Toyota Gazoo Racing has given the latest hot Yaris the GRMN treatment as it drops weight, gains rigidity and looks menacing.

Just when you thought the Toyota GR Yaris couldn’t receive further praise, Toyota Gazoo Racing go and release a GRMN version. In truth, the project has been no secret as its been spotted testing around the Nurburgring for quite some time now.

Toyota GRMN Yaris

Circuit Pack

That being said, details on what changes the Toyota GRMN Yaris would receive over the regular GR Yaris have been kept tight lipped, until now.

Those on the hunt for more power may well be disappointed to hear that the 1.6-litre, three-cylinder engine retains the same performance figures out of the box, although as this model is exclsuively available for the Japanese market, it features a higher output than UK cars, 268bhp and 288lb ft of torque vs 257bhp and 267lb ft. Enthusiasts, however, will rejoice at the fact that Toyota Gazoo Racing has spent its time working its magic in the handling department.

Toyota GRMN Yaris

Circuit Pack

Weight is down 20kg thanks to the removal of the rear seats to create a two-seater hot-hatch like the Megané Trophy-R. Overwall width has been increased by 10mm for aerodynamic improvement and the whole vehicle has been dropped a further 10mm for a lower centre of gravity. A trick mechanical limited-slip differential features as standard as well as shorter ratios through gears 1-4 for quicker acceleration.

Toyota GRMN Yaris

Rally Pack

According to Toyota Gazoo Racing, “the GR Yaris has evolved into a car that can be driven faster and with more peace of mind, with improved braking force, grip, cornering and performance.”

Toyota GRMN Yaris

Rally Pack

Want the new Toyota GRMN Yaris? As mentioned above, the car is exclusively available for the Japanese market where prospective buyers will need to register their interest via application into a lottery. From here, buyers are selected at random. The limited edition model will feature just 500 examples and start at around £47,000 (at the time of conversion from Japanese Yen to GBP). From here, buyers will have the option of two packages, a Circuit pack, which ads bespoke 18 inch BBS alloys, Bilstein dampers and a carbon rear spoiler and bonnet. The other option is the Rally pack, which features rally-bred suspension and underbody protection for use on loose surfaces.

Toyota GRMN Yaris