The Japanese manufacturer is putting its sporty models in the limelight at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The GR Yaris gets new special editions and new parts from the Gazoo Racing shelf. The GR86 also benefits from the latter.
Anyone who claims that auto shows are becoming less and less important will be taught otherwise by the Toyko Auto Salon. Year after year, the event, which started as a small tuning and motorsport fair, is becoming more important - both for the public and for the local car manufacturers. It is now so relevant that the latter make almost bigger appearances there than at the classic Japanese trade fair par excellence, the Tokyo Motor Show, which takes place in autumn.
Toyota is letting it rip particularly hard at the Auto Salon this year. And why not – the giant company has a lot to celebrate! Led by Finnish high-flyer Kalle Rovanperä and supported by French veteran Sébastien Ogier, the Japanese have scooped both the drivers' and constructors' titles in the World Rally Championship in 2022. Toyota is taking this as an opportunity to launch new special editions of the GR Yaris, a hybrid version of which is used as a race car in the WRC.
Either plain or eye-catching
The GR Yaris in the complicated titled special versions "RZ High-Performance Sébastien Ogier Edition Concept" and "RZ High-Performance Kalle Rovanperä Edition Concept" differ primarily in their coloring. The Ogier special model is in subtle matt gray with a black accent line above the sills, while the Rovanperä bolide presents a wild mix of colors that is visually based on the design of the WRC car.
The brake calipers are also colored differently: blue for Ogier, red for Rovanperä. The black wheels have different decorative elements. If you look closely, the GR Yaris RZ High-performance Kalle Rovanperä Edition Concept will also reveal a few aerodynamic add-on parts from the GR portfolio, such as a differently shaped roof wing. However, both special versions carry the side stickers with the lettering "Toyota Gazoo Racing".
Three-cylinder turbo with more torque
The main technical change concerns the engine: In the special editions, the 1.6-liter three-cylinder distributes a maximum torque of up to 390 Newton meters to all four wheels. In the standard trim, the turbo petrol engine delivers a maximum of 360 (EU specification) or 370 Newton meters (in Japan with less strict exhaust gas regulations). The GR Yaris RZ High-Performance Sébastien Ogier Edition Concept also has a reinforced stabilizer at the rear.
Inside, the changes are manageable. A plaque is emblazoned on the dashboard of both special models. The Ogier-Yaris has colored embroidery on the steering wheel (in blue, white and red), while the Rovanperä counterpart also has colored embroidery on the seats, gear knob and handbrake lever (in blue/silver).Toyota is not yet revealing when the two edition versions of the GR Yaris will be launched and what they will cost. However, the Japanese want to integrate a meet-and-greet with both rally drivers into the package.
More track competence for the GR Yaris
In terms of market launch and price announcements, the new GR parts for the hot hatchback are already further ahead - at least partially. New interior parts for the GR Yaris will be available from selected dealers in Japan from spring. If you book the full range of bucket seats, GR sports steering wheel, lightweight gear knob and parking brake, you will lose 433,950 yen (currently the equivalent of almost 3,100 euros).
Technical updates for the GR Yaris will also be available later on. These include some carbon features such as a new rear anti-roll bar and a chassis upgrade in the form of shock absorbers specially tuned for use on the race track. There is also a new air intake and a NACA shaft, which is intended to optimize engine cooling. It is not yet clear what these parts will cost.
New parts for the GR86
Gazoo Racing also presents new parts for the Toyota GR86 at the Tokyo Auto Salon. These include a new styling element for the front apron (46,200 yen or 328 euros), aerodynamically styled fins on the roof and exterior mirrors and side spoilers for 22,000 yen (156 euros) each. For the rear side windows, GR takes 124,300 yen (882 euros) expensive covers in the program. A V-shaped strut bar for the rear costs 55,000 yen (390 euros). The cap for the engine oil filler neck (11,000 yen or 78 euros) and the new sports oil filter (4,400 yen or 31 euros) are significantly cheaper.
Conclusion
One should celebrate the festivals as they come. And if Toyota has already won both titles in the World Rally Championship, you can present the appropriate special models of the GR Yaris at the home game at the Tokyo Auto Salon - especially since the Monte Carlo Rally will start the new season in a few days. But even the standard model of the small athlete can soon be upgraded with new GR parts - just like the compact sports coupe GR86.
