Tokyo, Japan – In a significant advancement for motorsports, Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) announced the FIA homologation of the GR Yaris Rally2. Officially recognized from January 1, 2024, this marks a new chapter in Toyota’s illustrious motorsport history.
TGR’s commitment to the motorsport arena is evident through its participation in multiple championships. With the GR Yaris Rally1 hybrid in the FIA World Rally Championship, the GR010 hybrid in the World Endurance Championship, and the DKR Hilux EVO T1U in the World Rally Raid Championship, Toyota has been a dominant force. Further expanding their motorsport involvement, TGR has also developed the GR Supra GT4 for customer motorsport activities, reinforcing their dedication to creating ‘ever better cars’.
The introduction of the GR Yaris Rally2 is a strategic move by TGR to expand its presence in customer rallying. Akio Toyoda, Chairman and enthusiast known as ‘Morizo’, envisions the GR Yaris Rally2 as a pivotal model in bridging the gap between motorsport and production vehicles. This vision aims to invigorate the global rally market, leveraging competition to enhance vehicle performance and appeal.
Following the homologation approval, the GR Yaris Rally2 is now set for worldwide distribution. The milestone first unit will be delivered to ROOKIE Racing, led by Morizo himself. The car’s competitive debut is eagerly anticipated at the Rallye Monte-Carlo, scheduled from January 25-28, where four teams will compete with the GR Yaris Rally2.
This model marks Toyota’s first four-wheel-drive sports car developed in 20 years, exclusively by TGR. Unlike its predecessor, the GR Yaris Rally1, designed for TGR’s victory, the GR Yaris Rally2 is engineered for customer success. Its journey began at Rally Japan in 2022, with Morizo personally testing the car’s capabilities.
In its development phase, the GR Yaris Rally2 has undergone extensive testing, amassing over 15,000 competition kilometers. Feedback from a diverse group of drivers, including professionals, young talents, and experienced customers, has been instrumental in its evolution. Toyota’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident as they plan to integrate further insights from customer motorsport competitors in various championships, including the WRC.
This initiative by Toyota Gazoo Racing not only reinforces their position in the motorsport industry but also showcases their dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. The GR Yaris Rally2 is set to become a new beacon of excellence in rally racing, embodying Toyota’s spirit of pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
GR Yaris Rally2 technical specifications
| Engine | Type | Turbocharged in-line three-cylinder |
| Displacement (cc) | 1,618.2 | |
| Bore x stroke (mm) | 87.5 x 89.7 | |
| Air restrictor (mm) | 32 (FIA regulation) | |
| Transmission | Type | 5-speed sequential |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive with motorsport-specification limited-slip differential | |
| Suspension | Front/rear | MacPherson strut |
| Brakes | Diameter (mm) | 300 – gravel 350 or 300 Tarmac |
| Dimensions | Length (mm) | 3,995 |
| Width (mm) | 1,820 | |
| Height | Adjustable | |
| Weight (kg) | 1,230 (with spare tyre, FIA regulation) |
