The much-anticipated Toyota Yaris GR is generating a buzz in the automotive world, especially as rumors suggest that the hot hatch will soon arrive in the U.S. market.
Originally launched in Europe, this stunner has already won over auto enthusiasts worldwide, combining rally-inspired performance with Toyota’s hallmark reliability.
In this article, we’ll explore the key specs and performance details of the latest Toyota GR Yaris on the market, alongside how it compares to other Yaris models and the highly anticipated updates coming to the U.S.
What Makes The Toyota Yaris GR Stand Out?
The GR Yaris is a standout vehicle not just for Toyota fans but for anyone who loves the thrill of driving. This is not just a regular Yaris with a sporty badge. It is an all-wheel-drive beast engineered by Toyota Gazoo Racing to dominate both the road and rally circuits.
This makes the Yaris GR a standout in the world of hot hatches, as it’s rare for such compact vehicles to receive high-performance modifications straight from the factory.
Overall, this small yet powerful car promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience with the latest upgrades in its latest version.
Take a closer look at the key highlights that make this Toyota automobile so special in its segment below:
- Rally-Inspired Engineering: The all-new GR Yaris is based on a unique platform that shares its basic structure with Toyota’s World Rally Championship (WRC) cars. This means it boasts a lightweight, rigid chassis, an all-wheel-drive system, and a powerful turbocharged engine.
- G16E-GTS Engine: Under the hood there is a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that delivers impressive power and torque. This engine, combined with the all-wheel-drive system, sprints the car from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in under 5.2 seconds.
- GR-Four All-Wheel-Drive System: The all-wheel-drive system offers exceptional grip and handling, allowing you to tackle corners with confidence. What’s impressive is that the system can vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles, as well as between the left and right rear wheels, providing optimal traction in various driving conditions.
- Sporty Design: The GR Yaris’s exterior design is aggressive and aerodynamic, with large air intakes, a prominent rear wing, and distinctive styling cues. The interior is equally impressive, with supportive sports seats, a sporty steering wheel, and a driver-focused cockpit.
Toyota Yaris GR Fiche Technique
This vehicle boasts robust specifications and thus does not compromise on performance. It combines the lightweight, nimble dynamics of a small car with a powerful drivetrain, allowing it to perform in parallel with much larger and more expensive sports cars.
Let’s dive into Toyota Yaris GR specs and see what makes this car an exceptional choice for enthusiasts:
Key Specification | Details |
Engine | 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged |
Power Output | 300 cv (around 300 horsepower) |
Torque | 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) |
Transmission | 6-speed manual |
Drivetrain | All-wheel-drive (AWD) |
Acceleration (0-100 km/h or 0-62 mph) | ~5.2 seconds |
Top Speed | 230 km/h (142.9 mph) |
Suspension | Sports-tuned with MacPherson struts in the front and double-wishbone in the rear |
Brakes | Large performance disc brakes with multi-piston calipers |
A closer look at the Toyota Yaris GR 300 CV Fiche Technique reveals that the soul of this car with all-wheel drive and manual transmission is its turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 300 horsepower and offers superior control and stability. This power enables the Toyota Yaris GR to accelerate 0-60 mph in just about 5.2 seconds, making it a standout performer in the compact segment.
The GR-Four AWD system is a rally-grade setup, allowing you to select between 30:70, 50:50, or 60:40 torque distribution for optimal grip across various terrains. This level of customization is ideal for both urban driving and spirited off-road adventures.
With a top speed of around 143 mph, the new GR Yaris is not only fast off the line but also built for sustained high speeds.
2024 Toyota Yaris GR Price & Trims
The current GR Yaris comes in multiple trim levels, including the RZ, RZ “High Performance,” and special editions. It is primarily sold in Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom and has different price points for these different markets.
The standard list price for the 2024 Toyota GR Yaris in Australia is $49,500; in Japan it ranges from JPY 4.48 million to JPY 5.33 million, whereas in the UK it starts around £44,250.
RZ
This trim level is available with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.
RZ “High Performance”
This trim level is available with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.
Ogier Edition
This special edition is based on a concept model from the 2023 Tokyo Salon. It features a new matte color called “Matte Stealth Gray” and two new exclusive 4WD control modes.
Rovanperä Edition
This special edition is based on a concept model from the 2023 Tokyo Salon. It features three-tone paint and two new exclusive 4WD control modes.
