Just for Japan: Meet Toyota's race and rally-modified GRMN Yaris

MANILA: An upgraded and limited-edition version of the Toyota GR Yaris — the GRMN Yaris — was recently unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022. Aside from packing a host of modifications, the GRMN Yaris can come in track- or rally-biased versions. 

Limited to only 500 units in Japan, the GRMN Yaris' (Gazoo Racing, tuned by the Meister of the Nürburgring) GR "motorsports-inspired" modifications. These enhancements include a stiffer chassis brought by 545 additional spot welds, 10 millimeters-wider track, and a 20mm lowered ride height.

Another noteworthy statistic is the GRMN Yaris' 20 kilogram weight reduction over the standard hot hatch. The car's lighter weight is a result of the carbon material used on the hood, roof, and rear spoiler.

Removing the rear seats also shed additional heft, and in place of the seats, a strut brace has been fitted. Now a dedicated two-seater (next to the GR Yaris' four seats), the GRMN Yaris' driver and passenger are installed in new Recaro bucket seats. 

Adding to the list of GRMN Yaris upgrades are a mechanical Limited Slip Differential for the car's four-wheel drive, a close-ratio gear transmission, and a low final gear set in the car's six-speed manual gearbox "to make efficient use of the engine power band."

The GRMN Yaris' engine — the GR Yaris' 1.6-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 268hp — is unmodified. 

In Toyota GR Garages dealers in Japan, buyers will be able to spec their GRMN Yaris in a Circuit Package or Rally Package. 

The Circuit Package adds 18-inch BBS GRMN wheels and 18-inch brakes, and Bilstein shock absorbers with adjustable damping force. The package comes with the carbon rear spoiler, side skirt, and lip spoiler — and for 50 GRMN Yaris units, a Matte Steel exterior. 

As for the Rally Package, this comes with GR-made parts such as shock absorbers, short stabilizer link set, under guard set, and full roll bar with side bars. Based on press photos, the GRMN Yaris with this package appears to benefit from a taller ride height than the Circuit pack. 

The tuning for the GRMN Yaris continues with Toyota's Upgrade and Personalization Program. 

Under the Upgrade Program, one's GRMN Yaris can be modified  "using additional parts and software updates" over time. While the Personalization Program customizes the car according to the customer's "driving data."

Prices of the GRMN Yaris start at ¥7,317,000, or around P3.27 million, and about P620,000 more than the local-spec GR Yaris. In Japan, reservations for the GRMN Yaris are underway in Toyota's "reservation lottery."  

Photos from Toyota

Also read: JDM-exclusive Toyota Noah, Voxy minivans debut with passenger and driving tech