Rallye Monte-Carlo showcases new GR Yaris Aero Performance and special editions

The GR Yaris expressed its motorsports DNA at Rallye Monte-Carlo (January 22-25) with the world premiere of a new rally-inspired special edition alongside a showcase for the new Aero Performance grade, which delivers stability and cooling improvements directly developed through competition.

A high-performance hatchback, the GR Yaris was inspired by the winning combination of power, poise and precise control of the GR YARIS Rally1 car which competes in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

When Akio Toyoda brought Toyota back to the WRC as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) in 2017, he signalled the company’s passion for motorsports and strong commitment to making ever-better cars through lessons learned in competition.

The World Rally Championship tests cars, drivers and team members more than any other discipline. From the freezing snow to the desert heat, on every kind of road surface, it offers a unique setting to learn about the roads and conditions facing customers around the world. This extreme environment helps TGR to train people, develop technology and gain knowledge to build ever-better cars.

As the first dedicated model to carry the GR nameplate, the GR Yaris is the trailblazer for this philosophy. It has continually evolved since its 2020 launch via limit-pushing participation in harsh motorsports conditions. The GR Yaris Aero Performance epitomises that approach. Participation in Japan’s Super Taikyu race series and the Japanese Rally Championship prompted improvements through analysis of driving data and direct feedback from drivers.

Rallye Monte-Carlo, the opening round of the 2026 WRC season, was therefore a fitting location to display the GR Yaris Aero Performance, and host a world premiere for the “Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion” edition, presented for the first time on January 22 at the iconic Monaco harbour. They were displayed alongside the new “MORIZO RR” special edition in the service park.

Monte-Carlo is the oldest and most prestigious event on the WRC calendar, featuring legendary stages such as the Col de Turini, which takes competitors through hairpins and narrow roads on a challenging mountain pass.

TGR conquered the demanding conditions and took all three podium positions on the 2026 Rallye Monte-Carlo. Oliver Solberg, driving a Rally1 car for the first time in Rallye Monte-Carlo and starting his first full season in the top category, became the event’s youngest-ever winner, at 24. He finished ahead of his TGR team-mates, Elfyn Evans and World Champion Sébastien Ogier.

Ogier’s record-equalling title successes are honoured by the ‘Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition’, which is limited to 200 units, including 100 for the European market. It incorporates exclusive equipment reflecting the Frenchman’s preferences and driving style.

It includes special “SEB” and “MORIZO” all-wheel-drive control modes, developed by TGR with Ogier, while changes to the interior and exterior combine refined understatement with functional design. The new “Black Gravite” colour is complemented by matte‑black wheels while accents inside and out are inspired by the colours of the French flag.

It is the second special edition to pay tribute to Ogier and follows in the wheel tracks of the Ogier Edition, which was revealed at the 2024 Rallye Monte-Carlo alongside a model marking Kalle Rovanperä’s world championships.

All three special editions are inspired by the desire of Akio Toyoda – aka Morizo – to express his respect and gratitude to the drivers “who hone and grow our cars in rallies” and to the teams, the rally organisers and the sport’s fans. Each features all-wheel-drive control modes programmed to reflect the performance and handling preferences of each driver, plus unique styling features.

The ‘MORIZO RR’ edition was displayed in Europe for the first time in Monte-Carlo, following its world premiere at the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this month. It was created with Morizo and benefits from insights gained through the challenge of competing in the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours.

The limited edition is equipped with GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) and features an exclusive rear wing and optimised suspension set-up, while the electric power steering (EPS) system has been tuned and the exclusive 4WD “MORIZO” control mode added. Exterior enhancements include a front spoiler, side skirts, and a carbon-fibre bonnet. The distinctive appearance is enhanced by the exclusive Gravel Khaki colour, Piano Black radiator grille, Matte Bronze wheels and yellow brake callipers.

Expanding the GR Yaris presence in Monte-Carlo, the successful present and a potential future of WRC technology were also on show. The World Championship-winning GR YARIS Rally1 was displayed next to the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept, which is fitted with an internal combustion engine fuelled by compressed hydrogen. It delivers near-zero tailpipe emissions while retaining the sounds and sensations so popular with rally fans.

The new GR Yaris Aero Performance grade showed off the six new aerodynamic parts which improve stability and cooling by optimising air flow around the vehicle. An uncompromising approach to targeted improvements has resulted in a more confident ride – including improved straight-line stability and cornering – for a greater sense of unity between car and driver.

A new large cooling duct and grille on the aluminium bonnet mirrors the contoured shape of the GRMN Yaris’ carbon-fibre bonnet. During high-speed driving, it improves cooling by discharging heat from the engine compartment. It was developed and proven in the Japanese Rally Championship.

A front lip spoiler refined in Super Taikyu helps to increase aerodynamic efficiency by suppressing front lift, improving lift balance and enhancing grip. The spoiler was engineered with Kazuya Oshima, a professional driver who competes with Morizo’s Rookie Racing team in the Super Formula, Super GT and Super Taikyu championships in Japan.  

A prominent, variable rear spoiler contributes to high-speed handling as well as confident braking. Its angle can be manually adjusted to suit different circumstances, bringing out the best in the GR Yaris whether on the racetrack or in the city.

A revised floor undercover optimises underbody airflow and further improves the aerodynamics. It was inspired by the flat bottom of the fuel tank used in Super Taikyu.

New fender ducts, located between the front wheel and the door, release rear-flowing air that accumulates in the front wheelhouse. This improves the steering feel under heavy braking and handling stability at corner entry.

Ducts on each side of the rear bumper decrease the drag coefficient by allowing smoother airflow under the car. They were introduced in response to a scenario encountered by a GR Yaris in Super Taikyu, when a rear bumper was detached due to aerodynamic loads.

Meanwhile, a rally-style vertical handbrake, which utilises insights gained from competing in the WRC and Japanese Rally Championship, is available as an option.

Together, the six new components express the full potential of the GR Yaris and create a sharper appearance with a heightened sense of purpose and style. The GR Yaris Aero Performance is available to order in Europe now.