Refined Interior and Exterior
The interior of this automobile is built with a driver-focused design. It features sport seats with suede and leather accents, providing both comfort and support during high-speed maneuvers.
The cabin is equipped with advanced tech, including an 8-inch infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a customizable digital instrument cluster, and dual-zone climate control.
The steering wheel, shift knob, and pedals are also designed to give a sporty feel, ensuring every touchpoint connects the driver to the thrill of the road.
On the exterior, the Yaris GR flaunts a unique, aggressive look that sets it apart from the standard Yaris. Its wide stance, large grille, and flared fenders are clear indicators that this is no ordinary hatchback.
The carbon-fiber polymer roof reduces weight and enhances stability, while 18-inch alloy wheels and aerodynamic styling give it the unmistakable aura of a rally-inspired machine.
Toyota Yaris GR 2024 also has a number of new features, including:
- A new exterior color option called Precious Metal
- Latest-generation Toyota Safety Sense systems
- Navigation
- A digital key
- A revamped interior with a lower driver’s seat and instrument panel
- A new digital display
- An intercooler spray function
Toyota Yaris GR Dimensions
Despite its high-performance engine, the Toyota Yaris dimensions keep it compact, ideal for urban maneuvering as well as racing. The latest version of the Yaris is about 3,995 mm (157.3 inches) long, with a width of 1,805 mm (71 inches) and a height of 1,460 mm (57.5 inches).
The design features a wide, aggressive stance that maximizes grip and stability, especially when cornering at high speeds. Aerodynamic enhancements, like the wide air intake, rear spoiler, and flared fenders, contribute to its sporty look.
Comparison With Other Yaris Models
Compared to the GR Yaris, the Toyota Yaris lineup varies slightly in dimensions. However, the GR has a distinct build that supports its performance. The dimensions are compact yet designed to optimize balance and handling.
Model | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase |
Toyota GR Yaris | 3,995 mm | 1,805 mm | 1,455 mm | 2,560 mm |
Toyota Yaris (Standard) | 3,940 mm | 1,745 mm | 1,500 mm | 2,560 mm |
As you can see in the table above, the Yaris GR has a slightly lower but wider stance compared to the standard Yaris. This difference enhances this hot hatch’s stability, especially during sharp cornering, compared to the other Yaris models.
Toyota Yaris GR In The US Market: What To Expect?
Excitingly, the Toyota Yaris GR is expected to make its debut in the U.S. market soon, tailored to meet local regulations and consumer expectations.
While final details haven’t been fully confirmed by Toyota, industry insiders suggest that the U.S. version may see some updates in terms of power output, interior tech, and possibly a few body style adjustments to suit American tastes.
The upcoming U.S. variant is likely to retain the signature rally-inspired design and the powerful 1.6L engine, with performance optimizations that could push power even closer to 300 HP. Additionally, Toyota may introduce new tech features, such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and a larger infotainment system, to enhance the driving experience for U.S. buyers.
No matter when Toyota decides to bring the globally popular GR Yaris to America, mere anticipation of the automaker’s decision has been met with excitement from the car community.
Toyota Yaris GR Occasion: Finding a Pre-Owned GR
If you’re not looking to buy brand new, the Toyota Yaris GR occasion (used Toyota Yaris GR) market offers options that can still deliver a thrilling ride.
In regions where the GR Yaris has been available, certified pre-owned models are growing in popularity among enthusiasts who want the GR’s performance at a more affordable price. With Toyota’s reliable build quality and the Yaris GR’s rugged performance specs, even used models retain strong value.
Thus, if you are hesitant about the brand-new Toyota Yaris GR price usa, looking for a pre-owned one can be a great alternative for you. As there is no fixed date of US release of this car, you will have to import it from the markets where it is available.
Importing a brand-new ride can be expensive; thus, go for a used one. The GR Yaris has a high resale value, but you can often find slightly more affordable deals on the used market. Make sure to check the condition carefully, as the GR Yaris is often driven by enthusiasts who use it for spirited driving.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can import a vehicle from another automotive market into the United States.
1. Meet Safety And Emissions Standards
The vehicle you are importing must meet U.S. safety and emissions standards. You can get a compliance certificate from the manufacturer or a registered importer (RI) to confirm that the vehicle meets safety standards. If the vehicle doesn’t meet emissions standards, you can contact an independent commercial importer (ICI) to perform the import on your behalf.
