Read more
Workshop floor has enough space for 20 vehicles to be worked on at the same time.
New facility has been opened in record time after being announced in October last year. Image: Charl Bosch
A project that commenced in October last year, SVR, the firm entrusted with running Toyota’s local motorsport operations underneath the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa banner, officially opened the doors of its new facility to select guests and the media on Thursday evening (15 May).
Walkaround of the new Toyota Gazoo Racing plant
Called the Toyota Gazoo Racing Motorsport Hub, but unofficially dubbed the “man-cave”, the 12 500 m2 facility, located not far from the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit, will not only serve as the home of Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa, but also the production hub for the Hilux Rally-Raid that competes in the Dakar Rally.
ALSO READ: Wraps come off Ford’s 2025 Rally Raid Series challenger
Set to be expanded in the future, the purpose-built factory has been fitted with a dedicated machine shop housing a dynamometer, a damper laboratory that tests and assesses damper and suspension performance, a bespoke engine room and a work space where 20 cars can be worked on at the same time without worry of space constraints.
First look at Safari-ready Hilux
In addition to some of the manufacturing processes now being devised in-house instead of being outsourced, the tour also provides the first preview of the newly devised Hiluxes that will compete in this coming weekend’s inaugural South African Safari, round three of the 2025 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.
Again, conforming to FIA T1+ regulations, the pair of Sand Beige-coloured Hiluxes will be piloted by local crew Guy Botterill and co-driver Dennis Murphy, and teenager Saood Variawa navigated by French co-pilot Francois Cazalet.
Labour of love
“Toyota and SVR had the vision to open a world-class hub for motorsport fabrication, which would showcase our collective ability and excellence,” SVR and Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa boss, Shameer Variawa, said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the product that stands before us today – from conceptual dream to a place my team can now call ‘home’. We place tremendous value in our partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing and the race results that are to come.”
Toyota South Africa Vice-President of Marketing, Glenn Crompton, added, “The opening of the new SVR Motorsport Hub represents the third chapter for Toyota’s motorsport exploits and Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa.
“From a Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa perspective, we couldn’t have asked for a better partner. This is the beginning of an exciting journey for us all, and I’m confident together we’ll reach even greater heights”.
NOW READ: The workings of a Rally-Raid team: Inside Ford-backed NWM
Download our app
