2024 Toyota GR Yaris adds WRC editions, brings ‘Donut mode’

Toyota has revealed two special-edition versions of the just-updated 2024 GR Yaris that are inspired by — and have been co-developed with — the brand’s drivers in the World Rally Championship.

Dubbed the GR Yaris Ogier and Rovanpera Editions, the new models were revealed at Rally Monte Carlo and don’t only bring a host of cosmetic differences but also promise to drive differently, too, thanks to new driving modes tailored to the WRC star’s preferences.

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The new modes replace the existing ‘Gravel’ and ‘Track’ settings in the regular GR Yaris, with the Ogier Edition featuring ‘Morizo’ and ‘Seb’ modes. Toyota says ‘Morizo’ mode was set-up by the company’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, to deliver more consistent race times, while ‘Seb’ mode alters the behaviour of the Torsen limited-slip differentials to “favour the rear wheels” for a more oversteery balance.

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The Rovanpera Edition, meanwhile, has ‘Kalle’ mode which is designed to provide more predictable handling on loose surfaces and ‘Donut Mode’, which is hat tip to Rovanpera’s penchant for drifting and donut turns.

Design tweaks include a unique exterior colour for the Ogier Edition known as “Matte Stealth Gray”, while the Rovanpera Edition has a tri-colour scheme inspired by the Finnish driver’s helmet.

The stitching on the steering wheel also matches the colour of each driver’s national flag, while WRC victory decals are attached on each of the front fenders to commemorate Toyota’s victory in the 2023 WRC driver’s title.

Both cars are limited-edition models with Toyota planning to produce 100 units of each. It’s unclear how many, if any, of the new special editions will reach Australia, though we hope our market scores at least a few.

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Pricing is also yet to be confirmed, however we’d wager it will eclipse the lofty $77,800 sticker of the GR Corolla Morizo Edition. A limited-run version of the GR Yaris’s bigger brother, the GR Corolla Morizo is $15,500 more than the regular car.

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