Newsroom Toyota Europe

GR Yaris evolves further with driving-focused refinements

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0100

The 2026 evolution of the GR Yaris performance hatchback introduces new motorsports-inspired improvements to enhance steering and vehicle control, especially during limit-pushing driving.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s motorsports activities, including its multiple title-winning FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) team, have shaped the GR Yaris and driven a continuous improvement since its 2020 launch, expressing the TGR philosophy of making ever-better cars through competition.

Over that time, the GR Yaris has been pushed to its limits in the extreme environment of rallying and racing, where problems are thoroughly pursued by analysing driving data, examining damaged parts in detail and responding to the feedback of a diverse range of drivers.

Motorsports know-how has again guided the latest evolution of the GR Yaris and GR Yaris Aero Performance, and they benefit from detailed updates to optimise the driving experience.

The updates start at the interface between driver and vehicle. The steering wheel has been remodelled based on real-world, on-track analysis. With the aim of improving control and maintaining focus on the road, TGR engineers conducted evaluations with professional race drivers to optimise steering wheel design and layout. Using clay-model prototypes, they refined its shape and size through repeated track testing.

The diameter of the exclusive new steering wheel has been reduced by 5 mm to 360 mm to allow for quicker steering inputs. Meanwhile, the grip area has been enlarged and thumb rests removed to achieve superior response in motorsports conditions.

A new switch layout is another direct result of experience gained in motorsports, when drivers often turn the wheel up to 180 degrees without changing their hand position. On traditional designs this can cause steering wheel-mounted buttons to be pressed accidentally, so the GR Yaris’ new layout moves all buttons further from the driver’s hands to eliminate the issue.

Drivers will feel more grip and control thanks to the adoption of newly developed high-grip Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres. They benefit from revisions to the tread pattern, internal construction, and rubber compound, which delivers enhanced circuit performance whilst also reducing road noise.

To maximise this additional traction, front and rear shock absorber damping settings have been modified. Based on TGR’s experience of high-grip tyres in competitions like Super Taikyu and the Japanese Rally Championship, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) has also been updated. The operating range of the steering assistance, even during heavy braking and high-load cornering, has been expanded by optimising the torsion bar rigidity inside the torque sensor and updating the control software.

Meanwhile, the driver’s airbag design now features an exclusive GR emblem on the steering wheel, while a Driver Monitor Camera – which detects signs of distraction or fatigue and is linked to the vehicle’s Emergency Driving Stop System – has also been added to the standard safety features.

Additionally, for greater comfort in colder conditions, heated seat and steering wheel functions are now available in combination with the optional vertical hand brake.

All updates are applied to the latest GR Yaris and GR Yaris Aero Performance models, which are available to order across Europe now.

_{Note: The level of equipment shown in the images related to this press release may not fully correspond to European specifications.}

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

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0100

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.

New Sébastien Ogier-inspired GR Yaris special edition revealed

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:30:00 +0100

The new GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition is a limited edition, which pays tribute to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) driver Sébastien Ogier’s achievement in winning the 2025 Drivers’ World Championship.

The battle for the 2025 title went down to the final round at Rally Saudi Arabia. Competing in 11 events throughout the season, Ogier claimed six victories and a total of ten podium finishes, ultimately earning his record-equalling ninth world title.

Throughout his successful campaign, Ogier demonstrated the qualities TGR strives for: an unwavering drive to win, a refusal to give up, and a determination to push beyond limits. The new special edition was developed to recognise his triumphs and place in rally history, while expressing gratitude to all the fans who support TGR-WRT.

An under-development prototype was presented on January 22 at the iconic Monaco harbour, before the start of a rally which Ogier will challenge to win for a record 11th time. Upon completion of development, the new edition will be limited to 200 units worldwide, including 100 for the European market.

The GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition is based on the new GR Yaris Aero Performance and incorporates exclusive equipment reflecting the Frenchman’s preferences and driving style.

Together with Ogier, TGR developed two special all‑wheel drive control modes. “SEB” mode replaces the original “TRACK” mode and uses a 40:60 front-rear torque split to enable rear-drive-oriented vehicle control while maintaining front-end turning performance. “MORIZO” mode replaces the original “GRAVEL” mode, and it maximises traction and cornering performance. Under acceleration, front and rear wheels are locked, while under braking, locking force is reduced as necessary. Ogier favoured the torque distribution settings developed by Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda – aka Morizo – through extensive rally driving, leading to its adoption in this edition.

The interior and exterior of the GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition have been modified to combine refined understatement with functional design inspired by the demands of real rally stages.

The newly developed Black Gravite colour represents TGR’s 2025 motorsports activities and is complemented by matte black wheels in a matching tone. The brake callipers are finished in Ogier’s signature blue, while the radiator grille features a tricolour accent inspired by the French flag.

Red, blue and grey stitching extends the French tricolour theme to the steering wheel, which has a smaller overall diameter and a redesigned switch layout, based on insights from the GR Yaris Rally2 rally car. The exclusive leather grip of the vertical handbrake features grey stitching, while a commemorative serial-number plate celebrates Ogier’s titles. There are also dedicated display graphics for “SEB” and “MORIZO” modes on the full‑TFT GR instrument display.

GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition – Special Equipment List

(Under development; equipment may change without prior notice)

Performance

Exclusive AWD control modes: SEB Mode / MORIZO Mode

Exterior

Exclusive body colour: Black Gravite
Exclusive wheel colour: matte black
Exclusive coloured brake callipers (blue)
Tricolour‑accent radiator grille
“MORIZO” signature front windshield graphic
Exclusive rear emblem: Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition
Exclusive vinyl graphics (lower door, rear fender)

Interior

Leather‑wrapped vertical parking brake lever with grey stitching
Tricolour‑stitched GR steering wheel
Serial‑numbered edition‑specific plaque
Exclusive full‑TFT GR instrument display graphics (SEB / MORIZO modes)

New Toyota GR Yaris DPL Press kit

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0200

INTRODUCING THE NEW GR YARIS

The new Toyota GR Yaris benefits from technical, design and construction enhancements that promise to deliver an even greater driving experience.

The original GR Yaris, first revealed in 2020, received such a positive reception on its launch, Toyota might have considered its work was done. Here was a car that at straight away stormed to the top of the hot-hatch segment, a rally-born, thoroughbred machine that left all competitors in its wake.

This was in fact just the start of the story. In the three years since the first car came off the production line, intensive efforts have been invested in making it even better: more powerful, more responsive, more engaging and more rewarding to drive.

The winning combination of power, poise and precise control of the GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID competition car has filtered down directly from World Rally, the sport’s premier competition, to the new GR Yaris, a car that’s genuinely “born from WRC”. This high-performance hatchback is a perfect expression of Toyota’s focus on using involvement in top level motorsport to fuel the development of ever better cars – both for racing and the road.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing engineers have worked with race and rally professionals in the spirit of constant improvement to enrich the GR Yaris’ essential character as a “driver-first” car – one that is all about the special experience you enjoy from the moment you get behind the wheel and fire up the engine.

The check-list of changes is extensive, justifying the “new GR Yaris” description. Key elements include evolution of the world-leading turbocharged three-cylinder engine to deliver even more power and torque and the introduction of a brand-new eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, engineered for competition-fast gear changes.

The bespoke GR Yaris chassis has been further strengthened and in the cabin the cockpit layout and driving position have been redrawn for a more authentic sports car feel, whether on-road driving or in motorsports competition. The suspension has also been adjusted for greater handling control and robust performance under high loads, with revised spring rates and a strengthened front shock absorber assembly.

The new GR Yaris offers everything that made the original such a success, but more so. As a result, it promises to set itself even further ahead of the competition.

A more focused range comprises a single version in “Circuit” specification that includes a cooling performance pack. This equips the car with an additional sub-radiator, intercooler spray and modified air intake.

The new GR Yaris will go on sale across Europe from Summer 2024.

GR YARIS: THE STORY SO FAR

GR Yaris developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
Engineering and design benefit directly from TGR’s World Rally Championship-winning expertise
More than 40,000 sold worldwide, with about half of these in Europe, since launch in 2020

The GR Yaris is the perfect demonstration of how Toyota and its performance arm TOYOTA GAZOO Racing are committed to developing ever-better cars through motorsport. From the outset, this was not going to be just another hot hatch: this was a car that in engineering and design terms directly reaped the benefits of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s championship winning experience in the WRC.

A new engine, a new electronic all-wheel drive system and a tailor-made chassis were all part of the plan. When the production car reached the hands of the press and customers, the response far surpassed Toyota’s expectations. Since the model’s 2020 launch, more than 20,000 cars have been sold in Europe, with a 99% customer satisfaction rating. Most of those sold have been the Circuit Pack version, hence the decision to focus on this specification for the new model. Customers include many performance car aficionados, who consider the GR Yaris to be worthy of a place alongside significantly more powerful prestige models in their collections. The GR Yaris is thus beyond categorisation; it is in a class of its own and an instant sports car classic.

The development programme that has delivered the new GR Yaris follows the concept of “develop, race, break, fix”. This describes how in seeking improvements, the car is pushed to its limits – literally to the breaking point of its components. Chief Engineer Naohiko Saito said: “Every aspect of the new GR Yaris incorporates the knowhow and expertise fed back from actual motorsport situations and from our Master Driver Akio Toyoda and race and rally drivers.”

POWERTRAIN: MORE POWER, MORE TORQUE, MORE CONTROL

Maximum output from turbocharged three-cylinder engine increased to 280 DIN hp; maximum torque rises to 390 Nm
Power unit “tested to breaking point” in race and rally competition to ensure durability
Brand new eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission

At launch, the GR Yaris’ turbocharged engine had the distinction of being the world’s most powerful three-cylinder production unit. Now it offers even more: power has been increased by 19 DIN hp and the driver can call on an additional 30 Nm of torque, with maximum figures rising from 261 DIN hp and 360 Nm to 280 DIN hp and 390 Nm.

This new benchmark in performance reaffirms the car’s supremacy in its class, increasing its advantage over the competition and delivering an authentic race car feel that reaffirms how Toyota has realised its ambition to build a rally car for the road.

At the same time as engine output has been raised, steps have been taken to ensure durability is maintained. Once again, the race track and the rally stage were the proving ground, with the engine tested to breaking point in the Japan Rally Championship and the Japanese Endurance Race series. Details include a strengthened valvetrain, a new exhaust valve material and an increase in the D-4ST fuel injection pressure. New lightweight pistons with wear-resistant rings have been fitted and a new intake pressure sensor has been added.

The specification for Europe includes a cooling pack as standard, comprising an additional sub-radiator that extend the time the vehicle can be driven in full-throttle; modifications to the air intake; and an intercooler water spray.

A sporty engine sound is a key part of the GR driving experience. In the GR Yaris the effect is heightened by a control sound directed through the sound system’s amplifier to enhance the quality of the engine note. Active Noise Control uses a microphone to detect noise generated by engine rotation; cancelling noise is calculated by computer and output through the car’s audio speakers.

Fast shifting with new GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission

The introduction of a brand-new eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission is one of the most significant changes in the new GR Yaris programme, offered as an option to the established six-speed manual gearbox. In designing the new unit, Toyota focused on achieving the fastest possible downshift speed. Using an automatic transmission also lets the driver focus more strongly on steering and use of the brake and throttle pedals.

Where conventional gear shifting relies on sensing vehicle behaviour, such as deceleration g-force and speed, the new transmission’s optimised software is also finely tuned to sense how the driver is using the brakes and accelerator. By doing so, it anticipates when gear shifting is necessary even before changes in vehicle behaviour occur, so that gear selection reflects the driver’s intentions and is similar to how professional drivers operate.

In track testing, the new system proved its value, helping secure faster lap times than the manual transmission. Handling performance is supported by the standard provision of front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials.

To address issues including the vulnerability of automatic systems to heat damage and the need to balance high shift speed with driveability, GR engineers carried out repeated materials and software revisions. The test programme included TGR World Rally Team drivers putting it through its paces on different surfaces, including snow-covered roads in Finland. The unit was also used in the Japan Rally Championship, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge and the Super Taikyu Series.

A new drive mode selection function is available to tailor the car for both sports driving and everyday use, with Sport, Normal and Eco modes engaging different settings for the electric power steering, air conditioning operation, throttle response and the driver’s instrument display. On models equipped with the GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, the gearshift feel and selection are also adjusted. Shift feel is response-oriented in Sport mode and has a balance between shock and response in Normal and Eco modes. In Sport mode, response is prioritised in the D range, while using M range ensures the quickest shifting. The driver will find that working within the rev band from 4,900 rpm to the 7,200 rpm red line puts them at the heart of the action.

Six-speed manual sports transmission

Changes have been made to the six-speed manual sports transmission’s clutch system, adding a new dual mass flywheel so that the torque has been increased from 360 to 390Nm. The clutch characteristics have been tuned for controllable performance when making a rapid start and in competition driving.

Clutch pedal operation has been adjusted with the peak pressing force set relatively high to achieve the kind of feedback that’s appropriate for a sports car.

GR-FOUR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

GR-FOUR provides precise front/rear drive torque control
Two limited-slip differentials manage left/right drive balance
Driver can adjust AWD settings to suit conditions or their preference using mode switch

Optimum grip and traction are achieved with the GR-FOUR electronically controlled, permanent all-wheel drive system. The distribution of torque between the front and rear axles is governed by a high-response coupling, while two Torsen limited-slip differentials manage the split between the left and right-side wheels to give natural and direct car control.

The ingenious system uses slightly different gear ratios for the front and rear axles and allows for a theoretical range of front/rear torque balance from 100:0 (full front-wheel drive) to 0:100 (full rear-wheel drive). This flexibility gives a performance advantage over AWD on-demand systems that use twin-coupling or permanent AWD systems with a centre differential. The GR-FOUR system is also considerably lighter in weight.

The driver can adjust four-wheel drive performance to suit their preference or the driving situation using a 4WD mode dial switch. In normal mode the standard front/rear torque distribution is 60:40, but with new variable drive torque, the balance shifts in Track mode between 60:40 and 30:70. This increases the driving rewards on circuits and winding roads: the car will enter a bend with 60:40 distribution, but this will change to 30:70 to gain more rear wheel traction and secure better acceleration out of the bend. In Gravel mode the base setting is 53:47 for fast, competitive driving on circuits or special stages. In each mode, the torque balance will automatically adjust in response to the driver’s inputs, vehicle behaviour and road or track conditions.

The all-wheel drive system’s ECU provides linear control of the drive torque distribution, in line with the driving situation, responding to vehicle information including vehicle speed, acceleration and brake pressure. The system also uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, operating according to data from sensors measuring wheel speed, G-forces and clutch temperature.

CHASSIS AND HANDLING

Increased body rigidity delivers even better chassis and steering response
Purpose-designed chassis combining elements of Toyota’s GA-B and GA-C platforms
Suspension strengthened to enhance performance under high loads

The GR Yaris’ lightweight body has been rendered even more rigid with around a 13% increase in spot welds and the application of approximately 24% more structural adhesive. As a result, the car’s yaw response, steering feedback and grip feel have been enhanced, building what was already a taut and highly rewarding chassis.

The platform was purpose-designed for the car, combining the front section of the Yaris’ GA-B structure and a new rear end crafted from Toyota’s larger GA-C platform. The body shell is unchanged, with a roof made from a lightweight forged (rather than woven) carbon compound material. Aluminium is used for the bonnet and doors, again saving weight and helping lower the car’s centre of gravity. Thin-sheet steel is used in the wings and side members, with light and strong high-tensile steels in critical areas to ensure the car’s structure can safely absorb and dissipate impact forces.

Strengthened suspension

The light but rigid suspension systems have been retained – front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones with trailing arms – but adjustments have been made in response to feedback from competition drivers. Adding extra bolts to fasten the front shock absorbers to the body suppresses changes in alignment that can happen when upper bush deforms in high-load driving. The front and rear springs have also been adjusted for optimum performance and improved handling control.

