The 2022 Toyota GRMN Yaris has just been unveiled at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon. It’s the most potent and track-capable version to date of the GR Yaris hot hatch, which has taken the automotive enthusiast world by storm.
Japanese buyers will be able to choose between two packages of the GRMN Yaris: the Circuit Package or Rally Package. Regardless of which package is chosen, both models also offer reduced weight compared to the GR Yaris.
The Circuit Package emphasizes on-road performance as it comes with a more aggressive front chin, bespoke 18-inch BBS wheels, extended side skirts, and carbon fiber rear wing. This variant also comes with Bilstein adjustable shocks, which lowers its ride height by 10 mm, along with the option for a Matte Steel paint that’s capped to only 50 units. With this package, the GRMN Yaris is 20 kg lighter than the standard model.
On the other hand, those who want to treat their GRMN Yaris like a rally car should definitely opt for the Rally Package. Rather than the Circuit Package’s ground-hugging looks, the Rally Package emphasizes the ability to be able to drive on rougher terrain. This comes courtesy of its GR shock absorbers and short stabilizer bars, a GR under guard set, a GR roll cage for the interior. Opting for this package offers a total weight reduction of 30 kg.
Both models also come with a new carbon fiber hood, while the addition of 545 more weld spots means that the GRMN Yaris is even more rigid than the standard model.
Unsurprisingly, both track-focused come with stripped-out interiors to reduce weight. Some of the items that were deleted include the infotainment system and rear seats (which were pointlessly small, to begin with). In lieu of all these are more track-focused items, such as Recaro bucket seats, a more aggressive analog gauge cluster design, a roll cage for the GRMN Yaris with the Rally Package, or a torsion bar for the Circuit Package.
As for its powertrain, its 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine still produces 268 horsepower, but its torque has been increased to 390 Nm (+20 Nm). It still comes with Toyota’s bespoke GR-Four all-wheel drive (AWD) system, but it now comes with mechanical limited-slip differentials (LSDs) at the front and rear axles rather than the standard model’s Torsen LSDs. In addition, the six-speed manual has been modified to have closer ratios, and a low final gear set.
Unfortunately, your chances of owning one a pretty much slim to none. Reservations for the Toyota GRMN Yaris have already commenced in Japan, but even if you have the money for one, your build slot isn’t even guaranteed. That’s because each of the 500 slots will be via a lottery basis.
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