburgring to see if the Toyota C-HR's dynamics, thanks to its TNGA platform and meager hybrid powertrain, can keep up with the world's most punishing racetrack, just like in the past. Let's roll the tape.

How's my driving with the C-HR Hybrid at the Nurburgring? Well, despite its weak performance, it feels too easy to drive even in the Nurburgring and I managed to post a 10m20.835s lap time. Not much but it's clear that the C-HR's TNGA platform and sporty dynamics are not too shabby for a coupe SUV of this size. Why would Toyota stop making one?

The Toyota C-HR is an unconventional crossover that serves as both a practical daily vehicle and an underappreciated performer at the Nurburgring. Although no longer with us, the C-HR proved that it can, as the commercials said, Crossover The World.

Keep Yourself Alive.

My FH5 Log: The Moment We Meet...

The Toyota GR 86 and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N were featured cars in the advertisement for the Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, which aired in October 2024. In the ad, we witnessed these two sports cars racing head-on and performing drifts. It’s a long story, but in Forza Horizon 5, the experience is quite different.

The poster cars from October 2024's Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival are here to settle the scores again just as how the rivalry between Hyundai and Toyota in the WRC became the talk of the town. But first, let's get to know these two.

Let's start with the Toyota GR86, the second generation of Toyota's affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. The GR86 builds upon the legacy of its predecessor while maintaining the accessible driving dynamics that enthusiasts around the world appreciate. It features an improved version of the platform used by the previous model. Although the new model is similar in size to the old one, the sport-tuned suspension and updated chassis enhance the driving experience.

Under the hood, the flat-four boxer engine has been upgraded from the previous model's 2.0L to a 2.4L displacement. This change results in increased power output of 235 PS and 250 Nm of torque, with the option of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Now, let's get to know about the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, the high-performance version of Hyundai's award-winning all-electric compact crossover SUV.

The IONIQ 5 N features an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack equipped with two electric motors that power both the front and rear wheels. It delivers a standard output of 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the Kia EV6 GT. With the N Grin Boost activated for ten seconds, the power increases to 650 PS. Furthermore, with N Launch Control, it can achieve a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 260 km/h.

Hyundai has truly excelled with the IONIQ 5 N, which won the 2024 World Performance Car award and was named Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year. This high-performance electric crossover has impressive aesthetics and boasts remarkable power and speed. It set a new record at Pikes Peak, completing the course in 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in the Modified and Production SUV/Crossover classes. This car will undoubtedly continue to attract attention and make a significant impact in the automotive industry.

Let's find out how good these two cars are around the main festival grounds. Roll the tape!

And now, the results...

GR86 - 1m25.836s

IONIQ 5 N - 1m18.662s

It's a bit misguided to compare a powerful electric SUV with an affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. However, both vehicles have effectively served as promotional ambassadors for the Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival. Well done, GR86 and IONIQ 5 N. You both deserve a round of applause!

"We race as competitors.

The moment we meet,

a new thrill begins."

EPILOGUE

Having grown respect for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N for being the antithesis of the ever-growing all-electric crossover SUV market, I think it's time for this K-popper to have its own live performance but first...

A witty move. Shiki-chan would be impressed with this one.

As the Korean EV SUV hero donning the role of Liella's wittiest and most clever member, we are tackling through an EventLab creation inspired by a racetrack in Taiwan. I don't know what that is but we're going to find out. Let's rock and roll.

Smart move. I won't regret it.

In Forza Horizon 5, we are united by our passion for racing, much like Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing. While competition is a part of the game, it's not our primary focus. We come together to have fun and share our love of racing.

My GT7 Log: The Forever HiAce

The H200-spec Toyota HiAce has been in production for two decades, a record for Japanese cars currently in production. I got the chance to drive the immortal HiAce in Gran Turismo 7.

Launched in the summer of 2004, the H200-spec HiAce comes with a variety of configurations and trim levels to suit different needs. It offers a choice of three engines: a 2.0L petrol engine, a 2.7L petrol 4-cylinder engine, and a 2.8L diesel engine. One such fact is that Mazda borrowed one for the Bongo Brawny van.

The main reason the H200 HiAce has remained in production to this day is its affordability, reliability, and versatility in various situations, ranging from business to leisure. Whether it's for micro-business purposes or family camping trips, the H200 HiAce continues to be the obvious choice.