Brakes

The braking system comprises 356 mm ventilated front discs with four-pot, lightweight aluminium callipers and 297 mm ventilated rear discs with two-pot aluminium callipers. The callipers are painted red and decorated with the GR logo.

High-friction pads are used front and rear. The brakes’ heat capacity is suitable for circuit driving, with performance closer to that of heavier and more powerful C-segment cars.

The brake pedal has a short stroke and is tuned for solid feedback. Braking has a linear feel, with little variation between city and sports driving.

Steering

The steering is engineered for high control and linear feedback, contributing to how the driver feels a great sense of connection to the car, and to the road.

The additional bolts used to fasten the front shock absorbers contribute to sharper and more direct steering response. The driver receives the optimum feedback, even when making only small steering angle adjustments. Performance is further sharpened by minimising the delay before steering assistance is activated when the driver turns the wheel. The steering stroke ratio is 13.6:1 and the steering wheel takes 2.36 turns lock-to-lock.

Wheels and tyres

The new GR Yaris is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design, shod with Michelin Pilot 4S high-performance tyres, designed for extra grip for high-speed driving stability and control. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels are available in option.

COMPETITION-INSPIRED DRIVER’S COCKPIT

Driver’s cockpit redesigned with input from professional race and rally drivers
Key controls repositioned for quick, intuitive operation
Driver’s field of vision increased

Significant changes have been made inside the GR Yaris to give the driver’s cockpit an authentically sporty feel with a design that’s true to the “driver first” principles that define the car.

The GR team took the inputs from racing and rally drivers as inspiration for re-positioning controls and giving the driver faster, clearer access. Race and rally drivers also had direct input into the changes.

Controls that often need to be used in competition driving, such as intercooler spray, VSC-OFF and hazard lights have been moved closer to the driver so they can be reached quickly and easily when using a racing harness. On the passenger side, the tray in the instrument panel has been made larger so there is space for extra meters or a co-driver’s monitor to be fitted.

The driver’s field of vision from the wheel has been improved by lowering the top edge of the instrument panel by 50 mm, changing the position of the rear-view mirror and angling the control panel 15 degrees further towards the driver.

The instrumentation includes a new 12.3-inch fully digital combimeter with two layout modes – normal and sport, the latter providing a sports performance-focused data display. The design is free of any superfluous ornamentation, so graphics are clear and information can be instantly viewed and understood. On the automatic model, the read-out includes transmission oil temperature and a visual warning in addition to a sound alarm to alert the driver when engine revs are too high for downshifting.

Precise changes have been made to give the driver the best posture. The seat has been lowered by 25 mm and steering wheel adjusted accordingly. The shift direction has been changed to suit competition driving so the driver pushes the lever forward for downshifts and pulls back for upshifts – a detail promoted by Master Driver and Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda (alias “Morizo”).

EXTERIOR DESIGN

GR Yaris a model in its own right, sharing only three external elements with the standard Yaris – the headlamp, door mirrors and roof antenna
New lower grille and enlarged side grille to enhance cooling performance
Relocated rear fog and reversing lights

As might be expected in such a thoroughbred machine, the changes to the GR Yaris’ exterior are far from being simple cosmetic tweaks. Once again, the feedback from professional and master drivers and experience gained in the heat of motorsport have been integral to the revisions.

The essential package remains the same: GR Yaris is a three-door car that’s very much a model in its own right: only the headlamp, antenna and door mirrors are carried over from the standard hatchback. Every element has been revised to achieve optimum downforces, aerodynamics and grip.

At the front of the car there is a new steel mesh for the lower grille, optimised for the best balance of thickness, strength and weight reduction. The side grille has a larger opening and lower bumper has a new split-construction that makes it easier and less costly to repair or replace.

At the rear, an opening in the bottom edge of the lower garnish allows air from beneath the floor to escape, reducing drag, improving the car’s manoeuvrability and stability and dispersing heat from the exhaust system.

The fog and reversing lights have been relocated, moving from the lower bumper to be integrated in the rear combination lamps, reducing the risk of damage. Similarly, the high-mounted stop light as been moved from the rear spoiler to lower down on the back door so that all rear lamps are aligned and in a clear line of sight for following drivers. Moving the stop light also makes it easier for the spoiler to be changed or customised.

The new GR Yaris introduces a new exterior colour option, Precious Metal, in addition to the established signature shades – Emotional Red, Precious Black and Super White/Platinum White Pearlescent, representing the colours of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing livery.

DEVELOPED IN THE SPIRITUAL HOME OF WORLD RALLYING

Development centre at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team’s base in Jyväskylä, Finland
Location allows for easy access to challenging roads for vehicle testing
Model development faithful to TGR’s philosophy that “the road shapes the driver as well as the car”

When Toyota returned to the WRC in 2017 after 18 years away from rallying’s top level, an ambition to be the best was supported by the decision to base the new team in Finland. The town of Jyväskylä is widely regarded as the spiritual home of rallying and its location provides excellent access to challenging roads on which to test and tune vehicle performance.

This supports TOYOTA GAZOO Racing‘s belief that development is best achieved in extreme conditions and its philosophy that “the road shapes the driver as well as the car”. Around the world, people drive their cars in all conditions and on all types of surfaces, every day. To learn how to make ever-better cars, Toyota needs to gain a clear understanding of how ordinary people deal with their everyday driving demands.

Rallying is a motorsport that’s about how far cars can go in a wide range of driving conditions, which makes it the perfect high-level arena for gaining knowledge and experience and developing technologies, skills and solutions that can be applied to new production vehicles. This is why Toyota competes in the WRC.

OGIER AND ROVANPERÄ SPECIAL EDITIONS

Two limited edition models celebrating World Rally Champions Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä, aimed at performance car aficionados
Each version features Gravel and Track all-wheel drive modes tuned to suit the driving preference of each champion driver
Dedicated styling details including dedicated paintwork colours, liveries and carbon fibre rear spoiler

Two special edition versions of the new GR Yaris are adding an extra layer of appeal to the model range, developed with personal input from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) champion drivers Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä. Aimed at genuine driving aficionados, these highly exclusive cars were revealed for the first time at Rallye-Monte Carlo, the opening event in the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), and will be built in very limited numbers.

The special editions are inspired by concept versions which were shown at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, and have been created under the supervision of Ogier, who won two of his eight WRC driver’s titles with TGR-WRT, in 2020 and 2021, and Rovanperä, the winner in 2022 and 2023.

Their production reflects the desire of Master Driver Akio Toyoda – alias “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.

In each car the “Gravel” and “Track” modes featured on the standard GR Yaris have been replaced with settings reprogrammed to reflect each driver’s personal preferences for handling and performance. The “special edition” quality also includes distinctive new exterior and interior styling features.

Both cars are powered by the latest development of the GR Yaris’ 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 280 DIN hp and 390 Nm of torque, matched to six-speed intelligent manual transmission (6iMT),

Ogier Edition

The Seb mode, developed by Ogier, uses 40:60 ratio of front and rear torque distribution. All-wheel drive distributes more torque to the rear axle, so that rear tires produce pushing force more.

This gives the driver a sense of being fully connected with the car and will help them achieve quicker times with high-speed driving body control.

The Ogier Edition’s bodywork has a dedicated Matt Stealth Grey paint finish and features the French national flag (Ogier’s home nation) on the radiator grille and the 18x8J BBS forged alloy wheels. WRC commemorative stickers are added to the front wings.

The stand-out details also include a new-design carbon fibre CFRP rear spoiler and blue-painted brake callipers. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing decals have been added to the left and right doors and an Ogier Edition logo to the back door.

Inside, there is a WRC victory commemoration plaque on passenger side of the instrument panel and contrast blue, grey and red stitching (honouring the French national colours) on the steering wheel. Grey stitching is used for the shift and parking brake gaiters and the seat upholstery.

On both special editions, the new GR Yaris’ digital instrumentation has been revised to include the new modes, together with the regular Normal AWD control mode.

Rovanperä Edition

The Ravonperä Edition has a unique Donut Mode, created specifically for the WRC's youngest champion who is highly skilled in drifting and performing tyre-smoking donuts. Thanks to the constant-velocity rear differential gear, front and rear axles will rotate at the same speed. Allowing constant maximum torque to the rear, perfect for “door turns”.

This GR Yaris version also provides a Kalle Mode. This uses 40:60 ratio of front and rear torque distribution, which is the same as Ogier mode, but due to the constant-velocity rear differential gear, the rear torque remains unchanged unlike the Ogier version ensuring nice stable drifting slides.

The car has an exclusive three-tone paint finish, applied as a series of painted motifs by the designer of Rovanperä’s drift car livery, Henri Liupakka. WRC victory stickers are added to the front wings and there are TOYOTA GAZOO Racing decals on the doors and rear bumper and a Rovanperä Edition badge on the back door. As well as BBS 18x8J forged alloys, the car is fitted with a CFRP variable wing rear spoiler, shared with the GRMN Yaris, and constant-velocity rear differential gears, engineered to perform under sustained high drive loads.

In the cabin the trim and upholstery stitching again match the driver’s national colours, in this case blue and grey for Finland. As in the Ogier Edition, a special plaque commemorates TGR’s WRC victory.

Summary of Special Edition features

	Ogier Edition	Rovanperä Edition
Exterior	Matt Stealth Grey paintwork	Exclusive three-tone paintwork
	WRC victory stickers on front wings	WRC victory stickers on front wings
	French national flag decoration on front grille	18x8J BBS alloy wheels
	Blue-painted brake callipers	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo on wheels
	18x8J BBS forged alloy wheels	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing decals on front doors and rear bumper
	French flag and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo on wheels	Rovanperä Edition badge on back door
	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing decals on front doors	Variable wing CFRP rear spoiler
	Ogier Edition badge on back door
	New-design CFRP rear spoiler
Interior	WRC victory commemorative plaque on instrument panel	WRC victory commemorative plaque on instrument panel
	GR fully digital instrument display, including new Morizo and Seb drive modes	GR fully digital instrument display, including new Donut and Kalle drive modes
	Steering wheel stitching – French national colours (red/grey/blue)	Steering wheel stitching – Finnish national colours (blue/grey)
	Grey stitching for seat upholstery, and shift and parking brake gaiters	Blue and grey stitching for seat upholstery, and shift and parking brake gaiters
Mechanical	All-wheel drive modes: Morizo, Seb and Normal	All-wheel drive modes: Donut, Kalle and Normal
	1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 280 DIN hp and 390 Nm	1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 280 DIN hp and 390 Nm
	6-speed intelligent manual transmission	6-speed intelligent manual transmission
	6-speed intelligent manual transmission	Constant-velocity rear differential gears

SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT FEATURES

Third generation Toyota Safety Sense as standard
Toyota Smart Connect + multimedia system with wireless smartphone integration
Fully digital driver’s combimeter

Third generation Toyota Safety Sense

Notwithstanding its pure-bred performance profile, the new GR Yaris is equipped as standard with the latest, third generation of Toyota Safety Sense, providing a comprehensive package of systems to detect potential hazards, provide timely warnings and, when needed, provide steering, braking and drive assistance to help avoid a collision.

Should an impact be unavoidable, the car’s body structure is engineered to deform, absorbing and dissipating impact forces in a controlled fashion and safeguarding the integrity of the passenger cell.

The safety and driver assistance systems have been updated for added functionality and enhanced performance. For example, the Pre-Collision System can now recognise motorcycles and oncoming traffic and its intersection collision avoidance support can detect crossing vehicles. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control has gained added turn-signal linked control and deceleration assist and it offers a wider choice of distance settings. Future software updates for the car’s safety and multimedia systems can be delivered over the air via the Data Communication Module (DCM), avoiding the need for the car to be taken to a service centre.

Equipment specification

New equipment features* include the Toyota Smart Connect + multimedia system with eight-inch touchscreen, navigation (both cloud-based and embedded systems), wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto a 12.3-inch digital driver’s combimeter.

Exterior features include power-folding heated door mirrors, rear privacy glass and automatic headlights. In the cabin there is dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front sprots seats, aluminium pedals and GR steering wheel. An app-based digital key, giving up to five users the convenience of accessing and starting the car with their smartphone, will be made available for the new GR Yaris during 2024.

EXPLORING FUTURE POSSIBILITIES: THE HYDROGEN-FUELLED GR YARIS

The GR Yaris’ turbocharged three-cylinder engine has been converted to run on hydrogen
Engineering study uses elements from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric sedan, including hydrogen tanks installed in the GR Yaris’ boot
Demonstration of how existing internal combustion engines can be adapted to use carbon-neutral hydrogen

Toyota includes the development of internal combustion engines that can run on carbon-neutral fuel in its multi-path technology approach to reducing and ultimately eliminating vehicle CO₂ emissions. Its development programme has already produced high-performance hydrogen powertrains for race cars competing in enduring events in Japan.

It has further investigated the potential of hydrogen ICE engines by converting the turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine that powers the new GR Yaris. Thanks to technologies developed by Toyota and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the conversion process is relatively straightforward: the major changes are replacement of the fuel tank and related fuel lines with components suitable for hydrogen.

Many parts have been adopted from the Mirai, Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell electric sedan, including high-pressure fuel tanks, installed in the GR Yaris’ boot. The principal change to the engine itself is the installation of a new fuel system with injectors, piping and spark plugs.

The new Toyota GR Yaris: a master of ice and snow

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:30:00 +0100

A world-class rally car has to excel on all surfaces and in all conditions, from scorched asphalt and muddy gravel tracks to treacherous ice and snow-covered roads. It’s a quality that Toyota’s new breed of World Rally Championship (WRC) contenders has displayed to great success, helping secure an impressive haul of driver and manufacturer world titles.

The winning combination of power, poise and precise control of the GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID competition car has filtered down directly from the sport’s premier competition to the new GR Yaris, a car that’s genuinely “born from WRC”.

This high-performance hatchback is a perfect expression of Toyota’s focus on using involvement in top level motorsport to fuel the development of ever better cars – both for racing and the road.

Toyota is pleased to provide an opportunity to drive the new GR Yaris and experience its capabilities in its natural environment, Finnish snow and ice.

INTRODUCING THE NEW GR YARIS

The new Toyota GR Yaris made its world debut earlier this year at the Tokyo Auto Salon. It benefits from technical, design and construction enhancements that promise to deliver an even greater driving experience.

The GR Yaris met with such praise and enthusiasm on its launch, Toyota might have considered its work was done. Here was a car that at a stroke stormed to the top of the hot-hatch segment, a rally-born, thoroughbred machine that left all competitors in its wake.

Think again: this was in fact just the start of the story. In the three years since the first car came off the line, intensive efforts have been invested in making it even better: more powerful, more responsive, more engaging and – believe it – more rewarding to drive.

The new GR Yaris offers everything that made the original such a success, but more so. As a result, it promises to set itself even further ahead of the competition.

The new GR Yaris will go on sale across Europe from Summer 2024.

GR YARIS: THE STORY SO FAR

A new engine, a new electronic all-wheel drive system and a tailor-made chassis were all part of the plan. When the production car reached the hands of the press and customers, the response far surpassed Toyota’s expectations. Since the model’s 2020 launch, more than 20,000 cars have been sold in Europe, with a 99% customer satisfaction rating. Most of those sold have been the Circuit version, hence the decision to focus on this specification for the new model. Customers include many performance car aficionados, who consider the GR Yaris to be worthy of a place alongside significantly more powerful prestige models in their collections. The GR Yaris is thus beyond categorisation; it is in a class of its own and an instant sports car classic.

DEVELOPED IN THE SPIRITUAL HOME OF WORLD RALLYING

MORE POWER, MORE TORQUE, MORE CONTROL

In Europe, the new model is offered in a single “Circuit” specification that includes a cooling performance pack. This equips the car with a new sub-radiator to improve reliability in full-throttle driving, modifications to the air intake and an intercooler spray.

