#GruppeM

[opelman]

24h Spa 2023 by Ste Tit

[russilton]

SUITED AND BOOTED I’m so excited for Fred

[viper-motorsports]

Team GruppeM cut corners at the 2023 Gulf 12 Hours with their N°99 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo winning from pole at Circuit Yas Marina AE.

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/why-toyotas-gr-86-is-a-legend-in-the-making/

Why Toyota’s GR-86 is a Legend in the Making

In 2009, when Toyota brought the FT-86 Concept to the masses, it was a bit underwhelming. Originally thought to be a new V6 hybrid Electric All-Wheel Drive platform, as hinted by the FT-HS, the naturally aspirated low power front mounted boxer engine and rear wheel drive layout disappointed many, but sent a spark throughout the touge when it was announced that it would be a continuation of the legendary AE-86.

If you have spent any amount of time in the U.S. Import car scene, you’re no stranger to the AE-86. On paper, it’s nothing special, but Toyota’s focus on balance catapulted this car to the forefront of an automotive revolution and saw mass success on trace tracks across the world for over 30 years. Then they quit. It wasn’t until 2013 that we would get the ZN6 (Toyota) and ZC6 (Subaru) chassis to reignite the revolution of the late 80’s. The success of which brought us to the car we are talking about today, the ZN8 (Toyota) and ZD8 (Subaru) GR-86. The 2022 model year GR-86 (BR-Z) changed the game during a time where the game absolutely needed changing. With an MSRP of under $30,000 usd, the GR-86 (BR-Z) was arguably one of the best looking new sports cars on the market and was relatively immune to mass mark-ups we were seeing across the country. With Ken Gushi and Jhonnattan Castro pushing the limits of the chassis on track, they sold like hotcakes to a crowd of young enthusiasts. However, Toyota missed the mark in a few places to solidify the GR-86’s (BR-Z) legend status, but a lot of aftermarket companies stepped in to filled the gap. So here are the Top 8 Performance Modifications for the GR-86 (BR-Z).

#1. HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro Kit

So with the GR-86 (BR-Z), the elephant in the room is actually not in the room at all, and that elephant is power. The 2.4 liter FA24D boxer in the GR-86 (BR-Z) makes an astounding 228 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque, which is an approximate 10% increase over the previous model, but not nearly enough to keep up with its domestic counterparts. HKS, as usual, has a answer for Toyota’s power shortcomings and the answer is the HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro Kit. Unlike most aftermarket forced induction kits, HKS has designed the GT2 to utilize the factory air box keeping the intake air temps low and the noise even lower while producing nearly 300whp.

#2. GruppeM Ram Air System

If the drawbacks of forced induction are not something that interest you, one of the best ways to make power out of the factory GR-86 (BR-Z) FA24D is via the GruppeM Ram Air Intake System. Made of 100% hand laid carbon fiber, this intake wicks away heat faster than the factory intake and utilizes a GruppeM specific ram air system to bring in ambient air from the factory grille. With simple bolt-on installation, this is one of the best ways to increase power across the rev range.

#3. Cusco Rear Differential Cover

Typically when we hear of upgraded covers, we don’t necessarily associate it with performance as it simply covers the parts doing real work. This is not the case with the Cusco Differential Cover. The factory differential of the GR-86 (BR-Z) has been shown to stand up to a good amount of abuse in stock form, however if you intend to increase the power output of your GR-86(BR-Z), it is imperative that you increase the driveling cooling capability as well. With provisions for external fluid coolers, the Cusco Differential Cover adds an additional 500cc (.5 liters) of fluid capacity, features revised cooling fin design, and is made of billet aluminum, making it an upgrade over factory in every way. Whether you’re drifting or tearing up the road course, the benefits of the Cusco Differential Cover are well worth the cost.

#4. REMARK Titanium R1-Spec Catback

Let’s be real, the dual tips on the GR-86 (BR-Z) are primarily for aesthetics. While REMARK offers their Elite Spec Cat-back, Sports Touring Cat-back, and Sport Cat-back for those that wish the maintain the factory twin exhaust, they stuck to their guns and went full race car with the Titanium R1-Spec Cat-back Exhaust for the GR-86 (BR-Z). Featuring a full 2.5” run, the titanium system is designed to optimize the scavenging effects of factory and advance aftermarket headers before offering a straight shot out the rear through their 4.5 inch slant cut burnt titanium tip. While the REMARK Titanium R1-Spec Cat-back is one of the loudest exhausts on the market for the Subaru and Toyota platforms, it does so while maintaining a full bodied tone. The REMARK Titanium R1-Spec Cat-back is also the ultimate exhaust if you’re looking to see some flames from the back of your GR-86 (BR-Z).