2. Obtain Documentation
You’ll need to gather the following documentation:
- A U.S. Customs Proforma Invoice
- The carrier’s Bill of Lading (BOL)
- A Bill of Sale showing VIN
- Foreign Registration
- A copy of the vehicle registration
- EPA Form 3520-1
- DOT form HS-7
3. Pay Import Duties
Import duties are 2.5% of the cargo value, unless the vehicle is a pickup truck, which is taxed at 25%. Automobiles that are 25 years or older are considered “antiques” and are subject to fewer requirements. For example, they are exempt from DOT compliance if they are older than 25, and exempt from EPA compliance if they are older than 21.
If you want to learn more about importing a vehicle into the United States, check the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website or the Department of Transportation (DOT) website.
Toyota Yaris GR Sport: A Toned-Down Alternative
The Toyota Yaris GR Sport is a variant that offers some sporty aesthetics and features but is not as performance-focused as the full GR Yaris. It includes design cues and suspension tweaks that mimic the GR Yaris but without the intense power or AWD system.
This model is ideal for those who appreciate the GR Yaris’s look but don’t need its full-throttle performance capabilities. The Yaris GR Sport is generally more affordable and offers better fuel efficiency, making it a popular option for daily drivers.
Toyota Yaris 4: The Fourth-Generation Yaris
The Toyota Yaris 4, or the fourth-generation Yaris, represents the standard model of the Yaris lineup and serves as the foundation for the GR model.
While it focuses on being a reliable and efficient urban commuter, it does not offer the high-performance, rally-inspired capabilities of the GR Yaris. The Yaris 4 features a more eco-friendly powertrain, including a hybrid variant, which is perfect for city driving and offers excellent fuel economy.
The Toyota Yaris 4 features with a 5-door hatchback, while the performance-oriented GR Yaris is a 3-door model. It was released in Japan and Netherlands in 2020; however, the North American market did not receive the fourth-generation Yaris.
Related FAQs
What is Toyota Yaris GR top speed?
The latest, market-ruling Yaris GR can attain a top speed of 143 mph all thanks to its 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine mated with six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive, channeling 300 hp. The sports tuning with MacPherson struts in the front, double-wishbone in the rear, and large performance disc brakes with multi-piston calipers also aid in solid power and superior handling of this vehicle.
Can I Buy Toyota Yaris GR for sale?
If you are an American native and are expecting to get your hands on the current Yaris GR, you will be disappointed as Toyota no longer releases this model in the North American market.
However, currently there are speculations going that this model might reach the US automotive market, but there are no specific details. So, if you can wait till the release, then good; if not, look for ways to buy or import the model from the markets where it is available.
Why Toyota GR Yaris is not available in the USA?
The Toyota GR Yaris isn’t available in the U.S. due to lower demand for compact performance hatchbacks, the high cost of meeting U.S. safety and emissions standards, and Toyota’s focus on models better suited to American preferences, like the GR Corolla, GR Supra, and GR86. The GR Corolla, which offers similar performance with more space, is a perfect alternative for U.S. drivers.
Why the Toyota Yaris GR is the Ultimate Hot Hatch?
The Toyota GR Yaris is not just another compact car; it’s a vehicle born out of Toyota’s rally expertise. The high-performance engine, rally-inspired design, and agile handling make it a dream for car enthusiasts.
From its powerful specs in the “fiche technique” to its compact dimensions and high resale value in the occasion market, it’s clear that Toyota invested in creating something extraordinary with the Yaris GR.
If you’re looking for a car that combines daily drivability with track-ready performance, the Toyota GR Yaris is hard to beat. Whether you’re exploring the latest in the GR Yaris, the more accessible GR Sport, or the city-friendly Yaris 4, Toyota’s Yaris lineup offers options for almost every kind of driver.
Conclusion
The Toyota Yaris GR is an appealing choice for drivers seeking a dynamic, rally-inspired driving experience in a compact package. Whether it’s the powerful 300 cv engine, AWD setup, or sporty dimensions, the GR Yaris promises a thrilling performance typically reserved for larger sports cars.
Whether you’re eyeing the latest international model or waiting for the U.S. release, the Toyota GR Yaris is set to deliver an unmatched combination of power, agility, and style.