Top 10: Facts about the new Toyota GR Yaris

Toyota has just unveiled the exciting GR Yaris, which seems destined to shake up the hot hatch scene. Here are ten things worth knowing about the car:

1. It’s a homologation special

Toyota Gazoo Racing and Tommi Mäkinen Racing were heavily involved in the development process, because the GR Yaris is going to form the basis of Toyota’s next-generation World Rally Championship contender. Less extreme versions should appeal to privateer motorsport teams competing in lower formulae, too.

Toyota GR Yaris (2020) Front

2. The platform is unique

In regular guise, the upcoming all-new 2020 Yaris is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture GA-B modular platform. However, the GR model fuses the front end of the GA-B with the rear portion of the slightly larger GA-C. Many of the features listed below simply wouldn’t be possible without such an arrangement.

3. A bespoke suspension set-up is fitted

The usual Yaris rear torsion beam suspension has been replaced by double wishbones. Wider tracks also contribute to better handling.

Toyota GR Yaris (2020) Dashboard

4. The bodywork is unique

A striking look is created by a three-door body that incorporates frameless doors and extra reinforcement along the sills. Roof height has been lowered by 91 mm (3.6”) to 1,460 mm (57.5”), while overall length and width are 3,995 mm (157.3”) and 1,805 mm (71.1”) respectively.

5. Lightweight materials abound

To achieve a kerb weight of 1,280 kg (2,821 lbs), Toyota avoided steel wherever possible. Consequently, the roof panel is made from compression-moulded carbon fibre polymer, plus aluminium is used for the bonnet, doors and tailgate.

Toyota GR Yaris (2020) Rear Side

6. Power comes from a three-cylinder engine

Displacing 1,618 cc, the turbocharged unit installed in the GR Yaris delivers an impressive 257 bhp (192 kW / 261 PS) with 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) of peak torque. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, that output is sufficient for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of less than 5.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 143 mph (230 km/h).

7. All-wheel drive is a key component

The GR-Four all-wheel drive system has three modes that can be selected via a dial: Normal distributes the torque 60% front / 40% rear, Sport changes the allocation to 30% front / 70% rear, and Track gives an even 50% front / 50% rear split.

Toyota GR Yaris (2020) Interior

8. A Circuit Pack will be optional

Aimed at any customers who might want to experience a more intense level of driving dynamics, the Circuit Pack includes a Torsen limited-slip differential on each axle, recalibrated suspension and 18” forged alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres.

9. Production is taking place in Japan

As many of the GR Yaris assembly procedures require a high degree of manual intervention and precision, a dedicated facility within the Motomachi factory has been established to carry out the work.

Toyota GR Yaris (2020) Front Side

10. Deliveries begin this year

Market launches are due to happen during the second half of 2020. Toyota has yet to provide any information concerning prices, though.

Related posts:
The GR Supra gets modified for SEMA 2019
Toyota GR Supra GT4 specifications confirmed
All-new 2020 Toyota Yaris first view

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