JDM Toyota GR Yaris Range Includes 118bhp CVT Version And Pared-Back 'RC'
Not long after the Internet-breaking debut of the Toyota GR Yaris, a video emerged showing a low-powered, CVT-equipped prototype version. Toyota wouldn’t say at the time if it would make production, but now, it’s been confirmed as part of the domestic market range.
The JDM line-up will consist of three derivatives. The RZ is the GR Yaris as the rest of the world will know it, with a 257bhp 1.6-litre inline-three powering all-four wheels. Front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials and stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are available via the ‘high-performance grade’ option.
The RC is intended to be the “competition-focused” car of the range, with the weight figure dropping by 30kg to 1250kg thanks to the ditching of the infotainment system among other measures. Interestingly, it’s been given smaller wheels and tyres compared to the other cars in the range, measuring in at 205/45/17 compared to 225/40/17.
Finally, there’s the RS, which is lighter still at 1130kg, but only because - like the prototype seen earlier this year - it’s lost the all-wheel drive system. Also, in place of the bespoke, high-power 1.6-litre inline-three is a more run-of-the-mill ‘Dynamic Force’ 1.5-litre triple. It produces just 118bhp and 109lb ft of torque, which is sent to the front wheels via a CVT automatic gearbox.
From the outside, you’ll struggle to tell it apart from the RZ - the bodywork is identical. This is crucial - it’s the GR Yaris’ three-door shell that needs to be homologated for use in WRC. So, even with some less interesting innards, the RS will still count towards the 25,000 examples Toyota is required to build for compliance with FIA rules.
Both the RC and RS will go on sale in September, while The RZ is available to order now in ‘First Edition’ and ‘High-performance First Edition’ guises. These cars will have the signature of ‘Morizo‘ (Akio Toyoda’s racing pseudonym) on the windscreen, and the option of a marbled carbon fibre finish on the roof. Anyone pre-ordering will also receive “special gifts” which will include WRC tickets and a miniature GR Yaris model. Neat!
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
22/40/17? You mean 202?
I mean. The tuners will clearly push that 1.5L to a high power figure anyway.
Slap a supercharger on that and there it goes to 200HP.
I wonder if you can tune the CVT’s firmware to be a bit more aggressive.
Should be 225. Fixed!
I’m not sure if I’d trust a CVT on a tuned engine tbh
Oh boy, the RC version is just like the RA Imprezas and RS Evos. Odd though, that they’d do one that is a essentially a normal Yaris underneath - is the concept of a sheep in wolfs clothing appealing?
So in case of the RS version, it’s all show and no go.
Well, if it helps them to build more exciting cars like this, why not?
“All show and no go”, so just like 90% of modified car “builds” you see anyways lol
Riced from the factory!
It’s still have a way stiffer body (and I guess suspension) than a normal Yaris. As a fuel efficient daily, it could be fun. Well except for the CVT
Offering a less powerful automatic version is a great idea. There are many people out there who just want a nice looking reliable daily driver and don’t care about the powerful engine or might even be driven away by the high cost. It’s probably going to be similiar to the situation with the A-Class and the CLA. If you mainly care about practicality and cost, you get the regular Yaris. If you’re willing to spend more to get a less practical but better looking car, GR Yaris is it.
Thing is, nobody buys that anymore. Regular coupe versions of sedans and three-door versions of hatchbacks are all dead for a reason. I honestly don’t believe the regular version will be much sucessful at all. I can’t predict the future on another market, but I doubt it’ll be much bought, and I think it’ll end up taking dust in dealerships. Who wants a less practical version of a car, without any additional power or anything? Very, very few people.
How is such a small car so heavy?
This car will sell like crazy in the United States!
Kid: “Mum, can we get the new GR Yaris?”
Mum: “No, we have GR Yaris at home”
GR Yaris at home: