Only 500 units will be made, and all are destined for Japan.
Toyota teased the GRGT3 concept and “hardcore GR Yaris” last week. It certainly caught our eye. The GRMN Yaris is clearly the most popular of both the models. Although technically only 500 people will purchase one, it is still something you might see when you go out in public. This is especially true if you are at rally tracks or race tracks.
Here’s the first thing you need to know. The GRMN Yaris, as you would expect, is lighter, stiffer and more sharp than the Japanese-spec model, but not less powerful. The turbocharged 1.6-liter turbocharged engine of the three-cylinder engine still produces 268 horsepower (200 kilowatts) as the Japan-spec model. Instead, upgrades focus on weight reduction and unibody stiffening. They also have shorter gearing and aesthetic tweaks so that this car is not mistaken for a regular hatchback. The Circuit Package is an exception. We’ll discuss it in more detail shortly.
These changes are what? Toyota claims that the GRMN Yaris weighs 44 pounds (20 kg) less and has a stronger body. The hood, roof and rear spoiler are made of carbon fiber. The rear seat can be removed. The GR Yaris has 565 spot welds more than the GRMN. It is approximately half an inch wider than the GR Yaris and half an inch lower. The GRMN version also features a six speed manual with tighter gear ratios. The mix also includes a mechanical limited-slip differential.
This is what you get with the GRMN Yaris. The Circuit Package adds more suspension, adjustable Bilstein shocks, bigger brakes, special 18-inch wheels and punches up exterior styling with side skirts or a spoiler. Only 50 packages will be available for purchase. This is in contrast to the Rally Package which Toyota describes as a dealer-installed option for any GRMN Yaris. It comes with a short stabilizer link and shock absorber, as well as a GR under guard and roll bar.
In the fall, Toyota will offer a minimum of some GMRN Yaris upgrades to GR Yaris drivers. Reservations for the GRMN edition are now open through a lottery system as only 500 copies are available. Deliveries will begin in the summer. Prices start at Y=7317,000, or approximately $64,000.