Yaris goes hardcore
Thought the GR Yaris couldn’t get any better? Toyota reckoned it could, so it’s created the motorsport-inspired GR Yaris GRMN
WE KNEW IT WAS COMING; THE NICE man from Toyota had told us it was when he briefed evo on the GR Yaris at the beginning of 2020. That little hot hatch rocket was merely the amuse-bouche to this full-blown homologation special, a Group N road car for the modern ages – the GR Yaris GRMN.
Afforded the full motorsport treatment, the GRMN version of Toyota’s instant classic benefits from a stiffer shell and a lower chassis with the option of a Bilstein coilover kit, substantial changes to the drivetrain, the option of Circuit and Rally packs, and such exotic jewellery as a carbon-reinforced composite bonnet and roof panel. The result is what happens to a GR Yaris if you feed it 100 octane fuel after midnight.
That stiffer shell is achieved through an extra 546 welds and 12 metres of additional adhesive to stiffen the structure and improved further by the removal of the rear seats to make room for a brace-bar between the rear suspension turrets. With the removal of the seats and the fitment of the composite bonnet and roof panel, 20kg has been shaved from the regular GR Yaris’s 1280kg kerb weight. Other interior changes include a pair of fixed-back Recaro seats and the removal of the entertainment system.
It’s beneath the GRMN’S body that the biggest changes have been made. There’s a 10mm drop in ride height regardless of the specification selected. Go for the Circuit Pack and the standard suspension is replaced by a set of Bilstein coilovers with manually adjustable dampers, larger brakes and a bespoke set of 18in wheels. A carbonfibre rear spoiler with on-trend swan-neck supports is also included, along with a new front lip spoiler and a pair of side-skirts.
While the Circuit Pack is fitted at the factory, the Rally Pack, which will consist of a set of bespoke springs and dampers and anti-roll bar, underbody protection and a roll-over bar complete with side impact beams, will be a dealer fit option.
Mechanically the 1.6-litre turbocharged triple is left untouched but the gearbox has shorter ratios for first through to fourth and the Torsen diffs are replaced with mechanical locking items.
Tempted? Who wouldn’t be? After all, it’s been a couple of decades since a manufacturer has produced a road car aimed directly at those customers who might drive straight from the showroom to an event and fit some decals before they sign on for competition.
Unfortunately, you’ll only be able to do this if you’re a resident in Japan, because all 500, including 50 examples that will be finished in a special matt
steel colour, won’t be leaving their country of origin.
A ballot will determine who gets to hand over the equivalent of £46,784, £53,573 or £54,138 respectively for the standard, Rally or Circuit Pack models, which also means a personal import is likely to be hard to find until the cars are delivered and in the hands of their owners.
You could also follow our route and write a strongly worded letter to the nice man from Toyota and ask him to persuade the bosses in Tokyo to change their minds. Here’s hoping they do.