The 2026 GR Cup season kicks off in March, marking the fifth year of Toyota South Africa’s one-make media championship showcasing its GR performance models. This year, Khulekani On Wheels joins the grid in a shared entry with Kumbi-M on Cars, bringing two media platforms together for a full-season campaign.

For 2026, media teams will compete in the updated Toyota GR Corolla, now paired with a new 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) featuring steering wheel paddle shifters. The 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine gets a 30Nm increase, bumping torque to 400Nm, while power sits at 210kW.

Performance updates include launch control, revised suspension tuning with new front and rear rebound springs, enhanced rear stabilisers, and the addition of a sub-radiator to improve cooling for the automatic transmission under demanding performance conditions.

These cars are capable of launching from 0–100km/h in 5 seconds and have been further track-prepared with performance exhaust systems, semi-slick tyres for increased grip, and upgraded braking systems.

Weight reduction measures include a stripped interior, while a full roll cage has been installed to meet safety requirements and ensure driver protection on track.

Our Brandon Jacobs shares a car with Kumbi, lining up against Nabil Abdool in the SuperSport car, Tayedza Mbiri from AutoTrader, Craig Nicholson from News24 Motoring, Naresh Maharaj from The Witness and Algoa FM, and Justin Ford from eNCA. The line-up was announced at the Toyota SA State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) address.