SUPER-FAST SHIFTING WITH NEW GAZOO RACING DIRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The introduction of a brand-new eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission is one of the most significant changes in the new GR Yaris programme, offered as an option to the established six-speed manual gearbox. In designing the new unit, Toyota focused on achieving the fastest possible downshift speed. Changing to automatic operation; using an automatic also lets the driver focus more strongly on steering and use of the brake and throttle pedals.

Increasing the number of gears from six to eight allows the transmission to have closer ratios. It also benefits from a new torque control system and a compact, high-response linear solenoid. Using highly heat-resistant material in the gear-shift clutch and adjustments tuning of the control software have produced world-class shifting speeds. Shifting in the D-range is of competition standard and the predictive gear selection function aligns perfectly with the driver’s intentions. Cooling requirements are addressed with the installation of an automatic transmission fluid cooler as standard.

GR-FOUR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

As with the current GR Yaris, optimum grip and traction are achieved with the GR-FOUR electronically controlled, permanent all-wheel drive system. The distribution of torque between the front and rear axles is governed by a high-response coupling, while two Torsen limited-slip differentials manage the split between the left and right-side wheels to give natural and direct car control.

The driver can adjust four-wheel drive performance to suit their preference or the driving situation using a 4WD mode dial switch. In normal mode the standard front/rear torque distribution is 60:40; in Track mode the balance shifts to the rear, with variable drive torque distribution between 60:40 and 30:70 to achieve a fun-to-drive quality on winding roads and circuits; and in Gravel mode the base setting is 53:47 for fast, competitive driving on circuits or special stages. In each mode, the torque balance will automatically adjust in response to the driver’s inputs, vehicle behaviour and road or track conditions.

INCREASED BODY RIGIDITY DELIVERS EVEN BETTER CHASSIS AND STEERING RESPONSE

The platform was purpose-designed for the car, combining the front section of the Yaris’ GA-B structure and a new rear end crafted from Toyota’s larger GA-C platform.

COMPETITION-INSPIRED NEW DRIVER’S COCKPIT

The driver’s field of vision from the wheel has been improved by changing dropping the top edge of the instrument panel by 50 mm, changing the position of the rear-view mirror and angling the control panel 15 degrees further towards the driver.

The instrumentation includes a new 12.3-inch fully digital combimeter with two layout modes – normal and sport, the latter providing a sports performance-focused data display. The design is free of any superfluous ornamentation, so graphics a clear and information can be instantly viewed and understood. On the automatic model, the read-out includes transmission oil temperature and a visual warning in addition to a sound alarm to alert the driver when engine revs are too high for downshifting.

EXTERIOR DESIGN DETAILS

The essential package remains the same: GR Yaris is a three-door car that’s very much a model in its own right: only the rear light clusters, antenna and door mirrors are carried over from the standard hatchback. Every element has been revised to achieve optimum downforces, aerodynamics and grip.

New equipment features* include latest-generation Toyota Safety Sense systems, navigation and a digital key. The automatic model will provide a higher specification with forged wheels, rear and side monitors and premium JBL sound system.

*Specifications may vary according to local market; details will be confirmed nearer the time of the model’s launch.

RALLY CHAMPION-INSPIRED SPECIAL EDITIONS

Ogier Edition

The Ogier Edition GR Yaris has two new AWD control modes: Morizo and Seb. The Morizo mode has been developed by Morizo (Akio Toyoda) through his rally driving experiences. It is calibrated to help deliver consistent race times under acceleration, partial acceleration and braking. The Seb mode, developed by Ogier, uses the front and rear Torsen limited slip differentials and all-wheel drive to distribute torque to the rear axle so that the back of the car can be swung out with relative ease. This gives the driver a sense of being fully connected with the car and will help them achieve quicker times with high-speed driving body control.

The Ogier Edition’s bodywork has a dedicated Matt Stealth Grey paint finish and features the French national flag (Ogier’s home nation) on the radiator grille and the 18x8J BBS alloy wheels. WRC commemorative stickers are added to the front wings.

On both special editions, the new GR Yaris’ digital instrumentation has been revised to include the new modes, together with the regular Normal AWD control mode.

Rovanperä Edition

The Rovanperä Edition has a unique Donut Mode, created specifically for the WRC’s youngest champion who is highly skilled in drifting and performing tyre-smoking donuts. Here, the new mode allows for easy driving and “door turns” with a constant, strong torque flow to the rear wheels.

This GR Yaris version also provides Kalle Mode. This uses a constant-velocity rear differential and front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials to produce linear handling characteristics so the back end of the car can be powerfully swung out as it enters a bend and allowing the front to be pulled forward on the throttle on the exit.

The car has an exclusive three-tone paint finish, applied as a series of painted motifs by the designer of Rovanperä’s drift car livery, Henri Liupakka. WRC victory stickers are added to the front wings and there are TOYOTA GAZOO Racing decals on the doors and rear bumper and a Rovanperä Edition badge on the back door. As well as BBS 18x8J alloys, the car is fitted with a CFRP variable wing rear spoiler, shared with the GRMN Yaris, and constant-velocity rear differential gears, engineered to perform under sustained high drive loads.

The Ogier and Rovanperä Editions will be built in strictly limited numbers. Details of ordering and sales in European markets will be announced at a later date by national distributors.

Summary of Special Editions features

	Ogier Edition	Rovanperä Edition
Exterior	Matt Stealth Grey paintwork	Exclusive three-tone paintwork
	WRC victory stickers on front wings	WRC victory stickers on front wings
	French national flag decoration on front grille	18x8J BBS alloy wheels
	Blue-painted brake callipers	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo on wheels
	18x8J BBS alloy wheels	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing decals on front doors and rear bumper
	French flag and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo on wheels	Rovanperä Edition badge on back door
	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing decals on front doors	Variable wing CFRP rear spoiler
	Ogier Edition badge on back door
	New-design CFRP rear spoiler
Interior	WRC victory commemorative plaque on instrument panel	WRC victory commemorative plaque on instrument panel
	GR fully digital instrument display, including new Morizo and Seb drive modes	GR fully digital instrument display, including new Donut and Kalle drive modes
	Steering wheel stitching – French national colours (red/grey/blue)	Steering wheel stitching – Finnish national colours (blue/grey)
	Grey stitching for seat upholstery, and shift and parking brake gaiters	Blue and grey stitching for seat upholstery, and shift and parking brake gaiters
Mechanical	All-wheel drive modes: Morizo, Seb and Normal	All-wheel drive modes: Donut, Kalle and Normal
	1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 280 DIN hp and 390 Nm	1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 280 DIN hp and 390 Nm
	6-speed intelligent manual transmission	6-speed intelligent manual transmission
	6-speed intelligent manual transmission	Constant-velocity rear differential gears

New GR Yaris technical specifications*

Length (mm)	3,995
Width (mm)	1,805
Height (mm)	1,455
Wheelbase (mm)	2,560
Track – front (mm)	1,535
Track – rear (mm)	1,565
Seats	4
Kerb weight (kg)	1,280 1,300 (GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission)
Engine	In-line 3-cylinder with turbocharger and intercooler
Type	G16E-GTS
Bore x stroke (mm)	87.5 x 89.7
Displacement (cc)	1,618
Max. output (DIN hp/kW @ rpm))	280/206 @ 6,500
Max. torque (Nm @ rpm)	390 @ 3,250 – 4,600
Transmission	6-speed iMT or 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain	GR-FOUR AWD system, electronic multi-plate clutch AWD with three selectable modes
Differentials – front and rear	Torsen LSD©
Suspension – front	MacPherson strut
Suspension – rear	Double wishbone
Brakes – front	14in (356 mm) ventilated discs with opposed 4-pot callipers
Brakes – rear	11.7in (297 mm) ventilated discs with opposed 2-pot callipers
Wheels	BBS 8J forged aluminium
Tyres	225/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Fuel tank capacity (l)	50

* European specifications may vary pending final homologation

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing presents GR Yaris Special Editions inspired by its World Rally Champions

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 16:12:20 +0100

Toyota today reveals two exclusive high-performance versions of the new GR Yaris, developed with personal input from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) champion drivers Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä. The new models make their debut on the first day of Rallye-Monte Carlo, the opening event in the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

The new models have been developed from concept versions which were shown at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, under the supervision of Ogier, who won two of his eight WRC driver’s titles with TGR-WRT, in 2020 and 2021, and Rovanperä, the winner in 2022 and 2023.

Their creation has been inspired by the desire of Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda – alias “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.

In each car the “Gravel” and “Track” modes featured on the standard GR Yaris have been replaced with settings reprogrammed to reflect each driver’s personal preferences for handling and performance. In addition, each of the special versions has distinctive new exterior and interior styling features.

Ogier Edition

On both special editions, the new GR Yaris’ digital instrumentation has been revised to include the new modes, together with the regular Normal AWD control mode.

Rovanperä Edition

The car has an exclusive three-tone paint finish, applied as a series of painted motifs by the designer of Rovanperä’s drift car livery, Henri Liupakka. WRC victory stickers are added to the front wings and there are TOYOTA GAZOO Racing decals on the doors and rear bumper and a Rovanperä Edition badge on the back door. As well as BBS 18x8J alloys, the car is fitted with a CFRP variable wing rear spoiler, shared with the GRMN Yaris, and constant-velocity rear differential gears.

The Ogier and Rovanperä Editions will be built in strictly limited numbers. Details of ordering and sales in European markets will be announced at a later date by national distributors.

Summary of Special Editions features

	Ogier Edition	Rovanperä Edition
Exterior	Matt Stealth Grey paintwork	Exclusive three-tone paintwork
	WRC victory stickers on front wings	WRC victory stickers on front wings
	French national flag decoration on front grille	18x8J BBS alloy wheels
	Blue-painted brake callipers	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo on wheels
	18x8J BBS alloy wheels	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing decals on front doors and rear bumper
	French flag and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo on wheels	Rovanperä Edition badge on back door
	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing decals on front doors	Variable wing CFRP rear spoiler
	Ogier Edition badge on back door
	New-design CFRP rear spoiler
Interior	WRC victory commemorative plaque on instrument panel	WRC victory commemorative plaque on instrument panel
	GR fully digital instrument display, including new Morizo and Seb drive modes	GR fully digital instrument display, including new Donut and Kalle drive modes
	Steering wheel stitching – French national colours (red/grey/blue)	Steering wheel stitching – Finnish national colours (blue/grey)
	Grey stitching for seat upholstery, and shift and parking brake gaiters	Blue and grey stitching for seat upholstery, and shift and parking brake gaiters
Mechanical	All-wheel drive modes: Morizo, Seb and Normal	All-wheel drive modes: Donut, Kalle and Normal
	1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 280 DIN hp and 390 Nm	1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 280 DIN hp and 390 Nm
	6-speed intelligent manual transmission	6-speed intelligent manual transmission
		Constant-velocity rear differential gears

World debut of the new Toyota GR Yaris at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 02:00:00 +0100

The new Toyota GR Yaris makes its world debut today at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, benefiting from technical, design and construction enhancements that promise to deliver an even greater driving experience.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing engineers, Master Drivers, and race and rally professionals have worked together in the spirit of constant improvement to enrich the GR Yaris’ essential character as a “driver-first” car – one that is all about the special experience you enjoy from the moment you get behind the wheel and fire up the engine.

The new GR Yaris offers everything that made the original such a success, but more so. As a result, it promises to set itself even further ahead of the competition.

A more focused range will offer a single version in “Circuit” specification, with a cooling performance pack that includes an additional radiator, intercooler spray and modified air intake.

The new GR Yaris will go on sale across Europe from Summer 2024.

GR YARIS: THE STORY SO FAR

A new engine, a new electronic all-wheel drive system and a tailor-made chassis were all part of the plan. When the production car reached the hands of the press and customers, the response far surpassed Toyota’s expectations. Since the model’s 2020 launch, more than 18,000 cars have been sold in Europe, with a 99% customer satisfaction rating. Most of those sold have been the Circuit version, hence the decision to focus on this specification for the new model. Customers include many performance car aficionados, who consider the GR Yaris to be worthy of a place alongside significantly more powerful prestige models in their collections. The GR Yaris is thus beyond categorisation; it is in a class of its own and an instant sports car classic.

MORE POWER, MORE TORQUE, MORE CONTROL

The new model will be offered in a single “Circuit” specification that includes a cooling performance pack. This equips the car with a new sub-radiator to improve reliability in full-throttle driving, modifications to the air intake and an intercooler spray.

SUPER-FAST SHIFTING WITH NEW GAZOO RACING DIRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The introduction of a brand-new eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission is one of the most significant changes in the new GR Yaris programme, offered as an option to the established six-speed manual gearbox. In designing the new unit, Toyota focused on achieving the fastest possible downshift speed. Changing to automatic operation; using an automatic also lets the driver focus more strongly on steering and use of the brake and throttle pedals.

As with the current GR Yaris, optimum grip and traction are achieved with the GR-FOUR electronically controlled, permanent all-wheel drive system. Developed specifically for the car, this adjusts the balance of front and rear-wheel drive in three modes to suit the driving scenario – Normal, Sport and Track.

INCREASED BODY RIGIDITY DELIVERS EVEN BETTER CHASSIS AND STEERING RESPONSE

The platform was purpose-designed for the car, combining the front section of the Yaris’ GA-B structure and a new rear end crafted from Toyota’s larger GA-C platform.

COMPETITION-INSPIRED NEW DRIVER’S COCKPIT

The instrumentation includes a new 12.3-inch fully digital combimeter with two layout modes – normal and sport, the latter providing a sports performance-focused data display. The design is free of any superfluous ornamentation, so graphics a clear and information can be instantly viewed and understood. On the automatic model, the read-out includes transmission oil temperature and a visual warning in addition to a sound alarm to alert the driver when engine revs are too high for downshifting.

EXTERIOR DESIGN DETAILS

*Specifications may vary according to local market; details will be confirmed nearer the time of the model’s launch.

Rally champion-inspired special editions

Toyota is to produce special editions of the new GR Yaris, named after two of its World Rally Championship (WRC) star drivers. The Sébastien Ogier Special Edition and Kalle Rovanperä Special Edition are based on concept models shown at the 2023 Tokyo Salon. They will be unveiled at the Rallye Monte-Carlo, the opening round of this year’s FIA WRC, which takes place from January 25-28.

New GR Yaris technical specifications*

Length (mm)	3,995
Width (mm)	1,805
Height (mm)	1,455
Wheelbase (mm)	2,560
Track – front (mm)	1,535
Track – rear (mm)	1,565
Seats	4
Kerb weight (kg)	1,280 1,300 (GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission)
Engine	In-line 3-cylinder with turbocharger and intercooler
Type	G16E-GTS
Bore x stroke (mm)	87.5 x 89.7
Displacement (cc)	1,618
Max. output (DIN hp/kW @ rpm))	280/206 @ 6,500
Max. torque (Nm @ rpm)	390 @ 3,250 – 4,600
Transmission	6-speed iMT or 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain	GR-FOUR AWD system, electronic multi-plate clutch AWD with three selectable modes
Differentials – front and rear	Torsen LSD©
Suspension – front	MacPherson strut
Suspension – rear	Double wishbone
Brakes – front	14in (356mm) ventilated discs with opposed 4-pot callipers
Brakes – rear	11.7in (297 mm) ventilated discs with opposed 2-pot callipers
Wheels	BBS 8J forged aluminium
Tyres	225/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Fuel tank capacity (l)	50

*European specs may vary pending final homologation

Little Genius with Big Impact – Toyota Yaris Reaches 10 Million Global Sales Milestone

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0200

The multiple award-winning and ever-popular Yaris nameplate has reached 10 million cumulative global sales, joining the ranks of perennially well-received models in Toyota’s stable including Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Hilux and Land Cruiser to achieve the notable eight-figure milestone.

The Yaris has been a class-leading benchmark for innovation, and a pioneer for introducing new technologies and concepts to the compact segment, for almost a quarter of a century during which it has been one of Toyota’s consistently best-selling models in Europe.

