Is Toyota Considering A Lighter And Faster Version Of GR Yaris?

The 2020 Toyota GR Yaris has yet to even hit the market and it’s already been reported that a faster version could be on the cards.

Shortly after jumping behind the wheel of a GR Yaris prototype, Car Sales asked the hot hatch’s chief engineer Naohiko Saito if Gazoo Racing was considering a lighter and more powerful GRMN version of the car. “In the future, maybe we can,” Saito replied.

First Reviews: Toyota Could Be On To Something Special With 2020 GR Yaris

Sources allegedly close to Gazoo Racing claim that a series of weight-saving measures could be taken for this model. That would be quite something because, as it stands, the GR Yaris already features a lightweight aluminium trunk, rear hatch, and doors, as well as a carbon fiber roof.

Saito revealed that he tasked his team with conducting a feasibility study on developing an all carbon fiber body for the GR Yaris. Unsurprisingly, such an expensive body wasn’t given the green light for production, but the Japanese automaker could use some of the carbon panels it developed for a possible limited-run GRMN version.

In terms of power, the GR Yaris uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering in excess of 247 HP and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. It is claimed that this engine has plenty of room for additional power and could be modified up to roughly 300 HP and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm), figures to put it right up there with the much larger Honda Civic Type R – and with the added benefit of a trick all-wheel drive system.