The Toyota GR Yaris gets “Evolved” for 2024.
When the Toyota GR Yaris debuted in 2020, it was one of the most celebrated and critically-acclaimed hot hatches. Now, more than 3 years on Toyota have all the data they need to give it a proper evolution to improve its performance and to address customer pain points. And yes, one of those pain points is the lack of an automatic transmission, which has now been addressed by the option of an 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission.
The new transmission is a good place to start. It was developed in the world of motorsports, being used by the World Rally Team, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Rally Challenge and in the Super Taikyu Series with Chairman Akio Toyoda behind the wheel.
Based on all the feedback collected, the software has been optimised to sense even minute details such as the way the brakes are being operated. The gearbox itself features close ratio gears and they’ve used heat-resistant friction material in its gear-shift clutch. On the highest performance “RZ” trim level, the gearbox comes with a Torsen Limited Slip Differential for better force control performance.
Change To The Cockpit
The interior has been given some enhancement as well. The control panel and display are now tilted 15-degrees towards the driver, with a lowered driving position and an adjusted steering wheel position to match. The rearview mirror has been moved to the top of the windshield and the centre cluster has been lowered, lending better overall visibility. Other changes include raising the shift lever by 75mm and introducing a new 12.3″ TFT colour display. Most of these changes were made in response to what motorsport drivers requested.
Performance Hike
The 1.6L turbocharged 3-cylinder has been tuned for more power. It now has an output of 304PS and 500Nm of torque, up from 272PS and 370Nm of torque. The new automatic transmission also comes with a transmission fluid cooler as standard. Plus, there’s an optional “Cooling Package” which adds a sub-radiator, cool air intake, and intercooler sprayer.
Toyota has also increased the number of bolts hastening the body to the shock absorbers to 3 to further suppress alignment changes while driving. Spot welding points have been increased by 13% and 24% more structural adhesive is used on this evolved model.
Drive Mode Select is now standard with more options for drivers and a new Circuit Mode that lets you control the anti-lag, speed limiter (in Japan), cooling fan and shift timing indicator.
Enhanced Looks
The Toyota GR Yaris has some improvements to its look including a new lower grille with a steel mesh and side lower grilles with larger openings for better cooling performance. The rear lamps have been consolidated into one piece and the high-mount stop lamp has been separated from the rear spoiler, allowing for spoiler customization.
Update Kit & Special Editions
Rather than using this new version as a way to pressure existing owners to upgrade, Toyota are planning to offer an “update kit” for existing owners. The update kit even increase the power output to these newer levels.
There will be a number of versions of this Evolved GR Yaris including the RZ “High performance・Sébastien Ogier Edition” and GR Yaris RZ “High performance・Kalle Rovanperä Edition”.
