Toyota’s Gazoo Racing to unveil GRMN Yaris, GT3 Concept

Gazoo Racing has announced it will debut two new cars at the Tokyo Auto Salon next week.

As the motorsports and performance arm of Toyota, Gazoo Racing says it will unveil the GR GT3 Concept, along with a “fully-tuned model of the GR Yaris”.

Japanese publication Mag-X is reporting the much-rumoured GRMN Yaris will be making its debut, with a reduced kerb weight, increased performance, and a more aggressive bodykit.

The hot hatch’s 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder will see power remain at 200kW, but 20Nm of torque will be added for a total output of 390Nm.

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The rear seats have been removed to reduce weight, helped with the addition of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic components, while the suspension has been lowered by 10 millimetres and the track widened by 10mm.

Limited to just 500 vehicles, the report claims buyers will get to choose from either a Circuit Package at 1260 kilograms, or a Rally Package at 1250kg – the latter featuring softer suspension and smaller brakes to accommodate typical 15-inch rally wheels and tyres.

The teaser image also confirms the Yaris will feature a larger front spoiler and rear wing, and a bonnet vent to help extract heat from the engine bay.

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2021 Toyota GR Yaris Rallye

Further improvements have also said to have been made under the body, with an upgraded close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with heavy-duty clutch, a mechanical limited-slip differential replacing the Torsen diff fitted to the ‘standard’ GR Yaris, and more than 500 additional spot welds throughout the body to increase chassis rigidity.

Less is known about the GR GT3 Concept which will make its world premiere, with the company claiming it is a “racing-dedicated concept car that incorporates the knowledge and refined technologies [Toyota Gazoo Racing] has gained in the field of motorsports”.

Stay tuned to MOTOR as we cover the highlights from the 2022 Toyota Auto Salon, starting from January 14.