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Monthly Archives: January 2025

  1. A split image comparing the stock skid plate of a BMW G8X and the Mishimoto version.

    Skid Plates Redefined – The Mishimoto Advantage

    The road is unpredictable, filled with hazards that can threaten the integrity of a vehicle’s undercarriage. From deep potholes to unexpected debris, even the most capable performance vehicles are vulnerable to damage where it matters most. Stock skid plates, if they exist at all, often fall short in providing the level of protection needed to safeguard critical components. That’s where our aftermarket skid plates come in, offering superior protection, durability, and functionality over their OEM counterparts.

     

    Many manufacturers prioritize cost and ease of mass production when designing their vehicles, often leading to compromises in materials and design choices. A common example is the use of plastic splash shields instead of true skid plates. While these factory components may provide minimal protection against dirt and water, they are insufficient for guarding against more serious impacts. A direct hit from a rock, an unexpected speed bump, or a rough landing on a track day can crack

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  2. A Toyota GR Corolla in Supersonic Red driving quickly down a dirt road.

    2023 Toyota GR Corolla – R&D Vehicle Profile

    When Toyota announced that the GR Corolla was coming for the 2023 model year, we were quick to take note. After a few years of seeing countless videos and reviews of the venerable yet unobtainable GR Yaris—a model not available to the American market—we’d developed a bit of an itch. Once we heard that Toyota was finally bringing a rally-inspired turbocharged hot hatch with all-wheel drive and three pedals to the US, we set out to secure our latest R&D vehicle.

    After hundreds of hours of research and development to design new performance applications, we want to share some of the products we’ve made for the GR Corolla. But first, let’s take a look at the car itself.

    Vehicle Review

    An image of a 2023 Toyota GR Corolla in front of a covered bridge.

    The wait for the GR Corolla was a long one, but it was made even longer by then CEO, Akio Toyoda. After personally testing the vehicle prototype, Toyoda, who also goes by the racing moniker Morizo, didn’t feel the vehicle was up to par. He urged Toyota engineers to take it up a notch, telling them to make it “wider

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  3. An image of a Mishimoto performance intercooler on a workbench while an engineer works on a vehicle in the background.

    How Does an Intercooler Work?

    Have you ever wondered what that metal component in front of your radiator is, or maybe that thing sitting on top of your engine? If you drive a turbocharged car, chances are you’re looking at your vehicle’s intercooler. So, what does an intercooler do?

    Intercoolers play a crucial role in ensuring the performance, efficiency, and longevity of turbocharged engines. As air is compressed in forced induction systems, it heats up, reducing its density and oxygen content. By cooling the air before it reaches the engine, intercoolers improve combustion efficiency, resulting in increased power and better fuel economy. This cooling process is essential in combating the heat generated by turbochargers, which can reach extreme temperatures during operation. Without an intercooler, an engine risks losing power potential and may be prone to detonation and premature wear.

    How Intercoolers Work

    An intercooler acts as a heat exchanger. As hot, compressed air from the turbocharger or supercharger flows

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  4. An image of the new Mishimoto headquarters, located in Garnet, Valley, PA.

    Looking Ahead & Behind – Mishimoto Year in Review

    Now that we've closed out 2024 and started a new year, we’ve looked back at what our automotive cooling and performance auto parts team has created and the growth of our company. We are also looking into our crystal ball of what is ahead in 2025 for our new innovative product roster.

    What We've Accomplished

    Moved to Pennsylvania!

    Mishimoto was founded in 2005 in Delaware and has served as an excellent home for the last two decades. However, we’re always looking to push the limits here at Mishimoto, so in April of 2024 we decided to move next door to Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, allowing us to expand our footprint to a 68,000-square-foot building to provide larger space to develop new and exciting performance parts. This move also allows for expanded contributors, bringing in more engineers, project managers, and marketers! Are you local to the area and interested in joining the team? Check out our careers page.

    Launched Borne Off-Road

    An image of Anthony, a Mishimoto engineering, sitting on the hood of a yellow Jeep JK Wrangler that is in the middle of a mud bog.

    In October 2024, Mishimoto launched its sister brand,

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