Tokyo, 2024 – Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has proudly unveiled the latest iteration of the GR Yaris at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, marking a significant evolution in its high-performance lineup. The new GR Yaris, set to hit the Japanese market this spring, incorporates a series of enhancements, most notably the addition of the 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission.
A Leap in Motorsports Technology
The development of the GR Yaris has been heavily influenced by TGR’s extensive involvement in various motorsports. Embracing a ‘driver-first’ approach to car-making, TGR has integrated valuable insights from professional race drivers, including feedback from Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda, known affectionately as Morizo. The ethos of “Thanks for breaking it,” directed towards drivers who have pushed the vehicle to its limits, underscores the commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects – from power units to body, interior, and exterior designs.
Innovation in Transmission for Broader Appeal
The 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission is a key innovation, born from Morizo’s vision to make the thrill of driving accessible to a broader audience and to expand the motorsports base. This transmission is meticulously crafted to deliver a sporty driving experience comparable to manual transmissions, enabling a wider range of drivers to engage in racing and spirited driving.
Driver-Centric Cockpit Design
The GR Yaris’ cockpit has been meticulously designed with input from professional drivers, ensuring an optimal blend of visibility and operability. Key modifications include a driver-focused control panel and display, enhanced driving position, and strategically placed switches for ease of use, even when harnessed.
Ongoing Commitment to Motorsports
Since its launch in September 2020, the GR Yaris has been a staple in TGR’s racing endeavors. The rigors of rally racing and other motorsports disciplines provide invaluable opportunities for refining the GR Yaris. This process involves detailed analysis of driving data, steering feedback, and examination of wear and tear, all contributing to its evolution.
Key Features of the Evolved GR Yaris
- 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, honed through diverse motorsports challenges.
- Enhanced cockpit design with professional driver input, featuring a new control panel, improved driving posture, and a professional race driver-inspired TFT gauge display.
- Upgraded 1.6-liter turbo engine, boosting output and torque for competitive edge in motorsports.
- Exterior design influenced by motorsports engagement, including improved cooling and aerodynamics.
- Reinforced chassis and body for increased durability and performance.
- New “Cooling Package” for enhanced cooling performance, critical for the increased engine output and new transmission.
- “Drive Mode Select” standard feature for customized driving experiences.
- New “Circuit Mode” for an enhanced racing experience, with features like anti-lag control and GPS-based functionality.
- Factory-installed option of a vertically positioned parking brake for motorsports application.
Future Plans and Special Editions
TGR also plans to upgrade the GRMN Yaris with learnings from the evolved GR Yaris. Special edition models, the GR Yaris RZ “High performance・Sébastien Ogier Edition” and the “Kalle Rovanperä Edition,” based on the evolved model, are set for release, with their debut scheduled at the upcoming Rallye Monte Carlo.
In summary, the evolved GR Yaris represents TGR’s unwavering commitment to motorsports and its relentless pursuit of creating ever-better, high-performance vehicles, catering to a wide range of driving enthusiasts.
Evolved GR Yaris RZ “High performance” main specifications (in-house measurements, Japanese market specifications)-
| Length | [mm] | 3,995 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width | [mm] | 1,805 | ||
| Height | [mm] | 1,455 | ||
| Wheelbase | [mm] | 2,560 | ||
| Track (front / rear) | [mm] | 1,535 / 1,565 | ||
| Occupancy | 4 | |||
| Weight | [kg] | 1,280 (1,300 for version with GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission) | ||
| Engine | In-line 3-cylinder with turbo and intercooler | |||
| Type | G16E-GTS | |||
| Bore x stroke | [mm] | 87.5 x 89.7 | ||
| Displacement | [liters] | 1.618 | ||
| Max. output | [kW (PS)/rpm] | 224 (304)/6,500 | ||
| Max. torque | [N･m (kgf･m)/rpm] | 400 (40.8)/3,250-4,600 | ||
| Transmission | iMT (6-speed manual transmission) or GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (8-speed automatic transmission) | |||
| Drivetrain | GR-FOUR 4WD system Electronic multi-plate clutch 4WD (with 3 selectable modes) | |||
| Differentials | Front | Torsen LSD | ||
| Rear | Torsen LSD | |||
| Suspension | Front | MacPherson strut | ||
| Rear | Double wishbone | |||
| Brakes | Front | Ventilated disk (18-inch aluminum, opposed 4-pot calipers) | ||
| Rear | Ventilated disk (16-inch aluminum, opposed 2-pot calipers) | |||
| Wheels | BBS forged aluminum wheels 8J inset 45 mm | |||
| Tires (front / rear) | 225/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S | |||
| Fuel tank capacity | [liters] | 50 | ||