The current generation Yaris has proven its adaptability to customers’ needs with the Yaris family growing to include the widely acclaimed GR Yaris pure performance sports car in 2020 and the high-riding urban crossover SUV, the Yaris Cross in 2021.

By the end of February 2023, cumulative sales of the Yaris family in Europe have reached 5,155,506 units since the first generation Yaris was launched in 1999. In 2022, sales of the Yaris family represented over one-third of Toyota’s total sales in Europe with 185,781 Yaris, 156,086 Yaris Cross and 5,392 GR Yaris, accounting for 8% of the total segment.

Yaris is a true global Toyota model with manufacturing sites around the world. Initial Yaris production started in January 1999 at the Takaoka Plant in Aichi, Japan. Today, the Yaris has production bases in 10 countries: Japan, Brazil, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand, France and Czech Republic.

In Europe, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) has produced the Yaris since 2001 and the Yaris Cross since 2021, the same year that Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic (TMMCZ) in Kolin also started Yaris production to cater for the increasing demand for the model in Europe. Cumulative European production of the Yaris family reached over 4.6 million by the end of 2022.

Key components within the Yaris, such as the petrol and hybrid electric engines and transmissions are also locally produced, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland (TMMP), which supplies both TMMF and TMMCZ.

As part of its mission to provide stylish, practical mobility for the demands of modern life, the Yaris has an enviable history of innovation in safety, efficiency and performance, driving an enduring allure for customers.

The first generation Yaris won the coveted Car of the Year title in 2000, the first Toyota model ever to earn that accolade, complementing the Japanese Car of the Year in the same year awarded to the Toyota Vitz, the name of the model in Japan. Every subsequent generation of Yaris has been short-listed for Car of the Year and, in 2021, the current generation became the first nameplate to achieve a second Car of the Year title in the 21st Century.

First Generation – Piccolo Genio a.k.a. Little Genius

In the late 1990s, Toyota wanted to develop a new compact car for global use in the 21st Century. The brand-new model was set to build upon the footsteps of the highly regarded Toyota Starlet supermini, a tough act to follow. To achieve this, the model had to adopt a modern appearance and feature the latest technologies, offering a preview of motoring in the next millennium by re-writing the rulebook for small cars with its revolutionary “big-small” design.

The world got its first glimpse of Toyota’s vision with an all-new concept, the Toyota Funtime, at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, part of the “Fun” project of concept models to showcase the versatility of shared platform engineering. The concept car was styled at Toyota’s European Office of Creation (EPOC) in Brussels, Belgium.

A year later, the new production Toyota Yaris made its debut at the Paris Motor Show. The exterior was styled at EPOC—which would soon become Toyota European Design Development (ED²)—while the interior design was a collaboration between Europe and Japan. The first generation Yaris was stylish, characterful and purposefully European in flavour, with a relatively tall, spacious and organically shaped body built around the central design concept of the human dimension.

Although the external dimensions were pleasingly compact, inside the supermini Yaris boasted a comfortable and practical interior which exceeded the space offered in many larger vehicles, with generous headroom and flexible seating to maximise storage.

Clever, minimalist packaging and appealing aesthetics came without any compromise on safety, with the first Yaris becoming the safest car in its segment according to Euro NCAP ratings, setting a trend which continues to this day.

Powering the innovative first generation Yaris was an advanced and efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine—nicknamed “Mighty Atom” for its ability to deliver power equivalent to a traditional 1.4-litre engine—which achieved a punchy 68 DIN hp and earned the inaugural 1999 International Engine of the Year award.

The Yaris forever wrote itself into Toyota’s history when it was awarded the 2000 Car of the Year, the first Toyota model ever to win the prestigious award by a jury of European automotive journalists. The jury praised the first generation Yaris’ looks both inside and out, as well as the versatility of the cosy cabin. The Yaris’ 1.0-litre engine was also acclaimed for its brilliance and efficiency, with the jury saying it is the best 1.0-litre engine money can buy. A second engine option was introduced later in the year, offering customers of the high-spec five-door model a 1.3-litre VVT-i unit delivering 87 DIN hp.

In 2001, the Yaris helped launch the T-Sport performance brand in Europe. The three door Yaris T-Sport was equipped with a powerful 1.5-litre VVT-i engine delivering 106 DIN hp at 6,000 rpm, and featured a performance-tuned chassis, strengthened bodyshell and a sporty interior. The class-leading hot hatch was quicker from 0-100 kph than most 1.6-litre competitors at time at 9.0 seconds, and faster in the mid-range from 60 to 100 kph (8.4 seconds) than any comparable competitors. The success of the Yaris T-Sport set the foundations for performance versions to be included in the line-up of every Yaris generation since.

With the introduction of a 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine in 2002, which saw Toyota become the first manufacturer in the world to produce a diesel engine entirely of aluminium, the powertrain choice for the Yaris range was complete.

The Yaris quickly became a favourite with customers across Europe, who found it a practical, fun and fashionable solution to the demands of everyday urban life and a reliable partner for longer distances, emphasised by worldwide sales of over 1.2 million units of the first generation.

The innovative and amicable character of the first generation Yaris is perhaps best summed up by the tagline used by Toyota in a highly successful advertising campaign in Italy which affectionately nicknamed the new car “piccolo genio” or “little genius”.

A Car with Many Names

Apart from affectionate nicknames, the Yaris has been known by different names around the world. The now well-known Yaris name is derived from “Charis”, the singular form of Charites, the Greek goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, human creativity, goodwill and fertility.

Since the model’s debut in Japan in 1999 until the launch of the current generation, the model was marketed as Vitz. Depending on variant and region, the model has also been known as the Toyota Platz, Echo, Belta, Vios and Scion iA. It has also been marketed as the Daihatsu Charade and Mazda2 in certain markets.

The 10 million cumulative sales milestone considers only the Yaris, Vitz, Yaris Cross and GR Yaris nameplates.

Second Generation - Five-Star Performer

The Yaris grew up with its second generation, launched in Europe for 2005. The car’s reputation for clever packaging for optimal interior space and comfort, combined with advanced technology for safety and performance, was enhanced, while the user experience became more refined.

A “big car thinking” approach and larger dimensions all round made the second generation roomier than ever, delivering space to rival cars from the larger C-segment, thanks to a flat rear floor which allowed three adults to sit comfortably in the back where each 60:40 section can slide and recline to deliver an impressive 880 mm legroom for rear passengers.

A best-in-class 737 litres of load space was achieved in part via Toyota’s convenient Easy Flat system, which created a flat-floored area by quickly and easily folding down the rear seats. An obsessive attention to detail and passenger comfort included fine-tuning the sound of the doors closing and delivering 18.2 litres of storage capacity within the dashboard alone.

Performance and efficiency were enhanced as well as driving dynamics and ride comfort, aided by an aerodynamically efficient body with a low drag coefficient of 0.30.

An enviable history of setting higher safety standards was extended with a five-star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection, the first time for a Yaris. That peace of mind came thanks to Toyota’s advanced Minimal Intrusion Cabin System and up to nine air bags installed throughout the cabin, including a driver’s knee airbag; a milestone for a car of the Yaris’ size.

The second generation Yaris was offered in three- and five-door styles with a choice of three engines. A new 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol powerplant delivered economy and performance while remaining lightweight, producing class-leading power (69 DIN hp) and torque (93 Nm). The 1.3-litre VVT-i unit carried over from the previous generation remained popular with low-end torque and high-end power improved for a sporty yet smooth feel. The 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine had evolved and now produced 90 DIN hp at 3,600 rpm.

As the Yaris continually gained popularity among drivers of all ages, clamour for a sportier option was met by the Yaris TS. This new sports hatchback variant was launched at the 2006 Paris Motor Show and equipped with a new 132 DIN hp 1.8 litre Dual VVT-i engine with a top speed of 194 km/h, sports suspension and sports styling, including rear spoiler and side skirts.

With environmental awareness on the rise, customer demand for smaller, more efficient cars was accelerating in Europe. The Yaris led the way by combining dashing urban good looks with engineering innovation. Toyota Optimal Drive technology was introduced in 2009, bringing fuel efficiency and emissions improvements without compromising the Yaris’ famously nimble performance.

Third Generation - Hello Hybrid

A pioneering spirit characterises all Yaris models and, in 2012, the third generation revolutionised the supermini market by introducing a full hybrid option and becoming the most technically advanced Yaris yet.

Three years of development were dedicated to comprehensively revising the Hybrid Synergy Drive, including redesigning around 70% of engine parts, to make it Toyota’s lightest and most compact hybrid system, without compromise on performance, interior comfort or load space.

As the first full hybrid vehicle in the B-segment—yet another first for the ground-breaking nameplate—the Yaris became symbolic of Toyota’s dedication to make the hybrid benefits of efficiency and stress-free driving accessible to an ever-growing number of customers, and the company’s commitment to introduce full hybrids across its model range.

Thanks to state-of-the-art exhaust gas recirculation technology and an electric water pump, hybrid power in the Yaris brought best-in-class performance and fuel efficiency from the 100 DIN hp system, as well as the ability to drive in full electric mode for the first time, without tailpipe emissions.

Not only was the third generation Yaris a ground-breaking technical step forward, it also set a benchmark in stylish, sophisticated exterior design, with bold colour choices and an aerodynamically optimised body shape, which achieved a class-leading drag co-efficient of 0.287.

In 2017, Toyota European Design and Development and engineering teams in Europe took a lead role in a global €90 million project to update the third generation Yaris, which saw the introduction of more than 900 new parts to improve design, dynamic performance and safety.

Building on another five-star Euro NCAP rating, Toyota Safety Sense technologies were introduced across the range as part of the facelift, proving once again that safety comes as standard with Yaris, while a fresh look, featuring changes to the front and rear styling and created at Toyota’s ED² design studio also made its debut.

Toyota’s return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017 under Toyota GAZOO Racing led to the development of the limited-edition Yaris GRMN, the first GRMN (which stands for “GAZOO Racing tuned by the Meister of Nürburgring”) performance Toyota to be built and sold in Europe. The Yaris GRMN’s authentic sportscar quality ensured all 400 units sold out before the car even reached the showroom.

In 2018, the Toyota GAZOO Racing-inspired Yaris GR SPORT was introduced to the range as the first GR SPORT specification model to be launched in Europe. The continued success of the GR SPORT grade has seen the sport performance-inspired specification introduced across the Toyota range in Europe including Yaris, Yaris Cross, Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Hilux.

Fourth Generation - Dynamic Performance and Safety

The fourth generation Yaris, launched in 2020, was engineered to be the world’s safest compact car, thanks to Advanced Driver Assist systems (ADAS) being provided as standard. It was also the first model to be known globally as Yaris.

A return to the “big-small” concept created an even more dynamic appearance, shorter, wider and lower than the previous model, with powerful exterior design expressing the agility and compactness required to negotiate city driving and parking, while retaining interior space and comfort.

A key element to achieving greater ambitions for the fourth generation was the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-B platform. Yaris became the first compact car to be built on this modular platform which enhanced dynamic performance and improved ride and handling, via a low centre of gravity and high-rigidity body.

The GA-B platform also contributed to an eye-catching design, styled on the stance of a sprinter in the starting blocks. A wider, lower and more compact appearance, and lower seating position for the driver, created a “condensed and agile” look from an energetic, dynamic car always ready to go.

Overall drivetrain efficiency was increased by 22% at no cost to performance, which benefited from a 16% improvement, to a total system output of 116 DIN hp. A more engaging drive came via sharper throttle response which contributed to a 15% reduction in 0-100 km/h time, now standing at a brisk 9.7 seconds.

The latest generation of hybrid technology was optimised for weight, performance and efficiency, which transformed Yaris’ EV driving capabilities. The serenity of an all-electric drive could be enjoyed at speeds up to 130 km/h while enhanced hybrid power delivered improved acceleration at low speeds and on the highway, with more linear acceleration creating a stronger fun-to-drive sensation.

The fourth generation Yaris was again Toyota’s most popular model in Europe and became the best-selling model in the region for the first time, thanks to its modern combination of compact, well-equipped urban chic and the lowest fuel consumption in class.

Just over two decades since the Yaris won the first Car of the Year for Toyota, the fourth generation Yaris was voted 2021 Car of the Year by the jury of 59 European automotive journalists. The jury praised Yaris’ hybrid technology for its smooth driving, low emissions and accessible price point – illustrating why more than 80% of Yaris buyers choose the hybrid powertrain. The Yaris was also recognised for its design, dynamic performance, and class-leading safety.

In 2022, the new Yaris GR SPORT, based on the fourth generation Yaris, went on sale in Europe with the exclusive, new Dynamic Grey exterior colour and bi-tone black accenting. New bespoke 18-inch wheels with machined red accent line segments reinforce the GAZOO Racing lineage and the front grille receives a brand new mesh design which features a distinct “G” motif pattern. The Yaris GR SPORT also features suspension tuning and enhanced body rigidity for a more responsive, comfortable and engaging experience.

GR Yaris - Award-Winning Sportscar

Following in the wheel tracks of the successful Yaris GRMN and first Yaris GR SPORT came the first original GAZOO Racing pure performance sports car, the GR Yaris, in 2020.

This road-going sports car was inspired by success with the Yaris World Rally Car, which earned the Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team one manufacturers’ title and two drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles at the time of the model’s release. It maintained the nameplate’s role as a pathfinder for innovative technologies and received unprecedented acclaim, becoming an instant modern classic.

The GR Yaris was developed directly from Toyota’s rally experience on a unique platform, combining the new GA-B and a rear section adapted from the GA-C platform. It incorporates lightweight aluminium body panels and a forged carbon composite roof alongside weight-saving in parts throughout the car.

At its heart is the world’s most powerful three-cylinder engine, also the smallest and lightest 1.6-litre turbo. Producing 261 DIN hp and 360 Nm of torque, it launches the GR Yaris from rest to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h.

A kerb weight of just 1,280 kg gives the GR Yaris an excellent weight-to-power ratio of 4.9 kg per 1 DIN hp distributed via the permanent, electronically controlled all-wheel drive GR-FOUR system. That potent combination ensured the limited production of 25,000 units were rapidly sold out to eager enthusiasts keen to experience the most extreme Yaris ever created.

The GR Yaris is also at the vanguard of Toyota’s quest for a carbon neutral future, for production cars and motorsport. Illustrating the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in new and varied powertrain technology, a development GR Yaris H2, featuring a hydrogen-powered combustion engine with almost zero tailpipe emissions, made its European debut in August 2021. Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda, co-driven by rally legend Juha Kankkunen, completed exhibition runs at the Ypres Rally in Belgium.

With the change in regulations in the World Rally Championship, Toyota GAZOO Racing introduced the GR Yaris Rally1, based on the road going model, for the 2022 season.

To date, Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team has achieved an impressive three manufacturers’ and four drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles, bringing Toyota’s total tally in the World Rally Championship to six manufactures’ titles.

Yaris Cross - An Authentic SUV

Launched in 2021, the Yaris Cross brought together Toyota’s rich experience and know-how in small cars with its heritage of innovative SUV design and engineering to create an all-new model, perfectly suited to daily use but offering adventure and a fun-to-drive spirit.

Powerful styling expresses robustness and agility in a body that’s compact, giving easy manoeuvrability suitable for urban life, while allowing for an interior with plenty of comfort and generous load capacity, following the established Yaris “big-small” philosophy.

Yaris Cross delivers genuine SUV performance with Toyota’s proven Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system that deploys an additional, independent electric motor on the rear axle to provide extra grip and stability when pulling away and cornering, and more confidence on slippery surfaces.

The compact and lightweight AWD-i system design minimises the impact on fuel and emissions efficiency. Class-leading performance for a B-segment SUV with AWD helped it become one of Toyota’s best sellers in Europe.

