Toyota has continued to challenge the World Rally Championships throughout the years in order to further refine their sportscars. And the car they developed as the base vehicle for the new rally car to be introduced in 2021, is the GR Yaris.

At a glance this may appear to be a cute compact car, but in reality this is a fighting machine built to win the WRC. The 3-door body combining two TNGA GA-B and GA-C modules has been reinforced for rigidity wherever possible, while reducing weight and lowering centre of gravity. The widened rear fenders are a tell-tale sign of its true potential, and the carbon roof which gradually descends towards the rear is a result of optimizing airflow when a rear wing is installed.

The engine powering the four-wheel drive RZ model is a G16E-GTS 1.6 litre 3 cylinder turbo. This is their latest power unit boasting the smallest size and lightest weight in its class, and produces 200 kW (268 BHP)/370 Nm. This is then matched to a 6 speed manual transmission. The drivetrain is also very interesting, with a newly developed electronically controlled coupling type centre differential adjusting the forward to rear torque distribution. In addition, the ‘RZ High Performance’ model is equipped with Torsen LSDs for both the front and rear differentials, securing rock solid traction.

The special ‘1st Edition’ model was announced together with the reveal of the GR Yaris in January 2020. This is a special limited edition model for only those who pre-ordered the car, autographed by the master driver ‘Morizo'[1] and equipped with special forged aluminium wheels.