JPJ-Liveried GR86 - True Role Explained!

A Toyota GR86 race car wrapped in full JPJ and PLUS Malaysia livery sparked plenty of buzz online this week.

Said sports coupe was sighted being unloaded from a vehicle transporter at the Petronas Sepang International  Circuit (SIC) North Paddock - perhaps our first clue to the livery’s true purpose.

The sports coupe quickly went viral following a post by Ronguman Corse. One cheeky comment really caught our eye, and it suggested that while JPJ is often asked to catch lorries breaking the law lately, it now looks like they’re more interested in street racers too.

As it turns out, the car isn’t a new enforcement tool, but the official safety car for the newly launched GR86 Cup Malaysia. The new one-make series kicks off this weekend during the 2025 Super GT Malaysia Festival and will feature three more rounds later this year.

Organised by Haro Sports and Entertainment Sdn Bhd, the series sees 20 race-prepped GR86 Cup Cars battling it out. The JPJ-liveried safety car will be driven by local racing veteran Faidzal Alang, who confirmed his role in a Facebook post.

What makes the car even more notable is the fact that JPJ and PLUS Malaysia are supporting the series as visible sponsors. It’s rare to see an enforcement body taking up such a role, especially in motorsport.

The move reflects a shift in mindset, showing that authorities are beginning to view motorsport as a legitimate, structured platform for driving passion, perhaps signalling their encouragement to take place on proper circuits rather than public roads.

The safety car is identical to the GR86 Cup Cars competing in the series. These are full race builds imported from Japan, sold exclusively through Haro Sports for RM208,315. The price includes sales tax and a Motorsports AP, but the cars are not road legal.

Only 30 units are available, and they’re offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For context, the standard road-going GR86 sold by UMW Toyota Motor is priced from RM295,000 for the manual version and RM305,000 for the automatic.

Under the hood is the same 2.4-litre naturally aspirated flat-four engine, but with reworked throttle mapping and a Fujitsubo performance exhaust. Output stands at 228 HP and 250 NM. The six-speed manual transmission remains, but it’s upgraded with a Cusco racing clutch and transmission cooler. A Torsen limited-slip differential helps manage traction at the rear.

Handling is improved with KW Racing suspension, TRD bushes, and recalibrated electric power steering. Braking hardware sees Advics monobloc four-piston calipers up front and two-piston calipers at the rear. The cars roll on lightweight 17-inch Raxer RP10X forged wheels wrapped in 225/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS tyres.

Inside, the cabin is stripped and fitted with race-spec safety gear. That includes a JAF-certified roll cage, FIA-approved Bride ZETA bucket seat with a six-point harness, and a fire suppression system. Each car weighs around 1,290 KG with the driver and complies with 2025 MTCC TP2 regulations (previously known as MCS SP1).

With evenly matched cars and experienced racers behind the wheel, the GR86 Cup Malaysia is set to deliver close, door-to-door racing, much like the TGR Vios Cup run by principals UMW Toyota Motor.

And thanks to a viral moment and a bold livery choice, it’s already off to a memorable start.