Toyota GR Yaris Ogier Edition (2024)

The new Toyota GR Yaris boasts significant technical, design, and construction upgrades, promising an even more thrilling driving experience.

 

Since its debut in 2020, the original GR Yaris quickly dominated the hot-hatch segment, earning rave reviews and solidifying Toyota’s reputation for crafting rally-inspired, high-performance machines. However, Toyota didn’t rest on its laurels. Over the past three years, they’ve meticulously refined the GR Yaris, enhancing its power, responsiveness, and driving engagement to create a vehicle that’s truly in a class of its own.

 

Inspired by the GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID competition car, the new GR Yaris inherits cutting-edge technologies from Toyota’s World Rally Championship (WRC) efforts, exemplifying the brand’s commitment to translating motorsport innovations into road-worthy performance. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing engineers have collaborated closely with professional race and rally drivers to ensure the new GR Yaris remains a "driver-first" vehicle, delivering an unparalleled experience from the moment you start the engine.

 

The enhancements to the GR Yaris are extensive and fully justify the "new" designation. The turbocharged three-cylinder engine, already a benchmark in its class, now delivers even more power and torque. A new eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission has been introduced, offering lightning-fast gear shifts optimized for competitive driving.

 

The bespoke chassis has been further strengthened, while the interior has been redesigned to provide a more authentic sports car experience. The suspension has been recalibrated for improved handling and performance under high loads, featuring revised spring rates and a reinforced front shock absorber assembly.

 

Building on the success of its predecessor, the new GR Yaris promises to extend its lead over competitors with a more focused "Circuit" specification, featuring a cooling performance pack that includes an additional sub-radiator, intercooler spray, and modified air intake. This model will be available across Europe starting in Summer 2024.

 

**GR Yaris: A Legacy of Motorsport Excellence**

 

The GR Yaris exemplifies Toyota’s dedication to creating ever-better cars through its TOYOTA GAZOO Racing division. From its inception, the GR Yaris was designed to benefit from Toyota’s championship-winning experience in the WRC, making it much more than just another hot hatch.

 

With a new engine, advanced electronic all-wheel drive system, and a custom-designed chassis, the GR Yaris has exceeded expectations since its 2020 launch, with over 20,000 units sold in Europe and a 99% customer satisfaction rating. The focus on the Circuit Pack version for the new model reflects the preferences of a dedicated customer base who value the GR Yaris as a collector’s item and a true sports car classic.

 

Toyota’s development philosophy, "develop, race, break, fix," underscores the relentless pursuit of perfection in the new GR Yaris. Every aspect of the car has been tested to its limits, incorporating feedback from motorsport and the expertise of Toyota’s Master Driver, Akio Toyoda, along with input from race and rally professionals.

 

**Powertrain: More Power, Torque, and Control**

 

The GR Yaris’ turbocharged engine, already the world’s most powerful three-cylinder production unit, now offers an additional 19 DIN hp and 30 Nm of torque, boosting output to 280 DIN hp and 390 Nm. This increase solidifies the GR Yaris’ dominance in its class, delivering a true rally car experience on the road.

 

To ensure durability, the engine has undergone rigorous testing in the Japan Rally Championship and the Japanese Endurance Race series. Upgrades include a strengthened valvetrain, new exhaust valve materials, and lightweight pistons, among other enhancements. The European specification includes a standard cooling pack, further optimizing the vehicle’s performance under extreme conditions.

 

The engine’s sporty sound is amplified through a control sound system, enhancing the driving experience by delivering a richer engine note. Active Noise Control technology minimizes unwanted noise, ensuring that the GR Yaris’ roar remains the focal point.

 

**Advanced Transmission Options**

 

One of the most notable additions to the new GR Yaris is the eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, designed for ultra-fast gear changes and enhanced driving focus. The new transmission is tuned to anticipate the driver’s actions, delivering seamless gear shifts that align with the driver’s intentions, similar to the performance of professional drivers.

 

In testing, this transmission has proven its worth by achieving faster lap times than the manual version. The inclusion of front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials further enhances handling and performance.

 

For those who prefer a manual experience, the six-speed manual sports transmission has also been refined with a new dual-mass flywheel and improved clutch characteristics, delivering increased torque and a more controlled driving feel.

 

**GR-FOUR All-Wheel Drive: Precision and Flexibility**

 

The GR Yaris’ GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system provides optimal grip and traction, with a torque distribution that can range from 100:0 to 0:100, depending on driving conditions. This flexibility, combined with the system’s lightweight design, offers a significant advantage over conventional AWD systems.

 

Drivers can customize their driving experience with a 4WD mode dial switch, adjusting the torque distribution to suit various driving scenarios, from circuit racing to gravel stages. The system’s ECU ensures precise control of torque distribution, adapting to real-time vehicle dynamics.

 

**Chassis and Handling: Enhanced Rigidity and Control**

 

The GR Yaris’ chassis has been further stiffened with additional spot welds and structural adhesive, improving yaw response, steering feedback, and grip. The lightweight body, made from a mix of carbon compound materials, aluminum, and high-tensile steel, contributes to the car’s agility and crash safety.

 

Suspension upgrades, including additional bolts for the front shock absorbers and revised spring rates, enhance the car’s handling and performance under high loads. The braking system, with ventilated discs and high-friction pads, offers performance akin to that of larger and more powerful vehicles.

 

**Driver-Centric Interior Design**

 

Inside, the GR Yaris’ cockpit has been reimagined with a focus on competition-inspired design. Controls have been repositioned for easier access, and the driver’s field of vision has been improved by lowering the instrument panel and adjusting the seating position.

 

A new 12.3-inch digital combimeter provides clear, performance-focused data, while the shift direction in the manual transmission has been revised to suit competition driving. The cockpit changes reflect the input of professional drivers, ensuring the GR Yaris delivers a true "driver-first" experience.

 

**Exterior Design: Aerodynamics and Performance**

 

The GR Yaris’ exterior has been optimized for performance, with revisions that enhance aerodynamics, downforce, and grip. New grille designs, repositioned lights, and a variety of color options, including the new Precious Metal shade, complement the car’s aggressive stance.

 

**Special Editions: Ogier and Rovanperä**

 

The GR Yaris range is further enriched by two special edition models developed with input from WRC champions Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä. These limited-production versions feature unique AWD modes, exclusive exterior and interior designs, and performance enhancements tailored to each driver’s preferences.

 

**Safety and Equipment**

 

Despite its performance pedigree, the new GR Yaris comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features to protect occupants in all driving conditions.

 

In summary, the new Toyota GR Yaris continues to set the benchmark for high-performance hatchbacks, blending motorsport-derived technologies with everyday practicality, ensuring it remains ahead of the competition and a true driver’s car.