Toyota Unveils Partially Upgraded GR Yaris: The Type 26 Arrives

Continuous Evolution Through Motorsports

GAZOO Racing (GR) unveiled today a partially upgraded GR Yaris and announced that Toyota vehicle dealers across Japan are now accepting orders, with sales to commence on April 6. The GR Yaris is an iconic GR model that came to life under the concept of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars. Since the launch of the Type 20 GR Yaris in 2020, GR has continued to hone the GR Yaris in extreme environments, such as those of circuit racing and rallies.

The Type 26 GR Yaris, like its predecessors, incorporates improvements derived from insights gained from competing in motorsports. GR intends to continuously evolve the GR Yaris by continuing to enter it in races and incorporating input from a diverse range of drivers. This philosophy of continuous improvement through racing is at the heart of the GR brand, and the Type 26 represents the latest expression of that commitment.

The New GR Steering Wheel: Born on the Circuit

The newly designed GR steering wheel was meticulously crafted for superior operability while driving. Certain situations in motorsports necessitate maintaining a constant hold on the steering wheel without regripping it, even when turning it 180 degrees. The conventional steering wheel used up to now required care not to touch the switches during such an operation, leading to complaints about not being able to place the palms in an ideal position.

The development that started in response involved attaching clay-molded steering wheel prototypes to vehicles and taking them to circuits for repeated evaluation with professional race drivers. The result is a steering wheel with a reduced diameter for improved steering response and a left- and right-hand grip shape that fits comfortably in the palms when pushing on the wheel during cornering.

Also, the steering wheel-mounted switches leverage insights from motorsports, with each switch positioned independently for enhanced operability and ringed in illumination for better nighttime visibility. This attention to detail reflects the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines the GR development philosophy.

Refined Electric Power Steering

Improved settings for the electric power steering (EPS) assist function ensure the function engages reliably even with high-grip cir or rally tires, or during high-load cornering that requires a high level of braking force. Specifically, optimized torsion-bar rigidity within the torque sensor and modified control software have expanded the steering torque detection range, enabling optimal assistance even when cornering under extremely high loads.

This enhancement is particularly significant for drivers who push the GR Yaris to its limits on track or in competitive environments. The refined EPS settings provide more consistent and predictable steering feel, allowing drivers to place the car with greater precision and confidence.

New High-Performance Tires

The RZ "High Performance" + "Aero performance package" and the RZ "High Performance" trim levels come standard with Bridgestone POTENZA RACE tires, newly developed through extensive field testing to deliver extended-period, high-grip performance. The tires' revised tread pattern, internal structure, and rubber compound significantly improve control when driving a vehicle to its limit, delivering stable performance, both on and off the track.

Optimization of the damping characteristics of the front and rear shock absorbers maximizes tire performance, creating a harmonious relationship between the tires and suspension that enhances overall vehicle dynamics.

Enhanced Comfort Options

Changes to factory-installed options include seat heaters and a steering wheel heater, which were previously unavailable when selecting a vertical parking brake together with either the "Navigation Package" or "Comfort Package." These are now available even when selecting a vertical parking brake together with either of the above packages. This update addresses a previous limitation and provides greater flexibility for customers who want both the performance-focused vertical parking brake and the comfort of heated seats and steering wheel.

The Type 26 GR Yaris is offered across five distinct trim levels—RC, RC with Aero performance package, RZ, RZ High performance, and RZ High performance with Aero performance package with prices ranging from ¥3,617,200 for the entry-level RC with manual transmission to ¥5,882,200 for the top-spec RZ High performance with Aero performance package equipped with the GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. The flagship RZ High performance variant measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width, and 1,455 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,560 mm and track widths of 1,535 mm at the front and 1,565 mm at the rear. Power comes from the G16E-GTS 1.618-liter inline three-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 304 PS at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 3,250 and 4,600 rpm, channeled through either a six-speed intelligent manual transmission or the eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission to the GR-FOUR sports 4WD system with electronic multi-plate clutch and three selectable modes. The chassis features Torsen® limited-slip differentials at both axles, MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension, and powerful ventilated disc brakes with 18-inch aluminum four-piston calipers up front and 16-inch two-piston calipers at the rear, all riding on 18-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels wrapped in 225/40ZR18 Bridgestone POTENZA RACE tires, with a fuel tank capacity of 50 liters and a curb weight of 1,280 kg for the manual version or 1,300 kg for the automatic.

The Philosophy Behind the Type 26

The GR Yaris represents a unique approach to automotive development. Unlike many performance cars that are designed in isolation, the GR Yaris is continuously refined through real-world competition. Every race, every rally, and every test session provides data that informs the next evolution of the car.

This approach has created a vehicle that is not just fast, but also engaging and rewarding to drive. The continuous improvement philosophy ensures that the GR Yaris remains at the forefront of the hot hatch segment, delivering a driving experience that is unmatched by its competitors.

The Type 26 GR Yaris represents the latest chapter in the ongoing evolution of one of the most exciting performance cars on the market. With its new steering wheel, refined EPS settings, and high-performance tires, the Type 26 builds on the strengths of its predecessors while addressing areas for improvement identified through motorsports participation.

The range of trim levels and transmission options ensures that there is a GR Yaris for every type of driver, from those seeking a pure, engaging manual experience to those who prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission. The availability of the RC trim for customers who plan to use their GR Yaris primarily for competition purposes further reinforces the car's motorsports credentials.

As Toyota continues to develop the GR Yaris through racing and rallying, the future promises even more exciting iterations. For now, the Type 26 stands as a testament to the power of continuous improvement and the enduring appeal of a car built for the track.