Brace Yourself for the Revamped Toyota GR Yaris - More Power, More Thrills!
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| Toyota Yaris |
Toyota is back in the fast lane with an upgraded GR Yaris that's set to take the hot hatch game to new heights. We may have given the previous model a perfect 10/10, but hold on tight because the latest iteration promises an even more exhilarating ride. Get ready to meet the boldest GR Yaris yet!
Revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon show, the turbocharged 1.6-litre 3cyl engine remains at the heart of this powerhouse, but hold on to your seats as power surges from 257 to a whopping 276bhp (at 6,500rpm), with torque climbing from 266 to 288lb ft (between 3,250 and 4,600rpm).
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| Toyota Yaris |
Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty. A fortified valvetrain, robust exhaust valve material, heightened fuel injection pressure, and innovative lightweight pistons with wear-resistant rings are all part of the performance-enhancing modifications. Tested rigorously in the Japan Rally Championship, this beast is born for the track.
But that's not all; structural rigidity is elevated, and the suspension has been beefed up, featuring Macpherson struts up front and rear double wishbones with trailing arms at the rear. Sporting Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss (225/40ZR18), 356mm four-pot front brakes, and 297mm two-pot rears, it's a symphony of power and precision.
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| Toyota Yaris |
The showstopper? An all-new, race-inspired eight-speed auto from the Gazoo Racing department, providing 'competition-standard' shifting. Toyota claims it outperformed the existing six-speed manual in testing - an impressive feat.
Equipped with a torque control system and responsive linear solenoid, this auto marvel adapts to your driving style, precisely timing each shift. Still fancy manual control? No problem! Chairman Akio Toyoda insisted on a lever for old-school rally car enthusiasts: forward for downshifts and backward for upshifts.
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| Toyota Yaris |
Inside the cockpit, it's all about the driver. Lowered by 25mm, the seat puts you closer to the action. The redesigned layout ensures essentials like intercooler spray, traction control, and hazard lights are within easy reach. The instrument panel drops by 50mm for an unobstructed view of the road or gravel track.
Three driving modes - Normal, Eco, and Sport - tweak power steering, air con, and throttle response. In the auto version, they also influence shift behavior. The permanent AWD offers three settings: Normal, Sport, and Track.
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| Toyota Yaris |
Exterior facelift? Absolutely. A sleek new steel mesh grille, larger side grill opening, and a bottom edge opening at the back for improved stability and reduced drag. Even the rear lights have undergone a transformation.
Safety features, sat nav, and a digital key come standard. Autos receive a premium treatment with forged wheels and a JBL sound system.
Mark your calendars for this summer! The GR Yaris will hit the UK and Europe with a single 'Circuit' spec, boasting a powertrain cooling pack with an extra radiator and a modified air intake. While pricing details are pending, expect it to surpass the £31k mark of its predecessor.
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| Toyota Yaris |
And there's more excitement on the horizon - keep an eye out for two special editions, paying homage to Toyota's world rally champions, Sebastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanpera. Catch them in action at the Monte Carlo Rally this month. Ready, set, go!
Photo Credit Toyota
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