The GR Yaris is a downright bizarre and almost unnecessarily powerful hot hatch in every way. You would think that with that sports version Toyota has squeezed the most out of the new Yaris, but a test specimen of the GR Yaris taken at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife indicates that the limit may not have been reached yet.
The Toyota GR Yaris, launched at the beginning of this year, is a downright extremist. With its 261 hp and 360 Nm of 1.6, the compact hot hatch is armed to the teeth with the most powerful three-cylinder petrol engine ever delivered in a road car. All this is packed in a heavily developed three-door body, while the regular Yaris in Europe is actually only available as a five-door. A packed test specimen of a Yaris has been found at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, which suggests that the force offensive will not stop at the GR Yaris.
At first glance, the tested test model appears to be ‘just’ a GR Yaris, but nothing could be further from the truth. At the top of the rear we see an immense rear wing, which is much larger than the one on the back of the already famous GR Yaris. In addition, the naturally exuberant GR bumper work at the front is also further packed with aerodynamic extras.
Toyota GR Yaris
It is unclear what exactly Toyota is testing here. The brand may be preparing a racing version of the GR Yaris, but it is also possible that the brand will come up with an even more intense version of the Yaris. It could just be placed under the GRMN label of the brand. To what extent Toyota can squeeze even more power from the horny three-cylinder remains to be seen. That it has more than 261 hp, proves the version of the GR Yaris that Toyota sells in Japan. In Toyota’s homeland, the GR Yaris stamps 272 hp and 370 Nm to the front wheels. Fun fact: in Japan Toyota also sells an extended three-door GR Yaris with a modest 120 hp and 145 Nm strong 1.5. We await it eagerly.