Shortly after launch, the Yaris Cross cemented its pedigree in the multiple award-winning Yaris family when it was named the 2022 World Urban Car by organisers of the World Car Awards, selected by a 102-member strong jury of international journalists representing 33 countries.

Designed in Europe

From the very first generation, the European design team has left its mark on the Yaris, initially via EPOC in Brussels and, later at ED² after its relocation to larger premises on the French Riviera, close to Nice, where it has operated since 2000.

That was a clear statement which further strengthened Toyota’s European design development capabilities, after it set out ambitious production and sales plans for the region. As part of the Global Toyota design network, ED² keeps its finger on the pulse of European taste, customs, values and trends, and the Yaris has been inspired by these insights throughout its rich history.

ED² shares design responsibilities with design centres in Japan, depending on the generation and model. As with the first generation, the exterior of the second generation Yaris in 2006 originated from ED², whilst the centre had a hand in the two facelifts of the third generation. For the fourth generation Yaris, ED² was tasked with the Colour, Material & Finishing (CMF) while the Yaris Cross gave designers expanded responsibilities to cover not only CMF, but the exterior design too, with production design being managed in Japan.

Built in Europe

Anticipating the popularity of the first generation Yaris, in October 1998 Toyota broke ground on a new high-tech manufacturing facility in Valenciennes, France to supplement Yaris production from the Takaoka Plant. From the outset, TMMF has been designed to be a ‘green, clean and lean factory of the 21st Century’. Its size is 30% more compact versus a typical automotive plant of that time, giving it a head start to dramatically cut energy and emissions. In some workshops, the storage areas are as much as 10 times more compact compared to automotive industry standards for plants with similar production output.

TMMF went live in January 2001 with an initial annual production capacity of 150,000 units. By 2022, annual production figures had grown to reach 255,584 units, making the plant the largest automotive production site in France by volume. The same year, the Yaris Cross became the most produced single model amongst all brands in France for the first time with 161,508 units produced, dethroning its sibling Yaris which had topped the list seven times in the past 10 years.

The plant now employs 5,000 people and has made a total cumulative investment of 1.5 billion euros. This includes the required capital investments for each new generation and model as well as significant resources committed to continuously improving the company’s environmental performance. Only a few years into its existence, part of the roof had been covered with photovoltaic panels and a 400m² solar wall had been installed.

Since 2019, the site uses 100% renewable electricity and, since 2012, two on-site basins, with a combined volume of 16,000m³, mean it can now be fully autonomous in industrial water. The majority comes from rainwater collected from those basins whilst the remaining amount is recycled from the plant’s waste water which is pre-treated to meet the required standards before use in the production process.

Over the past 20 years, TMMF has successfully reduced the energy required to produce a Yaris by 59%, which has earned it internal recognition as a global leader within Toyota. Adding to these achievements is the recent installation of a new paint line in the Plastics shop, a Toyota global first, that is expected to deliver annual savings of 1,000 tonnes of CO₂. TMMF has set itself the goal to be carbon neutral as of 2030 and be zero emissions by 2040.

The milestone 10 millionth car–a Yaris GR SPORT in Dynamic Grey–rolled off the production lines in TMMF on March 30 like so many Yaris before it and has been delivered to a French customer from the Paris region.

For pictures, please visit: https://newsroom.toyota.eu/

Notes to the editors:

Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA (TME) oversees the wholesale sales and marketing of Toyota, GR (Gazoo Racing) and Lexus vehicles and parts and accessories, as well as Toyota’s European manufacturing and engineering operations. Toyota directly employs over 27,000 people and has invested over EUR 10 billion in Europe since 1990. Its eight European manufacturing plants are located in Portugal, the UK, France, Poland, Czech Republic and Turkey. Today, there are approximately 16.5 million Toyota, GR and Lexus vehicles on European roads, whose drivers are supported by a network of 28 National Marketing and Sales Companies and around 2,800 retail sales outlets in 53 countries (EU, UK, EFTA countries + Russia, Israel, Turkey and other Eastern European countries). In 2021, TME sold 1,076,300 vehicles in Europe for a 6.4% market share. For more information, visit Facts & Figures (toyota.eu) and www.toyota-europe.com.

Toyota believes that when people are free to move, anything is possible. In the pursuit of "Mobility for All", Toyota aims to create safer, more connected, inclusive and sustainable mobility to achieve its mission of producing “Happiness for All”. In Europe, TME launched the KINTO mobility brand which offers a range of mobility services in 14 countries and is growing its business-to-business sales of zero-emission fuel cell products and engineering support. Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Toyota is working to achieve carbon neutrality in its entire business across Europe. A historic leader in CO₂ reduction in Europe, TME aims to achieve 100% CO₂ reduction in all new vehicles in Western Europe by 2035 and will continue to offer a full range of electrified powertrains to customers across the region with its hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery and fuel cell electric vehicles.

'Morizo' Puts Hydrogen-Engine GR Yaris Through Its Paces on Belgian Roads

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 10:50:00 +0200

Behind the wheel of the GR Yaris H2 was Toyota President Akio Toyoda, a.k.a. "Morizo". Joining him as co-driver^* was former Finnish driver and four-time WRC champion Juha Kankkunen, who once won a world title with Toyota.

The GR Yaris H2 took to the rally course as a test car in Special Stage (SS) 11 on the second day (August 20) of the August 19-21 Ypres Rally Belgium. The 15-kilometer SS 11 was charted along extremely narrow farm roads that ran along fields and between houses, making for a stage that was challenging even for professional championship rallyists. The GR Yaris served as a test car and ran ahead of a safety car sent out to confirm stage safety before the start of SS 11.

Even though Morizo had never driven on those roads nor had a chance to survey them before he began his run, by relying on Kankkunen's guidance, he was able to interact with extremely slippery and constantly changing road surfaces to complete the course without incident.

Morizo's post-run comments

I am grateful to Juha for his courtesy in allowing me to drive. He guided me in sync with my driving, making me feel comfortable. The roads were tough―not only slippery but also narrow, and their surfaces seemed to change from moment to moment. They were like the roads used in Rally Japan, and it was a good chance to think about races with spectators in mind. We also had a (Toyota) Mirai (fuel cell electric vehicle) at the venue demonstrating external power supply, and I believe that, together with driving using a hydrogen engine, we were able to highlight in Europe the potential of hydrogen as an option for achieving carbon neutrality.

Kankkunen's comments

Akio's driving was great. And the hydrogen engine put out solid torque, making it no different from a gasoline engine. Because they emit zero CO2, I believe hydrogen engines will become one of the options for achieving carbon neutrality not only in the world of motorsports but also in the world of everyday cars.

_{^*GR Yaris H2 driver on other days of the rally}

Toyota showcases experimental hydrogen-powered GR Yaris

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +0100

Toyota today showcased its experimental hydrogen-powered combustion engine technology in the multiple award-winning GR Yaris.

The hydrogen fuel, fuel tanks and refuelling process of the experimental vehicle are the same as found in the Mirai, Toyota’s commercially available flagship fuel cell electric vehicle.

However, whilst the Mirai employs chemical reaction in the fuel cells to generate energy, the experimental GR Yaris features an internal combustion engine with hydrogen as the fuel.

While the hydrogen combustion engine technology is still in the early stages of conceptual development and experimentation, which started in 2017 and not yet ready for commercialisation, Toyota’s experimental hydrogen-powered Corolla Sport is already delivering high performance at motorsport events in Japan with almost zero tailpipe emissions.

The hydrogen-powered experimental GR Yaris and the Corolla Sport both feature the same G16E-GTS, 1.6-litre, in-line 3-cylinder, turbocharged engine that is found in the award-winning GR Yaris, but with a modified fuel supply and injection system for use with hydrogen as fuel.

The experimental hydrogen-powered Corolla Sport has already been competing in the Super Taikyu race series in Japan since May this year under the ROOKIE Racing arm of Toyota GAZOO Racing where the team has taken on the challenge to test the experimental hydrogen combustion engine under the harsh environments of motorsport.

Hydrogen combusts at a faster rate than petrol, resulting in good responsiveness whilst delivering excellent environmental performance. In addition to being extremely clean, hydrogen combustion has the added potential to relay a fun to drive experience with the acoustic and sensory sensations that characterise internal combustion engines.

Towards achieving carbon neutrality, Toyota has been strengthening its efforts, such as by aiming to promote the use of hydrogen through the popularisation of FCEVs and numerous other fuel-cell-powered products. By further refining its hydrogen-engine technologies through motorsports, Toyota intends to aim for the realisation of an even better hydrogen-based society.

GR Yaris: Born from the World Rally Championship

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 01:01:00 +0100

When Toyota announced its return to the World Rally Championship in 2015, the concept of building a rally-inspired sports car was part of the plan. The vision was to take technical knowledge and experience from the highest level of international competition and apply them to a new road car that is also suitable for competition driving, and an affordable proposition for customers.

For Toyota President Akio Toyoda, the creation of a sports car made purely by Toyota – the first in 20 years – was a personal ambition. Following on from winning the WRC manufacturers’ championship in 2018, he saw a winning car as being key to achieving global recognition as a true auto manufacturer.

The GR Yaris is that car, built from scratch and designed to win at highest levels. It is Toyota’s second global GR model, following the successful launch of the GR Supra in 2018.

There were basic challenges to be met in terms of technical know-how and creating a car that customers would buy. From the outset, the development team worked closely with Tommi Mäkinen Racing to better understand how their goals could be achieved. It was a detailed and labour-intensive process, but one which has yielded strong results in terms of a car that has an ideal combination of rigid, lightweight construction, an agile and responsive chassis and a powerful yet compact turbo engine.

Professional rally drivers, including members of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, drove the prototype models and provided valuable feedback. Testing was also carried out by Akio Toyoda in his expert role as a Toyota Master Driver.

The GR Yaris is built on a unique platform, combining Toyota’s new GA-B platform (which debuted on the new generation Yaris hatchback) and a rear section adapted from the GA-C platform used for the Corolla and C-HR. The rally team emphasised the importance of light weight and this is reflected in the use of aluminium body panels and a forged carbon composite roof in the body structure, and scrutiny of how weight could be reduced in parts throughout the car.

For the best possible aerodynamic performance, the body itself is another unique element: although based on the new Yaris hatchback, it is a three rather than five-door model, with a lower, tapering roof line. This has been designed specifically to direct wind flow onto the large rear rally car spoiler to generate extra downforce. As with a competition car, the shaping of the lower body efficiently channels airflow down the sides of the vehicle.

The engine is also all-new, a 1.6-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit. It is the world’s most powerful three-cylinder engine and also the smallest and lightest 1.6 turbo. Producing 261 DIN hp and 360 Nm of torque, it complies with WRC2 technical regulations and can launch the GR Yaris from rest to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h. Its construction makes use of features derived directly from motor sport, including a ball bearing turbocharger, large-diameter exhaust valves and multi-jet oil piston cooling.

A kerb weight of just 1,280 kg gives the GR Yaris an excellent weight-to-power ratio of 4.9 kg per 1 DIN hp.

Engine power is harnessed through a Toyota’s new GR-FOUR permanent, electronically controlled all-wheel drive system. Another competition-inspired feature, this provides three driving modes with different front/rear drive torque to suit the conditions – Normal, Track and Sport.

DESIGN AND PACKAGING

Designed to meet the requirements of international rally competition
Only exterior features shared with the new Yaris hatchback are the front and rear lights, door mirrors and antenna
Three-door body format with lowered roof line and aerodynamic styling to optimise aerodynamic performance
Driver’s cockpit designed for sporty driving

Exterior design

The GR Yaris’ packaging has been developed by pushing the limits of performance, with close consultation between the design team and colleagues at Tommi Mäkinen Racing, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s World Rally Championship partner.

Although the new Yaris hatchback is the base vehicle for the new model, the only unchanged exterior parts are the headlights, door mirrors, rear light clusters and the shark fin antenna on the roof. Everything else has been redesigned or adapted to meet the targets for downforce, aerodynamic performance and stability.

Overall length is 3,995 mm, 55 mm greater than the standard Yaris, with the wheelbase unchanged at 2,560 mm. The redesigned front and rear increase the overhangs by 40 and 15 mm respectively. Overall width is 1,805 mm (+60 mm) and overall height 1,455 mm (-45 mm)

The principal change is the move from a five-door to a three-door body. The GR Yaris is the only model in the new Yaris range to use this format, appropriate for WRC competition where the regulations stipulate no changes may be made or aerodynamic elements added to the doors.

The requirement to maximise downforce and aerodynamic performance resulted in a lowering of the car’s roof line, by up to 95 mm at its rearmost point compared to the standard hatchback. The revised profile increases the volume of air flow hitting the spoiler mounted on top of the rally car back door, generating extra downforce. Following the aerodynamic performance of the competition car, the design of the lower body directs air flow from the front wheel housing close along the side of the vehicle.

The front of the car projects a strong sense of purpose featuring the signature GR “functional matrix” design. Cooling air is fed to the radiator, intercooler and engine compartment through a large, rectangular lower grille with a wide honeycomb mesh. The prominent spoiler has a downforce-generating shape, with a raised centre section that controls the flow of air beneath the vehicle. There are also deep upper and lower lips at each corner that act as canards, generating downforce when driving through bends. The grille is flanked by large vertical inlets for the brake duct and intercooler, with circular LED fog lights positioned at the far edges of the bumper unit. Discreet GR badging is featured on the lower grille, the front wings and back door, alongside the right-hand LED light cluster.

At the rear, the tapering of the roof and rear pillars and the addition of the deep, high-mounted spoiler, enhance downforce and aerodynamic performance. The wide track and flaring of the rear wings emphasise the car’s wide and low silhouette. The rear wings have a flat side surface and minimised corner radius, which smooth the flow of air away from the vehicle and reduce drag. Aerodynamic performance is also improved by shape of the rear diffuser (the aero step) being folded into the bumper unit.

Equal attention has been paid to under-car aerodynamics with an engine under-cover, left and right-side floor under-covers and spats in front of each wheel.

GR Yaris is available in four paint finishes that match TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s competition colours: Super White as standard and optional White Pearl, Emotional Red and Precious Black.

Interior design

The design of the GR Yaris’ interior reflects the car’s performance, particularly around the driver’s cockpit.

The binnacle has the same binocular arrangement as the standard Yaris but with additional functions related to the car’s specific performance qualities. The 4.2-inch TFT colour multi-information display adds an all-wheel drive indicator showing the torque distribution and mode selected for the GR-FOUR system and a turbo pressure monitor. The analogue meters have white figures with red pointers for high, at-a-glance visibility.

The gear shift lever has a high position on the centre console, raised by 50 mm and set close to the steering wheel, helping the driver make quick shifts. The action is light with short shift strokes, adding to the performance quality. The GR Yaris has a mechanical hand-operated parking brake, which the driver can use for cornering in rally stage driving. This is made possible by a specific function of the GR-FOUR coupling system which fully opens the coupling when the handbrake is used.

The GR-FOUR selector control is set just forward of the gear shift, for easy changes between Normal, Sport and Track modes.

The interior is finished in black with Smoke Silver trim details around the door handles, centre console, steering wheel and side air vents.

The luggage compartment has a 174-litre capacity. With the rear seatbacks folded, there is space enough to carry a set of four large tyres or a bicycle. With the accessory battery housed beneath the deck board, the GR Yaris comes with a tyre repair kit in place of a spare wheel.

LIGHT WEIGHT THE PRIORITY

Reducing vehicle weight key to its handling performance
Lightweight materials used through the body structure, including aluminium and new forged carbon composite for the roof
Weight-saving produces an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 4.9 kg per 1 DIN hp

Throughout the GR Yaris there has been a focus on saving weight to maximise the performance potential, without compromising strength and safety. This rigorous approach is particularly evident in the car’s construction, with extensive use of lightweight metals and materials used in key areas. Toyota’s success in bringing down the car’s mass has achieved a kerb weight of just 1,280 kg and a weight-to-power ratio of 4.9 kg per 1 DIN hp.

