Did you know about this GR Yaris Upgrade

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.

This is probably why it was sold out right after its launch in 2020. Now for 2024, comes an updated version to keep up with rivals.

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, there has been a 99% customer satisfaction rating like with the GR Supra. Most of GR Yaris 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.”

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 19hp and the driver can call on an additional 30Nm of torque, with maximum figures rising from 261hp and 360Nm to 280hp and 390Nm.

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 the export markets 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.