This version featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the 2016 MY model in the base DX variant. It is powered by a 2.0L 1TR-FE engine that produces 134 HP and 134.5 ft-lb of torque.

To demonstrate if the 20-year-old HiAce is still as capable in today's landscape, I went to Tsukuba Circuit to do a one-lap time attack. I did this with its ambulance equivalent, and I'll do it again in the normal HiAce. Let's roll the tape.

Although its age reached "senior citizen" status, it still got it. No wonder Toyota remained the H200 HiAce in production.

The H200-spec Toyota HiAce has been in production for two decades, a record for Japanese cars currently in production. The HiAce is known for its affordability, reliability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure activities.

As the world evolves, the H200 HiAce will live on thanks to numerous updates until the time comes to be euthanized.

This JDM van believes in "forever" in the world of "no forever". It really is...the Forever HiAce.

Toyota Alphard and Vellfire (H40W) PHEV

The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire minivans in the H40W generation now offer a plug-in hybrid variant. This is the first time a Japanese minivan has been provided with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

2025 Toyota Alphard PHEV

2025 Toyota Vellfire PHEV

Based on the range-topping Executive Lounge variant, the first-ever Alphard and Vellfire PHEV variants still feature the same nooks and crannies as expected in most variants but now in a six-seater setting. 

These minivans still come with a super-long overhead console, power side sunshade for rear seats, universal steps positioned at the sliding doors for easy access, a one-touch seesaw switch on the sliding doors, and the 5:5 split two-position space-up seats where the third-row seats can be flipped up for extra space. 

Apart from numerous luxury amenities, including a rear entertainment system for your binge-watching pleasure while stuck in Tokyo traffic, the PHEV variants come with an exclusive ultrasuede roof headlining, offering a refined, smooth texture and excellent durability. Exclusive to the Alphard is the four-seater Spacious Lounge variant tailored for VIPs.

It uses the same 2.5L A25A-FXS petrol-hybrid powerplant from its normal hybrid equivalents but combined with powerful electric motor generators, the new Li-ion battery mounted under the floor, and the enhanced heat pump HVAC system, it delivers 306PS of total power output. With the CVT gearbox, it has 16.7km/L of combined fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards and 73km of EV driving range, enough to travel from your fancy Susana Heights mansion to Okada Manila to home again.

Like the normal ones, the PHEV variants are built on the TNGA platform and feature front MacPherson struts, rear double wishbones, and ventilated disc brakes. They offer a luxury car experience, providing a refined level of silence and comfort that will impress VIPs in the rear seats. Additionally, both models come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Teammate, enhancing safety during driving and making parking worry-free. It’s best to avoid asking your boss about these features.

The Alphard Executive Lounge PHEV starts at 10.65 million Japanese Yen while the Vellfire Executive Lounge PHEV starts at 10.85 Japanese Yen. Additional costs included.

Attention, high-rollers in the Far East! The latest, most powerful versions of the Alphard and Vellfire have arrived, offering unmatched style and comfort. Guests at premier casino resorts like Okada, Newport World Resorts, Solaire, City of Dreams, and Hann will be excited about these luxurious PHEV 4WD minivans.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

My GT7 Log: Beyond Competition

Japan and South Korea are known as “frenemies.” They have a checkered past since Japan split Korea into two. This past did not stop the two countries from jointly hosting the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was a true display of frenemies. The same goes for present-day WRC when Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai N clash for dirt supremacy.

In honor of the recent Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, we celebrate the rivalry between the two Far East motoring superpowers by comparing the two Vision Gran Turismo concepts from Hyundai and Toyota.

The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is a concept car that paved the way for Hyundai’s high-performance division. This hybrid race car has a hydrogen fuel cell system that delivers 871 horsepower through four independent motors. This fuel cell and motor combination allows the Hyundai N 2025 to have a phenomenal driving experience.

The FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo is what happens when the FT-1 Concept, which served as the blueprint for the Supra revival project, transformed into a race car. It's a futuristic version of the Toyota Supra used in the JGTC (Super GT) races in the past, but it's not a JGTC car. While it's just a concept, the FT-1 VGT proves Toyota has a lot of potential and passion for motorsports.

After a quick introduction of the cars from Toyota and Hyundai, let's pit these Far East rivals around Suzuka Circuit, which is considered the sacred ground of Japanese motorsports. Let's roll the tape.

