This Toyota GR Yaris Could be a Gray Market Hot Hatch
Malaysians love hot hatches from Japan, but they’ve sort of dried up over the years. This GR Yaris though, might be something we can look forward to seeing on the gray market soon enough.
Toyota are taking pre-orders for it and already 6,000 units have been ordered in Japan and Europe, which means there’ll be enough of them around for a few to find their way to our shores through parallel importers.
Three variants of the GR Yaris are being offered;
- 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 (equipped to the High-performance grade)
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S radial tires (equipped to the High-performance grade)
- Front and rear Torsen LSD (equipped to the High-performance grade)
- RS model that readily offers the fine-tuned performance of the GR series (Only available in Japan)
- 1.5-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 model ready for customization for racing (Only available in Japan)
- 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
These GR Yaris models use aluminium for certain parts such as the hood, back door, door panels as well as carbon-fibre reinforced plastic for the roof panel and other upper body components. All this in the name of weight-savings. Suspension settings have been optimised through data taken from WRC participation.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
Toyota has announced its full line-up for the new GR Yaris models to be sold in Japan. Pre-orders for the GR Yaris*, which are currently being accepted online, have already reached approximately 6,000 units in Japan and Europe. In addition to the RZ in Japan, the line-up will include the RS, which enables the fine-tuned performance of the GR series to be readily enjoyed, and the competition-focused RC, 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 non-Toyota 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 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.
By optimizing front and rear suspension settings, for example, through its participation in the WRC, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has come to know the various types of roads regularly used by its customers around the world; the new GR Yaris incorporates the knowledge and expertise accumulated by the company as it seeks to refine its people and its cars through the pursuit of making ever-better cars.
Production will be carried out at the GR FACTORY, a dedicated production line that has been established at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant, which has a long and solid track record of manufacturing sports cars. There, preparations are being made for takumi (master craftsperson) team members to assemble the cars.
To cater to the needs of Toyota customers, the GR Yaris will be available in three models in Japan.
Characteristics of each model in Japan
- RZA 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 (equipped to the High-performance grade)
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S radial tires (equipped to the High-performance grade)
- Front and rear Torsen LSD (equipped to the High-performance grade)
- RSA model that readily offers the fine-tuned performance of the GR series (Only available in Japan)
- 1.5-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
- RCA model ready for customization for racing (Only available in Japan)
- 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
For further details regarding each of the models, please visit the following websitehttps://toyotagazooracing.com/gr/yaris/
Pre-orders are being accepted online for both the special-edition RZ “High-performance First Edition” and special-edition RZ “First Edition” models until June 30 in Japan.
The pre-order models will feature a matt-black paint for certain specifications such as diffusers and rear spoilers. In addition, marble-pattern carbon roofs and Emotional Color Premium Sport Seats are available as manufacturer’s options. These models will also have optional special feature in the form of Morizo-signature on windshield glass.
Customers who pre-order will be invited to sales discussions at customers designated dealerships in July. For Japanese customers, cars are scheduled to be preferentially produced in order of order date.
In addition, movies with exclusive content highlighting the appeals of the GR Yaris will be distributed to customers who sign up for pre-order, while customers who actually complete purchases in Japan will be presented with special gifts including WRC Rally Japan tickets and an original GR Yaris miniature car.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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