Could Toyota's Latest Innovation Spark Greater Interest in Motor Sports?--Motegi Round 5
In the world of motorsports, Toyota's Gazoo Racing (GR) division has made significant strides towards sustainability, led by Chairman Akio Toyoda, fondly known as Morizo. One of the latest advancements from the GR division is the Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT), an 8-speed automatic transmission designed to expand the reach of motorsports.
The DAT was developed with a focus on high performance, rapid gear shifts, and direct power delivery, qualities that have been honed through rally racing and competitive racing experiences. This transmission is a departure from traditional automatics, prioritising directness and shift speed over smoothness or fuel economy, thus minimising power interruption during gear changes.
Key differences that set the DAT apart include its motorsport-derived engineering, rapid and seamless shift response, high gear count, optimised ratios, and improved torque distribution with all-wheel drive. The 8-speed layout allows for closely spaced gears, ensuring the engine remains in its optimal power band more effectively than a 6-speed manual. Moreover, the DAT's quicker shifts, more consistent power delivery, and superior adaptation to varying traction conditions make it a formidable competitor on the racetrack.
As a result, the DAT-equipped GR Yaris can accelerate faster and maintain higher cornering speeds than its manual counterpart in racing conditions. This is a significant advantage, particularly in high-speed, high-G environments like circuit racing.
The DAT concept was developed to open the door to motorsports for the vast majority of automatic transmission (AT) drivers. In 2019, 98.6% of new passenger cars sold in Japan had automatic transmissions, indicating a growing need for such technology in competitive racing.
The DAT made its debut in the All Japan Rally Championship in 2022, in the hands of Tomoyuki Shinkai, a driver with several titles. It also successfully completed a five-hour race in the 2023 ENEOS Super Taikyu Series Supported by Bridgestone.
The development of the DAT was spearheaded by Project General Manager Naohiko Saito, who served as the GR Yaris's chief engineer. Morizo, inspired by the desire to "spread the joy of driving," initiated the DAT project, aiming to make motorsports more accessible to a broader audience.
In summary, the Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) in Toyota’s GR Yaris is a rally-inspired, high-performance 8-speed auto gearbox that delivers faster shift times and increased power efficiency on track, enabling it to outpace manual transmissions in racing scenarios. This innovation is set to revolutionise the world of motorsports and make it more accessible to a wider audience.
- The high-performance Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) in the GR Yaris, inspired by the joy of driving from Chairman Akio Toyoda, is set to make motorsports more accessible to automatic transmission drivers, given the increasing prevalence of automatic transmissions in the automotive industry.
- The advancements in the DAT, such as its motorsport-derived engineering, rapid shift response, and improved torque distribution with all-wheel drive, demonstrate the integration of technology in the sports and transportation sectors, enabling it to compete formidably in the intense environment of circuit racing.
- With its quicker shifts, more consistent power delivery, and superior adaptation to varying traction conditions, the DAT's debut in the All Japan Rally Championship and successful completion of endurance races like the 2023 ENEOS Super Taikyu Series demonstrate its significant impact on the finance sector, particularly in sponsorships and investments in the sports and automotive industries.
