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Toyota GR Yaris

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Toyota GR Yaris: Toyota's homologation special. Three-cylinder turbo, AWD, three-door body. Engineered specifically to win Worl
Photo: \u00a9 M 93 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Toyota's homologation special. Three-cylinder turbo, AWD, three-door body. Engineered specifically to win World Rally Championship.

The Toyota GR Yaris is a homologation special hot hatch produced from 2020 onward, developed specifically as a base for World Rally Championship competition. The car is built on a unique three-door body (not shared with regular Yaris production), uses a bespoke 1.6-liter G16E-GTS turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and has GR-Four all-wheel drive with electronic torque vectoring. The GR Yaris is Toyota first true homologation special since the early 2000s. The car was developed with input from Toyota WRC teams, with chassis tuning emphasizing rally-style dynamics: light weight, all-wheel drive responsiveness, and aggressive aerodynamics. The 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine produces 268 horsepower in standard trim and 304 horsepower in the GR Yaris GR Edition (most powerful variant), making it the most powerful three-cylinder ever fitted to a production car at launch. The model has been polarizing globally. North America did not receive the GR Yaris officially (only the GR Corolla, which uses the same engine but different chassis). Europe, Japan, Australia, and various other markets received the GR Yaris with significant enthusiasm. The car has won numerous comparison tests against established hot hatches (Volkswagen Golf R, Hyundai i30 N, BMW M2) and is widely considered one of the most engaging modern hot hatches. The GR Yaris MORIZO Edition (named after Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda's racing alias Morizo) is the most aggressive variant. Reduced weight, increased power, manual transmission, and minimal interior. Production was limited; the variant is collector-tier from launch. On WhipJury, GR Yaris submissions are uncommon in North America given the lack of official import availability. Imported examples (typically through Canada or specialty channels) appear occasionally. The community recognizes the GR Yaris as one of the most engaging modern hot hatches.

The G16E-GTS engine

1.6-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine. 268 horsepower in standard GR Yaris (or 304 in MORIZO Edition). The most powerful three-cylinder fitted to a production car at launch. Direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharger, dry-sump oiling system. Specifically designed for the GR Yaris and not used in any other Toyota product.

GR-Four AWD

Toyota GR-Four all-wheel drive system. Front-rear torque distribution variable from 60:40 to 50:50 (sport mode) to 30:70 (track mode). Active rear differential with electronic torque vectoring. The system is rally-derived and specifically tuned for the GR Yaris.

GR Yaris on WhipJury

Imported GR Yaris cars are rare in North America but increasingly visible. The community recognizes the engineering significance and votes accordingly. JDM and European-spec GR Yaris cars in modified or stock form do well. The GR Corolla is the closer-to-home alternative for North American buyers.

Frequently asked questions about Toyota GR Yaris

Why is the GR Yaris not sold in North America?
Toyota chose not to certify the GR Yaris for the US market. The car bespoke three-door body and limited expected sales in North America made certification economically unviable. North American buyers receive the GR Corolla (which uses the same engine but a different chassis). The GR Yaris remains JDM, European, Australian, and other market only.
Is the GR Yaris really a homologation special?
Yes, in the modern definition. The car was specifically developed as a base for World Rally Championship competition. The three-door body is not shared with regular Yaris production; it exists specifically for the GR Yaris. The engine, drivetrain, and chassis are bespoke. The car is sold to satisfy WRC homologation requirements that the Toyota Yaris WRC racing car can be based on a production model.
How much does a GR Yaris cost?
Varies dramatically by market. Europe: starts around 35,000 to 40,000 EUR. Australia: from 50,000 AUD. Japan: from 4,000,000 JPY. Imported to North America (through Canadian dealers or specialty importers): expect significant premium over MSRP for imported examples plus import costs.
How fast is a GR Yaris?
0-60 in around 5.0 seconds. Top speed limited to 142 mph (sometimes 156 mph depending on market). The chassis dynamics are widely praised; lap times at most circuits are competitive with significantly more powerful hot hatches due to the focused chassis tuning.
Will Toyota make a GR Yaris successor?
The GR Yaris current generation is expected to continue through 2025-2026 production. Whether a direct successor is planned is unclear. The GR Corolla provides North American buyers with similar engineering at a slightly different format. Toyota Gazoo Racing strategy may produce future homologation specials but specific product plans haven't been announced.

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