New Toyota GR Yaris at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon

At the global premiere of the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, the 2024 Toyota GR Yaris was revealed. The new update featured advancements in technology, design, and construction that ensures an enhanced driving experience.

When the GR Yaris initially hit the market, it garnered widespread acclaim, positioning itself as a dominant force in the hot-hatch segment. A rally-inspired, high-performance machine, it swiftly outpaced its competitors, leaving an indelible mark.

However, this success signalled just the beginning of the GR Yaris story. Over the past three years, significant efforts have been invested to elevate its performance: increased power, heightened responsiveness, enhanced engagement, and, surprisingly, an even more gratifying driving experience.

What To Expect from the Toyota GR Yaris

The collaboration between Toyota Gazoo Racing engineers, Master Drivers, and professionals from the racing and rally realms embodies a commitment to continual improvement, aiming to enrich the GR Yaris’ fundamental essence as a “driver-first” car. This emphasis revolves around the unique experience one encounters from the moment they sit behind the wheel and ignite the engine.

The list of modifications is comprehensive, justifying the label of the “new GR Yaris.” Key updates include the evolution of the world-leading turbocharged three-cylinder engine to deliver greater power and torque. Additionally, a new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, designed for rapid gear changes in competitive settings, has been introduced.

The bespoke GR Yaris chassis underwent further reinforcement, and within the cabin, the cockpit layout and driving position were revamped to evoke a more authentic sports car feel, whether navigating urban roads or participating in motorsports. Suspension adjustments ensure superior handling control and robust performance under high loads, incorporating revised spring rates and a reinforced front shock absorber assembly.

The new GR Yaris encompasses all the attributes that contributed to the success of the original model – but amplified. Consequently, it is poised to establish an even greater lead over its competitors.

A streamlined range will present a single version in the “Circuit” specification, featuring a cooling performance pack with an additional radiator, intercooler spray, and modified air intake.

Anticipated to be available in the UK and across Europe from the summer of 2024, specific details regarding UK specifications and pricing will be disclosed at a later date.

GR Yaris: The Journey So Far

The GR Yaris serves as a compelling testament to Toyota and its performance division, Toyota Gazoo Racing, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to crafting ever-improved cars through motorsport. This isn’t merely another hot hatch; it’s a vehicle that, in terms of engineering and design, directly benefits from Toyota Gazoo Racing’s triumphant experience in the World Rally Championship.

The blueprint included a new engine, an innovative electronic all-wheel-drive system, and a custom-designed chassis. When the production car reached the hands of the press and customers, the response exceeded Toyota’s expectations. Since its launch in 2020, over 18,000 cars have been sold in Europe, with the majority finding homes in the UK, boasting an impressive 99 percent customer satisfaction rating. The Circuit version has been particularly popular, influencing the decision to concentrate on this specification for the new model. Among its owners are numerous performance car enthusiasts who regard the GR Yaris as a worthy addition alongside more potent prestige models in their collections. The GR Yaris transcends categorisation; it stands in a class of its own, instantly becoming a sports car classic.

The development programme leading to the new GR Yaris follows the “develop, race, break, fix” concept. This methodology involves pushing the car to its limits, even to the breaking point of its components, in the pursuit of enhancements. Chief Engineer Naohiko Saito explains, “Every aspect of the new GR Yaris incorporates the know-how and expertise fed back from actual motorsport situations and from our Master Driver and race and rally drivers.”

Increased Power, Enhanced Torque, and Enhanced Control

Upon its debut, the GR Yaris’ turbocharged engine claimed the title of the world’s most potent three-cylinder production unit. Now, it goes a step further, offering even greater performance: power has been boosted by 19.7bhp/20 DIN hp, and an additional 30Nm of torque is at the driver’s disposal, pushing maximum figures to 276bhp/280 DIN hp and 390Nm.

This new pinnacle in performance underscores the car’s dominance in its class, widening the gap with competitors and delivering an authentic race car experience, solidifying Toyota’s accomplishment of creating a rally-inspired car for the streets.

Simultaneously, as the engine output sees an increase, measures have been implemented to ensure durability. Once again, the racetrack and rally stage served as the testing ground, pushing the engine to its limits in the Japan Rally Championship and the Japanese Endurance Race series. Noteworthy enhancements include a fortified valvetrain, a novel exhaust valve material, and an elevation in the D-4ST fuel injection pressure. The addition of new lightweight pistons with wear-resistant rings and a new intake pressure sensor further contributes to the advancements.

The upcoming model will be exclusively available in a “Circuit” specification, complete with a cooling performance pack. This pack equips the car with a new sub-radiator to enhance reliability during full-throttle driving, modifications to the air intake, and an intercooler spray.

Exterior Enhancements

In keeping with its status as a high-performance machine, the alterations to the GR Yaris’ exterior go beyond mere cosmetic adjustments. Once again, insights from professional and master drivers, coupled with experience gained in the crucible of motorsport, have played a pivotal role in these refinements.

While the fundamental structure remains unchanged – the GR Yaris retains its three-door configuration, asserting itself as a distinct model – only the rear light clusters, antenna, and door mirrors are borrowed from the standard hatchback. Every component has undergone revision to optimise downforces, aerodynamics, and grip.

Up front, a new steel mesh graces the lower grille, meticulously designed to strike the right balance between thickness, strength, and weight reduction. The side grille boasts a larger opening, and the lower bumper adopts a new split-construction for easier and more cost-effective repair or replacement.

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

Relocations abound: the fog and reversing lights transition from the lower bumper to integration within the rear combination lamps, mitigating the risk of damage. Similarly, the high-mounted stop light relocates from the rear spoiler to a lower position on the back door, ensuring alignment with all rear lamps for improved visibility to following drivers. This adjustment also simplifies spoiler changes or customisations.

Introducing a fresh exterior colour option, Precious Metal, alongside established signature shades like Emotional Red, Precious Black, and Super White/Platinum White Pearlescent, reflecting the Toyota Gazoo Racing livery.

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

*Specifications may vary by local market; details will be confirmed closer to the model’s launch.