#5. A’PEXi N1 Evolution Damper Coilovers

Toyota did a really good job of keeping body roll and the dynamic factory dampening toeing the line between daily driver and race car. However, this came at a price, a price which keeps it from reaching the esteemed JDM Legend Status. However, after mapping countless laps and road miles with the likes of Maaya Orido and Hana Burton, A’PEXi released a coilover that is completely incomparable to others on the market. A far cry from the more common N1 Type ExV, the N1 EVO was designed to be dependable, rebuildable, and without compromise. That being said, each set is custom, made to order, specifically to the demands and driving discipline of the customer, but the most basic features are a true 25-way dampening adjustment, huge lightweight monotube with a 46mm diameter piston, adjustable lower body to keep pre-load consistent, and a 65mm ID spring. Constructed in Japan, but rebuildable in Orange County, California, there’s no better coilover on the market for the GR-86.

#6. Project Mu M1 Front and Rear Brake Pads

Big brake kits are often the standardized go-to for brake upgrades, but with the GR-86, it’s hardly necessary. The ultimate upgrade for a street driven GR-86 (BR-Z) is actually one of the most affordable. The Project Mu B Force Compound is the result of over 40 years of braking compound development that gives all the benefit of a competent race pad, without the harsh counter effects on the rotors. While heat and brake fade will always be synonymous with one another, Project Mu B Force Compound brake pads are shown to outlast and outperform the factory pads utilizing the factory fluid. However, if you truly want to do hotlap after hotlap and drive you GR-86 (BR-Z) home, Project Mu has designed their G-Four 335 brake fluid to stand up to the abuse. If you’re looking for something just as good, but more readily available, I also recommend Motul DOT 5.1 brake fluid.

#7. ADRO USA Widebody Kit w/ Diffuser

While the GR-86 (BR-Z) is one of the best looking cars to come out of Toyota since the 90’s , they kept it relatively mild. While the TOM’S body kit took everyone by storm at SEMA 2023, there was another GR-86 that was all but subtle. ADRO’s GR-86 Widebody kit is one of the highest quality, most complete kits on the market. In true ADRO fashion, this body kit didn’t redesign the wheel, they broadened and perfected it. Improving on the factory curves and induction scoops, ADRO’s design is the cherry on top of a design that is truly timeless. All in hand, the GR-86 (BR-Z) is a legend in the making, but it wont get there without your vision and the highest quality parts. Whether you want to drift Ebisu or grip Fuji, the key to solidifying legend status with the GR-86 is quality parts, quality style, and top tier performance.

[mabriga]

SUNENERGY1 AND MERCEDES-AMG GO BACK-TO-BACK IN RECORD-BREAKING LIQUI MOLY BATHURST 12 HOUR

SunEnergy1 and Mercedes-AMG defended their LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 crown in epic fashion and made the perfect start to this year’s Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli campaign by beating Manthey EMA and GruppeM Racing to victory in Australia’s International Enduro. Kenny Habul, Luca Stolz and Jules Gounon also belied their status as Pro class underdogs to lead home a top-three…

[makeover-t]

おはようございます！ 本日も10:00からオープンです。 皆さまお気をつけてお越しください！ #audi #gruppem #makeover #makeover_ig #メイクオーバー https://www.instagram.com/p/B8zyTzep4GB/?igshid=1e7i7t8f5l39d

[linkinparkperuoficial]

#Repost @mrjoehahn @maroengel representing In Macau #Repost @maroengel (@get_repost) ・・・ Not sure what to say - P1 after the start then no battery tension to fire up for the restart 😔 still a massive thank you to the team for an awesome car & glad all drivers are ok! 🙏🏻😎 #FIAGTWorldCup #Macau #MercedesAMG #LinkinPark #GruppeM #320ChangesDirection #silberpfeilenergydrink #Förch #IWCRacing #UrbatBlitzableiter #SparkModel ———————————————————————— Mercedes-AMG GT3 ———————————————————————— #MacauGP #MercedesAMGMotorsport #AMGGT3 #AMG #Mercedes #MercedesAMGCustomerRacing #AMG50Years #ME63 #instamb #instaamg #racing #AMGperformance #DrivingPerformance #mercedesbenz #AMGgang #motorsport #racingdriver

[viper-motorsports]

Leading the N°888 entry down Mt Panorama NSW-AU, Team GruppeM Racing grabbed the final podium spot in the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour with their N°999 Mercedes-AMG GT3.

2019 Bathurst 12 hour.

[robinfrinjs]

GruppeM Racing will expand to two cars next year in DTM. Last season they only ran the #8 of Daniel Juncadella.

[russilton]

Found out this morning Fred is doing ANOTHER 24hr race so I wanted to compile a list of all the things he’s been up to this year:

Completed:

- Formula E rookie test (Mahindra)

- 24 hrs of Daytona online: (Mercedes AMG Esport - podium: P2)

Ongoing:

- F1 Reserve Driver: Mercedes (and technically Mclaren)

- SIM development Driver: Mercedes

- European Le Mans (LMP2, Cool Racing - 2/6 races completed, one P2 podium)

- Occasional Super Formula iracing streams

Upcoming:

- 24hr of Le Mans: (LMP2 (pro/am), Cool Racing)

- 24 hrs of Spa GT World endurance (GT3 pro cup, Mercedes AMG Team gruppeM)

———

In conclusion, Lil dude is playing musical chairs: pro mode, with all the seats he’s diving for. He’s quietly stacking his 2025 F1 seat CV with labels and showing how adaptable he is. I’m impressed and slightly intimidated with how much he’s doing

[viper-motorsports]

Not a week from winning at Daytona, GruppeM driver Maro Engel sets the track record at Mt Panorama AU-NSW while qualifying the N°999 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo for pole ahead of the 2023 IGTC Bathurst 12 Hour.