Here are the results...

FT-1 VGT - 2m05.872s

N 2025 VGT - 1m46.484s

It's a huge shocker of a result, judging by the fact that Hyundai's investing heavily in the world of electrification while Toyota's lagging behind and sticking to its old-school principles. Either way, while Hyundai has the upper hand against the Japanese motoring giant, the results don't really matter because this comparison is a demonstration of how capable these two Far East motoring giants are.

Hyundai and Toyota are known for shaking things up. They are both creating fun-to-drive cars as hinted by their high-performance divisions; Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing. While the N cars stick to the "never just drive" mantra, the TGR cars are all about "pushing the limits for better."

They've raced as competitors. But when they meet, a new thrill begins.

Beyond competition, united by passion.

My FH5 Log: Ao-Soarer Jumping Heart

The third-generation Toyota Soarer showcased to the world that a Japanese carmaker can jump onto the GT bandwagon by offering drivers a sensible grand tourer worth enjoyable to drive. The same goes for its so-called spiritual successor, the Lexus LC.

The Toyota Soarer and Lexus LC are both grand touring cars that offer drivers a sensible and enjoyable driving experience. When you compare these two cars, you'll discover that they have a lot in common. So, how well do we know these two?

The third-generation Toyota Soarer is a luxury coupe that I won from Forza Horizon 5's Back to the 90s Summer Season Playlist. Launched in 1991, the third-generation Soarer eschews the muscular shape of its predecessor in favor of a rounder design. This is the first Soarer that was sold overseas as the Lexus SC. In the US, it won the 1992 Import Car of the Year. Engine choices include a 1UZ-FE 4.0L V8 engine, a 2JZ-GE 3.0L 6-cylinder engine, and seen here is the 1JZ-GTE 2.5L six-cylinder twin-turbo engine. Depending on the engine choices, the Z30 Soarer is mated to either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed MT.

Now, let's talk about the Lexus LC 500, one of the last remaining V8-powered JDM cars. Although the design is heavily inspired by the LF-LC Concept, the LC is the first Lexus to use Toyota's TNGA platform. It's powered by the 472HP 5.0L naturally-aspirated V8 engine mated to a Lexus-first 10-speed AT.

The Lexus LC became the last Lexus vehicle to compete in the Super GT's GT500 class before it was replaced by the Toyota GR Supra for the 2020 season. In its three-season tenure from 2017 to 2019, the LC 500 emerged as the two-time champion with the #37 KeePer TOM'S and the #6 WAKO'S 4CR LC500 bagging the titles.

To see how much progress the LC has gained compared to the Z30 Soarer it draws inspiration from, I went outside the Horizon Rush site to conduct this sensible experiment. Roll the tape.

And now, the results...

Lap Times:

Soarer Z30 - 1m12.606s

LC500 - 1m06.834s

The V8-powered Lexus LC 500 is a formidable machine. In a side-by-side race, it outperformed the Toyota Soarer Z30 by six seconds quicker than the latter's time. This result is especially impressive considering that the Z30 Soarer is a formidable machine in its own right.

The Lexus LC is a grand touring car that offers drivers a sensible and enjoyable driving experience. It's a Happy Set of performance, comfort, and style that you would expect from the company behind the last V8-powered JDM sports cars. Just like the Toyota Soarer Z30, it really is "for mind cruising".

For Mind Cruising...that's what it said during the commercials for the Toyota Soarer Z30 while in the backdrop of Eric Carmen's All By Myself. Anyway, with the LC500 proving its worth, it's time for a little one-car show performance. But first...

My Lexus LC500 now has the striking image of a Kansai stagegirl we all love. I kinda miss her. I even fitted it with the LBWK kit to make it look like a Super GT racer. Touche...

Prepped for the Revue Act, my Lexus LC is prepared to take on a rather good EventLab creation that deserves no introduction. It's a circuit setting with a touge taste to it. A chance to flex some Japanese muscles on the corners. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

Nearly perfect but that's my highlight.

Lexus is the only Japanese car brand that still offers V8 engines in its sports coupes, such as the RC F and LC 500. However, as the world moves toward electric vehicles, these gas-guzzling machines are likely to become extinct. Although it sounds cruel, this is the new normal we live in but their legacies will be forever in our hearts and minds.

Just like last time, domo arigato. You made us proud.