When the Motorsport-infused Toyota GR-Yaris hot hatch launched globally, it sparked a huge uproar among motoring enthusiasts because it was only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
We’d guess the cries finally reached the top execs at Toyota since a prototype with an 8-speed automatic transmission made its public appearance at the Gazoo Rally Racing Challenge in Japan and as it was a mere test mule, it was Toyota’s Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Shigeru Hayakawa at the helm.
According to a number of reports, the transmission is a torque converter instead of a dual-clutch unit and it has been tweaked for fast and smooth gear transitions. We have to thank the engineers for not going the CVT way.
Aesthetically, the prototype’s front grille has been modified, possibly for extra airflow into the transmission oil cooler, but we doubt the white rims and mud flaps will reach the production stage. Other than that, it looks pretty much similar to its manual transmission-equipped stablemate.
We aren’t expecting any changes to the powertrain, it will retain the same 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 192 kW and 360 Nm sent to all four wheels via the GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system. With the automatic transmission, it may well shave off a few tenths from the manual car’s 5.5-second sprint to 100 km/h.
There is still no word on official debut timing and plans to bring the automatic GR Yaris to South Africa. We keep our fingers crossed.
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