Toyota, in a move that blends the thrill of world-class rallying with consumer automobiles, today announced two limited-edition GR Yaris models, each designed with the personal flair of Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team champions Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä. These exclusive editions made a grand entrance on the first day of the Rallye Monte-Carlo, marking the beginning of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship season.
Originating from concept versions showcased at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, these models are the brainchild of Sébastien Ogier, a two-time champion with TGR-WRT in 2020 and 2021, and Kalle Rovanperä, the reigning champion of 2022 and 2023. Their design is a testament to Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda’s, a.k.a. “Morizo”, dedication to honoring those who “hone and grow our cars in rallies”, including drivers, teams, organizers, and fans.
The GR Yaris “Ogier Edition” and “Rovanperä Edition” have replaced the standard “Gravel” and “Track” modes with driver-specific settings that align with each champion’s preferred performance and handling characteristics. Moreover, both editions boast unique styling elements, setting them apart visually.
Under the hood, they are powered by the latest iteration of the GR Yaris’ 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 280 DIN hp and 390 Nm of torque, coupled with a six-speed intelligent manual transmission.
The Ogier Edition:
This edition features two new AWD control modes: “Morizo” and “Seb”. “Morizo”, inspired by Toyoda’s rally experiences, aims for consistent race times, while “Seb”, crafted by Ogier, focuses on agility and rear axle torque distribution for swift, controlled maneuvers. Aesthetically, it sports a Matt Stealth Grey finish, French flag motifs, commemorative WRC stickers, a carbon fibre spoiler, blue brake callipers, and special Gazoo Racing decals.
The Rovanperä Edition:
The “Rovanperä Edition” introduces the exciting “Donut Mode” for thrilling, torque-rich rear-wheel driving, alongside “Kalle Mode” for dynamic, power-driven cornering. This edition dazzles with a unique three-tone paint job, WRC stickers, Gazoo Racing decals, and a high-performance spoiler. The Finnish flag inspires the interior design, adding to the car’s rally heritage.
Both editions will be available in very limited quantities, with sales and ordering details for European markets to be disclosed later by national distributors. This launch represents a unique intersection of high-performance engineering and rally-inspired design, offering an unparalleled driving experience for rally enthusiasts and car collectors alike.
