Toyota reveals Japan-only limited edition GRMN Yaris at Tokyo Auto Salon

Toyota has revealed a red-hot GRMN variant of its GR Yaris at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Tokyo Auto Salon is the biggest event of the year for the Japanese tuning industry, and the perfect place to whip the covers off Toyota’s most motorsport-focused variant of the giant-killing GR Yaris yet.

Limited to just 500 units, available to the Japanese market only, the limited-edition GRMN Yaris taps into Toyota’s motorsport experience and professional driver feedback gained since the hot Yaris’ initial global launch.

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Toyota Japan have also announced the launch of an ongoing driver support program for those 500 lucky GRMN buyers, where cars can be upgraded with new components and technology, or more finely tuned through analysing driver data, at Japan’s network of dedicated GR Garages.

Out of the box, the GRMN Yaris differs greatly from the GR Yaris and GR Yaris Rallye we’ve received in the Australian market. Development stems from the GR Yaris’ championship-winning season in Japan’s Rally Championship and participation in Super Taikyu, delivering more grip, braking force and cornering ability.

The engine package remains the same, however, continuing to draw 200kW @ 6500rpm, and 390Nm between 3000 and 4600 rpm from its highly-strung, 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder.

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Overall body width has increased, and the ride height has been lowered by 10mm for aerodynamic gains and a lower centre of gravity. A weight loss program sees kerb weight fall by approximately 20kg thanks to the new carbon fibre bonnet, roof and spoiler, side-mounted fixed-back Recaro seats and the deletion of the rear seats and infotainment system.

The gearbox has been given a significant workover, too, gaining close-ratio gearing from first to fourth, along with a lower final drive for punchier power delivery. To aid reliability, high-grade low-alloyed SNCM steel was utilised in its construction, with shot peening performed on first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth gears to significantly improve shock torque and fatigue strength.

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To improve body rigidity, GRMN Yaris chassis’ gain a further 545 spot welds along with an extra 12-metres of structural adhesive. Like the existing variants, all GRMN Yaris’ will be built on a dedicated production line at Toyota’s Motomachi plant by a team of ‘Takumi’ (master craftsperson).

For the most dedicated of performance drivers, the GRMN Yaris can be further outfitted with a factory-fitted Circuit Package, or a dealer-fitted Rally Package.

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The Circuit Package focuses on on-road performance based on developments learned through the Super Taikyu series which includes: unique GRMN 18-inch BBS wheels (pictured with sticky Advan A052 semi-slicks), Bilstein shocks with adjustable damping, carbon fibre wing, side skirts and lip spoiler. Production of these racetrack-oriented specials is limited to just 50 units of the overall 500 run.

The Rally Package – not to be confused with the Australian-market Rallye – can be purchased in full or with individual components, and gains GR-branded shock absorbers, short stabilizer link set, GR under guard set and a GR roll bar.

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Given the original GR Yaris enjoyed global demand that far outstripped supply, Toyota Japan will be holding a lottery system for hopeful domestic buyers. Applications close on February 28, before winners are contacted in early March. Successful buyers will be invited to take part in the mid-year personalisation and feedback program prior to delivery, which is expected around Q3.

Sadly the GRMN Yaris remains a Japanese market offering only, however prices directly converted at the current exchange rate indicate that the base GRMN will cost Japanese buyers the Aussie equivalent of A$88,432 (¥7,317,000).

Adding the full Rally Package sees that price swell to A$101,255 (¥8,378,764) while the Circuit Package halo tops the range at A$102,366 (¥8,467,000).

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