Body shell

In a first for a Toyota model, the roof is made of a new forged (rather than woven) carbon material, C-SMC (carbon sheet moulding compound), which saves 3.5 kg compared to a steel roof and helps lower the car’s centre of gravity.

Aluminium is used for the bonnet, the back door and front doors, marking a weight reduction of about 24 kg. Overall, the body shell contains around 10% aluminium and weighs about 38 kg less than the previous generation Yaris hatchback. Thin-sheet steel is used in the wings and side members, with light and strong high-tensile steels in critical areas to ensure the car’s structure can safely absorb and dissipate impact forces.

Hard-top doors with frameless windows

The doors on the three-door GR Yaris are elements that cannot be changed or replaced for WRC competition. Made from lightweight aluminium they have a hard-top design with frameless windows which reduces the step and allows the glass to sit tighter to the body. This improves its sealing performance at high speeds and removing the need for a door reinforcement.

Re-shaped back door and lightweight rear bumper

The back door – another body part which cannot be changed for competition – has been redesigned to fit with the GR Yaris’ lower roof line and three-door body shape. Both the inner and outer panels are made of aluminium, further reducing the car’s mass.

The rear bumper is made of TSOP (Toyota Super Olefin Polymer) which allows for a thinner construction, achieving a 38% weight reduction. TSOP also offers an environmental benefit, being easily recyclable.

The GR Yaris Circuit Pack equips the car with lightweight forged alloy wheels with highly rigid spokes. These further reduce the car’s overall weight.

POWERTRAIN

All new 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 261 DIN hp/192 kW and 360 Nm of torque
The world’s most powerful three-cylinder engine and the lightest and smallest 1.6-litre turbo unit
0 – 100 km/h acceleration in 5.5 seconds, top speed limited to 230 km/h
Created using motor sport technologies, including a ball-bearing turbo, large-diameter exhaust valves and multi-jet oil piston cooling
Six-speed manual sports transmission

The fundamental requirement for the GR Yaris’s engine was a sports unit that would deliver outstanding, powerful acceleration and exhilarating sense of continuous power, in keeping with the car’s “GR” designation. The result is a new, in-line three-cylinder engine with a versatile quality that makes it comfortable for day-to-day driving as well as competition performance.

The 1,618 cm³ 12-valve engine meets the World Rally Championship’s Rally 2 (formerly R5) regulations, following Toyota’s negotiations with the sport’s governing body to allow a three-cylinder format. Atsunori Kumagaya, who led the development project, explained: “We preferred this engine due to its light weight and compact size making it simple to install, while the lack of exhaust gas interference made it easier to obtain power.”

The unit is in fact the largest-capacity and most powerful three-cylinder engine currently in production, yet it is also the smallest and lightest 1.6 turbo unit. Its maximum power output is 261 DIN hp/192 kW at 6,500 rpm, with maximum torque of 360 Nm delivered from 3,000 to 4,600 rpm – performance on a par with that of a 2.0-litre turbo unit.

GR Yaris is as light as a B-segment hot hatch (kerb weight 1,280 kg), yet the power is comparable to C-segment performance models. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h can be accomplished in 5.5 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 230 km/h.

With a focus on power and light weight, the GR Yaris achieves an exceptional weight-to-power ratio of 4.9 kg per DIN hp. The car’s body-in-white weight is 12% less than the new generation Yaris, thanks to the use of lightweight materials in its construction, including aluminium for the bonnet and doors and carbon fibre composite for the roof (further details above). Compared to the standard Yaris, the engine is positioned 21 mm further back in the compartment, contributing to the car’s weight distribution, dynamic balance and low centre of gravity.

The development team drew on the knowledge and experience of their TOYOTA GAZOO Racing colleagues to maximise the engine’s potential, adopting a number of motorsports-derived technologies to help them meet their goals. These include a ball-bearing turbocharger, large-diameter exhaust valves and multi-jet oil piston cooling.

Construction

In addition to high performance, the new engine has been designed for light weight, high-speed combustion, drivability, enhanced cooling and fuel efficiency.

The high-speed combustion package includes high-efficiency ports, with an increased valve angle, eccentric valve seats and, drawing on motorsport design, larger diameter exhaust valves. To help bring down the engine’s mass, the block and crankshaft have been optimised for rigidity and the thickness of the block’s outer wall has been minimised. The crankshaft’s balance has also been optimised. Further weight has been saved by using individual (top and bottom) timing chain covers and a shallow water jacket block.

To promote fuel efficiency, the piston skirts have a low-friction surface treatment and the main bearing is optimised to reduce oil supply.

Although a sports engine, the new unit is able to make use of shared Toyota TNGA components and technologies, including high-strength con-rods, hydraulic lash adjusters, lightweight pistons, camshaft (with slightly concave radius) and high-energy ignition coil.

Turbocharger

The engine’s single-scroll turbocharger had to be strong enough to deal with high outputs, but using a large-capacity unit risked diminishing performance though turbo-lag. The solution was to adopt wear-resistant abradable seals and a ball bearing to improve the compressor’s efficiency and reduce friction. The controls are positioned close to the wastegate valve so that gas flows on the turbine side, reducing lag when the accelerator is pressed.

The turbocharger is integrated in the exhaust manifold, reducing weight, while control of wastegate bypass gases is used to improve the warm-up efficiency of the catalyst. The controls have been improved so that turbo performance can be fully utilised from low airflow volumes, contributing to excellent acceleration response. An air by-pass valve controls the turbo pressure and prevents surge. The large, cross-flow type intercooler features a long core length and low pressure-loss inner fins to help realise high engine output, responsiveness and cooling capacity.

Lubrication and cooling

The water-cooled oil cooler is made of aluminium, saving weight and giving high heat exchange efficiency., with heat dissipation performance appropriate for the engine’s high output. The unit is installed upstream of the main oil filter, so there is less risk of bearing seizure due to foreign matter in the oil.

To accommodate the high power output, the engine cooling system uses a belt-driven large-capacity water pump. The oil cooler is located in the water pump outlet, which improves its cooling performance and efficiency.

Fuel system

The high-pressure (22MPa) D4-S direct fuel injection system operates with increased pressure to achieve finer spray atomisation. The high-tumble air flow in the combustion chamber increases the dispersion of the injected fuel to enhance engine performance. The six-hole spray design avoids interference with the valves to help achieve lower emission and has been optimised for precise control.

The port injection is via long-nozzle, 10-hole injectors. Intake port flow has been optimised to reduce fuel adhesion to the walls, contributing to fuel and emissions efficiency. Optimisation of the moving parts and magnetic circuit give excellent performance at high temperatures, which again reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

New intake system

A new intake system has been developed suitable for the engine’s high output and to create a sporty sound.

Because the battery is located in the luggage compartment, there is room to accommodate a large air filter, which helps reduce low pressure losses. The unit has a 10.8-litre capacity and contains a fine sound-absorbing fibre material. The filter uses a new paper and fine fibre compound construction that is both more efficient in collecting dust and reducing low pressure losses. An air-liquid separation structure prevents water or snow from entering the system.

Stop-start system

The engine is equipped with a stop-and-start system that automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt, with the gear shift in neutral. Restart is smooth and automatic when the driver presses the clutch pedal. The system reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

Engine mounting

The engine uses a completely redesigned mounting system that reduces noise and vibration. The right-hand mount is a hydraulic type to gain ride comfort and reduce vibration during idling. Its rubber characteristics and the position have been optimised to achieve better noise and vibration performance. The two torque rods are made of aluminium, reducing weight.

The change in the rubber’s spring rate adds to acceleration responsiveness and feel, reducing displacement of the engine in the roll direction when the accelerator is pressed. Similarly, an increased lateral spring rate enhances steering responsiveness and feel.

Engine sound

NEW GR-FOUR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM

Toyota’s first original all-wheel drive system in 20 years
Electronically controlled GR-FOUR with three driving modes – Normal, Track and Sport
System allows engine power to be transmitted to the road with high traction and faithful response to the driver’s inputs

The new GR-FOUR system is the first original sports all-wheel drive system Toyota has created in 20 years. Developed specifically for the GR Yaris, it controls vehicle posture and allows the car’s power to be realised with high traction and faithful cornering, regardless of road surface quality.

The full-time system is simple in design and light in weight – lighter than alternative twin-coupling or centre differential systems. Operation is electronically controlled, with three modes the driver can select to suit their preference or the driving scenario. Slightly different gear ratios are used in the high-response coupling and rear differential, allowing greater drive force to be directed to the rear wheels even when there is no slip at the front wheels.

The mode options are: 50:50 Track mode, suitable for fast driving in any road conditions, from dry to snow; 30:70 Sport mode, to prioritise rear-wheel drive characteristics; and 60:40 Normal mode (the default mode), suitable for day-to-day performance.

The transfer case is constructed in aluminium and contains a hypoid gear, with bearing support optimised for rigidity. Lightweight aluminium is also used for the rear differential, which is integrated with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. The two units are connected by a three-joint, two-axis propeller shaft.

The system’s ECU controls the drive torque distribution to suit the driving situation, according to data gathered on vehicle performance such as speed, acceleration, braking and steering. Electronic control of the multi-plate clutch uses information from the wheel speed and G sensors and the clutch’s temperature sensor.

The GR Yaris Circuit Pack is additionally equipped with front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials which offer enhanced cornering performance and grip with control of left and right-hand drive torque distribution on the front and rear axles.

PERFORMANCE-FOCUSED BODY AND CHASSIS

Highly rigid body shell, featuring additional spot-welding points and extensive use of structural adhesive
Lightweight and rigid suspension system featuring front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones with trailing arms
High-performance braking system
Steering tuned for quick response, controllability and linear feedback

High body rigidity

Producing a highly rigid body was one of the core requirements for the GR Yaris, critical to its handling performance and driver rewards.

To achieve the desired level of rigidity, significantly more weld points are used, particularly in areas where they can strengthen joints. There are 4,175 in total, 259 more than on the Yaris hatchback. Further gains are made through extensive use of structural adhesive, increasing the joint rigidity between component parts which adds to the car’s excellent handling stability in areas such as yaw response, steering feedback and the feel of grip communicated to the driver. In all, 35.4m of adhesive is used, 14.6m more than on the standard Yaris.

Special attention has been paid to the joint structure at the rear, with a strainer giving support at 45 degrees from the shock absorber inputs. This suppresses toppling of the rear wheel housing to give an excellent level of torsional rigidity. A continuous, enlarged cross-section runs from the rear header to the rear pillars, suppressing deformation when the tailgate is opened and further adding to the body’s rigidity. Further gains have been made by lengthening the rear wheel house inner to connect directly to the rear pillar inner.

To gain better front/rear weight distribution, the battery is located beneath the rear load space floor.

Suspension

The front suspension is a new MacPherson strut design that offers both light weight and high rigidity that maximises the tyres’ grip potential.

The requirement was for the suspension to be capable of delivering all the engine’s power to the road and maximise the tyres’ cornering capability on all surfaces, so the driver can control the car with confidence it will perform faithfully.

To achieve overall high rigidity, development focused on the hub bearing and the front lower arm bushing. The rigidity of the hub bearing and front lower arm bushing were increased, with a reinforcing patch add also added to the front lower arm. The system features an exclusive, highly rigid front knuckle.

The suspension geometry and settings have been defined to maximise the tyres’ grip capability. The new knuckles, with a lower joint ball position, enable an increase in initial camber and optimised roll steer characteristics. The anti-roll bar layout and spring characteristics have also been optimised and the system uses an exclusive, high-response shock absorber set-up.

The new GA-C-derived platform allowed for a specific rear suspension system to be designed to meet the GR Yaris’ performance targets, accommodating all-wheel drive and achieving high levels of agility and stability. The design uses trailing double wishbones, in place of the torsion beam arrangement found in the standard Yaris hatchback. As with the front suspension, the design achieves light weight and high rigidity and focuses on maximising tyre grip.

The system helps keep the rear tyres firmly planted, with the excellent road-holding providing harder lateral and torsional movement, which is key to vehicle control and more supple vertical movement. Factors contributing to the rigidity include two ball joints on the lower side, and more rigid bearings and rear trailing arm bushes. New upper arms with a shorter span increase the initial camber, while, as with the front suspension, exclusive shock absorbers are fitted and spring characteristics are optimised to achieve the best possible grip.

Wheels and tyres

The GR Yaris is fitted as standard with 18-inch cast alloy wheels with a light and highly rigid multi-spoke design, the shape of the spokes reflecting the lines of a traditional Japanese sword. The tyres are 225/40R18 Dunlop SP Sport MAXX 050.

The GR Yaris Circuit Pack comes with lighter, forged alloy BBS wheels with a 10-spoke design, shod with Michelin Pilot 4S high-performance tyres, designed for extra grip for high-speed driving stability and control. To ensure the tyres’ full performance potential can be realised, the Circuit Pack features retuned suspension, with stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, adapted shock absorbers, and adjustment to the electric power steering assistance.

Brakes

It is significant that the brakes fitted to the GR Yaris compare in size to those used by the GR Supra – in fact the front discs are larger in diameter. The system is designed for ample braking ability while maintaining vehicle posture true to the driver’s intentions. Performance is responsive and controllable, giving rewarding continuity and balance to brake-corner-accelerate driving.

At the front there are 356 mm ventilated discs with four-pot, lightweight aluminium callipers; the rear brakes are 297 mm ventilated discs with two-pot aluminium callipers. On the GR Yaris Circuit Pack the front callipers are painted red and decorated with the GR logo.

High-friction pads are used front and rear. The brakes’ heat capacity is suitable for circuit driving, with performance closer to that of heavier and more powerful C-segment cars.

For the driver, the brake pedal has been designed with a short stroke and tuned for solid feedback. Braking has a linear feel, with little variation between city and sports driving.

Tyre Pressure Warning System

The Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS) fitted to the GR Yaris constantly monitors the pressures independently in each four wheels and warns the driver if there is any drop in pressure that might compromise fuel economy or safety. It further allows the driver to set and monitor the ideal tyre pressure to suit the track, or their driving style.

Steering

The steering is engineered for excellent control and linear feedback, contributing to the way in which the driver feels a great sense of connection to the car, and to the road.

As well as having increased rigidity, the steering column is made of aluminium, helping save weight. The manual steering gear ratio has been increased and attention has been paid to its friction characteristics, to ensure the driver receives the optimum feedback, even when making only small steering angle adjustments. Performance is further sharpened by minimising the delay before steering assistance is activated when the driver turns the wheel. Performance is quick and brisk, appropriate for a sports car.

The steering stroke ratio is 13.6:1 and the steering wheel takes 2.36 turns lock-to-lock.

DESIGNING THE IDEAL DRIVING POSITION

Good driving position essential for giving driver best vehicle control and driving enjoyment
Sports front seats designed for support and comfort in performance driving
Specially designed GR sports steering wheel and aluminium sports pedal set

An ideal position at the wheel is a key part of the GR Yaris driving experience, giving the driver a feeling of being connected to the car and the road and confidence to enjoy the car’s full performance potential. The feedback from the chassis, steering, tyres and brakes communicated through the driver’s seat, steering wheel and pedals, and the supportive, body-holding performance of the seat itself all contribute to making the driver feel in control and at one with the vehicle.

Seat design

The front sports seats give high holding performance, so a stable posture can be maintained, even during sports driving. The set frames are both light in weight and highly rigid.

A thicker urethane pad in the cushion reduces pressure beneath the base of the pelvis, while the pad beneath the base of the spine has been made thinner, with the internal rear rod moved forward, increasing pressure and improving support. The cushion material has been selected to ensure a stable surface and efficient pressure dispersion, making it easier and comfortable for the driver to maintain a good posture.

The driver’s seat has a generous range of height, fore-aft and seatback angle manual adjustment.

To make rear seat access easier in the three-door GR Yaris, the front seats have an increased forward tipping angle. The two rear seatbacks have a 60:40 split-folding function and are equipped with Isofix child seat anchor points with top tethers.

