Theoretically, the all-wheel drive system allows for power to be shifted 100 per cent to either the front or rear wheels. However, the set modes in the car are Normal (60 per cent front), Sport (30 per cent front) and Track (50 per cent front) with the latter implying that Track is designed both for tarmac and loose rally-esque surfaces.
And rather exciting. Toyota says it’s the brand’s first all-wheel drive sports car since the Celica GT-Four.Given the development and engineering involved, one thing’s for sure: it won’t be cheap.
Holy moly! It’s real!
And rather exciting. Toyota says it’s the brand’s first all-wheel drive sports car since the Celica GT-Four, and has been mostly developed in Finland with Tommi Mäkinen Racing. Tommi demanded a huge list of things for the GR Yaris to have or do, and the engineers involved in the project are said to have completed around 90 per cent of the list.
GR Yaris: performance specs
Under the bonnet is an all-new 1.6-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine making a heady 257bhp and 265lb ft connected to all four wheels via a six-speed manual. That means the GR Yaris is capable of a 0-62mph sprint in just 5.5 seconds and a top speed limited to 143mph. The car’s kerb weight of 1,280kg also means a power-to-weight figure of 4.8bhp per kilo.
Theoretically, the all-wheel drive system allows for power to be shifted 100 per cent to either the front or rear wheels. However, the set modes in the car are Normal (60 per cent front), Sport (30 per cent front) and Track (50 per cent front) with the latter implying that Track is designed both for tarmac and loose rally-esque surfaces.
What about handling properties?
Well, the GR Yaris is a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster, as it uses the front half of Toyota’s GA-B platform (first seen on the new Yaris hatch) and the rear half of the GA-C platform (found on cars like the Corolla and C-HR). That combination allows for a MacPherson strut front/double wishbone rear suspension setup. Grooved 356mm brakes with four-piston calipers are standard.
If you want extra out of your GR Yaris, an optional Circuit Pack adds a Torsen limited-slip differential to each axle, tweaked suspension, bespoke 18-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
When and how much?
Toyota says the GR Yaris will launch in the second half of but no price is listed. Given the development and engineering involved, one thing’s for sure: it won’t be cheap.