Weekend Octane

UMW Toyota Motor and Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia have been announced as the Title Sponsor for the Malaysian round of the 2025 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Series, marking the series’ return to Malaysia after 12 years. Held from 26–28 June at the Sepang International Circuit, the event will feature the VIOS Challenge as a key support race, introducing a special 1-hour format across three classes—Super Sporting, Sporting, and Rookie. This includes five rookies from the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Programme competing on an international stage. With over 40,000 expected attendees and a global audience of 162 million, the race weekend will showcase Toyota’s commitment to developing local motorsports talent and expanding its presence in international racing.

Fans can look forward to an immersive experience at the SUPER GT Malaysia Festival, including displays of GR models, exclusive merchandise, JDM cars, interactive games, and a Japanese cultural village. Toyota’s dominance continues in the GT500 class with wins by the TOM’s GR Supra and KeePer CERUMO GR Supra. Organised by HARO Sports & Entertainment and sanctioned by the GT Association, ticket prices range from RM100 to RM2,000, with live race coverage and post-race concerts featuring top local artists. This event underscores Toyota’s long-term strategy to elevate motorsports in the region through future plans like forming a dedicated TGRMY factory racing team.

Event Organisers
The Malaysian round is organized by HARO Sports & Entertainment as the rights holder and promoter of SUPER GT in Malaysia, and sanctioned by the GT Association (GTA), custodians of the SUPER GT Series.
Tickets are now available at www.supergtmalaysia.com
● K1 Grandstand: RM100 (RM80 for early birds)
● Main Grandstand: RM250 (RM200 for early birds)
● GT Suite: RM350
● GT Live! Rock Zone: RM500
● GT Club Paddock: RM2,000 (includes VIP concert access)

FOLLOW Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia

Stay up to date with all the action:
● Website: www.toyota.com.my/en/tgrmalaysia
● Facebook: facebook.com/tgrmy
● Instagram: instagram.com/tgrmalaysia
● YouTube: youtube.com/

The SUPER GT Malaysia Festival 2025, held from 26–28 June at Sepang International Circuit, offers fans a chance to win a GR Supra worth RM650,000 by purchasing eligible tickets.

(Main Grandstand, GT Suite, Rock Zone, or premium packages) with Mastercard from 1–28 June with the winner announced at the GT Live! Concert.

The festival features the SUPER GT race (including Malaysian wildcard drivers Jazeman Jaafar & Adrian D’Silva), the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge, the debut of the GR86 Cup Malaysia Series, and a Japanese cultural extravaganza.

Headlining the GT Live! Concert are Indonesian viral trio TNJ, J-Pop group KLP48, and Malaysian artists like K-CLIQUE.

Supported by UMW Toyota, Bridgestone, and Tourism Malaysia, the event also includes JDM car meets, simulators, test drives, and SAMURAI BLUE (JFA) merchandise booths.

Tickets and details: supergtmalaysia.com
http://www.supergtmalaysia.com).

BMW R 12 GS – Retro Spirit, Modern Edge

BMW Motorrad has peeled back the curtain on its latest heritage-inspired adventure machine: the all-new BMW R 12 G/S. This isn’t just another neo-retro marketing exercise—it’s a thoughtfully engineered nod to the legendary GS legacy, with a stripped-back design and authentic mechanical soul that’s bound to turn heads both on and off the beaten path.

Classic Enduro Aesthetic, Built for Today

At first glance, the R 12 G/S evokes strong echoes of the original R 80 G/S, the bike that launched BMW’s dual-sport dynasty over four decades ago. From the round headlamp to the upright stance, the R 12 G/S leans heavily into minimalist, purist styling. But don’t mistake that for outdated tech—this is a thoroughly modern motorcycle cloaked in vintage appeal.

The design starts with a one-piece tubular steel spaceframe, newly developed to keep things compact and dynamic. The raised, forward-positioned steering head optimizes geometry for agile handling, while the bolted-on rear subframe offers both strength and modular customization possibilities. It’s a platform built for riders who want to do more than just pose at the local café.

Iconic Boxer Heart, Tuned for the Trails

Powering the R 12 G/S is BMW’s unmistakable air/oil-cooled 1,170 cc boxer engine—a throwback in spirit but no slouch in performance. It delivers 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, channeled through a left-side high-mounted single-flow exhaust with a conical tailpipe that’s as purposeful as it is beautiful. It’s got the brawn to handle spirited road rides and light to moderate off-road forays with equal ease.

Built to Go the Distance

Suspension is handled by a fully adjustable upside-down front fork and a Paralever swingarm with a revised rear monoshock—also fully adjustable and featuring travel-dependent damping. In its standard trim, the R 12 G/S rolls on a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combo, ideal for off-road capability. For more rugged adventuring, an 18-inch rear wheel comes as part of the optional “Enduro Package Pro.”

Stopping power is provided by axially mounted two-piston floating calipers gripping 310 mm discs, complete with steel braided brake lines and BMW’s ABS Pro for confident braking even mid-corner.

Tech That Stays Out of the Way—Until You Need It

BMW Motorrad has smartly balanced analog charm with digital functionality. The standard kit includes a classic round analog gauge, a 12V socket, and powerful LED lighting. For riders seeking more, optional features like a digital instrument display and the adaptive “Headlight Pro” can be specified ex works.

On the electronics front, the R 12 G/S comes standard with multiple ride modes—“Rain,” “Road,” and “Enduro”—plus DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and engine drag torque control (MSR). For those who want even more customization and off-road finesse, the “Enduro Pro” mode unlocks deeper adjustability and performance.

Keyless Ride is also standard, simplifying ignition and locking duties while adding a touch of modern convenience.

Customization, the BMW Way

BMW Motorrad knows its customers love to personalize their bikes, and the R 12 G/S is designed with that in mind. A full suite of optional accessories and ex-works customisation choices—ranging from luggage and seats to wheels and paint—ensures each R 12 G/S can be as unique as its rider.

Speaking of looks, the bike is available in three distinct color schemes that range from utilitarian chic to full-blown nostalgic tribute.

Verdict: A Boxer with Bite and Soul

With the R 12 G/S, BMW has created more than just a retro-styled alternative to the full-sized R 1300 GS. It’s a purist’s enduro, aimed at riders who value visceral connection over digital layers, but still want the safety and refinement of modern technology. It’s a bike that invites you to throw a leg over, take the long way home, and enjoy every moment of the journey.

For those who appreciate the mechanical heartbeat of a boxer twin and the timeless appeal of a go-anywhere enduro, the R 12 G/S hits a rare sweet spot—equal parts heritage and horizon-chasing potential.