Steering wheel

The three-spoke GR sports steering wheel has a tactile, smooth-grain leather cover and is formed with an exclusive cross-section (the GR grip) calculated to provide snug fit in the driver’s palm, suitable for sports driving and easy control while maintaining a good posture.

To keep the spokes narrow, toggle-type auxiliary switches have been designed. The bottom spoke is finished in Smoke Silver and features the GR logo in a chrome frame.

The position of the column has been set to support a comfortable driving position with a wide range of manual telescopic and tilt adjustment (40 and 50 mm respectively).

Sports pedals

The size, shape, position and angle of the pedals were taken into account when designing the driving position, to ensure they deliver the feel and controllability suitable for a car of the GR Yaris’ performance quality.

Featuring drilled aluminium surfaces and measuring 45 mm wide, they are arranged to suit sports driving techniques, including heel-and-toe between brake and accelerator. To ensure the precise pitch on the brake and accelerator pedals, the centre point of the pad is confirmed prior to vehicle assembly.

The pedal position, pad angle and pressing angle have been calculated in line with the driver’s hip point to gain the best possible controllability. The driver can also use the pedals simply by articulating their ankle, without moving their heel position. Details include a side wall on the right-hand edge of the brake pedal, to help prevent the driver’s foot catching on the pedal when moving across from the accelerator.

On the clutch pedal, peak pressing force has been set higher to achieve sports car-level feedback and feel.

MODEL RANGE AND EQUIPMENT FEATURES

Two versions of GR Yaris are available
Standard specification includes GR-FOUR all-wheel drive, 18-inch cast alloy wheels, LED lights, Ultrasuede seat upholstery, dual-zone climate control and multimedia system with smartphone integration and eight-inch touchscreen
Customers can then specify either of two option packs as part of their car’s specification
GR Yaris Circuit Pack provides lightweight 18-inch forged alloys with Michelin Pilot 4S high-performance tyres, retuned suspension, front and rear limited-slip differentials and red-painted brake callipers
GR Yaris Convenience Pack includes JBL premium audio system, satellite navigation, parking sensors, ambient cabin lighting and head-up display

The GR Yaris is well equipped for performance, safety, comfort and convenience, but owners can enhance their car’s profile with a choice of two option packs - Convenience or Circuit - to form part of their car’s standard specification.

On the outside, the GR Yaris features 18-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels with Dunlop SP Sport MAXX050 tyres. The power-operated door mirrors have an auto-retract function and black casings. Performance touches include a dual exhaust, shark fin antenna, black rear spoiler, carbon fibre roof, rear privacy glass, GR badging and a GR lower grille. The automatic LED headlights have an adaptive high-beam and the front fog lights also use LED technology.

In the cabin the sports front seats are upholstered in Ultrasuede with contrast red stitching and GR logos featured in the integrated head rests. The GR badging is also picked up in the carpet mats and on the three-spoke, leather-trimmed sports steering wheel. The multimedia system features an eight-inch touchscreen, plus DAB reception, eCall, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB port and a six-speaker audio. Dual-zone air conditioning, smart entry and push-button start, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 60:40 split-folding rear seats and automatic windscreen wipers are also provided.

The Convenience Pack adds a series of premium quality features, including a JBL eight-speaker premium audio system, satellite navigation, ambient cabin lighting, head-up display, front and rear parking sensors, a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The Circuit Pack puts the focus firmly on performance, introducing GR sports-tuned suspension and steering, front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials, 18-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot 4S tyres, an engine undercover and red brake callipers bearing the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GR logo.

SAFETY AND CONNECTIVITY

Latest generation Toyota Safety Sense, including Pre-Collision System with Intersection Turn Assistance, intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Trace Assist
Multimedia system includes smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Emergency services automatically alerted in the event of an accident via eCall

Toyota Safety Sense

The GR Yaris has the fundamental benefit of a strong body structure that is engineered to deform and absorb and dissipate impact forces in a controlled manner in the event of a collision, protecting the integrity of the passenger cell. In common with all new Toyota passenger vehicles, it also benefits from Toyota Safety Sense, which equips the car with a number of active safety and driver assistance systems that can help prevent some of the most common accident risks.

The package includes the latest advances in the systems’ functionality. These include the Pre-Collision System’s ability to detect pedestrians in the car’s path during both day and night-time driving, plus bicycle riders during daylight hours.

The PCS also provides Intersection Turn Assistance, which helps avoid the risk of colliding with another vehicle or pedestrian when making a turn at a road intersection. If it detects a pedestrian crossing the carriageway the car is about to turn into, or if it is about to move across the path of oncoming traffic, it will sound an alert and, if the driver fails to respond, apply automatic emergency braking. It operates at speeds between 10 and 25 km/h.

Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control operates at both high and low speeds, automatically adapting the vehicle’s speed in relation to the traffic ahead. When the system is engaged, operation will continue until the driver uses the clutch to change gear. To restart the system, the driver simply needs to press the ACC button again.

Lane Departure Alert helps prevent the GR Yaris from unintentionally straying from its lane of traffic, sounding an alert and providing (selectable) steering control to bring the car back in line. Lane Trace Assist will automatically keep the vehicle centred in its lane, recognising and monitoring both markings on the road surface and the road margins (kerbs, grass or earth). The Toyota Safety Sense features also include Road Sign Assist, replicating key warning and command road signs on principal routes on the driver’s multi-information display, and Automatic High Beam, maximising LED headlight illumination without the risk of dazzling other traffic.

The GR Yaris Convenience Pack helps the driver with safe manoeuvring with the addition of a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, plus front and rear parking sensors. The GR Yaris is fitted as standard with a reversing camera.

Multimedia and Connectivity

The onboard multimedia system is operated by an eight-inch display mounted high on the instrument panel, featuring both button and touchscreen controls. Its opening sequence graphics show the GR logo.

As standard, it provides smartphone connectivity via both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing the driver or passenger to synchronise their phone with the system to give direct access to music, apps, assistants and calls. The standard audio system is a six-speaker arrangement; an eight-speaker premium JBL system is provided in the GR Yaris Convenience Pack, together with satellite navigation. Bluetooth and a USB port are included as standard.

In Europe, the GR Yaris is equipped with eCall, which will automatically report the car’s location to an emergency operator if there is an impact which triggers an airbag. There is also an SOS button that can be used to contact a call centre and summon emergency help. If the vehicle is stolen, it can be tracked and its location found by contacting the Toyota Smart Centre.

MANUFACTURING

GR Yaris manufactured at a new TOYOTA GAZOO Racing production facility in Japan
Assembly line comprises individual cells with no conveyor system
High-precision build quality and low-volume production
Vehicle is built by specially selected, highly skilled technicians

Toyota recognised from the start of the model’s development that a new, low-volume sports car production system would be required for the GR Yaris. The car is built exclusively at a new TOYOTA GAZOO Racing production facility, created within Toyota’s Motomachi plant in Japan.

The production line comprises a series of individual assembly cells, connected by automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) rather than the conveyors featured in conventional car plants. This fully flexible method of working, with many manual assembly techniques, enables precise body and suspension alignment, with variations in vehicle dimensions and weight kept to a minimum. The high degree of accuracy and the crafting the GR Yaris’ highly rigid body, would be more challenging to achieve on a standard, high-volume production line.

True to its commitment to people development, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has brought together highly skilled technicians from throughout the company, team members who are renowned for their exceptional abilities and attention to detail. They will contribute to the craftsmanship and technical skills training the GR factory will provide for workers at other Toyota facilities.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

Commitment to helping Toyota make ever-better cars, developing the skills of its people and creating new fans for the brand
Multiple world championship successes since its founding in 2015
GR Yaris is the first model from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, to be purely designed and manufactured by Toyota

Toyota has a proud and successful history of involvement in motor sport that goes back more than 60 years. As well as competing at all levels, from grass roots to the pinnacle of international competition, it has also designed and manufactured a series of great sports cars for the road, from the pioneering S800 and 2000GT to the Celica, Supra and MR2.

In 2015, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing was formed, reinvigorating Toyota’s involvement in motor sport in a way that promised benefits beyond sporting honours. From the start, the aim has been to use the knowledge and experience gained on the track or rally stage to help Toyota make ever-better cars and develop the skills and abilities of its people. At the same time, it would create and engage with new fans, building enthusiasm for and interest in Toyota.

In competition, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has succeeded with drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles and three Le Mans victories in the FIA World Endurance Championship. And after returning Toyota to the World Rally Championship in 2017, it has also achieved multiple event wins plus manufacturers’ and drivers’ championships.

True to its commitment to ever-better cars and celebrating the pure pleasure and excitement of driving, it produced its first global sports car, the GR Supra in 2018. Now it enters another chapter of product development with the GR Yaris, a pure Toyota sports car developed in line with the homologation requirements for rally competition. A performance halo model for the new, fourth generation Yaris range, it has been engineered to have the potential to win rallies, to serve as the basis for a potential future WRC contender and to provide an outstanding driving experience on the road.

GR YARIS: THE PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS’ PERSPECTIVE

Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team drivers Kris Meeke and Jari-Matti Latvala were closely involved in GR Yaris prototype testing
“It’s about the closest you will find to a World Rally Car on the street today” - Latvala
They give their professional assessment of the car’s performance and handling

Jari Matti Latvala and Kris Meeke brought their years of top-level rally experience to the GR Yaris project, giving valuable feedback in prototype testing during the car’s development period. The process is a perfect example of how Toyota Gazoo Racing is able to feed back its technical knowledge and experience directly into Toyota’s development of ever-better cars for the road.

Meeke, who was a member of the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team in the 2019 season, said: “Our first time testing was on frozen lakes in Finland and driving on the ice with studded tyres, you really got to feel how nimble and responsive the car is. You can manipulate it and play with it and it gives an incredible driving feeling.”

Latvala, who drove three seasons for Toyota following its return to the WRC in 2017, said: “The GR Yaris is pretty close to the World Rally Car, with its throttle response and handling, in fact it’s about the closest you’ll find on the street today.”

Here are there views on some of GR Yaris’s key features and qualities.

GR-Four all-wheel drive

Latvala: “It was decided to have three options. In normal driving, the car runs with 60/40 front/rear torque distribution. Then there’s 50/50, which for me is right for driving on ice and gravel with equal torque for the front and rear axles. Then there’s 30/70, which is what I’d call track mode – when you want to get the car to turn into a corner, you want the extra rear axle torque. It’s actually the same as we have in a Yaris WRC on rallies.”

Aerodynamics

Meeke: “With GR Yaris they were even able to change the roofline. It’s 95mm lower at the rear, which means you can put a big wing on the back, improving the aerodynamics. You can also see the work that’s been done with the front bumper, with a big air intake for engine cooling.

Light weight

Latvala: “The roof is made of a carbon polymer, a very light material. The aluminium wings, tailgate and bonnet also reduce the weight quite a lot compared to steel. The car weighs 1,280kg and with the more power you have, the better the acceleration. It’s the best combination – a lot of power a very light car.”

Meeke: “This gives the car an impressive punch and it feels so nimble when changing direction, all due to the lightweight components.”

Engine

Meeke: “The engine is a completely new design producing 261 DIN hp and 360|Nm of torque, so it’s impressive – but all the more so when the car is built with such light weight. In fact, the engine is a lightweight component itself. So with all these things taken into consideration, the weight-to-power ratio is around 4;9 kg per hp, which in this car’s segment is pretty impressive.”

Platform and suspension

Latvala: “GR Yaris is built at Motomachi, one of the most advanced car plants in the world, and there’s a lot of hand-finished work. It means things take longer, but you can feel the benefit as a driver – the car is very, very stable and the stiffer suspension gives you a good feeling as you turn into a corner. In a pure performance car, the details need to be exact, because in rallying and racing it’s the details that make the difference.”

Meeke: “Having a car like this, small and lightweight with its own, unique platform, it’s obvious everything has been optimised for ultimate road handling and you can certainly feel that when you drive it. Having independent suspension at each corner maximises the traction and the forward motion, which what is what a performance car is all about. Coming from a rally background, this car can adapt to all conditions.”

Gear ratios

Latvala: “The gear ratios have been really carefully considered. The ratio plays a big role when you’re accelerating out of corners, so you will always be playing with them to get the maximum performance according to the conditions. In GR Yaris this has been carefully thought out because they need to fit with the characteristics of the turbo engine.”

Circuit Pack

Latvala: “The GR Yaris Circuit Pack is as close to the Yaris WRC as you can get without joining the rally team.

“The Torsen limited-slip differentials give optimum torque distribution on the front and rear axles. They give you smooth forward acceleration and stability, as all four wheels are rotating at the same time, so there’s no pulling to the side. Coming out of a corner, the car doesn’t begin to over or understeer, it will hold the optimum line you want to take.

“The suspension is stiffer, making the car very stable in corners and easier control. It makes the car more agile and it’s definitely faster.

“The wheels are ultra-light but also strong and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres give good grip. They’re very sticky when you use them on the track, giving really nice grip when braking and turning, keeping the car stable.”

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing at Goodwood Speedweek

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 11:00:00 +0200

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has confirmed more cars and drivers for the first Goodwood Speedweek, taking place over the weekend of 16-18 October at the Goodwood Race Circuit in West Sussex.

The line-up includes British Touring Car Championship star Tom Ingram in the Speedworks Motorsport/TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK Corolla. Ingram is enjoying a strong season, having won two races and holding fourth place in the drivers’ championship. He will be taking part in a shoot-out competition to set the fast Goodwood lap time.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is taking the opportunity to give the new GR Yaris its first public appearance in the UK. Born from Toyota’s World Rally Championship experience, this performance thoroughbred model underwent extreme testing before a final sign-off by Toyota Gazoo Racing Master Driver Morizo – alias Toyota President Akio Toyoda. The new car – the second global GR model following the launch of the GR Supra – defines how TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is using its competition experience, know-how and technology to help Toyota create ever-better road cars and to build a passionate fan following around the world.

GAZOO Racing has been a leading supporter of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, first appearing with the Lexus LFA supercar in 2009, the year it took part in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. It has been a regular participant since 2012 and the launch of the GT86 coupe. Since then it has enjoyed introducing new models to fans, including the GR Supra and, this year, the GR Yaris. It also uses the event as a showcase for its top-level participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship and World Rally Championship. As announced earlier, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team driver Elfyn Evans will be in action in the GR Yaris on a rally stage specially constructed for the Speedweek event.

Goodwood Speedweek has been organised following the cancellation of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival due to the Covid pandemic. It combines elements from both events in a weekend of motorsport action. Fans will be able to view the three days of live action broadcast from the circuit on a dedicated streaming site free of charge, as well as on the Goodwood Twitter, Facebook and YouTube social media channels. More information about Goodwood Speedweek is available here.

Toyota Rally Star Elfyn Evans to Drive the New GR Yaris at Goodwood Speedweek

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 06:41:56 +0200

Evans, who currently leads the World Rally Championship drivers’ title race, will be temporarily hanging up the keys of his WRC Yaris to give the new road-going model its first full-blooded public rally run in the UK. The new model is a thoroughbred performance car, developed through Toyota Gazoo Racing’s participation in the WRC.

Evans will be participating in the Speedweek Super Special stages with seven runs across two days: stages one to four from 6pm on Thursday 15 October, and stages five to seven from 1.10pm on Friday 16 October.

The special stages at Speedweek will bring together rally cars from across nearly half a century of the WRC. Two stages, the Northern and Southern loops, have been created within the confines of the racing circuit, taking in the track, infield area, perimeter road and the main vehicle tunnel. The combination of high-speed corners, tight hairpins and surface changes on both tarmac and gravel will create a formidable challenge for the drivers. More information about the event and the participants can be found here.

Following the cancellation of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival due to the Covid pandemic, Goodwood Speedweek has been organised, combining elements from both events in a weekend of motorsport action. Fans will be able to view the three days of live action broadcast from the circuit on a dedicated streaming site free of charge, as well as on the Goodwood Twitter, Facebook and YouTube social media channels. More information about Goodwood Speedweek is available here.

