Toyota Yaris gets even hotter GRMN treatment

Toyota in Japan has debuted a meaner-looking limited-run GRMN Yaris model that boasts upgraded looks to set it apart from the normal GR variants. ‍

The new GRMN Yaris is strictly for the Japanese market and only 500 units will be built but according to Toyota, some of the GRMN upgrades will be offered to GR Yaris owners. 

As a fully-tuned model of the GR Yaris, the GRMN Yaris is said to have gone through rigorous refinement with professional drivers to deliver daily vehicle evolution and driver-tailored customization that takes place in motorsports.

The weight of the even-edgier Yaris has been reduced by approximately 20 kg courtesy of a carbon fibre roof, rear spoiler and hood. For enhanced aerodynamics, the width has been increased by 10 mm and the height reduced by 10 mm for a better centre of gravity. 

Also, as a weight-saving measure, Toyota has removed the rear seats (they weren’t very practical in the first place) and installed a partial roll cage. Offered as standard are racing-style Recaro sports front seats. 

The GRMN Yaris can be had in two setups; Circuit Package and Rally Package. 

The Rally Package equips the Yaris GRMN with a GR shock absorber, short stabilizer link set, GR under guard set and a GR roll bar (with sidebar). The range-topping Circuit Package takes things further with the addition of BBS GRMN dedicated 18” wheels, 18” brakes, Bilstein shock absorbers with adjustable damping force, a carbon rear spoiler, side skirts and a lip spoiler. 

Still powered by the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine it has a slight bump to 200 kW for the Japanese spec. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual with closer gear ratios and a mechanical limited-slip differential. 

The Toyota Yaris GR emerged victorious at the 2021 Top Gear SA Speed Week Performance Car of The Year. 

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