Much like the older, less manic Yaris GRMN, the new car is developed and fine-tuned with input from professional drivers. It’s the first in the range to wear the top-tier GR badge that signals total sporting DNA for the road.
It’s powered by what is the world’s most powerful in-line three-cylinder turbo engine with outputs of 200kW and 370Nm. It’s stoked by a six-speed manual gearbox with intelligent rev match technology.
As a result, the 1,280kg GR Yaris is said to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 5.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 230km/h.
It’s the first Yaris to adopt a sports permanent 4WD system. Known as GR-FOUR, the newly developed all-paw system is the adjustable type that allows front/rear torque balance of 100% front or back or anything in between, depending on usage conditions or mode selected.
It’s equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential to offer this fast Yaris higher levels of cornering and stability.
The Yaris GR-FOUR is currently under consideration for local introduction. At this stage there is no indication of price, arrival date or number of units headed this way.