GR Yaris is a unique sports car, built on a new platform, powered by an all-new 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo engine producing 261 DIN hp and 360Nm of torque and equipped with a bespoke GR-Four all-wheel drive system developed directly from Toyota Gazoo Racing’s competition experience. As well as being powerful, it is lightweight, tipping the scales at just 1,280kg, helping deliver a 5.5-second nought to 100 km/h time.

GR Yaris Production Has Started

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 08:00:00 +0200

On August 26th 2020, the first unit of GR Yaris serial production left the line at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City, Japan. Totally new, the production facility has been designed to meet the specific needs of the GR Yaris production.

In fact, Toyota’s return to sportscar production in Japan created the opportunity for production engineers to redesign the assembly processes specifically for the GR Yaris. Furthermore, Toyota Gazoo Racing has established the ‘GR factory’, a facility dedicated to producing GR sports cars. The factory comprises several distinct assembly cells connected by automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) and includes conveyor-less body and assembly lines. These processes have enabled the facility to produce highly rigid bodies―essential for sports cars―and to ensure highly accurate assembly - both of which are challenging to do on standard, high-volume production lines.

True to its conviction about people development, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing gathered together highly-skilled technicians from throughout Toyota at this plant. Known as ‘Takumi’, these team members are well-known for their exceptional craftsmanship skills. This new TGR plant is also used for the craftsmanship and technical skills training of workers in other Toyota production facilities.

Born from WRC, the GR Yaris is a unique sportscar based on a new platform, equipped with a totally new 3-cylinder 1.6 turbo producing 261 hp and 360 Nm, featuring a bespoke GR-FOUR 4-wheel-drive system directly inspired from racing and weighing just 1,280 kg.

Following the successful launch of online reservations back in March ‘20, first deliveries will be prioritised to these early customers in late 2020/early 2021.

Toyota opens pre-sales reservation service for the new GR Yaris

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 08:00:00 +0100

Pre-sales will commence from 10:00 CET on March 5. Customers in selected European markets will be able to register their interest via an online platform, offline contact methods and by contacting their local Toyota retailer. Those who sign up will be given priority access to purchase a car, with first deliveries expected towards the end of 2020.

Developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing in partnership with Tommi Mäkinen Racing, the GR Yaris is the performance flagship of the all-new Yaris range. Powered by a 261 DIN hp 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine it is expected to offer 0-100 km/h acceleration in less than 5.5 seconds. Its performance, lightweight construction, dynamic balance and new GR-FOUR intelligent all-wheel drive system are key to its role as the road-going basis of a future Toyota World Rally Championship competition car.

Depending on local strategy, the GR Yaris will be launched in a single, high-specification grade, but customers will be able choose from two option packs – Circuit and Convenience – to tailor their car for focused, high-speed driving or more comfort-oriented road performance. Details of equipment features will be announced at a later date.

Toyota has confirmed launch prices for the GR Yaris starting from 33,200€ in Germany, key sports car market. Variations for taxes and other local factors may apply in other European markets.

Model information and images are available at the Toyota Europe Newsroom here.

Toyota at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0100

Making its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show, Toyota’s all-new B-SUV blends extensive small car experience with enviable SUV heritage.

The new B-SUV combines elevated ground clearance with an intelligent all-wheel drive system and Toyota’s latest hybrid technology.

Toyota’s latest SUV will be revealed during its press conference, which takes place at 11:15 on the Toyota stand in Hall 4 on Mar 3^rd

There will also be European motor show debuts for the new Yaris and the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.

And the all-new Mirai makes its European motor show debut in a dedicated area highlighting Toyota’s commitment to a future hydrogen society.

The Gazoo Racing area features the new GR Yaris displayed alongside the new GR Supra 2.0, the latest 2020 WRC Yaris and Fernando Alonso’s 2020 Dakar Hilux.

The press conference will be broadcasted live on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wki5wGdIzhM

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Outlines 2020 Motorsports Activities

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0100

TGR began 2019 by achieving overall victory at the Dakar Rally. In the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), we secured both the team and the driver's championships, and we won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the second consecutive year.In the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), we won the driver's and co-driver's championships. In Japan, we won the championships in SUPER GT and Super Formula, and the class championship in the Japan Rally Championship. 2019 was a successful year in which TGR impressed the strong association between Toyota and motorsports on both Japan and countries abroad.However, we will not rest on our laurels. In order to deliver the dreams and excitement of driving to a wider audience, in 2020 we will continue to engage in a variety of motorsports activities both in Japan and overseas.

The WEC 2019-2020 season will be the last for the TS050 HYBRID, and we intend to secure a third successive victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For the WEC 2020-2021 season, which begins after the 24 Hours of Le Mans, we intend to participate in the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) Class using a racing car based on the GR Super Sport that is currently under development; we will announce the team setup at a later date. In the WRC, we intend to overhaul our driver and co-driver line-up. The WRC will return to Japan for the first time in 10 years, with Rally Japan to be held across Aichi and Gifu Prefectures in November. In SUPER GT, the Supra will return to the GT500 Class for the first time in 15 years. In SUPER GT, the Supra will return to the GT500 Class for the first time in 15 years. As far as driver development is concerned, in order to nurture Japanese racing and rally drivers capable of competing on the world stage, we intend to promote the TGR Driver Challenge Program (TGR-DC), which integrates and extends our various existing programs. In addition, we will offer vehicles for ROOKIE Racing so that we can gain expertise from the viewpoints of this private team, which is composed of various drivers, and feed it back into our product development.

With regard to products, we gave the new GR Yaris its world premiere at the Tokyo Auto Salon last month. It is the second model in the GR series to be launched globally. The GR Yaris was developed out of a desire to "once again create a genuine Toyota sports car." Master Driver Morizo, the motorsports alias of President Akio Toyoda, was involved in evaluating and testing the car from its initial development. Incorporating knowledge accumulated by TGR through its participation in the WRC, the GR Yaris was designed to deliver to customers the excitement of a sports 4WD. Going forward, TGR will continue to take advantage of its motorsports expertise in product development, and seek to further expand the GR line-up.

Click here for full press release

New Toyota GR Yaris : Forged in the heat of World Rally competition

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 02:00:00 +0100

The new GR Yaris is a pure performance car, born from Toyota’s title-winning experience in the World Rally Championship. Forged from success in the heat of competition, it brings motorsport technology and design directly to the world of the road car, true to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s ethos for making ever-better cars that are intrinsically rewarding and fun to drive.

Positioned at the top of the all-new Yaris range, the GR Yaris is a unique model that benefits from the design and engineering skills of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and Tommi Mäkinen Racing, Toyota’s partner in the WRC. As well as serving as the official homologation model for development of the next Yaris WRC car, it also has all the attributes required for owners looking to compete successfully in local rally competitions. Scheduled for launch in the second half of 2020, it will follow the GR Supra as Toyota’s second global GR model.

Presenting the GR Yaris at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, GAZOO Racing President Shigeki Tomoyama said: “One of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s commitments is to use motorsport to refine its knowhow and its personnel, with the aim of launching world-class production sports cars. While the new GR Supra is a sports car developed through track racing, the GR Yaris has been devised through our participation in rallies – something that many of our fans have been waiting for.”

Every aspect of the car has a performance focus: an all-new platform and engine, new suspension, lightweight construction and aerodynamic styling and a new GR-FOUR permanent all-wheel drive system. With high power and low weight, it has all the credentials for competition success, and for delivering exhilarating performance as a super-hot hatch for the road.

Heritage

The new GR Yaris is Toyota’s first genuine all-wheel drive sports car and its first homologation model for World Rally Championship competition since the end of production of the Celica GT-FOUR in 1999.

Across two generations and three models, the Celica GT-FOUR featured in Toyota’s most successful WRC campaigns, a golden age of rallying that brought the company 30 rally victories, four drivers' and two manufacturers' championship titles. In a reference to its illustrious predecessor and its all-wheel drive technology, the GR Yaris features a GR-FOUR logo on its tailgate.

As a homologation model, the GR Yaris will support the development of a new competition car for the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team’s WRC campaign. Since rejoining the championship in 2017, Toyota has won both the manufacturers’ championship, in 2018 and, with Ott Tänak, the drivers’ championship in 2019.

Development Priorities

The WRC-skilled team of designers and engineers at Tommi Mäkinen Racing focused on perfecting the aerodynamics, weight distribution and light weight of the new car – the three qualities essential to achieving the best performance and drivability.

A lower roofline improved the car’s ability to cut through the air, while positioning the new 1.6 turbo engine further back towards the centre of the car and locating the battery in the boot helped produce a better chassis balance for improved handling, stability and responsiveness.

The three-door body shell is made from lightweight materials including carbon fibre polymer and aluminium, to deliver an impressive power-to-weight ratio, while the new platform allows for a wider rear track and new double wishbone rear suspension system. The team also devised reinforcements beneath the side members to ensure the suspension’s performance potential can be realised.

To ensure the plans worked in practice, the GR Yaris was put to the test by professional race and rally drivers during the development programme.

Unique Design

Although the new GR Yaris sits at the top of the all-new Yaris range, it has a unique design with a three-door body and a roof lowered by 91mm, creating a coupe silhouette. Frameless doors add to the coupe look. At the front the grille design and spoiler express the car’s authentic GR status, while at the rear the wide tread and muscular wings accommodate 18-inch alloy wheels.

All-new 1.6-litre Turbo Engine

The GR Yaris’ engine is an all-new, three-cylinder turbocharged unit that benefits from motorsport technologies to maximise performance, including multi-oil jet piston cooling, large-diameter exhaust valves and a part-machined intake port. Displacing 1,618 cm³, it produces a maximum 261 DIN hp/192 kW and 360 Nm of torque.

Compact and lightweight, the DOHC 12-valve engine features a single-scroll ball-bearing turbo and is matched to a six-speed manual transmission, engineered to accommodate high torque levels.

Power-to-Weight Ratio

Achieving a strong power-to-weight ratio was a key objective to help meet the GR Yaris’ performance targets. The body shell is constructed predominantly from lightweight materials, including a new carbon fibre polymer for the roof that can be compression moulded. Aluminium is used for the bonnet, doors and tailgate. As a result, the GR Yaris has the power of a C-segment performance hatch but the weight of a B-segment machine (kerb weight 1,280 kg). Its power-to-weight ratio of only 4.9 kg per DIN hp helps deliver 0-100 km/h acceleration in less than 5.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h.

GR-FOUR: New Four-Wheel Drive System

The GR Yaris’ performance is supported by a new GR-FOUR four-wheel drive system designed to optimise drive power to each wheel, while also being simple and lightweight.

The distribution of torque between the front and rear axles is governed by a high-response coupling. As an option in the Circuit-Pack (details below), two Torsen limited-slip differentials manage the split between the left and right-side wheels to give natural and direct car control.

The ingenious system uses slightly different gear ratios for the front and rear axles and allows for a theoretical range of front/rear torque balance from 100:0 (full front-wheel drive) to 0:100 (full rear-wheel drive). This flexibility gives a performance advantage over AWD on-demand systems that use twin-coupling or permanent AWD systems with a centre differential. The GR FOUR system is also considerably lighter in weight.

The driver can adjust four-wheel drive performance to suit their preference or the driving situation using a 4WD mode dial switch. In normal mode the base front/rear torque distribution is 60:40; in Sport mode the balance shifts to the rear, with 30:70 distribution to achieve a fun-to-drive quality on winding roads and circuits; and in Track mode the base setting is 50:50 for fast, competitive driving on circuits or special stages. In each mode, the torque balance will automatically adjust in response to the driver’s inputs, vehicle behaviour and road or track conditions.

Dedicated Platform and Suspension

The GR Yaris has a new, dedicated platform that combines the front end of Toyota’s GA-B platform – debuting in the all new Yaris model in 2020 – with the rear of the GA-C platform. This allows for a new suspension design and accommodation of the GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system, while also contributing to the car’s excellent stability and handling.

Where the standard new Yaris uses a torsion beam rear suspension, the GR Yaris has a double wishbone set-up, with every element optimised for performance. A MacPherson strut system is used at the front.

Performance Braking System

The performance braking system features large, 356 mm grooved front discs with four-pot callipers, engineered to cope with rigorous demands of high-speed track and special stage driving with high-level heat capacity.

Circuit Pack

Customers can upgrade their GR Yaris with an optional Circuit Pack. This equips the car with a Torsen limited-slip differential on both the front and rear axle, performance-tuned suspension and 18-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s 225/40R18 tyres.

New GR Production Centre at Motomachi

To help meet its performance goals for the GR Yaris, Toyota has established a new production facility at its Motomachi factory with a line dedicated to manufacturing GR sports cars. Instead of the traditional conveyor system, the body and assembly lines comprise a number of different cells connected by automatic guided vehicles.

Production of each vehicle calls for a large number of manual processes, for which Toyota utilises a specialist team of skilled workers. The factory design and the talents of the workforce allow for high-precision assembly of highly rigid vehicle bodies to levels that are hard to achieve on standard production lines.

With its new manufacturing methods, the GR facility is capable of handling multi-type, small-volume production, without compromising productivity.

Toyota GR Yaris specifications

ENGINE
Type	3 in line cylinders
Valve mechanism	DOHC 12-valve with VVTi
Fuel system	D4S - Direct & indirect injection
Supercharging	Turbo
Displacement (cm³)	1.618
Bore x stroke (mm)	87.5 X 89.7
Compression ratio (:1)	10.5 : 1
Max. power (DIN hp/ kW)	261/192
Max. torque (Nm)	360
Emissions level	Euro 6d Temp

TRANSMISSION	GR-FOUR 4WD system
Type	Manual 6

PERFORMANCE
Power to weight ratio (kg/kW - kg/DIN hp)	6.7 - 4.9
Max. speed (kp/h)	230 (electronically limited)

CHASSIS
Front suspension	McPherson
Rear suspension	Double Wishbone
Steering	Rack & Pinion, Electric Power Steering
Min. turning circle (m)	10,8
Brakes
Front (diameter mm)	Ventilated disc (356)4 pot fixed calliper

Rear (diameter mm)	Ventilated disc (297)2 pot fixed calliper

Tyres	Dunlop SP Sport MAXX050Michelin Pilot Sport 4s

- dimension	225/40 R 18

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (mm)
Overall length	3.995
Overall width	1.805
Overall height	1.460
Wheelbase	2.558
Front tread	1.530
Rear tread	1.560

WEIGHT (kg)
Curb weight (without driver)	1.280

Toyota GR Yaris to debut in January

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:00:00 +0100

An all-new rally-inspired sports car, the Toyota GR Yaris, will make its international debut at next month’s Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan.

The GR Yaris incorporates advanced technologies, knowledge and experience learned from Toyota’s title-winning participation in the World Rally Championship (WRC) where it competes under the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) banner.

The GR Yaris will be the second pure sports-car model to be launched globally by TGR, following last year’s return of the legendary Toyota GR Supra.

The GR Yaris has now completed its final stage of development and a prototype was recently pushed to its limits by Toyota’s global president Akio Toyoda, under his TGR Master Driver code name “Morizo”.

Toyota, through its TGR motorsport activities, is seeking to create ever-better cars and expand its passionate fan support by competing in a series of demanding races in a variety of categories on roads around the world.

In 2017, Toyota returned to the FIA World Rally Championship with the Yaris World Rally Car, leading to five wins and the manufacturer’s title in 2018 followed by the driver’s and co-driver’s titles this year.

TGR has delivered further motorsport success in the World Endurance Championship with Toyota TS050 Hybrid race cars, resulting in manufacturer and driver championships in 2014 and 2018-19. Toyota is leading both title races in 2019-20.

Early this year, TGR took Toyota to its first outright victory in the famous Dakar Rally with a Toyota HiLux driven by Qatari champion Nasser al-Attiyah.

Further details of the Toyota GR Yaris will be announced in due course.