Toyota’s feisty rally-bred GR Yaris is getting a serious glow-up. Since its founding in 2007, Gazoo Racing has introduced the GR Yaris, GR Supra, GR Corolla, and GR86 — all upgraded with performance tech suited for everything from street runs to rally stages. One of the most surprising stars has been the GR Yaris, which transformed a humble subcompact into a legit rally contender.
According to Toyota, the GR Yaris has competed in the FIA World Rally Championship, the Super Taikyu Series, and the Japanese Rally Championship. Over the past few years, the vehicle was frequently pushed to its limits due to the constant upgrades. Now, Toyota has announced that an “evolved” GR Yaris will go on sale in Japan on May 6, 2025.
What’s New in the Evolved GR Yaris
The updated GR Yaris is packed with performance upgrades aimed at pushing the rally car even further. First up: a refined Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, which debuted in the 2024 GR Yaris. Toyota says gear selection control is now more responsive during more sporty driving.
The automaker has also enhanced the GR Yaris’ responsiveness during more aggressive driving, utilizing special bolts to improve steering and stability. There is also improved optimization of shift-up timing during full-throttle acceleration. By slightly delaying the shift-up timing on inclines, the vehicle will maintain a higher power output even when shifting to a higher gear.
The GR Yaris should have optimized shock absorbers, with the suspension re-conformed to accommodate the new bolts that fasten the chassis mentioned above. The shock absorber damping force has also been adjusted for increased rider comfort and improved control. Professional racer Kazuya Oshima was also called upon to help improve steering linearity, allowing drivers to feel more in sync with the vehicle when turning.
Aero Performance Package For GR Yaris
On top of the evolved GR Yaris itself, Toyota has announced the Aero Performance Package. This should further enhance the rally car’s aerodynamic performance, thanks to improved cooling and aerodynamic design enhancements.
According to Toyota, these changes were made after the GR Yaris competed in the Super Taikyu Series and Japanese Rally Championship, which allowed the carmaker to identify a few issues that could be improved on. This includes a ducted aluminum hood for improved cooling, a front lip spoiler for enhanced balance, fender ducts for improved steering, a large variable rear wing, and more.
Is the GR Yaris Available in the United States?
The standard Yaris disappeared from U.S. showrooms back in 2020, mostly due to sluggish sales. As for the GR Yaris? It’s stayed overseas, never officially making its way to American buyers.
For now, the evolved GR Yaris is only headed to Europe and Japan. It’s popped up in a few other Asian markets in the past, but there’s no word on a U.S. release. Unfortunately, it looks like American drivers will have to admire this rally-bred upgrade from afar, at least for the time being.