[mtrvtd]

The Bathurst 12 Hour is a highlight for many who love motorsport. To have a car cross the line after 12 hours of racing around the brutal Mount Panorama circuit is an incredible team effort let alone to be standing on the podium’s top step.

2019 was my fifth year attending the event so here is a post about some of the finer details that I have experienced alongside the main event.

Pit lane was a short stroll from camp which makes it the perfect place for an after dinner stroll for those camping in the paddock.

The beauty of attending Friday and Saturday is that the track turns into a public road once the racing is over. It makes things a little easier and safer for one to jump a concrete fence and meet the noisy neighbours.

If spectators desire they can purchase tickets for a guided Pit Lane Walk on Friday and Saturday or even walk the grid before the race starts on Sunday. However one of my favourite parts of the weekend is taking a walk around the pits in the evening – you can check things out at your own pace plus it’s free. 

Walking the pits is a great time to get really close to the cars and watch the teams in action. Long after the sun sets, the team garages are hustling and bustling in preparation for the big race. In one garage there are repairs and in the next final checks; all while other teams are practising driver changes and pit stops. 

Everywhere you look there is something going on.

If you’re lucky you can meet pit crew members. Some are more than happy to answer questions and even let you take some photos inside the garage.

My main goal for Saturday was to watch the Group S race. It’s one of the more popular events and it’s not hard to see why. These days most classics are under lock & key but here on the mountain, the Group S participants prefer to use their machines as they were intended. Cutting loose on the track.

Once again the Show ‘n’ Shine didn’t fail to impress. An XJ220! Thank you, rich people, I love you.

There’s always some eye candy catering to my garage wish list year after year.

This year the new and gorgeous Brabham BT62 was brought over for some entertainment laps. It may sound like a casual blast around the track, but this was a casual blast that broke the GT3 lap record. Powered by a 5.4L V8 and weighing in at 972kg (2,143 lb) there’s little wonder why.

Speaking of timed laps; from mid-Saturday practice was over. The 12-hour cars were onto qualifying which boils down to the top 10 shootout.

Early in the shootout the team MANN FILTER GruppeM Racing, Mercedes AMG, number 999 had the fastest time with no one able to better it. That was until the 10th car rolled out of pit lane, the R-Motorsport 62 Aston Martin Vantage, number 62. I had met one of the crew the day before who told me “62 was fast”, it had the 4th fastest time on Friday. By the end of it’s shoot out lap, it had the fastest, securing pole position.

Stay tuned for Motorvated’s take on race day.

Words & Photos by Domenic Ciccio

Instagram: @motorvated

Bonus imagery:

B12HR 2019 – behind the scenes The Bathurst 12 Hour is a highlight for many who love motorsport. To have a car cross the line after 12 hours of racing around the brutal Mount Panorama circuit is an incredible team effort let alone to be standing on the podium's top step. 578 more words

[williamgunst]

Faits saillants du mardi matin, 6 décembre

Faits saillants du mardi matin, 6 décembre

24h chrono 12H Abu Dhabi (H+4) – Ferrari en tête, les deux Audi/Saintéloc à la lutte…12H Abu Dhabi – Mercedes/GruppeM absents à H+212H Abu Dhabi – Un début de course stratégique, une Mercedes/GruppeM…CrowdStrike Racing vers la catégorie LMP2Vidéo en direct des 12 Heures d’Abu Dhabi à partir de 6h30.Tout savoir sur l’endurance avec notre dossier pédagogique Tout savoir sur l’endurance avec notre…

[s7lceryx]

Spark 1/64 Mercedes AMG GT3 GruppeM Racing Winner FIA GT World Cup Macau 2019 Gseen #999 https://www.ebay.ca/itm/274945031031 (at Shanghai,china) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTxW3t_Jkpw/?utm_medium=tumblr

[makeover-t]

元祖カーボンインテークと言えば！のグループMよりAudi TTRS用のラムエアシステムが登場です！ 2.5Lのエンジンにはこれが本当に必須ですね！ トルク、パワー共にモリモリ感を味わいましょうー ご注文お待ちしております！ #audi #audittrs #audittrsmk3 #audittrscoupe #audittrsquattro #ttrs #ttrsmk3 #ttrscoupe #ttrsquattro #gruppem #gruppemramairintake #ramairintake #ramairintakesystem #makeover #makeover_ig #メイクオーバー (Yokohama) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByXDndznA37/?igshid=7fw3r1i7kgee