The Toyota GRMN Yaris, which was unveiled at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, has just made its debut. The GRMN Yaris is described as a fully tuned version of the GR Yaris hot hatch and is limited to just 500 units to be sold through GR Garages in Japan via a lottery system. The lucky buyers will be contacted by Toyota from 9th March 2022 onwards.
According to Toyota, the GRMN Yaris was developed with input from a team of professional drivers, including the company’s president Akio Toyoda, who races a GR Yaris under the pseudonym “Morizo” in the Super Taikyu Series. By the way, GRMN stands for “Gazoo Racing Masters of Nurburgring.”
Related: Akio Toyoda Takes the GR Yaris Out For a Spin
The GRMN Yaris is different from the already powerful GR Yaris in a number of ways, thanks to the lessons learned from motorsports competition. It boasts enhanced body rigidity thanks to 545 additional spot welds, more structural adhesive, and a reinforcement brace that takes up some cargo space.
GRMN Yaris with additional welds
Plus there are no rear seats, as well as no touchscreen infotainment system, purely for weight-saving purpose. Other changes in the cabin include a pair of Recaro full bucket seats as well as an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake. The plaque on the center console has also been swapped out for a GRMN-branded one.
The Toyota GRMN Yaris
In terms of mechanical upgrades, the GRMN Yaris gets GR-specific front and rear limited-slip differentials, a reinforced three-puck metal clutch and pressure plate, while close ratios are used for the 6-speed manual transmission. The G16E-GTS 1.6L turbocharged three-cylinder engine is left untouched, still producing a healthy 270 hp of power and 370 Nm of torque.
GRMN Yaris from Tokyo Auto Salon
According to Toyota, for better aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity, the GRMN Yaris is 10 mm wider and 10 mm lower when compared to the GR Yaris. The car also gets a new roof and vented bonnet made out of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) with a twill weave, which together with the removed items in the cabin, makes the GRMN Yaris approximately 20 kg lighter than the standard model.
Related: 2020 Toyota Yaris- The Good and the Beast
Additionally, Toyota is offering 2 optional packages to take things even further. The first is the Rally Package that adds on a GR-tuned shock absorber and short stabilizer link set, an under-guard set as well as a roll bar with side protection. The other is called the Circuit Package, which is focused on road performance and will be fitted to just 50 cars. This package is a lot more comprehensive and includes 18-inch BBS wheels, 18-inch brakes, a swan neck rear wing made of the same material as the bonnet and roof, a front lip spoiler, side skirts and a set of Bilstein shock absorbers with adjustable damping force and a special Matte Steel body color.
The Rally Package
The Circuit Package
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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