- The new GRMN Yaris should land with several lightweight parts and feature more aero.
- It remains to be seen if production of the hot hatch will be limited like the pre-facelift GRMN model.
- Toyota is tipped to offer the model in both six-speed manual and eight-speed auto guises.
It’s been a year since the refreshed Toyota GR Yaris was presented to the world and now, Toyota could be poised to launch an even faster version known as the GRMN. We’ve seen a prototype of this car testing at the Nurburgring and the carmaker is reportedly gearing up to debut this new model next month.
Toyota first launched a GRMN version of the original GR Yaris back in early 2022. It was equipped with a closer ratio six-speed manual, a half rollcage, mechanical limited-slip differentials front and rear, new wheels, bespoke brakes, and adjustable Bilstein shocks. It was a serious performer but unfortunately, just 500 units were built, all for the Japanese market.
Read: 2024 Toyota GR Yaris Adds 8-Speed Auto, More Power And Rally-Inspired Cabin
According to Best Car, the new GRMN Yaris will follow a similar recipe to its predecessor and feature new lightweight components such as a carbon fiber hood and carbon roof, along with several aerodynamic tweaks. It’s unclear if the new model will be sold in global markets or if production will remain capped to its home market.
Aero And Performance Upgrades
The GRMN Yaris prototype spied testing last year had a host of significant upgrades over the standard model. For example, it rocked a large rear wing fixed to the roof, a custom hood with quick-release pins, and a revised front fascia with a more aggressive bumper. Toyota also equipped the prototype with new aerodynamic side skirts and a new set of wheels, as well as upgraded brake discs and calipers. While not visible on the prototype, we’d also expect some new suspension components to come standard.
Traditionally, hotter versions of already potent performance cars benefit from horsepower and torque upgrades. However, there’s no guarantee the GRMN will be any more powerful than the standard car, as the old GRMN wasn’t. That’s no bad thing, however, as the standard GR Yaris now delivers 300 hp and 296 lb-ft (400 Nm) from its 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, enough to rival much larger hot hatches.
Japanese sources suggest the new model will launch in March and be offered with a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
