The Toyota GR Yaris hot hatchback made its debut at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon at the beginning of this year. After going for sale in Europe, the GR Yaris has now been launched in the Japanese domestic market.
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In addition to the RZ variant in Japan, the line-up will include the RS, with fine-tuned performance of the GR series, and the competition-focused RC version. Toyota says pre-orders for the GR Yaris which are currently being accepted online, have already reached more than 6,000 units in Japan and Europe with sales scheduled to commence around September 2020.
The new GR Yaris incorporates lessons from the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team about how to make cars that are competitive in the WRC, as well as evaluations by other professional drivers from the early stages of development. It was developed to respond to driver input on various types of roads around the world, and enable anyone to drive as they wish with peace of mind.
In addition to using aluminum for the hood, back door, and door panels, the upper body of the GR Yaris features a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic roof panel (in standard & marble pattern) formed using the sheet molding compound method, which accommodates a high level of freedom in shape design. The robust three-door cabin fuses light weight with outstanding aerodynamic performance.
The GR Yaris is available in following three models in Japan.
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RZ- high-output model that provides outstanding driving stability, superb acceleration, and smooth increases in engine speed
- Newly developed high-power, compact, and lightweight 1.6-liter inline three-cylinder direct-injection turbo engine
- Newly developed “GR-FOUR” sports 4WD system with variable front and rear driving force system enabled by a multi-plate clutch
- 6-speed manual transmission “iMT”
- Forged BBS aluminum wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S radial tires
- Front and rear Torsion Limited Slip Differential
RS- readily offers the fine-tuned performance of the GR series
- 5-liter inline three-cylinder Dynamic Force engine
- The addition of a launch gear enables the Direct Shift-CVT to achieve powerful and responsive performance from low to high speed ranges
- 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic paddle shifting provides a manual-like experience
RC- ready for customization for racing
- Features the same 1.6-liter inline three-cylinder direct-injection turbo engine, “GR-FOUR” sports 4WD system, and 6-speed manual transmission “iMT” as the RZ
- All equipment unnecessary for driving (such as Display Audio) has been removed in pursuit of lighter weight
Related: 2020 Toyota Yaris- The Good and the Beast
Customers in Japan will also be presented with special gifts upon completing the vehicle purchase, such as tickets to the WRC Rally Japan as well as an original GR Yaris miniature car.
Source: Toyota
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