A high performance Yaris is coming

Current World Rally Championship regulations don't require manufacturers to build a certain number of identical cars in order to participate. That wasn't the case under the long-superseded Group B and Group A rules, which demanded the production of so-called homologation specials.

As a result, those eras engendered some exciting showroom models, including the Lancia Delta HF Integrale and Ford Escort RS Cosworth. Invariably, they became the stars of their respective ranges.

Such homologation specials were also a boon for marketing departments, because they provided a tangible link to a brand's motorsport activities. Nowadays, that's much harder to achieve (just ask any Polo owner if they're aware of Volkswagen's WRC success, for example).

Toyota has therefore decided to capitalise on its return to top-flight rallying by launching a high-performance three-door Yaris. Inspired by the new Yaris WRC, an output exceeding 210 horsepower (around 155 kW) is promised. At this stage all other details are unknown, though.

Toyota Yaris High Performance Prototype (2017) Front SideToyota Yaris High Performance Prototype (2017) Rear Side

A public reveal will take place at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Related posts:
Toyota introduces the Aygo x-press and x-style
2017 Toyota Yaris WRC unveiled

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